Bra Buying Help Needed - UK Only

janemem
janemem Posts: 575 Member
in Chit-Chat
Good morning ladies (I presume), I have now reached my goal weight (yey!!) and thought I would treat myself to some new underwear as everything is so big on me now. I have measured my bust and am shocked to realise that I am now a 34AA :frown:
I haven't a clue what high street stores will have a range that goes down to that size so I would appreciate any suggestions.
I can't afford much, maximum £6 per bra and I would really rather prefer not to have to buy 'teen' bra's as I am 44 :wink:
Thanks in advance :flowerforyou:
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Replies

  • plaingirly
    plaingirly Posts: 378
    How are you measuring yourself?
  • be_dazzled
    be_dazzled Posts: 353 Member
    Hi babe

    George at ASDA has some gorgeous bras with matching pants (I have underwear OCD lol) for less than a tenner
    Matalan is ok too as is Peacocks if you want cheap.

    La senza is nice but pricey
    I know you are small but any bigger girls reading, don't go to bravissimo, overpriced and poor quality
  • Vailara
    Vailara Posts: 2,473 Member
    I'd recommend trying out some bras first to see what brands fit well. I find that the sizes and fit aren't exactly the same between bras. I'm at the other end of the size scale, though, so it might be more standard for smaller cups!

    I almost always buy bras on Ebay. You do need to be sure about the size and fit first, but once you know I find that Ebay is usually the cheapest. There are several sellers selling brand new bras at discount prices.
  • plaingirly
    plaingirly Posts: 378
    I quite like La Senza but they are expensive! Peacocks, Tesco, Next and Debenhams have cheaper bras.

    34 sounds like a big back size as you look way smaller than that in your picture!

    Measure under the bust with the tape quite tight. (Band measurement.)

    Measure around the fullest part of the bust.

    The difference between the two measurements gives your cup size. Each inch of difference is a cup size.

    If your band measurement is 32 and your around bust is 36 you would try on 32D.
  • lesleypajles
    lesleypajles Posts: 16
    to get the correct size try here http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    As above asda(george) are the best i have found and great prices too! :bigsmile:
  • cad39too
    cad39too Posts: 874 Member
    I quite like La Senza but they are expensive! Peacocks, Tesco, Next and Debenhams have cheaper bras.

    34 sounds like a big back size as you look way smaller than that in your picture!

    Measure under the bust with the tape quite tight. (Band measurement.)

    Measure around the fullest part of the bust.

    The difference between the two measurements gives your cup size. Each inch of difference is a cup size.

    If your band measurement is 32 and your around bust is 36 you would try on 32D.

    Thanks for this, so if my band is 29 and around my bust is 35 - what would that make me? I don't think bras come in 29 anything so would it be 30 or would I have to go up more to 32D?
  • girlinahat
    girlinahat Posts: 2,956 Member
    Go to Debenhams and ask them to size you. Try on a few different sizes. You can be flexible so for example I am a 34D but 36C fits in some bra types - going up a size and down a cup size works as there is not much difference.
    So many women wear the wrong size bra. The chest strap should sit below your shoulder blade and do all the support

    Once you know your size, you can try asda. They have a pretty good selection.
  • Vailara
    Vailara Posts: 2,473 Member
    For a 29 underbust measurement, I would probably wear a 30. I'm a 33 underbust and I wear a 34 band size.

    Sorry to mention Ebay again, but it's great if you're a less common size! I've used it a lot because I have a large cup size to band size, and it's great for finding sizes I can only find in specialist shops.
  • plaingirly
    plaingirly Posts: 378
    I quite like La Senza but they are expensive! Peacocks, Tesco, Next and Debenhams have cheaper bras.

    34 sounds like a big back size as you look way smaller than that in your picture!

    Measure under the bust with the tape quite tight. (Band measurement.)

    Measure around the fullest part of the bust.

    The difference between the two measurements gives your cup size. Each inch of difference is a cup size.

    If your band measurement is 32 and your around bust is 36 you would try on 32D.

    Thanks for this, so if my band is 29 and around my bust is 35 - what would that make me? I don't think bras come in 29 anything so would it be 30 or would I have to go up more to 32D?

    There are places that sell 28 backs but I think they are mostly on line. Figleaves do but they aren't all that cheap! Debenhams have small backs too but probably more on line than in store.

    30E maybe but I would try a few sizes!
  • tannyasawyer
    tannyasawyer Posts: 106 Member
    Marks and Spencer normally do a free bra fitting service. Book yourself in for a session and talk to them about what you need, they're usually quite helpful and doesn't take long. Also (I'm not sure if it's just my local branch or nationwide and if it's still running), but they're offering money off your purchase of bra(s) once you had your fitting done.
  • MrsPixelbark
    MrsPixelbark Posts: 175 Member
    Sorry to mention Ebay again, but it's great if you're a less common size! I've used it a lot because I have a large cup size to band size, and it's great for finding sizes I can only find in specialist shops.

    Going to echo ebay- uk'er here too. I'm in exactly the same shoes as you (I've gone from a 36B to a 34AA) and ebay has been fantastic. I've been able to pick up a few nice pieces (two plain- one slightly lacier) for next to nothing. :)

    Although, upon saying that, debos, marks, asda and next all stock 34AA's if you want a more conventional bra route.
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    How are you measuring yourself?

    Under breast measurement is 29"
    Over breast measurement is 33"

    According to all the measuring guides I've looked at it brings me to a 34AA
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    Hi babe

    George at ASDA has some gorgeous bras with matching pants (I have underwear OCD lol) for less than a tenner
    Matalan is ok too as is Peacocks if you want cheap.

    La senza is nice but pricey
    I know you are small but any bigger girls reading, don't go to bravissimo, overpriced and poor quality

    Thanks for that. I can't get to an Asda and I looked in Peacocks already but they don't go down that small. I never thought of Matalan though, I'll have a look to see if there's one I can get to.
    Thanks again. :)
  • Vailara
    Vailara Posts: 2,473 Member
    How are you measuring yourself?

    Under breast measurement is 29"
    Over breast measurement is 33"

    According to all the measuring guides I've looked at it brings me to a 34AA

    Honestly, I think I lot of the measuring guides are wrong. In the old days (YEARS ago) bras were less stretchy so you had to allow for some give in the band size. I think that the bra guides still take that into account. They will say to add four or five inches, but when you think of it, it doesn't make any sense for the bra band to be loose.

    Somebody posted this link on here a while ago, and I found it fairly accurate (although a lot of people found it didn't work for them. I suppose you really do need to try the bras on and see what feels right). It suggests a 30D for you, which sounds about right.

    http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    to get the correct size try here http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/

    That calculator put me as a 30D! How can that be? :noway:
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    Go to Debenhams and ask them to size you. Try on a few different sizes. You can be flexible so for example I am a 34D but 36C fits in some bra types - going up a size and down a cup size works as there is not much difference.
    So many women wear the wrong size bra. The chest strap should sit below your shoulder blade and do all the support

    Once you know your size, you can try asda. They have a pretty good selection.

    Thanks, I had heard that I could go up one size and down one cup and I think 32A may be a little easier to come by.
  • plaingirly
    plaingirly Posts: 378
    How are you measuring yourself?

    Under breast measurement is 29"
    Over breast measurement is 33"

    According to all the measuring guides I've looked at it brings me to a 34AA

    I would have said that was 30C!

    A lot of places like M&S still do the add 4 or 5 inches to the band size thing. I was a B cup when measured there but when I was measured at a proper bra shop I was an E.
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    Sorry to mention Ebay again, but it's great if you're a less common size! I've used it a lot because I have a large cup size to band size, and it's great for finding sizes I can only find in specialist shops.

    Going to echo ebay- uk'er here too. I'm in exactly the same shoes as you (I've gone from a 36B to a 34AA) and ebay has been fantastic. I've been able to pick up a few nice pieces (two plain- one slightly lacier) for next to nothing. :)

    Although, upon saying that, debos, marks, asda and next all stock 34AA's if you want a more conventional bra route.

    I never even gave Ebay a thought (never look for clothes online as I'm such awkward sizes) but I think I will definitely have a look once I know my correct size.
    It's blooming expensive losing weight isn't it? Not only in clothes but shoes also, I've got so many pairs of stunning heels that are just way too big for me now, it makes me want to cry, lol!
  • annettem66
    annettem66 Posts: 1 Member
    If your not sure I'd suggest getting measured. M&S larger stores all have a freesizing service and their range isn't too expensive.
  • cad39too
    cad39too Posts: 874 Member
    Thanks ladies, off to shop for some new bras. I have been a 36C for so long before now that bra sizes baffle me.

    Will check out that link that was posted as well.
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    How are you measuring yourself?

    Under breast measurement is 29"
    Over breast measurement is 33"

    According to all the measuring guides I've looked at it brings me to a 34AA

    I would have said that was 30C!

    A lot of places like M&S still do the add 4 or 5 inches to the band size thing. I was a B cup when measured there but when I was measured at a proper bra shop I was an E.

    Well someone else suggested an online calculator and it said I was 30D so I haven't a clue now! :noway:
    I was told to add 5 if the under breast measurement was an odd number (4 if even) and then each inch difference between under/over breast means a cup size. As my over breast is smaller than the underbreast (+5) thats how I got to an AA.
    I really think I need to go get measured!
  • plaingirly
    plaingirly Posts: 378
    How are you measuring yourself?

    Under breast measurement is 29"
    Over breast measurement is 33"

    According to all the measuring guides I've looked at it brings me to a 34AA

    I would have said that was 30C!

    A lot of places like M&S still do the add 4 or 5 inches to the band size thing. I was a B cup when measured there but when I was measured at a proper bra shop I was an E.

    Well someone else suggested an online calculator and it said I was 30D so I haven't a clue now! :noway:
    I was told to add 5 if the under breast measurement was an odd number (4 if even) and then each inch difference between under/over breast means a cup size. As my over breast is smaller than the underbreast (+5) thats how I got to an AA.
    I really think I need to go get measured!

    You don't need to add 4 or 5 now are bra bands are stretchy! M&S still measure the old way - that is why their measurements are always off.

    C/D would be about right with a 29" band - you would probably have to go to a 30 just to be able to buy the right size.
  • MelBristol
    MelBristol Posts: 63
    Marks and Spencer normally do a free bra fitting service. Book yourself in for a session and talk to them about what you need, they're usually quite helpful and doesn't take long. Also (I'm not sure if it's just my local branch or nationwide and if it's still running), but they're offering money off your purchase of bra(s) once you had your fitting done.

    I found this service to be useless or maybe just the woman that saw me was hopeless! The size she chose for me was really uncomfortable!
  • MelBristol
    MelBristol Posts: 63
    I'm surprised to see so many people like la senza. Quality is absolutely awful. I really like figleaves and la perla but yes you pay a lot more than 6 quid per bra. I don't think you can get anything decent for this price. I'd change the husband if he ever bought cheap lingerie LOL
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    Per Una do some cheap bras. Well, cheapish, around £9 for a bra. Although I haven't bought any for a while.

    I've lost a lot, although I'm not quite at my goal, and I'm able to wear old bras I bought years ago, back when I had more money (i.e no mortgage and kids!) so I've got brands like Calvin Klein and Elle Mcpherson.

    I'd just try a few on and see what fits best. I've never been properly measured, except in Mothercare when I was pregnant!
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    How are you measuring yourself?

    Under breast measurement is 29"
    Over breast measurement is 33"

    According to all the measuring guides I've looked at it brings me to a 34AA

    I would have said that was 30C!

    A lot of places like M&S still do the add 4 or 5 inches to the band size thing. I was a B cup when measured there but when I was measured at a proper bra shop I was an E.

    Well someone else suggested an online calculator and it said I was 30D so I haven't a clue now! :noway:
    I was told to add 5 if the under breast measurement was an odd number (4 if even) and then each inch difference between under/over breast means a cup size. As my over breast is smaller than the underbreast (+5) thats how I got to an AA.
    I really think I need to go get measured!

    You don't need to add 4 or 5 now are bra bands are stretchy! M&S still measure the old way - that is why their measurements are always off.

    C/D would be about right with a 29" band - you would probably have to go to a 30 just to be able to buy the right size.

    I just looked at Debenhams online size guide and they do the 'add 4/5' too which is a bit frustrating!
    At least 30C sounds more 'grown up' than 34AA, lol! :laugh:
  • Pookylou
    Pookylou Posts: 988 Member
    I've been fitted twice at Debenhams, before and during weight loss, and the ladies were really helpful both times. I thought I had lost loads but only moved a cup size :sad: I have friend who didn't have much look with the sizing at M&S either......
    I am a 32 F so cheap bras are out of the equation for me :grumble:
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    Marks and Spencer normally do a free bra fitting service. Book yourself in for a session and talk to them about what you need, they're usually quite helpful and doesn't take long. Also (I'm not sure if it's just my local branch or nationwide and if it's still running), but they're offering money off your purchase of bra(s) once you had your fitting done.

    I found this service to be useless or maybe just the woman that saw me was hopeless! The size she chose for me was really uncomfortable!

    I always used to go to M&S to be measured until a good few years back when they stopped measuring over breast, they had to just guess as they weren't allowed to touch women in that 'area', ffs!
    Debenhams are the same and neither place has ever measured/guessed the correct size for me.
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    I'm surprised to see so many people like la senza. Quality is absolutely awful. I really like figleaves and la perla but yes you pay a lot more than 6 quid per bra. I don't think you can get anything decent for this price. I'd change the husband if he ever bought cheap lingerie LOL

    I don't have a job (or a husband for that matter!) so a budget is a budget I'm afraid. Loads of places sell bra's in my price range, just not my size :(

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