Do you REALLY know your bra size?

Alizarin

I want to thank everyone on this thread for giving me the push to finally go and get properly measured at the weekend :beer:

I've always measured myself before using methods I found on the internet and always come up as a 34AA - which I've never thought was right because I'm not that small! So I went to Debenhams and the lady there was really nice and helpful and definitely knew what she was doing. And it turns out I'm a 32D! :j So I went into M&S and stocked up on 5 new bras of the correct size using a voucher I got for my birthday.

I feel a lot more comfy today and it's done wonders for my body image - now instead of being embarrassed by my tiny AA cups, I'm proud of my Ds!

charlie-chan

Based on this thread, I will definitely have to go to Debenhams now to get measured.

I am a 34A (love my size so no problem there ) but when I went to La Senza to get a bra fitting, the fitter got me to try on a bra that made my bust look "3 times bigger." It was horrible because one of my boobs are slightly bigger and it threatened to pop out. I didn't buy it.

I did buy some bras from Debenhams in 34A but they are slightly tight and I have to use an extender. Maybe I have to go up a size?

Thank you for all your help BlueMonkey

Bronnie

chocolateteddy wrote: »

I always go to Bravissimo...........................
.
I spent an hour and a half with a lovely fitter and came away with a list of makes and models that fitted and one new freya bra. I then went on ebay and purchased 2 which I knew would fit. I do find that a sports bra is a slighty different size. but I am now more confident and buy fitted tops now I have the right size bra on.

I have done this too, but I will also always make a purchase from Bravissimo, when they have fitted me. I do think this is only fair, especially as their staff are so endlessly helpful and patient. The cost of the fitting is built into the price of their bras, which is why online retailers can undercut. If we want the advantage of such a great service, we do need to support the businesses that provide it.

blue_monkey_2

I am glad all of you ladies aregetting fitted corrently now It's what I like to hear. Alizarin, this happens so often, it is so easy to wear the wrong size, I am pleased you are now wearing the correct size.

However, I have come for a rant so hope no-one minds.... I fitted a lady a few weeks ago and she was a 38HH. I said she might find it tight to start with so suggested a 40, she stayed with the 38 but called me and I said I'd get some 40's and do a home visit for another fitting. Just had her on the phone now as she was passing Evans and wanted a new bra while waiting for mine, they persuaded her to have a fitting and sized her at.... 46F. !!!!!!! I've been on their website and they do not even sell the size she is so they have sold her anything to get a sale. I am furious. This is why these high street stores annoy me so much. Arghhhhh!!!! Rant over and sorry.

charlie-chan

blue_monkey wrote: »

I am glad all of you ladies aregetting fitted corrently now It's what I like to hear. Alizarin, this happens so often, it is so easy to wear the wrong size, I am pleased you are now wearing the correct size.

However, I have come for a rant so hope no-one minds.... I fitted a lady a few weeks ago and she was a 38HH. I said she might find it tight to start with so suggested a 40, she stayed with the 38 but called me and I said I'd get some 40's and do a home visit for another fitting. Just had her on the phone now as she was passing Evans and wanted a new bra while waiting for mine, they persuaded her to have a fitting and sized her at.... 46F. !!!!!!! I've been on their website and they do not even sell the size she is so they have sold her anything to get a sale. I am furious. This is why these high street stores annoy me so much. Arghhhhh!!!! Rant over and sorry.

I am so sorry to hear that! Rant as much as you like, you are an expert after all.

Some people just need to learn first hand eh? We can't tell them what to do

Pennylane

I had my very first visit to Bravissimo on Saturday and came away with a beautifully fitting and very comfy bra.

The assistant was very young (with hardly any bust herself!) but was very patient and thorough and knew her job.

I would definitely go there again.

I have been fitted in the past at various shops but as we all know a 38C (for example) in one make will not fit at all well in another make so it really is very much a guessing game.

System

blue_monkey-thanks for the advice

I went into Evans yesterday and...came out with a pretty new bra! It firts perfectly* and i'm already noticing a difference!

They do bigger sizes and go up to a 50 back size so good for those of us on the larger side!

*didn't get fitted there, got fitted elsewhere!

foreign_correspondent

What a good thread - I was looking for bra fitting guides online, then I foiund this here! If in doubt look on MSE!:cool:

I'm confused by this adding 4" to the band size thing... last year, I went to John Lewis and got measured as a 38G, which fitted nicely (I had been wearing a 42DD for years!:o)

Since getting measured I've lost about 3 stone, and my bra band is now riding up at the back, but the cups still fit nicely... I just measured round my ribs and it is 33-34"... (boobs are still 44") if I add 4" to the actual underbust measurement, it makes the band size 38", which seems too loose now... is it because the elastic has loosened, or should I try a 36" band?

blue_monkey_2

Hi FC, welcome to our thread and many congrats for the weight loss!!

What brand and bra are you wearing now? It is just probably because you have lost the weight around your ribcage, not because the band has loosened. As fitters we tend not to use the 4" rule now. I know most brochures will tell you to add 4 or 5" but I have never added this many inches onto someone I have fitted, it just does not work.

So, if the cup on the bra you are wearing still fits try a 36GG. If the band is still riding up - in some brands you might find the 36 too loose - then try a 34H. If you are finding the cup is too big in that band size, keep the band size the same but move move down a cup size. (so a 36GG is too big in the cup, try 36G).

If you PM me I have some cheap past season bras on my website in both sizes from Panache, Freya, Fantasie, etc... or I can point you in the right direction for something you are after if there is nothing you like.

foreign_correspondent

cool, currently wearing a 38G but finding the back is riding up a little... anything smaller on the cups would cause overspillage though.

I have some freya bras, and they fit well, but they do tend to give me pointy boobs, which I'm not that keen on... I have seen others say the same thing... Bravissimo own brand seem to be less pointy, and I have a nice Debenhams 'gorgeous' one too, I will pm you actually just in case you have anything suitable!