Does any woman get fitted for a bra?

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  • LnMidnaLnMidna Posts: 3,638
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    Mallaha wrote: »
    I find it deeply suspicious that everyone I know who has used a bra-fitting service has discovered that - shock horror! - they are wearing COMPLETELY the wrong size, when what they should be wearing is some hard-to-find band/cup combination that is only available in the pricier ranges of that particular store.

    Actually places like M&S use outdated tape measure fitting methods. Going by that I'm an A cup. I most definitely am not.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 349
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    I usually go and get measured around once a year. If I'm looking for bras inbetween I have to go and try them on in different sizes until I feel comfortable and find one that fits properly.

    Bra shopping is my personal hell & I despise it completely. I wear an F cup and am only a 32 back, so its a silly combination as no one seems to stock that size, or if they do they are what I call 'granny' bras, non wired and all lacey or plunge bras, which I don't like.
  • GlowbotGlowbot Posts: 14,847
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    abarthman wrote: »
    How would someone get into that line of work?

    You have to have your own tape measure and warm hands. I'm freelance.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,001
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    Mallaha wrote: »
    I find it deeply suspicious that everyone I know who has used a bra-fitting service has discovered that - shock horror! - they are wearing COMPLETELY the wrong size, when what they should be wearing is some hard-to-find band/cup combination that is only available in the pricier ranges of that particular store.

    Not true. Well not in a store that has a variety of ranges. There are reasonably priced bras available in most variations. It gets trickier over an H cup, as you do find yourself in the more expensive brands. My main concern is getting customers in the right size, not what they spend. And most do come in wearing the wrong size. If they don't then great.

    sarah0890 wrote: »
    I usually go and get measured around once a year. If I'm looking for bras inbetween I have to go and try them on in different sizes until I feel comfortable and find one that fits properly.

    Bra shopping is my personal hell & I despise it completely. I wear an F cup and am only a 32 back, so its a silly combination as no one seems to stock that size, or if they do they are what I call 'granny' bras, non wired and all lacey or plunge bras, which I don't like.

    I'd say a 32F was a pretty common size. When we get a new range in we usually head to that for fittings as we'll have the full size range, and I'd say the 32Fs are the first to disappear. But it's true you can't guarantee a bra will fit from the label alone but then you could say that about shoes or a pair of jeans. The choice is certainly expanding all the time though, which is great.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,256
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    Bravissimo and Debenhams come out top for fitting bras correctly for myself and the Slavettes. The Slavettes all have very narrow backs and are all very busty. Bravissimo is also good for clothing if you are busty as they have been designed and tailored to fit properly. #1 has a couple of smart blouses and the difference when she has one on compared to one from Next is amazing.

    I'm not busty and depending on the style and make of bra I can be wearing a 34 or 36 B,C or D cup :eek: Time of the month can also make a difference in my bra size.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,704
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    sarah0890 wrote: »
    I usually go and get measured around once a year. If I'm looking for bras inbetween I have to go and try them on in different sizes until I feel comfortable and find one that fits properly.

    Bra shopping is my personal hell & I despise it completely. I wear an F cup and am only a 32 back, so its a silly combination as no one seems to stock that size, or if they do they are what I call 'granny' bras, non wired and all lacey or plunge bras, which I don't like.

    I've got the same problem and am almost the same size (34f, 34ff at time of month). The only place I've found really sexy bras in my size is Ann Summers- I was reluctant to go there as had in my head they wouldn't do more normal sexy, but I was happily surprised. They have a lovely range up to H cup and starting with slim back sizes. I've bought some stunning sets from AS, suitable to wear generally and not only fit for the bedroom if that makes sense.
    Have a look at the Ann Summers website, for up to H cup. They've got a nice range in at moment. They'll measure you instore too, they are miles better than M&S. http://www.annsummers.com/c/lingerie/up-to-h-cup-bras/?/=&page=1&pageSize=100
  • GiraffeGirlGiraffeGirl Posts: 13,619
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    A little OT, but quite interesting

    http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10001_142611_-1

    Watch the video on this page with the captions. God knows what the person subtitling was hearing
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 4,639
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    I went in M&S years ago and asked to be measured for a bra, the assistant just looked at me and said you're an A !! :(
  • IphigeniaIphigenia Posts: 8,109
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    I get measured when I've lost weight but I've only ever done it at M&S. When I've lost a bit more this time, I'll try somewhere else.
    I suspect Evans might not be very good?
    At the minute, the likes of Bravissimo or Anne Summers are no use to me, as my cup size is 'only' C but the band size is big - it's harder to find a 46C than it is to find a 42 GG.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,704
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    Iphigenia wrote: »
    I get measured when I've lost weight but I've only ever done it at M&S. When I've lost a bit more this time, I'll try somewhere else.
    I suspect Evans might not be very good?
    At the minute, the likes of Bravissimo or Anne Summers are no use to me, as my cup size is 'only' C but the band size is big - it's harder to find a 46C than it is to find a 42 GG.

    Try Debenhams or a small independent shop. I'd not be surprised if your back size is a lot smaller than m&s say and your cup size bigger. I'm a 34f, M&S measured me as a 38d.. I had 34f measured by 2 independent people (one Ann Summers and the other a local lingerie shop).
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,001
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    Iphigenia wrote: »
    I get measured when I've lost weight but I've only ever done it at M&S. When I've lost a bit more this time, I'll try somewhere else.
    I suspect Evans might not be very good?
    At the minute, the likes of Bravissimo or Anne Summers are no use to me, as my cup size is 'only' C but the band size is big - it's harder to find a 46C than it is to find a 42 GG.

    I agree with boredof_lurking above. I wouldn't be at all suprised if you're a much smaller band size than you think, especially when it's M&S that have measured you before. Also, when you get to larger sizes there's a degree of compressibility that has to be taken into account.

    I haven't a clue about Evans, I'd advise sticking to actual lingerie specialists though.

    If however you do need over a 40 band then try Playtex as many of their bras seem to run large yet do cover smaller cup sizes. Or, depending on cup size, there's Elomi which is the fuller figured range from the same stable as Fantasie and Freya. You'll get them in independents or larger Debenhams stores.

    I hope that helps a bit. I do agree, it's as hard to find 42 and over bras as it is to find under 30s (or even 30s at times!).
  • cnbcwatchercnbcwatcher Posts: 56,681
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    Glowbot wrote: »
    You have to have your own tape measure and warm hands. I'm freelance.

    Are they the only qualifications needed? ;)
  • elliecatelliecat Posts: 9,890
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    I get fitted by Bravissimo once a year maybe once every two years but I have been wearing the same size for the past 4 years and am an ex bra fitter so know when I need a new size. Last time I got fitted they tried to get me to take the next size up because they said my size was too small on one of my boobs but the next size up was massive on the other and then they decided that my original size was fine.
  • PorcupinePorcupine Posts: 25,231
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    I once went to M&S to get fitted, and 2hrs later I walked out with bras that didn't fit. I was just desperate to leave the place.

    I havent been fitted since, and that was about 10yrs ago. I have also lost about 3 stone lately. I just knocked a cup size off my current bra size, but I never feel secure. I really need to go. Im currently wearing a 38FF, and im sure that needs changing.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,001
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    Porcupine wrote: »
    I once went to M&S to get fitted, and 2hrs later I walked out with bras that didn't fit. I was just desperate to leave the place.

    I havent been fitted since, and that was about 10yrs ago. I have also lost about 3 stone lately. I just knocked a cup size off my current bra size, but I never feel secure. I really need to go. Im currently wearing a 38FF, and im sure that needs changing.

    If you've lost 3 stone you'll have gone down back sizes. Go into somewhere like Debenhams or an independent and get fitted. Pick a store that has a full range of sizes (which you'll need anyway if you're over an F). In the meantime measure round your ribcage, your band size should be fairly close to that measurement. It varies with the bra and with your body shape which is why you should go in for a fitting of course, but it's a starting point and should give you an indicator of what you should be wearing. :)
  • PorcupinePorcupine Posts: 25,231
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    If you've lost 3 stone you'll have gone down back sizes. In the meantime measure round your ribcage, your band size should be fairly close to that measurement.

    The weird thing though is, when I lost the weight and my existing bras were too big, I measured my rib cage (assisted by an over eager husband) and he measured 35. So, the next bra I bought was a 36, and it was so tight i couldn't do it up. Thinking hubby had done it wrong, i did it myself, and it was definately 35.

    Buying a bra is the most confusing thing in the world.

    But, at my current 38 FF, I have noticed that i wobble a lot when i walk, which is never a good look :o
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,001
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    Porcupine wrote: »
    The weird thing though is, when I lost the weight and my existing bras were too big, I measured my rib cage (assisted by an over eager husband) and he measured 35. So, the next bra I bought was a 36, and it was so tight i couldn't do it up. Thinking hubby had done it wrong, i did it myself, and it was definately 35.

    Buying a bra is the most confusing thing in the world.

    But, at my current 38 FF, I have noticed that i wobble a lot when i walk, which is never a good look :o

    :) Hmmm, hard to say without seeing you but... some brands do run small and a few brands still use the old plus 4 system (although not many) so that might be why that bra was small, or it could be the cup isn't right. Some even just come up small in some styles and not in others - just like any item of clothing does. Depends on the factories I think sometimes too. Measuring 35 you could well be a 34 in some brands, 36 in others.

    Your band should be snug though, on the loosest hook you should just be able to slide a couple of fingers round. And remember - when you go down a back size, you go up a cup size. So your 38FF (providing the cups fitted) would become a 36G.

    Definitely go into somewhere like Debenhams and get a fitting. They'll fit the bras on you rather than rely on numbers :)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 368
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    I've never been fitted but know I should as I wear a 36f bra and sometimes my boobs spill out and I get the 4 boob look.
  • louise1966louise1966 Posts: 4,012
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    Absolutely not! I know what feels comfortable, what looks good and what fits me properly. I don't need a shop assistant to tell me. Not that I've got much to put in one anyway. I bought two bras at George at Asda in the sale for £1.50! Perfect fit, brilliant buy. Now I scour George every time the sale is on. My mum has been measured and the size she is told she is and the size she needs to buy are two different things.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 276
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    Women - and I am not alone in this will spend decent money on a dress etc. I never considered my bra should be fitted for me - I just kinda wore a 36 D. Then I caught my 4 boobs when I was passing a shop window and saw my reflection. I nearly bloody died with shock.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,001
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    louise1966 wrote: »
    Absolutely not! I know what feels comfortable, what looks good and what fits me properly. I don't need a shop assistant to tell me. Not that I've got much to put in one anyway. I bought two bras at George at Asda in the sale for £1.50! Perfect fit, brilliant buy. Now I scour George every time the sale is on. My mum has been measured and the size she is told she is and the size she needs to buy are two different things.

    You're very lucky then, and it's a lot easier for the small busted. But this 'shop assistant' sees people every day who are in bras that stop their clothes from fitting, make them look several dress sizes bigger and cause them pain and discomfort. We also see people with health problems, post mastectomy and of course struggling with maternity and nursing bras. And it isn't just about size, it's the cut and shape of the bra for different figure types.

    Well done you for finding such bargains that work for you, but I can assure you there are many, many people for whom that would be impossible,
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,704
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    You're very lucky then, and it's a lot easier for the small busted. But this 'shop assistant' sees people every day who are in bras that stop their clothes from fitting, make them look several dress sizes bigger and cause them pain and discomfort. We also see people with health problems, post mastectomy and of course struggling with maternity and nursing bras. And it isn't just about size, it's the cut and shape of the bra for different figure types.

    Well done you for finding such bargains that work for you, but I can assure you there are many, many people for whom that would be impossible,

    I don't know what I would have done without being measured by somebody who knew what they were doing when I was pregnant and breastfeeding. I guessed my size and it was so uncomfortable. I went and got measured and was gobsmacked at my bra size, I'd gone from a 36d pre pregnancy to a 38g when breastfeeding. I also owe heaps to the lady who measured me after I'd stopped breastfeeding as my old bras were uncomfortable, turns out I'd dropped a back size and gone up cup sizes (36d to 34f/ff).
    I look slimmer on my upper body, and now know when a bra actually fits properly rather than assuming it fits because I can do up the back and my breasts fit in the cup.. There is a massive difference between a bra that 'will do' and a bra that does its job properly.
    I actually need to be fitted again as I think I've gone up another cup size (back size I'm sure is the same) :-/
    My pre pregnancy size was guessed by me, so I probably wasn't even a 36d. I always wore it on the tightest setting even when brand new, and I've since been told that you should start on the loosest and work in as the back strap will naturally loosen with wear? Not sure how true that is but whenever I've been fitted I'm told to buy the one that sits on the loosest one (and within a couple of months I've moved up a notch to make it tighter).
    I'm waffling now so shall shut up.
  • Jen-BJen-B Posts: 3,412
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    I'd certainly recommend getting fitted. I'm having my wedding dress made for me, and one of the requirements for measuring was a well-fitting bra. Cue traipsing (rather reluctantly) off to get my boobs measured and a bra fitted. Went to Debenhams and I ended up shocked. That old adage of wearing a too big back size and too small cup was definitely true for me.

    It's definitely an eye opener.
  • ChrysalisChrysalis Posts: 592
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    is a common problem?

    My sister's bra straps seem to always need adjustment she is constantly fiddling with them and because of this she has to wear sleeveless tops a lot so she can access the straps and pull them up easier when they fall down.

    She spends a lot of cash on tops, shoes etc. but seems to always have the same bra problem for a long time.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 249
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    I have never been measured, well I was once as a 12 year old but I was a 30AA then, so it was a it pointless. Nowadays I usually get a 34-36 A or B, depending on the shop, as a 36B in one shop can be the same as a 34A in another, a bit like clothes sizes in some shops (ie Topshop, Warehouse etc) are much smaller than DP, George etc. I would imagine for the bustier ladies it is more important to get measured as wearing the wrong size could be uncomfortable and have health ramifications.
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