# Bras suck for women of size. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 18, 2010, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499 "2010-04-18T01:16:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![breaking-reality](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a8b319/32.png) [@breaking-reality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/breaking-reality)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/41 "2010-04-18T17:02:16Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > Off-topic, but I’ve got a similar issue with “woman’s sizes” or stores that use the word “woman” in the name to hint at larger sizes, such as Dress Barn Woman. To me, it implies that if a woman doesn’t wear woman’s sizes, she’s not a woman. Same thing with the phrase “real woman” used to reference large women; if a woman isn’t a size 14 or larger, she’s “fake” and needs to eat a sammich. This made me giggle. I think those phrases are meant to make us bigger girls feel better about the fact that we need to eat a few less sammiches. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/42 "2010-04-18T17:39:04Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > Okay. As long as you feel the same way about women “of color”. Because using the same logic, that’s a dumbass phrase, since I, while Caucasian, am certainly not colorless. In fact, my skin is all kinds of colors, ranging from pale beige to pink to red to purple in certain areas. What’s more, there are women who are “of color” in terms of their DNA, while being no more “of color” to the eye than I am, even less so. > > But if you accept “of color” to describe women of non-white ethnicity, then I think you gotta accept “of size” to describe women of “non-thin” body size and shape. I do hate that phrase, but didn’t mention it because no one else had. I’m glad I have your permission to dislike meaningless politically-correct terms. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/43 "2010-04-18T18:09:43Z")
> [@NinjaChick](#): > > I do hate that phrase, but didn’t mention it because no one else had. I’m glad I have your permission to dislike meaningless politically-correct terms. Always. The only thing I ever ask is consistency. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/44 "2010-04-18T19:27:28Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > This. I’d be happy to cup your tits while you go about your business. Great, I run about four - five miles an hour for thirty minutes three times a week at 5am. You’ll have to manage to cup my tits, keep up with me and not get in my way. Not sure how you are going to be able to manage that, I suspect it will be more uncomfortable for both of us than if I just wear that damn bra. I should also warn you that I’m pretty chesty, you’ll be supporting about ten pounds of boob while you try and keep me supported and keep up with me. :rolleyes: Extenders can usually be found at maternity shops as well. ---
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/45 "2010-04-18T22:20:01Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > It’s kind of odd that nobody markets back-band extenders… The problem with back-band extenders is that they throw off all of the geometry of a bra. They change where and how the cups lay, especially if the cups are molded at all, and thus change the support value of the bra. If you’ve got a moderate bust, extending the band can make a bra that used to make you look good all but worthless. > [@breaking-reality](#): > > This made me giggle. I think those phrases are meant to make us bigger girls feel better about the fact that we need to eat a few less sammiches. 😛 No, it’s a nod to the fact that sizing in the fashion industry has always been “juniors” “petities” “ladies” and “womens” and it’s not just\* size\* but cut that’s in question. Deeper rise in trousers, deeper pockets, wider neckbands, shifted shoulder angles, shifted armhole construction, that’s the difference between juniors/ladies, petites/ladies and ladies/womens, respectively. If you laid a ladies 14 on top of a womens 14, even though they’re the “same” size, they should be appreciably differently cut garments. > [@NinjaChick](#): > > I do hate that phrase, but didn’t mention it because no one else had. I’m glad I have your permission to dislike meaningless politically-correct terms. And meanwhile, where do people of color and/or people of size apply for your permission to identify ourselves however we want? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/46 "2010-04-18T22:26:44Z")
Wow, people are grouchy today. _group hug_ ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/47 "2010-04-18T23:55:05Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > Wow, people are grouchy today. > > _group hug_ Maybe people would be less grouchy if their bras fit properly. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/48 "2010-04-19T00:01:03Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > You dont’ know how to shop. I see under $20 bras of exactly the sort I’d like all the time, especially on Ebay. But not even close to my size. So I went into the bakery and asked how much a loaf of rye bread was. The baker said “5 dollars.” I said “the bakery across the street sells rye bread for 3 dollars!” The baker said “Why don’t you buy it there, then?” I said “they’re out of rye bread.” The baker said “well, when we’re out of rye bread, we sell it for 3 dollars too.” ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/49 "2010-04-19T00:24:17Z")
> [@pbbth](#): > > Maybe people would be less grouchy if their bras fit properly. 😛 Where’s [Otto Titsling](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqxWhBZXF8Q) when you need him? ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/50 "2010-04-19T01:36:51Z")
> [@Dangerosa](#): > > Great, I run about four - five miles an hour for thirty minutes three times a week at 5am. You’ll have to manage to cup my tits, keep up with me and not get in my way. Not sure how you are going to be able to manage that, I suspect it will be more uncomfortable for both of us than if I just wear that damn bra. I should also warn you that I’m pretty chesty, you’ll be supporting about ten pounds of boob while you try and keep me supported and keep up with me. :rolleyes: You’ll either slow down to keep pace with _me_ or you’ll be flappin’ in the wind. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/51 "2010-04-19T03:08:44Z")
Guys, could you excuse us please? The ladies are talking in here. kthxbai. Ahem. Now that that’s taken care of . . . that enell bra looks a lot like the “Serious Motion Control” that I used to get from Junonia. I haven’t seen it for several years which sucked because it was the ONLY bra that could keep these puppies in check. It never fit perfectly, but it did allow me to go jogging without blackening my eyes. (Ba-dum-boom.) (No pun intended.) Ahem. The sizing indicates that I’d have to custom order, and right now all my money is dedicated to the custody fight, but I will be trying both that and the Decent Exposures sites when life gets simpler. Here’s another place I’ve had a lot of luck finding my size: [www.amplebosom.com](http://www.amplebosom.com) also, to a lesser extent [www.herroom.com](http://www.herroom.com). I basically love any site which allows me to search the merchandise by size. What a relief! ! ! It really sucks that I’m forced to order certain styles/sizes from Amplebosom in England, to get products that are made here in the US. But there it is, waddaya gonna do? I can’t find a US retailer for some of them. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/52 "2010-04-19T04:58:03Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > Off-topic, but I’ve got a similar issue with “woman’s sizes” or stores that use the word “woman” in the name to hint at larger sizes, such as Dress Barn Woman. To me, it implies that if a woman doesn’t wear woman’s sizes, she’s not a woman. Same thing with the phrase “real woman” used to reference large women; if a woman isn’t a size 14 or larger, she’s “fake” and needs to eat a sammich. No. The real problem is that no place that sells dresses to women ought to have the word \*barn \*in its name. ---
**Author:** ![rhubarbarin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rhubarbarin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhubarbarin)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/53 "2010-04-19T13:32:49Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > Newsflash for people who have newsflashes for bra manufacturers: It’s impossible for bra makers to design bras for ever conceivable body type. The only way to ensure profit is to make bras that match most women. There are sizes out there from 28AA to 42M (or larger), and the vast majority of women can find something which fits perfectly (which also depends on the styles in the brand) in a small size range, if only they can find it. The problem is that bras in sizes out of the 32A-36DD norm are not widely available, even in Britain where most brands that have a decent size range are based. Because it’s more cost-effective to carry a very limited range, and have women stuff themselves into something that approximates a decent fit. Often this is extremely uncomfortable. Anyway, I am now wearing 28Cs unstead of the 32As which poked, chafed, and usually didn’t fit quite right -and it’s been wonderful. I’m able to get them at good prices these days ordering online and on ebay, but only because I’ve become familiar enough with the brands that carry my size and the styles that tend to work well for me that I know what I order will fit. The best advice I ever got was to wear a band that is very close to your actual ribcage measurement - how close depends on the brand and your personal comfort level. None of this ‘add 5 inches’ nonsense, that’s dated. Bra bands need to be snug to provide support, and the right band size will ensure that the cups are spaced properly for your frame. Cup size, and style, is more trial and error. There is no equation which will provide anything more than a rough estimate of your size range. ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/54 "2010-04-19T14:04:26Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > (My new favorite way of saying I’m fat.) > > Newsflash for bra manufacturers: not all women with big bands need big cups\*. Not all women who need big bras want them to be big everywhere: I just want to keep my tits from whacking me in the face or resting on my knees when I sit, there’s no need to harnass them up like they are going to carry me to an Iditerod victory.\ > > Oh, and I’d like to spend less than $20. First of all, unless you’re an A cup, how do you _not_ need an underwire? Sure if it’s a cheap one it’ll poke ya, but you get what you pay for. Secondly, where the _hell_ are you finding new bras under $20? Wal-Mart and Ebay don’t count, for reasons which should be obvious. I’ve been to l’eggs/hanes/bali/playtext outlets, and you’d be hard pressed to find anything other than a teenager’s bra for under $20. And that shit is at an _outlet_! > [@pbbth](#): > > Get on the Lane Bryant mailing list so you know when their bra sales are coming up. As far as sizing I would recommend trying several different styles of bras. My breasts fit beautifully in a plunge cut bra but a balconette bra won’t ever fit me no matter what size it is. Next time you buy a bra try your size in every single style until you find one that fits you comfortably and then buy them in bulk when they are on sale. Best advice yet. ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/55 "2010-04-19T14:09:30Z")
I don’t think any woman has an easy time finding bras. I am a 34DD (or F depending on the brand) and those are hard to find. I especially just cram them in if I need a sports bra. The big key that I have found is to shop until you have found the right one, buy every one they have (regardless of price) and then take care of them. A 60 or 70 (or 100) dollar bra can last for years. They don’t stretch like the cheap ones. However, don’t put them in the dryer (ack!, I know so many women who do this!) and for the really pricey ones, you will have to hand wash them. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/56 "2010-04-19T14:36:41Z")
**perfectparanoia** :[A related video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU6J4TopBy8) as to why we don’t put bras in dryers. I buy bras in a variety of sizes, as it seems like every six months or so, I am a different size along a narrow range (36D-38DD, but lately I’m either a 36DD or 38DD). Sometimes I’ll spend the extra money and get an expensive bra, and sometimes I’ll get something cheaper, but I’ve never paid less than $30 for a decent fitting bra unless it was on clearance. I also agree with **pbbth** that you have to try on a variety of styles in addition to a variety of sizes; I can’t wear plunge bras (the boobies try to escape in the most inconvenient and embarrassing way possible) or balconette styles (instant quadraboob or way too much room in the cup), but demis and full coverage bras work better. Underwires are optional for me, but then again, even at my size, so are bras in general. I just take my time and hope I’ll come out with something that works and fits well; if it doesn’t work after taking it home, I return it. (This has happened on more than one occasion with cheap and expensive bras alike.) ---
**Author:** ![Martiju](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@Martiju](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martiju)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/57 "2010-04-19T14:43:44Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Guys, could you excuse us please? I think you mean ‘boys’… ---
**Author:** ![Vihaga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Vihaga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vihaga)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/58 "2010-04-19T15:07:50Z")
The bra fight sucks for everyone. The thing I hate the most about it is that when you do finally find the holy grail of bras, the bra you can wear for 20 hours and not be sore, or flapping, or find that the shoulder straps have adjusted themselves, or that you’ve got quad-boob if you bend over, is that, in my experience, I’ve got maybe two or three years of bra goodness until the style I like is discontinued. I’m in between styles right now, having gone through three discontinued lines in the last 12 years or so. I’d just stock up for the rest of my life, but if my weight changes (or doesn’t- I started going to the gym, haven’t changed in actual weight, but my band size is looser than it was, but the cups haven’t changed), then the ones I have might not even work for me in a smaller size. At this point, I just accept that I’m going to try on everything in the store when I go bra-shopping. ---
**Author:** ![Palo\_Verde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/59 "2010-04-19T16:30:45Z")
I found some bras that I LOVE several years ago. They fit, I liked the material, the style, were easy to fasten, etc. So naturally they discontinued them immediately. I’ve been wearing them ever since and they are starting to get worn out and icky. But I’ve tried several others and they are all uncomfortable! Why oh why is it so difficult to find a comfortable, well fitting bra??? ---
**Author:** ![ThirdOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@ThirdOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThirdOne)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499/60 "2010-04-19T17:15:07Z")
Underwire is not good for the body. I used to wear that style. They squash the hell out of your lymph glands that are around the bust area. That is not good for them. I even asked my dr. if any research had been done into causing or contributing to breast cancer. I believe they’re looking into that. No, all women do not need underwire bras. And, since I had cancer (non-invasive, but still), I absolutely refuse to even consider them. I’m currently wearing a pull-over sport bra that has seen better days, but until I find a non-underwire bra that fits properly, I’d rather have a slightly saggy profile. It’s really a shame there isn’t a better design for holding our boobs in check without causing pain and general discomfort. Who decided we need to wear torture devices anyway? ;p I am having a tough time finding a bra that doesn’t have underwires and isn’t so bulky. I’m short and the space between my bust and my waist is small, so those really wide bands just don’t work for me. I also can’t take 2 inch wide straps and who the hell decided to put the adjusting part on the back of the strap? Honestly, the only way I found to make the straps fit properly is taking off the bra, adjusting the strap and putting it back on. What a pain that is. I wish they’d go back to having it in front. Why yes, I am a “plus size” woman, so I need a wide band and generous cups. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bras-suck-for-women-of-size/536499.md?page=4)