Sorry...personal lady question: Help with a minimizing bra?

[rcpae]

I'm sorry if this is TMI, but I need some help. I have a teenage daughter who has been "excessively blessed". She is large busted, but coupled with the fact that she is 4' 8", she appears even larger than if she had a bigger frame. She starts high school next year and she already has a terrible time shopping. I want to help her out and possible find her a good minimizing bra that might make it easier to clothes shop.

I would prefer not to spend too much. Do you have any brand that you like and if so, where do you purchase yours?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Kimberly]

A friend of mine was in a similar situation when she was in 9th and 10th grade, at least before she went through a second growth spurt. She just used to wear sports bras during that time. It did help minimize the attention she got.

 

[si-am]

Lilyette and Olga sell good minimizers (you can find them at major dpt. stores and can be cheap if there's a sale). They don't really minimize all THAT much though. I use them sometimes for button-up shirts that gap.

 

[pezheadmeg]

As the DDD cup (on a fairly thin frame) daughter of a B cup mother I would totally second going with the Lillyette. Personally I find a lot of minimizers create the pancake effect by squishing down. For me I end up looking smaller in profile, but heavier all around. With the Lilyette's the girls are where they should be and I look more or less proportionate. Plus, even in the larger cup sizes they come in more than the usual beige, white, and black.

 

[redlight]

I usually use sports bras, but am looking for alternatives.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

If you don't mind dropping a bundle, Wacoal makes good bras that will accomplish this - I'd try every type, not just the ones that say minimizer though.

It's hard these days to find a good fitter, but if you can that will help immensely; it might not be a minimizer that she needs, but the right support and type of bra. I got fitted for type and size at Frederick's of Hollywood in Austin several years back and her advice was spot on. I took a friend to a good Frederick's and she got fitted with the right type and size for her frame and hooter shape, which was totally different than what I wear. We both look great now, and a bit smaller (and I was told to wear padded pushups!) because everything is in the right place.

I agree that my sports bras, while really comfy, do smush everything and don't do much to make me look any better.

 

[golfgal]

I would suggest taking her to a major department store like Macy's, Nordstrom, etc. and have her properly fit first. That will make all the difference in the world. Also, you are going to probably have to spend a little more to get a good quality bra. If Lilyette or Olga fit her, you can then usually find the same style at Kohl's for $20 or so though.

I already told my DD that if she ends up like a lot of relatives with enormous chests I would pay for a breast reduction if she wanted. I would NOT want to have to deal with that.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Sorry, I don't have that particular problem. I'm usually looking for maximizing bras!!

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Along with the bras I would suggest dressing "all in one color," and it does not have to be black. If she matches top to bottom it elongates the whole figure. It's a trick we "full figured" gals have used forever.

Another trick is to skip any type of cardigan, sweater, jacket, that falls open and constantly has to be clutched together up at the neck or at the chest. This draws attention to the whole top area. Instead the jacket/sweater needs to fall nicely on its own, or its a no go. (Lots of girls try the little sweater thing and then tug at it all day.)

Fitted jackets work well. For a young girl try jean jacket type fits. Those hang straight without clutching.

If she is not wearing them yet, shoes with a heel. It doesn't have to be a big ol' heel, even an inch heel will make a difference. It elongates the body. Flats make you like squashed.

Try hip belts slung low. Draws the attention away from the chest.

Big earrings are usually out. They draw the eye up, and make the body look shorter.

Fitted tops will actually look better than flowing tops. If the top is "flowing enough" to cover the chest then it flows over the hips and makes everything look bigger. If though, her hip area is larger as well, flowing works very well. Maybe a tight under top with a lightweight (key) flowing top.

No bulky fabric on top. Everything should hang not jut out.

If she likes short skirts wear them in the winter. Then she can pair them with black tights (leggings) and black shoes, again the long line.

If she has skinny arms go with jacket type vests in the summer over sleeveless shirts. Match the jacket to the pants, and wear a colorful top.

High hair. Draws the eye up. Long hair, especially if it hangs on the chest area, draws the eye to the chest.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I have the same issue with dd14. I have gone to the outlets to the maidenform and Hanes stores and have gotten her minimizers. Usually around 15.00/bra. DD liked them.

 

[joviroxx]

If you don't mind dropping a bundle, Wacoal makes good bras that will accomplish this - I'd try every type, not just the ones that say minimizer though.
r.

I agree. The Wacoal minimizers are fabulous, but yes, pricey.

 

[marie1203]

I have the same issue with dd14. I have gone to the outlets to the maidenform and Hanes stores and have gotten her minimizers. Usually around 15.00/bra. DD liked them.

This I am 5' and 105 pounds and I have DD . I have tried dozens of bras (cheap and expensive) and I still like maidenform the best. Good luck!

 

[redlight]

I agree. The Wacoal minimizers are fabulous, but yes, pricey.

Agreed.

 

[CharliNye]

I'll throw another vote at lilyette. It's my miracle bra. I used to use Olga's christina but that became a bit disappointing over the years.

I found lilyette and haven't been this in love with a bra ever. It has great minimizing skills and support, I stay upright and in.

If you go to Kohl's they always have them on sale so they're in the 20 something range, sometimes less.

 

[StitchBuddy]

I waer Bali and like them. It is a pain to be large, no matter what you do if you have a sma;; frame you look heavy. Good luck!