Ladies! Please Bra Advice/Help needed

[blulilacgrl]

Help! Damn thing snapped on me and frickin' hurts!!

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.

 

[NippleMuncher]

I may not be a woman, but I know a thing or two about breasts, ok, just one thing, I LOVE 'EM! (sorry, couldn't resist )

In answer to your question, I would recommend finding a new fitter because it sounds like the person you went to didn't know their posterior orifice from a rather large hole in the ground.

I wish I could tell you more about a proper fitting, but I can't. What I can tell you is that way too many women are wearing bras that are woefully too small and it isn't the slightest bit flattering or attractive. I can't imagine that it's too comfortable. Oprah did a show about bra fitting, had an expert fitter on, got measured and everything right there on camera (no I didn't see it, but it did happen ). The #1 problem the expert brought up, as I said, most women are not fitted properly and wear bras that are too small, even Oprah as it turns out, who has a whole fleet of wardrobe experts dressing her daily.

 

[SmileyGirl]

You definitely need to go to a reputable department store to be fitted properly. It makes a real difference to have the right sized bra. I have to buy from a bigger store because once you get past an average size you need a really good fitting bra and I'm not very broad over the back but I have bigger than average cup size so they don't stock them in the normal shops where I buy my clothes from. It can be a pain but when you see people with badly fitted bra's it looks sooo bad. It's definitely worth being sized properly

I'm from the UK so if you're a Merry-can there isn't much point in me naming department stores for you.
And also remember just because she tells you your proper size as with anything different styles can change your bra size so it can vary. There are some great online shops too but I prefer to make sure it fits before I buy.

 

[LadyVer]

Don't buy bras with wires. Buy the ones without them. They make wireless bras for all sizes.

 

[CutieMouse]

If your wires are snapping it's probably one of two things-

1) wrong size
2) overuse

The center bridge should touch the breastbone, the wire should sit exactly behind the breast tissue on the side. The back band should be low (even w/ the underwire) & firm - no more than 1.5" of stretch when closed on the middle or loosest hook. Lift comes from the back; not the shoulders.

To prevent overuse, you need to rotate a *minimum* of 4 bras per week (7+ is better). Never wear two days in a row, wash with lingerie soap (not Woolite) & cold water, never put lingerie in the dryer.

 

[IrishEyes80]

If you have the size right then I would say the issue is the wash and wear.

If it's your favorite bra you probably wear it more than the others, I learned the hard way to not wash my bras and panties with my jeans and other clothes.

I don't think there is any way to replace the under wire.

 

[Mirisa]

Underwrires just don't last that long. I'm pretty active at work though, bending and stretching. I guess I should look into non wires for work.

Mine I would say on average last 6 months to 18 months before they snap, but by 18 months I would be wanting to replace them anyway.

Definitely try another fitter too.

 

[Cattypuss]

If your wires are snapping it's probably one of two things-

1) wrong size
2) overuse

The center bridge should touch the breastbone, the wire should sit exactly behind the breast tissue on the side. The back band should be low (even w/ the underwire) & firm - no more than 1.5" of stretch when closed on the middle or loosest hook. Lift comes from the back; not the shoulders.

To prevent overuse, you need to rotate a *minimum* of 4 bras per week (7+ is better). Never wear two days in a row, wash with lingerie soap (not Woolite) & cold water, never put lingerie in the dryer.

Or buy a ticket to the UK, spend about $30 each on some Marks & Spencer undewired bras, wash them at 40 degrees with normal laundry detergent in your machine, tumble dry them, wear maybe two or three a week (washing mostly daily), and have them last on average two years before they even START to show their age.

I love M&S

 

[blulilacgrl]

Thank you gals so much for all of the advice!
I have been buying Cacique (I think that is how you spell it) and for day to day wear tend to go for the plain, run of the mill bra. I am looking more for support and comfort than pretty, although if I can find pretty that is always a plus.

CutieMouse & IrishEyes-- I will shamefully admit that I am lazy when it comes to laundry and tend to just throw them into the washer and dryer, yes with jeans. Does it really affect them that much?

Fakeasmile-- you are so right once you hit a certain cup size finding anything that is remotely supportive you can’t go to the normal shops. I will go there if I am looking for something frilly and cute for a night, but for the day to day I need something with a bit more oomph! Lol

LadyVer & Mirisa—I have yet to find a bra without an underwire that can support the girls. Do you have a suggestion on a brand that you find works?

Cattypuss – Do you mean http://www.marksandspencer.com/Bras-Lingerie-Underwear-Womens/b/43246030 ? Is there a particular style or brand that you find is really good for daily wear?

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to help me out.

 

[CutieMouse]

Or buy a ticket to the UK, spend about $30 each on some Marks & Spencer undewired bras, wash them at 40 degrees with normal laundry detergent in your machine, tumble dry them, wear maybe two or three a week (washing mostly daily), and have them last on average two years before they even START to show their age.

I love M&S

UK vendors don't fit me.

My oldest sets are going on 3 years now, and have hardly aged a bit. One or two might benefit from alterations, but they aren't worn enough to bother (yet).

 

[CutieMouse]

CutieMouse & IrishEyes-- I will shamefully admit that I am lazy when it comes to laundry and tend to just throw them into the washer and dryer, yes with jeans. Does it really affect them that much?

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to help me out.

bras are mostly elastic - heat (the dryer) will cut the life of your bra in half (or worse)

Throwing a bra in w/ jeans, etc will warp/disfigure the underwire (causing weak spots), the heat from the dryer will melt the tips off the ends of the wire (creating a sharp point that eventually wears through the wire casing).

Love your lingerie; your lingerie will love you.

 

[blulilacgrl]

CutieMouse-- Okay I promise I have learned my lesson!
From now on I will launder them properly. I just can't afford for this to keep happening!

 

[Lynn33]

.........................................

 

[Cattypuss]

Cattypuss – Do you mean http://www.marksandspencer.com/Bras-Lingerie-Underwear-Womens/b/43246030 ?

yep

Is there a particular style or brand that you find is really good for daily wear?

M&S is a brand - this shop only sells its own brand (with sub-brands within that). I have worn M&S underwired bras for over 25 years and I have never had one I didn't love The user reviews on their site can be helpful.

 

[blulilacgrl]

yep



M&S is a brand - this shop only sells its own brand (with sub-brands within that). I have worn M&S underwired bras for over 25 years and I have never had one I didn't love The user reviews on their site can be helpful.

Great! Thank you. I might just order one or two and try them out. I see they have some that come 2 for $25 or so. Seems like a great deal and if they are as good as you say I can always order more.

Also sounds like a great reason to plan a trip to the UK! "But honey, I have to go. They have the best bras there. And if you think about I will be saving money..." lol

 

[LesbianMistress]

So far, I found the one guide that always helps me is on, http://www.justbreastimplants.com/size/. Even though I don't have implants, however, based of what you told me.
It sounds like you have the wrong size band size, and possible need to up one or two. I personally have only seen bands snap when I was in a band size 2 sizes smaller than what I was or when I threw them in the wash and the hooks got distorted. I hope this helped...

 

[blulilacgrl]

So far, I found the one guide that always helps me is on, http://www.justbreastimplants.com/size/. Even though I don't have implants, however, based of what you told me.
It sounds like you have the wrong size band size, and possible need to up one or two. I personally have only seen bands snap when I was in a band size 2 sizes smaller than what I was or when I threw them in the wash and the hooks got distorted. I hope this helped...

Oh! I'm sorry if I was unclear. It's not the band that snaps. The band actually feels fine. It's the damn underwire. Out of nowhere I hear a pop and suddenly i have metal poking at me from under my boob!

Grrr... quite frustrating!! But I will check out the link. You never know where you can find information. Look at all the helpful advice I got here!

 

[NomadLady]

I only wash mine with other lingerie and NEVER EVER dry them. Yes it does make a difference and I wear Cacique because I love the way they fit. I was surprised with the increase cup size the first time I was "properly" fitted but in the long run the lady was right and I always wear correct sized bras and they are so much more comfortable.

Good luck...

 

[blulilacgrl]

I only wash mine with other lingerie and NEVER EVER dry them. Yes it does make a difference and I wear Cacique because I love the way they fit. I was surprised with the increase cup size the first time I was "properly" fitted but in the long run the lady was right and I always wear correct sized bras and they are so much more comfortable.

Good luck...

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.

 

[SweetTink]

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.

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.

 

[BiBunny]

Don't buy bras with wires. Buy the ones without them. They make wireless bras for all sizes.

Seconded. I got sick of underwire that came up too high under my arms and poked the shit out of me. So I sucked it up and tried a wireless one, even though I had my doubts about them. I loved it so much that I went and bought 3 more. Oh, and I'm a 44G, so you can definitely find them in larger sizes.

 

[blulilacgrl]

If it weren't for "Buy 2, get 2 free" I would only have two bras. Lol.

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.

 

[NomadLady]

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.

I think we all are uneven like that, some just more than others but it can be as much as a cup size. I was always wearing C cups when I got "properly" fitted the first time and went to a DD with the correct band size and was amazed at the better fit. I'd suggest getting just one in the larger cup size and see how it feels. The good think about Cacique is you can catch them on sale alot if you check online if the store isn't close!!!

 

[blulilacgrl]

Seconded. I got sick of underwire that came up too high under my arms and poked the shit out of me. So I sucked it up and tried a wireless one, even though I had my doubts about them. I loved it so much that I went and bought 3 more. Oh, and I'm a 44G, so you can definitely find them in larger sizes.

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.

 

[smexygirl]

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 have some bad news for you. You get what you pay for. My favorite is Le Mystere, Dream Tisha. It gives your boobs a perky lift and they look awesome. They are very expensive, but I have broken one in 7 years and I wash them in the laundry machine and hang them dry. They are on sale for the rest of this week at Nordstrom. http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/le-myst...ere_b&ef_id=QDNORwJ9iEMAAMDU:20120801023050:s

If you don't like it, you can return it. If it breaks, they will take it back.