Bra sizes, anyone?

I have never been comfortable in an M&S bra even when I have been properly fitted in the past. A couple of years back I discovered an underwear shop in a nearby town and (pre lockdown) now I go there but still not 100% comfy. I hate wearing a bra!

I have never got on with M&S bras. I have a broad back (40B generally)

I prefer flesh coloured t-shirt bras rather than lace covered ones which look lumpy under some clothes.

I found my perfect bra in Bon Marche but, typically for me, they seem to have discontinued it

Having consistent bra sizes between makers would be heaven for me, as everyone I've bought online seems to be different. I haven't had the courage to actually visit a shop and try on yet. I used to buy from M&S as they have a decent range in my size.

Having been properly measured I changed from a 38B to a 36DD, but it's not just the size that matters, the shape and style is also important. I've found a Triumph bra that suits me and am happy to buy that online but if they stop making that model I'll have to start trying before buying again so will probably go somewhere with a fitter. A well fitting bra just makes clothes look so much better!

I'm a 34GG; I can go to John Lewis and pick up any bra in that size, any style, and it fits. In M&S they just don't fit, their cups seem to be more oval than round if you see what I mean. The last time they sized me, I was told a size that made no sense at all, I gave it a try but, no, that didn't fit. So sorry M&S I won't bother again.

I have a large rib cage and wide back but small breasted, so am a strange size, 38A maybe..Through lockdown either no bra or my lovely ‘comfy’ bras, no wires etc. They also have little pockets to put an enhanced in, which I need!
Padded bras now seem to just stick out rather too obviously, rounded, rather than following the natural curve of the breast.
Maybe it’s something to do with implants and porn leading the way?

I've always found M&S bras good and never found any to fit elsewhere. I really need a supportive bra these days and found going to the M&S DD plus range meant they were all supportive. Now they have changed it and their larger range is F to H so it's difficult to tell which are the more supportive of the A to E ranges. Why do shops change a system that works well!!

If the cup size is quite big IMO the bra straps need to be quite wide and supportive, I find it really annoying that so many bras that fit me well have ridiculously thin straps that dig in!

I always used to get fitted at Debenhams ? and the fitter was brilliant - she could do it all my eye.

Having lost a lot of weight, I need new ones, and really struggling. I'm currently a 34E - I measured myself most carefully.
I've currently ended up with
A pair from Sainsbury's. The band is fine but I squish out the top of the cups.
One from Debenhams sale yesterday. Band a bit tight, a small amount of cup squish.
One from a M&S seller online. Cups absolutely beautiful, band so tight it feels like a cheese wire.
Sigh. Am currently settling for my old 38E - far too big but better than being sliced or squished.

Share your frustration and gave up on M&S bras some time ago. Also tried ordering online during lockdown but ended up sending them all back. However last Autumn I bought a Sainsburys bra that was reduced - thought it was worth a try. It has been one of the most comfortable well fitting bras I've had in a long time. Have since ordered 3 more in different colours - Comfort Lace full cup bra - only £8 each at full price.

It’s not just bra sizing, but jumpers, blouses, dresses as well. Why can’t there be a standard set by all makes? I find that M&S undies all come up large, except their bras which just don’t fit well.

I buy my bras from Rigby & Peller - I can hear you saying how expensive they are - but they always fit well, wash well, and last longer than any other makes.

Have always found Rigby and Peller excellent if pricey. Like others, went down several sizes when first fitted, the comfort was a revelation! And their fitters fit you by looking at you to size you up, not actually measuring. Treated my daughter to a couple of bras there too, she was also delighted with the fit, in a different size from usual. My only quibble? I find non-under wired bras the most comfortable, as the hard plastic bit doesn’t dig in to you. But the range is very limited, must of the prettiest bras are underwired

M& S Have recently brought out a new bra without front seams in an incredibly soft fabric and they do it up to really large GG cup sizes. I bought three last week and I am very pleased with them.

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

When I lost a lot of weight, alas mostly regained I went to be properly measured and fitted which was great. We then commenced trying on bras what transpired was that I was more or lessthat depending on the make I was a different size. So the important part was trying a bra on and getting fitted for that make of bra. Not sure if that makes sense....

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

M&S measuring is way off. They will measure me as a 34DD. It turns out I'm a 30G - yes really. And I'm not enormous. Bravissimo are fantastic for measuring - look at their measuring guide online. They will also explain what to look for in a well fitting bra. You may have to completely ditch any previous idea of what you thought your size was. A well fitting bra may seem a little tight to start with in the band but it will ease after a couple weeks. You will look years younger and thinner. If your bra rides up at the back and your boobs fall out when you bend over then you probably need to go down to band sizes and up 2 cup sizes. Be brave and open minded. Measure your rib cage under your boobs. If the tape measure says 34" then that is your band size.

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

It’s horrendous for me. I have had to give up wired bras because the ’right size’ for my measurements has the wires centered right under my arms and digging in painfully. Also I now need front fastening bras because of arthritic shoulders and my ’choice’ is limited to one industrial type style in black, beige or white.

I share your frustration. I have a couple of nice fitting M & S bras about 4 years old and my always regular size is 34DD. Recently I bought two new bras, same style 34DD and they are too small. I have not gained weight or changed my shape. I tried on a 34E and it fitted me the same as my old bras. I think M&S have changed their sizing. I suspect the bra I chose came from China or thereabouts where women are smaller and sizing is not always accurate for the European market.

ThNks for this info, never tried to at Sainsbury’s but I will now!
I have the exact same issues as you do!

Even the bra fitter in M&S couldn’t find a bra to fit me! I go to Bravissimo now, find my size and make and then order on line. Small back and full bust means my size is never on the shelf! Find that Panache and Fantasie fit me perfectly, so just order these.

I've now ordered and returned 10 bras online.I just can't find the right size, even using the size guides. The best fit ever was from Ann Summers (I daren't look in the 'end room'!) but it's closed down now, as has BHS where I'd also had some nice bras, I like the crop tops but not much support (36 DD maybe??)and under thinner summer T.shirts I look a bit droopy. HELP!

Good quality crop tops give vg support. Try one.

M and S are not good at fitting, Victoria’s Secret no good either, as am E cup it is nonsense to suggest going bra less. Strange as it may read Ted Baker bras are a perfect comfortable fit, but if the contract changes it will be a step into the unknown. Think next will try Bravissimo.