Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with bra

T-shirt with shelf bra?

Chick Pea — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:33:48 -0800

Where can I find a short sleeve or long sleeve cotton shirt with a built-in shelf bra? There are many tanks and camisoles available with a shelf bra, but I am looking for a shirt with sleeves. I am looking for something that I can wear lounging around the house for those times when I want to be comfortable, but not let it all hang out, so to speak. I am not really interested in exercise-type shirts that contain a really supportive built-in bra. I would prefer something looser, and ideally made of a light cotton. I take ladies size large, and I am in Canada. Does such a shirt exist?

A question for the ladies about bras.

greensalsa — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:24 -0800

It makes me crazy they can send a man to the moon but can’t make comfy bras. Do you have a favorite style/brand/retailer? Fitting advice? I’m looking for suggestions for my size, which is 32C, but it seems to be a problem for most of my friends: large boobs, small boob, post-breast feeding boobs--whatever. This is for everyday wear, and of course comfort and support are primary but looking pretty is always a bonus.

Preteen girl needs unpadded bras, but nobody's selling!

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:06:43 -0800

Is there such a thing as an inexpensive, everyday unpadded bra for preteen girls? If so, who sells it? My 12 year old daughter, bless her heart, has blossomed to the point where it's practical and reasonable for her to wear a bra on most days. However, in recent years the trend in bras has been for seemingly everything but sports bras to have a layer of stiff "smoothing" padding in the front, and for various reasons we would like to buy bras that are less like that. Most of her collection is like that now, and it's getting on time to replace them.

So, disregarding sports bras, are there inexpensive, normal, utilitarian, everyday wear bras for young girls that aren't padded? We're not asking for saucy lingerie, here. In fact, she's not terribly into lacy frippery to begin with. She still needs some measure of support, as this isn't a "training bra" situation at all.

Keep in mind, she is a preteen girl. This means adult bras will all be too big around even if they match her cup size -- chances are a bra line marketed to normal adults or petite adults won't offer a size appropriate for her at all.

A cute bra in a large size?

leesh — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:48:25 -0800

Does anyone know where I can find a bra with a super cute and girly pattern in a larger size? Last time I was at Target, I saw all these super cute cotton bras with patterns--stars, butterflies, rainbow dots, whatever (like this one or this one from Victoria's Secret. Those are not the best examples, but clearly I don't know where to look!) Anyway, few of these bras are sized above a 34 or 36 C, and none are in my size. So where can I get a cute bra (probably intended at the 15-year-old set, but I don't care) in a larger size (38D or above)? In my experience, larger size bras are generally staid in terms of color/pattern.

Note that I am not looking for sexy/lacy/whatever, just cute and fun.

Over-the-shoulder-boulder-holderFilter: help me find one for my boulders :)

Gonestarfishing — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:34:31 -0800

Bra help! I have big boobs and a small body, help me find inexpensive bras in size 32G, seemingly an oxymoron. Because of my odd bra size, 32G, my hesitation to buy bras online, and the rarity of finding this size in stores, I never seem to have more than 1-2 bras that fit me at any point in time. I've realized that I can't keep doing this to myself. I NEED more bras, but I've wasted so much money over the years on trial and error that I need some advice on which brands I should be looking at. I've decided that I need to order online from a place like figleaves.com, but I'm horrible about returning items I've ordered that don't fit, so I'm hoping that with your help, I can get it right the first time.

I've had luck with La Mystere bras, but damn are they expensive. I'm hoping to get some advice on specific brands that have worked for you in the past, come in my size, run true to size, are comfortable and/or durable, and are around the $50 range.

Bonus points for push-up bras, bras that allow for plunging necklines, or those with pretty designs. I also prefer non-lacy types that I could wear under t-shirts, and a cup shape that doesn't make me look like I have alien breasts. Dammit, i'm 23 years old and I'm sick of beige colored grandma bras.

Even more bonus points if you can recommend a shop in the D.C. metro area that would carry a bra that fits the criteria above, and is not Fredericks of Hollywood.

Please note - I've been fitted multiple times by the helpful folks at Neiman Marcus. I'm certain that 32G is my ideal size.

Tangent-filter: big breasted ladies, how do you combat boob sweat?

Bras for dummies?

qmechanic — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:23:23 -0800

Hi, my sister is confused about bras. I am female, but I can't help her because my mom wasn't born in America and she doesn't wear bras (her breasts are tiny). I wear Barely There bras. She's looking for suggestions on bras with minimal padding and pretty plain. My sister was fitted at Victoria's Secret and was apparently a 34A. She tried on a bunch of bras there but didn't like them because they made her breasts look "big and pointy." Is that normal? She felt like there was too much padding, as if she were wearing "breastplate" armor. She's pretty conservative and isn't into looking "sexy." She doesn't like lacy stuff or similar frills.

Can anyone recommend bras that don't have too much padding and are pretty plain? Also, she doesn't like bras that show through t-shirts. Is it weird to want this kind of bra?

I don't know much about bras either and would be interested in hear opinions.

Simple bra alternatives?

bubukaba — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:46:37 -0800

Are there any alternatives to bras? Bonus points for historical or non-American bosom support solutions. I've worn regular bras in sizes 36D and 34DD to moderate success, but lately I've been going without because, for the most part, I find it more comfortable. (I do usually wear a tight-fitting tank top under my shirts).

But I know it looks a little funny, and there are times when I wish I had just a little bit of extra support.

I'm not looking for a sports bra (I'd prefer to avoid uniboob). Ideally, I'd like to find something simple (wrapping a piece of cloth around my chest in some particular way, perhaps?) and inexpensive.

Off the rack

A Terrible Llama — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:14:40 -0800

What widely available (department store, not boutique) bras should I buy (36DD)? Last year for the first time in my life I went to a bra boutique and found that I'd been wearing the wrong sized bra for about ten years. I'd been buying Cs when I was actually rocking DDs. The bras I bought were great, gorgeous, mad emy boobs look terrific, and were $70 each. That is about twice as much as I want to spend on a bra. I can spend up to $50 I guess, without my 'you've got to be kidding me' alarms go off, but $70?

The bottom line is I'll spend what I have to in order to not bounce all over the place or look like I have a meatloaf duct-taped to my chest, but would like to know if it's necessary. If not, what are good department store brands (Bali, Warner, etc.--those types) that offer support, look good, and are comfortable for DDs and up? I would l.o.v.e. to buy those gorgeous lacy cute Calvin Klein things that are made of tissue paper, those days passed about twenty-five years ago--same with Victoria's Secret. They don't even carry my size.

Also, I'm looking for brands in brick and mortar stores -- this is part of a big shopping trip I've got planned and instant gratification requirements dictate I buy this in a plain old American mall--so not looking for anything online.

More bounce for the ounce: Any suggestions for a ridiculous, over-the-top push up bra?

ShadePlant — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:50:36 -0800

Any suggestions for a ridiculous, over-the-top push up bra? I'm 5'3, 145# and bra size 38-A and am trying to find a crazy, I See Wot You Did There bra as a joke. Yes, the bra size is accurate. I'm all A and no T! I'm specifically looking for specific brand names/lines. My price range is approx. $75.00.

The girls miss their lacy summer home!

bunji — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:17:09 -0800

Please help me find my beloved lacy black sports-style bras! My summer bras of choice have traditionally been various makers' all-stretch-lace sports bras, which were comfortable (no underwires, hooks or bitey straps, yay!), could wrangle a C/D cup size, and looked acceptable peeking out of a tank top armhole. Sadly, however, they all seem to have gone extinct! The closest thing I can find now is this bra, which is apparently no longer produced.

Does anyone know where to find something similar? It doesn't need to be super-supportive, just pretty and comfortable. Bonus points if it comes in black!

(Also: This thread was close, but alas, no cigar.)

The racerback nursing bra. Does this exist?

jquinby — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:30:33 -0800

(ahem) Women of MeFi: Seeking information on nursing bras. Difficulty level: racerback. Google-fu has failed Mrs. Q. in her quest for a racerback nursing bra.

Racerback, because it's summer here and lots of sleeveless tops are on offer and nursing, because, well, she's still nursing.

The only one that keeps coming up is from Bravado, which she has tried and hates because it lacks support (the wide elastic band that runs across the bottom front has a tendency to fold).

She picked up a 6-pack of widgets earlier today that (purports) to turn regular ol' bras into racerbacks via a little thingie that pulls the straps together in the back. I wonder if such a thing will be comfortable since it seems like it'll pull in a way not designed for the apparatus, but I'm only the husband here and the whole thing is a bit out of my milieu.

A single (dated) reference to an alternative has popped up in web searches but the company seems to have stopped making them.

I've gone through a few of the older threads on the subject but have come up dry so far. Does such a thing exist, or will the widget have to suffice?

Either visible nipples or wonk-boob?? These are my choices!!?

mu~ha~ha~ha~har — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:37:43 -0800

Re-shaping bra cups. Has anyone ever had any success with this? As in removing the ripples, creases, warping, deformities ect. that tend to develop (sometimes within a month or two!) in what were otherwise normal looking padded/tshirt style bras.

How can I fix this!! Water does not seem to enable the re-shaping process, at all. What does work?

(And as the much lesser part of my question - how can I prevent this?)
(Btw - I already handwash.)

Who is the best bra fitter in or near Rochester, NY?

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:25:53 -0800

Where can I send my wife to receive a professional bra fitting in or near Rochester, NY? My wife shows me example after example of bra that just aren't working for her. Her primary complaint is that the underwire dislodges. Visits to the local department stores and numerous attempts to find a comfortable bra have been unsuccessful.

I'm a stickler for the way my own clothes fit, so I like to think that I understand her frustration. I'd like to buy her a professional bra fitting, and potentially some bras if all goes well.

Other previous questions suggest either large service-oriented stores like Nordstrom or Nieman Marcus, but frankly, they're four or more hours away by car. We live near Rochester, NY.

I'm looking for a local, reputable, knowledgeable fitter.

How can I get my bra straps to stop slipping?

arnicae — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:47:32 -0800

Bra straps consistently slide off my shoulders. Who makes non-racerback bras that don't have this problem? I'm a pretty common bra size with slightly sloping shoulders- the ladies at the bra fitting places say I'm "very average". However, since I started wearing bras, I have always had the problem that after five minutes of wear or so, straps creep down my shoulders to my upper arms, which can be very distracting in a meeting, on a date, etc.

The only bras that are exempt are sports bras and racerback bras- but the racerback bras all seem to be built to use as armor. Their straps cut into my back, their underwires are so thick and heavy that they leave marks on my chest for a half hour after I take them off, and they don't work with a lot of the garments I wear. I have a few and I never wear them because they really hurt to wear.

I like pretty, light-weight bras and don't need much support. It seems like the strap problem would be alleviated by moving the back straps in a little bit towards the center of the back, but I haven't been able to find bras in that style. My preference are minimal coverage (plunge, demi, balconette), non-itchy bras. I like Ochi verde, la perla, princesse tam tam and the like.

Things I've tried: Adjusting the straps tighter, wearing different sizes, making sure the straps were centered, using the middle hook, buying newer (not old/stretched) bras...

I've been fitted by three bra ladies, who all suggested I purchase bra clips that clip the straps together. I don't want to buy bra clips and add another 30 seconds to my morning routine, I want to buy a bra with straps that won't slip!

Any suggestions (other than racerback or bra clips) very welcome. Price is no object.

Lincoln for Lefty and Reagan for Righty?

Seeba — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:09:18 -0800

Where can I find, or how can I make a spider-man bra? ... or Nixon/Churchill bra? ... or... etc I've a friend's birthday coming up and want to find/make a humorous bra as a gift.

I'd like to find a store/shop/ebay search term that'd help me find places that sell these-- alas, my google-fu has failed me.

If they really don't exist, I've no problem making it... except I sew very poorly, and would worry about taking fabric and sewing it onto an existing one to the benefit of neither.

Are bras something that can be silkscreen-printed?

Anyway. I'm looking for something with superheros on it (anyone but wonderwoman), or political figures or... things delightfully random. (Spectacular vistas might be a bit too close to "maybe he was being serious"... but a panoramic photo of a wal-mart parking lot is just about the level of classy that I'm looking for)

I know depending on the fit it's either a 32DDD or 34DD (she mentions having trouble finding ones that fit sometimes, so I'll pay closer attention if I end up making this from a normal one), so somewhere that has relatively larger sizes would be necessary.

Thin, Boobtacular Girls in Cleveland

mismatched — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:20:13 -0800

Is there anywhere to buy 32DD bras in Cleveland? A friend and I both wear approximately a 32DD, or 30E/F/equivalent. However, we're stuck in Cleveland. Currently, we're surviving off of figleaves and shopping during trips to bigger cities. Are there any stores in the area that reliably carry these sizes?

I need some support here!

gaspode — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:01:07 -0800

Can you please recommend an excellent sports bra? Further requirements inside. I'm about to start running again after a pregnancy (I'm six weeks post-partum) and I'm breastfeeding. I'd like a really supportive sports bra. I never had to worry about this before I got pregnant, just wore a standard one, because I didn't really have much to support. Now I do. Your recommendations?

Comfortable, moderately sexy bra?

lemonade — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:19:51 -0800

What is your most comfortable, yet still moderately sexy bra? When I get home from work, I ditch my Victoria Secret underwire for a sports bra. But...not the sexiest--my 36B turns into a small flat monoboob. I'd like a comfortable bra for lounging on evenings and weekends--it doesn't have to give as much lift as an underwire, but a bit of nipple coverage for running errands and going to the movies is required.

Help me look normal under my clothes.

santojulieta — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:42:42 -0800

I need a variety of good undergarments for a variety of SFW occasions. Where do I get good underoos in Chicago? I need a few different undergarments for some upcoming occasions and I'd like to buy better than Target or Victoria Secret underwear.

1. I need a proper bra fitting so I can get some well fitting bras. I have only one single style that I think works well, so I'd like someone who knows what they're talking about to suggest other options or sizes to make the best of my bust.

2. I have engagement photos coming up rather quickly, and I'd like to find some sort of something to make me look less bumpy and more smooth under regular clothing in the tummy area.

3. I will also be getting married and will need some sort of underthing for my dress to hold me in and secure my bustline.

Do you have any special places in Chicago that I can do this? I'm looking for real stores rather than virtual stores, though I'm not opposed to ordering online once I find something I like.

Also, I'm a fairly normalish size. I wear 18s in pants, and a 36D/38C in bra.

bras, strapless, bra, omg

raztaj — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:04:56 -0800

Can you recommend any good, supportive, strapless bras for a large chested women? My breasts are somewhere between a D and DD (I usually wear DD's, though DD's bras can sometimes be a wee bit big in the cup, but spill over D's), and vary between a 36/38 depending on the bra. I'm short, petite, but a little chubby, and just always thought there's no way in hell I could get away with wearing a strapless bra, and be comfortable doing so.

So a few months ago, I bought a strapless bra (along with a couple of others) on clearance from Maidenform. I decided to give it a go yesterday, and holy crap, it was an amazing success. I have never in my life worn a strapless bra, let alone felt supported, comfortable, without having to re-adjust but once in the middle of the day. But that bra is no longer available, and I'm now entering a world of new bra (and clothing) possibilities, and don't know where to start/look.

I'd like to invest in another quality strapless bra or two, without breaking the bank. And feel supported/comfortable wearing it. Can you recommend any brands/styles/specific bras?

(Most likely they won't be worn with a halter, but with spaghetti strappy tops, dresses, tanks, etc, or a one shoulder dress.)

Where, oh where, is the plus-size travel underwear?

whitelight — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:44:33 -0800

Where can I find travel bras made for large ladies with large bosoms? I'm a 44DD and all of the travel underwear sites like ExOfficio seem to only have bras for more slender/less stacked folks. My current bra is a poly/cotton blend (sports bra style, no underwire) that sucks up sweat like a sponge and takes forever to dry if I try the "wash it in the sink" trick while traveling. I'm looking for something similar that dries quickly after an impromptu washing and is more moisture wicking than moisture retaining. Surely there's something out there?

Help a busty lass look polished at a wedding.

arianell — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:28:52 -0800

I just bought a lovely halter dress that fits me like a glove, except I need a little extra "support". One of my friends just asked me to accompany him to a casual spring wedding. So of course, I immediately used this as an opportunity to go buy a new outfit. I ended up purchasing a dress that is very similar to this one in terms of silhouette. My dress is black with white trim, and the back comes up a little higher, with three keyhole-type cutouts leading down the back to the top of the full skirt.

The problem: I wear a size 34DD, and the dress by itself isn't supportive enough for me to go braless without feeling very conspicuous. A halter bra or a strapless bra won't work, because the band would be visible through the keyholes in the back. Is there any other way for me to add a little "boost" so I can salvage this outfit?

(I did see the suggestions in this thread, but as far as I can tell, no one makes the stick-on "chicken cutlets" in my size.)

Why do underwires never want to stay put?

Mael Oui — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:05:43 -0800

Brassiere filter: Is there some kind of trick for preventing underwire poke-through? Can the ruined bras be repaired (by someone with little to no sewing skills)? It's always a bad day when a favorite bra becomes, literally, a pain in my side. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm wearing a cheap one or an expensive one (though, the latter hurts A LOT more), all of my bras seem to reach their demise in the same way. These aren't bras that have spent too much time in the washing machine, and they're never put in a dryer. Also, underwires are a necessity, so it'd be useless to suggest another style or a whole other sort of less supportive garment!

Is there any way to prevent underwire poke-through? If a bra seems to be succumbing to poke-through, is it possible to slow or stop its progress? Can a bra be successfully repaired and rehabilitated using little supplies and sewing skill (I have neither)? My mom, who actually has some sewing skill, used to attempt to repair them, but they would never be the same!

[I did see this post, but I don't have the skills necessary to follow the advice.]

Bra fitting in Philadelphia?

kalimac — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:17:51 -0800

So...know anyone who can give me a good bra fitting in the Philadelphia area? [approaching TMI inside, just as a forewarning] Pretty straightforward -- I've got a very non-unusual build, but I'd love to be fitted properly for a bra, and I've got a little extra cash I'm willing to drop on it. Anyone have any recommendations?

Bonus points for:

-Something in Philadelphia/Center City proper

-While I realize that nine-hundred year old Italian ladies are most likely to be brilliant at this, it would be really nice if they're not weirded out by nipple piercings.

-I've got some dosh to drop, but not limitless amounts; I'm willing to spend a good chunk on one bra, though, if you swear it will change my life.

Thanks!

Ottawa bra shops and fittings: cause I gained weight in the wrong place.

flibbertigibbet — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:45:18 -0800

What's the best bra shop and bra fitting you can get in Ottawa? I can't really get to Toronto or Montreal, so it does actually have to be in Ottawa. Cheap (i.e. free) fittings would be better, but I'm willing to pay as I'm sure a quick whip of the measuring tape won't work for me. However, most of the chains I've tried just whip the tape around, and then my bras fit like crap. Any suggestions?