[Mega Nerd]

Where's the best place to get measured, or can you actually do it at home? I'm not sure if my boobs have to bigger...quite hard to explain, but I feel like I have to keep on 'arranging' them and lifting them up so they're not under the wire? (I don't even know how to explain!)

Last time I got measured was a while ago at M&S and they measured quite strange. Also, I find my straps seem to be too long and even when they're on the tightest that they'll go, they're still a little slack.

Any suggestions

x

[Kate.]

(Original post by Mega Nerd)
Where's the best place to get measured, or can you actually do it at home? I'm not sure if my boobs have to bigger...quite hard to explain, but I feel like I have to keep on 'arranging' them and lifting them up so they're not under the wire? (I don't even know how to explain!)

Last time I got measured was a while ago at M&S and they measured quite strange. Also, I find my straps seem to be too long and even when they're on the tightest that they'll go, they're still a little slack.

Any suggestions

x

Sounds like you need to go down to a smaller band size (and most likely up a cup size or two). The band should provide most of the support - when you buy a bra, it should feel quite firm and supportive on the loosest hooks, and stay nicely in place even without the shoulder straps up.

As for the best place to get measured...Bravissimo are meant to be good. I'd avoid M&S like the plague (I think they wanted me in a 34C or something like that - I was a 32DD then, verging on a 30E/F!). La Senza are also crap IMO. Debenhams have been OK in my experience, but still I tend to just figure it out myself. Last time I got measured it was Debenhams and I agree with the size they gave me, although I find in a lot of brands no size seems to fit me very well, so I had to try on quite a few before I found some that fit perfectly!

I often have the same problem with shoulder straps always being too long - Debenhams Gorgeous ones go really small (like, way smaller than I can imagine any actually being able to where!) so they're perfect for me.

[QwentyJ]

(Original post by Anonymous_m83)
Thanks for your reply . Day to day I usually wear jeans and a tshirt; I know that v-neck tops can make your boobs look smaller but when I wear strappy tops I just feel like there's too much on show/attracting attention.

Well, I'm no fashionista, but big jumpers are quite successful in hiding a large chest as well. Apparently strapless tops are the way to go on nights out too.

[Mega Nerd]

(Original post by Kate.)
Sounds like you need to go down to a smaller band size (and most likely up a cup size or two). The band should provide most of the support - when you buy a bra, it should feel quite firm and supportive on the loosest hooks, and stay nicely in place even without the shoulder straps up.

As for the best place to get measured...Bravissimo are meant to be good. I'd avoid M&S like the plague (I think they wanted me in a 34C or something like that - I was a 32DD then, verging on a 30E/F!). La Senza are also crap IMO. Debenhams have been OK in my experience, but still I tend to just figure it out myself. Last time I got measured it was Debenhams and I agree with the size they gave me, although I find in a lot of brands no size seems to fit me very well, so I had to try on quite a few before I found some that fit perfectly!

I often have the same problem with shoulder straps always being too long - Debenhams Gorgeous ones go really small (like, way smaller than I can imagine any actually being able to where!) so they're perfect for me.

I don't have a Bravissimo near me, I do have a Debenhams though! Do you think I could be better trying on different sizes and see which seems to fit the best?

Also, how did they measure you?

~ Edit: I'm starting to think that the band size may be a size too big. I know that the measure and add 4 stuff isn't very accurate. If the measurement where my band would sit is 28" - any idea what the band size could be?

[plimsolls]

(Original post by PinkyQT)
''rude or interpreted as attention seeking behaviour, feeling good in underwear''

Maybe if she was above a B then it would be rude/attention seeking. She has nothing to show off tbh. And to cover the nipples then she can wear a vest. It's your opinion if it's childish. I'm not saying she shouldn't wear one LOL.

Oh and feel good in underwear? AA/AAA bra's are for 10-12 year olds... and if shes above that age she won't feel very good.

Oh and I doubt she would find a 36 aaa bra anyway, very strange size.

It's irrelevant what size the person is. It is pretty obvious when you are not wearing a bra, no matter how small you are. Lots of people consider this rude because you can see the breast tissue (once again, no matter how much there is or isn't, i'll keep repeating until you understand as it seems you have trouble taking in and understanding straight forward information. If you're female, people are going to be looking at your chest, even just casually) against your clothing, and also you can see the individuals nipples. Regardless of social norms, regarding feelings about 'rudeness' here, most women, unless they are basically attention seeking, do not want other people looking at their nipples all day. Last time I checked, nipples weren't dependant on breast volume. You are not going to sufficiently cover nipples under a vest. It's a thin layer of fabric that is going to disguise nothing, wear as a bra which is thinly lined is going to cover nipples.

Also, who are you to decide what constitutes showing off. Size is irrelevant.

If you bothered to do a quick google search you'd see AA and AAA bras made for women, and not girls.

Regarding your final point, that's something you just plucked out of the air based on precisely no evidence. Just because it doesn't sit right with you, for some unknown reason, doesn't mean she can't be that size. Maybe she actually does know what size she is, ever thought of that. So what if it's an odd size...that's irrelevant.

[blinkbelle]

(Original post by Mega Nerd)
I don't have a Bravissimo near me, I do have a Debenhams though! Do you think I could be better trying on different sizes and see which seems to fit the best?

Also, how did they measure you?

~ Edit: I'm starting to think that the band size may be a size too big. I know that the measure and add 4 stuff isn't very accurate. If the measurement where my band would sit is 28" - any idea what the band size could be?

28 xx

[Mega Nerd]

(Original post by blinkbelle)
28 xx

That might explain why my 32 band size could be a little big!

x

[Witty Username]

Anyone got any good recommendations for sports bras? I'm looking for one with a lot of support (size 32F) that preferably doesn't break the bank (though I'd rather spend a bit more on a quality product that'll last).

[LavenderBlueSky88]

I'm so confused about bra sizing right now. When I was about 17 I got measured in debenhams and was told (much to my dismay) that I was a 32AA. I haven't grown much since, however, I measured myself today and my underband is 27.5/28inches....and I have often found 32 bands to be a little loose especially if I have worn them a few times. I then went and bought a 30B and it fits quite well but seems a little tight. Does the underband measurement determine the band size...if so wouldn't that make me a 28something?! or is there some sort of formula? I'm too scared to get measure again incase they burst my b-cup bubble haha, I have used various online sizers and their results range from 32AA to 30C so I don't think they're very accurate!

[Kate.]

(Original post by LavenderBlueSky88)
I'm so confused about bra sizing right now. When I was about 17 I got measured in debenhams and was told (much to my dismay) that I was a 32AA. I haven't grown much since, however, I measured myself today and my underband is 27.5/28inches....and I have often found 32 bands to be a little loose especially if I have worn them a few times. I then went and bought a 30B and it fits quite well but seems a little tight. Does the underband measurement determine the band size...if so wouldn't that make me a 28something?! or is there some sort of formula? I'm too scared to get measure again incase they burst my b-cup bubble haha, I have used various online sizers and their results range from 32AA to 30C so I don't think they're very accurate!

Whats the measurement around the fullest part? My underbust is about 28" and I've recently gone from wearing a 30 band to wearing a 28, so you should be around the same! If a 30 feels tight it might be that the cup is too small which would be uncomfortable, or it might just be a brand that comes up small. Try a 30C perhaps, and a variety of 28 backs. In Debenhams Gorgeous range I'm definitely in a 28 back size, so give them a try if your underbust also measures 28". I've also got a Freya in a 28, which is a little bit tighter but still OK, and it'll be fine after being worn a few more times.

[LavenderBlueSky88]

(Original post by Kate.)
Whats the measurement around the fullest part? My underbust is about 28" and I've recently gone from wearing a 30 band to wearing a 28, so you should be around the same! If a 30 feels tight it might be that the cup is too small which would be uncomfortable, or it might just be a brand that comes up small. Try a 30C perhaps, and a variety of 28 backs. In Debenhams Gorgeous range I'm definitely in a 28 back size, so give them a try if your underbust also measures 28". I've also got a Freya in a 28, which is a little bit tighter but still OK, and it'll be fine after being worn a few more times.

Around the fullest part it's 32-33in (depending on the time of the month...) so i'm pretty small. I wish I could find more shops that did cheap bras with 30 backs...I got my last one from peacocks but there wasn't much choice. I think maybe I find it too tight because I've been wearing bras that are too loose all my life!

[Kate.]

(Original post by LavenderBlueSky88)
Around the fullest part it's 32-33in (depending on the time of the month...) so i'm pretty small. I wish I could find more shops that did cheap bras with 30 backs...I got my last one from peacocks but there wasn't much choice. I think maybe I find it too tight because I've been wearing bras that are too loose all my life!

Well, now I'm just confused because my underbust is 28" and my bust is 33-34" and I'm a 30F/28FF, haha! Sure you're measuring properly? People with the same measurements can fit into different sizes depending on how their breasts are shaped, but there isn't a chance in hell I'd ever fit into a 30B (although F at a small band size isn't actually huge at all). Perhaps get measured again at a good store like Bravissimo if you have one near by (I've had good experiences with being measured at Debenhams but thats not to say all stores are good), or watch some videos on figleaves or Bravissimo about bra fitting and how a good bra should fit and then grab a load of sizes and have a big trying-on session.

[LavenderBlueSky88]

(Original post by Kate.)
Well, now I'm just confused because my underbust is 28" and my bust is 33-34" and I'm a 30F/28FF, haha! Sure you're measuring properly? People with the same measurements can fit into different sizes depending on how their breasts are shaped, but there isn't a chance in hell I'd ever fit into a 30B (although F at a small band size isn't actually huge at all). Perhaps get measured again at a good store like Bravissimo if you have one near by (I've had good experiences with being measured at Debenhams but thats not to say all stores are good), or watch some videos on figleaves or Bravissimo about bra fitting and how a good bra should fit and then grab a load of sizes and have a big trying-on session.

That's weird! I guess it's to do with the shape! I just measured again and it's definitely 28-32 today..maybe I was being hopeful with the 33? haha. I think I'm gonna have a look on the internet and see what's out there and maybe go and try some on tomorrow!

[Ham22]

(Original post by trifidpaw)
As a guy;

This much effort goes into finding a bra?!

If you're an unusual size maybe. This thread is for people who get really excited about bras so take it with a pinch of salt.

[xtinalouise]

(Original post by Witty Username)
Anyone got any good recommendations for sports bras? I'm looking for one with a lot of support (size 32F) that preferably doesn't break the bank (though I'd rather spend a bit more on a quality product that'll last).

Have a look on eBay, I saw a good sports bra on there for bigger sizes!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[sw3]

Rigby & peller anyone?

[Kate.]

(Original post by Witty Username)
Anyone got any good recommendations for sports bras? I'm looking for one with a lot of support (size 32F) that preferably doesn't break the bank (though I'd rather spend a bit more on a quality product that'll last).

Level 4+ Shock Absorber bras on eBay You can often new with tags ones for around £15-£20 usually (although I just had a look and for your size they're around £25 at the moment, but keep checking!). They're usually last season's stock I think - mine is great. Personally I wouldn't go down to level 3 support at your size though (I'm slightly smaller and wouldn't want anything less than their level 4).

[Witty Username]

(Original post by Kate.)
Level 4+ Shock Absorber bras on eBay You can often new with tags ones for around £15-£20 usually (although I just had a look and for your size they're around £25 at the moment, but keep checking!). They're usually last season's stock I think - mine is great. Personally I wouldn't go down to level 3 support at your size though (I'm slightly smaller and wouldn't want anything less than their level 4).

Awesome, thanks (will +rep you when I can)! How supportive are they? Also, do you know if the sizing comes up big/small?

[Kate.]

(Original post by Witty Username)
Awesome, thanks (will +rep you when I can)! How supportive are they? Also, do you know if the sizing comes up big/small?

Sizing comes up fine - I'm a 30F/28FF and 30F fits well enough. If you're in-between sizes perhaps go for the smaller one though, as if it's too big you'll lose a lot of support! Actually, they sell Shock Absorber in Debenhams so you could go and try on a few first. They might have some in their current sale too.

On a lot of styles there are two sets of hooks at the back which helps (like 2 separate back straps). I have another one which only has the one, like a normal bra, and it doesn't feel quite as supportive. But really, in both of them I can jump up and down and feel super secure, it's brilliant haha. I actually sleep in my sports bra sometimes, it's very comfy despite firmly strapping me in

[Witty Username]

(Original post by Kate.)
Sizing comes up fine - I'm a 30F/28FF and 30F fits well enough. If you're in-between sizes perhaps go for the smaller one though, as if it's too big you'll lose a lot of support! Actually, they sell Shock Absorber in Debenhams so you could go and try on a few first. They might have some in their current sale too.

On a lot of styles there are two sets of hooks at the back which helps (like 2 separate back straps). I have another one which only has the one, like a normal bra, and it doesn't feel quite as supportive. But really, in both of them I can jump up and down and feel super secure, it's brilliant haha. I actually sleep in my sports bra sometimes, it's very comfy despite firmly strapping me in

Thank you! I've actually just measured my underbust and it's 30in, so I guess I should actually be wearing a 30F, though my current bras all seem to fit well.
I may check out Debenhams, thanks again