Frumpy Bras to Sexy fitting Bras
To all woman with larger breasts...( The smaller ones are lucky as they can just pick an outfit and never have to worry about whats under it) I find it to be a huge hassle trying to find a great fitting bra. I don't mind spending the extra bucks but if I do I it least want it to fit. I have watched a lot of shows, especially Oprah where they show you with the perfect bra you look smaller and just more flattering. I was at a boutique the other day and tried on so many bras and couldn't get a good fit better then a department store. The other thing I cant stand is the bands on the top. If you go with clear, they tend to hurt the shoulder area. Its hard when you want to wear something with no bands showing. Anyone knows of the perfect fitting support bra, that is not only flattering but feels good to wear. One that you remember the name and style # because you love it soooo much!Artcandy
I am forever screwed in this department. I have a really wide back and shoulder area. So anything that fits great around is always too big in the cup. I don't like baggy boobs! And I am sure that the three lumps I have had removed over the last 6 months haven't helped create a uniform size for me either. Will or can a seamstress alter a bra for a better fit? Because i am convinced that I can't buy one ready made.
My chest area is pretty medium sized, so I don't really have this problem... (except for the clear strap thing, those are SO uncomfortable GRR).BUT, I do watch a lot of What Not to Wear! This is kind of general advice, but get one with bigger straps. Yes, that means getting tanks that have wider straps too, but larger chests really need the support. I also like layering my tanks with smaller straps (usually more revealing) with a tank with wider straps underneath. Personally, I feel that w/larger chest area, bigger straps help keep the look more proportional?Also, I know your boutique fitting didn't go very well, but keep trying to get a lady with some know how to help you. I love Victoria's secret for that reason, although it is possible to find a knowledgeable lady at other stores. Your best bet will be at a store specializing in undergarments. Or Nordstrom, just because the service is good and the return policy is excellent.
♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast
Also, even as an averaged sized gal in the chest area, I frequently go into the changing room with 20 bras, and come out with 1 or two. :( Such is the nature of bra shopping! So don't feel too discouraged.
♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast
Hey Girls! I have some experience in this department. I think probably why both of you could be having some issues is that you are a speciality size.
Personally, I fall into this category. I wear a 34 DDD or sometimes depending on the cut a 36DD. For me, this means I do not waste my time going to Victoria Secret, Macy's or any other place that has just traditional sizes. This is very important because the traditional size places will try to "find something and make it work."
I recomend that you go to Nordstrom or an equivalent store in your region and get sized by someone with some age, experience and training in this area. I have nothing against having someone help me that is in their early 20's or younger but, this is a serious matter and you need someones help with tenure. Once you get a general idea of what size you are and what kind of bra you want, half the battle is over. This can be confusing because there are everyday bras, t shirt bras, exercise bras (very hard to find) and sexy bras.Most importantly, if the bra does not feel good, look good or you just do not like it for any reason DO NOT BUY IT.
Well, this is what I know on this subject. Just let me know if you have any questions. If you want I can look at the tag on some of my bras but, I am not sure that will help.
I have a lot of experience in this area. Unfortunately, my experience has been as a woman with large breasts, NOT as a person who helps with fitting. Anyway, you've probably already done this, but try again: get professionally fitted. I agree with the advice above about going to a store that specializes in bras or to Nordstrom. For those of us who are not common sized, VS and such probably aren't going to help much. But I have been professionally fitted at Dillard's and at Macy's and I ended up with a much improved silhouette! The downside is that they will invariably fit you with an expensive bra. For me, it's always Wacoal. OK, it's a fabulous bra, and I'm willing to spend on something that gets my girls high and inside. But still...just once I'd like someone to bring in a bra that costs less than my age! Keep trying girls, when you finally find a good one, it makes a huge difference!
Carole
CAC- In this poor economy, there have some some good speciality stuff on the clearance rack. It is still not cheap but, much more reasonable. I have no idea why my Macy's was unable to help me. Maybe I just got the wrong assistance. I did not mean to bad mouth them. Wacoal is a great brand for me as well.
What I wonder is why is almost every bra made now come with padded cups? What happened to those super-comfy bras that provided lift and shape without adding a cup size? It drives me nuts!
Indi
I agree Indi. The padding makes my problems even worse!
I have a really difficult time finding bras too. If you wear "plus sizes" I suggest Lane Bryant. I've had really good luck finding nice, pretty, supportive bras there.
Honsestly, I can only think of one time that I've had good customer service at Macy's! Now Nordstrom is another story entirely. I have never had anything BUT good service there. That is where I would go if I needed actual assistance.
Well, it's good to know I'm not the only one that has this problem. I have often thought of going to a seamstress and having the back made tighter...I have the opposite problem with a smaller back. Also the wider straps seems like a good idea. Cac, your too funny!Artcandy
♥Robyn♥
I am happily stuck on the Body By Victoria Ipex in wireless. They have made a few changes but I am still happy with it overall. After the bra is broken in I have slept in it, sure, I wasn't sober but I still didn't want to chew my way out of it.
Style #1135X for sports or Style #1801 for everyday, both by Glamorise. I have found these work the best for my large starting to sag breasts. Since they are a cotton blend they absorb moisture which help for those women who can get raw under their breast. They hold me in place, comfortable on the shoulders and come in taupe so they disappear under light tops.Hope this helps. I was fitted by a bra expert and this was her picks for me. I have been using them since and wash by hand, no dryer and replace quite often.
Beste Hilsin
I'm a 36F and I always use Bravissimo (bravissimo.com) bras. Shipping may be pricy for the US...
I've been cursed with big boobs too... I've always had the best fittings and service at Dillards, Victoria Secret is a joke it you want a proper fitting. Wacoal makes wonderful bras and carry even the lesser common sizes, like 34ddd.
38DD,all in the front...I have good luck with Wacol and Lilyette if you can find them...the Steinmart in my area sometimes stocks,they were one of the first to offer a "minimizer" that doesn't make you look uniboobed and nasty! "Bra Smyth" is a great place to windowshop online for larger sizes,some unique names but I've had trouble with their ordering/shipping.I hyperventilate when I need new bras,seriously,LOL! It's an all afternoon chore it seems.I am "off" Victoria's Secret simply because they all seem to do that "push you up" thing I HATE,if you're tiny it works but please...no DD needs that shove to the heavens,LOL! The fabrics and elastics they use are not high-quality to me although they do offer gorgeous stuff.Nordstroms is IMO,the best store in the US...family-owned and honestly,even my husband will spend time in there with me! They are truly a cut above and even their online service (a Live Chat that WORKS!) is just great!
Gah, all the girls in my family have this problem. I hate the fact that just because you're supposedly 'blessed' with larger breasts that they expect you to pay more for a decent fitting bra. I can't believe how expensive bras in my size are. :(
Indi -- I am always thinking the same thing! Grrhh. Everytime I go to VS, I ask them where the unpadded bras are. I am usually pointed to a small section in the back corner. Drives me nuts! Since I am short, I need bras with super adjustable shoulder straps. I have found that Calvin Klein makes the best, unpadded, yet supportive bras for me. They are super expensive in Macy's, Nordstrom etc (unless they are having a sale), so I get mine usually at Filene's basement for a third of the price.
HEADS UP! I just got a Nordstrom catalog in the mail. They are having their annual ANNIVERSARY SALE starting July 17.They had a page or two dedicated to bras that were on sale.Plus, you get double points July 17-21.
Thanks hao 9703! Let us know if anyone finds one that they love. I am personally looking for the perfect T-shirt bra. Yes, I know their out.. One is actually called just that BUT one for big boobs please. Don't want the girls to be pushed down, That can be a yucky look. ( pardon the language picking up the lingo that the kids use. lol) Squished boobs always look awkward plus talk about uncomfortable.ARtcandy
♥Robyn♥
I don't huge breast but at my biggest I was a 34d and I found that the wider the strap the better. I really loved the VS Body bras. Now I'm a 34c and I love the VS Biofit bras. Everytime I go into VS I have them fit me. (you never know! I went from a d to a c cup in 5 months when I lost weight) So I have to agree with the advise above that you should find a store that has someone to fit you.
Just reviewing this again....Went to put on a t-shirt today and looked in the mirror and had to take a double look. My gosh...I need a new bra. I keep buying these ones at Winners because their cheaper...( I can spend more on other things that show!!! Hence my new coat from Anthropoligie.) But in the long run theirs nothing pretty about boobs that are pushing downward. Especially when you've had a breast reduction. I'm on a mission again! Going to check out the Warcoal site.
♥Robyn♥
I highly recommend Wonderbras - they keep your girls high and tight with a bit of lining to keep your blinkers off.I know you live in Canada Robyn, but Nordstrom is having their half-yearly sale RIGHT NOW! if you want to shop online.
It's like walking around with the wrong size shoe. A professional fitting will change you life. I finally got one about two years ago. I don't know why I waited so long. My suggestion is 'Olga innerluxe' (there are a few styles within that category of Olga) But, I like King Taco's suggestion for something that will keep the blinkers off. I am on the lookout for something to help that exact issue. I knew I had to fix that because recently on a chilly afternoon I suddenly became sooo popular with the men at a fundraiser table I was working. I thought it was my beaming personality, turns out it was something else beaming! (flesh colored tight tee-shirt to make it worse) The good part is lots of tickets were sold, bad part...it was a fundraiser for my childrens school. So, I will definitely take a look at the wonderbras and at least turn them to low beams! Thanks!PS I have been asked to be President of the spirtwear table sales! :-)
Over the summer I got fitted at a place in Westerly, RI called Zoe Professional Bra Fitters. The young woman who fitted me told me that she attended school for 4 months to become a professional bra fitter. I always thought I was a 36D, but she informed me I am a 32F, wow! I bought two bras for about $140 each. They are very structured against my ribs and shoulders, with cups large enough to gently cradle my breasts. Even though they provide a lot of support, they are very sexy in a luxurious, European way. She also taught me how to expertly adjust my bra and put it on. She said that the center piece that rests between your breasts, right against your sternum, should sit flush against your breast bone. If it is floating out somewhere between your breasts, the bra does not fit properly. Once you don your bra, you should make sure that the band around your chest is tight enough so that it doesn't ride up in back. As you put it on, you should pull the straps up toward your shoulders and pull the strap across your back down. By using these techniques, you can adjust any bra you already own to fit better than it did before. Since the fitting, I have bought bras at regular stores and I've found that a 34DD fits almost as well as the bras I bought at my fitting. Wacoal is a brand that has a wider variety of specialty sizes. Wacoal bras can be found at Macy's and Nordstroms for $50-$60. Here is the link for Wacoal at Nordstroms:http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/2374176/0~2376776~2374325~2374176?viewAll=1Once you invest in a quality bra, wash it in cold water and never put it in the dryer. These bras were an investment, but the difference in the way my clothes fit is priceless!
Indi
Indi - I have been to Zoe & Co. also! Except I went to the Concord, NH store. I had gone to a bunch of other stores to try and find the right size, and every store told me something different. I had just about given up when I went there. My last bra that fit me well was definitely on it's way out, and was a discontinued style from Victoria's Secret. I figured I'd give it a shot and I'm so glad I did!!! Not only did they explain everything about the way a good bra should fit, but they took the time to have me try on multiple sizes to ensure I really was getting the best fit possible. After the fitting they brought me in more bras then I ever thought would be available in my size!!! I was able to find a few that I loved, one for around $45 and one for $85. Since then, I've sworn off any other bra fitting store, service or retailer. The way these bras fit is so much better than any other brands I've found at Nordstrom's or other department stores that claim to "fit". Not only was I a completely different size at Zoe's, but I could tell the difference immediately! No more falling straps, saggy breasts or ill-fitting button down shirts!I highly recommend getting a professional bra fitting and finding out your TRUE size. Look online for a store near you who carries an extended range of sizes and make sure you ask questions! Don't settle for something you think does the job just because it's cheaper. It's so worth the investment!
Before I had my massive mammaries downsized, I used to wear only Chantelle bras in the style "Legende". They're absolutely gorgeous and surprisingly supportive. They're about $90 a pop, but you can usually find them new with or without tags on Ebay. Of course, though, a good bra fitting is the first step--I highly recommend Nordstrom...They really know what they're doing!
I've had a lot of good luck with Wacoal bras. They run anywhere from $40-$60 dollars, so they are not cheap, but not too expensive either. (I've even found them for ~$20 at Tuesday Morning before!) But regardless, they are defiantly worth the money. No particular style number as I have had several of them and liked them all. Wacoal has also come out with a younger, "sexier" line that use more color & lace. I have tried them on and they seem to fit just as well as the regular Wacoal bras, but I haven't yet bought any, so I can't speak to how well they hold up.
I know you didn't say you were a big person, just a person with a big chest, but you may consider going for a bra fitting at a place like Lane Bryant or somewhere with plus sizes. I had a friend who worked there, and she was really knowledgeable about bras and large chests. The women who work there are usually familiar with big chests and how to make them look their best. I'm not sure what sizes they sell, and maybe they don't even have anything that would fit you, but it may be worth a shot just to get some tips.
I can't wear strapless bras or the ones with clear staps cause they just don't provide enough support. But I can wear convertable bras with the straps crossed over- you can often wear these without the straps showing on the right top.I also find that I'm usually inbetween sizes and it depends on my time of the month, sometimes I'm a little bigger, and sometimes a little smaller. So the same bra at one point in the month may be too big or too small.
I wanted to let everyone know if you get a fitting done, make sure they are doing it right! I had a fitting about 4 years ago at a place in New York City that was featured on Oprah. The lady who was fitting me never told me I should have the band on the loosest hooks, and they fit me with the band on the tightest hooks. I got 34Es from them. I went into a new bra store today, asked for 34Es and when the saleswoman saw me in them said they weren't right. I ended up in 32Gs! Guess I can't fit in normal department store bras anymore. I got one called Prima Donna that specializes in larger cups (they don't make any under a D) and now I feel locked and loaded!
I found the HOLY GRAIL of Sports Bras for those of us that are a "SPECIALITY SIZE." They are a brand called Enell. Check them out to www.enell.com. It is the best thing to ever happen to my workout.
I am truly in love with this product!
I have a pretty large chest ... i am a 36DD and it does get annoying! but i only swear by 1 bra.. the Victoria's Secret Angels Demi bra.. most bras at VS do me no good, they just arent made for a chest my size. this one works wonders. it keeps me "UP" but not spilling out, it keeps me "IN" with no lines or bulges. and its on sale on their website now! i will be ordering a few more :) here is the link...http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespa...
I got measured today and I'm a 32DD!!! what a major shock i who thought I was 32D! My mom has always been annoyed by my bra problem, she would tell me "get something that's tight!!!". But what does that mean!!! Should I look all tight and have my breasts all over the place for the sake of having them in a bra? Just thinking of that makes me sick!!!! Anyway, any good websites to recommend to buy them for Belgium?
I just got a Prima Donna and am really liking it. They are a Belgian company so you should be able to find them, they have a website too. They are more expensive, $70/80 US and up. I guess I will have to get used to those prices from now on since my size isn't found in normal department stores!
I used to shop at VS, but now they don't make them big enough for me, nothing above a 40 it seems, I just hate to spend BIG money on bras, especially when they are so utilitarian and not sexy, but as I get older I'm finding it is worth it to spend the money on a well fitted bra!