Demi bras don’t offer that much support. They would have to change the design. Although, Chantelle offers beautiful demi bras in 38DD. You may have to get a back extender (Fashion Forms). Check out www.chantelle.com and look at the Maestria collection and Eros collection. I can’t think of another brand that offers a sexy demi in a 40DD. I will get back to you if I can find one. Chantelle goes D, E, F, G instead if D, DD, DDD, DDDD. So a DD is equivelant to an E.
How come 34C is such a hard size to find? I see lots of 34Bs and plenty of 36 and up Cs, but it’s hell for me to find 34Cs when I’m looking to buy a bra.
34 & 36 C’s are the cost common sizes in America today. They sell fast and often stores sell out of them. Although, all systems are on a replensihment system. When they sell one the system recognizes that and sends more out. Replenishment orders are usually sent out every 2 weeks. You can have them put one of hold for you when they come in or you can special order what you want. The most common size used to be 34B just a few years ago, we are getting bigger.
Thank you very much Stomp and welcome. How did you find your way to us?
The last time I found bras I liked were at an outlet store in Vegas at Bali, my favorite brand.
I bought six of the darn things. And they weren’t much more than 30 bucks each, I think it was a buy 3 get 1 free thing. They were sturdy comfortable and didn’t have that seam running in the front that made you look like you had torpedoes on your chest.
Why are bras so darned expensive? They are just tiny snippets of cloth and some wire!!! Bali manages to make theirs at a reasonable price, so why can’t the other brands? Better yet, why can’t the brands that ARE reasonable in price provide more sensible sizes? I can find tons of wellmade bras that are a decent price, just not a reasonable size. This “big cup size must equal big ribcage size” or worse, if it’s an “unusual” size we must charge a BIG pricetag mentality is ridiculous. Since you’re “in the know” maybe you can start braining these idjits over the head and letting them know “WE ARE NOT HAPPY”!!! 
I don’t even necessarily insist upon a “superior” fit, just a fit would be nice. None of the stores or brands you mention are sold in Alaska, not even at Nordies. My mom and I are the same size, trust me we’ve been on many a doomed bra hunting expidition. We usually end up buying the cup size and then I have to break out the sewing machine and take in the sides.
I always handwash mine, (not because I knew machine washing was bad, but because I like the scented soaps:)).
Hey, just thought of one. You say we are getting bigger. What you you say that is a result of: more implants, getting bigger as a people, getting fatter as a people, or some combo.
By the by I’m a guy. I think the local brassire bazzar (they really should open a store called that) would be a bit off-set if I took my A cups in for a measure. 
What’s involved in a fitting? I always had visions of having to get topless in the middle of a department store.
<bowm chicka bowm bowm ooooh>
Stop that music! Not like that!
Seriously, I’d like to know. I’ve started working out and I think the gals may need a differently sized house.
My bras always feel like they’re too far across my shoulders and I am constantly adjusting them. They also frequently feel like they’re pulling down in the front, and I’m not sure why, because there seems to be no actual shifting going on. Am I wearing the wrong size or do I need to find a different style or adjust the straps or what?
I’m trying to put together a new bellydance costume and I’m going with the standard Hollywood look. I’m building my own outfit. Remember those ads that used to talk about lift-and-separate? I need the opposite. I’ve never managed to achieve cleavage as I’m just too widely spaced. Is there a way to harness the team together, so to speak?
Which is actually better for support, underwire or not? Does it depend on the body shape or size?
Hennadancer
Don’t wear one.
Hennadancer: Duct Tape.
I registered to straight dope months ago through my e-amil, it wasn’t until yesterday that I joined the message board. I’m addicted now.
Many stores in vegas offer small band sizes and larger cup sizes. Goes with the terrotory. lol. Bali is one brand that is fair priced and they do have many different styles. Maybe you can find their website on-line and find a location near you. Nordstrom in Alaska carries Chantelle. They have a Chantelle representative up their, her name is Barb W. If you ask a sales associate she can set up a date for you to be fit by Barb. The reason why bras are so expensive is because of the craftmanship and the materials used. Also, if it an import it is going to cost more. I guess they figure that bras are a necessity and many company hike the prices due to that. Once a customer tries on a bra that is perfect for them often times price is not an issue. Most of the bras I am familiar with don't charge more for larger sizes. From what I can remember Goddess and Olga are a fair price but you will probaly have to buy on-line. I will do some research and get back to soon.
Americans are getting fatter...sad but true, we consume more than we need to survive. Sure implants have something to do with it as well. My corporate offices in Paris think we are crazy over here. Strange requests for sizes and colors. Europeans prefer vibrant colors and we are more conservative and go for nude's and skin tones. Sometimes it is an uncomfortable feeling fitting a man but noone can refuse you service.
It is important to get fit after a change in your body, weight loss or gain. When going in for a fitting you do not need to go topless. The person fitting you will do it over your bra. She will measure under your breast for the band measurement and then around the fullest point of your bust. You do not have to change bras infront of her. She will knock and ask if it o.k. to come in and take a look when you are ready. If she stays in the room just turn your back to her and put your bra on. She will help you fasten it in the back, then you can turn around. She will show you why and why not it is fitting and tell you which styles are best for you. She will adjust the straps for you and the back and might adjust the cup so it is sitting on you properly. Many women get completly naked and thats o.k. too. I have mande a career out of looking at womens breasts, their is nothing I haven't seen and I am very comfortable in the fitting room. Your fitter will be the same. You can try on bottoms also, just remember to keep your own panties on for sanitary reasons.I hate, hate, hate bra shopping! I’m willing to spend money on a good fitting bra, but apparently “good fitting” and “bra” are words that were never meant to go together.
I always get measured before I shop for my 34/36 Ds, but full coverage bras always pucker at the top of the cup and semi demis always create spillage.
Help me Stomp! What should I be looking for? I’m a short woman - does that affect how bras fit?
Their are bras designed to pull you out from under the arms. It is called the “sling treatment”. A 3 piece cup where the piece of material on the outer far side of the cup is a rigid fabric holding you forward. They also feature a little bone on the side under the arms called a “stay”, this will keep the bra in place so that you don’t shift. Their is a seam going horizontal across the cup so that the lower half of the cup will lift you and provide plenty of support. They are generally an “illusion cup” which meand that the upper half of the cup is sheer and sexy showing skin so that the bra does not look so big. Check out my companys website, an example of a 3 piece bra is the Amazone. It will give you an idea for your costume. You can find support in both wire and underwire bras.
Stomp, what would you consider a (very) challenging request? In other words, what kind of case would put your skills and expertise really to the test?
Just curious…
How come I never thought of this?! :smack:
What is the best way to wash/care for a bra? Rinse everyday? Every other day? Wash everydaY? etc?
Meanoldlady,
Their is a Chantelle rep in your area. Her name is Sally Anguiano. You can request to meet with her for a fitting at your local dept. store.Err, how much is this gonna run me? :dubious:
JayElle,
If you are going to try a demi maybe you should try going up in the cup size. Otherwise, I would try a 2 piece cup with a horizontal transversal seam or a rounded transversal seam. Something with a strong and ridgid material on the bottom half of the cup to lift you and provide support. Their is a new microfiber material that when you put the bra on your body temperature will heat up the material and it will mold around the bust. So once you have the bra on leave it on for a few minutes and often times the puckering will go away. The material is a blend of lycra nd microfiber and was designed by Dupont of Nemours. Height will not make a difference in the fit of the bra.A women who has implants and wants to look smaller is a challenge for me. I get this often and a minimizer just will not do, there is no where for them to go. I get some strange requests.