UK girls please, I need reliable bra measurement guidelines, can you help?

Question

I am having problems finding a bra that fits properly, I have had proper fittings but the bra's they supply me with either ride up my back or are too baggy at the front. I am pregnant at the moment and the last fitting I had they gave me a size of 40E but the bra I bought keeps riding up my back, I have tried a 38E which is too tight and a 42E which is way to big. Do they make in-between sizes?

Answer 1

Go to marks and spencers or british home stores they do a great fiiting service.

Answer 2

Chest measurement. Bra fitting experts offer two methods of calculating the chest measurement. The most common method involves running a tape measure just under your breasts, all the way around your back and rib cage. The tape measure should rest flat on your skin and lie straight across your back — not so tight that it digs in, but not so loose that it sags down in back. Make a note of your measurement and add 5 inches. That's your chest size.

You can also estimate your chest size by running a tape measure across your chest above your breasts, under your armpits, and around your back (measure from the same back position as in the first chest measurement option). This method is easier because you don't have to do any addition or other calculation, but some people feel it's less accurate than using the first method.

If your chest measurement comes out as an odd number (such as 31 inches or 33 inches), it's usually a good rule to round up to the next number. Most bras have a few sets of adjustable hooks and eyes, so you can adjust the tightness. It's a good idea to round up, rather than round down, because when you buy a new bra that hooks on the first or middle hooks — rather than on the last — you can leave room for growth.

Cup measurement. As with the chest measurement, when you're measuring for cup size, make sure the tape is not too loose or too tight. If you already own an unpadded bra that fits well, wear it when measuring for cup size. Be careful about the type of bra you wear to take your measurements, though. Sports bras can flatten breasts and give a cup reading that's too small, and padded or lined bras have the opposite effect.

This time, when you run the tape measure around your body, you're going to take the measurement across the fullest part of your breasts. Write down this number. Now subtract your chest measurement. If the difference between the two numbers is less than 1 inch, your cup size is AA. If it's 1 inch, your cup size is A; 2 inches, you're a B; 3 inches you're a C, and so on.

Answer 3

The only real way to answer this one is to go somewhere with a changing room and try the darned things on. Different styles, manufacturers and even types of elastic mean that bras of the same measurements don't always fit well on the same pair of boobs! Places like Marks and Sparks or Debenhams are helpful and will go and fetch the next size up or down of a bra you like.

Answer 4

Try a 40E somewhere else as all shops vary but failing that go and get fitted at M&S. I went there last week and they were great. She checked the bras fit and adjusted the straps if necessary. None of them ride up my back and they fit perfectly. Good luck and if you find a good fitter go back to them every couple of months cos your bust is going to be changing all the time whilst you are pregnant and of course afterwards.

Answer 5

Your breasts will change shape and size throughout your pregnancy, and of course afterwards! So the bra's you've bought will probably come in handy at some time. You need to get measured again, Debenhams is good, so is Bravissimo. But as others have said different brands fit differently, so while I can buy one size in 'Gorgeous' and 'Freya' the same size by Katie Price doesn't fit.(and you'd think she'd know!!)Oh and M&S bras are totally the wrong shape for me!

Answer 6

Hi.it sounds to me that you may need a bigger cup size maybe a 38 f .The fact that you are pregnant ...congrats by the way....will change your bust size,From experience my bust size went from a 38 ff to a 42 J!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....shocked was i but i managed to feed my boy up until he was 1year so it was all worth it in the end.I suggest you go back to the shop and explain to them that you are pregnant and they should provide you with a better bra.Also try to wear a bra with no wire far more comfortable when you have sore boobs.hope i have helped you .
good luck in the rest of the pregnancy.

Answer 7

Find a shop that fits you! Remember, each shop is different, BHS bras fit me in one size but if I try to buy the same size in another shop, it will be different! So, you need to find a couple of shops you like, then get fitted in each!

Answer 8

Maybe try getting fitted for a maternity bra at mothercare. Whilst you are pregnant you should avoid wearing bra's with underwiring if possible as this can damage the delicate breast tissue at this time.

Answer 9

Actually i would suggest to you to go to the BRA shop and have your self propperly measured ! They have all the experience and will fit you into the right one for you . I did that and was suprised that i was able to actually wear a smalles size!

Answer 10

Hunni. get yourself into marks and Spencer's and get a measurement done. i was wearing the wrong bra size for 1 year!!!
i know its embarrassing, but only takes a few minutes, and the ladies that do it are very professional.
good luck

Answer 11

the store with the best bra measuring and fitting service has been Debenhams top rate