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Super Contributor
Posts: 358
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Bra fit and style

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Hi all!  I'm nearing the end of my rope with my bras lately, or should I say the end of my strap?! 

 

Lately my usual underwire bras are poking my in the underarms.  It's wildly uncomfortable. It feels almost like I'm wearing a cage Woman Frustrated  It's like the wires have spread out or have become misshapen.  I suppose with time that might happen.  My current bras are about 6 months old.

 

I've done some research, visited a few higher end sites that sell larger size bras, read a lot of posts here.  Here's what I wonder?  If I buy a more expensive brand, like Wacoal or similar, in the size they recommend based on my measurements, will this problem go away?  Based on their "calculations" I need a very big size, and I just wonder, won't that make the whole bra bigger, including wires, and feel just as "cagey"? I have a very short torso, so I wonder if that adds to my issue.

 

Or should I just switch to a wire free bra?  I worry I won't get the same support without wires. 

 

Has this happened to you?  Any advice is appreciated. 

~~Keep calm and hug your pets~~
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,109
Registered: ‎06-09-2010

I went to Nordstrom and had a bra fitting. I wear Wacoal and love them. I found out that I was wearing the wrong size. I know wacoal is expensive but worth every penny.

 

I suggest you do the above and you should be happy. Guessing is not a good idea.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,916
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

When was the last time you had a professional bra fitting? Like most women, I was wearing a band size that was much too big and a cup size that was a size too small. Even if your weight has remained the same, things shift with age and gravity.  I had a long overdue fitting and it made a big difference. Also, underwire bras must be washed in a delicate cycle and left to air dry. Sorry, but a six month old bra may be nearing the end of it's life span, depending on how often it was worn and washed.

Super Contributor
Posts: 358
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I haven't had a bra fitting in years.   I guess I'll have to see what stores near me offer that. 

 

I use those bra "cages" to launder mine in and hang dry.  I'm beginning to think that a true hand wash is the best way to go now. 

 

 

~~Keep calm and hug your pets~~
Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,071
Registered: ‎07-15-2016

Re: Bra fit and style

[ Edited ]

I just went through this whole finding a bra that fit.  I was wearing 38B ... ft fine but were all stretched out and I needed to get some t-shirt bras.

 

I needed to replace all mine and using various websites, following their instructions, thought I ought to check because it's been quite some time since I bought new bras.

 

I got a different size at each website!  

 

I settled on a 40B with wires.  Turned out the cup was enormous and they were placed so far apart that they were almost under my arms.  Really not a good look for "the girls."

 

I put it in the donation bag and ordered my old size 38 B (no wires) and some 2" bra extenders.  I do need a 40" band, but I'm broader across the back and narrower in front.  So, adding 2" to the back of my former size worked perfectly.  Cups are in the right place, and the right size.

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,586
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Please go for a fitting. I thought I was wearing the right size - SURPRISE! I was not. After my surgery for breast cancer, I was fitted for new bras. She knew what she was doing - clearly I did not.

I too was wear too large of a band size and too small cups. Now my straps are not falling down every two minutes and I must admit the bras are quite comfortable.

 

It is well worth the extra effort. Please do it - for your comfort.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,901
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

You just have to try on bras in person. I like the WARNER'S 1356 No Side Effects Underwire Bra with the back closure but I do not like their bras without underwire.  

 

OLGA No Side Effects Underwire Bra with the back closure is similar but the top of the cups are too big on me.

 

I wash my bras on the delicate cycle and hang to dry. I never put them in the dryer.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,841
Registered: ‎10-04-2010

Let's get wild and dump the bunch. Go braless.  It's been done, only this time, don't burn them.  You could change your mind.  Wait, is that the wine talking?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

I wear a larger size underwire bra.  I got a fitting at Nordstrom and wear Chantelle bras.  They are extremely comfortable.  

Super Contributor
Posts: 358
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@ALRATIBA, yes, exactly what you say!  Huge cups too far apart.  I agree, not a good look to have the girls sprawled out like that. 

~~Keep calm and hug your pets~~