Ladies! Please Bra Advice/Help needed

[BiBunny]

I have never found a wireless bra that worked. But I would love to have one! Can you recommend a brand or particular style that works well?

I did try one or two and i will admit the were comfy but the poor girls sagged so much I gave up.

See, I don't mind the slight sag nearly as much as I minded the constant jabbing under my arms, LOL. I still have a few wired push-up type bras for times when I need them, but that happens rarely nowadays.

The ones I have are plus-size bras. So I have no idea if that would be what you need or not. If so, Roaman's has a whole section of wire-free bras for not a ton of money. Unfortunately, I don't see either of the styles I bought from them.

 

[CutieMouse]

Do you mind if I ask you about the increase in cup size? I normally wear DD and this lady recommended DDD/F. i was shocked but tried one on. I will admit that one side was okay because yeah I am uneven, but the other one was simply lost.

In the DD, I feel while one really fills out the cup at least the other doesn't have to fight it's way through all the fabric!

So now I am really torn as to if I should go up a cup size or not.

Please tell me that if she took you up a cup, she took the band size down a size or more (if you were in a 36DD, you should have been refit into a 34 for an F to fit)...

A 34F and a 36DD (E) are actually almost the exact same size, because wire sizes are graded *according to the back depth*. The tack (placement) in the wire should only be different by about 1/8", but by going down a band, you're depending on the back to do the lifting, instead of the shoulders. It's not uncommon [for me] to take a 36DD (E) down to a 32G (or H+) to get a proper fit.

For years I wore a 36A; my true size is a 32D. And even then, it depends on the style of bra, country of origin, vendor, materials, etc to get a proper fit. (And that's with a rib cage measurement of 33" - any bra over a 32 swims on me because of where the breast sits on my torso.)

If contour (foam cup) bras are leaving the smaller size "swimming" in the cup, it would be worth trying a 3-part cup. The material/seams of a 3-part cup will help the cup of the bra wrap around the breast, minimizing any difference in size between the breasts and balancing the figure.

If you're comfortable sending a picture by PM (clothed, fitted t-shirt) & an idea of what size top you wear (6,8,10, etc), I can probably give you a starting place for size.

 

[blulilacgrl]

Please tell me that if she took you up a cup, she took the band size down a size or more (if you were in a 36DD, you should have been refit into a 34 for an F to fit)...

See! I knew that lady was on crack. lol
No she didn't. Actually she kept me at the same band size, just upped the cup size. Ugh.

And now with all the math, my head is swimming! I really suck at math. But let me have the wine wear off and I will see if I can work it out properly in the morning. lol

You guys rock! Thank you so much for all of the help!

 

[SweetTink]

I know, right? I mean they are great bras and really comfortable, but damn so expensive!

I always miss those events though. How do you catch them? Is there an email subscription or something?

And I am beginning to think it is the whole laundry issue. I make the vow now.... I will handwash from now on.

I get the mini catalogs with the coupons, but I think that's mainly because I ordered stuff online. You should be able to signup for emails online. Also they have a facebook page that keeps everyone updated and has special coupons.

 

[titsnnipples]

Gah! I am so frustrated.This is so stupid but here it is. My underwire bras keep snapping! And today my favorite one just bit the dust, right in the middle of walking across the field, I hear a snap and suddenly the underwire is jabbing me under the right boob! Dammit!!

I have tried getting “properly sized” but I gotta tell you, that lady was on crack! There is no way I was the cup size she was trying to put me in. I tried it and the girls got lost, so I’m pretty sure the cup size is not the problem. Also, the band does not feel tight or constricting and most of the time I use the third hook and eye closure. But just as a test I began using the first one. Nope, I still get the metal popping and stabbing me.
So the only thing I can think is that either A) these are cheap bras—which dammit at $30-50 a pair I disagree OR B) just a crap brand!

So that is my issue. I am tired of spending upwards of $50 on bras that just don’t last!

Any advice? What bra/brand do you recommend?

And is there a way just to replace the underwire? Cuz dammit this is my favorite one!

Thanks for any and all help.

I go to the expensive department stores to get fitted. Then I go to discount stores and buy the discontinued at at least half the price. Brands that worked for me. Wacoal, DKNY, Calvin Klein. Try TJMaxx or Nordstrom Rack.

 

[lovethe36g]

brands for above D breasts

There are definitely brands that make comfortable long lasting bras, but you do have to take care of them. And, you need to be fitted correctly. The best place I found for fittings are lingerie shops, they know the most and seem to do the best fittings. If you can't find anywhere else, then go to Nordstroms (not the Rack for the fitting, a regular store). And, I agree with the above, Marks and Sparks (M&S) make great in-house bras in larger sizes. However, if you are in the US, then check out Nordstroms again (the Rack for better prices) and look for Freya bras. Those are probably the best you will find in the US easily. They are both functional and beautiful. I found that most of the other brands (such as Wacoal) make functional bras above D but they are ugly or boring. Also, somewhat related, Freya also makes Swimsuits (both one piece and bikinis) in the same larger sizes.

Another brand starting to make progress here in the US, but easily found in the UK is Curvy Kate. These are gorgeous bras, only make for D and larger cup sizes, but with bands down to a 28, so a great range. There are only a few stores here, mainly lingerie only stores.

Another brand is Panache, not too expensive, but larger sizes easily available.

And, if you want a bra with some lift and oomph, try Ann Summers. Super Sexy is their name. They easily carry up to H, and I think down to a 30 in band size.

Good luck.

 

[blulilacgrl]

And even more awesome advice! See, I knew there was a reason to ask this question here.

SweetTink~ I am off to find their facebook page and sign up for the coupons. Thank you.

titsnnipples & lovethe36g ~ thank you for the brand choices. I will definitely check them out. There is a Nordstrom nearby, so I think I will mosey on over there and see about getting properly fitted. Wondering if I should drug test this lady, just in case. lol

 

[mapili50]

Here's what I've learned:

1. For years I measured myself and did the cup size based on subtracting measurements. A couple of years ago I learned that I was obviously doing it wrong.

2. I went to a fancy lingerie boutique and was measured incorrectly.

3. Shoulder straps should NOT carry the weight. I've learned that I was wearing mine too tight.

4. If your bra strap is riding up - the bra is too big. That was basically my problem, so I tried going down a cup size or bra size, which made me miserable.

I've now had people at Nordstrom's and Victoria's Secret measure me consistently and I am 2 sizes smaller and 2 cup sizes bigger than what the lingerie boutique claimed! My "girls" are much more comfortable!

I hand wash regularly since skin oils breakdown latex quickly but I've been told that bras should be replaced every 1-2 years. I've also been told to rotate bras and not wear the same one on day 2.

 

[marianthelibrarian]

If you have a measuring tape I would try measuring yourself, and then using this bra size calculator (http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/).

I thought I was a 36D but it turns out that I am actually a 34F, and am very happy now that I know my real size.

lovetheg knows what she's talking about. My favorite two brands are Panache and Freya. I have also heard good things about Curvy Kate but don't own one personally.

 

[Rob1514]

Good luck and just know that many of us will gladly "support" the cause.

 

[CasualLurker]

From what I can remember. From way back when I had a g/f, a place called L'eggs hanes Bali Playtex had bras where the actual cups could be had in different sizes on the same bra. Might be worth checking out.

 

[heartoftexasgrl]

Is the underwire actually breaking, or does it make a hole and come out? If the latter is the case, you can reinforce the material (when you get new bras, before this happens) and increase the life of them.
Also, I second the laundering. I machine wash mine; but hang them to dry (there are always bras hanging from several doorknobs in my house, lol) and it definitely makes a difference.
Twice a year Lane Bryant had their buy two, get two free sale. Good time to stock up. You sign up on their website for emails and coupons. They always send me ones for $25 off of $75 which is close to the cost of two bras, so it helps a bit.

Good luck!

 

[GrrlFriday]

Also, if you do go back to machine washing in lingerie bags, hook the bras up before you put them in the bag - that way the hooks can't tangle on each other and cause problems.

 

[blulilacgrl]

Again more and more awesome advice! Thank you marianthelibrarian, mapili50, GrrlFriday and heartoftexasgirl

and Rob~ thank you sugar for the 'offer' lol

I am definitely checking out the whole different cup size option CasualLurker, thank you!

So... this week on my to do list:

1. Go to Nordstroms and get properly fitted
2. possibly find 2nd place to get a 2nd opinion. lol
3. Make up a list of the various brands recommended and go on a "try on" day
4. buy lingerie bag, Woolite, and possibly one of the bar thingies to hang my (now properly laundered and properly fitted) bras!

And then shop discount stores, catalogs, and online for coupons and sales.

See! I can be taught!

 

[warrior queen]

I am only a D cup, but I'm what they call a 'heavy' D.... My breast tissue is incredibly dense, making my breasts weigh as much as a DDD standard.
I too, absolutely HATE underwire bras.
I recently changed to the Aaahh Bra.... it's a one piece double cross-knitted bra that looks a lot like a sports top.
For daily wear, I only wear one, but if I'm excercising I double up and wear two for more support.
They are absolutely the very best bra I have found in 32 years of wearing bras.
Might be worth a look.

 

[blulilacgrl]

Okay I did it! I was measured and fitted for a new bra. Yay me!!

And yes it turns out I did need to go up a cup size. And turns out that my *ahem* smaller girl doesn't swim in this bra quite as much as I feared.

Is it possible that while one breast is a tad bit smaller it is also wider? And that the larger cup size is "gathering" (for lack of a better word) the breast tissue better than the smaller bra cup did?

But regardless of how or why! Apparently DDD is my cup size. EEK Hubby is happy, but I don't know I am a little frightened.

Thank you guys so much for all your help and advice!!

Oh and you should have seen the look on the sales clerk's face when I admitted to just throwing them in the washer and dryer. Shocked isn't the word for it. So I have definitely learned my lesson.

 

[Aurantica]

Is the underwire actually breaking, or does it make a hole and come out? If the latter is the case, you can reinforce the material (when you get new bras, before this happens) and increase the life of them.
Also, I second the laundering. I machine wash mine; but hang them to dry (there are always bras hanging from several doorknobs in my house, lol) and it definitely makes a difference.
Twice a year Lane Bryant had their buy two, get two free sale. Good time to stock up. You sign up on their website for emails and coupons. They always send me ones for $25 off of $75 which is close to the cost of two bras, so it helps a bit.

Good luck!

I'm fairly certain you can get replacement underwires at most sewing stores. Fabricland here carries them, as well as foam cups and other bra accessories.

 

[mapili50]

Apparently DDD is my cup size. EEK Hubby is happy, but I don't know I am a little frightened.

I can sort of empathize with that. Measuring myself and the fancy lingerie shop saying I was a 36B had me always a little sore for years.

Sort of freaked me out when the Nordstrom's fitter announced that I should be wearing a 30D. It was really informative though when she pointed out the problems with my old bra. The back was riding up because 36 was too big. That forced me to wear the shoulder straps too tight. Meanwhile, the girls swam in a 36C so I just assumed C cups were too big.

 

[blulilacgrl]

I'm fairly certain you can get replacement underwires at most sewing stores. Fabricland here carries them, as well as foam cups and other bra accessories.

Awesome! I am going to keep that in mind, just in case.

I can sort of empathize with that. Measuring myself and the fancy lingerie shop saying I was a 36B had me always a little sore for years.

Sort of freaked me out when the Nordstrom's fitter announced that I should be wearing a 30D. It was really informative though when she pointed out the problems with my old bra. The back was riding up because 36 was too big. That forced me to wear the shoulder straps too tight. Meanwhile, the girls swam in a 36C so I just assumed C cups were too big.

[laughs] Did you find yourself having to get used to the newer and bigger size? I swear I feel like I am having to figure out how to navigate around them all over again. Feels like they are up under my chin. I don't know if it was the fact the my previous bras were so well worn or because of the ill fit but damn!
I could at least see my feet. Now whenever I look down all I see is boob

However I will admit that with the new bras my shirts look different. I look like I have lost weight. Did this happen to anyone else? I am assuming it is the lift and definition that the new bras provide. Whatever it is I at least like that aspect of it.

 

[ConfusedAgain]

Gah! I am so frustrated.This is so stupid but here it is. My underwire bras keep snapping!

I had that SAME exact problem with a specialty store. They were always fitting me incorrectly. These women were old and it was a family run store that has been around since the early 1900's so you would think they'd be experts but nope.

I drove further out of my way to a different specialty store and they were great. They fitted me in one of the same exact bras only the size was perfect. The wire never snapped. Bottom line is that if the wire is snapping and it's not a cheap Walmart bra, then you're not wearing the correct size.

I don't even bother with specialty stores anymore and now order online from Bare Necessities just because their returns are so easy. I order the same bra in a few different sizes and try them on in the privacy of my own mirrors. They include a prepaid USPS label and the money is back on my card within days. Once you go through it a few times, you can figure out for yourself which bra fits correctly.

 

[satindesire]

Again more and more awesome advice! Thank you marianthelibrarian, mapili50, GrrlFriday and heartoftexasgirl

and Rob~ thank you sugar for the 'offer' lol

I am definitely checking out the whole different cup size option CasualLurker, thank you!

So... this week on my to do list:

1. Go to Nordstroms and get properly fitted
2. possibly find 2nd place to get a 2nd opinion. lol
3. Make up a list of the various brands recommended and go on a "try on" day
4. buy lingerie bag, Woolite, and possibly one of the bar thingies to hang my (now properly laundered and properly fitted) bras!

And then shop discount stores, catalogs, and online for coupons and sales.

See! I can be taught!

Don't use Woolite suge. Use, specifically, lingerie soap.

 

[Damana]

Just to throw my bra into the wash on this thread.

I use Lane Bryant here in the US.. (love their bras! ) And I have never gotten a bad bra from them given I'm only a 42D but my oldest niece (bless her) is a 36 F (she had no hope...all natural both sides of the family the women are short and large chested) and the bra she's gotten fits her perfect. Anyway, the way I care for mine (given it's been well over a year since I've gotten any new bras) is wash them in the washer (yes I do it with my jeans.. bad me) and then air dry them. I also wear mine on the middle hook.. and make sure to readjust the straps after you get them out of the washer.

 

[CutieMouse]

Getting properly fitted is usually the easiest/fastest way to look like you've dropped 10-15#.

And honestly, and F (DDD in American sizing) is a really really really common size. Most women who *think* they're a D, are actually more like an F-H in true sizing.

However I will admit that with the new bras my shirts look different. I look like I have lost weight. Did this happen to anyone else? I am assuming it is the lift and definition that the new bras provide. Whatever it is I at least like that aspect of it.

 

[Kat73]

For me Cacique bras are the only ones that last. Like the others have posted don't just throw them in the wash. I still wash mine, but I let them air dry and that alone has cut down on the wear and tear on them. I also learned during my last fitting that different styles fit differently. I wear a 44c in most bras, but in the demi style, I need a D cup. My right breast is a large C and the left is a straight D. I guess it depends on how you breasts fit the cup as to what size you should wear. I would try getting sized by different stores as well as trying different sizes and styles. If you're going to stick with Cacique, wait till they have a bra event so you don't have to pay fifty bucks for a bra, that's what I usually do. If it weren't for "Buy 2, get 2 free" I would only have two bras. Lol.

I agree with SweetTink completely. The Cacique bras are the only ones I buy anymore. In the almost 3 years since I have been wearing them, I have not snapped an underwire. I wash them in the washer and usually hand dry them and my oldest ones are almost 3 years old, besides being a bit dingy, they are in great shape. They are expensive, but so much better than buying new ones ever 3 months. Good luck!

 

[BiBunny]

I'm surprised at the love for the Lane Bryant bras. Y'all have clearly had better luck with them than I have. Ugh.