Bra help ...............

[OhCobblers]

so i've lost nearly 3 stone in a year since DC2. Am pretty much back to target weight and am a slim 12 - hurray!
However for the first time in about 10 years my bra size has drastically changed. From a 36C, sometimes a 34D and now definitely down to a 32E.

I can't figure out how the cup size has changed to much or is it purely down to being in proportion??

Also, i normally shop for underwear at M&S but any other recommendations gratefully received as i now need to go and buy a load of news ones.
TIA

Try Bravissimo or John Lewis and ask/book a fitting. A properly fitting bra will make you look even trimmer.Don't worry about what the size is - just get the one that fits best.

Thanks Lilymaid, had a fitting in Debenhams which was when the new size came to light.

Was just really curious as to how i've changed so much in shape.

have already picked up a few cheapies, ie, £7 for a £42 Chantenelle bra in TK MAxx!!!
and you're very right, the new fit and shape does wonders !

A 34D to a 32E isn't such a drastic change in size.

Its basically one cup size larger than you were, and you may well have been wearing the wrong cup size.
When you go down in the back (in inch measurement) you go up in the cup.
So:
34DD is exactly the same space in the cup as a 32E.

Lots of women wear smaller cup sizes than they actually are. In order to 'fill' their bras. What is important to realise is that we change shape as we get older, particularly after we have children. Bras which we used to be able to fill now are no longer flattering or appear baggy around the top.
A decent bra fitter will be able to show you a selection of bras which will flatter and support your new shape.

I love Bravissimo. I have about 4 bras from there and love them all. I also have a couple (same size, 32dd) from M&S but they are nowhere near as good imo. The M&S ones aren't as solid and supportive (I mean that in a positive way) They just seem more flimsy and baggy.

Lizzzombie if you are still here can I ask you this.

When I got married (7 years ago, pre-dc) I had a 34d basque which I am fairly sure was a decent fit at the time.

I have obviously changed shape somewhat, as 32dd from Bravissimo seem to fit beautifully.

When I tried the basque on it seems massive in the cup now. Is it possibly just that brands vary quite a lot?

Absolutely, all the brands vary greatly.
Plus, not every bra suits every breast shape. Its not just size to consider, its what shape you are too. Some bras are narrower in the cup, which means the wires at the sides can dig in and look unsightly or cause discomfort, or other bras can be too full in the cup for what your breast shape is.
Eg. Lots of Freya bras are very full in the cup and designed for younger women or women who never lost their 'fullness'.
Fantasie bras tend to be very stretchy and its often best to go down in the back & up in the cup when trying them on.
Panache bras are much tighter, but even within their own brand this varies and some Panache bras are tighter than others.

Basically its like saying you are a size 12. Yes, you may be in one style in one shop, but in another style in a different shop you could be a totally different size.

So, its important not to get hung up on whatever size you think you are, but instead focus on the actual fit.

A decent Bra Fitter should have educated you in what you need to look for when trying bras on so you have the confidence to try them on with out a fitter and work out if they fit or not.

(this is my favourite subject and can go on about it for ages!)

I think I vaguely remember you from another bra thread (unless there is more than one Lizz type name who loves nattering about bras. )

Very helpful what you have said re the different brands. I shall check which I have from Bravissimo as some of the brands you mention sound familiar.

Was probably me. As I said I'm a bit obsessive about bras!
I used to work at Bravissimo, and now fit bras on pregnant women & nursing mothers for another high street retailer.
I just think it makes such a massive difference to a person when they see how their bust should actually look in a well fitting bra!

Have 'done' all my friends and family in real life and can't stop myself from commenting on a bra thread on MN! Like I said, an obsessive!

lizzzombie, thanks for your advice. much appreciated.
by the way, do you rate Chantelle bras? grabbed a couple in TK MAxx and they seemed good and thought it might be worthwhile buying a couple more if i seem them again.

thanks again.

I rate any bra if it fits correctly!

Fitting Tips to be found on this old thread.

(told you I was obsessive!) - its my aim in life to get the whole of womankind - or at least MNers, wearing the right sized bra!