We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

bra size measurement... help.

Options
1235718

Comments

  • Bargain_Rzl
    Bargain_Rzl Posts: 6,254 Forumite
    But that's just it, Lakshmi. When we were first "developing" we were all taught to use this formula, but the majority of us find that the size it gives us is waaaaay different from the size of bra we can actually buy that will fit. You'd think it should - i.e. you'd think that bra manufacturers would actually try to make bras that conform to the sizing standards you've quoted - but it just isn't the case. What most women find is that too much of the circumference of the bra is made up of the band, and not enough of it is in the cups. So somebody like me, who's about a 36DD based on the above formula, ends up taking a 32G because it's constructed in the right proportions to mean the cups contain the whole breast.

    My theory is that the formula was devised based on boobs being attached to one's front, without taking into account that the breast tissue actually starts somewhere under the arms :confused:

    I'm never getting fitted using a tape measure again...

    (P.S. Your memory of the formula misses out the "add 4 if it's an even number and 5 if it isn't", which always used to confuse me when I was younger ;))
    :)Operation Get in Shape :)
    MURPHY'S NO MORE PIES CLUB MEMBER #124
  • scotsgirl_3
    scotsgirl_3 Posts: 1,618 Forumite
    SinKitty wrote: »
    I have tried the measurement techniques listed and the sites, as well as numerous other sites but each gives me drastically different measurements. My mum wants to drag me along to get properly fitted but I am really quite self concious about my body, is there another way asides from trying on endless amounts of bras? If someone could help with something that is more accurate than the sites i have been trauling through it would be much appreciated :) ty

    You really should go somewhere good to get a fitting. I have compared my measurements to these charts and get some ridiculous results, including one saying that a 30gg should be wearing a 36b!

    A fitting is not nearly as scary as it sounds. Somewhere like Bravissimo, John Lewis and I think Debenhams will start by just looking at the bra you are wearing, maybe feel how loose or tight the back is, ask what size that is, and work from there. They'll bring others in that they think should fit and get you to try it - and in my experience they always ask if you want to be left alone to try it on, so you never need to let them see you bra - less if you aren't comfortable. Once you have had a really good fitting you will come away with an understanding of how a bra should fit you, which will make buying them in future a lot easier.

    If you really aren't comfortable with this, then have a look at the Bravissimo website - they have a very good fitting section including a video clip which goes through a fitting. You can then evaluate your own bra compared to this and see where you think you might be going wrong. From there, its to the shops and try on some different bras.

    I really would suggest a fitting though, it is worth it and most women look much better once they are wearing the correct size.
  • i went to bravissimo on the advice of a friend, i went in as a 34D and the girl told me i ws 30F, i thought this didnt sound right but tried one on and it felt quite comfy so i brought it (and it wasnt cheap) couple of days later i wear it to work, by the time i got home 9hrs later i was in agony, when i peeled the bra OUT of my flesh i had deep bruised indents, i took it back to complain but got no where so was left with a very pretty but unwearable bra. i'll stick with john lewis and thier trusty tape measures.

    oh and the girl that 'measured' me just went straight for the ok top and bra off and lets see them approach so not the best if you are shy. all seemed quite young as well so older ladies may feel more comfortable with john lewis.
  • ebaybaby
    ebaybaby Posts: 873 Forumite
    Can anyone tell me is it unwise for an under 16 year old to wear an underwired bra?
    This is the advice Ive been given for my DD from a well known store, who said it will damage the breast tissue.
    Ive never heard of this before ?
  • blue_monkey_2
    blue_monkey_2 Posts: 11,435 Forumite
    Hi, yes I can help and yes, it is true and I always told teens buying from me the same (not that they want to listen of course)

    But..... if she is a larger size then it would be unwise for her to not wear a good supportive bra as this will also damage the breast tissue. Can you tell me her size (pm me if you need to) and I'll see if I can help with more advice.

    The same is to be said for pregnant women so make sure you have a good and supportive non-wired bras - sports bras are very good non wired and supportive. (nag nag and all that, LOL)
  • Dill
    Dill Posts: 1,743 Forumite
    I haven't heard of this before, ebaybaby.
    Maybe the reasoning behind it is that at such a young age they're likely to change shape or outgrow a bra much more quickly, so there's be more chance of it ending up fitting incorrectly or digging in, which might cause problems :confused:

    But normally if a bra fits properly the underwires should sit against the ribcage and not dig in to the breast, so it shouldn't damage the breast tissue.
  • dmg24
    dmg24 Posts: 33,920 Forumite
    10,000 Posts
    The wired/ non wired argument is not the most important factor, as blue_monkey has said support is much more relevant.

    At 16 I had to wear an underwired bra because I just could not find a good enough non wired one (both in terms of support and appearance). I was fitted at Rigby and Peller, so have no doubt that the fitting/ advice was excellent. I am very large 'up top' but still relatively pert a good few years later! x
    Gone ... or have I?
  • blue_monkey_2
    blue_monkey_2 Posts: 11,435 Forumite
    I forgot to ask, please can you tell me how old your DD is.

    Back after I've got the kids to bed.
  • MrsTinks
    MrsTinks Posts: 15,238 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Name Dropper
    I wore underwired long before I was 16 (albeit YEARS of wearing the wrong size....) as a 32GG then I can't find a decent (pretty) bra that fits and doesn't have wires whether I want them or not!
    I think the important thing is makign sure they fit and whilst she's growing then take her back to say Bravissimo every 6 months to be refitted. They're very good and have a good selection :)
    DFW Nerd #025
    DFW no more! Officially debt free 2017 - now joining the MFW's! :)

    My DFW Diary - blah- mildly funny stuff about my journey
  • Ephemera
    Ephemera Posts: 1,604 Forumite
    I'm surprised more of the men haven't put their offers in yet.... I'm sure there are plenty that consider themselves bra fitting, if not removing, experts...! :0)
    If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got.



This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 257.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.