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AIBU

To want comfortable and attractive underwear

(81 Posts)
ayse Wed 12-Sep-18 20:59:09

I’m finding it very difficult to find a bra that fits. Ideally I would like a cotton bra, that didn’t shove me up and push me in. Additionally one that didn’t create loads of flabby flesh round my back! I’m not a larger person and have been measured as 34B but they are so tight so I have tried a 36A but to no avail. Anyone else have the same trouble and does any one have any suggestions?

aggie Wed 12-Sep-18 21:01:30

Get measured again

Iam64 Wed 12-Sep-18 21:07:27

Yes, get re-measured. I was measured in M and S - wrong wrong wrong advice given.

MiniMoon Wed 12-Sep-18 21:10:02

I had a marvellous time trying to measure myself. Finally using the
abrathatfits method. It seems like a funny way to measure yourself but it works. I now have the best fitting bras that I've had for ages. I measured myself as a 36DD, then went out and tried several different brands and styles until I found well fitting ones.
Good luck.

JudyJudy12 Wed 12-Sep-18 21:10:07

Same size as me, the only bra that is vaguely comfortable is one I bought from Tesco about 3 years ago, I must have tried bras from every shop and online retailer. I dont feel my size warrants an expensive Rigby and Peller, although saying that I have spent an absolute fortune on ill fitting bras.

I shall follow this post with interest.

ayse Wed 12-Sep-18 21:27:48

I tried getting measured within the last 6 months. M & S, Debenhams and John Lewis and 2 out of 3 said 34B. Although the cup size isn’t bad it’s the lack of hooks in the back that seems to make the problem. One of the fitter’s suggested I buy an extension kit from haberdashery if it was too tight round the back. Another suggested I would have to become used to it being tight. I’m happy to spend a reasonable amount on something that will give shape without discomfort. I may have a look in Tesco to see how they fit.
Judyjudy12, I’m so glad it’s not just me. I seem to have a broader back than average. Size 12 tops generally fit round my back, 10 is generally tight but at the front I’m more a size 10. I get cross because I used to be able to buy comfy underwear.

NanKate Wed 12-Sep-18 21:34:54

I’m not sure my suggestion will help but once you have found the size that is correct for you then buy a bra for post surgery/mastectomy as they are really soft and comfortable and also you don’t pay VAT. I explained to the assistant I did not qualify for the reduction in price but she said I still got it cheaper. All mine have been from M and S. Hope you can get the size sorted.

ayse Wed 12-Sep-18 21:43:19

ThanksNanKate for the tip

JudyJudy12 Wed 12-Sep-18 22:17:36

I meant to say, the Tesco bras I have tried since do not fit as well as the one from 3 years ago.

DanniRae Thu 13-Sep-18 08:08:59

I have terrible trouble with getting bras that are comfortable. I have resorted to pull-on bras from Sainsburys - they aren't very flattering but I can tolerate them for most of the day and then in the evening I, happily, pull them off (there is usually a bra down the side of my armchair in the morning!)
I too shall follow this post with interest.

Blinko Thu 13-Sep-18 08:16:37

I seem to be a non standard size (34GG) so can't buy from supermarkets. I use Bravissimo and they're very good. Great range of bras and expert measuring if you require it.

ayse Thu 13-Sep-18 08:24:14

DanniRae, I too have resorted to pull ons. I have quite a number but would like something that gave a little more shape and felt more elegant. By the way, I’ve also noticed that some dress patterns have the bust in the “pulled-up, squashed-in” position. Bras were originally invented to replace uncomfortable corsets but it feels like we are going backwards. Back to bra-burning methinks.

GrannyGravy13 Thu 13-Sep-18 08:32:48

I am a great Rigby & Peller fan, as I am an odd size 32H. Yes they are expensive, but they do last extremely well. Best value for money I have ever spent.

rubysong Thu 13-Sep-18 08:45:55

I go to a small shop where they bring me several to try on, then come in and advise me whether or not it is a good fit. I've always been pleased with the result and they are not always expensive.

JoyBloggs Thu 13-Sep-18 09:36:33

ayse If the size 34B cups are a good fit I think it would be worth trying an extension thingy. I had the same problem and for years I bought so many bras that I only wore a couple of times and then had to give away, they were so uncomfortable. I tried going up on the band size but then the front was too wide. The solution for me was buying the bra with well-fitting cups (but with a very tight band) and then adding an extension thing so that I could breathe! Works well for me, very comfortable, just make sure you get the right width to correspond with the hooks on your bra. You can get them in some of the supermarkets as well as M and S etc.

JoyBloggs Thu 13-Sep-18 12:13:59

ayse I should have mentioned that I'm not the same actual size as you, but I'm just assuming the band/cup ratio problem and solution applies to any size.

Katek Thu 13-Sep-18 12:18:12

Also following this thread with interest! I have a drawer full of bras that aren’t ‘quite right’ but I end up making do with them and having dents in my sides. I had some pull on ones when I had a rotator cuff injury and whilst being comfortable, they’re certainly far from flattering. Very occasionally I find a bra that fits, but when I buy a second of the same it very often doesn’t! I like getting into my jammies in the evening....much more comfy.

OldMeg Thu 13-Sep-18 13:09:28

We have an independent shop not far from us where they measure you, and fit you and won’t sell you a bra that doesn’t fit correctly.

You do have to be prepared to be handled a bit, and things adjusted and tucked in properly, but it’s worth it to get pretty bra that fits comfortably and does the job. I’m a 34F.

DanniRae Thu 13-Sep-18 14:03:34

But the trouble is OldMeg I could get a bra from the shop that you mentioned and I could be really comfortable in it BUT after a few hours it will start being too tight and uncomfortable so I take it off and I am back to square one!

mabon1 Thu 13-Sep-18 14:35:46

A well fitting bra is worth every penny even if you have small breasts, it is the foundation of looking good in dresses and tops Fantasie are brilliant and cost from £28 - £40.00 last for ages and wash well.

OldMeg Thu 13-Sep-18 14:42:44

Why is that Danni? Do you retain a lot of water perhaps?

GrannyO Thu 13-Sep-18 14:57:31

Most comfortable. R I've ever worn is from Bon Marche. Just ordered two more. Just seems to come in the one cour I think tho.
www.bonmarche.co.uk/bras/linear-embroidered-bra-151210.html?dwvar_151210_color=63&dwvar_151210_size=362&cgid=

sarahcyn Thu 13-Sep-18 15:10:06

Bravissimo do good fitting and are less pricey than R and P

grandtanteJE65 Thu 13-Sep-18 15:10:27

Could I recommend a trip to the continent, ladies?

This post reminded me of the trouble I had finding decent bras when I lived in the UK. Everywhere else, it is purely a matter of walking into a shop and trying on something that looks nice in the right size. I often take a size larger into the fitting room too, but I nearly always end up with the size I assumed I took and without paying a fortune either.

Telly Thu 13-Sep-18 15:13:26

Find half a dozen (that would be six if you are metric) and try them on. I accidently bought the wrong size in M & S last time but it fits perfectly!