Do you REALLY know your bra size?

Sharon87

My last trip to Bravissimo I got fitted. One of the bras (Panache I think) dig into my skin. I remember coming back from a long shift and the bra had cut into my skin slightly! It also dug into my armpit when I was sitting down. Now I'm a short person, with large boobs (HH), and a bit extra weight round the middle, but underneath measure about 33-34 inches. It's so hard to find bras that fit my boobs and shape, especially with ones where I can do the strap up tight, as my shoulders are small.

I need to go get measured again soon, although might put it off as I'm planning on losing weight, and trying to keep it off lol, so things may change slightly (doubt the cup size will, that has never reduced grr)

MrsBartolozzi

LilacPixie wrote: »

interesting thread. I'm pregnant and bras i previously considered comfortable now are not. I have tried debenhams, M&S and lasenza and TBH none impressed me. Around the back I measure 34 and have bras is sizes from a 36DD to a 40E. TBH I am at the stage where i now want to just throw out the lot and start again. Cup wise I need 2 hands to cover all breast tissue so i think both bits are wrong. I need to find an old lady bra shop i think

Lilac Pixie, there used to be a really good bra shop in Broughty Ferry - a woman working from her home, IIRC she also specialised in Maternity/BF bras.
Now if only I could remember the name...
Maybe you ask around.

GracieP

Yup, just before I turned 17 my breasts started to grow with a vengeance. In the space of a few months I went from a 30A to a 32DD. So I was very careful to keep myself measured and wearing the right bra, even though back then it was hard to get anything in those sizes that didn't make the words INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH scream in your brain when you looked at them. And they cost a fortune.

Since then I grew at a steady pace over the next few years. I'm now a 32F, though I have some 32FFs that I need in the days before and at the start of my period.

donnac2558

blue_monkey wrote: »

I've put some comments red it break it down a bit. The bra you are wearing is going to make a difference to my reply on sizing so I shall wait for that. You definately need a balcony cup bra - are you wearing a full cup bra at the moment. There are very few smooth cupped bras in an H up cup to be honest, they do not give the support you need.

If you are finding the 34HH too loose around the back I would suggest giving the 32 a try. However, this *could* mean going up to a J cup I am afraid - as if the HH cup fits you still need the same volume in the cup. The reason it feels there is no much support is because the band is not giving you the support it should, the cup still needs to hold the same size boob. There are some gorgeous bras in J cup, again Pollyanna - give that a try. I would avoid a full cup bra and all of the Fantasie bras in a J cup are full cup, so I would consider moving to Fantasie who sell mainly Balcony or Balcony plunge shaped cups in a J cup. Have you tried the Panache Tango II?

Hi Blue Monkey.

Right the Fantastie one which is my total fav and yes it is full cup.

0993NL this style only came in a H or HH cup and is so comfortable. But I was told they are no longer making it.

The other Fantastie which is on the tightest hooks now and starting to feel a little looser is.

6301 SU

The Panache which is too big in the cups now is a Tango Superbra size 36 J and 4801 O/N 8796BV. Now that one takes a while to break in as the Panache always rub my rib cage

borderlakland

Can anyone reecommend a decent bra shop in North norfolk (can get to norwich occaisionaly) as would love to see what a decent bra fitter is like. was fitted in la senza recently and found them far better than m&s but still not 100% happy with the fit after a few hours of wearing.

blue_monkey_2

MrsBartolozzi wrote: »

Lilac Pixie, there used to be a really good bra shop in Broughty Ferry - a woman working from her home, IIRC she also specialised in Maternity/BF bras.
Now if only I could remember the name...
Maybe you ask around.

Damn, I only just read that you said you was pregnant, I missed that bit.

Freya make a good couple of maternity bras. HOWEVER, buy them a band size bigger than you are now and wear it on the LAST hook, not the first. As your bump expands you'll them have room to take the bra out.

And get your nurding bras 1-2 weeks before your due date. Baby will 'drop' and you'll have a greater indication of your band size at this date, before this you'll not get a near enough measurement.

blue_monkey_2

donnac2558 wrote: »

Hi Blue Monkey.

Right the Fantastie one which is my total fav and yes it is full cup.

0993NL this style only came in a H or HH cup and is so comfortable. But I was told they are no longer making it.

The other Fantastie which is on the tightest hooks now and starting to feel a little looser is.

6301 SU

The Panache which is too big in the cups now is a Tango Superbra size 36 J and 4801 O/N 8796BV. Now that one takes a while to break in as the Panache always rub my rib cage

I KNEW you was going to say it was that bra, it is called Speciality and that is right, they are no longer making it. If you drop me a PM though I can see if they have any left, I'll ask on Monday, it's no bother.

And also the 6301, Serenitiy. Not the best bra at all for the larger breast to be honest with you. The lace cups are not very supportive.

I would try a 34HH and see how this fits. If you have trouble finding something, please PM me, I am sure I can find you something.

plainsie

blue_monkey Thanks for the advice. Will let you know how I get on. x

blue_monkey_2

borderlakland wrote: »

Can anyone reecommend a decent bra shop in North norfolk (can get to norwich occaisionaly) as would love to see what a decent bra fitter is like. was fitted in la senza recently and found them far better than m&s but still not 100% happy with the fit after a few hours of wearing.

Where in Norfolk are you? There is one in Holt, Dereham and Hunstanton. Hope this link works: http://www.yell.com/ucs/UcsSearchAction.do?startAt=10&keywords=lingerie&location=norfolk&scrambleSeed=26106563&ssm=1&searchType=advance&startOoaAt=1&showOoa=10&ppcStartAt=0&pageNum=2

MrsBartolozzi

I noticed someone else had a problem with Asda's bras.
I have big boobs and was surprised to see Asda did bras up to a J cup, so I thought I'd try a nice purple one on.
I've been fitted at Bravissimo and I'm a 34HH/36H depending on style/make etc. I took a 34hh and a 36 H into the fitting room and neither fitted! I could get them around me iykwim, but the wires are too small!! The J,HH and H cups are the same diameter/curve at the bottom, but the HH and J go right up into the armpit, even the D is little different (it's a bit difficult to describe, the only noticable difference between a D and the J is really the amount of material in the cup, and the J wire goes up higher). It's a bit like a glass holding 250ml and another, same diameter, but taller that holds 400ml.
Is this right? My boobs are neither pert nor firm, but whenever I've tried bras on in the past (even before I was properly fitted) I could squish myself into an F or a G so I don't think it's me (but it could be). I only have my bras to look at at home, so couldn't compare to see if there should be a difference, but I can't help thinking these are badly designed and not really the cupsize they claim to be.
I'd welcome a professional opinion Blue Monkey, thanks.