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Original poster

Has anyone bought a made-to-measure bra?

31 replies

oneplusone · 16/03/2009 14:56

From the likes of say Rigby and Peller? I am fed up with my ill fitting bras and even going to M&S, John Lewis and getting measured does not make any difference. I clearly am not the right shape for any of their standard bras. I have very small gap between shoulders and boobs and the shoulder straps are always too big, even when adjusted to the smallest size.

I am considering, as a special treat for myself, getting 1 bra made to measure.

Has anyone done this? Would you recommend it? How much? etc etc.

Thank you.

OP posts:
angelene · 16/03/2009 15:04

No need. Go to R&P, they measure you without a tape measure if that makes sense, they find the right bra for everyone. They are wonderful and I will never get bras from anywhere else.

[angelene gets back to the hand-washing]

Original poster
oneplusone · 16/03/2009 15:05

How much do you spend there? And are they all hand wash only?

OP posts:
CHOOGIRL · 16/03/2009 15:12

Agree R+P fantastic and a good fitting bra makes your clothes look much better. I bought three bras with matching knickers - came to £370.

angelene · 16/03/2009 17:01

Bras are about £55-75+, and yes you have to hand wash them - but it's just a routine you get into I suppose.

I didn't bother with the matching knickers, I get one a year or something, it's a treat to myself.

FromGirders · 16/03/2009 17:06

I am also this shape, and often just adjust my bras myself. Choose one that fits well round the back and in the cup, then just cut the straps a bit shorter and re-sew them round the metal slider. It's not too difficult, and a lot cheaper than R&P.
Having said that, if I could afford an R&P bra, I would. It's a personal ambition of mine!!
FWIW, I got measured by a professional dress designer / patternmaker once, and she commented that most people's bust line is about two-thirds of the way down from the shoulder line to the waist line. "Do you ALWAYS wear this kind of bra?!" she barked to what felt like the entire wedding fair. "Your bust is under your chin, young gel!" I was fairly mortified!

kdk · 16/03/2009 18:29

Get thee to R & P - t'is horrifyingly expensive but worth it - if you get 3 bras and look after them well ie handwash, they should last a while. I have always had to buy expensive bras sadly as I have always been big-busted and smallish backed ie have been as small as a 34F and largest when prg with twins was 38JJ or something awful. Have tried cheapo bras and they just don't work ...

Have just thought, some people swear by Bravissimo - not tried them so don't know but might be worth a try?

post12gate68 · 19/03/2015 17:30

I know it's a while since the talk of made-to-measure bras and all the replies I've read have suggested Rigby & Peller. Well I did treat myself to a couple of bras from them and although I thought they were good they still don't fit properly. I've also gone to John Lewis, M&S etc. been measured but to no avail - they still don't fit properly. I wouldn't invest in going to R&P unless I could actually get a made-to-measure one but dread to think of the cost !

StatisticallyChallenged · 19/03/2015 18:52

post12gate68, may I ask what element it is that's not fitting for you, just in case I can suggest some options, or some tweaks?

penny13610 · 19/03/2015 19:04

All bras with underwire are hand wash only.
Unless you are very rich and like buying bras or like uncomfy bras.
There are good independent bra shops around, with a range of makes and styles, they are worth hunting down.

post12gate68 · 21/03/2015 13:28

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply (Statistically Challenged!) My left boob is bigger than my right - now I know this is not unusual but it does make for a loose fitting cup on the right. Also, being a 34A (or B??) I don't seem to be able to get a bra with a broad back so's I don't 'hang over'. The bra's I've been measured for at i.e. Rigby & Peller/M&S/John Lewis all seem fine until I sit down then I have to undo the bra to make it comfortable. This is even with it being on the slackest hook. Any help would be appreciated but I do feel if I could find a hand made/made-to-measure bra is the only answer - if I could find one at a reasonable price. many thanks & regards,

Bunbaker · 21/03/2015 13:44

"All bras with underwire are hand wash only."

From R & P, or from anywhere? I always stick mine in the washing machine and they last for years.

dementedpixie · 21/03/2015 13:52

I have quite a few bras with underwires that have machine wash instructions but would bung them in even if they didnt

StatisticallyChallenged · 21/03/2015 17:44

Post may I ask what your actual measurements are? Being cut in half as soon as you sit isn't right at all.

post12gate68 · 24/03/2015 15:25

Hi again 'Statistically Challenged'. I measure 31" under the under the bust and 35" at widest point around the bust.

StatisticallyChallenged · 24/03/2015 16:05

Did you take that overbust measure leaning forward /dangling?

Also, do you by any chance have a ribcage which flares out? My mum does -she's quite short and has had a few big babies so her ribs get wider. It means she has issues with bras.

Your measurements as they stand suggest a different size which is why I ask and why it's worth double checking the overbust as if that's an upright measure it will be too small, most people measure a good couple of inches bigger leaning forward

Sorry for all the questions!

post12gate68 · 26/03/2015 19:57

Hi there again 'Statistically challenged !' Thanks for taking an interest in trying to sort out my problem but I doubt, unless I have a bra made-to-measure, there's little can be done. I don't have a ribcage which flares out and leaning forward/dangling I'm measuring 31.1/2" directly under the bust and 37" at widest point round bust. The M&S 'per una' bra I bought felt fabulous when I tried it on in the changing room but the same problem once I sit down (I do have a largish midriff so maybe this has something to do with it!) this bra is size 34B. The Rigby & Peller bra is 32D !! I have to undo both whilst driving somewhere and then fasten it up before I get out of the car!!

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 26/03/2015 20:05

post You are definitely not a 34A/B Shock . Until statistically or one of the other gurus pops back, have a look at thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html

dementedpixie · 26/03/2015 20:34

You should really be looking in the region of 32E

dementedpixie · 26/03/2015 20:36

Also try 32DD and 30E

ggirl · 26/03/2015 21:06

I never knew there was such a thing as a made to measure bra, I have 3 bras ,all prima donna ones cos the fit me the best.
I am a 36H and even though i spend £70 per bra I still have to adjust the straps cos they keep falling down , think only way it would be solved is a halter neck bra !!
Would still recommend trying decent quality bra like prima donna , the difference in the support from other high street brands is amazing.

StatisticallyChallenged · 27/03/2015 02:58

I think the rigby is probably still a cup size too small post, which makes the band feel artificially tight. I genuinely doubt you do need a custom made bra tbh, ,I think you've just never had one which truly fits. Tbh, I know of a fair few people who haven't got the right bra from rigby and peller.

I do know of a polish company who make lovely bras and allow you to customise them so you can,for example, request reduced cup height at the outside of the cups. But I don't think you're there yet, I think trying you in some 32dd/e sizes in a few different styles needs to be done first. And not from Marks as their bras are very poor quality.

thespacehopper · 29/01/2019 22:05

Do you sew? I make my own custom bras. Once you’ve got the fit sorted out, they are straightforward to make.

Spagnoli1 · 26/01/2020 12:19

I have been having a made to measure bra now for 15 years and i would never go back ...
The wonderful lady that makes my bras worked for R&P for many years
I can send her number if you like

KaliforniaDreamz · 26/01/2020 12:26

Prima Donna bras last forever too so actually cheaper than buying lots of say M&S ones.
Get measured buy one eg the satin everyday one then buy others from online places like
www.mesdessous.fr/en/36-outlet

have to say i have been curious about buying a made to measure one, think it's probably around £150...

biwinoone · 17/04/2020 23:13

@Spagnoli1 Can you please send me the number of the lady as well?