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Original poster

Best way to measure bra size. M&S were crap!!

55 replies

Tortoiselookingforwardto2010 · 29/12/2009 18:51

A while ago i went to M&S to get measured, she couldn't find anything to fit!
Now my last (badly fitting, uncomfy)bra has broken, under wiring popped out! So now it is very uncomfortable lol!

I see Figleaves has a sale so was thinking might buy something from there but i don't know what size or style would be best.

I have BF 4 DC and am left with saggy sacks of nothingness! Certain bras (or maybe just the size/fitting) i find if i bend i fall out the top of the cup!

Please, please help.
Last bra is 36c if that helps but i don't think it every quite fit properly!

OP posts:
beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 19:50

If one inch different then A cup
if 2 inches different then B etc...

if 8 inches different then a G cup.

I am 10 inches different so a J cup.

Everyone understand now?

abbierhodes · 29/12/2009 19:51

Can someone please explain how the sizing has changed? So people had to buy bras in a different size one day than they may have bought the previous day? How and when did this happen?

TheBolter · 29/12/2009 19:51

beyond... OK, so here I am with tape measure just to be sure...

I am 26 and a bit under the bust.

I am 33.5 on the bust.

What am I then?

beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 19:54

I would be trying 28F or 26G's

You are miniature under your bust Are you sure the tape measure is even all the way round? and that your right up under your boobs and not on your waist?

purplepeony · 29/12/2009 19:54

TB- how far under your bust are you going?
It doesn't mean your waist!

You must be minute- I am a size 10 and occasionally an 8 in tops and my under bust measurement is 31/32.

What size clothes do you wear?

Have no other advice except to say that John Lewis do a 28 and 30 inch bra(s) so maybe worth trying those in a bigger cup size?

beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 19:55

You still need to try quite a few on though as each style/designer is totally different. And the sizing of the bras varies hugely. Once you've found one range like Freya for example that fits then you can order easier online.

purplepeony · 29/12/2009 19:56

LOL, BF, x-d ish posts!

under bust to me means right under the bottom edge of my (bare) pert (!)breasts and keeping a straight line all round back.

Original poster
Tortoiselookingforwardto2010 · 29/12/2009 19:58

OK, i am 33'' under bust and 38 across. What could that make me?
Otherwise will maybe try ringing Bravissimo but tricky as kids all here and my Brother!

OP posts:
beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 19:58

Yep, with tits like mine when i measure round under my bust you cannot see the tape measure at all cos of my J cups

purplepeony · 29/12/2009 19:58

TB rushing around looking for tape measure emoticon.

TheBolter · 29/12/2009 19:58

beyond and pp - measuring right underneath boobs, where my bra goes. I am small frame, a size 8. However am also tall so maybe I'd be a size 6 if I could get them longer in the body.

I was fitted in 32C bras in La Senza but the lady said 30D would be better, however they usually don't stock that size.

I nearly fell of my chair at being an F or G - for well endowed with bounteous pillows I am not. Unfortunately!

purplepeony · 29/12/2009 19:59

Tortoise- I'd say a 34 or possibly 32 E.
You might get away with a 32E o r a 34DD.

beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 20:00

Tortoise - try a few 32DD (if you like it tight) or 34D's maybe

We all wear our bras too loose on the chest - it should be very firm against your ribcage.

EdgarAleNPie · 29/12/2009 20:01

that would make you a 28 F, no?

i have just measured myself, and

-back- 32
-norks- 36

which would make me a 32d - rubbish as i own 32 D bras and they look like dolls clothing next to my frontage!

i generally wear 34E (with back on tightest setting) and find that comfortable and supportive without double boobage.

other people i know were told the wrong size by M &S, only you can know what you find comfortable...

beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 20:04

TB, this woman is wearing a 28F

TheBolter · 29/12/2009 20:06

Which one beyond? There are a few images of different ladies wearing different colours...

beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 20:08

Ok, TB - you are 7 inches different

so that should be (and it's not exact as every make is different)

A=1
B=2
C=3
D=4
DD=5
E=6
FF=7
G=8
GG=9
H=10
J=11

It's also not exact cos all those cup sizes don't exist in every make or style.

So you may only be a DD or an E. But you have inexact measurements anyway "26 and a bit" and "33 and a half" - so its definitely trial and error for you.

TheBolter · 29/12/2009 20:09

OK, thanks for the advice!

beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 20:10

Also, and this may not be obvious to those with larger norks - you need to measure without a bra on so they are usually bigger as there's more 'spread'.

beyondfurious · 29/12/2009 20:11

Sorry, the 'Eleanor' bra on Bravissimo - she is wearing a 28F.

Original poster
Tortoiselookingforwardto2010 · 29/12/2009 20:17

Thanks for advice. Couple of sizes there to try! Not sure of the best way of doing it.

OP posts:
we3kingbeat23oforientare · 29/12/2009 20:18

TBH - all stores are different...as they are in thier clothes as well.

Try on different back sizes and cup sizes and mix it up...so 34 and 36 c/d/dd and you should be able to find one that fits you.

I would generally say that if you have bf and you find that you need a bit more support, then balcony bras will not be for you. Look for thicker straps and fuller cups. If you want a bit of lift, most stores now do uplift bras with a bit of padding underneath. Don't look at them as padded bras, more as a boost to what you have already.

If you have the double boob effect then the cup size is too small similarly, if you could fit another person in there, it is too big.

If it digs in anywhere it is too tight, but remember...if you go up or down on the band size (the number) then you may have to go up or down on the cup (the letter).

I am surprised that the attendant didnt know how to do this as it should be a basic principle of fitting....but...she could be new/xmas temp/from a different dept/not been shown.

I do fittings on a regular basis and go back to work in 2 weeks....if you're in/near to the east london area...let me know and come in and i'll fit you myself!!

PirateCatintheXmasHat · 29/12/2009 20:24

sorry but it's not always best measure over the top/fullest part of your boobs, cos your boobs might be low ones or high ones, flat ones, but wide.

start with what you are under your bust. sitck with that as your rib/back measurement. then get that bra in that back size in c,d,e and you will get a better indication of your cup size.
ex rigby and peller person.

Original poster
Tortoiselookingforwardto2010 · 29/12/2009 20:29

Thanks we3kingbeat23oforientare am in somrset so miles away.

PirateCat That sounds easier. So 34'' back? Then diffent cup to start with? May get Brother to look after DC while i get the train into town for quick shopping trip!

OP posts:
purplepeony · 29/12/2009 21:27

okay fitters- have measured again.
Under bust is anywhere between 29 and 31 depending on how tight tape is and over bust is 34-35 depending on how cold it is!

so am I a 30D, a 32C or any other bright ideas?

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