@Kat - Some of Marks & Spencer's Limited Collection 28s really do fit more like 26s, but not all of them- they're frustratingly inconsistent. So far I haven't been able to predict which styles will fit small... I don't know if there's any pattern to it.

26 bands are unfortunately really rare, but depending on your measurements and other factors, you might be able to find some 28s that fit you comfortably. Maybe you've tried The Little Bra Company already, but their bras reportedly run about one band size small (so their 28 is more like a 26) and they've had rave reviews from petite bloggers.

I can definitely relate to your situation, and to how frustrating it must be when people say you're lucky because of it! I'm not sure everyone appreciates how troublesome bras can be when you're outside the (ridiculously narrow) range of "standard" sizes. I can wear my jeans a size too big and it's not a problem, but a bra band that's too big can actually be painful.

@Frankincensy

Thanks for your understanding reply!

It's a shame they're inconsistent and good to know. I was just thrilled that they had a 28B and at a very good price! I'll be sure to be careful of that, but since 28 is the smallest band they have, I'm guessing I'm keeping with that when I shop from them. However, I had to alter a good 2 inches off this one on the band and a bit off the straps! So, I'm crossing my fingers it happened to not be one of the smaller ones or I'm going to have a very difficult time.

A bra band being too big isn't painful for me as I'm a modest cup size (relative to other volumes), but I can imagine. However, the breasts are not getting the shaping they need for me to look... well... you know. It just helps the shape of myself.

I really want to try the LBC but I'm shy about returns and shipping. I'm up in Canada and shipping can get quite expensive. However, it's worth a try and maybe I can talk to someone there once I get myself measured again to be double sure.

Yeah, it's a bit frustrating. I just try to not get too irked about it, but it's pretty difficult.

M&S bras run small? ...crap, I just found that I'm size 28DD or 30C -30D and I was watching a M&S bra on Ebay!

Should I get it or go for a bigger size?, I'm almost a 28 band size.

What about Panache brand?

I been wearing 32B all my life and never fit right, and I have very low boobs which is a problem because I need long straps and most clothes fit me weird in the bust area and I have a very short torso...I'm a mess.

Unfortunately, some M&S bras run small and others don't, which makes it hard to predict what will fit. May I ask which model you're watching? It might be one of the styles I've tried on, in which case I could let you know how it fit me. I wear a 28DD/E in other brands but I haven't yet found any M&S bras that fit.

I've tried a couple of Panache bras recently and I really like them; the quality is better than M&S, and the sizing more predictable. If it's any use, the Confetti balconette (style 4071) was recommended to me as a model that fits a lot of women around my size. Most Panache bras have relatively wide underwires and shallow cups, but the Confetti especially so. I have it in 28E and the cups aren't a perfect fit, but it's still comfortable (and very pretty). The Panache sub-brand Cleo might also be worth a try, and I think they start at a C cup rather than D.

I don´t know what model is , just said M&S bra 28DD and is red with white spots, white lace and balconette...no more info


Yes, but unfortunatelly Panache is more expensive and will hurt more my pocket if don't fit me, I can't return my purchases ( the shipping from here to any country is like $50 + !!), I'm a wrong purchases collector

I think I will try M&S but maybe a bigger size (30 D ) and if some size fit me, more or less, I could try Panache. I believe that a 28DD will be too smaller for me, I saw your pictures and you are a LOT smaller that me. I mean a LOT

And yes, I think that wide underwires and shallow cups will works for me. I usually buy balconette, demi cups or convertible/strapples bras, they fit better that regular bras.

Is it this one? That looks like one of the basic Limited Collection models that comes in a few different colours each season. On me, they tend to fit slightly small in the back (definitely tighter than a standard 28) and the cups are a bit small for me, though it could be that they just don't fit my shape. If you're between a 28 and a 30, I would probably go for the 30.

Some of the Limited Collection bras are made from satin-type fabric, which is less stretchy. I tried this one in 28DD and I could barely get it closed. If you're looking at that one or a similar style, I'd definitely recommend sizing up.



Someone told me that M&S bras tend to have wide wires and shallow cups, so if their bras fit you well, Panache might work too (although you might need a smaller band size in Panache). It sounds like you're on the right track with balconette and demi-cup styles as well. Good luck with your search!

Yes!, the same!, I actually prefer that kind of fabric or something similar not too much stretchy, I will try a 30 (I'm 28" under my bust), I think actually I have a M&S 32B bra , I will check if I have it and try it again and see how fit me (I'm not 100% sure, is not in my "to wear" pile of bras).


Thanks! I will keep searching!