Shopping for bras is a pain in the butt. I know what size I normaly wear but I decided to get fitted. Two times I was fitted, two times they told me I was a bra and cup size smaller then what I normally pick out. When the first chick told me I decided that I would play along with her and try the bra on. I got that sucker on and it was digging into my ribs and I came out and showed her how wrong the measurements were. I've just given up on being properly fitted and just try on a bunch of bras until I find one that fits well.

This is a great thread but it would be even better with pictures.

-Rudey

I think getting properly fitted is a good idea, but you have to go to the right place. I would never get fitted at a place like VS or La Senza/La Vie En Rose (shops in Toronto). Most of the time the staff have no idea what they are talking about. They only want to make a sale. I like these little independent boutiques because they employ professionals who know what they are talking about. Yes, they are a little more expensive but it's worth the money to find a bra that fits properly.

I think you mean "pain in the boobs". :)

Ok.

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/images/34.jpg

What she said!

One of the best places I have been for bras (besides a specialty bra shop) is Nordstrom.

I went up a cup size when I had my daughter, and I finally found a bra that fits perfectly, Playtex 18hour, I got a rack of em.

I've never been fitted to my knowledge. Thinking about it, I don't know how I know my bra size lol.

Naw that's PMS. LOL

The absolute best bra I have ever bought (and I had to drive up to Atlanta to Phipps Plaza to do it) was last year from the store Intimacy. Now, these babies are going to cost you at least $70.00 and up per bra, but after looking at a friend who was wearing one, and who looked like she had lost about 10 pounds, another friend and I hopped in the car and were on our way! These bras are made completely differently from most bras, they "wear" differently, and they are guaranteed for life. We both bought two, one flesh colored and one black. These things make you look like you have a completely different shape. By the way, if you are modest at all, get over it, because the saleswomen are going to walk right in, guess what you are, still measure you (and yes, it's not the same formula), and no matter what size you THINK you are, or what you've always worn, these ladies are going to give you something different, and it's going to FIT-and fit well! You'd have to google to find out where these stores are, and I don't think there are very many, but this is a bra that is WELL WORTH THE MONEY!! And, the drive! :D

I totally agree on spending the money for a GOOD bra!! I hate bra shopping, and I am a bit larger chested, so I cant even buy bras in most places(like VS) I actually just bought 2 from Fredericks of Hollywood(although I was leery at first) and they fit FANTASTIC. As my grandmother(creepy) puts it "You need to put them where they belong!" Meaning a good bra should hold them in the right spot on your chest, w/o digging in to your shoulders or breaking any ribs.

The sizing thing is weird. Plus, VS doesn't help by making their bras a size smaller...if you wear a 34C you have to buy a 34D at VS, etc. Though, I must say, they are smart about it trying to make women feel good...haha, love going to VS and buying a 34C instead of a 34B.

The ratio thing is true though. 36B = 34C = 32D...of course the bands will all fit different, but the cups themselves are very, very close to the same.

Yeah, I think VS is a scam as far as bra sizing goes.

I've had a lot of luck with Gap's bras, believe it or not. At first, I thought it was for girls who are A and B cups, but they do have a good selection of C and D cups. :D

Once you find a bra you like and that fits well, I can guaran-damn-tee you they will stop making that style immediately!:mad:

Of course they will, it's Murphy's Law.

HUUUUUGE amen to that! I was extremely PO'ed when our chapter's recruitment chairs picked a strapless dress for Pref Day because I'd searched and searched all during high school for a strapless in my size, but I always failed and had to get dresses with a strap or sleeves to cover the strap up. Every. Single. Freaking. Time. But, guess what I found at Nordstrom's? Le Mystere (also my favorite t-shirt bra of all time because it comes in big sizes, huzzah!) started making a non-padded strapless in an F-cup. OMG, I actually get to look at dresses with tiny/nonexistant straps for formals, yay!!!

Another sizing complaint: why do they make padded anything in big cup sizes? Just because you're an itty-bitty person with...a lot...doesn't mean you're trying to outdo Dolly Parton. Usually, if there's a push-up anything I'm trying on, it doesn't work and it's too small because there's padding in where boobs should be. What the?!

And about Victoria's Secret...a huge co-sign to what's been said--those salesgirls are clueless. 36C is not a 32F. Auuuughh.