Bra Sizes

I measure 39'' around my ribcage so you would think a 40 bra would fit - not a chance with most brands - and a 38 is always that bit too tight. And then the fun really starts with the cup size - I measure 47'' round the fullest part of my bust, a difference of 8'' which should, all things being equal, make me an H. I have tried on loads of bras that are supposed to be a 40H and the cups are huge - even on me! Could carry the shopping home in some of them! I have found that, if the band size fits okay, then I need to try the F and G ones as one of these should fit properly. Another moan is why are bigger bras so padded? I have plenty of my own and don't need it! It is hard to find pretty bras at my size too - I do wonder who designs them!

Only ones whop ever to got it right for me was on the phone by Bravissimo. They are so helpful. Never buy bras anywhere else now & they arrive very quickly.
M&S said 38b, JL said 40b & I am actually 36c. Mad!

Some years ago after being mis-fitted at both M&S and Bravissimo I tried House of Fraser. The lovely and efficient fitter told me my size and suggested Triumph Doreen, they didn't have my size in stock. Try Debenhams she advised so I did.
Since then I’ve been happy with same make, same size, including TD bras bought via mail order.
My daughter decided to treat herself to Rigby and Peller. The assistant was so patronising and bossy that she left without ordering. Until I’d also been planning a visit to R&P but decided not to bother.

Whenever I get measured up for a bra, they always feel comfortable at the time of fitting, so naturally I buy it. But after wearing it for a few hours, it always seems too tight.

Usually I can’t wait to get the darn thing of.

Being on the small side, I’m not a great fan of bra’s and only wear one if I have to.

It is a shame that so many people are disappointed at the service now being provided at M&S. Back in the day when I worked there as a fitter, the department prided itself on providing a great service and I can honestly say that I believe the vast majority of our customers left happy. (On the odd occasion that someone returned e.g. with a mark where the bra was rubbing, we would always refit and refund.)

I can’t fault the helpfulness of the fitter when I was last measured in M&S, but I didn’t buy the size she came up with as the underband fitting was so tight. It got really uncomfortable in the few minutes I had it on, there was absolutely no way I could have worn it all day.

I came out of M and S after being "fitted" with 3 bras so uncomfortable that I was in pain and thoughtI had some sort of disease or injury- then remembered the new bras! Too tight round the rib cage. I bought two bra extenders, which have helped but would love to be fitted properly.

I am sure your measurements will be accurate, but I wish I could be as sure about the bras!!

M&S are very outdated in the way they measure. If any of you are on Facebook, look for Boob or Bust, it's a diy measuring service. It's brilliant the way they tell you to measure.
booborbust.com/dd-bra-retailers/

Whilst I think M&S fail on many fronts, when my daughter in law went to buy a bra, before an op for breast cancer, she had nothing but praise for the fitter.

Another M&S fitting failure here. I was told I needed a larger cup size and a smaller band. The cup size was OK but I couldn’t breathe even with the hooks on the last setting. I was SO uncomfortable.
The bra was very expensive, so I took it back and politely complained. In fairness, they did give me another bra in a more suitable size.

I would highly recommend a visit to Bravissimo. I was wearing completely the wrong size bra after being measured at M & S. Bravissmo assistants have a real knack of judging your bra size without using a measuring tape! They don’t ask you to strip naked while they stand and watch. They give you a bra to try on in your own time and then come into the cubicle and check the fit. They have the patience of saints and spend time until you find the right bra that fits you perfectly. I have big boobs and until I found Bravissimo I was very conscious of the way my boobs looked. Now I have a perfect fit with no second boob sticking out over the top! ?

I am all back and no bosom, find I can always get a good fit from Fashion World or J.D.Williams catalogue (was Fifty Plus). Order several for choice and try on in privacy and peace at home!

All brands vary in size, esp. M&S. The more expensive ones are more generously cut.

I have a broad back and not huge boobs so need a 42B, but when I measure myself according to the instructions I'm a 40B - but if I buy a bra of this size it is too small.

Just a suggestion - your measurements should be fine. If you're in their size range, Bodas stuff is pretty and last for ever. I ordered with them first as I have become little (30C) and not many do that size - but I stay with them as the quality is brilliant. You will think 'Ooh pricey' - but if they last for ever and are comfortable...?

I buy my bras from a factory shop in Northants where they make the Fantasie and Freya bras. Women who do the measuring there are brilliant. I was shown how to put a bra on correctly, 'smooth' my boobs into the cups and pull the straps up about 3" ! Came away with perky boobs that weren't sitting atound my middle!

phoenix and Monica. I’m actually really grateful, especially in this hot weather. ?

I'd always worn a 40 or 42c cup, but was measured properly and am actually 36ff. Agree M&S useless

I followed instructions from Miss Mary of Sweden and their bras fit beautifully

The main problem with Marks and Spencer is that the sizes on the labels of the actual bras mean nothing whatsoever. I have bras stating that they are anything from 34DD to 38F and all combinations in between - they all fit! Last time I bought bras in there I tried on about 30 before I found 2 that fitted me!!!

IMO we're all being had.
I recently bought 2 bras from a local independent lingerie and swimwear 'boutique'. Cost? £153.70. YES...I was shocked too.
They were Prima Donna (as sold in Rigby&Peller)
On the same day I bought 3 Fantasie bras (different styles and slightly different sizes) in Debenhams (£28-£32) and 1 in M&S (£22)
All fitted beautifully after I was eyeballed for size.. fully clothed in all except M&S where I just bought off the rack.
Looking at the labels on my purchases plus others I own incl from Bravissimo, they are ALL made in Sri Lanka.
Same factory? Who knows. I doubt that each brand has their own factory which begs the question, 'Why such a disparity in the prices'.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Do try Bravissimo, their ladies are so patient and will keep trying until you are happy. Lots of different makes available.

Been measured in both independent anf department stores all coming up with the same size. However it's the bras that come up different. Cup sizes supposed to be the same vary a lot on differnt makes. Found one balcony style by Fantasie and have bought this for some time now. Not cheap though. M & S didn't work for me either.

I once had a long chat with a lady who measured me in House of Fraser. She explained the way a bra should sit on the body, how to correctly put the bra on and how to 'pull' the breasts into the cups etc. She also told me that different makes and styles of bras will fit differently and the only way to find the perfect fitting bra is to get a good idea of your measurement and then try different sizes and styles. She said be prepared to spend a while in the changing room! Have a look on YouTube for videos on how to measure and fit a bra and then try on different styles and be flexible on the size you 'think' you are.