Small band, large bust bralette
April 29, 2020 5:06 PM Subscribe
Looking for a unicorn bralette. Specifications within:
1. Available in bra sizes, not small, medium & large: I have a large cup size and a small band size (usually around 34-36, E-FFF range, depending on brand) so like a medium will fit my ribs, but not my boobs.
2. Elastic that will last like at least a year of gentle wear. It won't be a daily driver, but will get worn more than the Fancy Lacy Bra, for example. I'm thinking weekends at home.
3. Under $40. This can be flexible, but I'd rather keep it cheap.
4. COMFORTABLE. I want something relatively breathable, and that will keep these bad boys in check, without sending them to the principals office.
1. Available in bra sizes, not small, medium & large: I have a large cup size and a small band size (usually around 34-36, E-FFF range, depending on brand) so like a medium will fit my ribs, but not my boobs.
2. Elastic that will last like at least a year of gentle wear. It won't be a daily driver, but will get worn more than the Fancy Lacy Bra, for example. I'm thinking weekends at home.
3. Under $40. This can be flexible, but I'd rather keep it cheap.
4. COMFORTABLE. I want something relatively breathable, and that will keep these bad boys in check, without sending them to the principals office.
Parfait's Dalis Bralette if you are willing to go to $45. Super soft cotton rayon, lightly supportive. Go up one band size and cup size. Unfortunately only comes in black and a pinkish beige.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 6:06 PM on April 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 6:06 PM on April 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
The Royce Luna Wireless Support Bra 1355; 32-40; F-K UK.
Full price, it's $66, but a site called Fruugo (with which I have no experience) is selling it for $37.95.
It has a great reputation among both small-band, large-cup bra wearers and large-band, large-cup bra wearers.
You say that you wear.a 34E to a 36FF depending on the brand.
The band runs snug on Royce Luna, as with many wireless bras, and reviewers say that the cups are on the small side.
If I were you, I'd try it in 36F UK and 38G UK.
A little more information about this bra:
Royce is a British company that specializes in wireless bras like the Luna, which is also made in a nursing version. The cups provide a lot of separation (no swamp boob!) and the straps are set in so they won't slip.
The people who like the Luna LOVE it. "What a difference both in pain reduction and clothes fit/look better. I (now) have a shape not a mono boob," said Heather, a British reviewer, on the Royce Lingerie website, a 42JJ who struggles with chronic pain from arthritis.
Because the Luna goes only up to a 40 band, Heather wound up buying it in 40JJ and wearing it with a bra band extender. Now, she says, she can wear it for 18 hours and not remember that she has it on.
Bravissimo reviewers like the soft fabric, support, set-in straps, and separation; they wish that there were more colors (Luna is made only in Gray Marl).
posted by virago at 6:44 PM on April 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
Full price, it's $66, but a site called Fruugo (with which I have no experience) is selling it for $37.95.
It has a great reputation among both small-band, large-cup bra wearers and large-band, large-cup bra wearers.
You say that you wear.a 34E to a 36FF depending on the brand.
The band runs snug on Royce Luna, as with many wireless bras, and reviewers say that the cups are on the small side.
If I were you, I'd try it in 36F UK and 38G UK.
A little more information about this bra:
Royce is a British company that specializes in wireless bras like the Luna, which is also made in a nursing version. The cups provide a lot of separation (no swamp boob!) and the straps are set in so they won't slip.
The people who like the Luna LOVE it. "What a difference both in pain reduction and clothes fit/look better. I (now) have a shape not a mono boob," said Heather, a British reviewer, on the Royce Lingerie website, a 42JJ who struggles with chronic pain from arthritis.
Because the Luna goes only up to a 40 band, Heather wound up buying it in 40JJ and wearing it with a bra band extender. Now, she says, she can wear it for 18 hours and not remember that she has it on.
Bravissimo reviewers like the soft fabric, support, set-in straps, and separation; they wish that there were more colors (Luna is made only in Gray Marl).
posted by virago at 6:44 PM on April 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
Would you consider a "leisure bra"? These popped up on my Facebook feed recently and I thought they looked both cute and comfy - though I don't have direct experience to report.
posted by Cheese Monster at 6:46 PM on April 29, 2020
posted by Cheese Monster at 6:46 PM on April 29, 2020
Here's the link to the Royce Luna Bra on Fruugo.
And here's what reviewers have to say on the Bravissimo website. They are quite forthright and detailed, both pro and con. Very informative.
A wireless bra with band and cup sizing is going to be hard to find for less than the cost of the Dalis, suggested early on.
posted by virago at 6:51 PM on April 29, 2020
And here's what reviewers have to say on the Bravissimo website. They are quite forthright and detailed, both pro and con. Very informative.
A wireless bra with band and cup sizing is going to be hard to find for less than the cost of the Dalis, suggested early on.
posted by virago at 6:51 PM on April 29, 2020
reddit's /abrathatfits is a pretty great community for all kinds of bra fit questions, and I bet that if there hasn't been a recent version of this exact question, they'll be enthusiastic about helping you find what you need, especially since you already have some ideas of what didn't work and why.
posted by bilabial at 6:53 PM on April 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by bilabial at 6:53 PM on April 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
Another bralette that may work for you is Parfait Adriana Lace. Currently on sale with 25%off takes it under $40 (take a poke around Herroom.com, you can search for your size). Be sure to size up the band and cup. The lace softens up after washing. Please don't put them in the dryer! Elastic gets killed in the dryer.
Third choice is Curvy Couture Cotton Luxe. Soft tshirt cotton (but the Dalis is much softer) but less separation of the boobs. Go up a size in band and cups.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 7:19 PM on April 29, 2020
Third choice is Curvy Couture Cotton Luxe. Soft tshirt cotton (but the Dalis is much softer) but less separation of the boobs. Go up a size in band and cups.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 7:19 PM on April 29, 2020
Cosabella's Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie Bralette is above your price limit and is not bra sized but I can personally attest that they are well made, long lasting, generous in the cup (I wear an I cup) and Cosabella actually markets them and others in their curvy line as small band/large cup.
posted by crankylex at 8:08 PM on April 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by crankylex at 8:08 PM on April 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
I was skeptical, but this has been amazing and I stopped wearing my wired bras. I'm around a 30F in UK sizes, and got the XS. It's pricey, but I've gotten a couple more that were discounted colors, etc.
posted by wens at 5:39 AM on April 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by wens at 5:39 AM on April 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
OMG I am here to proselytize. I've recently discovered Evelyn & Bobbie's Defy line (tank and bra), and they are life-altering. I'm a very similar size to you (32-34 E-FFF, and I wear a Large in E&B), and while these come in S/M/L/XL etc., they are TOTALLY different from other bras, and are the most comfortable thing of all time.
The tank is exactly as supportive as the bra, and the same price. While they're on the expensive side ($68), they are REAL bras, with REAL support, but they are as comfortable as a baggy, loose bralette. More so, if support is a comfort issue for you.
I'm REALLY hoping this tiny company can make it through the economic downturn ahead, mostly for selfish reasons. FYI, Nordstrom is also selling some of their products.
Aaand, in going to their site to get the link for this post, I discovered that they have a NEW WIRELESS BRA that I'll definitely be trying. Sign up for their email list for discounts...I got 2 for 1 Defy tanks recently, which puts them in your budget.
posted by nosila at 8:06 AM on April 30, 2020 [5 favorites]
The tank is exactly as supportive as the bra, and the same price. While they're on the expensive side ($68), they are REAL bras, with REAL support, but they are as comfortable as a baggy, loose bralette. More so, if support is a comfort issue for you.
I'm REALLY hoping this tiny company can make it through the economic downturn ahead, mostly for selfish reasons. FYI, Nordstrom is also selling some of their products.
Aaand, in going to their site to get the link for this post, I discovered that they have a NEW WIRELESS BRA that I'll definitely be trying. Sign up for their email list for discounts...I got 2 for 1 Defy tanks recently, which puts them in your budget.
posted by nosila at 8:06 AM on April 30, 2020 [5 favorites]
I spent the first few weeks of this quarantine on a quest to find a new soft bra for my 30E self. I struck out twice with Cosabella's curvy line, to my extreme disappointment. (One was just bizarrely small in all dimensions, one of them fit okay but the band rolled all over the place.)
However, I'm super happy with my new TomboyX front crossover soft bra. I have a lot of their underwear and it's held up well. Their bralettes don't give me enough boob room, but the crossover is a new design with larger boobs in mind. $45, discounts for first-time shoppers. It's not band-cup sizing, though. (I wear a small.)
posted by desuetude at 8:40 AM on April 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
However, I'm super happy with my new TomboyX front crossover soft bra. I have a lot of their underwear and it's held up well. Their bralettes don't give me enough boob room, but the crossover is a new design with larger boobs in mind. $45, discounts for first-time shoppers. It's not band-cup sizing, though. (I wear a small.)
posted by desuetude at 8:40 AM on April 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
This may not meet the cost criteria you set forth, as they are pretty expensive, but I have had the most success finding a bra that fits properly (very small band) with thirdlove bras. Despite the cost I offer the suggestion because they really are high quality and last a long time--I am a pretty frugal person but think they are worth every penny. They also do free returns within some time frame (I think 30-60 days, check the fine print) -- even after you've used the bra. If you use it and decide you don't like it you can get 100% refund.
posted by dubhemerak3000 at 1:35 PM on April 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by dubhemerak3000 at 1:35 PM on April 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
They're above your price-point, but I would strongly recommend the True & Co "true body lift" bras. I wear mine every day and they've held up great, so I think they're worth the investment. They're S/M/L but have different models for smaller and larger cup sizes. They're smooth under clothes and are incredibly supportive and comfortable. I'm not even careful washing them -- they just go in the washer with the rest of my clothes, and only get pulled out before the dryer about half the time. My oldest ones (probably 2+ years old?) are a little looser than when they were new, but are generally still holding up fine. They come with removable foam pads, which I generally don't use -- they give better coverage with the pads, but are more comfortable without. They really are magic, and I've heard the same from friends with larger busts as well (I wear the larger cup-size model, but am at the smaller end of that range).
posted by duien at 2:34 PM on April 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by duien at 2:34 PM on April 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
I asked a similar question a few months ago and am still looking. I can say that the Evelyn & Bobbie Defy bra that people here have been raving about in a small (I got a very good deal for some NWT on ebay in that size and took a chance) was definitely too small on me (a 32DDD/34DD).
Honestly, while I'm sure it depends heavily on body and breast shape, I haven't found anything more comfortable than the (underwired and pricy) Wacoal 855170 or the Syrokan knockoffs of it (which aren't as supportive because the fabric is different but are cut similarly.) For me wearing these is more comfortable than wearing nothing. It just seems like most bras without an underwire end up needing to be very tight or very constructed to be supportive.
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:04 AM on May 1, 2020
Honestly, while I'm sure it depends heavily on body and breast shape, I haven't found anything more comfortable than the (underwired and pricy) Wacoal 855170 or the Syrokan knockoffs of it (which aren't as supportive because the fabric is different but are cut similarly.) For me wearing these is more comfortable than wearing nothing. It just seems like most bras without an underwire end up needing to be very tight or very constructed to be supportive.
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:04 AM on May 1, 2020
I'm not buxom enough for my personal experience to be relevant, but i asked a similarly proportioned, non-mefite friend, and she suggested Tutti Rouge bralettes, especially if you're looking for something on the trendier or sexier side of the spectrum. She says it's the only brand that reliably fits her 32E/Fs
posted by JuliaIglesias at 8:05 PM on May 4, 2020
posted by JuliaIglesias at 8:05 PM on May 4, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
Also, a little pricier but very nice and handmade to order by women in the US (not right now due to coronavirus though), Decent Exposures makes a very nice comfy bra . You order by specific size and they can be customized in various ways. Little bit of uni-boob possible, depending on how your body works, but very comfortable and excellent quality. I would go out of the house with one of these on.
FYI based on a prior ask.me I tried several from Torrid, but all of them gave me uni-boob and the support was just not there. They were very pretty though.
posted by acanthous at 5:26 PM on April 29, 2020 [3 favorites]