Bras and my body over 66

Go and get yourself measured, then you’ll find your correct size, it’ll be more comfortable.

Sounds like you need to go into a lingerie shop/department to have a proper fitting.

It is amazing what difference a decent fitting bra can make.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Bravissimo, M & S or my favourite Rigby & Peller (expensive but worth it if you handwashing and look after your bras)

If you can afford it treat yourself to a visit to a proper bra shop (not m&S!) and be properly fitted. The assistant should bring you lots of different sizes and styles until they find the one that feels and looks right. I've always had small boobs and was buying 38A bras until I did this and discovered that 34C balcony bras fit me perfectly . They are expensive but last a long time if looked after - they are my one weakness! Maybe treat yourself to one good one then look around for similar sizes and shapes that aren't so expensive

I recommend Bravissimo.. expert staff in this area

I agree, Bravissimo is worth every penny.
I went last year to the store in Birmingham and bought 2 bras. The staff couldn't have more been helpful. Bras fitted perfectly and will be back for more.

I second Rigby & Peller or Bravissimo. Never M&S.

I've heard going for a fitting is good although don't quite understand what they do when you can do the measurements at home. I'm actually pretty much housebound at the moment so have been sending for things online and trying them on but it's getting tedious. I wonder if any bra fitters come to the home?

Agree about M&S - not impressed with the ones I sent for and not like the used to be. Embarrassingly, most of my existing bras are really quite old - hence needing a new one anyway, but I often used to just not wear one and can't do that now I have these bigger heavy things!

I've always liked the balconette bra style too - that seemed to work for my shape - don't seem to be so many of those.

So far the nearest one that fits and feels comfortable is a John Lewis every day bra in a 36C but it feels a bit tight underneath still.

I thought Bravissimo was only for D cup upwards?

eddiecat78

If you can afford it treat yourself to a visit to a proper bra shop (not m&S!) and be properly fitted. The assistant should bring you lots of different sizes and styles until they find the one that feels and looks right. I've always had small boobs and was buying 38A bras until I did this and discovered that 34C balcony bras fit me perfectly . They are expensive but last a long time if looked after - they are my one weakness! Maybe treat yourself to one good one then look around for similar sizes and shapes that aren't so expensive

What make was your 34C Balcony bra please?

M and S has never failed to help my changing body, but they don't have the number of help stores open they used to for measuring and consultation.

But you can order loads and then free returns from a local store collect.

gentleshores they are made by Marie Jo - the design I like is "Jane" - either padded for under t-shirts or half-padded. Look at the website jeteveux.

Try a crop top bra. So comfortable. No hard wires or hooks and eyes. Easily accommodate and support bigger busts. Seriously, try one. I bet you wouldn't go back.

I had most success at M & S when I went at 7 in the evening the store and changing room were empty.

I took 6 different styles in the changing room and tried them on then depending on how they fit I then chose different sizes (up and down!) and tried those on.

The fit differs so much in each style and the sizing has a huge variation.

eddiecat78

gentleshores they are made by Marie Jo - the design I like is "Jane" - either padded for under t-shirts or half-padded. Look at the website jeteveux.

Thanks! They look nice - pretty expensive!

Aveline

Try a crop top bra. So comfortable. No hard wires or hooks and eyes. Easily accommodate and support bigger busts. Seriously, try one. I bet you wouldn't go back.

For that, try this one: M and S

"Flexifit™ Non Wired Crop Top"

Wyllow3

But you can order loads and then free returns from a local store collect.

Yes I think I'll carry on doing that. Have a couple from M&S and John Lewis and keep sending back and trying a different size. Found one style I like from John Lewis that's comfortable but a bit tight in a 36C, but they don't do it in a 38! Wondering about bra extenders ...........I've never tried them.

Aveline

Try a crop top bra. So comfortable. No hard wires or hooks and eyes. Easily accommodate and support bigger busts. Seriously, try one. I bet you wouldn't go back.

Thanks. Yes I like that idea. I did try a Sloggi one from next but it wasn't quite the right shape. Wyllow - I'll check out the M&S one. I do have one strappy t shirt that is kind of a built in bra shape but it's getting a bit worn.

I would recommend an independent bra fitter, if you have one near you?
I use an independent bra fitter and she is the best.
Fantastic one to one service, plenty of time, lots to choose from and always a perfect fit.
I had no luck with Bravissimo and also found them very unhelpful.
Good luck 😉

Please go and get measured and fitted correctly for a bra. I have done this 2 weeks ago and I stopped wasting money and time by buying useless bras.
I went to an independent local shop - not posh, just a regular woman's wear shop that sells lingerie, swimwear and some clothing. Not in the least embarrassing, and I was very grateful for the help.

If you can get someone to take you to a shop to be measured it would be good for you.
Some fitters can tell what you need without using a tape measure, and not all bras are the same. One size in a particular brand can be very different to the same size in another brand.
The fitter will also get your straps the correct length, and make sure that you are not falling out of the cups at the sides or the front.

All my bras are ancient. They've moulded to my shape and I can't bear the thought of "breaking in" new ones.

flappergirl

All my bras are ancient. They've moulded to my shape and I can't bear the thought of "breaking in" new ones.

Ha ha exactly. I love my old bras and now they don't fit. One is an M&S balconette style but it's very old and will drop to bits soon. I knew my boobs had got bigger when they started coming out of the bottom of it! M&S quality seemed to be better when I got that one about 15 years ago! I used to like the Wonderbra strapless bra as well but that doesn't work for my shape any more. I swear my rib cage has expanded as well.

Aveline

Try a crop top bra. So comfortable. No hard wires or hooks and eyes. Easily accommodate and support bigger busts. Seriously, try one. I bet you wouldn't go back.

Can you recommend a particular make?

gentleshores

flappergirl

All my bras are ancient. They've moulded to my shape and I can't bear the thought of "breaking in" new ones.

Ha ha exactly. I love my old bras and now they don't fit. One is an M&S balconette style but it's very old and will drop to bits soon. I knew my boobs had got bigger when they started coming out of the bottom of it! M&S quality seemed to be better when I got that one about 15 years ago! I used to like the Wonderbra strapless bra as well but that doesn't work for my shape any more. I swear my rib cage has expanded as well.

Getting older isn’t for softies is it?😖