A new bra - should it be immediately comfortable?

consultant31

pavlovs_dog wrote: »

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

The style definitely has an impact, but I think the main thing is different manufacturers and their sizing. Just the same as trying a pair of trousers on in M&S in a particular size, then trying the same size in Primark for example :rolleyes:

vixarooni

As consultant says, its manufacturers and styles really.

If you think about it, (aside from m&S) when you go bra shopping you might pick up 3 or 4 bras in 3 or 4 different makes, so that would be like getting a top from new look, H&M, Wallis and Zara. No doubt one of the 4 wouldnt fit or you need to go bigger or smaller, same with bras!

I just reccomend that everyone gets fitted! Also remember that after 6 months if you wear it alot then its probably time for a new one. By all means keep it, but dont wear it as often because youre not getting the max support from it. You'll know yourself when your bra has had it because it wont be as comfortable or as supportive as it once was.

isitenough

Geez, you wouldn't think it would be so tricky would you?!!! I'm happy being of the female sex but I do think men have it so much easier sometimes!

So you think a smaller back size would work? When I try a 38 on it can seem really very tight and I've tried the 40 on and although it's tight it seem to be OK at the back. Wouldn't a 36 cut me off?!!! LOL! I'll give anything a go though! I'll try a 36C and a 40B and see what works. My problem is I don't like to feel to 'restricted' and like smaller straps around my shoulder blades.
One question though, why did they change the way you adjust the straps and put them around the back? I find that so frustrating! (probably just me but there you go!).

Bargain_Rzl

isitenough - you can't think about back size and cup size independently of each other. If you try a smaller back size, you'll generally need to try a bigger cup size. Basically a good fit is about getting the cups to sit in the right place - and the total "length" of the bra - if you see what I mean - is made up of the cup and the back strap, so you need to make sure that it's big enough to go round you!

The wires should sit flat against your breast bone at the front, and practically in your armpits at the side. They should enclose ALL the breast tissue in each cup. This is the mistake most women make with bra sizing - they wear bras where the central front bit doesn't touch the skin, and the wiring at the sides is too far forward so the side bits of breast tissue are escaping out the sides.

Be adventurous and see how a much bigger cup fits - with the sizes you've mentioned, I'd be inclined to suggest trying a 36D or even a 34E, and see how the fits compare.

There's a very comprehensive guide to bra fitting on the Bravissimo website

vixarooni

na i get ya isitenough. Really small people have a job getting the straps tight enough when they start at the back. Im ok with it.

But, if youre not that short in the back then youre probably over compensenting from the lack of support youre getting in the band. Straps are only meant to give about 20% of support, the rest is in the band bit.

No point trying a 36c and and a 40b, thats too different. Plus it would be a 40a which is a tough size to ever get, if at all.

Try a 36C or D. You probably need a cup bigger. It should be quite firm around your body, but remember after a wear and a wash it will loosen off. I have a bra on now that i got from calvin klien, it was actually horrible for the first few wears but now its loosened off a bit. When i pull my bra away from my back there is about a 2-3cm gap generated which is about right.

isitenough

Okey dokey. I really don't mind going up a cup size, if it's going to be comfortable. I'll try sizes either side of the one I'm wearing and see what happens! I don't like tight fitting stuff which is probably why I shy away from tight bra's which are probably the right fit. (I'm a baggy kinda girl, although I might not be if the bra actually fits!).
One thing I know for sure, I'm going to make sure my DD gets measured from the start then she won't have a problem with it and think it's a good thing. That's something my mum didn't do with me and I kinda wish she had.

vixarooni

I didnt get fitted untill i started work! I had some misconceptions that id have to get my breasts out so i never really wanted to. I think my mum did suggest it but she did get it right actually! Just needed to go down a back size.

I seriously do reccomend getting fitted isitenough. If you dunno what you looking for its really hard to do. I cant fit myself, it just doesnt work. You never trust your own opinion of yourself and i act like every other female. Its really not as bad as you think it is, and you can ask to be fitted by someone older, just approach a lady who is older and ask them.

ginvzt

Please, do get fitted! I got fitted recently by Bravissimo and I came out 32J!!! Before I was measeured by M&S and I was told I am 38F, which I didn't really believe.

I also love Bravissimo clothing - it fits around your boobs so nicely. That means, I don't have to get baggy shirts in size 18-20 just so that they wouldn't gap at the boobs, and I can feel comfortable in size 14!!!!!!!

isitenough

Bravissimo sounds a lovely place just to visit never mind the bra fitting! Unfortunately the nearest one to me seems to be Cambridge, a tad too far.

melancholly

ginvzt wrote: »

I also love Bravissimo clothing - it fits around your boobs so nicely. That means, I don't have to get baggy shirts in size 18-20 just so that they wouldn't gap at the boobs, and I can feel comfortable in size 14!!!!!!!

oh i agree - shame my bank balance seems to hate it! ah well - once in a while for a treat isn't the end of the world (although OH has practically banned me from even window shopping there!!)