Finding bras

[temp256]

I went bra shopping today, but I couldn't find anything good. Everything was padded! My size is perfectly fine, and foam gets really hot. Plus all the shoulder straps were far too short, even when adjusted to maximum length.

Does anyone know a good place to buy bras? All I want are a few plain, maybe pushup bras. I don't care if my nipples show through.

 

[dollface007]

I'm not sure where you live, but around where I live Nordstrom is known as *THE* place to go bra shopping. I found the women in the lingerie department really helpful. They are really expensive, but you can always find a size and a brand that you like and find it online for cheaper.

Also, I'm a huge fan of Fantasie brand bras. I know everyone has their favorite, but they have a wide range of sizes, so you should be able to find what you need. I have a large cup size and a small band size and bras my size just don't exist in stores like Victoria's Secret. Nordstrom has them.

 

[Tiffany87]

Kmart sells good push up bras.

 

[silverwhisper]

temp: assuming the average size range, it's gonna be next to impossible to avoid pads entirely. but you go on to say you might want a push-up, which involves a formed pad in the cup.

i don't know what your budget for bras looks like, but the simple truth is that generally, you really do get what you pay for with apparel. the components to assemble a bra cost money and the suppliers to these brands are bidding to do the production. that $60 wacoal bra costs that much in the department store b/c the components really do cost more.

most brands have discount store versions in which lower-quality components are used--that's how those stores are able to get the same design for a lower price. believe me, the TJ maxx ad campaign is misleading in the extreme.

ed

 

[fuckmeat]

If you look closely, there are a lot of bras with removable pads. You can just discard them if they don't suit you.

 

[dollface007]

There is a difference between padding and molded cups. Most of my bras are the molded cup kind just because I think they keep their shape better and they look smoother under clothing. They don't add any extra "umph"...I don't need any.

And yes, Silverwhisper, I totally agree that you get what you pay for. If you're the type who can go without a bra in a sun dress, I wouldn't worry about paying too much for bras, but if you need more support, you will find better quality if you're willing to pay for it.

 

[cryforme1v]

i have a similar question to the OP.
I have difficulties finding bra's as well but my main problem is finding out my bra size. I have rather large breasts, 36DD, and even these bras dont seem to fit right in the cup. How do you figure out the size correctly in order to get the correct cup?

 

[fuckmeat]

Lots of lingerie and department stores offer a complimentary measuring service.

 

[silverwhisper]

cryforme, each manufacturer has their house variation on what a standard size/cup will be. in this respect, every single apparel manufacturer is the same re: sizes.

it's entirely possible therefore that in one label, you're a 36DD whereas for another, you might actually be a 34DD or 38D.

ed

 

[temp256]

As with any other clothes, the sizes don't mean very much. All you can do is try a bunch.

I guess I'll try Nordstrom's. The mall around here has both their department store and outlet store, so I can pick it out, then go buy it cheap.

 

[dollface007]

i have a similar question to the OP.
I have difficulties finding bra's as well but my main problem is finding out my bra size. I have rather large breasts, 36DD, and even these bras dont seem to fit right in the cup. How do you figure out the size correctly in order to get the correct cup?

Whatever you do, don't go to Victoria's Secret. They are awful at sizing, plus their own bra sizes run quite small. I was in the same boat as you once and they told me I needed a 38DD, not because I actually am a 38DD (I'm actually more like a 32F), but because they don't carry bigger cup sizes.

Even a department store like Macy's will carry a lot more stuff for large busts. Overestimate the cup size and underestimate the band size. Then try on, try on, try on.

 

[rachel90211]

I went bra shopping today, but I couldn't find anything good. Everything was padded! My size is perfectly fine, and foam gets really hot. Plus all the shoulder straps were far too short, even when adjusted to maximum length.

Does anyone know a good place to buy bras? All I want are a few plain, maybe pushup bras. I don't care if my nipples show through.

Small boobs here (34b) so lingerie is my place to shop for them. I don't wear bras a lot since my clothes hide it. Cheaper places have better bras like Kmart. Shocking but true. I hate the foam pads too. Just remove them. A lot can be. I buy mine at Victoria Secret but they are expensive. I think there is a new bra made for you I saw on a commercial. Think Victoria Secret has it.

 

[temp256]

I'm about a B cup, maybe C, so I don't have to worry about them having my size. I already avoid Victoria's Secret, just because the whole place reeks of perfume.

I'd like to try making my own bras sometime. Then I can finally make them fit properly.

 

[cryforme1v]

the only problem with not going to victorias secret is this - theres no other place around here to buy bras.
I know that sounds really rediculous but the closest place besides vic secret is about 2 1/2 hours away, whereas vic secret is only an hour.
I've tried walmart but the bras dont seem to be sized right at all.
36D is to small, 36DD seems closer but still a bit small. And i have never seen anything bigger than a DD at walmart here. <Small town.
Is there a way to measure myself properly so i can order online or something?

 

[SweetErika]

the only problem with not going to victorias secret is this - theres no other place around here to buy bras.
I know that sounds really rediculous but the closest place besides vic secret is about 2 1/2 hours away, whereas vic secret is only an hour.
I've tried walmart but the bras dont seem to be sized right at all.
36D is to small, 36DD seems closer but still a bit small. And i have never seen anything bigger than a DD at walmart here. <Small town.
Is there a way to measure myself properly so i can order online or something?

You don't have a Macy's, or similar department store, that does fittings?

Here are instructions and a video on measuring bra size.

Have you tried going up a band size in bras that seem too small? I've found the same cup size often goes up with band size in a lot of bras.

You might be able to get away with ordering online if the bras you buy have true sizing. The problem is that most bras don't, in my experience.

 

[cryforme1v]

the closest macy's is 2 1/2 hours away in the mall.
I've tried a 38DD and it didnt fit right - i had it all the way to the inside buttons and it still kind of slid down a little bit to where i felt like i was going to fall out. I also tried to the outside button and it felt too loose.

WANT TO BUY : A happy medium

 

[cryforme1v]

You don't have a Macy's, or similar department store, that does fittings?

Here are instructions and a video on measuring bra size.

Have you tried going up a band size in bras that seem too small? I've found the same cup size often goes up with band size in a lot of bras.

You might be able to get away with ordering online if the bras you buy have true sizing. The problem is that most bras don't, in my experience.

I'm a bit shy when it comes to being even relatively undressed in front of people - i dont even wear shorts or tank tops during the summer. So taking my shirt off in front of someone, to me, is humiliating. I can do it, i'm just embaressed and when i get embaressed i make stupid jokes that makes whomever else around me get embaressed lol I'll try the measuring myself first, if that fails - i'll have to take a road trip to macy's and hope like hell i dont freak out the person helping me lol

 

[SweetErika]

I'm a bit shy when it comes to being even relatively undressed in front of people - i dont even wear shorts or tank tops during the summer. So taking my shirt off in front of someone, to me, is humiliating. I can do it, i'm just embaressed and when i get embaressed i make stupid jokes that makes whomever else around me get embaressed lol I'll try the measuring myself first, if that fails - i'll have to take a road trip to macy's and hope like hell i dont freak out the person helping me lol

You won't freak them out. They're used to people being uncomfortable, and most of them are like kind motherly/grandmotherly types who aren't easily fazed. They probably wouldn't even bat an eye at a big, hairy guy walking in and asking to be fitted.

 

[micky4play]

bras....

These people understand the art of bras...maybe not for everyday...but interesting....
http://www.cameo-intimates.com/lingerie/index_bra.html

 

[CutieMouse]

I'm a bit shy when it comes to being even relatively undressed in front of people - i dont even wear shorts or tank tops during the summer. So taking my shirt off in front of someone, to me, is humiliating. I can do it, i'm just embaressed and when i get embaressed i make stupid jokes that makes whomever else around me get embaressed lol I'll try the measuring myself first, if that fails - i'll have to take a road trip to macy's and hope like hell i dont freak out the person helping me lol

[Lingerie Fitter Hat On]

You won't freak her out. Promise.

A professional fitter will also be sensitive to your discomfort, and work with your needs re: nudity. A professional fitter will need to physically see the bra on you to ensure a good fit; however, she should also be perfectly willing to step outside the dressing room while you put the bra on, and re-enter once you are ready.

About 85% of women are in the wrong bra size (side note - I'd say 90% of the women who see me and think they are a 36DD are actually anywhere between a 32G and 36H - meaning there are actually 18 different potential sizes to choose from); I cannot stress how important it is to get a professional fitting once a year.

[/Lingerie Fitter Hat Off]

 

[cryforme1v]

These people understand the art of bras...maybe not for everyday...but interesting....
http://www.cameo-intimates.com/lingerie/index_bra.html

my breasts are to large to wear a bra like that comfortably. And with the summer heat - i'd much rather have support over great looks - granted, for the cooler months when i dont feel like i'm melting, i'll definately check out that site again and i'm sure i'll find the ideal christmas present for the boyfriend.
Thanks

 

[ShyDahlia]

What a necessary thread! Uncomfortable bras are the worst!

I have fairly average bra size (34B or 34C, depending) and I've been fitted many times and been told MANY different sizes! I find that independant, almost boutique-y shops have the most accurate sizings. Also, remember to lean forward and jiggle those girls into the cups. I think the material of the bra is what determines the breathability as opposed to the structure. Cotton bras in a push up style are FAR more comfy than a satin or lace number. I encourage a bra with removeable padding... Hehe, sometimes it's fun to have the girls up high and full!

I live in Canada, so my recommendations won't help you, but I suggest a smaller, specialized store. Good luck!

 

[Julie_in_the_north]

As the owner of a large bust, I've very often had trouble getting fitted properly...can be such a nuisance. For those of you in Britain, I can really recommend the Bravissimo chain. They specialise in bras (and swimwear, plus other clothing) for larger breasted women (although not exclusively) - but more to the point they actually *get it* when it comes to getting your bra to fit correctly, whatever your size.

 

[ViKitty]

I can suggest the "Dream Angels" bra from Victorias Secret. There is very minimal padding (it's actually just a lining) and it is made of memory foam so it gives you a natural shape. Plus the strap is fully adjustable -- that means that it adjusts all the way from the cup to the back, as opposed to most of the other bras which have an annoying buckle in the middle of the strap that limits the adjustability.



I would suggest going to a store to get fitted for bras. Having worked at Victoria's Secret, I would suggest that you go there. (Although you can definitly get measured wrong -- the brand encourages all associates to measure, even if they have only been on the floor for two hours.) The best way to get the help you need is to ask for the Specialist. She will measure you, give you a selection of bras (You can tell her what you're looking for and she'll supply you with several options), and want to check and make sure the fit is perfect.


You can go to different stores and get measured entirely differently because, unless you go back to back in the same exact day, your body changes. Most women change bra sizes multiple times in their lifetime.

Of course, if time/distance is an issue, or if you're too shy, you can always order offline.


To measure: Pull the measuring tape around the barrell of your chest (Line it up horizontally; it needs to be on par with the fullest part of your breast). Bring it over the top of your breasts; your fist should fit perfectly in your cleavage. (Be sure to leave space between the tape and your breast. A good rule is a fist). That number, you round down to the nearest even number for American sizing. (So a 35 would be a 34, a 39 would be a 38 and so on). That is the first number you need to remember. Then, keeping the tape still in the back, pull it across the fullest part of your breast. (Don't forget to leave the space!). You will count backwards in increments of one to the first number (So, if your first number was a 35, and you measure a 40 as the second number, you count backwards 39-1;38- 2;37-3;36-4; 35- 5). The number corresponds to a cup size ( 1= A, 2 = B, 3 = C, 4 = D, 5= DD and so forth).
So, for our sample the bra size would be 34DD.


There is such a thing as a sister size. A measurment is just a guideline, so always try the sister sizes, also! (Down in the band size, up in the cup OR Up in the band size and down in the cup!) So a 32 DDD or a 36 D are the sister sizes for a 34 DD


I hope that this is helpful...and if there are any questions please let me know!


Vi

 

[satindesire]

The only push up bras that DO NOT have padding are the kind that have very small wired cups that literally shove your breasts up in an unnatural and uncomfortable position too high on your chest to actually look good under a normal shirt. I've tried several from different brands and hated all of them.

If you want a push up bra that you're going to look normal in, just get a normal padded one like everyone else, it's not like a padded push up bra is a big deal.