Ladies - help me find a good bra!

*max*

Nicki wrote: »

Isn't it the other way round? When the bra is brand new it should be tight on the loosest setting (ie the hook nearest the end of the back strap). As you wear and wash the bra it stretches and you move to tighter settings so you end up eventually using the hook furthest from the end of the back band.

Yes, that's what I was thinking too. Makes more sense!

theoretica

meritaten wrote: »

No, if you are wearing the correct size bra, then when it is new it should be on its tightest setting. this is what my DD was told and my mum says the same, and she worked in corsetry.

Well, either they have access to more different size bras than I do or they didn't let size 35 women into the shop! I don't disagree that it is ideal if you can find a bra which fits new on its loosest setting - I do disagree that all women can do so. When I grow I don't do it 2 inches at a time.

maman

thorsoak wrote: »

Rigby & Peller (see http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/rigby-peller) in London are absolutely great - I have a friend who is, to put it kindly, very large - 46GG - and she was absolutely fed up with the back-ache and looking like a "sack of potatoes" as she put it. Her OH decided that she needed a treat and got an appointment for bra fitting. She loved it! She was fitted with many different bras - all different sizes funnily enough - and now looks amazing.

Doesn't help OP but I was in Guildford last week and noticed Rigby & Peller now have a branch there.

I'd second going to an independent shop that specialises in measuring.

KatieDee

In my experience. Bravissimo are absolutely awful. They may have improved since (I haven't been back there in a few years) but when they measured me, they said I was a 36HH (I'm not) and advised they didn't have anything in store that would fit me! Far too expensive as well, and the bras (in my opinion) aren't even that nice to look at. For a shop that provides lingerie purely for the bigger bust, I think they're a huge disappointment.

Afterwards, I gave up on bra shopping for awhile and just wore what would fit. After going for another property measurement, I was told I had a back size of 34 and a much smaller cup size than Bravissimo told me. I've also tried the new size on and they fit absolutely perfectly. It frustrated me that bras are literally all they're trained to do but they got it so wrong and even then, couldn't provide anything that would fit. It made me feel terrible at the time!

I would recommend Freya without a moments thought. I fell in love with the brand after losing the will to live while bra shopping. I saw a pretty design, tried it on and instantly felt comfortable for the first time ever while wearing a bra. They're not cheap but not overly expensive...the Debenhams Gorgeous range are a good alternative (or just wait until they're on sale and stock up!).

As with all bras, I'd go and try them on first. What I love most about Freya is that their sizes are absolutely on the mark...doesn't matter whether I'm buying a moulded cup, half cup, strapless...the sizes are all the same. I've even got some things from their swim range and those too, are brilliant.

Never got on with Curvy Kate...I found their sizes to be a bit all over the place and their bras to be uncomfortable. The material also feels a bit cheap to me but they can be good value (always on offer on some online bra stores) and again, some people I know love them!

Bra shopping is honestly one of the most frustrating things to do, second to shopping for jeans. Everybody is different so it's impossible for manufacturers to design a bra that just fits everybody (other than those one with no cups that look a bit like a crop top!). It's a matter of finding a brand that suits you and staying loyal forever.

Good luck!

madrhino

I think you definitely need a bra fitting. If your boobs fall out of the bra your cup is probably too small and the back too big. I too recommend Bravissimo, but if it's too much hassle getting there, go to John Lewis for a fitting, unfortunately they don't do a lot of pretty bras in larger sizes. They will put you in bras and see what fits you as that's the best way to bra fit. Once you know your size you could order loads of different styles from Bravissimo online and try them on at home. They have one postage price no matter how much you order (£3.95 I think) and free returns.
I reiterate what others have said about not going to M & S for a fitting. In mine and several friends experience they put you in a bra they have in stock and say it fits you, even if it doesn't.
Good luck. Big boobs can be a burden

madrhino

For an everyday plainish bra I recommend Panache Tango balconette. It lasts for ages and keeps it shape, so your boobs stay out front

miss_scrooge

Triumph bras are very good and most comftable I've worn they sell them in all different shops not just Triumph.The worst bras I've had was in Debenhams the Gorgeous range so uncomftable and cheaply made.

bugslet

Another not a fan of Bravissimo, partly because their choice in a 40G is ( or wasn't last time I looked) that great.

A friend of mine runs a lingerie business and sent me ( bless her!), 6 bras from the German brand Ulla. I can't believe that I've waited to the age of 49 to be really happy with a bra - they are absolutely fantastic. I think Ample Bosom sell them.

If you aren't sure of your size though, I'd go to an independent lingerie shop, they are usually pretty good at fitting and suggesting a make for your shape.

celyn90

Tommelise wrote: »

I am a 42 DD - 42 E I highly recommend the Belgian Brand Prima Donna: http://www.primadonna.eu/en/content/collection

Me too - they are wonderful. Rigby and Peller sell them.

I would defientely get measured/fitted at Rigby and Peller if you can get to one. Sizes do vary depending on style and manufacturer, so try all of them on before you buy them and don't stick to any one size. I tend to think of my size (34HH) as a starting point, then try on ones around that size until I get a good fit.

I went to this place a few weeks ago (Eveden Ltd. The Corsetry Factory, Rothwell Road, Desborough, Northants, NN14 2PG) and they were great. It is a factory shop, so it looks a bit like a shed on the main road outside the factory gates, but I saved a fortune and they do fittings as well They have an outlet part on their website too:

http://www.leialingerie.com/outlet/search.aspx

notanewuser

My bridal lingerie was from Ulla.

Re the recommended brands above: Freya are quite large in the band - if you're a 34 elsewhere you'll need a 32 with them. Panache have very long wires and can cause quite a lot of damage to delicate underarms (I have the scars to prove it).