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Bra sizes, anyone?

(88 Posts)
Cabbie21 Sun 25-Apr-21 16:26:48

After essential shops reopened, I went to buy new underwear. I was not sure about bra size, so I picked three different makes and sizes to try on.
The highest number, which I expected to be the biggest, was too small.
The other two were a smaller size but different cup sizes. The D cup was smaller than the B cup!
Having made my choice, I went back to the racks to find another one the same. I struggled to find the right rack, then had to grovel at floor level to find the right size. Nothing in white, so I had to settle for flesh colour.
Why is bra sizing such a game of trial and error?

Elizabeth1 Tue 27-Apr-21 20:28:04

I bought two white bras from m&s off the internet and by luck they fitted perfectly and they were nice and stretchy too. I’ll never buy underwire again that’s a definite no no. Good luck I think it’s just a trial and error.

cc Tue 27-Apr-21 21:14:12

I shop in Bravissimo and if you know what size you are in a particular bra that they sell they can give you a pretty good idea of which bras are likely to suit you and how sizes compare in the different brands that they stock. They can even do this through the "chat" on their website. Their fitters know their huge stock very well and have often suggested a bra that works well for me.
I stopped buying bras in M&S years ago as they just don't work for me.
Bravissimo is expensive but they don't wear out or lose their support, though obviously the stretchy bits do soften in time.

muffinthemoo Tue 27-Apr-21 21:55:25

Can I suggest the subreddit r/abrathatfits?

Absolutely brilliant resource for discussing comparative sizing between brands and also features of different models, e.g. high wires or pointier cups.

It’s helped me massively when buying online.

Copes283 Wed 28-Apr-21 08:25:23

Blink I agree with Bravissimo, recommended to me by my StepD! I favour Fantasie as does a friend of mine who is also "well endowed". I find I can go to "Uplifted Lingerie" who usually have something to fit me in their sales. 36FF is not the same at M &S, or Asda. I confess I've given up on all the others now that I have found Fantasie! But they are quite expensive and therefore I always hand wash and drip dry them to try to prolong their life. By the way don't use fabric softener as it shortens the life of the latex in your underwear, swimwear and those lovely jeans etc with stretch in them! And to cross over to another thread, I drip dry them outside! Tucked in the middle of my whirlygig line, hidden behind sheets/towels!! Hope this rather long post helps one of you. X

oodles Fri 30-Apr-21 13:21:38

I went to Rigby and Peller some years ago, and came out with the most amazing well fitting gorgeous bras, which lasted and lasted. Need to go again as have put on some weight since, but it will be in the sale.

Cabbie21 Fri 30-Apr-21 13:53:23

Update on my purchase. I went back to the same store today. The bras I bought are so comfortable that I wanted more of the same. I could only find one in the same size, and that was flesh coloured when I really wanted white. It was so frustrating, having found one that fits so well and is so comfortable. I thought they would have restocked this past week.

NotSpaghetti Sat 01-May-21 10:01:26

Now you know what suits and fits I bet you could order it online somewhere in white if your littshop can't get it?

NotSpaghetti Sat 01-May-21 10:01:41

*little shop

GagaJo Sat 01-May-21 10:04:31

Pre breast cancer, I liked Bravissimo. Their sizing was quite accurate. I've found M&S useless for sizing although do wear their bras. I just keep trying until I find a size, a cup and a style that suits me.

True to form however, the bra I liked best, they stopped making about 5 years ago. Fortunately, I had a LOT so still have some. But when they wear out, I don't look forward to reentering the fray.

muffinthemoo Sat 01-May-21 10:44:16

Fantasie are awesome for me. I like Curvy Kate too but only in particular styles.

Savvy Sat 01-May-21 11:19:50

I ordered 3 new bras last week, two were Curvy Kate, and was the only one I kept. One was made of really cheap fabric which wouldn't support anything (think bri nylon), through other was supposed to be white, but was definitely cream, and also had cheap lace which ruined both the look and the feel.

If I'm paying over £30 for a bra, I expect it to be made with decent quality fabrics.

Lettice Sun 02-May-21 16:01:08

You should try finding any bra when you are over-plump with small breasts. Still looking!