bra fittings

ztoical

Coming from the Ann Summers La Stanza thread I was wondering how many ladies have had a professional bra fitting [is that the right phrases I'm to lazy to go check]? Its something that they tell you should do as the wrong bra can do more damage then good.

If you have were did you get it done and how would you rate the service?

I went to get it done in Arnotts one day but the lady who did them wasn't in and its one of those things on my to do list that I never seem to get around to.

Lil' Smiler

Yeah I got it done in Marks & Spencers a few years ago when i was trying to find the right bra to go with my debs dress

It was grand, see just measured me and then showed me what type of bras I should get etc said you know how tight the straps should be etc.

Hmm... I'm kinda thinking I need to get it done again coz I think I might have grown, although I'm not sure seeing as I was 18 getting it done and now 21..haven't changed my pill..hmm... not complaining though!:D

watna

I had one done in a place called Change on Nassau Street. It's not there anymore but I'm pretty sure it has moved to the Pavillions in Swords or maybe Blanchardstown. Anywho, they were very good. It was at a time when my knockers had got really big and I needed a lot of new bras. The girls was excellent and the underwear was really nice.

Sadly, they (my boobies) have deflated somewhat since then so I can't wear the underwear anymore. It was nice while it lasted though!

WindSock

I haven't had a fitting in a while. I think I'm due one though, all my bras creak like old ships.

microgirl

Arnotts and M&S are rubbish at fittings anyway, to be honest. Both those places measured me several times (I used to go regularly) as 34-36D. I have since been measured by Bella Lusso at one of their "Perfect Fit" parties (www.bellalusso.com) and Bravissimo as 32F or 30FF depending on the manufacturer. Believe me when I tell you I cannot compare the support I get now! (as in I don't have to hold on to myself when going downstairs, which I used to if I descended at anything other than the most stately of walks)

It took a little getting used to quite how tight the chestband should be, having grown up with such a loose one for years, and yes, having VBL/fat rolls (only a cm or so) under clingy tops is annoying, but worth it for the support.

fits

microgirl wrote: »

(I used to go regularly) as 34-36D. I have since been measured by Bella Lusso at one of their "Perfect Fit" parties (www.bellalusso.com) and Bravissimo as 32F or 30FF depending on the manufacturer.

I had the exact same problem (or close enough anyway)

fits

Havent got it done in years. I'm pretty sure of my ability to figure out if it fits or not though. Its not really that difficult! Sizes can also vary between brands.

Heres a good guide.
http://www.bravissimo.com/info/brafitting.aspx

AckwelFoley

on behalf of my ex gilfriend , i voted no..
She never got a fitting.. just the standard C cup

star-pants

Yup got mine done in M &S a few times, the girls in there are trained and really nice. (I used to work in the Per Una clothes section) I would definitely recommend you get measured, and I'd go a few times, because you body changes, weight gain/loss, if you're on tabs etc.
I forced my mother to go about 2 years ago for the first time since she was my age or something(I'm 24 she's ...eh.. older lol) And she was surprised she'd been wearing the wrong size and cup. And she was on a lot of medication so when she came off some of it she dropped some weight and she went back on her own there recently and she had in fact gone down in bra size. The girl was very nice and went out to get bras to suit (personal input with my mother's input) and mother was all sorted again.

It's amazing the difference you can have in what you think you are and what you actually are.

I do my own at home, with a bit of assistance.

I don't how any one would manage to get away without a bra fitting. Maybe its because I tend to shop in department stores, but when I turn down the offer, the bra fitting zealots have a habit of jumping into the cubicle when I'm trying stuff on to convince me of the need to measure.
I would rather not be fitted beause I'm an unusually broad build and they always get the size wrong.

dudara

It's as easy to do it at home. It's simple to do and there's no embarrassment of brightly lit changing rooms.

ztoical

I've tired a few of the online guides on how to measure and the results always seem to be insane - I wear a 38 C at the moment and the online ones have told me I'm everything from a a 36A to a 44 D.

watna

Actually, thinking about this thread reminded me of a time my mum took me to get measured when I was about 16. The girl measured me and her and my mum proceeded to have a long loud conversation about the size of my boobies and how one was bigger than the other (I didn't agree with them but I found out recently that apparently all women have size differences). It was mortifying! So I say +1 for measuring yourself at home!

microgirl

ztoical wrote: »

I've tired a few of the online guides on how to measure and the results always seem to be insane - I wear a 38 C at the moment and the online ones have told me I'm everything from a a 36A to a 44 D.

Basically you should just about be able to get one finger, two if really stretched, between your back and the chest band, and the wire (or the seam if you don't wear a wire) should be pretty much under your armpit. Your boob starts a hell of a lot further back than most of us think. I was really surprised!

LegacyUser

I got measured a few years ago for a wedding and to my suprise I was wearing the wrong size. Well to be honest it depends on the make of bar. I vary from 34b to 34c. Not a big difference but style of bra makes adifference. Currently I am a fan of Charnos.

cuckoo

fits wrote: »

Sizes can also vary between brands.

That can be a bit annoying!!! When i'm buying bras i take armfuls into the dressing room, with several cup and back meaurements either side of my 'normal' measurement.

Anyone ever been so excited to find a bra that fits perfectly that they've bought it in three different colours, and two white? I can't be the only one....

I get measured in somewhere like arnotts every year or so, and also do a bit of DIY measuring at home too.

ThatGal

I was in New York last summer trying on underwear in Victoria Secrets. When the shop assistant brought me to the changing room she asked me if I'd been measured yet and before I knew I had my arms in the air and there was a tape around me.......it was so efficent compared to over here when you have to queue for ages to be measured! I was impressed! Oh and I know it's of topic but that shop is AMAZING, why isn't it over here!!!

MIN2511

microgirl where did you get measured? In M&S i am a 36F and i still don't think they support me well enough actually i was in M&S 2 weeks ago and no bra fitted me.

Nightwish

I've never gone for a professional fitting. I always measured myself, and was right. Its only in the past 6 months or so since I changed pill, have I gone up. I've jumped 2 cup sizes and still going up, so I'm measuring every few weeks.

gollyitsolly

Had one done in M+S. They gave me 6 bras to try and none fit.

smaoifs

Always wore Penneys bras in 34B but got measured in Shaws when I wanted to get a more expensive bra. Measured in at 38C but she only measured my back and gave me different bras to fit for cup size. Was also great at showing me how to adjust the straps properly. Am now feeling all Trinny and Suzannah and want to fix up this girl in work who has them hovering just above her belly button!

IanCurtis

smaoifs wrote: »

Am now feeling all Trinny and Suzannah and want to fix up this girl in work who has them hovering just above her belly button!

:eek:

Dudess

I find Arnotts fantastic.

ztoical

anyone know if the M&S in jarvis do fittings?

I got one done there a lifetime ago and in debenhams in the Jervis.

annie19

calling out to all women out there........................do you not know your supposed to check your bra size every 6-8 months.......
Im 99% sure im right on this one!!

annie19

Am now feeling all Trinny and Suzannah and want to fix up this girl in work who has them hovering just above her belly button![/quote]

get a few drinks into her sumnight when the shops are open late.LOL

Tragedy

ztoical wrote: »

anyone know if the M&S in jarvis do fittings?

They do indeed, or at least they did before Christmas

Meathlass

I've got measured lots of times in various shops but have yet to find a strapless bra that can hold everything up (I'm a 36 D), It's so annoying especially while trying to wear strapless dresses. And like the other poster I have to bring several different sizes into the chaning rooms as each brand (even within a shop) seems to be a different fit. I recently bought a bra in penney's with no underwire, I'm wearing it now and there's absolutely no support, so that's another one for the bin

Ginny

ztoical wrote: »

I've tired a few of the online guides on how to measure and the results always seem to be insane - I wear a 38 C at the moment and the online ones have told me I'm everything from a a 36A to a 44 D.

Same here although its a 38D right now..

Basically you should just about be able to get one finger, two if really stretched, between your back and the chest band, and the wire (or the seam if you don't wear a wire) should be pretty much under your armpit. Your boob starts a hell of a lot further back than most of us think. I was really surprised!

****e, just tried that and I can quite comfortably fit 3 fingers under at the back, although if it was tighter there would be lumps and bumps..

Cathmandooo

ThatGal wrote: »

I was in New York last summer trying on underwear in Victoria Secrets. When the shop assistant brought me to the changing room she asked me if I'd been measured yet and before I knew I had my arms in the air and there was a tape around me.......it was so efficent compared to over here when you have to queue for ages to be measured! I was impressed! Oh and I know it's of topic but that shop is AMAZING, why isn't it over here!!!

Ha that happened me too in there! I was queueing for the changing rooms at the time and a lady with a tape measure was walking up and down the queue asking, I hesitated with my answer and poof my arms were suddenly up in the air and she was recommending bras to me

Lux23

Im sure most people must have been brought by their mothers at some stage. I was wearing a 36DD for years but I went about a year ago and I measured as a 34 FF, its amazing the difference a good fitting bra makes to your figure.

nmk

Meathlass wrote: »

I've got measured lots of times in various shops but have yet to find a strapless bra that can hold everything up (I'm a 36 D), It's so annoying especially while trying to wear strapless dresses.

Try Fantasie, you can't beat their strapless bras I'm a 30E to 32DD depending on the brand - an 'odd' size in that many ranges don't cater for it and I've found that going to shops with lots of different brands (Debenhams/BTs/independent lingerie stores) where there are more ranges is the way to go. Freya is my fav brand at the moment, I love, love, love the look and comfort of their bras. I don't find M&S any good as I felt that they fudged the figures just to give me something (illfitting) to try on. They have such pretty styles though, I would love to be able to buy their bras.

fits

nmk wrote: »

Try Fantasie, you can't beat their strapless bras I'm a 30E to 32DD depending on the brand - an 'odd' size in that many ranges don't cater for it and I've found that going to shops with lots of different brands (Debenhams/BTs/independent lingerie stores) where there are more ranges is the way to go. Freya is my fav brand at the moment, I love, love, love the look and comfort of their bras. I don't find M&S any good as I felt that they fudged the figures just to give me something (illfitting) to try on. They have such pretty styles though, I would love to be able to buy their bras.

I'm similar size to you and recently bought some nice ones in M&S (which I'm quite happy with).

I'm with you on the freya and fantasie though. They're expensive but so worth it.

Quality

Meathlass wrote: »

I've got measured lots of times in various shops but have yet to find a strapless bra that can hold everything up (I'm a 36 D), It's so annoying especially while trying to wear strapless dresses. And like the other poster I have to bring several different sizes into the chaning rooms as each brand (even within a shop) seems to be a different fit. I recently bought a bra in penney's with no underwire, I'm wearing it now and there's absolutely no support, so that's another one for the bin

hey meath lass there is an underwear shop in drogheda called "ophelia", I think its on Dyer street... they stock some great gear they do fittings and have a good selection of underwired strapless bras for the busty lady...

Meathlass

Quality wrote: »

hey meath lass there is an underwear shop in drogheda called "ophelia", I think its on Dyer street... they stock some great gear they do fittings and have a good selection of underwired strapless bras for the busty lady...

Thanks. One of these days I'm going to hit the dept stores and I'm not leaving until I get a nice bra that acutally fits properly and I feel comfortable in .

nmk

fits wrote: »

I'm similar size to you and recently bought some nice ones in M&S (which I'm quite happy with).

I'm with you on the freya and fantasie though. They're expensive but so worth it.

Cheer fits, I'll give them another go then, I'd given up on them! Bras are the one thing I wont skimp on, they make such a difference to your figure/clothes fit and I'm convinced that if they're not supported that they're going to droop a hell of a lot quicker.:eek: If I was a smaller cup size/if they had my size I wouldn't mind Penneys/Dunnes as long as they did the job.

DubLegs

Can someone please explain what way the measure you for a bra?
do you need to remove your bra or can they do it over your bra?

I got measured years ago, but the woman in marks measured over my padded push up bra? Which i'm not sure is right? Since then i've just been trying different sizes and adjusting them as i need to - ie when i was younger i was 34b now i'm up on a 38c!

I'd be interested to know if the size i'm in is right or not, but bit shy about stripping infront of a stranger! Now i know they see them all the time but still...

Niamho!

ive had it done about 3 times. i only really remember the La Senza one that was a couple of years ago.
a few years ago i got it done and she kept saying i "seem to be between Cup sizes" :rolleyes: and i think i went somewhere else for another go.

I probably need it done again. although mine never Change and the same size fits no matter where i buy it.
its very easy to do yourself though and i think its fairly spot-on.

Niamho!

DubLegs wrote: »

Can someone please explain what way the measure you for a bra?
do you need to remove your bra or can they do it over your bra?

I got measured years ago, but the woman in marks measured over my padded push up bra? Which i'm not sure is right? Since then i've just been trying different sizes and adjusting them as i need to - ie when i was younger i was 34b now i'm up on a 38c!

I'd be interested to know if the size i'm in is right or not, but bit shy about stripping infront of a stranger! Now i know they see them all the time but still...

yeah they do it over your Bra.
funnily enough when i got measured in La Senza i was trying on a kind of padded Bra. i dont think it Affected it though because ive been the same size always....

microgirl

GinnyJo wrote: »

Same here although its a 38D right now..



****e, just tried that and I can quite comfortably fit 3 fingers under at the back, although if it was tighter there would be lumps and bumps..

Yeah, you're gonna get lumps and bumbs, and that's part of the difficulty of getting used to a proper-fitting bra. But believe me, the difference in support is *incredible*. Having ignored my friends' insistance for years that I was not a 36D I was so shocked.

As a basic pointer though girls, I'm a size 12-14 in tops (apart from buttoned blouses, which just don't work ) and I'm a 30-32. My size 28 friend (admittedly a lot of that is bust, but she'd be a 24-26 without huge boobs anyway) is a 38. So if you're a 12-14 and think you're a 36 *anything* you're really, really not!

Oh, and that "1-2 fingers" rule is on the *first* hook. You shouldn't be able to close a new bra on the 2nd or subsequent. They're for when it loosens out a little over time, so you don't have to buy a new one every couple of months

fits

microgirl wrote: »

. So if you're a 12-14 and think you're a 36 *anything* you're really, really not!

Nope, I have to disagree. Some people have broader backs than others.

Dress size isnt a whole lot to do with it tbh.

from the bravissimo website

At Bravissimo, we don't use tape measures or a size grid to help you find your bra size because we don't believe that they work. Instead, we prefer to show you what a good fitting bra looks like, so that you know what to look out for yourself when you're trying on bras.

You can use this three step check and our trying on tips below for all bras, swimwear and strappy tops on this website.

As always, if you're unsure please call our customer services consultants 01926 459 859. They are all experienced at giving fitting advice over the telephone and will be more than happy to help!
Our three step check for the perfect fitting bra:

1. The strap around your body should be firm but comfortable. When you stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at the back at all.
2. The wires at the front should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in, rub or poke out at the front.
3. Your boobs should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets your bust. You shouldn't have any ridges or bulging over the top or sides of the cups, even if you are wearing a balconette or lower cut style.

Trying on tips
When you are trying a bra on, it's best to start off by fastening it on the loosest hook. This way, you will be able to tighten the bra up if it becomes looser when you’ve worn it a few times. Also, remember to adjust the shoulder straps to ensure that they are not too loose. When you've put on a bra, you may need to adjust your boobs to make sure that they are in the cups properly. It's a good idea to try a T-shirt or top over the bra that you are trying, so that you can see the shape it gives you underneath your clothes.

If your bra isn't fitting properly and you're still unsure why, take a look at our troubleshooting page which explains some of the most common reasons, together with our advice for how to put things right!

Why isn't my bra fitting me properly?
Here are some of the most common reasons, together with our advice for how to put things right:

My boobs are bulging out of the top or sides of the cup and my bust looks lumpy under clothes.
This is a sure sign that the cup size you are wearing is too small, as your boobs should be totally encased in the cups. Try at least one cup size bigger.

My bra rides up my back or moves around as I move.
Apart from trying to squeeze ourselves into cup sizes that are too small, the most common mistake that we make is to wear back sizes that are too big. The strap around your body should fit snugly and it will only move around if it is too big. If this is happening, you need to try a smaller back size. But remember, a smaller back size will also be smaller in the cup (i.e. a 34E is smaller in the back and cup than a 36E). For example, if you find a 36E fits you well in the cup but is too big around the back, try a 34F.

The wires stick out at the front or dig in under my arms.
When the wires stick out or dig in like this, it's often because the cup size is too small and your boobs are forcing the bra away from your body. Try a cup size bigger, so that the wires lie flat against your body and fully encase your boobs.

The straps dig into my shoulders and give me red marks.
The main support provided by a bra should come from the strap around your back and not the shoulder straps. If your shoulder straps are digging in, you are probably wearing a back size that is too big, so try at least one back size smaller. Alternatively, you may simply need to loosen the shoulder straps.

The cups are wrinkly, particularly at the top and sides.
This is usually a sign that the cup size is too big, so you may want to try at least one cup size smaller. However, if the wrinkling is only at the tip of the cup, this could be an indication that the cup size is too small because your boobs can’t fit into the cups properly – in this instance, try at least one cup size bigger.

Nevyn

DubLegs wrote: »

Can someone please explain what way the measure you for a bra?

Two measurements are taken.
The first is your rib cage just under your breasts.
The second is over the fullest part of your breasts.

The first measurement is your band size ie 34, 36, 38, if you are inbetween
then you may need to try on both and adjust to see what fits best.

The first measurement is taken away from the second measurement.

IF there is a 1 inch difference then you are a A cup
IF there is a 2 inch difference then you are a B cup
IF there is a 3 inch difference then you are a C cup
ect

But again you have to try on a few to see, you could measure a 35 inch with a 3 inch difference and depending on the make and model of a bra you could end up wearing a 34 C/D or a 36 B/C.

Tbh they would need to double the sized available to make sure every woman get a proper fitting bra plush the size and shape of breasts change due to hormoane during the month.

DubLegs wrote: »

do you need to remove your bra or can they do it over your bra?

Ideally you should have it off.

Niamho!

Agreed Fits. i disagreed with that in another thread. I am NO bigger than a size 12 in tops and i'm a 36. and thats after a proper Fitting. (Granted i havent had it done in about 2 years but i was the same size 12 then) infact, i might get it done tonight after all the talk of it! Better wear a decent not-too-padded bra.

misslt

I have a few times...always hope the results have got bigger...but no...:(

microgirl

DubLegs wrote: »

Can someone please explain what way the measure you for a bra?
do you need to remove your bra or can they do it over your bra?

I got measured years ago, but the woman in marks measured over my padded push up bra? Which i'm not sure is right? Since then i've just been trying different sizes and adjusting them as i need to - ie when i was younger i was 34b now i'm up on a 38c!

I'd be interested to know if the size i'm in is right or not, but bit shy about stripping infront of a stranger! Now i know they see them all the time but still...

Yeah. over the bra, but just an ordinary, reasonably supportive bra.

You measure around the chest under the bust (where the chest band is) and you pull the measuring tape *tight*, not just loosely close it round you like most fitters do. Note the inches, and then add 5. This is your bra/band measurement (if you get an odd number round up to the next even one)

Then measure around the fullest part of the bust. This measurement is taken loosely; you don't want to dint in the bust at all.

If the measurement around the bust in inches equals the band measurement (ie, measuring around the chest and adding 5 inches) then you're an AA cup. +1 A cup +2 B cup, +3 C and so on.

Oh, and apparently if the chest measurement is over 33", then you only add 3 inches, rather than 5.

www.bellalusso.com is quite good.

microgirl

fits wrote: »

Nope, I have to disagree. Some people have broader backs than others.

Dress size isnt a whole lot to do with it tbh.

from the bravissimo website

Well yes, this is true, but broadly speaking (no pun intended) you've unlikely to be a 36 if you're relatively small. I'm actually quite broad-backed too, as I'm only 5'2" and many people my size would be a 26-28.

I only meant it as a guide. Most people I see walking around are very clearly not wearing the right size bra.

annie19

Man i thought all women had at least an idea of this sort of thing. its an investment for when we are mid life and we're good on all other types of investments! Or are we??? That is the million dollar question... Hmmmmm maybe not

annie19

when I think about it most of us dont wear the right size....if its so obvious ya think a close friend, sister, hubby etc would have a whisper in our ear.....it has to be shamen

DubLegs

right so i'm off to get a fitting - ha so much for all the bra's i got during the marks sale!! here's hoping i was right.

From what i'm seeing here La Senza is the best place to be measured? Would that be right?

I'm nearer Dublin city centre so would Arnotts be best and would this have to be made by appointment - same with La Senza or any other place!
Oh and is there a charge!

Sorry for all the questions

annie19

theres no charge but be expected to buy a few!