Went bra shopping tonight. Feeling traumatized.

[SweetMissMagnolia]

I go to Walmart or Sears. I much prefer to buy a bra in a box and take it home without trying it on. I have my favourite styles so it's all good.

 

:iagree: yep....me too--I have ordered online-WOMAN WITHIN has a nice range of bra sizes/styles that I like......recently tried the AAAAH BRA when I saw it on HSN....not sure if I like it....it swears support no matter your size...I'm a DD and not quite sure I can tell it has enough support--good enough to wear around the house though.....

[silliness7]

I love Nordstroms. They have such knowledgeable sales ladies who help me get just the right fit. (And they have jazz in their restrooms - it's so peaceful to pee to jazz!:D)

 

This is where my sister recommends. I have yet to cough up the money to do so. I had decent luck at Lane Bryant. Not excellent. But I guess you do get what you pay for. I despise bra shopping more than anything. After I lost some weight I took my best fitting bra, ripped the straps, pinned them up way higher than I could have adjusted it and sewed it down permanently. It's the best bra I've ever had, lifts, separates, and doesn't cause soreness anywhere. And it's comfortable enough, all things considered.

[Green Vixen]

Hi Amy,

 

I am another fan of Nordstroms!!! I went to VS for years and was always told I was a 34D, but the bras just never seemed to fit correctly. At that age I didn't really care though since their bras were so cute :lol:. When I finally went to Nordstrom and was fitted I found out I was actually a 32DD. The problem was that VS didn't carry that size so they just moved me into a size they did have :glare:.

 

The women at Nordstrom are very professional and mature. They will bring you bras until you find the perfect one for you. I think it is well worth the money to get a bra that is flattering and fits you properly.

 

Marisa

[MrsJewelsRae]

I am right there with you! I went to sears and tried on about 10, got NONE. Went to Walmart and tried on another 10, got NONE. Seriously, who is making these crappy bras!?? I went to the Bay where they have a professional bra fitter- she was about 20 and knew NOTHING, insisted I was a size that is nowhere close to what I need. Most of the hanging bras are either pushup or highly padded- hello I'm a DD I need coverage and support!!!! :glare: So my sis and I went to La Senza and I found nothing- but a bunch of young teens buying slutty lingerie. :001_huh: Guess I need to go to a specialty bra store (I'm in Canada, no Nordstroms here), but they scare me, and I don't want to spend $100 on a bra....:confused:

[LizzyBee]

I used one of the online measuring sites to get my correct size. I found out I was wearing the totally wrong size for years!!!

 

I then went to kohl's and found which brand fit best in my correct size...THEN...I went to marshall's and found the same garments for 10 bucks!! I was able to buy 4 new bras....for the price of one elsewhere!

 

I really love Warners....full coverage....but still pretty.

 

Faithe....

 

I love Warners too. I don't need full coverage, but I like that they stay where they belong. I can reach up without having to pull my bra down afterward. :tongue_smilie:

[mcconnellboys]

No, I was shopping at Macy's, because it was the only place that carried the bra I started wearing after they changed Olgas, which I had worn since I was in college.... I can't even recall what that other bra was, because they stopped making it, too.... Luckily, the ladies there introduced me to a Warner bra (actually, more than one model), that fit the bill for comfort and support. I just found out that I can buy them at Kohl's, too, so that's where I got my last batch....

[AngieW in Texas]

Victoria's Secret doesn't carry any bras in my size or in my 18yo's size. It looks like my youngest might be going that way too (although fortunately, she's still a reasonable size right now).

[LizzyBee]

I just googled bra size calculator and got lots of hits. I can't remember the exact site I used.

 

Lisa

 

One of the sites I found said I'm a 36C. :lol::lol:

 

I can't even fill up an A cup. :glare:

[Tammyla]

Thank you, Warner wearing ladies. I bravely ventured over to Kohls and tried on 10 bras...and found one that looked nice and felt better than my old favorite.

 

They were on sale and with my coupon...whoopie. I'm hoping they wash well. The tag was confusing...I think it says hand wash and no ironing. LoL...

 

Fyi...Everyone is right, recheck your size.

 

Try warner's t shirt style. I love them....provide full coverage and gives a very smooth look. You can get them on sale in Msrshalls for about 10 bucks.

 

Faithe

 

I love Warners too. I don't need full coverage, but I like that they stay where they belong. I can reach up without having to pull my bra down afterward. :tongue_smilie:

[tex-mex]

VS is crap. Go to Soma's instead.

:iagree:

 

I go to Nordstrom for fittings and bras.

[Liz CA]

If you have no Nordstroms, no Macys but have Walgreens (seen a b00k support garment there just today), Target, Walmart and some scattered local stores (not saying they could not be good) where would you go?

[AngieW in Texas]

In my experience, Dillards usually has a very good bra department. I don't know if you have a Dillards in your area though.

[Carol in Cal.]

I shop at the Hanes/Bali outlet store.

They measure you and help you find styles.

They carry exercise and strapless bras as well as the usual daytime stuff, and they sometimes have stretchy exercise wear as well.

[redsquirrel]

I go to VS. I don't have a Macys or Nordstroms or anything like that. I am petite in height but somewhat busty. I need a pushup or I have no waist. Target bras just ain't gonna do it for me. I have a couple VS bras that I like and I get them when they are on sale. I usually go on a weeknight. It is much quieter then.

 

I actually went there today, lol. I had a coupon for 10$ off a bra and a free pair of knickers. I got both for a total of 20$!

 

But, I do cringe at those huge posters outside. I mean..really. I can't stand them.

[Desert Rat]

Thanks, Faithe! I'll look into them. Do they "lift and separate"? It's a must for my bras.

[UnsinkableKristen]

If you have no Nordstroms, no Macys but have Walgreens (seen a b00k support garment there just today), Target, Walmart and some scattered local stores (not saying they could not be good) where would you go?

 

 

I would get a tape measure, measure myself, and then order from somewhere online.

 

However, my experience is clouded by a hard to find bra size (non-pregnant I wear a 34DDD and nursing I wear a 36H or I) and they just don't sell those at Target and Walmart. If you have a more regular bra size, then I would look at the local stores first (assuming they are good quality stores), then Walmart and then Target.

[HollyDay]

I get mine from Khols or Target. I have been getting Vanity Fair. But recently, I discovered Barely There and Warner's Perfect Fit. It is soooo comfortable. Target had them on sale for a great price too!

Edited September 12, 2011 by HollyDay

[lcelmer]

I would get a tape measure, measure myself, and then order from somewhere online.

 

However, my experience is clouded by a hard to find bra size (non-pregnant I wear a 34DDD and nursing I wear a 36H or I) and they just don't sell those at Target and Walmart. If you have a more regular bra size, then I would look at the local stores first (assuming they are good quality stores), then Walmart and then Target.

 

 

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

Look for a calculator that has you measure ribcage & full b*st while wearing the best bra you have. Find an online place with cheap or free returns if you can't get your size locally.

[greenvneck]

I hatehatehate VS. The one time I was measured there, when I took my teenage girls for their first bra fittings, six years ago, the ancient lady who measured me said I was a C cup. Ummm, no, I'm DDD. The thing is, VS doesn't sell DDD in the stores, so she would have been out of commission if she had properly measured me, except that I *knew* I wasn't a C....unless I time-travelled back to my 15yo self.

[greenvneck]

I actually went there today, lol. I had a coupon for 10$ off a bra and a free pair of knickers. I got both for a total of 20$!

.

 

I would LOVE to be able to purchase a VS bra in a store! ANY store, actually. Why is it that DDD is so freaking hard to come by?

[azmomx3]

I usually have luck with the ambrielle line at JcPenney...with sales it fits into my budget and they're pretty too! If I didn't have to worry about cash I would always go to Nordstroms or Neiman Marcus! I've had terrible luck with Soma...I know woman that swear by them but mine fell apart really fast!

[Negin]

I prefer very specific lingerie stores. I didn't have much luck at Nordstrom's at all and was very disappointed. I had better luck at VS and Soma's, but neither was incredible either. I went to a very specific lingerie-only store in Wales and she was great. I like those kind of stores, like the ones you see on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. I envy those who have access to those places. So think: smaller independent specialist lingerie shops. Someone wrote that in such a place the bra fitting lady was so good she actually told her her bra size just by looking at her. She did the proper measurements after to prove it & was spot on. I had the same experience in Wales.

 

When you go in be sure to ask specifically for the fitter - not just any sales associate.

If they just stick a tape measure over your clothes, they’re most likely not very knowledgeable at all.

Be prepared...a good bra fitter is not shy about just reaching her hand right in and adjusting everything.

Make sure the person fitting you can tell you why she is recommending the bras she shows you and ask -and expect to receive good answers.

Walk out (nicely, of course) if you have doubts - you don't have to buy to please them - just you. :)

 

 

Here are some tips:

 

Measure your bra size every year - more frequently if you have major body changes (e.g., weight loss or gain, pregnancy, etc.).

Replace your bras every six months. Most bras get worn out from laundering and wear after about six months. Check your bras occasionally for signs of wear and tear like stretched out straps and/or underwires that poke, which signal that a bra is ready for retirement.

Just a Few More Bra-Shopping Tips

 

When you look at yourself in the mirror the band should be level all the way around. Most women don't wear the band low enough in the back.

 

In the side view the center of your br@asts should be about halfway between your shoulder and your elbow. The bra should be level. The part just below the br@ast should be level with the part on your back. This gives you support and lift. Women are generally wearing their bras too high on their backs.

Speaking of the sides, if your cup runneth over and your br@asts are pushing over the sides of your bra, go for the next larger cup size.

 

Your bra should be level front to back so you get a lift and it looks beautiful in the front.

 

The biggest part of the br@ast should be between your armpit and your elbow.

 

There are obvious clues your bra is the wrong size:

If your cups runneth over, it's time to go up a cup size.

If your cups dimple, it's time to go down a cup size.

If you have the dreaded back fat, you probably think your bra is too tight, but you're wrong—your bra is too big. Wearing the bra lower on your back with a smaller band size will completely eliminate the back fat.

If your strap falls down, that means your bra band is riding up and you probably need to go down a band size.

 

Buy a bra that fits when you put it on the first set of hooks. That way as it ages and stretches you can keep moving in on the hooks and still have a great fit.

 

If your straps leave deep, red marks or dig into your shoulders, you probably need more support. Look for a bra with wider straps, a wider band at the bottom and more support at the sides, too.

• If you have big br@asts - it's essential to wear a bra that fits you properly; a good bra will lift the boobs and give definition to the waist.

• Balcony bras look great on girls with large chests.

• Avoid thin back straps unless you are totally fatless or you will end up with unsightly back bulges under your clothes.

 

Finally, just to add a bit of humor to the whole experience, I read this on the SL forums years ago.

A homeschooling mom wrote how she was in Budapest or maybe somewhere else in Hungary. She was at one of those outdoor market type places. Now imagine a rosy-cheeked, round-faced, plump Eastern European lady selling bras. Homeschooling mom is looking at them. Eastern European lady doesn't speak English and the mom doesn't speak Hungarian. Hungarian lady grabs her br@easts (all in the public and outdoors mind you :lol:), hands her a bra. She buys it with some skepticism. Then she wrote that never, ever did a bra that fit so perfectly as that one. :lol: Guess we all need to find that lady in Hungary :D :lol:.

[MIch elle]

I refuse to buy anything from a company that is selling sex. Their TV ads are :toetap05: !

[mommymilkies]

that is my job. Victoria's Secret is my secret hope. Hope for reclaimed youth, romance and wishful thinking for s#xiness. That being said...I never go there. Too many harsh realities~

 

:lol: Add me to your club!

 

I only go in there rarely to buy their underwear when it's on sale. I love the boy shorts kind, especially when pregnant. They don't last long, but they're comfy. I always feel like I'm traumatizing my children when I take them in there, though. I usually have no choice, but the glaring pink and perfume smells nauseate me.

[mchel210]

Do you remember the name of the website where you can do this? :bigear:

 

I usually get my bras at Kohl's.

 

http://www.curvesandcorsets.com/uk_files/BraSizingCalculator.htm

[Lizzie in Ma]

The fashion thread has me on a quest to leave my frumpy looks behind and update a few things. So far I've gotten a hair cut, a few new shirts that I can dress up or down, and today I got a bra. I went to Victoria's Secret because that's where I've always gone but I haven't been in years. (Yeah. I was in desperate need of a bra!) I felt like the oldest, fattest, unattractive person in the world in there. Everything was shiny and glittery and pretty. I wasn't looking for that though - I was looking for something to fit my curvy figure in beige that I could wear with anything. Not something I could just wear on date night. :glare: I found a bra. It was expensive but I didn't care. It was comfortable and fit right. Where do you gals go for under garmets? Does everyone shop there and I just happened to show up on the night when all the 16 year olds were there?

 

And what exactly is a Naughty Kiss Lipgloss? Is that really necessary? :glare:

 

I guess I'm feeling old and frumpy and grumpy tonight.

 

I feel your pain. I am in desperate need of new ones but the thought of going gives me hives. :D

[Kertie]

Macy's. They do fittings and have great bras AND sales--that sale part is something Nordstroms seems to have an issue with;).

 

My sympathies on being traumatized by it all. Sadly, I haven't been able to shop at Macy's since kids because they don't carry my cup size, so I've had many Nordstroms moments. The jazz is lovely, but not much of a consolation:lol: when you're 3rd child 3 weeks postpartum in a room with 2 flat-chested bra-fitting professionals that can't find a nursing bra to fit you and proceed to tell you that no one MAKES a nursing bra that big (which actually isn't true, but still totally demoralizing!).

 

Good for you for getting new bras, though--pre-kids, I loved going...nothing like a nice, new bra for a lift! :D

[Jann in TX]

I was so insulted I ran from the store crying.

 

I was a new teacher-- and white dress shirts were in style-- I could NOT wear one without a bra-- my books may be small volumes--but they do PROTRUDE enough--- and going bra-less in a class room of teenage boys would NOT be appropriate!!

 

Back in 'that day' I was tiny-- I had anorexia in high school and my books deflated from a near C to not quite an A...

 

Having kids reversed the anorexia! I'm now a slightly plus size with an A cup... they do not make bras in my necessary band size in my necessary cup size.

 

I have some that will 'do' that I found at Kohls--but they are not that comfortable... custom ones are so $$$$ and my weight is still in flux-- I'm still loosing...

 

When I get to my goal I still will not be able to find a good one... I'm cursed.

[KidsHappen]

I get mine from Khols or Target. I have been getting Vanity Fair. But recently, I discovered Barely There and Warner's Perfect Fit. It is soooo comfortable. Target had them on sale for a great price too!

 

I love Barely There. They are so comfortable. By far the most comfortable I have ever tried.

[Forget-Me-Not]

I have a Vanity Fair bra I like. When my old ones start getting worn out (I had to toss 3 this week for broken/protruding wire), I go online to amazon and buy the same bra in bulk. I'm going to cry when they stop making this particular bra.

[Cheryl in NM]

Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug have good quality bras for "bigger women".

[Bluegoat]

I go to The Bay or Sears. And if you haven't got a bra in a while, it is well worth it to get a proper fitting done.