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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Where do I get a really good bra & fitting?

24 replies

Valkyrie40 · 25/01/2022 15:11

Just that really - any bra experts out there 😂?

I have reached the grand old age of 40 without ever being fitted for a bra. I always buy 34c (I'm a size 12) but no idea if that's my actual size and I usually just buy cheap ones. I've noticed they're starting to sag a bit though and I think a good, structured but not uncomfortable bra (is there such a thing?) would be a good investment.

I know people always mention Rigby & Peller (or at least they used to) but I'm in the northwest and I think R&L is a London thing? Do shops even do fittings any more since covid?

I just want a really good quality, everyday bra and would spend up to about £100?

Any advice welcome!

OP posts:

Purplewithred · 25/01/2022 15:15

Bravissimo every time for me

Devo1818 · 25/01/2022 15:22

Agree Bravissimo and use boob or bust to give you a better idea of your size first

Original poster

Valkyrie40 · 25/01/2022 15:27

Hmm..just had a quick look on the website and it seems they only start at a bra size "D" - I'm not sure I'm that big-boobed unfortunately!

OP posts:

Eatsleepgamerepeat · 25/01/2022 15:30

Boob or bust is a good place to start but don't take it as gospel. They seem to like ridiculously tight back sizes. They are a good guide to measuring yourself as a start point.

sleepwhenidie · 25/01/2022 15:31

Assistants and the range in Selfridges is amazing, they have endless patience and know what they are doing and what is available to suit.

borntobequiet · 25/01/2022 15:33

My local independent lingerie shop has never sold me a bra that doesn’t fit properly. I try them on until I find the right one because bra sizes aren’t consistent. Sometimes she’ll order one in for me to try. I wash them by hand and they last ages.

Stellaris22 · 25/01/2022 15:33

I just go to M&S and the staff are very friendly and helpful for measuring and picking out bras for your requirements.

MyGirlDaisy · 25/01/2022 15:38

I second using a local independent, have tried all the big stores and none of them seem to get it right. Found a specialist fitter last year and it’s been a revelation!

OperationRinka · 25/01/2022 15:40

Don't go to M&S for fitting, they have some truly shocking fitters- they tend to put you in loose bands and too-small cups.

John Lewis are normally good for fitting if you have one nearby.

minipie · 25/01/2022 15:42

I think measuring yourself using a web guide is the best place to start.

Most people who’ve never been fitted will be wearing a too big band and a too small cup. So don’t be surprised if you come out as a 30D for example. I’m a 30D or even 30DD and I have small to medium boobs - it’s just because I have a really small ribcage. (i should probably wear 28 but find it too uncomfortable!)

Once you have a rough size, order loads online from somewhere like Figleaves. Try ordering everything in at least two sizes. You’ll quickly get an idea of what fits well and doesn’t- you want the band to feel fairly tight (I think being able to get two fingers under it is the guide?) and then for the cup, no gapping but no double boob either. Some people find eg only balconette or only plunge work on them.

Basically IME trying loads on is the only way to get a really well fitting bra, but do take measurements first to narrow down what you order to try on.

I don’t rate most shop fitters tbh. Independent lingerie stores tend to be quite good, if you have one nearby.

FoxtrotSkarloey · 25/01/2022 16:06

Had a shocker in Bravissimo recently where I was talked into buying a bra which I felt didn't fit well (cup too big, gappy at the top and the fitter just told me to scoop my boobs up). When I queried it, she asked a colleague to check who thought it looked fine. I was desperate as I needed something for work, returning from mat leave. It cost £30 and I've never been happy with it.

Went to John Lewis a month or so later and was fitted for a beautifully fitting bra which made it more obvious how poorly done the Bravissimo one was.

The moral of the story isn't don't go to Bravissimo, but if you don't feel it's right, don't feel pressured just because it's been fitted for you.

GooodMythicalMorning · 25/01/2022 16:12

I suggest an independent too. They fit bras better. I work at one. we don't do it by measuring any more as everyone is a different shape and bras fit differently by brand and style.

Original poster

Valkyrie40 · 25/01/2022 16:18

Thanks everyone - I do have a John Lewis close by so I may go there this week. There is a small department store nearby with a lingerie department but I'm always put off going in as the staff are generally terribly snotty!

OP posts:

Milomonster · 25/01/2022 17:57

I have to say I’m very impressed with my Myla underwires bra. Never bothered with nice lingerie as I’m a flattie (32 B) and bought from M&S. But my gorgeous Myla bra actually gives me some shape. Feel like like I’ve wasted years on crap bras.

tinkywinkyshandbag · 25/01/2022 21:42

John Lewis are good if you have one nearby.

FormerlySpeckledyHen · 26/01/2022 05:54

If you can get to Harrogate there is a Rigby and Peller there. My experience was fantastic, I bought one of their bras and managed to transfer everything I learned to find a style in Bravissimo that works for me .
You might be surprised at your size if fitted properly. I walked into R&P wearing 36D and came out wearing 32G. Matronly to perky!

erinaceus · 26/01/2022 06:02

@Valkyrie40

Hmm..just had a quick look on the website and it seems they only start at a bra size "D" - I'm not sure I'm that big-boobed unfortunately!

Do you have a branch near you? If so it might be worth going in for a fitting. Often, people wearing the wrong sized bra are wearing too big a back size and too small a cup size so if you are already in a C you might find that you end up in something with a bigger cup size.

Gonnagetgoing · 26/01/2022 10:01

Independent bra shop - google for larger sizes.

Gonnagetgoing · 26/01/2022 10:03

@FoxtrotSkarloey

Went to John Lewis a month or so later and was fitted for a beautifully fitting bra which made it more obvious how poorly done the Bravissimo one was.

The moral of the story isn't don't go to Bravissimo, but if you don't feel it's right, don't feel pressured just because it's been fitted for you.

@FoxtrotSkarloey - I've had some awful experiences with Bravissimo where they always sold me balconette or demi balconette bras!

Over lockdown I found a local independent bra shop and came away with a t-shirt moulded bra and a normal more coverage bra - sort of lacey.

Never going to Bravissimo again!

Gonnagetgoing · 26/01/2022 10:04

@borntobequiet

@borntobequiet - agreed with local independent lingerie shops being amazing and also yes, bra sizes aren't consistent and can vary by brand.

TheMarzipanDildo · 26/01/2022 10:07

I would definitely start by trying the boob or bust method OP, to give you an idea.

NeverEnoughCake2 · 26/01/2022 23:49

Another vote for Boob or Bust here, but particularly in terms of their instructions on how to try on a bra.

The first thing they tell you to do is to do up the band with the bra upside down and back to front (i.e. cups on your back) so that you can see if the band's the right size for you. They say it shouldn't pull out more than an inch.

If you only try on a bra the normal way round, and the bra's cups are too small, it can make the band feel too tight because you end up with breast tissue that can't fit in the cup getting squished into the band. However, you won't know if the problem's with the band size or the cup size and so what size to try on next.

So if all you do from Boob or Bust is the "try it on backwards first, sort out the right band size, then work out the right cup size from there," that's likely to help find you a better fitting bra.

GooodMythicalMorning · 27/01/2022 09:34

It's better to get fitted at an independent fitter than do the above, as when you pull the bra around to see it the bra then isn't sitting in the same place and you won't get a true view of the fit. As a bra fitter (in my shop) we no longer recommend boob or bust as it doesn't work for a lot of people.

LH44 · 08/05/2024 23:53

@FoxtrotSkarloey Oh my gosh me too. I got bras twice from Bravissimo after not learning my lesson the first time. Absolute rubbish and a waste of my money. Same issue at Selfridges where we got to a point and the lady said this is the closest she could get. In my desperation, I went ahead with it (a bit sad because it was pricey). Now I am searching for a place. I heard of the fitting studio which I will be trying.

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