https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:21:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415530 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 01:39:57 +0000 Irina 2415530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, when I wore underwired bras, they lasted about 3-4 years. I used to hand wash them. I wore lots of lace and was afraid to damage it. I think my bras were too big in the band and slight stretch made them too loose on me.&nbsp;<div>I found Knix wireless bras stretch fast. Maybe due to my weight gain in the last 4 years.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415526 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 01:24:34 +0000 Jenni NZ 2415526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I decided to look this up, I knew my bras that I had for so long were called Elle McPherson Intimates and I also knew that Bendon (the NZ company which makes that brand) had moved away from using Elle to using Heidi Klum. So I checked when that happened, the rebrand took effect January 1, 2015. They became Heidi Klum Intimates instead. My bras are before that so probably 2014, so 12 years is about right. Elastic seems fine! Here are pics.<br /> The 14C size I wear says (very faded) on the label that that is 36C in UK/USA.<br /> I like the pretty straps. This black one was the least worn so still good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415522 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:25:38 +0000 Angie 2415522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cookie</b>, HIGH FIVE to my bra style sister! I'm nodding along to every word!! My sports bras are these, and the only ones I will wear at this point! Underwired and hooked at the back like a regular bra.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Irina </b>and <b>Jenni,</b> my bras last about 4 years before the elastic stretches out too much for my liking. They fit and look fine because I wash them carefully and air dry them too. But when the elastic is not as tight as it was before, I pass on bras.</p> <p>How long do you keep your bras?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415511 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:15:48 +0000 Cookie 2415511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, Angie, we are by no means boob twins but are bra twins. The Panache Envy aren’t my ONLY bras but they are the most reliable favorite. I also like lace and find underwires totally comfortable. Things you have to wrestle on over your head are my nightmare (I don’t have that type of sports bra because life is too short for that struggle, but swimsuit tops, ugh). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415504 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:31:32 +0000 Sal 2415504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pleased you had a good experience Irina and that you feel great!</p> <p>I go to a local lingerie specialist and they are helpful. Sizes vary from brand to brand. It’s expensive but worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415501 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:09:35 +0000 Jenni NZ 2415501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s weird Irina, I definitely got those bras before I lost the weight because I didn’t start losing it until 2019 and it took a couple of years to lose I think 13 kg, of which I have regained 3 kg. I can only assume there was not much change in the size of the bust, only enough to make that favourite bra I still use fit again, and the others fit all through that time. Just lucky again I guess! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415498 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:37:59 +0000 Irina 2415498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni NZ</b>, I’m so surprised to learn that your bras lasted 12 years! I had one bustier from 2017 in excellent condition. &nbsp;I bought it to wear under MOG dress and after probably worn it once more. &nbsp;I recently put it in donation because it doesn’t fit me anymore. Your weight probably didn’t change in the last 12 years. Mine unfortunately did </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415495 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:06:05 +0000 Roberta 2415495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second <b>Doggeh Lover </b>- once you find the style that works, go to eBay and look for it by style number. Make sure it is new with tags! I have saved so much buying bras this way. Wacoal and Chantelle are my go-to bras. I also had a not fun experience at Soma and never went back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415494 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:19:41 +0000 nuancedream 2415494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had 2 bra fittings in the last 10 years with the most recent one in October 2025 at Nordstrom. Like Janet, I did not have a good experience with Soma. The fitter insisted my cup size was A (it's C). I was literally spilling out of the cups, which is quite the accomplishment for me!. LOL! My correct size is 32C. For years, I wore Natori or Wacoal bras. However, I tried a Savage X Fenty bra and loved it. Plus, it's in the perfect nude for me shade. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience/page/2#post-2415475 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:24:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 2415475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I have had 2-3 fittings ever. My size didn’t change that much over the decades- went from A cup to B cup after having the 3 children and then up to a bigger band size and a C cup with the menopausal weight gain. After losing much of that menopausal weight (10 kg) I fitted into a favourite bra from before that and I still fit that one. I had several others of a particular brand which were pretty and fit well but those (they were a decade or more old) finally got tired looking this year and I went for another fitting with that same brand. The woman was very nice and seemed knowledgeable, she put me in 2 bras of that same size, one exactly the same style, and then said she wanted to try a different size. Like many of you, it’s a different band, one size bigger, and a different cup. I think I like that one the best but all 3 new bras have been worn a lot and are mostly good.<br /> I was fairly astounded how long my bras lasted. I think about 12 years for those several? Not that I mind as they’re expensive. I look for a sale price if possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415459 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:48:46 +0000 Jaime 2415459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a couple of fittings but no big revelations. My favorite bra brand is Chantelle - I have changed the style over the years but find they are the best combination of engineering and design for me. I am often able to find NWT bras on ebay once I find the right style/size in store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415453 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:34:32 +0000 bj1111 2415453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Had one fitting when I got married and needed something for the dress. </p> <p>I need racer back bras or the straps keep sliding off my narrower than average shoulders. And soft wide bands. I should go since nordies flagship is only a few blocks away and I still haven’t been!</p> <p>Irina the haircut analogy made me chuckle. So true. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415432 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:31:50 +0000 Dee 2415432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never had a professional bra fitting and like others, I usually bought my bras at the Bay department store but as so often happens, the styles I liked to wear often ended up being discontinued. I'm just making do with my current supply. Not quite sure if these are the best for me these days but they are at least comfortable. I actualy wouldn't know where to go for a real proper bra fitting.<br /> Glad you were able to find a great spot and it worked out so well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415430 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:27:28 +0000 Lisa 2415430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am long overdue for a bra fitting, I can't recall when the last one was and my size has certainly changed since the last time I had a fit. I don't recall ever having a good fit, often the bras recommended are not comfortable and I end up not wearing them. I'll have to think about giving a fitting a try sometime again.</p> <p>Congratulations on getting a great fitting session, a proper fit bra can make a world of a difference.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415428 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:22:36 +0000 LJP 2415428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has me motivated to book a fitting and get some new bras . Might need a shot of something to calm my nerves first - it’s right up there with trying on swimsuits . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415426 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:04:36 +0000 Irina 2415426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank everyone for sharing your experience!&nbsp;<div>I loved Knix at first, too. I think their bras stretched really fast. I replaced some but this time I decided maybe it’s time to try something else.&nbsp;</div><div>Funny, last time I visited my sister and went shopping with her and for her, I took her to a lingerie store first, before going a mall for more fun purchases. But for myself, I kept procrastinating.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415422 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:57:05 +0000 doggeh lover 2415422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once you have the right bra, write down the style name and model #, then go to eBay's 'Buy It Now' section, type in the style name+number. Usually saves me 30% or more than buying directly from the store. But make SURE it is either 'New with Tags' (NWT) or 'New without Tags' .IF the seller has at least 90% good feedback. Once I accidently didn't specify New, got a bra that was all stretched out and smelly! Ewww... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415421 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:22:20 +0000 BlueJay 2415421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@LJP Oh, I forgot about Simons!! Yes, Simon's is a possibility! Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415420 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:18:40 +0000 LJP 2415420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Blue Jay - are you near a Simon’s ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415419 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:17:13 +0000 BlueJay 2415419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Too funny, Lisa! We cross-posted. Yes, at a loss!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415418 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:16:24 +0000 BlueJay 2415418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations Irina!&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm still procrastinating, but also running out of options. Where to go bra shopping now? I used to buy bras at Sears, The Bay and Nordstrom because I could try on lots of brands, styles, and "sister" sizes. The stores are now all gone in Canada. I tried Knix, but didn't like their bras. I have had good experiences with bra fittings, there was a very knowledgeable lady at Sears and 16 years ago my sister and I spent hours at Victoria's Secret in Las Vegas (Caesar's Palace) and had a ball! I'm currently wearing old bras, but they're really uncomfortable. I lucked out with a Natori bra that was mentioned here on the forum, but I can't find the style anymore. I would like to try on bras in person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415417 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:15:04 +0000 LJP 2415417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting thread . Janet if you can get a good bra for around $60 you’re lucky . The brands carried by lingerie shops here run at least double that amount . </p> <p>And I’m fascinated - and validated - that a few of us mention dissatisfaction with Knix . Me too !! I replaced all of my bras with Knix over the past 2 years . At first I was happy not to have to deal with underwires any longer , but 2 yrs in I’m finding them unsupportive and not ver comfortable . I spend a lot of time fiddling with the bands and straps and cups etc while wearing them . But without a department store here now from which to buy bras , I’m at a loss . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415414 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:33:41 +0000 Aquamarine 2415414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a bra fitting at Nordstrom two years ago. I had lost a significant amount of weight due to a health issue so was in dire need of new bras and had no idea what size I now was. I booked an appointment online and could choose the fit expert, so went with a manager-level (or some such designation) expert. It was a great experience and I ended up with two different styles of bras. Later I ordered more online as sales cropped up. She was so good I brought my daughter back another time.</p> <p>Prior to that, my last bra fitting was at Soma and I was not impressed with the young girl who “fitted” me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415413 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:20:08 +0000 karen23 2415413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>It's good when they try more than one brand.&nbsp; I had a bra fitting at Nordstrom's once and I think everything they tried was Wacoal.&nbsp; No Chantelle or Natori.&nbsp; And all sizes had the wires digging into me someplace.&nbsp; Disappointing, some of them were really pretty.&nbsp; I think Wacoal just designs for a different shape than mine.</div><div>So I wear other brands.&nbsp; Most with underwires, a few without.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415412 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:14:28 +0000 AndiB 2415412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natori for the win!&nbsp; I've had a couple bra fittings over the years and my experience much like most of you:&nbsp; A fail.&nbsp; I discovered the Natori Everfit Seamless Convertible Tee Shirt Bra on my own. I order a black and a nude every couple of years.&nbsp; I've never used the convertible element, but huh, I should try it some time.&nbsp; I like that it is lightly padded and has a wide-ish band.&nbsp; Bras are SO HARD, and I really love this one, the only one I wear, save for sports bras for workouts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415410 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:03:15 +0000 kkards 2415410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i have had several over the years, including a really good experience at Victoria's Secrets about 30 years ago, when the fitter was honest with me and told me they did not sell my size, but we could try the "sister size" but i probably would not be happy. i did, and she was right. anyway my last fitting was probably 8-9 years ago. i was, surprisingly, wearing the correct size. i had gone to a specialty&nbsp;lingerie shop, so there was a lot more options to try in my size than in a "regular" department store, so that was positive. what was negative was that it was supposed to be a by appointment only store, but some other customer came in who i guess was a regular and she used some of "my" time. it just left a sort of sour note. but i was thinking it was/is time to go back and have another fitting<br />Glad you experience was so positive&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415409 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:56:33 +0000 Angie 2415409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh,<b> Irina,</b> I suspect we've all had our fair share of bad bra fittings. Thrilled you finally had a stellar one! WOOOHOOO!!!</p> <p>*happy dance*</p> <p>:)</p> <p>The right bra is pure MAGIC. The right knickers too. WORKHORSES that makes a world of difference. Personally, I think it's wise to spend money on these wardrobe basics when you hit on the perfect ones. They add to my quality of life!</p> <p>Go Team Underwire Bra. That's all I wear. So very, very comfy. Oddly and unlike most, I find bralettes and wireless bras uncomfortable. Horses for courses!</p> <p><u>To answer your question:</u></p> <p>When I first came to the US 22 years ago, I had a bra fitting at Victoria Secret. The sales assistant measured me and said I was a 32B or 34A - and that it didn't matter because they both fit the same way. Laughable incompetence! I knew I was at least a C-cup - which they didn't stock at the time - and left the store with nothing.</p> <p>Then I became a volunteer dresser and board member at Dress For Success in Seattle. They organized a bra fitting seminar at the Nordstrom Flagship with Chantelle, Wacoal and Natori. These same professionals went onto the Opera Show a month later. At the seminar, I learned how to fit bras and fit others. It was LIFE CHANGING! &nbsp;When I was a retail buyer, I went to a Chantelle bra factory in Paris. It was AMAZING. Bras are expensive for good reason!&nbsp;</p> <p>All this to say, I was measured correctly for the FIRST time at that seminar. BEST experience! Turns out I'm a 28D or narrow 30D. Balconettes with full coverage and lace are best for my shape.<b> World of difference wearing the right bra!!!&nbsp;<br /></b><br />I know how to fit myself well, and don't need professional fittings at this point. Might change in future!&nbsp;</p> <p>I wear ONE type of bra, and it's the Panache Envy. I like lace bras!!!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415407 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:48:44 +0000 Peri 2415407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had several in the past and they were all variations on your first two experiences. I've even had one at one of the specialty lingerie stores and it was one of the better ones, but I still didn't end up liking the bra I left with so I never returned. It's a trade off with those stores. The knowledge is probably more reliable but the stock might be smaller and they can still only recommend what they carry. It's great that you had a good experience! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415404 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:43:29 +0000 ChristelJ 2415404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a couple fittings at Nordstrom over the years and found them worthwhile. For ages I’ve been wearing the Natori bras first recommended by the sales associate there and just keep replacing them because they are so comfortable. &nbsp;Might be time for another fitting to make sure the size is right, though. I do fear getting an SA who pressures me into trying something that looks good but feels bad! That has happened one time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting-experience#post-2415401 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:10:32 +0000 RobinF 2415401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a few fittings but found them disappointing. I have better luck just trying on a variety of sizes when I am in the market. I find even same sizes within the same brand can fit differently so I never know what I will end up with.&nbsp;</p>