Can we talk about bras please. Why is it that...............................

[Saltire]

this bra

this bra
and this one, all in the same size, don't all fit? I am sick of having to try on bras, some fit in my size some don't. The top one I linked to, when i tried it on, it pushed my boobs out the top, the bottom one is a great fit, really comfy,a dn the middle one is too tight across the shoulders, even when the straps are adjusted.
I got a gorgeous one from DH at Christmas, but ended up changing it for a 36C (I am, according to woman in M&S, a 38D).

I persuaded my sister to get herself measured at M&S (they are quite good near me) when she needed a particular shape bra for a dress and she wound up 2 sizes smaller in the back and one cup size up in a bra that fitted properly for the first time in nearly 30 years. She used to ditch her bras early evening as they cut into her by then - now she's in the right size, she keeps them on. Now all I have to do is persuade my Mum to do the same .

.

Havent read the whole post but must concurr with lots of posts in that M&S bras and bra fitters are crap.

I stupidly went in to be fitted for a maternity bra last time round and she sold me this piece of rubbish that wouldnt support a flea that was a bit baggy and told me I would grow into it!!! I wore it to bed only.

Selfridges bra fitter, took one look at me, no tape no nothing and came back with the perfect feeding bras.

Buying bras is my idea of a nightmare day out.

If no Bravissimo, then John Lewis are equally fab (even if the last time the nice lady said it would be tricky since I had lost significant content )

thanks piratecat - will look at the 32bs next time i get a chance. shopping generally not my thing and bra shopping even less but hey i need to find some that i can actually wear.
my 34Bs are doing that thing where they stick out but there's no boob there

think i may have lost significant content too....my nipples are kind of 'sunken' , hope that SoupDragon was told right and after 6months they will be more 'normal' again (only 2.5 months since i stopped).

what bugs me is that there are all these sizes, not like women's clothes, just 10,12,14,etc. but so many choices of size yet they are still not consistent.

justkeepswimming.

your 34b is a whole cup size bigger than a 32b. it is the equivalent (if we, yes lets, use the formula!!)

34b, so you are more a 32, but that would make you a 32c, (up in the cup if you go down in the back)

you need a 32b! style is of huge importance too. just imagine how many different shaped boobs we all have, and also where places on our chests they are!!

If you feel a little flat up the top part, then go for a more plunge type style, or balcony. This doesn't have to mean you are all on show, but will give you more cleavage, or push up.

piratecat - thanks!!
will persuade dh i need more underwear and go shopping at the weekend.

Echo piratecat's recommendation for Fantasie bras, in the days before BF I wore these and they are super. So pretty, so supportive and so comfy. They are a bit pricey but worth it IMHO. Now just have to wait till I stop BF, and then wait six months more, to go and get a new one or two

ps am not to be BF just a bit sad at amazing shape-changing boobs which make it very hard to buy bras right now.

The trouble with JL and Bravissimo is that while they may measure you beautifully, they then say 'But we don't stock a 44F'. So you still have to go to M&S for the hideous Triumph Doreen...

(Which reminds me, I'll suggest Doreen next time one of those babyname thread wants the fashion-forward name of the week...)

Fantasie bras, are about £25-£32 max, but will last you 3 yrs!! Good investment.

Aargh, the Triumph Doreen! That was what Rigby and Peller put me in when I went there after boobs ballooned whilst PG (other bras were killing me so I decided to go there to treat myself and walked out with two of those monstrosities - comfy, mind you!)

Am v. tempted to go to a Bravissimo now - lost a lot of weight last year and am wearing an old 38C on the tightest back-fitting - it's okay (I love the bra, it's a v. old La Sensa balcony one and the only one that makes me look remotely perky) but I know it doesn't fit properly... as I was a 40DD prior to the diet, I'm curious as to what I am now...

For the northerners, harvey nicks in Leeds and manchester and selfridges in manchester both have cracking bra departments - really quiet and very well-trained, attentive staff.

Not a huge array of maternity bras though.

Debenhams in manchester also good.

The woman in Kendalls (House of Fraser) bra department was a bit rude but I was trying to buy an elaborate multi-way/strapless bra at 6.30 on a saturday when she really wanted to close up and go home.

hmm fruitbeard you cuold well be a 36d then!!! I know, the old Doreen is used at R + P, becuase it does do it's job. Even Dawn French mentions it in her biog!!!

possibilities are opening up now, you have lost that weight!!!

I know, it's quite exciting - especially as having lost the weight they now need all the help they can get not to dangle round my waist...

Don't get me wrong, the Doreen was lovely and comfy throughout pregnancy and it did give me the right uplift - it just wasn't what I'd ever pictured myself coming out of R&P with!

Well now I'm depressed. I'd been promising myself a visit to R&P as a reward one day. I had visions of actually having a choice of bra. But if all I'm going to get is the Dull Dismal Depressing Doreen I might as well save my train fare. And another fantasy of joining the rest of the female of the species bites the dust...

s mouse, hi,

what measurement are you under your bust? don't despair yet!!

Hi pirate. 44". Yes, and a whopping 51" round the widest bit. Scary, or what!

But do you have words of wisdom?

Right well i am off to town sson and will see what happens. AFAIK there are only 2 places to get measured, Mothercare & M&S, will try M&S and see what size they give me.
then will try on lots of different ones and see what fits best (aiming for 32B).

will update later.....

Well M&S came up trumps!
she said 32 definitely, then brought in and A & a B.
A too small, B better, but wasn't happy with the wires resting on the breast tissue, so brought in a C. perfect!

So have got some M&S ones and some Debenhams ones (whilst in there realised the La Senza bit does measuring so may go there next time).
have changed into one of them and it feels comfy .

Thanks Piratecat!

Glad this thread was written. I like underwear shopping though have been getting confused lately with all the different measuring advice.

Completely confused by seeing an american style programme showing bra measuring with inches added on the band and the woman measuring from the band to the middle of the cup to get the cup size. WHAT....? turned annoying programme off and continued to ponder. Best Bra fitting I ever had was Browns in York years ago. Are they still there?

need it nice and tight on the band and full in the cup - but no creases or bulging. I used to think I was a 36 DD but am in fact now a 32FF. Its amazing to have a properly fitting bra. we have a good local shop - I would go to a specialist or bravissimo. but much better to try them on as the styles do vary. Freya are good for me.