Try disliking underwires and having the types of boobs that do NOT do well with full coverage. I have a hard time finding bras that do not cause chafing on my cleavage. Mine are also more to the side than right out in front so wider set (NOT just wider) straps are infinitely more comfortable.
All in all, I’ve been pretty blessed with a nice rack, but I have to say, I have a very difficult time housing them. Heck, when I was pregnant, I ended up just wearing tank tops because no way were they actually going to be rounded up inside a battle/maternity bra and it wasn’t like they were gonna move anyway.
So my checklist for a bra, demi-cup, wireless, wide strapped, unpadded and you know, PRETTY.
I said I avoided them when the would set off the alarm. I don’t wear them anymore when travelling. The machines in Saudi Arabia were set high even before 9/11. I’ve had them go off in Amsterdam, London, Brussels before also. As Broomstick said some underwires are metal and some synthetic.
Went bra shopping just today in fact. Saw lots of 36C’s while looking for my friend’s and my size.
I used to hate underwire, and if the bra fits badly I still do, but I don’t find it as bad now. I hardly notice it at all anymore (except some styles really do poke in the armpit). YOU try finding a 38DD without underwire, it’s quite difficult, so when I got properly fitted and the underwire didn’t bug me… oh I was in heaven.
I was even more in heaven when La Senza started carrying DD’s. Until they did so, I was stuck with the plain white ones from The Bay or Walmart unless I wanted to spend $50+ per bra. It can still be tough finding one in a style and colour I like as not all styles come in that size (or they sell out fast) but I can usually find a few there that I like. Walked out with one today, the last one in that style and colour, and on sale!
Underwires are everywhere though, I noticed that myself and I wish I could easily find some that don’t have them. Easier to lounge around in.
Well, I’ll have to give you that. Although I think there should be some kind of safety warning, like “Wear proper eye protection” or 'Proceed at your own risk"
–I’ve been bra shopping lately and all of the following had plenty of 36Cs: Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Sears, Target. The OP’s problem is that she is shopping at the cheapest places and I have a feeling that Wal-Mart’s customer base is probably a big bigger than the average.
–Since when is Victoria’s Secret an “upscale” lingerie store? Their bras are some of the lowest-quality bras out there. They are very poorly made.
–I’ve been wearing an underwire all of my bra-wearing life. They give the best shape under clothes, and I just don’t feel supported without an underwire (I am a 34C).
–This bra is my favorite bra at the moment. It fits perfectly. It’s too bad it’s so expensive though, but it’s worth it.
–Here’s a non-underwire by Natori that looks really nice. And here are scores of nice wireless options. So there are plenty of wireless bras out there - maybe you should shop online?
Me too. Well, I used to be. Evidently the last weight gain went partially to da goils, so I’m thinkin’ I need a D. I do like the non-wire support, though. Vickie’s Dirty Slutty Trashy Cheap Little Secret has some nifty “t-shirt” bras with the wire alternative support and I’m going to order one today.
Exactly-it may be more expensive, but you get what you pay for.
I’d rather get three good bras from Macy’s than a bunch of cheap ones that won’t last from KrapMart. The bras I bought from there were always flimsy, and the underwires would come out, and then the bra was useless-it wouldn’t offer any support.
My 36Ds are well-supported in bras from these ladies. I know this is a catalog for sports bras, but plenty of the bras Title 9 offers are pretty (granted, in a sort of basic way–you won’t find see-thru fabrics, bows, or embroidery) and work great under a business suit or T-shirt.
Get a friend or your SO to help you get your measurements before you order.
Very true. I’ve seen some of the exact same products at somewhat-lower-end department stores like JCPenney. VS just brings more of them together to the same location and marks up the price.
And if anyone finds the site that Nightsong was posting about, please do share it here.
I’d like to point out that as a machinist, I’m a professional at measuring things to within .0001 of an inch and would be more than happy to offer my services (free of charge) to any ladies who might need help.
I’m sure that there are some exceptions out there of course, but I think underwires are only uncomfortable if you’re not wearing the right size/bra for you (which is quite common). When I try on bras that have a too big or small band or cup, the underwires dig in or poke out uncomfortably. Bras that actually fit have underwires that I don’t even notice.
Try being a 36F/G. There is nothing at Victoria’s Secret, Target, Meijer’s, K-Mart, JC Penney, Kohl’s, etc. Maybe the department stores may have one or two, but they’re the disgusting 5 hook monstrosities. Lane Bryant pisses me off, since they have F and G in their online shop, but only for 38 bands. Then they made a big point of now having 36 bands… but they don’t go up in the cup high enough. Assholes.
I go to a local lingerie shop (Bra-vo!, heh) and get my bras there. I pay out the ass ($50 would be cheap for one bra) but they actually fit. It means I don’t buy bras very often, but they do last. Unfortunately (for bra shopping, I mean!) I’m getting fit and losing weight. I know that when I get closer to my ideal weight, I’ll be a 34F (and if ideal-ideal weight, probably 32F*) and I’ll still need to go to Bra-vo! instead of normal shops.
It’s odd, my boobs seem to shrink proportionally. I might go down to a DDD, but that’s still not bad.
Well, DO forgive me, but between 500 mile car trips to take care of critically ill relatives, the price of gas, other trip costs, my own severe illness earlier this year resulting in an abrupt and significant weight loss and thus change of size, and lack of funds due to all of the above and missing work I find myself short of MONEY with which to buy these nicer bras.
I was making do with what I had, but they are literally falling apart. I HAD TO get something cheap and quick, and fuck if they don’t last forever. WHY is it so impossible to go to a local store and do just that, buy something cheaply and quickly to tide me over for awhile? Yes, you’re all giving reasonably alternatives but am I the only one who sees the unjust stupidity that my husband can go to one of these stores and easily buy a complete wardrobe and I can’t?
And how the goddamn fuck is she supposed to know that sordid story from your OP, which just mentions the underwire in the airport paranoia? I know you said you had a bad day, but fucking Christ, don’t get fucking offended that people offer you good advice for your bra search. :rolleyes:
Broomstick–I don’t think anyone here wants to insult you at all. I’m sorry to hear you’re having a bad time these days. I think all of us (or almost all of us, anyway) know what it’s like to be short of money, time, and peace of mind.
It sucks that the clothing industry is the way it is, and that cheap bras are usually a bad buy. I’d bet that everyone replying to this thread has learned that from experiences very similar to yours. We’re all offering you advice and sympathy here; I really don’t think anyone thinks worse of you for buying a bra at Target.
