Underwear problems? This is the thread for you!

I think this thread is a good idea thank you ?

I tried a bra today and had to get a bigger size which I have never done in my life. I've never progressed past a pre-teen size ?

In this occasion I think it was just weird sizes in the shop, but I can see how easy it would be for people to wear the wrong size!! And there can't be any worse time to wear the wrong size than your wedding.

HayleyMay, I would definitely get measured!! I bet you will be pleasantly surprised. ?

I might do, you know. I'm only a 32A so I dunno if my size will be different but I may as well ?

As I said an A is actually quite an unusual size, but you could be. You might be smaller on the back and bigger in the cup (nearly wrote car instead of cup...)!

This might explain why the last time I was measured the lady didn't believe me, but then was surprised when she figured that I was indeed telling the truth and hadn't changed

Funny you should say that Enterflora, after HayleyMay saying she was a 32A but the one she tried was too small in the cup I thought she would probably be a 30C as well!!

Haha! I'm intrigued to know now!!

I'd have a better chance of a well fitting bra if 28 backs were more common. Got a 32G strapless from Debenhams for dress trying purposes, which fit then, but only on the innermost hook. Lost some weight and the 30H I got from Bravissimo shortly after is now on the innermost hook. Will be in severe trouble if I lose much more of my back measurement (nothing ever seems to come off the boobs).

Debenhams measuring usually seems to be quite good, but have limited range in my size - but they at least have the decency to admit that rather than trying to fit me into something they do have (M&S). I really am not a 34F...

This sounds really, really silly ? but I am really sure I am the wrong bra size, but for some reason I am quite reluctant to go and get measured, which honestly? I don't know why because I'm not really shy, prudish or embarrassed!

Can you tell me what it involves if I were to go and get measured in Debenhams, or anywhere else?

Some people say you have to take your top off, others say they have to take their bras off so I would just like to know before I go!

Thank you!

Also another daft question, I would really like to get some lovely underwear for under my dress which is strapless and a corset at the back, how will I know my bra will be completely covered by my dress? Or am I just worrying about nothing?

MonaLisaBrideToBe I know what you mean I get extremely embarrassed and i have had a kid! but it does freak me out alot. Only time I ever got measured was when I was pregnant and I nearly wet my self where I was so scared!

Maybe I need to go as non of my bras fit comfortably ☹️

MonaLisaBrideToBe, don't be nervous!! Remember the fitters have seen it all before. You just need to remove your top and keep your bra on, then they will measure your back (I actually just use the tape measure for show but don't really need it) and the guage your cup size by sight. Say for example you came in in a 34D but the fitter thought it was too big round the back but looked ok in the cup they would try a 32DD, but if they thought it looked too small in the cup as well as too big on the back they would try a 32E. Once in the right size it should feel tight, not uncomfy but firm round the back, the breast tissue should be completely in the cups with no overspill with the wires lying flat against the chest.

MrsShep2be, my sister is the same as you, I took her to get fitted a long time ago and they measured her as a 42C, which I knew wasn't right but she has worn that size ever since, I know she is maybe more like a 38F, but she won't let me fit her so I can't do anything about it.

The worst is when you get little old ladies whipping their bras off in front of you with gay abandon!!?

MonaLisaBrideToBe- are you sure you will need a bra? Some dresses are designed to be worn without so I would try both, get someone to check it at the back to check it isn't showing, if you can't get the bra to stop showing and can't find an alternative then I would get some tit tape.

I've always hated getting it done, I've had 2 children too!

For years I wore 32A and was never happy with a bra, then eventually I went to get measured and worked out as 30D, to say I was chuffed to bits was an understatement! They looked and felt so much better!

Since then I had 2 children and I've not been since and I tend to guess myself but am in that ill fitting rut again, I'll pluck up the balls and get measured again soon as I know it will be worth it.

People change a lot after having babies! I wish I could help you guys more. It could be you haven't changed size but need a different style now!

Peaseblossom! Thank you so much for talking sense into me I went and got measured at Debenhams this afternoon!
For as long as I can remember I have been wearing 34b and the lady was lovely and measured me and I am a 36d! I knew something wasn't right!

Now its time to find me beautiful wedding undies but thank you so much for putting my mind at rest!

?

I cant stand my huge saggy boobs and still to find the right fitting bra. i got measured before [regnancy then through 1st pregnancy for maternity bra and again in 2nd pregnancy but havent since. at the moment im a size 16/18 and 36/38 g x

I am a size 12 on top but wear a 36c bra.

Reading this thread makes me think that maybe I have the wrong back size, but when I have tried on 34c's or 34d's in the shop, they have been much too tight. Should I worry ?

I would just go and get fitted Moonpie. It might be that you're a 34DD!

I am actually quite intrigued by this as i am just in the process of looking for my underwear in the sale. I am a 40C and i have been wondering if i buy a bridal corset or basque for the wedding is the sizing still the same? I too at the moment am a size 18 and i am 5ft 7'. So will i need a bigger size to fit the rest of my body comfortably?

x

Oh oh, please help! I'm going to have to start looking into this soon, but I'm not sure how to go ahead. I'm a 36H myself (I never buy bras now without a pro fitting me, as no brand fits the same), and I'm wondering what bridal underwear to get. Bravissimo only has the Panache Evie bridal bra and basque in my size, but in the comments on the website many people said it isn't supportive enough, and as it only goes up to H cup, it's not like I could go down a back size and up a cup if I needed it more secure. I haven't bought a dress, but I'm hoping to be able to buy one with a strapless sweetheart neckline, with only light tulle or lace straps, and so I'm looking for the best strapless option for my size.

Do you have any suggestions or advice for me?

MLBTB, I am really glad you got fitted! It makes such a difference doesn't it?

A 36D is a good size to be as well because you can either go for standard ranges (A-DD) or fuller bust ranges (D and up)!

I hope you find something pretty to wear for the wedding, message me any time if you need more help!?

Hi moonpie1985, if you are a size 12 I would think you would definitely be smaller than a 36 back. As was mentioned you could be a 34DD or even E cup so I would definitely go and get measured either at Bravissimo or Debenhams!?

Thank you again!
It has made a huge difference already, I think thats how I got back ache!

I have put another post on here with my dress on, as I want something pretty to wear. I am going to see what Debenhams I had a quick look today but they all seemed to have straps but I am sure I can get something detachable!

Thanks xx

Hi BridalButterfly2012,

Again, I would get measured. Remember the women in the shop have seen it all before so no need to be wary. I am a size 18 on top too and as I mentioned before I am a 34-36 back (more 36 just now sadly), I could be wrong and you may well be a 40 but you will definitely have a much wider choice in a smaller back size as many brands especially on the high street don't do a 40 back size and if they do they only start in the fuller size cups (D and up). whichever bra size you go for should fit you all over. Depending on the style of dress as well you can get these slimming suits that you can wear your own bra with but they have straps and fit under the bra so maybe that could be an option? Trouble is they aren't that glamorous. My plan personally is to not wear a bra as my dress will be corsetted on top. Obviously this isn't too exciting for the wedding night so I plan on getting a nice set or maybe a nice satin nightie or something for later.

Hi venart,

I too am a big cup size (HH-J). Now depending on your dress you might not need a bra, if it is heavily corsetted you might get away without it. I wore a proper lace corset to my graduation ball and didn't need a bra with it, in fact I don't even think a bra would have fitted underneath. If you don't go for a corsetted one but still want to go strapless you could try the Freya 'Deco' strapless bra which goes up to a GG but is big in the cup. Either than or you could try on the one in Bravissimo and see what you think. I know people usually want to get something pretty for wedding undies but sadly sometimes it's just not possible, I know Bravissimo do have strapless bras up to an H cup so I would go and see what they suggest. Hope this helps!

See I always have had problems getting measured I have never had a bra measurement that has been right!

I have never had a bra that has sat right at the front the wires always stick out, I have tried smaller backs and smaller cups currently the best one I have at the moment is a 44F and the chest bit sticks out but a 42 is too small!

Hi tara4mike,

I have found that on some women the wires just won't sit flat. If you push them in to your chest so they lie flush against your breast bone do your boobs spill out the top? If so I would try the 44FF and see how that is. Is the 42 definitely too small? It should be firm across your back, not uncomfy but tight.

Can I add 2 quick points as a wedding dress shop owner:

1. No wedding dress should be worn without a bra unless absolutely necessary due to design or you do have a/b cup the boning will soften and the dress may start to sag at the front. Not a good look

2. A corseted bra for under a wedding dress is a bad idea. Of its a decent dress it will have good construction and boning - this will rub with the boning on the underwear and be very painful after a while

The lady that is making my dress has told me that none of her dresses are designed to be worn with bras.

As I mentioned, I am a HH and have worn a corset with no bra before and my boobs were certainly not sagging.

One of our designers who have some of the best internal corestery available advise their stockists to get brides who are insisting on not wearing a bra to sign a disclaimer. Unless its whale bone I wouldn't expect a dress to look as good under the full weight of a boobs after 12 hours

Tara4mike, having just seen you in your (absolutely stunning) wedding dress I don't think there is any way you are a 44! You look heaps smaller. ?

Oh and it's the dress I was referring to not your boobs re sagging