# Busty Ladies! Help me with this Lingerie Conundrum **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 29, 2004, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768 "2004-06-29T21:17:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2004, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/1 "2004-06-29T21:17:17Z")
I have…um…ample breasts. 38 DD. In fact, my buxomness leads to all sorts of lingerie-related frustrations. There’s a 13 inch difference between my waist and bust measurement, so anytime I try to buy lingerie, it’s a living nightmare. I’d rather just go naked, but sometimes occasion merits frillyness with maribou trim and lace. I’d specifically like a nice babydoll with a fitting bra up top for support, with the little fluttery skirt attached. Every time I try to buy one, though I can either get one that fits in the boobs, but the skirt droops down to my mid-thigh and the matching panties are too big OR I can get one with panties that fit and a proper skirt, but my breasts overflow the whole thing and threaten to suffocate me. ``` I need to find a lingerie store (online, please) that will sell cutesy stuff by bra size instead of S-M-L-XL. It'd be nice if they sold the panties separate, too, so I could get a set that fits instead of buying two sets to cobble into one little number that fits. These boobs call for something up in the "X" category, but then no other part of it fits! ``` Take pity on me. Is there anywhere I can get what I want? Or am I doomed to wander the earth in poorly fitting frillies? FB ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_the_Impaler)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2004, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/2 "2004-06-29T21:32:33Z")
Howdy, **FaerieBeth**. I can’t remember the name of the brand that immediately comes to mind… However, I recommend posting something on the message boards here. This is a message board for women who are getting a breast reduction/augmentation and other breast-related issues. Now, I know that’s not what you’re looking for, but, trust me, I spent a lot of time there before my reduction, and if someone there can’t answer your question they’ll know someone who can! Good luck (and I feel your pain! Er, at least I used to!). ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2004, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/3 "2004-06-29T22:07:14Z")
> [@niblet\_head](#): > > Good luck (and I feel your pain! Er, at least I used to!). Thanks, **niblet\_head**. I’ve registered there, and they have some links to great sites for Bras…pretty ones, too. I plan on shopping for some soon, but no lingerie other than a few Merry Widows :: sigh :: I suppose I am doomed. Unless I get them sucked down to normal. I’m afraid to do that, though. (Is actually a great big chicken “bawk, bawk”) FB ---
**Author:** ![Rufus\_Xavier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@Rufus\_Xavier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rufus_Xavier)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2004, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/4 "2004-06-29T23:22:42Z")
Let me be the first (or so) to say: how _you_ doin’? and: my natural skepticism demands satisfaction. Please provide a link to a photo of yourself in lingerie so that I can fully visualize the problem you are having. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/5 "2004-06-30T01:47:39Z")
Ah a fellow Monroe-esque type girl. I hate this problem, I’m a 34 DDD (32 if I weren’t so fat at the moment), also with a 13 inch diff between waist and hips. I once had to buy a size 0 skirt, because the waists on the other sizes were too big. The hip part of the skirt flared out, so that part wasn’t an issue. At any rate, some lingerie places will allow you to “mix and match”. Otherwise, you may have to learn to sew. Or, you can take in the waist. That’s what I have to do with bras. Rarely does a triple D come in smaller than a size 38 band. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/6 "2004-06-30T02:24:07Z")
There are couple things you should do. First, make sure you have the right bra size. Look for a store that specializes in fitting mastectomy survivors. They almost always also carry large cup size bras. You can find your real cup size by measuring your chest size just above where your breasts begin to rise, then, witha bra on, measure directly over the nipple. Subtract the smaller from the larger. (If the second is the smaller, you’re in the wrong thread.) The difference will indicate you cup size. I’ll go find the breakdown, but the sales people at the titty store will measure the same way. When I was in a size 3 pants I wore a 32 DDD, and always spilled. I had occasion to help a friend through her “refit” after mastectomy. We when to Catherine’s in Ballard (Seattle) While she was having her fitting, I told another sales person my painful tale. She measured and fit me and I left with a size 32 LL! :eek: It was the first bra I’d ever worn that didn’t ride up, cut in or otherwise torture me! I wore it to tatters. The large cup sizes are quite expensive, but worth every penny! _Then_ Check [Frederick’s of Hollywood](http://www.fredericks.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=Holiday2002&category%5Fname=Plus+Size&Page=1) for some frilly little somethings. They carry sizes for us; the Rubensque beauties we are. Good Luck 😉 ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/7 "2004-06-30T02:26:12Z")
> [@CanvasShoes](#): > > Ah a fellow Monroe-esque type girl. I hate this problem, I’m a 34 DDD (32 if I weren’t so fat at the moment), also with a 13 inch diff between waist and hips. > > I once had to buy a size 0 skirt, because the waists on the other sizes were too big. The hip part of the skirt flared out, so that part wasn’t an issue. > > At any rate, some lingerie places will allow you to “mix and match”. Otherwise, you may have to learn to sew. > > Or, you can take in the waist. That’s what I have to do with bras. Rarely does a triple D come in smaller than a size 38 band. If you are a true DDD Nordstrom’s has always carried DDD down to 32. Not many, but they will also special order. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/8 "2004-06-30T02:45:54Z")
> [@picunurse](#): > > If you are a true DDD Nordstrom’s has always carried DDD down to 32. Not many, but they will also special order. Oh, yeah, sorry I forgot to mention, I’m allergic to paying 60 bucks for ONE bra :D, and that I used to live in Anchorage, Alaska. Not a great lingerie selection in the stores there. Not even the specialty stores. We had a Nordstrom, but it was mega expensive. About 60 for the bra, and yeah, they DID charge for the ordering and shipping too. Since I’ve moved to the states, I’ve managed to find a great outlet store for Bali (my fave, the most supportive and comfy, and they occasionally manage to make pretty ones too), they DO occasionally carry the 34 DDDs and I just buy a bunch when they’re in stock. But to just walk in to a normal lingerie store, especially to find pretty and reasonably priced bras, it’s pretty rare. Unless as you say, you special order. And that’s big bucks. Once, when on a trip to New Orleans, I tried on a merry widow. Once that sales lady had me laced up and I mean UP. I turned to face the mirror, and almost passed out from shock. I looked like the prow of the QEII!!! I said “Oh my God, no WAY” To which the sales lady replied “oh, it’s just that you’re not used to seeing yourself this way”. I replied “no, I’m not used to looking like the front end of a 1949 Buick!”. Needless to say, I didn’t buy the garment. Sad too, because they DO make your waist look so tiny and cool. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Nightsong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nightsong/32/3083_2.png) [@Nightsong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightsong)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/9 "2004-06-30T03:21:46Z")
This was a site I bookmarked eons ago: I spotted it in a thread here, acutally. [http://www.bravissimo.com/home.html](http://www.bravissimo.com/home.html) I have yet to order from them, but so far as I know you can order most (if not all) of the sets seperate. They always seem to have a very good array of sizes (they have a 28F for crying out loud!), and they’re now carrying shirts that are supposed be more tailored for us _ahem_ amply endowed sorts. However, I have yet to see a baby-doll style on their site. * * * \<\< Now that the deadline’s past, can I please have the spec? \> ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/10 "2004-06-30T04:43:31Z")
Well, I’ve been to Frederick’s and Bravissimo. They both have some nice stuff! I’ve still not found the “perfect” babydoll, but (BUT!) I think I can make one! Yes, that’s right. **CanvasShoes** ’ comment about sewing reminded me that I do have a machine with thread and needles! I can buy a pretty bra…and then buy some matching panties, and sew a cutesy little frilly split-skirt around the bottom of the bra. Add bows and lace. Voilà! I may actually go back to Frederick’s tonight! They had the nicest red satin sleeping chemise. All fluttery and RED…maybe with some red marabou trimmed slippers, white stockings… Anyway, yes, we Rubenesque ( I so like that-even better than voluptuous) ladies need to band together and overthrow the commercial lingerie industry. I tire of hitching up my breasts under backless evening gowns with clear packing tape. I’m surprised **Draelin** hasn’t shown up to commiserate. In the past, we have often plotted such and overthrow. I ramble. Apologies. FB ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/11 "2004-06-30T04:45:04Z")
> [@Rufus Xavier](#): > > Let me be the first (or so) to say: how _you_ doin’? > > and: my natural skepticism demands satisfaction. Please provide a link to a photo of yourself in lingerie so that I can fully visualize the problem you are having. > > 😉 Oh, and **Rufus** , if I were just a little more brazen, I would 😉 FB ---
**Author:** ![LordVor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90ced4/32.png) [@LordVor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordVor)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/12 "2004-06-30T05:15:28Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > I can get one with panties that fit and a proper skirt, but my breasts overflow the whole thing and threaten to suffocate me. Speaking as a male, I don’t see the problem with that option. Does your SO get a vote, or are you looking simply for a private-frilly-moment garment? -lv ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/13 "2004-06-30T10:42:52Z")
Any chance you have a friend that has the opposite dilemma? If so maybe a split on the cost would work? ---
**Author:** ![lee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lee/32/7455_2.png) [@lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lee)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/14 "2004-06-30T11:37:07Z")
Frederick’s of Hollywood sometimes has items for the busty woman. Personally, I prefer true babydoll pajamas which do not have fitted bra cups. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/15 "2004-06-30T12:01:48Z")
I can’t find the post, but we had/have a doper here that is a bra fitting specialist who did the " Ask the Bra Fitter" thread awhile ago. I cannot remember her name, becdaue in mymind I refered to her as _Hello titty_.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Shade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@Shade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shade)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/16 "2004-06-30T12:34:54Z")
> [@niblet\_head](#): > > Good luck (and I feel your pain! Er, at least I used to!). However, I feel it would be innapropriate for _me_ to feel your pain until I know you much better. ---
**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/17 "2004-06-30T14:39:58Z")
> [@LordVor](#): > > Speaking as a male, I don’t see the problem with that option. Does your SO get a vote, or are you looking simply for a private-frilly-moment garment? > > -lv I think it should be clear by now that her SO (that would be the luck I) does not get a vote. I am very content to see her in anything (or nothing)…she often browbeats me over what she feels is an unflattering choice on my part for her body type. Thus, I stick to buying sexy shoes and stockings. Can’t really go wrong there, and satisfies my particular fetish. And **Rufus** - we could probably work something out, but then I’d have to gouge your eyes out and cut off your tongue. Though, to be fair, it would be worth it. She’s magnificent. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/18 "2004-06-30T15:06:16Z")
> [@duffer](#): > > Any chance you have a friend that has the opposite dilemma? If so maybe a split on the cost would work? This strikes me as hilarious, but I don’t know why. Seriously, I don’t know that I have anyone in my circle of friends with whom I would feel comfortable doing this. Plus, I don’t know anyone who would be a match for the description- Really, really ample rear and small/average breasts. > [@LordVor](#): > > Speaking as a male, I don’t see the problem with that option. Does your SO get a vote, or are you looking simply for a private-frilly-moment garment? He’s get a vote on final purchases, he’s just notoriously bad at picking something that would flatter my body type. That flimsy, filmy mesh stuff as a bra cup? Nun-uh. I would completely pop the seams on that. Honestly it just about takes laces and steel boning to keep them under control, and while those are nice, I prefer not to dress like a cinched up dominatrix all the time. I see your point, **LordVor**. If I’m dressing for him, why should it matter as long as he’s happy? I just can’t let go of my body image, I guess. Fluffy boobs bursting from the seams may be attractive to some men, but in my mind I still have the initial gut reaction of “I’m too fluffy! Yuk!” ---
**Author:** ![Algernon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a183cd/32.png) [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/19 "2004-06-30T15:11:32Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > I suppose I am doomed. Unless I get them sucked down to normal. I’m afraid to do that, though. My wife just had breast reduction surgery. She is thrilled with the results. Unfortunately it was expensive because insurance didn’t cover as much as I would’ve liked. ---
**Author:** ![Rufus\_Xavier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@Rufus\_Xavier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rufus_Xavier)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768/20 "2004-06-30T15:29:43Z")
> [@Stonebow](#): > > And **Rufus** - we could probably work something out, but then I’d have to gouge your eyes out and cut off your tongue. Though, to be fair, it would be worth it. She’s magnificent. Oh, well, as long as it’s worth it…you may gouge and cut at will. Might as well burn off my ears with a blowtorch, too. May I be dipped in molten glass, as well? 😉 Of course I feel like an utter slimeball for flirting, I don’t know what came over me. I’m a happily married man with two kids, for Og’s sake! There’s just something about Rubenesque women that gets my attention…I can’t quite put my finger on it…Anyway, I’ve always wanted to be the first dweeb to post a ‘how _you_ doin’? in a thread that was just asking for one. Now I can die a happy man (albeit an eyeless, tongueless and earless one). And just so this thread isn’t completely hijacked, my wife is a 36 DD with a 26-inch waist who has major problems finding lingerie that fits her well, although we did find a couple of nice things at Victoria’s Secret, of all places! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busty-ladies-help-me-with-this-lingerie-conundrum/252768.md?page=2)