A new bra - should it be immediately comfortable?

Bargain_Rzl

In response to the original question, which was specifically about comfort - new well-fitting underwired bras will often feel a bit tight in the back and under the arms, especially if you're not used to wearing one that fits properly. But that's as far as the discomfort should go, and it will vanish after a couple of wearings.

I'm a Bravissimo fan myself (am a 32G) and would not get a fitting at M&S if you paid me! I do understand what somebody said about preferring not to be fitted by a twentysomething - is that because of inexperience or because you don't want them to be THAT much more gorgeous than you when you're standing there with your kit off? - I do know what you mean, as I took my mum to get fitted at Bravissimo and although the young woman who did the fitting was extremely good, nice, and professional, she was also seriously stunning, and through no fault of her own, made my fiftysomething mum feel rather self-conscious...

svjenni

re the being shy, I know it seems like a big deal to get measured the ladies that do it do it every single day and if they are any good will soon put you at ease.

There must be a big difference between m+s as the ones i have been to in leeds have both been really good and measured me right. Bravissimo are ok but far too expensive in my book.

Otherwise measure yourself the M+S website shows you where you measure. Breath in and measure. don't be surprised for your back measurement does down significantly and your cup size goes up as this is hat most people get wrong

isitenough

Cheers for all the advice. When I'm feeling really brave I'll try getting measured.
I love mail order as you can try on at your leisure, so I'm sending for sizes in different styles to see what's what! At least you can send them back!

For the measuring, Yes I admit I'd rather it was an older lady rather than a younger lady who probably happens to be prettier/slimmer/*insert any other words you can think of!*
Yes, it shouldn't make any difference if they're good at their job, but it unfortunately does. Plus I'd hope an older lady would have more experience.
I don't go into a lot of designer shops as I see the sales ladies through the windows and see what they look like (normally styled and slim!) and it puts me right off! I'm by no means a fashion conscious person! (jeans, polo shirt & trainers is my regular style!).
As I get older (is 34 old?!) I guess I'm getting more conscious of wearing the right bra.

dmg24

isitenough wrote: »

I'm measuring as a 40B, previously I had 38B which started out pretty comfortable but the back was too high, and the new ones I've tried haven't been that bad, but the material has itched the hell out of me (and don't mention the stitching!). My previous ones were soft cotton with no frilly/lacy bits and are lovely but they have gotten so loose they aren't comfortable any more. I tried to get a 40B in them but they only go to a 38C which isn't helpful!

If the back is riding up, it means that the back is too big, not too small!

Could I ask what clothes size you are? It isn't the most accurate way to work out back size, but a 40 back is very broad. I am a size 18, but still only wear a 36 back. I used to wear a 38 or 40 back, but now I wear a bigger cup (a much bigger cup!) and it is a much better fit.

Also, thinking about it instinctively, are you really only a B cup? Obviously I can't see you, but a B isn't very big at all ...

Hope you don't think I'm being cheeky, but from someone that wore ill fitting bras for far too long, I know how easy it is to choose a size because it is more acceptable? x

consultant31

isitenough wrote: »

Many thanks for all the advice. The getting measured part - I wouldn't have the courage in going to get it done to be honest. I know I should, and it would probably be a godsend but I have no idea where to go and am slightly to shy to do that. I've always brought bra's by trial and error, if they're comfy I get them!

I'm measuring as a 40B, previously I had 38B which started out pretty comfortable but the back was too high, and the new ones I've tried haven't been that bad, but the material has itched the hell out of me (and don't mention the stitching!). My previous ones were soft cotton with no frilly/lacy bits and are lovely but they have gotten so loose they aren't comfortable any more. I tried to get a 40B in them but they only go to a 38C which isn't helpful!
Bravissimo don't have any local places to go to and the sizes seem too big. I don't want to go to a place that's no good or has 'twenty somethings' doing the measuring. I've ordered some ones from M&S so I'll see how they go!

If the back is too high it's because you're getting too large a size (ie if you're getting a 38, maybe you need a 36).

I've just been to Bravissimo and been measure for the first time in my life (and it's been a long one, lol). I thought I needed a 49D and came out with a 38FF which fits fantastically.

Please don't be embarrassed by the thought of being measured - you're not going to be flashing your bits in the face of a total stranger - and don't forget they do it all day long and have seen all shapes and sizes. It's all done very discretely and is well worth it to have a well fitting bra which makes you look years younger.

I would advise that, having got your size, you look on the eBay shops. After paying £28 for a lovely bra in Bravissimo I got an identical one for £14 online.

consultant31

isitenough wrote: »

My OH has measured a few times, and it worked out as 34.5 under and 40 widest part.
Re: measuring. How do you find a place that measures? We have a Intimas and a Camille and a place formerly known as Gossard (now playtex, wonderbra & shock absorber!) in our local outlet place. Are they any good? Do you have to take your top off (surely not the bra!)? (sorry sounds stupid, but never ever been in a lingerie shop, only mail order).

Camille are good. We have one in our local outlet and I took my Mum there (80 years old) for a new bra last Christmas. She was fitted for the first time and admits herself that she looks so much 'trimmer' than she did before.

hazeyjewel

I'm a 34E so also get Bravissimo bras, and they do feel a bit tight to start with, but the overall effect is worth it:D

vixarooni

Im a trained bra fitter at debenhams. Im 21, but was 18 when i first started.

My age is a bit of a restriction, but at the end of the day im there to get someone in a bra that fits. You wont believe what most bra fitters have seen! nothing phases me anymore, ive nearly had milk from a ladys breast squirted at me, i fitted a woman who obviously hadnt washed for a good few years, ive fitted people i could hardly get my arms around, ive fitted people who never shave under their arms (that is sooooo common!)

Anyway, first of all, DONT MEASURE YOUR CUP! it will always always always be wrong.

All i do when someone comes in for a fitting is to remove their top but leave there bra on, it can be padded or whatever, doesnt matter, then i ask them what size they are wearing and then i ask them if its comfortable, what areas are causing them concern ect. I then measure around the band (mainly use that as a guide and to make it look official!) then i say you measure here as a 32/34 ect then i go out and find a bra that i think fits. I ask them to put it on while i step outside (or stay in depending on how comfortable i judge the person to be or if they say they dont mind) then i check the fit of the bra. I look for bulges, if the band is ok, making sure the wire isnt sitting on the breast and adjusting the shoulder straps. Then if thats ok and im happy i ask if they want to try any more or anything specific, if not i ofter them to look on the shop floor to find bras they like, then i will check the fit of each one to make sure the customer goes away with bras that fit.

That is the basic method. There really is nothing to be worried about! A bra should be comfy, the only time i would you know you have it on is if you have been fitted from a 38 to a 32 because thats obviously a significant change in size.

You should never buy a bra without trying it on, and id also reccomend that when trying on you get someone to check the fit because you shouldnt be just "one size" either. My bra wadrobe consists of 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, 32 B, 32 c, 32 d. Its just how the different makes and styles fit. Im predominatly a 32c and thats the size i first try and then make adjustments accordingly.

if anyone wants any more info or advice give me a PM. Im addicted to lingerie and i could literally talk for ever on the subject so i seriously dont mind a pm on the subject. Can probably tell from the length of this post!!

vixarooni

Oh and daisy - whats your bra size roughly? Ultimo do a good range for maximum cleavage if youre small on top. They also do a fuller bust range but i dunno if im keen on them yet (havent seen it look good on anyone but the girl who models it!)

pavlovs_dog

vixarooni wrote: »

You should never buy a bra without trying it on, and id also reccomend that when trying on you get someone to check the fit because you shouldnt be just "one size" either. My bra wadrobe consists of 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, 32 B, 32 c, 32 d. Its just how the different makes and styles fit. Im predominatly a 32c and thats the size i first try and then make adjustments accordingly.

what causes the variety? is it the style of bra? different manufacturers not being quite the same for sizes?