Bra Fitting Help

[Deleted User] · 26/03/12 - 23:09

Recently I got fitted for a bra at M&S. The front fitted perfectly, but at the back I was bulging out. I tried to tell the lady that I didn't like the fit and that it wouldn't look very good as I wear lots of tight t-shirts, but she assured me it was the right size and that I had "just got to learn to put up with it". I bought them and wore them, but my mom and even some of my friends were telling me that it didn't look like they fit me properly.

I went back today for a refit, and the lady agreed that I should have a larger band - until my mom told her that I was a refit and that we thought the previous lady had given me the wrong size. She soon changed her tune, saying the previous fitter had got it right and even got other members of staff to come in. All the time she was saying "you'll just have to deal with it" and "It's your bust that it needs to fit, not your back". She also said that bras never fit when you first buy them, and that you have to wait until a few washes for them to loosen, but surely this is ridiculous? I don't buy other items of clothing hoping that they'll fit me eventually, so why should it be the same for bras?

I accept that bras may not fit 100% perfectly, but this is ridiculous. They make me bulge out by about an inch and I can't wear any of my normal clothes because it looks hideous. I then went to get fitted at Debenhams, and they told me that I was the same size. Although their bras do look better, they still make me bulge out. This is a bit of a rant because I'm so upset about it (as I've spent a lot of money on them and also because I have to keep wearing baggy clothes because I'm so self-conscious about it) but I'd also like to know what your opinions are. Should I have to put up with it, or am I being fitted incorrectly? My friend wears a 34GG size bra, and hers fits perfectly. There are no lumps at all and it fits her both back and front. When I told the M&S fitting lady this, she said "she's broader than you at the back so she'll fit better". By her own logic, surely she should be worse off than me?

bright eyes · 26/03/12 - 23:42

It may be the style of the bra that is wrong rather than the size. I would go and try on different styles and also some with a bigger back measurment but a smaller cup. If the others fit better I would get your mum to complain to the manager and ask for your money back.

Radiomaniac · 26/03/12 - 23:44

It doesn't sound right to me, you shouldn't be uncomfortable after a fitting. Were your bras comfortable and did they look OK when you did your own 'fitting' previously to this?

If you're asking for advice about a refund, I suppose that, as you have worn the bras they will use that as an excuse not to refund you. If I was you, I'd write to head office at M&S and explain, as you have here, that you are not satisfied with the assistance you have had both times and that you want a refund on the items you bought.

Then I'd either go back to trying on several bras myself to get a size I was comfortable with - after all, the assistant doesn't know how you feel in them, even though they may be measuring you correctly. It's something only you will know for sure - or try somewhere that specialises only in selling/fitting bras (Rigby and Peller?)

Hugh Jboobs · 27/03/12 - 06:41

[Deleted User] · 27/03/12 - 07:21

As two different shops have told you the same size, it does seem odd that the bras still don't fit. Have you tried other types of bras? Not all types work for all sizes and figures. Some of the more decorative or dainty bras don't give a lot of support, you do need to get something that you are comfortable in

missyalicia · 27/03/12 - 07:42

Try measuring yourself and see what you come up with. You could also try bras a size up from what you were told or try a different style. Perhaps one with a wider band.

MerryBerry · 27/03/12 - 07:44

I have had bad experiences with M&S as have other people I know. They seem to get it wrong a lot. I now go to Bravissimo and I certainly have never been given the advice you were given. I would definitely recommend them in future if you have a shop near you.

With M&S, I'd agree with Radio, and write to head office even if it was only about their attitude! I know that some people are built differently and it can be difficult to get a bra that fits correctly (ie me), but there are most certainly bras out there that will fit and do wonders for your shape.

Also I will add that although you might measure one size it doesn't always mean you will end up in that size. It depends on the style of bra and the way it fits when you wear it.

ktboils · 27/03/12 - 07:49

I'd only recommend Bravissimo too. I've found M&S to be the worst bra measurers.

Having said that, 1`

Normandie · 27/03/12 - 07:57

Handers wrote: »

Have you tried other types of bras? Not all types work for all sizes and figures. Some of the more decorative or dainty bras don't give a lot of support, you do need to get something that you are comfortable in

This ^^^^

After many years, I know exactly the style of bra I need and which styles just won't work with my shape. However! The sizing does not remain the same. In some styles I need a 38C and in others a 42D. In some I need the first bar on the back fastening and in others the last bar. So any attempt by M&S to tell you that you just need to get used to looking wrong simply shows you how badly they have been trained and how inconsistent their sizings are. And how desperate they are for sales. Take the bras back and get a refund.

If you go to Bravissimo, you'll probably find that the sizings are consistent so once you find your size and style, each bra in that general style and size will fit you.

alfiewozere · 27/03/12 - 08:03

I took my teenage daughters to M&S for the fitting service and wasn't at all impressed. I'm not sure how much training the ladies who do the measuring get, and I'm sure they are on commission to sell the most expensive (and generally most hideous) bras in the store.

Another vote for Bravissimo, they know what they're doing.

Smokeychan1 · 27/03/12 - 08:24

Normandie wrote: »

This ^^^^

After many years, I know exactly the style of bra I need and which styles just won't work with my shape. However! The sizing does not remain the same. In some styles I need a 38C and in others a 42D. In some I need the first bar on the back fastening and in others the last bar. So any attempt by M&S to tell you that you just need to get used to looking wrong simply shows you how badly they have been trained and how inconsistent their sizings are. And how desperate they are for sales. Take the bras back and get a refund.

If you go to Bravissimo, you'll probably find that the sizings are consistent so once you find your size and style, each bra in that general style and size will fit you.

It's recommended to buy a bar that fits on the first bar so you have room to manouvre (tighten) when the bra loosens over washes and wear. Like you though, once I see a style I like and know is right for me, I will take my size and then the next cup down/back size up into the changing room with me.

ktboils · 27/03/12 - 08:29

ktboils wrote: »

I'd only recommend Bravissimo too. I've found M&S to be the worst bra measurers.

Having said that, 1`

Ooops, sorry, my cat jumped on and pressed entered befored I finished.:)

Having said that, they can still feel tight and it can be about getting the right style (and not all in your size will fit exactly the same) but Bravissimo will spend ages with you and bring in loads for you to try til you get it right.

You may need to book an appointment in advance though.

elliecat · 27/03/12 - 08:29

I get fitted at Bravissimo although as I used to Bra fit for Debenhams I know what and how it should look like. You should try it on on the loosest hooks as they give and stretch over time and you want to be able to tighten it if it does. Bra's should fit you when you buy them they may feel slightly tighter as all clothes do as they haven't been worn but they should fit you.

Before Bravissimo I used to go to John Lewis and they were really good. When I worked at Debenhams they once sent someone to get fitted at John Lewis, La Senza, M & S and John Lewis came out the best. We also used to get people complaining and M & S fittings all the time.

shmisk · 27/03/12 - 09:47

^^ I went to debenhams to get fitted and they kindly told me that I would never get a bra to fit me ever as my back was too narrow - erm, thanks

I went there as M and S had tried to measure me over my existing bra and t shirt and cardi to give me my size, which I thought was a bit silly

burton07 · 27/03/12 - 10:33

Bra fitting is a nightmare. I can only wear a certain style of bra - that is a padded one with a very narrow bit between the cups at the front as the bones stick in me otherwise. Also I have a fairly broad back but only need an A or B cup. I have found that, other than Gossard Wonderbras, the best and most comfortable fit are from Tesco. The cups are joined at the front by a narrow bit of material and they are padded. I buy a 34 B cup even though they are quite tight round my back, I wear them on the loosest clip.

[Deleted User] · 27/03/12 - 11:05

I can't believe they said that a bra never fits until you wash it a few times - unbelieveable!!

Do you have a local independent underwear shop in your area? We have in our town - they've been there for about 100 years. The ladies never measure, they can tell by looking what size you are :eek: They also say that you should by a bra that fastens in the loosest clasp as you may need to tighten them as the fabric gives a bit.

I think how you put them on can make a difference too - do you lean over and "tuck them right in" and then fasten it? Or do you do the back strap first then wheech the shoulder straps up? (sorry if thats toooo nosy:o) According to the shop i go to, tucking them in right to the underwire, then giving them a wee shoogle to get in the cups properly is the best way....

I try and get all my bras from there, as they fit amazingly well and the difference a well fitting bra makes is unreal (teeny bit more expensive but well worth it)

gemma-the-husky · 27/03/12 - 11:35

how many bras did you buy? can you not just put this down to experience, and go somewhwere else. not as if there is a shortage of bra shops.

thefairydandy · 27/03/12 - 12:40

gemma-the-husky wrote: »

how many bras did you buy? can you not just put this down to experience, and go somewhwere else. not as if there is a shortage of bra shops.

That's not the point surely? The point is she has been given terrible advice which goes contrary not only to common sense, but against the ethics of a 'fair sale'.

I've been fitted in M&S, and despite finding their general store service to be excellent, their bra fitting service is a sham (though I've outgrown their ranges so it doesn't bother me anymore).

They seem to have an inclination to try and sell you the 'next best' size when there isn't one available at the correct size in the style you want. (Also, when I was 11 and a B cup, the woman said, 'girls your age usually like padding' - err, not when they already stick out thanks!).

Fortunately, M&S are usually pretty solid on accepting returns...

Agree with the suggestions of a Bravissimo fitting, and also highly recommend Panache bras. They're mega-uncomfortable in the wrong size, but hold you like nothing else in the right ones

Noisy Oyster · 27/03/12 - 13:31

Have you tried actually measuring yourself, using one of the on-line guides, to see what bra size you should be? If that comes up with a different size to the one M & S have suggested, then you know they have got it wrong. If it's the same that it's probably the style/make of bra that's wrong.

[Deleted User] · 27/03/12 - 13:34

Another vote for Bravissimo! List of stores here: http://www.bravissimo.com/stores/

They actually don't even "measure" you, as they know how varied sizes of bra can be, depending on the make, and how the style changes the fit etc. They are really brilliant.

Porcupine · 27/03/12 - 13:53

Noisy Oyster wrote: »

Have you tried actually measuring yourself, using one of the on-line guides, to see what bra size you should be? If that comes up with a different size to the one M & S have suggested, then you know they have got it wrong. If it's the same that it's probably the style/make of bra that's wrong.

I am not the OP, but i have yet to find an online guide that I can understand or works. I can never work out my size. I would love to know what it is.

I went to M&S for a bra fitting many years and they were really bad. I spent 1.5hrs in the fitting room with 5 women who couldn't decide what size i was. I tried on so many bra's my head swam. I walked out with a bra that was really uncomfortable and the underwire dug into my armpit. I never went back.

Since then I have never been fitted and have tried to self size. Unfortunately i have never got it right and it seems to be more trial than error. I have looked at the sizing guides for bravissimo, and the size i come out with still doesn't seem to be right.

NP73 · 27/03/12 - 14:37

My ex was a 36JJ; she only got good service at Bravissimo. M&S told her she should wear a certain size basically because it was all they had and they wanted to make a sale. The one they suggested made her look like she had four tits (we still laugh about it).

[Deleted User] · 27/03/12 - 18:08

I considered mentioning Bravissimo in my previous post, but because it's aimed at the larger cup sizes, wasn't sure most could relate (only because amongst other female friends, I seem to be the only one who goes there!)

It's the best bra fitting I've ever had. I am generous in the bust and have found going to department stores, they've often tried to put me in minimizer bras that are very uncomfortable and give you one big boob. Bravissimo was the first place that finally got my boobs apart and I can't say enough about them, other than give them a try if you haven't already!

fredster · 27/03/12 - 18:14

thefairydandy wrote: »

That's not the point surely? The point is she has been given terrible advice which goes contrary not only to common sense, but against the ethics of a 'fair sale'.

I've been fitted in M&S, and despite finding their general store service to be excellent, their bra fitting service is a sham (though I've outgrown their ranges so it doesn't bother me anymore).

They seem to have an inclination to try and sell you the 'next best' size when there isn't one available at the correct size in the style you want. (Also, when I was 11 and a B cup, the woman said, 'girls your age usually like padding' - err, not when they already stick out thanks!).

Fortunately, M&S are usually pretty solid on accepting returns...

Agree with the suggestions of a Bravissimo fitting, and also highly recommend Panache bras. They're mega-uncomfortable in the wrong size, but hold you like nothing else in the right ones

I am a 40D, and use M&S for that reason. alot of brands stop at 38DD.but M&S go up to 44 and big cup sizes.
Do bravissimo go up to bigger sizes and where are their stores?, I live in Hertfordshire.

[Deleted User] · 27/03/12 - 19:07

I work in a department store that does bra measurements and from what I understand the table of measurements doesn't always work out and some people are just really bad at it I've been measured a few times and haven't been told the same size twice I just try them on in the shops and if they look right and feel comfortable I'll buy it

sadoldbird · 27/03/12 - 19:52

I once had a bra fitted by Rigby & Peller and it cost a fair bit.

I pointed out to the expert lady fitter that whilst the bra looked great from the front there was a bit a fat bulge at the back. Her response was that they can only do so much; they're not miracle workers.

I bought the bra.

Hey there!

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