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Original poster

Bras for larger ladies.

51 replies

kayzr · 26/02/2009 11:49

I am struggling to find any bras at all. I am a 42DD and I can't seem to find any. Bravissimo do 42D and 42E but not 42DD.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

OP posts:
Seeline · 26/02/2009 12:02

Can you get to a Bravissimo shop because if they fit you you may find out you are not that size anyway!! Also when I went, they advised me that the size is only a guide and will vary from style to style and make to make. You can always ring them for advice - thoroughly recommend Bravissimo (34 G - measured as 42DD in M&S!!)

unfitmother · 26/02/2009 12:06

I thought I was a 42DD until I was measured at a proper shop and was a 36F!

Seeline · 26/02/2009 12:09

Is 42DD the size given to all larger ladies if the shop can't be arsed to fit you properly??

Original poster
kayzr · 26/02/2009 12:12

I can't get to a Bravissimo so thats out of the question and when I rang them before they told me the wrong size.

OP posts:
Seeline · 26/02/2009 12:15

That's a shame kayzr - I've always been really pleased with them. Our local Debenhams stocks brands that specialise in larger sizes such as Fantasie, Freya and Panache. You really need to just try lots of different ones until you find one thats comfortable - don't be too hung up on the actual size though. I think other department stores are similar - John Lewis etc

Original poster
kayzr · 26/02/2009 12:18

They told me 36F but I couldn't do it up when I went to try one on.

I suppose I'll have to try and get to Debenhams at some point. I'm still stuck in my BF bras that offer as much support as a piece of cheese.

OP posts:
MrsTittleMouse · 26/02/2009 13:35

If you've been told that you're a 36F but you find that too tight, then a 38E should fit well - it'll be the same cup size. A word of warning though, if you've been wearing the wrong size for a long time then a proper fitting bra can feel too tight across the back until you get used to it - it needs to be snug as all the support comes from the back, not from the shoulder straps.

Could you order a couple of bras from Bravissimo and try them on at home? I've sent stuff back to them before that didn't fit - they are very understanding that you can't really tell until you get it on your body. Seeline is right too that different brands and styles can feel very different, so it's worth experimenting.

lizandlulu · 26/02/2009 13:49

evans do 42 dd's

Original poster
kayzr · 26/02/2009 13:51

38E is what I grew out of while pg with DS2. They just don't do up at all.

I'm going to save up some money and try and get to be measured somewhere.

OP posts:
12341234 · 26/02/2009 20:41

I order a variety of sizes in the same style, and a load of styles iyswim from bravissimo or figleaves - then keep the ones that fit and send the rest back. End up ordering about £200 per order, but then sending all but one bra back.

lizandlulu · 26/02/2009 22:13

i was measured as a 38 in one shop, and 36 in another, but 36's dont even do up in most sizes! i now wear 38 or 40 depending on the mae of bra, even though i have been measured several times, i still havent found a bra that is 100% comfortable

themildmanneredjanitor · 26/02/2009 22:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
kayzr · 27/02/2009 09:35

I'm a 16 but I'm losing weight so it should hopefully change soon.

OP posts:
themildmanneredjanitor · 27/02/2009 10:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dragonesque · 27/02/2009 10:03

I'd get thee to Bravissimo

Macdog · 27/02/2009 10:23

Have a look at

Brastop

Big bra shop

Figleaves

Macdog · 27/02/2009 10:24

but I agree that you need to get to a proper shop to be measured

mistlethrush · 27/02/2009 10:31

Bravissimo is great - they have lots of brands so a good choice when you get there - I know you said it was not convenient, but is there any possibility you might have a day trip to include - it really is worth it! I recommended my mother went there and she found out that she had been wearing the wrong size for years. Otherwise the postal option is good - but I also think that it is highly unlikely that you really are a 42...

slayerette · 27/02/2009 10:33

Yes, if you are a size 16 you will not be a size 42 - impossible. I am a generous 16 (ie 16 in M&S tops but can't get into a 16 in Next!) and am a 34HH as fitted by Bravissimo. Before I went there, regular shops had been telling me I was a 38-40 and I didn't understand why the back of my bra strap sat on my shoulder blades! Mind you, as others have said, it took a while to get used to wearing the right back size - it felt far too tight for a couple of days.

vnmum · 27/02/2009 10:50

hi, i have the same problem with finding larger cup size bras. if you look in the yellow pages for lingerie shops then you may find one that does fitting. i do not live near a bravissimo shop and find m&s crap at measuring (when i was much smaller i had 4 boobs when wearing a 34B, went to get measured and they said i was a 34A!! Not likely. never been measured there since) Most independant lingerie shops that stock the larger size bras will have been trained to do fitting. the one i use is "sadie the bra lady" and she doesnt measure, she just goes of the fit which is how its meant to be done. i also find that i tend to stick to one make as i find freya fit better than any of the other makes for me, fantasie are also another good one. once i know my size i then by the bras online for more choice.HTH

Original poster
kayzr · 27/02/2009 11:00

I can't get to Bravissimo. Impossible!

Its over 2 hours away by bus.

When I got measured I was a a 42DD and that is what comes up if I measure myself and use the charts online too.

OP posts:
Buda · 27/02/2009 11:00

I thought I was a 44/46A/B as I am a size 22. Went to Rigby & Pellar and am a 40E!

You def need to be prob fitted. NOT M&S.

I found a good brand in R&P called Prima Donna although it is expensive. Found a shop in Derbyshire that stocks it and does delivery so I order from them now.

piratecat · 27/02/2009 11:09

don't use the charts, they tend to differ form one brand toanother.

I used to work for Rigby and Peller, so have a fair idea about these things!!!

It is easy to find your nuder breat/back measurement. Just measure with a tape measure!!!

What are you?

When you know that then you can work your way thru trying on the cup sizes.

themildmanneredjanitor · 27/02/2009 11:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

piratecat · 27/02/2009 11:11

Prima donna are fantastic bras buda, but out of my price range now!! They are so supportive, well made etc.

A good alternative are Fantasie, which are also stocked by R + P.

I went in to Debenhams and found a bra i liked by Fantasie. I remembered the style and googled. Lo and behold I got the same bra on ebay for £13 instead of £24.