My physical therapist just told me that he thinks I have mild separated left shoulder at the acriomioclavicular joint. So basically, my ligaments are loose all over the place, which causes muscular problems, but the point is that I REALLY notice a WHOLE LOT more pain and difficulties if I’m wearing a bra with a thin strap. This is probably because the pressure is over one point rather than being diffused across the shoulder, I guess, but for whatever reason, it sure does happen.
My question is, does anyone know of specific bras or brands or types that have very broad shoulder straps? Maybe some kind of camisole with a bra built into it?? Some kind of sports bra? Is there such a thing as a strapless bra that actually has ANY support? What about a website that might have more info? I wear a 38C now (used to be larger before losing weight,) so I don’t need industrial strength support, but OTOH there definitely does have to be a reasonable amount. All suggestions appreciated!
I have a similar problem with my shoulder and thin-strap bras. A lot of bras made for “full figures” have wide straps. I like the Dream Tisha (it’s Oprah’s favorite bra ). The straps are about 1 1/2 inches wide and padded. Also, Goddess tends to have wide straps. I have the Splendid Florals Soft Cup Bra, which also has 1 1/2 inch wide straps, but they are not padded. This bra is more of the “Torpedo Tits” variety, but my husband likes it.
I tried to edit my reply to add this, but it didn’t work. I’ve also had success with front-closure racerback-style bras, even if they don’t have wide straps. They must put the pressure on a spot that doesn’t aggravate the injury on me. You might give those a try.
This page at One Hanes Place has a line they call gel comfort bras, about 2/3 of the way down. You’ll probably even be able to find them in some stores, especially if you have a Leggs outlet store near you.
Well, that’s why I was wondering if there IS such a thing that has ANYTHING resembling actual support. If so, I agree, it would be ideal. Even wide straps can be problematic. But the only strapless bras or… bra-type-thingies… I’ve ever seen are either a.) really only going to work for size A cups or b.) meant to be worn for very brief amounts of time and then taken off. Which is all very nice and everything, but I need something I can actually WEAR IN PUBLIC. I wouldn’t expect a strapless to double as a sports bra, but is there one that has ANY reasonable amount of support at all? Does anyone know? (Thanks for the advice so far, btw!)
Acutally yes: I have one (Cabernet brand, style 50681 according to the tag, $34) that passes the ‘shock absorber test[sup]*[/sup]’ nicely. In fact, it did better than some of the so-called sport bras I’ve tried on! (I’m about a DD cup, btw.) I wore it all day once, to see how well it would hold up and I believe I only needed to tug it about a bit maybe twice. Accordingly, the fit is on the tight side: it feels a little more like a corset or a bodice than a bra.
It’s a bit industrial looking, with two pieces of boning (plastic?) in each cup, and one bit of boning closer to the armpit. But the cups are covered with a nice non-scratchy lace and there’s a small decorative ribbon with a bead in the middle at the top of the underwire so it’s not completely ugly, just not the nicest looking bra around. There are removable straps that come with it, but I haven’t bothered using them.
You’ll probably be able to find a similar one at a place that carries ‘specialty’ bras, especially a store that caters to wedding and formal wear.
[sup]*[/sup]Shock absorber test: bounce up into the air, completely leaving the ground, once. When you land, see how much longer your chest keeps on moving and how much it moves. Also good to see if it’s going to slide down easily.
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I’ve never tried them, but I know they make bra-strap cushions for fuller-figured ladies to slide under their bra-straps, for exactly the reason you mentioned. A quick search brings up this and this .
Champion has this , with straps that widen as they go over the shoulder, and allegedly contain gel.
Ready to laugh a bit? You could try this or this . If the second one is like mine, it has straps that widen considerably as they go over the shoulder. And if you suddenly needed to nurse a baby, you’d be all set.
And yes, corset/bustier styles are extremely supportive, since they don’t just wrap around you, but rest on your hips, so they stay up. An acquaintance who does SCA type stuff says a corset is also an excellent back brace, too!
I’ll second the recommendation for Decent Exposures. I lived in their bras for years - they ruin you for any other kind, comfort-wise. They make them in any size you can think of. They have a couple of different fabrics including a cotton-spandex bra which, when made in double-thickness, gives fairly decent support (though I admit, you’ll never get the same level of “perky” as with a well-fitting underwire or even soft-cup traditional bra).
Plus - for a fee, they will customize the bras. Need a front-opening? no problem. Need the straps a bit longer or shorter? no problem. Want it in purple? no problem.
Are they pretty? well, no. Are they comfy? HELL yes.
I will, however, comment that it is possible to put your bra on backwards by mistake, and take a second or two to realize it
I spent several years in a corset for RenFaire and SCA - some people like them - I find them very restricting and uncomfortable. A good fit is essential, I know a number of women with scars from their stays. However, if you are starting with back problems to begin with, going for the corset/bustier may be a good bet. Bras, corsets, bustiers and the like are one of those things where every individual is going to be unique - I can’t stand sports bras, they put too much stress on my back and neck, while other people love them because they relieve stress from the back and neck.