To whom must a woman sell her soul to find a good, comfortable, pretty bra

[Bertha Venation]

THAT FITS?!!

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[kick-ass-bob]

1. I'm gathering souls.

:evilgrin:

[kedrys]

2. A professional bra fitter at the store?

They have those. No soul bartering required, as far as I know.

[blondeatlast]

8. They never get me at all right.

I'm decidedly UN-gifted in that department, and they always tell me to go a cup size bigger than works for me.

[Modem Butterfly]

17. Do you have a broad back?

Most bra fitters are just sales clerks with tape measures and a bosom fetish.

If a woman has a broad back, very often a bigger cup size will be recommended. Why? I don't know. But then you end up with a bra that rides up and cups that wrinkle. NOT an attractive look.

I am very top-heavy, so I've got a lot of experience in shopping for bras at that end of the scale. I'm not sure what the more petite customer should look for.

[blondeatlast]

85. Yes, I do. I have the shoulders of a rather smallish fullback!

I'm lucky enough to have found a style that works for me and is available at Dillard's. Not my favorite store, but they always have my bras which any woman knows is a gift!

[leftynyc]

3. I worked in the industry for 12 years

what exactly are you looking for?

[Bertha Venation]

11. Your answer (warning: TMI)

My size is 48D w/ underwire, because I tend to sag and flatten out. TMI maybe but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. No matter what, one or both always wants to seep out the bottom. And I always get extra fabric sitting just above where the "point" is supposed to be.

I'm looking for the perfect bra that will mitigate all of that and be comfortable. Impossible?

[leftynyc]

18. Sounds like you're wearing a European fit

(smaller bottom part of cup than US) - a really good fitting pretty bra for a fuller figure is Playtex Full Figure Plus Lace - comes in wide variety of sizes. Vanity Fair Full Figure Satin Solutions is also pretty and comes in extended sizes. I'm also a weird size so I understand. Makes sure you get a bra with wide straps (they're more comfortable) that are somewhat rigid.

[Bertha Venation]

27. thank you so much, lefty

I appreciate your advice!

Do you have a suggestion for my sister, who says she needs a 52A? I'm bigger than her so I know it's not a 52, and I think she's closer to a B, but . . . Ideas?

[leftynyc]

49. I'm going to do a bit of digging for you

As I said, I'm a bit of a strange size and know the aggravation involved.

[leftynyc]

51. I found a web site that lets you

shop by size www.figleaves.com

Since your sis doesn't need a big cup size - I suggest a lightweight sports bra (with no wire which is also called a soft cup). I know Bestform has one but I'm not sure of the size range.

[notadmblnd]

19. I buy mine at Lane Bryants

they're cotten and lace, very pretty and comfortable you can buy matching panties. I like them because they pull the ladies back up and together where they belong.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

4. My worst bra experience...

was purchasing this leftover from the 1930s.... with cone-shaped cups the likes of which Madonna would not even dare to wear.... I felt like I could actually stab people with my boobs...

That aside, I really don't know who in the hell designs bras... Either they are too uncomfortable or too loose or too ugly. I do have a thing for Victoria's Secret bras, but $30 or more???? that's a lot of money.

[Stephanie]

40. I just found La Perla for $30 at Loehmans!

That was a great find - since you are in NYC I will share my secret with you.

[radwriter0555]

5. Victoria's Secret. Honest. They DO have a bra that fits, I SWEAR. They

may not be cheap, but once you've found the right size and style that suits you best, you can stock up on their sales.

I wear a 36DD in their full coverage lined, and it's the ONLY bra on the planet that fits me perfectly. The sales gal had me trying on every style in the store, until we hit it.

Take the time, try it, and see how it goes. I just picked up 1/2 dozen at their annual sale by hitting all the local stores, BTW. I got them for $9.99 each.

[Modem Butterfly]

13. Victoria's Secret doesn't fit everybody

For larger-breasted women, go Goddess or go home!

[LeftyMom]

78. They don't have my size, either

I'm smallish in the chest. I swear, unless you're a B or C cup they don't want your money, I guess.

[Bertha Venation]

14. I totally agree. But they don't make my size anymore.

By that I mean, I gained too much weight and they don't make them big enough for me (not cup size but measurement).

But thanks! Great news on your amazing buys, too.

[radwriter0555]

25. Gotcha, yes, gaining weight doesn't help matters any... and it effects

so much other stuff too. I'm the biggest I've ever been at the 36DD and it's amazing how much of a difference I'm seeing.. but the trim-spa is working, along with the gym, so I'm heading back in the other direction. I will NOT let my 40's make me any bigger!

Good luck with your hunt! The lane bryant sounds like the way to go.

[RUDUing2]

66. VS is the ONLY bra that fits me right too...bet you wear the same one..

Second Skin Unlined full coverage bra w/the wide straps...

[Nikia]

90. Maybe I didn't spend enough time with them

At first the brafitter said that I was a 34D. When I said that it seemed sort of tight around the back and cups seemed big, she gave me 36C to try on. Those didn't seem to fit quite right either. I am not really used to underwire bras, but I am starting to need support.

[readmylips]

6. Go without a bra...

When my breasts got too big and painful, I had them removed and became size A/B. Now I don't support those greedy bra torturous male designers. I don't wear a bra. Breasts are only fat. Why carry that extra fat that can easily turn into breast cancer.

[Modem Butterfly]

23. Oy.

I really, really like my breasts, fat, milk ducts, nipples and all. I can't imagine having them removed. Good for you for finding a solution that works, but just the thought makes me weak in the knees.

[OnionPatch]

7. I don't know but if you find out

PLEASE TELL ME!!!

I can't remember EVER having a comfortable bra that actually fits and does its job well.

And I don't care how pretty underwires are THEY SUCK!!!!

[Modem Butterfly]

15. Just My Size

Check out www.justmysize.com. They have a very wide range of bras, including the Goddess line, which goes up to a size K I believe and are both comfortable and beautiful!

[demnan]

9. Playtex 18 hour

Not the new kinds - the old fashioned one with the real strong sides. But that's if you're hefty, I don't know what the small girls wear.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

55. Smaller girl here.

I'm a 36 B. I usually just wear sports bras, if I wear a bra at all. I never wear a bra around the house. I mostly wear bras for working out anyhow, but I will also wear one if I'm wearing a tight shirt. I also think sports bras are more comfortable. I guess they make me look even more flat chested, but I don't really care.

[StClone]

10. Oddly, well maybe not, but this topic has come up before...

Seems there was a French brand that several commented on as being tops (pardon the pun) I think it was Lily of France.

http://www.freshpair.com/catalog_section_women_brand_102.html

[Bertha Venation]

16. Yep -- I brought it up long ago.

At the time I got some good ideas but none panned out (for me). I don't remember hearing about Lily of France. Thanks

[leftynyc]

53. The same company (corporation) that makes Lily of France

also makes Vanity Fair, Bestform, Vassarette. The fabrics are slightly different but the frames are basically all the same.

[Tracer]

12. Why do I have trouble finding ...

... a non-underwired, non-sports-type bra?

I won't wear those miserable, rib-stabbing underwires (I'm not big) Ñ yet, 99% of the bras in the stores have them.

[Samurai_Writer]

81. I usually just remove the underwires...

I'm a 44DD, and I HATE underwires. They poke under the arms and are very uncomfortable. By removing the underwires, I still have a good, supporting bra without being poked to death.

[catmandu57]

20. Let Marshmallow know when you find one

She has several bras, but only one she likes. It's so old it's falling apart, but she sews it up every time a new hole appears.
I say wear one of your others, she says I don't like them, I don't know.
Her favorite was an underwire that she removed the wire from, that may help.

[readmylips]

21. I don't need to wear a bra but....

for the holidays I needed to wear a bra under my holiday fancy dress. I looked every where, Ross, Target, Wal-mart. Found nothing. Went to the more expensive stores, bras were too uncomfortable and expensive.

My main complaint with bras is that the sliding hook to adjust the bra strap are placed in the back. It's like making underwear for men and placing their pee-pee opening in the back.

Finally, I went to the thrift store and found an older model, $2.00, that fits and the adjusting hook to the straps are in the front. This is my priceless, comfortable bra.

[dolo amber]

22. I saw a 32 AA bra

the other day at Target...with an underwire. It looked like it would've fit my dog.:wtf:

I feel your pain, Bertha...I'm a 34DD myself. Or as I like to call it "the size that only exists in my imagination". They DO make them, but they look like something that should be worn onstage at the Met during a Wagner opera. x(

[Left Is Write]

36. Small women like underwire too.

I'm not a double-A, but I am small (32A), and I won't wear a bra without underwire. It adds shaping that looks nice under clothes.

[dolo amber]

41. I didn't realize that

I'm just terminally jealous of my less-endowed sisters, who I always think look fantastic...no shaping needed. :)

[Left Is Write]

44. I don't know how old your sisters are, but

at 38 years old, after three children, I need a little lifting and shaping, even with a small bustline. :)

[leftynyc]

24. Also - in general the best bras made

are Wacoal. They're expensive ($35 - $75) but they're engineering marvels. Company also manufactures Donna Karan bras.

[lavenderdiva]

45. I heard this too about Wacoal...

its the bra that Oprah swears by.

[fortyfeetunder]

59. Wacoals are pricey little buggers

but last a long time if you hand wash them.

[lavenderdiva]

80. You're right abou that! However, my best friend went to Nordstrom

where they had a Wacoal specialist fit her, and now she swears by them. Says she has never had a more comfortable bra! She's not small either, and has had a problem finding a correct fit, comfort, etc.

[fortyfeetunder]

89. And another Wacoal advantage

For you full figured travelers out there. Wacoal makes nice bras without underwires. I had had one too many underwires go beep beep in the TSA screening. Now that TSA pats women down, I want one more reason for them not to have their hands on me too long....

[progmom]

26. if you find out

...tell me.

[American Tragedy]

28. Actually, I struggle to find sizes too, though I'm not voluptuous. : (

For some reason I've found it hard to find very many 32B/32C bras; I can't wear 34, and I'm not comfortable going braless most of the time.

What sucks is that I wind up using the same bras again and again, and I consequently stretch them out and ruin them.

[BiggJawn]

29. When they find a good one at the other end of the range,

Let my girlfriend know...(38A)
She can't find anything in that size...Price is no object, she has somebody willing to make up the dif for something pretty that fits...:evilgrin:

[leftynyc]

52. I mentioned up thread there is a web site

that lets you shop by size - and brand. www.figleaves.com

[BiggJawn]

57. Well, it was a treat for the eyes, anyway...

No 38A...:-(
Thanks for trying, she'll find something...Somewhere...

[leftynyc]

60. They don't list 38AA but they do have A in 38

Some pretty stuff.

[ScreamingMeemie]

30. Let me know when you find out darling.

I've been going braless for the past couple of weeks because my others hurt too much. :hug:

[dolo amber]

32. Hi MrsG!

How are ya, darlin? :hug: :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

33. I am doing pretty okay! I've got a doctor's appointment this am because

I fear I have herniated the surgery, but otherwise, I am breathing, the lungs are coming back and all is right with the world.

:loveya: I've missed you.

[dolo amber]

35. I hope you're better soon

The Lounge loses something when you're not around. :loveya:

[Bertha Venation]

37. LAURA!

:hug: Are you better? I have missed you.

[ScreamingMeemie]

39. I'm working on it. Glad to be alive and missing you all too!

:loveya:

[supernova]

31. I've found that Wonderbra

actually makes a good one. I wear the 34B pushup, with underwire and exra padding underneath that keeps the girls in place. It's a fairly common size, however.

The only other thing I can add to what's hear is maybe try some of the places that make prosthetic bras. :shrug: Wouldn't hurt to find out.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

34. i have been having bra issues myself

and am planing on going braless through life....

[ernstbass]

38. I sold my soul to the devil

and discovered Goddess bras - they cost more but they are amazing. Barely there is a website that has a good selection. Good luck!!

[Freebird12004]

42. Playtex "Rosebud" style

without under-wire !

nice fit - nice look - long lasting while still lookin good

[truthseeker1]

73. That one's really pretty - and comfortable - but

I had to send it back - it made me too pointy.

[Freebird12004]

82. LOL

[Lerkfish]

43. well, I always tell my wife

I'd be happy to follow her around all day supporting them with my hands.

:)

[liontamer]

62. lol

I've gotten that offer too!

[truthseeker1]

71. My husband has offered to do that too!

nice but not very practical ;)

[Lerkfish]

83. "practical" is highly overrated...

besides, its a way for both you and your husband to get a lift for a day.

;)

[liontamer]

46. fredericks.com does custom bras nt

[Demeter]

47. Olga's The Best!

Even better when on sale at T J Maxx!

[loudestchick]

48. Well, my plastic surgeon has a payment plan.

I had the same issues when I was a 42I...but now I'm a 40C, life is good. Lane Bryant has some really nice bras for the fuller figured woman.

[noonwitch]

50. If you have $55, Wacoals have the best support

The good people at Nordstrom can help you.

[July]

54. THERE IS NO SUCH THING.

And I feel your pain. The perfect bra: the impossible dream. I've given up trying.

[China_cat]

56. Learn to sew. Seriously.

[bloodyjack]

58. But...

for what will it profit a woman, if she finds a good, comfortable, pretty bra, and lose her own soul

Just food for thought

[Aiptasia]

61. My sister just got home from Florence, Italy...

and said she'd walked into a boutique that sold only "B" cup bras. She said it was the strangest thing she'd ever seen. They had lots of brasieres and lingerie but each and every cup size was a "B".

Are all italian women one cup size? I think not. I've heard of specialty stores, but sheesh...

[Bouncy Ball]

63. If you find out, please tell me.

Signed, a Miserable 42DD.

I hate underwire, but can't go without it. I actually have sore ribs most days. It sucks.

I technically qualify for a reduction (I'm a bit out of proportion for the rest of me, too), but when I found out how it's done I said no thanks (your nipple is OVER ON A TABLE FOR A WHILE?????).

[Jessica]

70. Best thing I've ever done ...

I had a reduction almost three years ago & I couldn't be happier. I was squeezing myself into a 36DD - and my the rest of my body just wasn't in proportion at all! Like many women, I struggled finding a bra that fit, had back problems & constant soreness from where my bra would rub.

So, at the ripe age of 22, I went for it & my insurance paid for the whole thing. The whole nipple thing was scary for me - I was like, "So, where are they gonna be? ... Is there a person who's the designated nipple holder? ... What if there's a fire?? - Don't forget my nipples!"

But, it ended up being perfect - he took one pound out of each & the added bonus is that I got a little lift as well! Anyway, just wanted to let you know that, for me, it was the best decision I've ever made! :D

[Bouncy Ball]

74. Now, I'm down for the "little lift" part

You were cracking me up with the "don't forget my nipples" part. That's how I would be.

God, I'd love for them to take a pound or two out of each. That would be freaking HEAVEN. I could fit into button down blouses in normal sizes again!

I am a size 12 on the bottom, but with button down blouses, I have to buy a 16!!!!! Isn't that ridiculous? And forget about one-piece dresses. If they fit on the bottom, there's no getting Thelma and Louise in the top part and if the dress is big enough on the top, it's a freaking tent on the bottom.

Sigh.

How do I find out if my insurance would cover it? Call? It would be nice for my back and shoulders not to ache all the time.

[Jessica]

79. That's exactly how I was ...

I wear a 10-12 & dresses were impossible. Oh - and bathing suits? Forget about it. x( And I always wore one of those little tank tops with the built-in bras under my shirts. Always. Just to strap those puppies down.

The best way to start is to schedule a consultation with a local plastic surgeon & he/she will tell you if it's likely that your insurance will approve the procedure. If so, then they should contact the insurance company for you with all your information & possibly with *cringes* photographs (that was the worst part of the whole damn thing).

In my case, my insurance company denied coverage initially - so I then went through my family doctor & he wrote them a letter about the negative physical effects I was experiencing. And I also wrote them a very strongly-worded letter. A couple weeks later, I got the call that I was approved.

Honestly, best phone call ever. I hope it works out for you - and if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help ... :)

[truthseeker1]

75. Wow, that is heartening to hear your positive story

I, too have grown from a 34D to a 38DD and have thought about reduction. They are just a huge pain. Mine are pretty much in proportion with the rest of me though, which means I need to lose some weight. I'm still not at the point of getting surgery - I know I can lose weight if I just exercise more and eat less and everything will balance out. I just have to do it!

[truthseeker1]

64. Playtex, believe it or not

I never tried this brand until recently. I always had the impression they were cheap ass bras and/or were for old ladies or pregant women. I've tried everything, including Victoria's Secret (which I believe are overpriced for their very mediocre quality) to Natori and Felina (I do like Felina but they are sooo expensive and I have outgrown their sizes.)

So, recently I decided to give the cheaper end bras a try and was pleasantly surprised by several of the Playtex bras. THIS is an awesome bra that I highly recommend:
http://www.onehanesplace.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=1607358355&prmenbr=1600000991&cgrfnbr=1611374830&V=A

Another good one:
http://herroom.com/Playtex,Play01-4309,4.cfm

I'm sure tastes in bras vary widely but that's just my 2 cents and the result of a long search :)

[Solly Mack]

65. the almighty dollar...seriously

I have mine made. Cost a bundle but well worth the comfort. An old employee of Lovable makes mine. Below is a link to an on line store for custom bras. I'm thinking about trying them when I need new bras.



http://www.snaresofvenus.com/

[davsand]

67. Plan to pay a lot for a good bra.

My mom hammered that into my head at a young age and I bless her for doing it. I am another of those DD ladies, and I have to buy something with the structural integrity of the Golden Gate if I am gonna keep everything where it needs to be. I expect to pay a fair bit for it and I find that it is worth it in the long run both for comfort and looks.


On a similar line of discussion:

How many of you have seen the dreaded "top load overload" thing that so many women get? You know what I'm talking about? It's when there is way more boob than cup space and you get a load of boob protruding above the bra cup. Happens to a lot of women when they wear front hook or low cut bras...


Laura

[truthseeker1]

76. Four boobs!

Yes, I've been there many a time and usually am horrified when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror mid-day and see the "four boobs!" I've tossed out many bras as a result (and have finally realized the demi bra is not for me, and probably not for anyone in the DD range!)

[Magrittes Pipe]

68. barenecessities.com

I have had good luck shopping for everything from supportive, practical brassieres to sexy, lacy bras for full-busted women there.

[patcox2]

69. You must find a "corsettiere," a dying breed.

A real old fashioned corsettiere, a "fitter" who knows what you need and how to find the perfect fit. A good one will know things about fitting bras and what works with different body types, sizes, and shapes, that will never have occurred to you. My wife has always had problems with bras fitting (needs kinda bog ones, poor me) and went to a place that had an experienced corsettiere, and told me that the difference in the fit in what this woman found for her is like night and day, amazing.

[redqueen]

72. I don't think even Satan can do that, BV.

It's either comfort or style. Pick one.

:crazy:

[OnionPatch]

77. It sounds like most of you

have trouble because you are larger breasted than average. I have a different problem. I am tall. About 5'10' but I am of average build and on the smallish side up top. I actually need a 38" because that's just how big around my chest is. My cup size, however is only an A. Now, try to find a 38A bra. If you do find it, it will merely be a bra made for a smaller woman but with added girth around the back, yet the cups will still be the same distance apart. If I put one cup over one breast to fit correctly, the other cup lands right in the middle of my chest!! Why can't they figure out that as a woman is larger around the chest, her breasts are going to be a proportionally a little further apart than a smaller woman?!!!!:mad: :wtf:
Rant over.

[Maine-ah]

84. oh, I feel your pain

I'm only 4'11. I've never been measured (I should probably do that, no one locally though have to drive almost 2 hours) but my best guess is a 36a. I can't find them anywhere! When I do, they are full of padding and lace! I hate that! Just because I'm small DOES NOT mean I want to look bigger than I am. Especially with all that fake padding, or gel cups, or inserts! Damn male designers.

[donheld]

86. Otto

Titsling

[SarahB]

87. Sorry to hear that.

I can empathize. Even now, I'm rather busty compared to the rest of me, but I don't seem to have too much trouble finding bras that fit- it's just that depending on the manufacturer, I can be different cup sizes at times (or vary a good half size depending on the time of the month). Back when I was breastfeeding, heavier, and had extremely large breasts, I had to shell out $40 for a bra and they still didn't feel comfortable properly sized and all. :(

[flamingyouth]

88. I had good luck at Nordstrom

I'm a 38DD, so I know it's weird to find a bra that fits. I used to think I was a 36C and was walking around wearing that size for years - until I got a proper fitting, that is.

You know what, though? I've taken to wearing athletic camisoles with a built-in shelf bra. I only wear traditional-style bras on rare occasions. I hate them. :(