Getting measured for a bra

[Rhian82]

I've recently stopped breastfeeding, and unsurprisingly my breasts are now a completely different size and shape to before I was pregnant.

I desperately need some new bras - where's a good place to get measured? I normally buy them from M&S but have heard bad things about their measuring service. What are other people's experiences?

I really can't afford to spend much on them so don't really want to have to go somewhere too boutiquey!

John Lewis are usually good at finding the right size and fit for you, tho if you're big then they may not always have enough variety in your size. In some branches you may have to make an appointment, but often they can fit you in on the day.

If you are generous of nork (I love that Mumsnetism) then the very best place is Bravissimo.

Absolutely Bravissimo!

I have just chucked all my old bras as have just stopped bf ds, and found them to be by far the best place.

Yes, they are pricey, but I have no regrets about the amount I spent, as the correctly fitting bra has taken 7lbs off me and out my boobs back up to the place they were 2 years ago

put even!

I think there is no substitute for going somewhere that can fit you properly which is often an independent shop or department store. Play the game - go and get fitted but don't buy anything. Once you know what you are looking for get yourself somewhere cheaper and get trying on yourself. Once you know what a well fitting bra is like you will never go back and you will know what to look for. For what it is worth I think it is worth saving for a good bra - they are actually better made, last longer (assuming you look after them) and are more comfortable to wear. I used to go to Bravissimo who are OK but it is a bit of a production line and they do like to get you into a the smallest back/biggest cup combo they can manage! M&S are clueless and cannot fit their way out of a paper bag as far as I can tell. We have a shop in York which is run by the ex manager of Rigby & Peller's Knightsbridge store and she is magic and not pushy either. But £££s, sadly, hence the treasuring of my undies.

I go to little independant shops - pref run by ladies of a certain age.

I walked into the shop I currently go to, told the woman what sort of bra I wanted, she looked me up and down, and brought me bras that fitted perfectly. Knew her stock inside out, and exactly what shape they would flatter.

Am not big enough for Bravissimo

I went to M and S (was on last month or so of bf) and the lady there was fantastic.

Went from a 38b to a 34d in one fell swoop! Never been so pert and pointy.....

Ooh thank you, might try John Lewis then if I can persuade DH to brave driving near Bristol.

I'm definitely not big enough for Bravissimo - I was a 32C pre-pregnancy, then went up quite a bit through pregnancy and early breastfeeding, but now they are definitely smaller than the 32C

I did like having big breasts for a while, sigh.

I second Rigby and Peller's if you're near London. They do it by sight, not a tape measure anywhere to be seen and are wonderful. They are expensive but so worth it, when I got fitted and wore the R&P one it took stones off me, it's amazing how wearing the wrong bra can actually make you look fatter!

Oh La La in Clifton village is worth a look. It's run by some lovely french ladies....my husband doesn't seem to mind shopping in there for some reason

Does anyone have any experience of Perfect Fit in Keynsham? Looks good, and easy for us to get to.

Clifton might be a stretch - DH absolutely hates driving in Bristol, Ikea is do-able but anywhere closer and more 'city centre driving' is out.

Rigby and Pellor are the gods of bra measuring. You dont have to buy their (expensive) stock, you can go somewhere cheaper once you know your size.

If you're a D cup or up go to Bravissimo. I had a fitting there on Sat and they know their onions boobs.