Comments on: Fancy Bras

Question: Fancy Bras

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 14:53:34 -0800

I've finally undergone a proper bra fitting, and it turns out I'm a 40J. While this would be okay if I was happy just wearing old lady bras, I want to wear nice sexy bras too. Are there any places that sell fancy lingerie for the overly large-breasted women? (Bonus points for online and/or in the UK.)

By: floanna

floanna — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:06:22 -0800

Welcome to the world of Bravissimo. They go upto a JJ cup and are online service. All my big breasted friends swear by them because they sell some glam stuff. Bonus points for me then :D

By: Sidhedevil

Sidhedevil — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:10:55 -0800

Try these.

By: Sidhedevil

Sidhedevil — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:16:50 -0800

Oo, floanna wins. I like Bravissimo's mission statement:

At Bravissimo we believe big boobed women should have the same wide choice of bras as everyone else and we want you to enjoy finding something that is going to make you look and feel fabulous!

36DD representin'.

By: Juicylicious

Juicylicious — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:18:47 -0800

Nordstroms carries Chantelle, which is a full figure line. I'm told that Fredricks carries larger sizes too. Most major department stores carry full figure lines. And most manufacturers make full sizes. But, too tell you the truth, I think that you'll have a difficult time finding your size in most department stores.

What size were you wearing before this fitting? Oh wait, this is anony. Ok, I'm going to assume you were fitted at a department store. Ask to speak to the buyer for the bra department. Explain your dilemna and s/he should be able to point you in the right direction. Even if that store doesn't carry what you want, the buyer should know where to find it.

Or, you could simply google. What about these or these (UK)?

Have you considered having bras made for you?

By: ThePinkSuperhero

ThePinkSuperhero — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:24:10 -0800

Big breasted beauties, hollllaaaaaaaa! (34DD myself, and bra shopping is the bane of my existence- that's why I have worn the same brand, same style for years.) You'd think Victoria's Secret (big US Lingerie chain) would get with the picture, and realize that not everyone is a 34B (they have about two styles in my size).

By: ramix

ramix — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:29:33 -0800

ThePinkSuperhero, I feel you! I so feel you! Victoria's Secret has 2, exactly 2 styles that go up to a 38 d(the ugliest plainest styles in their entire collection!)...and that's the biggest size they carry, which sucks something silly, coz their new non padded non wired angels look so comfortable.
Lane Bryant sometimes carries larger sizes, although their bras look like something even my granny wouldn't be caught dead in!

By: jonmc

jonmc — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:34:03 -0800

Are there any places that sell fancy lingerie for the overly large-breasted women?

There's such a thing as overly large (real) breasts?

By: amandaudoff

amandaudoff — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:43:17 -0800

jonmc- when i was a kid, my parents split and my mom and i stayed with her friend cathy, who (and i'm not exaggerating) was a 48S.

i never saw her wear a bra, so i don't know if this measurement was just theoretical or not. but it seemed right. and she wasn't especially fat, just busty.

By: dabitch

dabitch — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:44:46 -0800

floanna beat me too it, Bravissimo quick on delivery, courteous on the phone, not too pricey, turn all their customers into almost cult-like fans and have quite a few good sets, tops and bra's to choose from. I've never strayed since widdershins here tipped me off to them, do give it a go.

By: dabitch

dabitch — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:50:06 -0800

(PS - their shirts are awesome - never again will you have an ill-fitting shirt!)

By: floanna

floanna — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:52:56 -0800

Sidhedevil - yep their mission statement is fantastic! 44DD myself but my skinny mates find Bravissmo ideal aswell because they can get their larger cup sizes to fit their skinny frames too. I usually buy mine from Evans in the UK but they only go up to an H cup so no use for our extremely large breasted anony friend.

While we're on the bra subject - does anyone know of a good source of bras without the horrible, painful wires??

And on preview, amandaudoff, I pitty your mum's friends back (ouch!)

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:54:07 -0800

who (and i'm not exaggerating) was a 48S

Christ.

jonmc -- remember that there are certain practical considerations to take into account that may (if you'll pardon the pun) outweigh the (highly arguable) positive attention. Running, for instance, is an obvious one. But how about walking down stairs (think about it)?

Anyway, to answer the question, I refer you to this pretty exhaustive list.

By: lemonpillows

lemonpillows — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:59:46 -0800

Anonymous, where are you?

There's an excellent store in Whitby, North Yorkshire which caters from A to off the scale cup - and not just bras either. Basques, and all fancy stuff. I have the same problem and have just been recommended this store by someone else with the same problem.

My biggest annoyance is that, no matter how much the increase in size, the support straps don't increase, so you end up with huge welts in the shoulders. I'm waiting for that boffin-made scientific bra to become available to those of us who actually need it. I've been waiting two years so far..

(H-cup representing)

By: caddis

caddis — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 16:27:50 -0800

Bras go to J? S? Oh my.

By: mr_crash_davis

mr_crash_davis — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 16:39:53 -0800

"Anonymous, where are you? "

...and do you have a Webcam?

By: wackybrit

wackybrit — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 16:41:10 -0800

It's pretty interesting how breasts can completely vary in size. It doesn't seem to happen with any other body part. You don't see regular people with eyes/heads/legs/knees/shoulders four or five times larger than other people's. Any biologists in the house have a worthwhile answer?

By: jellybuzz

jellybuzz — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 16:52:06 -0800

Penises, too -- same question.

By: bDiddy

bDiddy — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 16:53:59 -0800

Bellies, butts, cheeks, thighs. Those vary in size the way breasts do. Fat deposits seem to be key. I am no biologist, just a (non-creepy) people-watcher.

On preview: fat doesn't explain penises even though I once read that a five pound loss equals 1" penis length gain thanks to that mound of fat above the top of the penis. Maybe it was more than five pounds, now that I think about it. 20 pounds maybe?

By: twine42

twine42 — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 17:08:09 -0800

The Mrs got bras made for her by Rigby & Peller in London. They were expensive, but not massively so. I think they were the 50 quid mark for something that looked ksexy as well as structural.

And I'd be temptedto argue the validity of the 40JJ claim on Bravissimo. I've know women below that have major problems. Admittedly not_far_ below that, but still...

By: Pretty_Generic

Pretty_Generic — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 17:34:16 -0800

I literally do not believe that S cup breasts exist. Google gives nothing.

By: amandaudoff

amandaudoff — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 17:51:53 -0800

p_g- I'm guess [NSFW]this woman [/NSFW] would be something along the lines of a JJ. The woman I knew was at least 150% that size.

Google searching for 'big breasts' is creepy...

By: dabitch

dabitch — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 17:54:44 -0800

Yeah color me clueless too, I thought there was DD ( which is also called E), DDD (F), G, H, I then it's getting kinda muddled in the names again (JJ)

By: dabitch

dabitch — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 17:57:04 -0800

how to determine your bra size

By: Sidhedevil

Sidhedevil — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:02:54 -0800

Chesty Morgan. 73 inch bust.

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:08:37 -0800

Sidhedevil -- Damn, I was just gonna link to her.

I'll see your chesty morgan, and raise you a Norma Stitz. (Link Not Safe For Work, and Not Safe if You've Just Eaten).

And of course, The Largest Breasts in the World (NSFW)

By: equipoise

equipoise — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:14:20 -0800

uh....lemonpillow, maybe you should switch to "melonpillows?"

sorry, sorry, couldn't resist.

i actually have plenty of empathy for my larger-breasted sisters. i used to think that having, well, something closer to lemons was a disadvantage (note the drooling from the boys in this thread), but my more endowed friends with back and shoulder problems have convinced me otherwise.

By: caddis

caddis — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:19:18 -0800

Temperance is a virtue, even in the size of body parts. CD, you just made me spew.

By: Sidhedevil

Sidhedevil — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:26:15 -0800

The thing is, though, that Chesty was relatively fit (if a bit zaftig), unlike, er, Norma. Which made the enormous gazongas all the more startling. Especially when she ran.

Agent 73 is an astonishing work of cinema. I saw it stoned at a university film archive. Good times...

As for the "Largest Breasts in the World" lady, that makes my back hurt just looking at it.

By: riviera

riviera — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:28:45 -0800

It's a bit upmarket, but Rigby & Peller is worth a look -- and a visit, especially if you're in or around London. They're not Trinny and Tranny's first stop for bras without good reason.

By: JoanArkham

JoanArkham — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:45:15 -0800

no matter how much the increase in size, the support straps don't increase

I can't quite believe I'm revealing this on MetaFilter but my favorite everyday bra has nice, wide, cushioned straps.

What I want to know is, why are the majority of large size bras white? Bleah...I'd never wear a white bra.

By: Sidhedevil

Sidhedevil — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 18:56:26 -0800

I like this. Cushiony straps--comes in black--made out of cotton. Sweet.

By: judith

judith — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 19:32:28 -0800

i'll second rigby & peller. not cheap, but fantastic. figleaves.co.uk also carries a wide selection of options.

By: MrZero

MrZero — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 21:31:11 -0800

While we're on the topic, any other recomendations for USA online stores, or brick-and-mortars in Chicago?

Umm, err, of course, for my, uhh, girlfriend....seriously...

By: madman

madman — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 22:33:07 -0800

As they say on Fark... this thread is useless without pics. :)

By: Tufa

Tufa — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 23:22:22 -0800

wackybrit: May I direct you to Chapter 7, Circular Reasonings: The Story of the Breast [Amazon Search Inside link for "zebra finches"] in my well-riffled copy of Woman: an Intimate Geography, by Natalie Angier. If you can bear to saddle-stitch your Search Insides across the chapter, she addresses your question directly.

(The results of a study she mentions concerning some human-engineered plumage for male zebra finches (little white paper toques stuck on their heads for makeshift crests, little light blue or red legwarmers!) are fascinating, and may inform our own appreciation of the gamut AAA to S.)

By: stray

stray — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 00:58:25 -0800

Raisins on an ironing board, I say, raisins on an ironing board...but I'm not bitter, oh no....

By: dabitch

dabitch — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 02:13:22 -0800

stray, I bet you look great in open back dresses and halter tops. win some, loose some.

By: orange swan

orange swan — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 05:15:07 -0800

Yes, stray, that's the paradox of being well-endowed. You're supposed to have this sexy figure but you can't wear sexy, skimpy clothes, both because it looks trashy and because there's no way to wear a proper support garment underneath them.

I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation for strapless bras for the larger sizes? I'm a 36D and have been hunting for one for years, but I might as go sans bra as wear any of the ones I've tried on as far as support and comfort go.

By: mimi

mimi — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 06:18:47 -0800

One thing that I've been frustrated with is the variance in fit between two brassieres of the same stated size. Are the online shops easy with returns? The double deuces need some comfortable and glammy support!

By: wackybrit

wackybrit — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:30:00 -0800

I once read that a five pound loss equals 1" penis length gain thanks to that mound of fat above the top of the penis.

I wish, I just lost 50 pounds!

By: danOstuporStar

danOstuporStar — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:40:09 -0800

LadyBwear is UK based.

By: danOstuporStar

danOstuporStar — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:42:30 -0800

oh, and jonmc et al may enjoy checking out their contests section (follow the "timeout" link).

By: equipoise

equipoise — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:53:13 -0800

orange swan, I'm sorry to say that your quest may be useless. I am far less endowed, but strapless bras never work for me either. Think about the mechanics...the goal of a bra is to lift up, and strapless bras have no way of doing that. Corset-thingies that extend down your torso, runnerback bras, and clear straps are the best solutions that I've found.

By: widdershins

widdershins — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 09:21:28 -0800

dabitch, I appreciate the shoutout but I think you have the wrong gal... I've never even heard of Bravissimo... ; )

orange swan, have you tried using the clear plastic straps with a 'strapless' bra? They work great with spaghetti straps and the like, where you have something (however thin) covering the plastic strap. I don't think they look great w/strapless tops, though, you can see the 'shine' off the plastic.

You know, much as I like my breasts, they really are a nuisance most of the time. Think of all the extra money we spend and discomfort we put up with just to support them...

By: onhazier

onhazier — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 09:46:14 -0800

In the US, I prefer to get my bras at Lane Bryant. Their website seems to only list sizes up to a 44DD. However, when I was a 44F (42DD now), I was able to find some in the stores with very little problem. IIRC, they carry even larger sizes in the stores. Lots of fabric, color and style selections. I've been pleased with fitting and cost as well.

By: danOstuporStar

danOstuporStar — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 10:24:37 -0800

plussizebras.org is interesting. they don't sell 'em though as multiple disclaimer attest, but seem related to a somewhat defunct forum dedicated to subject. (via -- nsfw -- lush boobs forum) ok, shutting my male ass up now

By: Sidhedevil

Sidhedevil — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 12:51:46 -0800

Oo, oo, oo. If you want straplessness that actually holds the large boobage up, you need to suck up your loathing for "old lady bras" and go for a longline strapless. They are the only thing that really provides enough support for C-cups and above.

By: orange swan

orange swan — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 12:56:55 -0800

I truly wouldn't mind wearing a corset bra, Sidhedevil, as long as it was reasonably comfortable. I even think they're pretty sexy. Just for once I'd love to get to wear a strapless dress. I er, think I have nice shoulders, and so far in my post-adolescent life I've had to keep them covered.

By: JoanArkham

JoanArkham — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 19:07:12 -0800

You could always go for a "real" corset, although that may change the way the dress actually fits on you. I have some links and recommendations, if you're interested. (Running late as it is...)

By: judith

judith — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 20:25:06 -0800

Fantasie, also from the UK but available in the US, makes a strapless bra that is a work of engineering genius. It's not the most comfortable all-day wear, but it's fantastic - even at size 38F - for dressing up.

By: nuala

nuala — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 10:01:27 -0800

There are already so many great links here, I'm not sure this will be need but I figured it couldn't hurt.

My sister who is a J (and still growing at 21) loves Creative Woman. The website isn't terribly good-looking but if you call the toll-free number or e-mail the "bra wizard" will talk you through a proper fitting, help you with custom-made bras if you're interested and answer tons of questions.

I once stumbled in to the store in my third trimester, soaking wet from the rain and teary-eyed, desperate to take some of the weight from my slightly bigger than a DDD cup breasts off my already overloaded back. They were wonderful.