Do you REALLY know your bra size?

PinkLipgloss

After putting it off for ages (as I had heard bad reports about inaccuracies in numerous large stores) I finally got professionally measured in small independent shop in Stirling.

I thought (as mum had told me ) that I was a 36" - turns out I'm a 30" :eek:

PLUS I underestimated my cup size by 4 sizes :eek:

What an incredible difference to my overall look having correctly fitted underwear - I highly recommend a professional fitting!

Very MSE as well since its a waste of money buying ill fitting undies!

The very knowledgeable owner told me its wise to get re-measured every year as cup sizes can change depending on weight etc.

dmg24

Yep, I check my size regularly (though don't need a professional fitting anymore) ... So what size did you think you were, and what size are you really?

ERICS_MUM

I used to have real probs with bras and never found a brand that fitted properly. I read somewhere that most woman should go down a back size and up one or two cup sizes. It worked perfectly for me and I can now wear the same size in any brand / high street store range.

An uncomfortable bra can be hell :eek:

sindygirl58

I always avoided cheap bras, til i found a bril one in matalan which pushes in and up in one go!!
You cant be sure of the same size fitting in all ranges in any store, always try them on.

ellay864

I have had back problems since I had an accident at the age of 13 (am now 45). In the last year I started having more problems - showing as arm pain but a physio told me it was all postural related and worked on my back. She worked on my back and it did help. But at the same time I also checked my bra size, I'd also totally got the cup wrong, had just kept buying bigger sizes (ie 34 to 36) as I put on weight. When I got a properly fitted bar my back pain eased so quickly it was unbelievable
Only word of caution is that where you get measured can make a difference. I've seen numerous bad reviews of store bra fitters - M&S have come in for a lot of criticism. Bravissimo seem quite good. Figleaves have a video if you cant get to a decent store for fitting
http://www.figleaves.com/uk/fitting_room.asp?cat=234

glowgirl_2

I agree with getting properly measured but how do you get round the differing sizes in shops?, realistically I don't think you would buy from just one outlet unless of course you need specialist bras for those of us who don't getting measured is mainly a guide line and you have try before you buy taking sizes either side of what you think you are into the changing room, which is just a pain also I have been measured as the same size in M&S and La Senza but trying on that size in M&S fitted but the lost its shape after a few washes and the size was far too small in La Senza, so what to do?:oDon't even get me started on buying bras online:rotfl:

PinkLipgloss

glowgirl wrote: »

I agree with getting properly measured but how do you get round the differing sizes in shops?

The woman in the shop I got measured in mentioned that your size can change slightly depending on colour and brand. She mentioned that purple and black in bras can "pull in" the material during manufacturing and, thus, you can find yourself getting a slightly bigger size in those colours.

She checked the bras I picked in her shop (she had a range of brands) to ensure they fitted correctly. Whilst doing this she showed me how to check they fit correctly so that if I go to another shop I won't get the wrong size. When you pull the bra at the back it should have a slight bit of give and not feel too tight. If the material sags a bit at the top of the cup then your cup size is wrong, and the strap should sit perfectly against the skin above your cup (if there is a gap your cup size is wrong).

PinkLipgloss

ellay864 wrote: »

Only word of caution is that where you get measured can make a difference. I've seen numerous bad reviews of store bra fitters - M&S have come in for a lot of criticism.

I heard exactly same comments from numerous friends. Bizarre really - you'd think these places would be the experts?

On a completely unrelated note - I just noticed you're getting married on my birthday! LOL!

_Mia__2

PinkLipgloss - what was the name of the shop you visited? I need sized (never been done before :eek:) but I'm put off by the M&S/BHS/Debehams horror stories. I'd be very appreciative (is that a word?) if you could let me know.

*plans shopping trip to Stirling *

littlerat

I measure about 4 back sizes bigger than I wear - could be due to being bigger though, however the measured correct size will quite literally fall off me!

Unfortunately style can make a difference in size needed. I still find the best way is to try a few and work out what's comfy - surely it's common sense that if 1 is digging in or falling off the back size is too big, and if only 1/2 your boob fits in the cup, upsize on that

PinkLipgloss

Mia,

I can't remember its name - I've texted my mate to ask her and will post when she replies.

It's absolutely nothing to look at - looks kind of like a "granny" shop from the outside which put me off. However, it came highly recommended so I decided to give it a go with no regrets. Highly professional staff and great selection of brands/styles.

Coming from Stirling Train Station direction, you walk right the way up through the Arcade (located opposite McDonalds) , leave the arcade and its the first shop on your right as you come out.

Let me know how you get on,

Lipgloss