New Bra - gone from 34B to 32E - WTF

[Ncfreely]

Went for a bra fitting at John Lewis - genuinely cannot recall if I have ever had one before, just assumed for most of my life I was either a 34C or B depending on weight.

Turns out I am a 32E. WTF? I don't look like an E cup? Can anyone explain.

As it goes the bra I bought feels quite tight at the moment but I measured myself and I am 31 inches around the underneath of my breasts so maybe I am just not used to proper support?!

Any advice?

Even that sizing is controversial for me! I wear a M even though I'm a size 8! 😂

@mummyh2016 what is the Bob test?!

Completely agree with you.

Bravissimo and Boob or Bust have me as a 30GG. Every single bra I’ve ever tried at that size is just so uncomfortable. I end up desperate to take them off as soon as I get home. I just don’t like the feeling of restrictive clothes anymore - I’m in my 40s, I’m the same with jeans etc. I wear crop top type things from Primark and they’re fine with me. I don’t have to be smart / dressed up anymore - I’m at home full time now due to disabilities and being a carer so I’m not going to be uncomfortable just for the sake of wearing something someone else seems to be the correct size.

@Ncfreely it's off the boob or bust site.

Interesting. I've not seen that infographic before. But I used to like full cup bras and now with saggier older boobs I prefer plunge bras.

Bra fit should be a collaboration between you and the fitter - after all you are spending YOUR money.

My take would be that you are not a 34C or B. However there is no reason to go home in a bra that makes you want to gouge your eyes out. Yes the band loosens a bit but if it starts out that bad, that is a lot of improvement it has to make.

You work with the fitter to find a size/make/model that fits and you like the look of - sometimes you end up with bras of different sizes as there is variability between brands.

But the bottom line is you are the consumer and it's you that is going to have to wear it. If she is making you wear something uncomfortable, just say no, and make her get something else until you are happy!

in the very distant past, you would by a 36 if you were 32in, or buy a 40 if you were 36in as bras didn't use to stretch. However for the last few decades they've been made out of elastic and now you need the correct size. A lot of stores will still unfortunately fit the old way from decades ago (M&S are known for it). Gradually people are becoming aware that above a D cup does not mean huge. I believe the average actual correctly fitted size in the UK is now around a 30G.

@RamblingFar, I have read a somewhat different story. When bras were first sold the size corresponded to the over bust measurement. Then the with the advent of the Common Market in the 1970s a standard was set that the size should denote the under band measurement. However the manufacturers and retail outlets still had bras which were made under the old system plus women were still used to buying their usual size so the idea of add 4/5 to the under band measurement came in. Plus being 'flat chested' wasn't particularly a covetable look at the time. I can tell you elastic certainly was around when I was a child in the 70s! 😂

I think there can be a lot of discrepancies regarding band size. If you measure bras the same size stretched and unstretched this is evident. If you are heavier elastic will more easily fatigue due to the force of movement so people often like firmer elastic and fit. If your bust is relatively light this will not be so much of an issue and tighter bands will just press against the skin and bone. If the skin is beginning to thin it can also be generally less resilient. All considerations.

IMO there is no ' absolute correct' method to fit bras. The methodology is just there to help find something which the wearer finds comfortable. The bras are there for our comfort, we don't have to be slaves to any particular methodology with regards to finding the right one for us.

Shape makes a difference too
Panache bras - the centre gore stabs me!
Elomi plunge bras- so comfy I can sleep in them
I wear a 34 back, size 16/18

Just go with the most comfortable bra, like shoes you are size 5, but not in every make /style, and those lady's who use a back extender , doesn't that tell you the bras too small round the band.

Many moons ago I was measured and went from a 34C to a 30FF and have never looked back. In retrospect the band was far too loose and not supporting me at all. I love them trussed up and don't ever change when I'm at home. But I look at some of my friends and they seem just as slim as me around the back who say they can't wear 30 or 32 as it hurts and creates back fat. They also don't have so much boob so can afford not to have such a tight back. In my view if you have a slim back and large boobs you really get the most benefit of the right size.

People tend to think letters from DD onwards = enormous bras and boobs. And whilst I'm not saying I've got small boobs, people are very surprised when I say I wear an FF cup as they are expecting a much more matronly bosom. It's the relativity between the back and the cup size that dictates whether that is actually a large bra.

I had similar OP, went from 34C to 32DD or 32E. But IMO comfort really depends on the bra brand. My favourite for my shape is Wacoal. You might need to try a few different brands in your new size. I definitely feel more support now, and a better shape. I won't go back to the 34C...

But IMO comfort really depends on the bra brand.

@Vargas, I have found discrepancy in band measurement (stretched and unstretched) between bras of the same size and different brands. I wonder if it is the style or the actual length of the band making a difference.

Or if you find the elastic fatigues, the length of the band once fatigued making a difference..

If you want a well fitting bra and I can highly recommend Rigby & Peller