I've needed new bras for ages due to losing weight so I finally managed to get shopping for some. Only problem was not knowing what size I am and where to go to get fitted. Today I was wearing a poorly fitting 34 E moulded t-shirt bra from Tesco which is too big.

As I was in glorious Meadowhall (Sheffield) I decided to try all stores that offered a bra fitting service or might offer one so here is my experiences:

Debenhams

This was the first store I visited. For those that don't know its a large department store selling clothes, homewares, furniture etc.

The lingerie department was well signposted with signs for the bra fitting service. They have changing rooms for trying bras only which cannot be used for other items of clothing. There are a large range of bras for all shapes and sizes including larger cups and back sizes. There are some designer brands and some of their own brand.

The lady was extremely pleasant and helpful and she measured me with my current bra on. The measurement came back at 36D. I was offered 3 bras to try on in 36D, 34E and 32F and the 32F was the best fit.

I later went back and purchased 4 bras in Debenhams, all underwired, lace cups, no padding in 32F.

Service: 8/10
Choice: 10/10
Measuring: 7/10

Overall satisfaction: 8/10

House of Fraser

I was unsure whether this department store would offer bra fitting services but I went in for a look around. Their lingerie department was hard to find, very small and right at the back of the store in a corner!

The choice was extremely limited with designer and brand names at the forefront and most styles only going up to a DD cup. Back sizes ranged up to a 38.

Service was quick and efficient and the lady was extremely helpful. I was measured at 34DD/E and brought only 1 bra to try on. The fit was ok, but I would have preferred a tighter back. I couldn't find any styles in a 32F.

Service: 8/10
Choice: 5/10
Measuring: 9/10

Overall: 6/10

Marks and Spencer

Another large department store which has a lot of choice of bras. I was quite impressed although when I looked closer there were very few styles above a DD cup, they did however go to a 42back. It was easy to find the lingerie department but the changing room was hidden and it was right next to the cafe with lots of men walking around.

I had to book an appointment which meant waiting for an hour and was given the name of my fitter. Measurement was 36DD. I was given 3 bras to try, all of which felt way too big but I was told fitted well.

Service: 7/10
Choice:6/10
Measuring:5/10

Overall: 6/10

La Senza

This is a dedicated lingerie store. The choice was not massive and I was a bit disappointed in the lack of different styles available. The sizes also appeared to be small backs and small cups. Although they had some good offers on the bras remained quite expensive. The styles are quite provocative and have the sex factor.

The changing rooms were spacious and quiet and the girl measured around my back only which she measured at 34. She then guessed my cup size as an E and brought me 2 bras to try. Both came up small in the cup so I went up to an F but the back was just right - not much different to the 32 back in Debenhams.

Service: 9/10
Choice: 5/10
Measuring:8/10

Overall: 8/10

British Home Stores (Bhs)

I went in on the off chance of a fitting service. I walked round and round the lingerie department and there was not a staff member to be seen. There was a tiny sign up that offered a fitting service but there was no changing room near the department.

There was some choice but quite limited.

I didn't stay for a fitting.

Service: 0/10
Choice: 4/10
Measuring: 0/10

Overall: 3/10

Boux Ave

This is a boutique style store dedicated to lingerie, think upper market La Senza. It was very nicely set out - there are some bras on display and the rest are kept in drawers which are labelled by back size and then the bras are in order of cup size.

I was seen to by a trainee who took me around the store, showed me special offers and then measured me. The changing rooms were spacious with a concierge bell if you wanted something swapping. I was measured around the back and then guessed cup at a 34DD and when tried on it fitted perfectly.

Although the store looks expensive its not overly priced and I bought a bra and pantie set for £16.

Service: 10/10
Choice: 7/10
Measuring: 9/10

Overall 9/10

Stores that sell lingerie but don't offer a bra fitting service

I thought I would have a look in a few stores which I knew don't offer fitting services just to see their ranges and sizes etc.

Next - Small amount of choice - quite pricy. No larger than 36DD.

Primark - Good choice. Lots of different sizes but only up to DD cup. Remains cheap and cheerful.

New Look - Poor amount of choice, small sizings.

Dorothy Perkins - Small amount of choice in small sizings only.

Tips

Always get measured if possible

Try lots of different bras on in your size

Try different cup sizes or back sizes if it doesn't feel right

Put your top back on and see what the bra looks like under clothing

Shop around

Ask the fitter for their comments/ideas/thoughts on the fitting

Make notes on the sizing each shop gives you

Don't be pressured into buying a bra that you think doesn't fit right

Enjoy your bras

I keep thinking about getting measured again. I went to La Senza not too long ago (like, 3 months maybe) but the bra I got there is just so uncomfortable that I don't think it's the correct size. I'll be checking out Boux Ave when I go to Sheffield in a couple of weeks, I mooch round Meadowhall with the boyfriend a bit (mainly because the Marble Slab ice cream is amazing) but I guess I've always passed this store by because it looks out of my price range. Thanks for the tip off =)

xXx

glad i could help! i actually really enjoyed mooching around trying undies all day. think boy had a minor heart attack when i explained to get a decent bra i have to pay over 15pounds for each one. would love to know if anyone knows of a store with cheaper bras in larger sizes

Ah, I wish someone would do this for American stores! (Might end up being me...) American stores are renowned for their lack of choices for bigger cup sizes, and I have realized that Victoria's Secret's bras pretty much just fail for me now. I wish I had learned it sooner before I dropped hundreds of dollars on their short-lasting bras!

This isn't really helpful, more of a moan really. Did you go in H&M? I don't know if it's the same for them all but the Meadowhall one has a ridiculous selection of bras. I'm a D/DD and they don't even have them big enough to fit me. I popped in the other day because I'd got nice ones from there a few years back, and was so disappointed :/
So basically not a suggestion, just don't bother with H&M.

:) I would recomend IF your in the US to go get mesured professionally and order online some where if your andthing bigger than a DD Im a 32 E or 32DDD depending on the bra and you cant just buy those sizes in stores sadly

On the American note, unless you're a 32A or B, 34A B or C, or a 36B or C, stay farrrrr away from Target bras.

^ I would normally agree with you dancingthrulife, but I recently found THE most amazing strapless 36DD bra at Target. It must've been some sort of fluke, as it was one of two there. I tried the bras on, and one fit perfectly. It even had detachable straps!

I find this story even more amusing now that I've read your comment, as I went into Target that day on the off chance that they MIGHT have something - and that one time, they did.

So basically, I do agree with her, even though sometimes luck can be with you & your bra search.

My favourite place to buy bras, as a 32E, is Bravissimo, without a doubt. It is kind of expensive, but their service is fantastic, and they have pretty much any size you could imagine. If they happen to not have the size you want, they'll order it in for you at no extra cost. I actually very rarely buy bras from anywhere else these days.

I hate shopping for bras at La Senza. They NEVER have the larger sizes I need - or actually, they usually have small sizes, very large sizes and nothing in between. There's something wrong with their buying ratios there.

Update on the bras... I have managed to wear them all between buying them and now. Must say I am more impressed with the Debenhams ones, they are just that little bit more comfortable.

All of them are great for support and look great under clothes (just need the clothes to fit properly now as well!). So far no complaints about them.

I handwash only as my washer has previously been abused by wires from bras in the past and they last longer this way.

I went to M&S to get mine fitted and they did a spot on job, i'd recommend it to anyone!