Bra help please!!

[Spencer0220]

I don't even know where to start.

I haven't worn a conventional bra in over 15 years. I usually make do with flimsy sports bra things off eBay. But they aren't very comfortable.

I want a proper bra, but I'm struggling to measure. I can't weight bare at all, so it's going to have to be done laying or sitting. And I tend to lean back when I sit because of my physical disabilities.

DH (bless him) has managed to get me into a half decent upright position and got 42 for bust and 50 for the boob measurement. That was with an extra inch for breathing room as I figured at normal position I'd want something looser.

If I'm right, that's a 42FF?

I'm not sure that sounds right? I'm a size 16. Not quibbling cup size. I guessed I'd be somewhere between E and F.

Getting a proper fitting isn't possible as our closest fitting option is the middle of London!

I'm thinking I need to order a bunch of sister sizes? Given I can't sit properly, can I still wear underwired?

When I had a bra professionally fitted years ago it was underwire and fabulous. But my mum hated it, refused to launder it because it was sexy, so I eventually gave up totally on nice underwear.

Thank you ladies.

are you able to move around with a wheelchair? if you go to bravissimo they will sort it out for you. just give them a call before hand to let them know your access needs. they are amazing

42 for under bust at a size 16 sounds completely wrong.

Do the measuring laying down. Then go from there.

If visiting a shop to be measured isnt practical I think I'd resort to M&S just because they're so easy to order and return to once you've tried at home.

The problem is even from one shop the sizing varies so much between styles. I'd have a good look at their website and decide what style appeals, bearing in mind what you want it to do and look like and then order a load of sizes. You can then return those that don't suit.

Can you give us an idea of what you need/want? Support? Shape? That sort of thing?

Yep, I agree. It was quite snug though.

My boobs are very heavy, and I'm constantly spilling over my sports bra.

Right now my boobs get in the way if I have a bra on, so I have no idea what shape/support I should be going for

42FF sounds about right going by the measurements. It's not an exact science, and is not related at all to clothes size.

I'm a size 12 clothes and a 34F or 34FF, depending on the bra.

It is such a joy to find a bra which fits.

I've only just achieved it after years, -Covid years - fluctuating weight.

I'd suggest you look for both a wired and non-wired bra. Ask on here and take it from there. Non-wired bras seem to have improved hugely but the choice is really bewildering.

P.S. I'm still looking for a non-wire bra, and one of the brands I've seen (am bombarded with them on Instagram) is this one. Miss Mary does a full range of sizes. https://www.missmary.com/gb/non-wired-bra

42DD need white without or with wires but not wrent free

Thank you.

I'm thinking ordering a couple sister sizes. How do I calculate this?

If you're looking for a soft and comfortable bra I'd try the M&S Flexifit (no wires) It looks like a sports bra/crop top. It's super comfy and doesn't dig under your boobs. You could try 40G/GG/H 42F/G/GG. M&S don't do FF. Just a tip but get one at M&S for the correct size then order on ebay at half the price. I measure at a 34GG/H, in Flexifit I wear a 36GG but I should have got the 34GG or H as its a bit loose in the band.

Ooh thank you

www.marksandspencer.com/flexifit-non-wired-full-cup-bra/p/clp60438189?color=BLACK&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r6c1

I also have some of these, they are firmer and less comfy, I find the band rolls up under my boobs and digs a little, but they give me more uplift and separate my boobs better. In this I'm a 36G, I definitely needed the 36 as the 34 was very tight. If you are mostly sitting I don't think it would be comfortable enough for you. But I'll add the link as it may be of interest and you may find it okay.

www.marksandspencer.com/lace-non-wired-non-padded-bralet-f-/p/clp60451802?color=BLACK#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-SIMILAR_END_PDP_16_2:6f81be85-d99b-4418-a93e-1ad0effea6c5

Hello OP, wondering if this guide will help you and your partner to get a more accurate measurement, if your movement permits. Good luck xx

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

Once again on ebay they are half the price (they were when I bought mine anyway).

If you do buy M&S branded watch out as they miss some of the double letters in sizing so a FF would be a G.

Thank you.

We did our best and it is showing 42G

42 sounds wrong, I think lying down might give a more accurate measurement.

I’d ring the Bravissimo helpline: you can’t be the only one in this situation! I’m sure they’ll help

I agree at a 42 I'd expect the op to be a size 20 or 22!

I was a size 20 until about 18 months ago if that makes any difference?

And I'm only 4 foot 10.

DH reckons my body isn't proportional because of my limited mobility. Which can cause growth issues, especially in females.

I agree. I’m size 14 clothes, 34G by Rigby and Peller and confirmed by subsequent shopping in Bravissimo.

I would definitely call their helpline.

When you did the measuring, did you add 4 inches to the band (underbust) measurement?

Nope.

Using bob method, I was 41 tight. 42 snug. 50 at the overbust measurement.

The only one we actually struggled with was the one leaning forward. I think we figured that was around 51.

I was wearing a sports bra and shirt at the time.

Bob suggested 42G. So I've bought 3 different styles of that, and one 44FF and one 42FF for comparison.

From there I think I can get a virtual fitting at bravissmo. But I had to have a bra to do that.

I've ordered some