Bra fitting - can anyone recommend a cheaper alternative to Rigby and Peller?

[docket]

I need some new bras, I've changed shape since having kids and have been wearing the same (probably wrong!) size for years.

A friend said that a trip to Rigby and Peller changed her life but I've looked on their site and nearly fainted at the prices!

Can anyone recommend anywhere that measures you properly (I live in London and tried M&S years ago but they were cr*p!)

Thanks, docket

John Lewis are usually very good a bra-fitting.

I don't know if it was just the assistant, but I got mine done at a Charnos store. She was superb. Told me everything I need to know too. which brands will give me personally a best fit. What to look for from other stores. How to put a bra on properly (yes really!!). Previously been to M & S and debenhams - both shocking. It does make a huge difference.

john lewis - bravissimo - poss Debenhams but that is a bit hit and miss.

Oh yes and any small lingerie shops should be able to help.

John Lewis are good. You will need to ensure that there is an assistant available who can spend time fitting you - I'm not sure whether they run an official appointments system but my local one had a list and I had to wait until someone was available. It was worth it - and they do have a good choice of makes.

bad sign if they get the tape measure out, specially for those of us with spaniels ears rather than melons!

I definitely recommend Bravissimo if you are a larger size. I can't remember what size they start at but if you are D cup or above then they are definitely the best - check their website to see what size range they do. Their fitters are very well-trained and know the products really well so can recommend specific bras suited to your shape. Plus the bras they do are lovely - not a granny bra in sight which is very unusual if you have big boobs like me! I used to shop at R&P - high street shops didn't ever do my size (34H) - but find Bravissimo as good but for much more affordable prices.

Otherwise John Lewis is the best of the shops that cover smaller sizes.

john lewis - i had a very good service there. i saw an article in one of the papers recently (or may have been time out) comparing the bra fitting services at different places. i think john lewis either beat or tied with Rigby & Peller.

Agree with Holidays - if you are D cup or over, go to Bravissimo. Their fitting is fantastic and the atmosphere is very comfortable and relaxed. Phone ahead to book an appointment though, as they get very busy.

I went to John Lewis once and it seemed they had nothing to fit me (am 38D-DD). I left feeling like a boob-freak!

thanks for the responses. i'll give john lewis a go rather than bravissimo as my boobs aren't particularly ample!

docket you may find that if you have been M&S shopping for years - after getting fitted you have a more ample bust than you think I was wearing a 36D cup when I went to get fitted and walked out wearing a 32G fitted beautifully and felt comfy!