Support (pun intended) for the flat-chested

[NorkilyChallenged]

I've been reading all the "get a bra that fits" threads with interest. I think I need to get properly measured and I know now to avoid M&S.

However, I feel a bit lost as I am definitely not well-endowed in the chest area. So many of the posters on this issue have had success with Bravissimo and with a good fitting bra. But is there a Bravissimo equivalent for the flat-chested? And what should I be wearing? I have no idea.

I've just finished bf'ing my 11 month old and, after 3 years pg or bf'ing, I am left with virtually nothing in the nork department. Quite depressing. My v-necked tops make me look strangely masculine, I find. I am missing the fuller effect that bf'ing gave me but not quite willing to have another baby just to improve my silhouette in clothes . Pre-pregnancy was wearing 34B or 36A (M&S measurements). None of these bras seem to fit me comfortably any more.

I don't need a bra anyway, nothing there to hold up really, but I hate visible nipples, so I really would like to wear something and used to wear t-shirt bras that had a really small amount of padding to even out the look of my chest under clothes.

Any advice for the flat-chested? Bras? Styles? Clothing? Getting measured/fitted for bras? Anything?

I too hate the visible nippled look, so always go for bras with some kind of thickness to them.

I think the advice is kind of the same as for the large-norked people - go and try on bras until you find one to fit around the back (not riding up, etc) then instead of looking for cups that hold you up/in you just want cups that will cover as much as you want covered without leaving a gap between your chest and the bra.

Try a small independent lingerie shop if there's one near you? That's where I work. I would imagine you are a 30 or 32, and you might be surprised at the cup. Maybe try a good department store if they have got a big range of sizes, and give a 30C a go and keep trying on from there...I agree, a little bit of soft padding can help, and is just more comfortable anyway.

Cothing-wise, I would say go for higher necklines with maybe some vertical ruffling down the front - I always wish I could wear stuff like that! And don't worry, flat-chested doesn't look remotely masculine, just dainty and feminine and delicate...all the things us norky heiffers aspire to at times!

Thanks Trillian and BoF - I can't find any independent lingerie shops here (except one "boutique" that does designer stuff that I am scared to find out the prices of!) so I'm heading out to John Lewis now to see what they have.

I measured (as per the other thread) and make my measurements 32 under and 35 over which would be a 32C I think but that would amaze me. I tried on all my bras (34B and 36A) and my poor depleted boobs don't even fill the A cups very well. All the underwired stuff digs in as well, so I'm off to see what they have in JL and go from there...

I lost a lot of weight through illness recently so am secretly hoping I might put on a bit again and fill my bras a bit better but not worth holding my breath!

"my poor depleted boobs don't even fill the A cups very well"

But A cups on a 36 are not very small really.

Try some 32Bs and Cs, you might be surprised.

Hm.

JL super busy with mums of the bride trying on underwear with their dresses so there was a ticket system and I didn't have time to wait before picking up DD2...

I tried 32A and 32B. 32 seems a little bit tight possibly but probably better than 34 (which is what I have at home) and definitely better than 36.

Sadly, very sadly, the A cup was plenty I would love to say not but it was. In fact have decided that it's almost not worth wearing a bra at all - like having a big sign saying "nothing to see here".

Sorry for self-pity, was traumatic gazing endlessly at naked top half in glaring lights

All underwired ones were super uncomfy. So I got a tshirt bra with soft padding, no wires, 32A.

Sigh. I still look odd in clothes. I miss the little bit of bosom that I had when bf'ing. I am almost too small for size 10 trousers but my tummy still sticks out further than my chest

< pinches bum >

You sound gorgeous, don't worry about it!

www.Maxcleavage.com have a fab selection of gel filled and other enhancing bras.

I (a 36b) am currently loving the Elle McPherson Dentelle (like this which is very flattering indeed. You need a cup size up tho as is rather small. Looks lovely.

I go to little indpendant shops - the boutique one is probably the same price as the others

Ooooh, a pushy-uppy bra shop! Awesome!

A little bit of carefully positioned Sellotape on each nipple and the 'visible nipple look' is gone.

Should I post this in Mumsnet Tips maybe?

I seem to have killed this thread with my handy hint...

Ouch! < snigger >

we're supposed to wear polo necks according to Tranny and Susanny, but I hate having things round my neck...
To add to my woes I have an extremely broad back, so if I wear halter-neck I look like a male bricklayer in bad drag

as a teenager I was a size 8 and a 32AA, was terribly shy and felt inadequate
I only had big boobs when pregnant
after children I was a 32 A
now, after putting on weight after having the mirena coil fitted I have a bit more to fill my bra and I am even thinking I need to go up a cup size
it is the only benefit to putting on a bit of weight

You and me both Molly - I look terrible in polo necks, and hate anything round my neck anyway, and am broad so have the drag look.

When I was bfing, I made it up to an F cup, and it looked great - just the right size for my build. S'not fair.

Ooooh BoF haven't had my bum pinched in a long time!

Useful hint on the sellotape. Would combine two of DD1's current obsessions (sticky tape and my bra/breasts ).