how many bra's?

blue_monkey_2

HannahIOW wrote: »

blue_monkey, is there an accurate way I can measure myself at home? I really don't feel comfortable with being measured in a shop. I would like to buy some new bras online. If as you say every shop measures differently then is there a certain way to measure for La Senza, Figleaves etc for example? I've also found that different styles of bra in the same size fit differently, is that normal? Bras are so confusing lol.

Hi Hannah,

You can but you need a good variety of sizes to try them on.

The band must fit straight around the back and not ride up at all. Lift your boob up and run a finger from underneath your boobs around your back - this is where the band should fit. It should be snug but not too tight, you should be able to get a clenched fist between your back and the band.

The cup should cup all the tissue and not be spilling over anywhere. Different boobs fit into different styles so this can be confusing too. It is hard but once you have been FITTED you will know in the future what to look for in a good fitted bra. The wires should not be digging in under your arms, this indicated that the cup is not 'cupping'. It could be the style you are wearing does not suit your body shape.

The great thing about buying online is that you can try them on for 15 minutes because what feels good for 1 minute might start to feel uncomfortable after 15.

There is a fitting guide on youtube if you need more help.

blue_monkey_2

Sunshine12 wrote: »

I wish you lived in Scotland. Ive never found anywhere that does it right. Im sure I wear the wrong cup and the wrong back size. My boobs sometimes ache and Im sure its because of the bras I wear. Shall go and see some of the places you suggested and hopefully that will sort me out!!

It sounds silly but the thing I'd love to do is go to shopping centres around the country giving advice. While there are lots of shops why they do not have someone outside offering basic advice is beyond me.

The thing I love is when someone comes to me feeling depressed about themselves and how they look and them being fitted into a bra that lifts everything up and makes them look and feel 10 times better. Because it so makes a difference. I just get a buzz from making people feel good.

Oh dear, I sound a bit of a freak now I guess.

blue_monkey_2

And now they do swimsuits with actual bras inside I hate going swimming or to the beach because people wear such badly fitted suits. Best not get started on that.

HannahIOW

Thanks blue_monkey when I was 'measured' at La Senza a couple of years ago I was told I was a 30DD, so ordered some online eventually in that size and none of them fit lol. I don't think she measured me very well - I was wearing a bra which didn't fit properly, she just got a tape measure under my bust then looked at me and said 'Hmm try 30DD'. The one she brought in fit ok, but felt a little tight... maybe because I'm used to wearing bras which are too big? I don't have big boobs but they aren't tiny either, I wear gel filled ones every day. They really don't feel comfy so something's not right. Unless I stand stark upright like a soldier, some of the cup is empty if you get what I mean?

Wondering whether I should order a variety of sizes online and then send back whichever doesn't fit... is it possible to be one size in one style of bra, and another size in a different style?

blue_monkey_2

HannahIOW wrote: »

blue_monkey, is there an accurate way I can measure myself at home? I really don't feel comfortable with being measured in a shop. I would like to buy some new bras online. If as you say every shop measures differently then is there a certain way to measure for La Senza, Figleaves etc for example? I've also found that different styles of bra in the same size fit differently, is that normal? Bras are so confusing lol.

Hi again Hannah, I missed a bit. Yes, entirely normal I am afraid. You'll find a style that suits you and you have to tend to stick to it. They sre designed differently because women have different shaped breasts and all need something different.

Again, think shoes.

High street stores such as La Senza, M&S, Evans, Next, Tesco, Asda, Matalan, BHS and Primark make their own bras, they can use what sizing they like, there is not really any standard to adhere to.

You need to find somewhere that sells brands made by different companies - this would be a huge department store, Bravissimo, Mail Order (such as Very) or an Independant retailer - because the bras are pretty much made to the same size but maybe with some variation depending on the style of bra. If a bra is badly fitting (and some are!!) I will not sell them to people and let them waste their money.

I had one customer come to me and I ordered 30 bras in her new fitted size and just one fitted her correctly and right to give her the right shape.

Always put your clothes back on over your new bra to see how it looks with clothing because you might be happy with how it sits ovwer the clothes that you wear. This is important too.

Make-it-3

From what I see here ladies are either seduced by cheap prices (Primark) or fancy sets, which is why the vast majority of women are walking around in ill-fitting underwear.

It's a shame boobies aren't treated with more respect.

blue_monkey_2

HannahIOW wrote: »

Thanks blue_monkey when I was 'measured' at La Senza a couple of years ago I was told I was a 30DD, so ordered some online eventually in that size and none of them fit lol. I don't think she measured me very well - I was wearing a bra which didn't fit properly, she just got a tape measure under my bust then looked at me and said 'Hmm try 30DD'. The one she brought in fit ok, but felt a little tight... maybe because I'm used to wearing bras which are too big? I don't have big boobs but they aren't tiny either, I wear gel filled ones every day. They really don't feel comfy so something's not right. Unless I stand stark upright like a soldier, some of the cup is empty if you get what I mean?

Wondering whether I should order a variety of sizes online and then send back whichever doesn't fit... is it possible to be one size in one style of bra, and another size in a different style?

Yes, this is normal too. I'd always get someone to try on a few in the same size, not just the one. As I mentioned abbove I had one customer and only 1 bra in the 40 I ordered fitted her.

If it does not feel right then it's not right. Is there a reason for wearing gel bras can I ask? You just need a bra with more structure underneath that lifts everything up.

If you have been wearing a bra that does not fit for a long time then yes it will feel tight (I had bruised ribs for 3 weeks when going from non-wired nursing bra to underwired bra - but it was sooo worth it!!) however, if you are not comfortable with how it is fitted then I would advise to wear go up one band size for 4 weeks and then get re-fitted and get the bras in your fitted size so it is gradual.

Remember, band should be snug, if too lose go down a size (or more depending on how loose).

Cup should 'cup' your breast and not be overflowing. Put yourself into the bra by leaning over and then doing it up.

Then scoop and sweep everything from the sides into the cup!! When wearing the wrong size the tissue spreads out so by scopping it back into the cup you will be filling it with the tissue you need to.

blue_monkey_2

Make-it-3 wrote: »

From what I see here ladies are either seduced by cheap prices (Primark) or fancy sets, which is why the vast majority of women are walking around in ill-fitting underwear.

It's a shame boobies aren't treated with more respect.

I used to run a market stall, I sold discontinued undies from Panache, Freya, etc... I was doing fine until Primark came to town. Suddenly no-one wanted to pay £10 for a Freya bra, they wanted to pay £4 at Primark. I'd get people looking and someone else would be over their shoulder saying 'that is £4 in Primark'.

I then decided that it was not worth the bother going into the cold. I used to love what I was gdoing but it is all about pricing for some people and yes Primark may be cheap but after 1 month it'll be going into the bin and you'll need to spend another £4 as the elastic has gone. I expect to get 2 years wear out of my bras and yes, they cost £25 but £4 a month for 24 months is almost £100 on bras for 2 years when I am spending £25 for a bra that lasts 2 years.

And hand washing, they'll last longer. Yes it is pain but chuck them in to soak overnight and then let them drip dry over the bath or something.

People only care about price tags these days and the cheaper the better. The thing is you can get cheaper but it seems still not to be good enough for some people.

It is like buying £5 shoes that break after 3 wears and you chuck them in the bin then go out and buy some more £5 shoes.

Lotus-eater

Make-it-3 wrote: »

It's a shame boobies aren't treated with more respect.

Ah, um, but..... I .....


Ahem, in India they have whole shrines that are covered in breasts.

So I've read or somethingy, I don't go there to worship or anything like that..........

HannahIOW

blue_monkey wrote: »

Is there a reason for wearing gel bras can I ask?

To make them look more to be honest lol