Ladies - help me find a good bra!

DomRavioli

Hi OP,

I'm cursed with a 32J; I get mine online usually from Gossard and Freya. The gossard ones, always get a full cup (why they make plunge bras for my size I will never know!); you can get bravissimo ones off ebay brand new for half the price as they are last season's colours. Ive only had one from there, it was lovely but the underwires were murder (I've thrown it otherwise I could have given more info).

Debenhams is really good for cheap and cheerful; their t-shirt bras used to fit like a glove (I'm too big for them now) and I think they were around £20 for either a two or three pack.

M&S were awful to me - bad fit, wrong shape and just in every way wrong; I was made to feel like a freak because I'm a young woman with big boobs - the woman who was measuring me asked if they were real (they are) and wouldn't take it that they were real. I left in tears.

Never been to JL for bras (Didn't think they did big sizes) so no idea on that one.

Got my latest sports bra off Amazon for around £15; fits amazingly well.

notanewuser

^^ I'm a JJ and never want a full cup bra, but most in the size are. Bad look when your bra comes above the neckline of your top!

NatMast_2

I do like my chest (probably won't in 20 years time) but I do struggle to find bras. I can find plenty of supportive ones thank to Bravissimo and places like this expanding their range for the big breasted brigade - but has anyone ever had luck finding attractive ones? I see bras advertised and they look fab but as soon as I get them the delicate patterns are just incredibly oversized. I'm not large chested by any means (34F) but I think they look larger on my 5ft 1 frame!

I have this major issue with sports bras too. Even ones that are meant to fit do not stop the jiggling. I use this as a perfect excuse to avoid cardio...

M&S I personally found awful but I know some people find them great. They matched me up to be a 32 back and the bra they put me into was agony, it was crushing me! Yes, my boobs were up to my chin but never again. La Senza was the same for me a few years ago, gave me a tiny 32 back but an H cup?!

I guess each lingerie shop can differ in some way - just make sure you have somewhere that offers a returns policy! Failing this..I risk hit and miss on ebay sometimes. Had some great bargains..but also some awful decisions too! (Double boob is NEVER a good look...)

rach_k

I find M&S hit and miss. The lady who checked fit for me in John Lewis was excellent - they had no slots available for measuring but she said if I picked up some bras she could tell me if they fitted right. I didn't have a clue what size I was (just had a baby) so she looked at me fully clothed, guessed and it was perfect!

I've changed shape since then but found this guide to measuring - http://sameatschildren.tumblr.com/post/45962915522/do-it-now-guide-to-proper-bra-fit-and-measuring - and it works really well. Now I can go into M&S or wherever and check the fit myself Much better as I can bounce up and down, bend over etc in private and re-check the fit properly!

Tuesday_Tenor

(Female tenor, by the way!!)

I used Bravissimo a lot in the past, for a great range of styles.

Now in my mid-fifties and 38J, I find the most supportive bra is the Elila Jacquard one. I started wearing it as a sports bra, the only one I'm prepared to play badminton in ...! Now I wear this style almost all the time. Not the prettiest, but so supportive, and without wiring.

But Bravissimo don't carry this style so I get mine from Ample Bosom, who do a range of makes and styles, including the Ulla ones that other posters have mentioned.
http://www.amplebosom.com

I didn't find the Ample Bosom measuring instructions accurate, so I've stuck with the size I know is right for me.

pimento

miss_scrooge wrote: »

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.

I've owned more than a few bras in my time but have never found a Triumph bra that fits me properly.

LisaLou1982

Another bravissimo fan here - but i also agree that depending on the style of the bra will depend on your sizing.

Quackers1

I'm a Prima Donna convert - the initial outlay isn't MSE but they fit well and last well, so definitely worth a try.

mogwai

I would recommend debenhams and dept store that sells brands like panache or freya. rigby & peller are great for fit and comfort but i always feel a bit matronly when i wear my R&P bras!

I also agree with if you know roughly what size you are, you can buy a few different sizes and try them on at home

Im a 30FF so not huge but I've experienced all sorts of discomfort when it comes to bras so i feel your pain

ps if your boobs are falling out the bottom you need a smaller band, possible a good few sizes smaller

browneyedbazzi

I'd go to bravissimo for a fitting (preferably when a sale is on because they are expensive). Once you've had a proper fitting there with their brands and know the right sizes then keep an eye out for the same brands elsewhere at better prices - debenhams do freya, panache and fantasie I think and sometimes have really good prices in the sales. I've also bought from lingerie-heaven.com in the past (I think they just sell on ebay now).

I do buy some m&s bras as well, but find their sizing very hit and miss so try on the same bra in a few sizes to get the right one. I'd never use their fitting service because I think the bravissimo way makes much more sense and gives a better result.