Correct bra Size and 'big' knickers

scotsgirl_3

For me the trick is learning what a good fit feels like, and knowing what is a kind of reasonable range of sizes. I know that I have bras which fit well in a 28gg, 28h, and 30gg. So I start by trying these, and generally a fitting will land somewhere around these sizes if it is done by someone decent, but it will vary a bit depending on brand and bra eg I have some 30G that fit ok, and in bikinis I will often wear a 32 as I don't like them looking too tight.

However, I know that if I go into my local Marks who like to try sizes like 36dd/e, that this is just plain wrong! The main thing about Braissimo which I like is that they don't tend to just say "oh, your x size" but will take you through each aspect of the bra and explain how it should fit so you know what to look for in future.

I also never buy a bra without trying now, as their can be some considerable inconsistency, even between the same bra but in different colours.

Primrose

I confess to buying a few pairs of "big knickers" which I promise myself I'll shove to the back of the drawer again when I've lost some of my belly and midriffe. (Do 20 sit ups most morning and evenings and it does slowly seem to be working). But what really annoys me is that I never seem to be able to find any briefer pants which arn't high sided. I absolutely hate these things, liking those which tuck neatly into my groin, but do you think I can find any?

iamana1ias

fantasia322 wrote: »

Holy cremoly. Did i have my brasize wrong. Went to M&S today to get properly measured, have been wearing 34b for years and the very helpful lady informs me that I'm a 32c. I was absolutely mortified that I could have got it wrong.

You didn't get it that wrong. It's quite common to drop a back size and increase the cup size for a better fit (the 'volume' in the cup is the same in a 34B and a 32C but in a 32 the wires will be narrower and therefore give better shape )

M&S are probably the worst place for bras though, whatever size you are.

iamana1ias

tandraig wrote: »

just had a look in bra & knicker drawer - my bras range from 32C to 36A ??? I just try them before i buy them and take at least 3 diff sizes into changing room. a lot depends on the style of bra too.

Likewise, 32C, 34B and 36A will have the same 'volume' in the cups, but the amount of elasticity in the band will change the fit

kindofagilr

I love M&S Breifs, they are perfeect size for me, and are £10 for 6 pairs I think, I love them lol

alias123

From reading all the comments, it seems as though Bra sizing in shops is going the same way as clothes sizing. ie people being made to feel smaller (particularly in the back) than they actually are simply because as a nation we're getting bigger. I'm sure that if you were to measure a 34C from ten years ago its probably the same back as a 32D now a days.

pebbles88

alias123 wrote: »

From reading all the comments, it seems as though Bra sizing in shops is going the same way as clothes sizing. ie people being made to feel smaller (particularly in the back) than they actually are simply because as a nation we're getting bigger. I'm sure that if you were to measure a 34C from ten years ago its probably the same back as a 32D now a days.

i think the quote below shows that they are similar sizes anyway. its just that no 2 women at the same size my fit the same bra the same way as they will be slightly different, IYSWIM.

iamana1ias wrote: »

You didn't get it that wrong. It's quite common to drop a back size and increase the cup size for a better fit (the 'volume' in the cup is the same in a 34B and a 32C but in a 32 the wires will be narrower and therefore give better shape )

M&S are probably the worst place for bras though, whatever size you are.

Princess_Jane

I've got two sets of Rigby & Peller and they are lush.

One green and black with briefs and one brown with a thong.

Best fitting bras ever..I wore a 34B as a teen but got properly measured in early 20s when I went with grandma who was buying special mastectomy bras and low and behold one was a 30D.

It's difficult getting bras for ickle backs but Figleaves are good.

PS Hate big knickers..French are nice but not huge belly warmers...and hate hate hate mis-matching knickers and bra.

schoolrunmum

Another thumbs down to M and S from me, and a thumbs up to Bravissimo-went in as a 36C, came out in a 32F!!!!Never looked back since-although they are pricey....

kjmtidea

I am seriously considering going to Bravissimo to get some new bras. I absolutely hate bra shopping because I can never find anything comfortable, at the moment I am wearing m&s t-shirt type bras but I am not sure they are the right size.
I live in Bournemouth and the nearest Bravissimo is in London, might be worth the train trip though if I can get some decent fitted bras!