Best Bras?

Poppy9

I buy La Senza cotton bras for my DD who is 14 and they wash well, are pretty and I usually pay just £5 for them in the sale.

blue_monkey_2

One of my customers was measured at 46DD at M&S and then I advertised my website on my local freecycle cafe and she came for a fitting - she was actually a 36J. M&S will put you in sizes they have, if they do not have your size then they'll find one for you. I think it is shocking and it really makes me cross as this is why so many people end up wearing the wrong size, they will buy from M&S and then buy elsewhere and wonder why the fit is not right. I have had 4 customers recently all sized by the local M&S (the only bra seller apart from BHS) and they were 'sized' into bras that are at least 3 back sizes too big and 4 cup sizes too small because they do not sell larger cup sizes.

Avoid anyone who makes bras for themselves as you will not get your true size, this is why people who get sized and go to M&S will find they are a different size there.

The other thing I will add, if you are in a D+ bra sized invest in a proper sized swimsuit with an internal bra, I proimise that you'll never, ever buy a cheap swimsuit again because the support from them is amazing and how you look is amazing!! Not one with a shelf but one with a proper hook and eye fitting and adjustable straps They are expensive but you can get them cheaper at the end of the season and once you get one you'll only ever wear these again. Look after them and you'll get a good number of years out of it.

blue_monkey_2

Are you wearing the correct bra?

Surveys tell us that 70% of women are wearing the wrong bra size so how can you be sure that you are not one of these? Here are some of the indications that your bra is the wrong size:

• Boobs spilling out of the cups giving the '4 boobed look'
• Uncomfortable bulges
• ‘Leakage’ of your boobs under the bra (caused by the band being too loose)
• Indent marks left by straps and underwires
• The band rising up at the back
• Underwires that are out of shape or that dig into your armpit
• Baggy cups and saggy breasts

• Shoulder and/or back aches

You will find our bra fitting guide below to help you find the right size for you. Please remember that this is a guide only and sizing can differ between brands, manufacturers, fabrics and styles so once you have your size you should try a variety of bras to find the one that is right for you. You might find that your 'measured size' feels too loose around the band so choose a smaller band size if this is the case, but remember to adjust your cup size accordinally - the charts below will help you find that size.

Measuring yourself

You will need a tape measure that measures in inches as bra sizes are still sold in inch measurements. First, you will need to find out what your back size is. Stand up straight wearing your best fitting unpadded bra, place the tape measure around your back, ensuring that the tape is flat across the middle of your back. Take care not to place the tape too high and bring the tape straight around your front measuring under your breasts. The tape should not be too loose but fit snugly without pinching or being too tight, just underneath your breasts.

Now take this measurement and round it to the nearest number in inches, then add 4” if it is an even number and 5 inches if it is an odd number. This is your back size.

Measurement in Inches = Band Size

23"-24" = 28 Band
25"-26" = 30 Band
27"-28" = 32 Band
29"-30" = 34 Band
31"-32" = 36 Band
33"-34" = 38 Band
35"-36" = 40 Band
37"-38" = 42 Band
39"-40" = 44 Band

(Bras are available up to a 58" band size from Elomi - they are the best bras for the larger bust)

Next, you need to measure your cup size. placing the tape around your back, bring the tape forward to measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Again, make sure the tape is not to loose, tight or pinching as you are looking for a snug fit. If you are in between inches round to the nearest inch, and if you are on a half inch mark round up to the next inch. This is your cup size.

Now you need to subtract your back size from your cup measurement to find your cup size.

Difference in Inches = Cup Size

0 = AA Cup
1" = A Cup
2" = B Cup
3" = C Cup
4" = D Cup
5" = DD Cup
6" = E Cup
7" = F Cup
8" = FF Cup
9" = G Cup
10" = GG Cup
11" = H Cup
12" = HH Cup
13" = J Cup
14" = JJ Cup
15" = K Cup

Examples:

Your cup measurement is 40”, so subtract your back size calculated above (34), this is a difference of 6”, so your cup size is E, and your estimated bra size is 34E.

Your cup measurement is 34”, so subtract your back size calculated above (32), this is a difference of 2”, so your cup size is B, and your estimated bra size is 32B.

Finding the right bra for you

Once you have found your correct bra size, here are some more points to make sure you find the right bra for you that fits properly.

1. The bra should be worn on it's loosest hook.
2. The bra should fit flat against your body at the front - if it doesn't then choose a smaller band size.
3. There should not be any 'overspill' at the top or the sides of the bra - if there is you need a larger cup size.
4. It should not leave any deep marks on your body once wearing for a while, this shows it is too tight.
5. The back of the bra should fit straight across the middle of your back, if it is riding up then you need a size smaller.
6. The straps should not be too tight. If the straps are leaving marks then check the back size of the bra, you may find it is too loose.

7. The bra should fit comfortable and not dig in - if it does then choose a bigger cup size.
8. If you are wearing an underwired bra, the wire should rest on your rib cage. It needs to be against hard bone, not soft tissue which can get damaged.

When putting the bra on ensure that you place your breasts into the cup first and then fasten at the back, the breasts should be enclosed within the bra and it should hold you firm and be comfortable. Put your top back on and take a look in the mirror to ensure that it gives the right look under clothing too.

HTH

Just to add onto this, these are just guides and trying on is by far the best way to find what bra is right for you but it'll help you find where to start on a size and decide whether it feels too loose or just right. I am a 'sized' 34F but I actually wear a 30/32G as I 34 is too loose on me and the fit of the 30 or 32 (depends on the make) feels much better.

Kataratarina

I'm quite unhappy with my boobs. i am a size 16/18 but was once very skinny and from ive put on weight my boobs havent grown!

I am a 36A and even an A is quite big, ive but a 34b but it too tight round my back!!

Is anyone else like this? My sis is a 36DD and my mum is around the same!!

Silaqui

Bluemonkey, I'm curious as to how that sizing guide works. As mentioned in my previous post, I size out as a 40A (and obviously am not, I wear a 36DD in most styles and they fit perfectly). This is when I pull the tape really tight as well, if I did it any looser I'd be in a negative cup size!

I'm could understand if it was a bit closer but such a big difference seems really strange to me.

x

flippin36

dmg24 wrote: »

Chances are that, if you think you are a C cup, you're probably a DD!

.

Well just an update. You were right I went in a 34 B bra and it turns out I am a 34 D! I was gob smacked

Anyway I found an independent shop who gave me a really good service and the bra I got was completely different to what I usually have. Really well made and I felt very supported. Boobs looked great with my little tshirt on (no double boob problem). .....however, I did come out £52 lighter :eek:. Will live with it for a while then go back and get another if I feel its worth its money.

flippin36

janninew wrote: »

I get fitted every time a buy a new bra, nothing to be worried about! At Debenhams they don't use a tap measure, they can normally get a rough idea just by looking at you! They take you to a cubicle and ask you what size your currently wearing, the lady then goes onto the shop floor and brings back a few to try. When you've got one on you ring a bell and the lady comes back and checks the fit! She will advise on what hook to have it on and adjust the straps. Don't worry the lady never sees you without a bra on, (my sis had never been fitted either cos she was worried about showing her boobs!!) We both went to Debenhams and she couldn't believe that she had been worrying!

By the way....She did want me with baps out :eek:, but she was very nice and confident, obviously seen every shape and size before so I didn't feel embarrassed!

blue_monkey_2

Silaqui wrote: »

Bluemonkey, I'm curious as to how that sizing guide works. As mentioned in my previous post, I size out as a 40A (and obviously am not, I wear a 36DD in most styles and they fit perfectly). This is when I pull the tape really tight as well, if I did it any looser I'd be in a negative cup size!

I'm could understand if it was a bit closer but such a big difference seems really strange to me.

x

Silaqui,

Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. For most people it works but it could be, for example, that the tape is not sitting in the right place so you get a false measurement. I measure as a 34F with the tape pulled in as far as possible (and even that is pushing it, LOL) and I know it is in the right place but I know I wear a different smaller band size - even so, some of these will have me bulging out all over and I would need a GG or an H. The guide does show you how you know you are in the right size, someone people accept that is the size you have to wear but the guide gives you pointers so that you can see that it is not.

I never measure either to be honest, I try bras on my ladies and then get the sizing from there, this is why it says it is just a guide but helps most people get sized.

Can I just ask (and this is something I've never tried tbh), have you measured your back with the bra on, around the band, as this would show you are measuring in the wrong place. I just prefer my bras to be tight with no movement.

scotsgirl_3

I find some of the tape measure charts quite funny - there are various versions online, it may have improved recently, but i remember a few years ago when i was trying to figure out my size after weight loss and various charts, using same measurements, came up with everything from a 34c,dd,f right up to a 38b! (when i was a 30g, lol)

I think they seem to be ok for more regular sizes, but they don't seem to account for the fact that breasts are all different shapes, with volume in different places, and seem to be especially useless as they get into bigger cup sizes where support becomes more important.

blue_monkey_2

scotsgirl wrote: »

I find some of the tape measure charts quite funny - there are various versions online, it may have improved recently, but i remember a few years ago when i was trying to figure out my size after weight loss and various charts, using same measurements, came up with everything from a 34c,dd,f right up to a 38b! (when i was a 30g, lol)

I think they seem to be ok for more regular sizes, but they don't seem to account for the fact that breasts are all different shapes, with volume in different places, and seem to be especially useless as they get into bigger cup sizes where support becomes more important.

Absolutely right scotsgirl, this is why it is important to try on. The best advice I can give to be honest is to go somewhere that carry many different brands and styles of bra, I can only wear a couple of types of bra, I sell around 50 in my size but can only wear a few different styles as none of the others fit properly. As for plunge bras, not even going there, I fall out before I've got them done up.

Buying a bra should not be something you do in a spare half an hour in your lunch hour you should specifically go out to get this done somewhere like John Lewis or Debenahams. I do fittings for local ladies here if they ask (word of mouth and all that) as there is nowhere to do it around here unless you travel 20-30 miles into the city. There is not even an independant locally but I do get tired of ladies coming to see me in the wrong size because M&S do not have something to fit them so sell them anything.

The thing is, once you have been measured and are in a bra that fits you'll feel as though someone has a hold of your spine and is pulling you upright, it really does make a huge, huge difference to your look and your posture as you will find that your boobs are supported and your shoulders are pulled back. A lot of ladies with back ache have that because they are slumped over because they are in the wrong size. But you have to find the bra that is right for you. If every bra fitted everyone the same way then would would be having this discussion but please do not buy it because you love the colour or style, make sure it fits else it is a false economy. A good, well fitted, branded bra will last you 2-3 years (if your size does not change) if you look after it and hand wash it. I've only just replaced some Tango II I bought in January 2007 for a holiday!!

And hand wash the bras. It is a pain but they'll last much longer if you give them lots of TLC!!

And don't ignore the nude coloured bras, they do not look 'all that' but they go with anything!! I have more nude than white and always wear a nude t-shirt with a white short of t-shirt as they do not show through. White does!!