Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with bras

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.

This jog bra is kind of chafing me.

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:34:06 -0800

I'm training for a half marathon and am looking for some suggestions - specifically, jog bras that don't chafe and workout gear for the extra sweaty. I am a 40 year old woman training for my first half marathon. The training itself is fine, but I'm having some issues with my gear.

First, my jog bras are chafing the heck out of me. I am a 36DD and I wear Size 0 Enell bras (thanks to previous Ask Metafilter answers) which seem to be the only bras that minimize (but don't stop) the bounce. Although according to the Enell size charts, I should be wearing a Size 1, the larger sized Enells didn't compress enough to do any good.

I am chafed to the point of bleeding under my arms and between my breasts. Glide doesn't seem to make a difference, and I use panty-liners to lessen the chafing between my breasts, but that doesn't always work.

Second, I sweat a lot. And when I run for more than an hour, even during the cool fall mornings, my clothing is drenched as if I was in a rainstorm. I've tried some wicking shirts (from Nike) but they got as wet as a cotton t-shirt.

I would love to get any specific bra/clothing recommendations or to hear about how others deal with these issues.

Thank you!

I used to sell lingerie, so this should be easy, right?

alynnk — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:27:20 -0800

Suggestions for a strapless bra for a smaller-chested lady? I've finally had it with my strapless bra. It's fine for wearing to work under a tank top, but I've got several weddings to attend next month and I'd like to find something that I'm not going to end up fiddling with all day long.

My problem is that I'm on the smaller side of things [34B on a good day] and the majority of strapless bras that I've found -- including my current bra, one of those multi-way, convertible jobs from Victoria's Secret -- are kind of huge on me. They cover so much area vertically that the girls are pretty much completely encased from top to bottom and I end up worrying about the top of the bra peeking out from the top of whatever I'm wearing. [I've been fitted several times, so I'm fairly certain that I'm not wearing a ridiculously inaccurate size.]

Can you suggest any brands or styles [or stores, even] that I should try? Thanks!

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.

Scared strapless

futureisunwritten — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:39:03 -0800

How can I be less self-conscious in a strapless dress? I got to pick out my own bridesmaids dress for an upcoming wedding in August (hooray for low maintenance friends). I bought this dress in the latte colour.

I love the dress, but I have never worn strapless ANYTHING ever in my life. I'm 5'7, 160lbs and busty. The dress is tasteful and simple, but I feel pretty exposed. I would like to add something to the outfit that covers my upper arms and armpits - preferably not something I have to keep wrapping around myself every ten seconds. I've tried it on a bunch of times and I'm constantly adjusting out of self-consciousness, even though there's no danger of it falling off of me.

I have seen this AskMe about buying strapless bras. So my question is: What would you recommend for making my day in this dress as comfortable as possible? A short cardigan? Double-sided tape? A halter top underneath? Busty ladies, I need your expertise!

Improving our elastic technology

waterandrock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:14:48 -0800

Is anyone working on developing a sturdier elastic band? In other words, isn't there something better than the stuff they use for bras, which inevitably become slack after only a matter of months? Have you come across a bra with an indestructible elastic band?

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.

Post breastfeeding bra buying

toodles — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:43:16 -0800

How long should I wait, post weaning, before I go on a bra buying spree? I'd really like to replace my nursing bras with something a bit more flattering, but don't want to blow a lot of money on new bras until I know that my breasts aren't going to deflate any more. Is there some rule of thumb regarding this?

Possibly relevant facts: It's been a couple of weeks since my son last nursed, and he was down to one feeding a day for about a month or so before that, so I've been drying up for a while. I've been at my pre-pregnancy weight for some time now, and am not trying to lose any weight.

Wire-free, please

computech_apolloniajames — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:05:24 -0800

Where can a NY gal find bras that don't have wires? The less expensive the better. I don't like shopping, so I am asking you all to lend me your shopping expertise. It's practically impossible to find anything but underwire bras, at least where I do shop.

Cute and classy lingerie online or in NYC?

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:41:45 -0800

Ruffly panties online, or in NYC? i.e. cute, classy panties/bras/corsets/etc that won't break the bank. Victoria's Secret falls apart pretty fast, in my experience. Looking for something a step up, but not ridiculously expensive or (on the other hand) trashy. At the very least, how much should I be looking to spend on such a thing? No stretch lace, or "crotch-free," or no neon pink is the idea here. I've checked the archives and not really come up with anything helpful, other than one post about vintage online stuff. Sizes are "average" = 34C, dress size 6-8.

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.)

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.]

boobiefilter

Anonymous — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:15:17 -0800

How can I make my uneven breasts look more symmetrical? I realize that nearly every single woman has asymmetrical breasts - one a little bigger/smaller than the other. But one of my breasts is a modest C, the other is a DD - that's a very noticeable difference. And hard to accommodate.

What kinds of bras should I look for? I've been compromising by wearing a D bra (34 or 36, depending on the bra) and "averaging" out my breasts seems to be a simplistic measure of accommodating (a DD would be FAR too big for my C with too much extra empty space, and a C would cause major overflow).

Are there inserts that I can use that would give me a more even look? What kinds (styles, brands) of bras would be good for me to try and achieve a more even look? Ideally, I'm trying to minimize the DD (too big on my little, short frame).

I could use some helpful thoughts, please!

I Need Lingerie That Fits!

Irontom — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:18:53 -0800

Mrs. Irontom here - I need a professional bra fitting in the DC metro area... I've never had one, and it's time. I want some comfortable, attractive lingerie, but I have no idea where to go to get a good fitting. I'm not a skinny girl, and I don't want to be sneered at in order to find some bras that fit properly. Hivemind, please hope me!

Over the shoulder boulder holders

arcticwoman — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:04:16 -0800

How do you take care of bras so that they stay in the best shape for the longest?

Where to get bras made for sleeping in? And should I?

esilenna — Thu, 24 May 2007 04:36:47 -0800

Should I wear a bra to bed? As it is now I tend to sleep on my stomach which is playing havoc with my neck. Will sleeping in a non-underwired bra actually be more comfortable, and enable me to lie on my side in supported comfort? If so... where can I get such a bra? The only companies I'm aware of that cater to my bra size (28FF/G aka 60FF/G) don't seem to make non-underwired bras. Shopping locally isn't an option, so what are my best on-line options for finding a non-underwired bra in my size that doesn't look like I stole it from my granny?

underwear?

mustcatchmooseandsquirrel — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:34:18 -0800

Where can I find cute/sexy underwear online that will not cost half of my paycheck? Victoria's Secret 5/$25 underwear was a good deal before it stopped being cute. Victoria's Secret bras were also a good deal before they 1. made all of their normal bras have tons of padding and 2. stopped making their specialty bras for a wide range of sizes.

I want to pay under $10 for panties and under $45 for (good quality and comfortable) bras, what do you suggest?

Feed the birds...tuppence a bra.

fuzzbean — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 08:06:30 -0800

I have a deformed breastbone (Pectus carinatum, or pigeon-breast--but only half of one!), and I need help finding a nice bra. The right half of my breastbone protrudes about an inch out from where it meets the left half. (So the left side of my rib cage and breastbone is normal, and the right side is pigeon-breasted.) I'm about a 36C. I've been wearing Jockey seamless cotton no-underwire bras , but I'd like to find something a little more feminine, yet still supportive and not incredibly painful after 2 hours. I have yet to find an underwire that sits right. Any suggestions? Bonus points if they're under $25/ea.

Wanted: Support

chiababe — Sat, 23 Jul 2005 15:30:49 -0800

Do you have a bra that you just love? Tell me about it. I've been wearing some of the same bras for years and I broke the strap on two in the last 2 weeks, so I'm in the market for new underwear. A lovely sales clerk at Victoria's Secret measured me as a "38 Big C Small D." Requirements: comfortable!, no extra padding (as I seem to have plenty of my own), no lace, soft cups, and under $30. I have no real preference with regards to underwire. Links to examples would be much appreciated.

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.)