Bra size advice

[Megan70]

I am really bad at finding the right size when getting a bra, I have tried different methods and even I went once to get it measured at M&S ( I don't know if there are any other places around that till do it), but still after having it measured at M &S and buying it there on the spot I found out (on the next days) that the wires were digging in my skin. I don't seem to find a way to know (and be happy) with the size I buy.
Do you have any "fool proof " to measure yourself and know exactly your size? Do you go to get measured (where)? I would really appreciate some advice, I absolutely hate buying bras. It always feels like a "guessing" game.

M&S were useless for me. I once got measured in two different stores in same week and got told two different sizes.

Best fit I've been to was Victioria Secret.

Omg this thread was for me sooo does anyone know what UK shops do in store sizing and is it braless or breasts out I had a baby a year ago and all my bras do not fit I've sized up I definitely know that I've got one good bra that is manageable but uncomfortable but I put up with it because I'm too embarrassed to get them sized I've been and bought new bras since but when I've just guessed and both 1 or 2 sizes up I come him try them on and there still too small so can't be doing with that know they need measuring so yeah please can anyone let me know thanks in advance xoxox

Bravissimo is the way forward!

I go to an independent retailer just outside Bristol. The ladies there have some witchcraft whereby yhey can take your underbust measurement and know your cup size.

Bravissimo or there is a Facebook group. Boob or Bust I think. BOB. But you have to read a lot of the pinned posts and then a lot of the threads. They have a calculator which gives a starting size. But you need to get a feel for which bras are true to size. You also need to figure out which style of bra suits your body. Which companies skip sizes and how to actually get the bra on. You have to move the breast tissue into place. Follow the group for a few months and it starts to make sense.

It is such a helpful group. But if you go into bravissimo the ladies (I had a very helpful lady) sort of do all the thinking for you. I got some great bras which were the size the calculator gave me.

Once you crack it, it’s great.

It's not as easy as people make out. Even if you are sat a 34D you won't fit all 34D bras. Some boobs have a wide root. Some narrow. Some are spaced far apart. Some are very central on the body. It's a lot of trying on for most people.

Also what becomes apparent is that some shops fit you to their available stock and you get a poor fit. Other shops have so many bras that they don’t need to and they give you your actual size.

How do you know your measure?

When our big local marks and Spencer closed down a few years ago I was awfully disappointed because that's where I used to go once a year to be properly measured for a bra. Siunce they closed, I've found that bra-buying has largely been a matter of guesswork to get the right size and I've not a;ways got it right.
As the last of my decent fitting bras wears out I've decided to give up wearing a bra altogether and especislly in the hot summer weaher I find it much more comfortable to go braless.

https://www.booborbust.com/bra-measuring-guide/

Sorry last message posted was reply to sanityisamyth that recommended Bravissimo

Definitely the way to go. M&S haven't a clue.

Thank you so much Gwlondon, your post is really useful. I will definitely check the facebook group. I do find a nightmare the different fittings whether they are true to size or not.

I recommend Rigby&Peller unreservedly. I have been fitted and bought my bras here for over 15 years. Not sure about branches outside of London, but the London ones I have been to have all been equally good. The bras are expensive (about £100 mark) but you don't have to buy them obviously, the fitting is still free. I'm 32F and would never have known without them!

They don't use a tape measure, but do it by eye and shopping here turned bra shopping into a pleasure. The bras last well and for me therefore don't work out as a lot more expensive.

I measured myself and worked it out roughly then ordered online from various shops. I've found out I cannot have a full cup as they go under my armpits ( and under my chin like a female Simon Cowell). I fit/look better in a plunge or balcony. I have no idea if my measurements are right but the bra feels very comfortable.

Get a fitting at bravissimo - really recommend, they're very accurate and check multiple aspects of the fit so you shouldn't end up with painful wires again.

Bravissimo and a lot of trying on
You can get your band size by measuring firmly and not adding any inches on

This page has some really good tips and pics of good/bad fitting
https://instagram.com/brafittingsbycourt?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

As a rough guide the back should be firm, and not able to be pulled away more than a few cm or so and not ride up
All your breast tissue should be encased in the wire after you've scooped it all
No bulging over the top (means the cup is too small)
The wires in the middle (the gore) should be flat to your chest (if it's not then cup is too small)

Silly question: I thought Bravissimo was only for big boobed ladies. I'm an A/B cup (I think) but would like know back and also cup size , would a fitting there be any good for me?

They would always be happy to see you and if you don’t fit in their sizes, they can advise you on the band size and an approximate cup to look for.

I have problems with the gore laying flat as I have boobs that are really close together so the gore is wider than the gap between my boobs. If you have that problem getting cups that got is harder.

@marriednotdead Thanks 😊

I went to an independent shop in Leeds this week. The owner used to work for Rigby and Peller. She literally eyeballed me, went and got a bra and it fit like a dream. Turns out i am not a 40B, i am an 38F! If you can find an independent shop like this then I recommend you go.

I totally agree.

Can you tell.me where this is please?