Bra vent

[Cantw8]

dont wear them and throw away them evil panites also

you first

 

[ducklite]

How does anyone find a bra that fits them? I just can't seem to find one.

A few months ago I begrudginly went to Lane Bryant (I need a large band and a large cup) finally resigned to the fact that I might have to buy expensive bras to find ones that fit. I picked the one that seemed to be best (which was one band size and one cup larger than what I had been wearing) and then after wearing the bras a few days I started being bothered by the underwires. They kept poking my underarms. I guess that means the bra is too big?

It could also mean it's too small. Either way it means it doens't fit.

But at the same time, I can never find a bra in which the front part in between the cups lies flat against my chest and this one is no exception; I always have cleavage which is pushing that part of the bra out. Doesn't that mean that the bra is too small? How can a bra be too small and too big?

Try looking for a banded bra--one with a band around the bottom. That will help keep it in place. They can be difficult to find, but not impossible. Not all bra cups are shaped the same, and it sound like that is the problem. In all honesty it sounds like you need a smaller cup size with a different shaped cup.

I was thinking of going to Lane Bryant again, and GF and I just took measurements thinking that would be helpful. Well it's anything but helpful! I found two different methods of calculating band/cup size. According to the 1st method you measure around the ribs under the breasts and add 5 to that number; the result is your band size. You then measure around the fullest part of your chest and take that number minus the band size. If you get a 1 you're an A, 2 for B, 3 for C, etc. Well according to this method of measuring I should be wearing a C up in a band size about 3-4 sizes larger than what I usually wear. There is no way in h*ll that I could get into a C cup, even accounting for the fact that as band sizes go up cups get a bit bigger. (According to this measurement GF's band size is about 6 sizes larger than what she wears and she would be an A or less, when really she's definitely in at least the B range.

It's almost impossible to accurantely measure yourself for a bra. You really need to be measured and fitted by someone who knows what they are doing. It sounds like you are a larger woman (no offense) and you might be better off going to a lingerie store that specializes in nothing but undergarments for larger women. If you don't have one around you, then check out the lingerie departments in a larger department store--Penney's, Macy's, etc. They will have a trained "fitter" onstaff. Also you might actually need that larger band. Does you bra ride up across your back? If it does, then it's not the right size or not supportive enough. A bra strap should ride between your shoulder blades, but an inch or two under the bottom of them.

I know it's frustrating as heck. I'm a larger cup size, and it can be hard finding something that fits well and is supportive. Also keep in mind that your body changes every 7-10 years, and you should be refitted in that time frame.

One other tip, put the bra on, then jump around. Wave your arms. Do a hoochie girl dance. Bend over and touch your toes. Bend to the back and sides. Pretend your Richard SImmons for a few minutes. (Hey, I LOVE RIchard Simmons!) Then see how the bra feels. If you've "popped out" or slipped out of it just doesn't feel right, put it back. The final test is to put your shirt back on over the bra and see how it looks. Your boo-bahs will look very different once that shirt is on, and you may not like the final look.

Good luck!

Anne

 

[Chicago526]

I have a totally differant problem. Straps!

The dang straps are too long! I have to adjust them to their shortest length, and they STILL fall off my shoulders most of the time, either that or the girls are hanging way too low and then my back hurts (and it doesn't look very good, either). I've had better luck with the Playtex bras, but I still have to have them at their shortest possible adjustment.

And I've given up on underwires. I refuse to wear them. Fortunatly I'm a C cup and I can find them without. I have the greatest sympathy for those that are a size that their only options have wires, that must be torture!

 

[taximomfor4]

One other tip, put the bra on, then jump around. Wave your arms. Do a hoochie girl dance. Bend over and touch your toes. Bend to the back and sides. Pretend your Richard SImmons for a few minutes. (Hey, I LOVE RIchard Simmons!) Then see how the bra feels. If you've "popped out" or slipped out of it just doesn't feel right, put it back. The final test is to put your shirt back on over the bra and see how it looks. Your boo-bahs will look very different once that shirt is on, and you may not like the final look.

Good luck!

Anne

Great advice! I just did the Richard Simmons thing with 3 of my bras the other day. TMI????I pop out the MIDDLE of the bras. All 3 of them. WTH??? NO WONDER I am always fiddling with the straps! EEK.

SO I went for a fitting. They told me 40B. I about cracked up. No seriously...if you saw me, you'd crack up too. Not 40, and NOT only B. But tried some of her suggestions, and they were too loose and I bulged all over. Nice (not).

Gonna go to a better store, and get really fitted. So my Boo-bahs rotfl2: ) will be happy again.

Beth

 

[ducklite]

And I've given up on underwires. I refuse to wear them. Fortunatly I'm a C cup and I can find them without. I have the greatest sympathy for those that are a size that their only options have wires, that must be torture!

Actually a properly fitted underwire bra will feel WONDERFUL! I've worn nothing but underwire since I was in high school. NOTHING gives support like wires. A good wired bra that fits right doesn't even need shoulder straps!

Anne

 

[OK!]

OK, here's a question for those of you who know about proper fitting (I worked in the Sears lingerie dept. years and years ago and was trained in fitting at the time, but I spent the entire time praying no one would actually ask me to fit them )--what does it mean if my straps will not stay up? Like EVER? It's enough to drive me to drink, I swear it.

 

[Hercules10]

Just want to let you ladies know I offer free measurements. And it's not as cold and unfeeling as you'd get from those other places...

 

[Colorado Mom]

I would also suggest getting fitted and trying on lots of different brands. For me Bali is just a bit too loose but vanity Fair fits perfectly. I think it's like any other piece of clothing, a size is a size but they all vary just a bit and it takes patience.

 

[ahutton]

Another idea for a fitting... Call a couple really good bridal shops in the area and ask where they send brides for their understuff. There are usually one or two shops in an area that all the best shops use. That was how I found a great fitter, who helped me find things that FINALLY fit and I'm comfortable.

 

[Crankyshank]

You really need to go get a professional fitting. I can't emphasize this enough. From a Corsetiere if at all possible. The more endowed you are, the more important it is you are fitted every 6 months by a trained professional and not just a sales clerk trained on just how to measure and sell their brand of bras.

I wear a 44G. I find the best fit and support are from Goddess bras. Underwire is imperative. I need rows of 4 clasps - any less and the support just isn't there.

 

[Crankyshank]

OK, here's a question for those of you who know about proper fitting (I worked in the Sears lingerie dept. years and years ago and was trained in fitting at the time, but I spent the entire time praying no one would actually ask me to fit them )--what does it mean if my straps will not stay up? Like EVER? It's enough to drive me to drink, I swear it.

I have a problem with straps and it's because my posture is horrible.

 

[agnes!]

Another vote for Nordstrom's. Their stores seem to have a good undergarment department with a LOT of selection and GREAT customer service. One time I had problems with some items that they had actually mis-fitted on me, they let me get the proper size at no additional cost. Their stuff might be price-y, but really...what other item do you use every single day? Amortize the cost of that good-fitting and expensive bra over the lifetime of the garment...all of a sudden it's worth it.

agnes!

 

[ducklite]

You really need to go get a professional fitting. I can't emphasize this enough. From a Corsetiere if at all possible. The more endowed you are, the more important it is you are fitted every 6 months by a trained professional and not just a sales clerk trained on just how to measure and sell their brand of bras.

I wear a 44G. I find the best fit and support are from Goddess bras. Underwire is imperative. I need rows of 4 clasps - any less and the support just isn't there.

I don't need Goddess for "everyday" but they are the ONLY strapless that fit me right as far as the cup shape goes. They also STAY UP!

I found them when I was trying to find a bra to wear under my wedding gown. Once you've got teh size right, you can order them through the JC Penney's catalogue--they are hidden way in the last pages of the lingerie section, but they are a lot cheaper through Penney's than most lingerie shops.

Anne

 

[OK!]

I have a problem with straps and it's because my posture is horrible.

Hmmm....generally, my posture is pretty good AND I've got broad shoulders (at least I can proudly say that I have never, ever worn shoulder pads in my life! If I did, the Rams would mistake me for one of their own and swoop me onto the team bus and I'd never get away), but I still can't get bra straps to stay up for love or money. Grrr.

 

[ducklite]

Hmmm....generally, my posture is pretty good AND I've got broad shoulders (at least I can proudly say that I have never, ever worn shoulder pads in my life! If I did, the Rams would mistake me for one of their own and swoop me onto the team bus and I'd never get away), but I still can't get bra straps to stay up for love or money. Grrr.

Have you tried any of those little pads that clip on and have a bit of rubber in them to help them cling? And are you sure you're wearing the right bra size/style? I'd talk to an experienced fitter and see what she suggests.

Anne

 

[jbthi]

Another vote for Nordstrom. I had a personal fitting when we were in Orlando in Nov. I bought 3 different bras. Thought I would wear them a while and probably settle on 1 or 2 to keep wearing. One was a Goddess (which I used to dislike), one a Wacoal and one a Chantelle (sp?). I wanted the Wacoal minimizer that I had heard so many say they liked but it didn't work for me.

This is the first time in years that I feel like my bras fit and look good. The size wasn't really that much different than I had been wearing it is just the brands. I used to wear mainly Bali and Playtex.

These are also the first bras that the straps do not slip off my shoulders.

June

 

[beattyfamily]

I get my bras at Lane Bryant and they are the best fitting bras I've ever had. The associates there have measuring tapes around their necks to measure you if you'd like and that is what I did. They told me what size I was and then I grabbed a couple and tried them on right there and they are wonderful.

The secret is to get measured by a professional and then try on the bras before you buy them.

Good luck!

 

[kelleigh1]

One more tip for proper fit, and this is especially true for us larger sized women. When you're putting your bra on each day, bend over and let the girls fall into the cups before you hook it in the back. And don't be afraid to lift them into the cups, if necessary, just to make sure that they are fully in the cups and not being pinched and marred by the underwires or sides of the bra.

If you do this and the girls are peeking over the top of the cup (ie. cup runneth over), then it's definitely time for a fitting because your cup size is too small.

 

[kaseyC]

Professional fittings are the way to go. I am in love with the Le Mystere Dream Tisha bras. The best bras I have ever owned and worth every penny. The support they offer is amazing and I swear once I started wearing them it looked like I had a lift. My "girls" look 25 again!!

 

[ducklite]

If you do this and the girls are peeking over the top of the cup (ie. cup runneth over), then it's definitely time for a fitting because your cup size is too small.

Again, not neccesarily. It could be that you need a more full coverage bra or dofferent cup shape. I can't wear a demi-bra without the girls falling out, but the same cup in a full coverage model fits great.

Anne