A question for the girls

[bookworm]

Dia's shoe thread made me think about posting this- don't ask me how they are connected, but can anyone tell me where to go to get a really good bra?

Things aren't as they used to be, and I just can't get away with a $15 WalMart bra any more. The straps fall down or the underwire makes me ache (I thought I had a lump one day because I was in so much pain- I no longer wear underwire...) or they just don't fit right.

My sis spent $100 on her bra, I think at Victoria's Secret- she got fitted professionally and all that. I'm extremely nervous about that idea, but maybe that's what I need to do. Any advice???

[Dia Minha]

Bookworm, I have the same problem. Well, almost. Walmart does not carry my size. But, I'm too lazy or inconvienced to have to go somewhere else. So, I just started wearing a sports bra most days. Of course this isn't so beautiful, because it kind of gives the impression I have only have one bump when in reality, I was blessed with two. I bought my "real" bra from Walmart and just have to make a tuck in the band to make it smaller. I does fine for church or other days when I want to enhance my figure, not smoosh it.

[Erudite]

I don't have any advice for you...just to say you're not alone in this. Sports bras are great for just around the house, but yesterday...(blushing here)...I put on a sweater over my regular bra and just wasn't going out like that! SO SAGGY. I changed the bra to the ONE I have that gives support and doesn't look like...well you know what it looks like. I don't wear it very often for other reasons, but at least it made things look good under the sweater. I SO need to get out and do some serious shopping and I have needed it for months now. In my size though...it can't be at Victoria's secret. They only carry up to a 34 or so. I'm gonna try Lane Bryant, maybe.

[PhillyGirl]

Actually Victoria Secret carries all sorts of sizes now you just have to ask. I think they keep the bigger sizes down below. I was fitted for a bra there and it was around $40. They aren't my very favorite but they are better than some. I would suggest going to place that just sells bras underwear etc. Their people are more likely to know what they are doing and will be able to measure you properly and direct you towards some that are good for you. Anyway, that is just my experience. Did I mention that I two hate shopping for bras. I have the lovely problem of not having two that are the same size. Too bad they don't make bras for that problem. Anyway, good luck with the bra hunt.

[5ft Diva]

Actually it's a really good idea to get fitted for a bra. My suggestion would be to call around to stores like Nordstroms, Dillards, or Macy's to find out if they have store associates who will fit you. I know there is a place in Salt Lake that specializes in that kind of thing over on the East side. Maybe the same place your sister went to, BW. I can't remember the name of it, but some time ago I was calling around for a store that specialized in bras and someone gave me the name and number to this store so I know it's pretty common knowledge among those that work in that industry. I think a good bra is like a good shoe. You'll have to shell out some money to get a good one.

I know after I had Jordyn that I went into Motherhood to purchase some nursing bras and the store associate was extremely helpful. She had been trained to help fit bras so she measured me and then even picked some out that she thought I'd like and it made the whole shopping experience surprisingly pleasant. My old nursing bras were also from Wally World and I've hated them and absolutely love the ones from Motherhood because they actually offer support. So helpful to be fitted!

Money wise - one of my bras were on sale for $14.99 and the other two I got for around $25.

[bookworm]

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies! I am very shy about that kind of thing, but it's almost to the point that it's ridiculous to not go do it.

[5ft Diva]

I know what you mean. It's like your annual ob visit. Awkward, but necessary.

[natickgirl]

Thanks for the insight, ladies. I've been considering going in for a bra fitting, too...and I am soooooo private I couldn't nurse in front of people even when I was fully covered. The very thought of a bra fitting makes me cringe.

I also have the issue of stores not carrying my size, but it's because I am so small. I did find some "nearly A" bras that mostly fit. And I can't stand underwire, but even with my smallness, I still need support. I only like sports bras for exercising. Guess I'll have to bit the bullet and go in.

[Stargazer]

I bought my last bras at the Bali outlet at VF in draper (I think they are called something else now, but they are right by the 126th So. exit. They sale only bras and underwear. I thought they had a pretty good selection and decent prices. I tried on about 20 before I chose. I didn't get a fitting, but I think they do measure if you ask. They also have a bali outlet in the Park City outlets.

[5ft Diva]

I just found out the other day that E knows how to fit for bras. I encouraged her to post that information on here so we'll see. If you can fit yourself that will make the whole experience more pleasant I would think.

[Lovechop]

The first time I tried on a Victoria's Secret bra it changed my life forever! They are a bit more expensive (btwn $15-50), but TOTALLY worth it! My favorite thing about VS is that after your bra fitting, they give you a drawer full of all the different bras in exactly your size. That way you don't have to wander around the store picking up one of each! How brilliant is that! You just take the drawer in the dressing room and try on one after the other. I love it! The ONLY thing I was originally unhappy about with about VS, is that they don't carry nursing bras. After my first baby, I found that I prefer not to use them anyways and I just wear the lightly-lined shaping, full-coverage bra by VS. It still gives all the support and doesn't get ruined from being pushed down to nurse fifty times a day. Their sports bras are AMAZING. I felt like I was wearing a bullet-proof vest, it was so tight and protective, although it wasn't any thicker than a sports bra from anywhere else. I've got to hand it to VS...they've got the bra thing DOWN! It would take a lot for me ever to go somewhere else.

[Erudite]

LC, that is SUCH a good idea...the drawer I mean. Although I did find that I moved around in size with different styles, so I wonder if it'd totally work, but I do applaud the idea!

Ok, so above, I mention that I'm totally desperate. I finally went and did the whole thing. Yes, you can do it at home: you measure the band, you measure the fullest part. Some equation gives you the cup size, though I don't have that info at my finger tips. I didn't do it myself though, because I was going to a store anyway (I've bought them online before...and not been very happy with the result).

So I went to Lane Bryant and the gal puts the tape around my rib cage and then had me adjust it. She was measuring from the back so there was no discomfort in her touching anything...you know? Then she said to put the tape around the fullest part of my breasts and she did the math in her head and gave me a size.

SIGH...the size is considerably bigger than I was before, but I've gained 23 lbs since I got sick last fall...and thus the reason the old bras weren't doing much for me. So get over that...and try some on. The sales lady recommended a particular type that has A LOT more support than I'm used to, but oh my...

This may be TMI, but here goes. It has long been my goal to have my breasts stick out more than my stomach when I turn sideways in the mirror, you know? And I've always judged my weight loss by that visual measurement. And...get out the trumpets...the bra makes the difference! Even though I've put on weight, the new...er...position of my breasts makes me look about 10lbs thinner than I actually am.

We get so used to the status quo that we sometimes don't realize it not only doesn't have to be that way, but that that way looks dumpy, saggy, and frumpy. Not me anymore, baby. Perky...is how you can describe me now. LOL

So don't walk, girls, RUN to the store and replace those bras if they aren't doing what they COULD for you.

[Dia Minha]

E, Oprah has done a show on this very thing a couple of times and has said that a good bra does just that. I wouldn't be to worried about going up a size. On the show they said like 90% of woman were wearing the wrong size bra and the majority of those are too small.

It's awesome that such a "little" thing can make you feel so much better about yourself. I have done my measurements and I measure a 34 DD. The problem is most stores do not carry a DD in that small of band. I have to buy the bigger bands and take them in. I have been able to do pretty good so far, but maybe if I branch out a bit I can find one that will fit without any "mending".

Enjoy your "new" shape.