Pretty non boob-flattening Non-wired bras?

[Penguin13]

After over a year in non under-wired nursing bras I can finally go back to non nursing bras. I now realise my previous collection is ill-fitting, graying, unsupportive and just generally uncomfy. I would actually really like to stick with non wired bras as they are so comfy and being, to say the least, modestly endowed I dont really need the support of a wired bra. Anyone know of any good places to look pretty non wired bras? I guess I don't mean pretty as such it's just hard to find any that don't look like they were designed circa 1950 and I find they either completely squash me flat or give that pointy boobed look. Alternatively where do you shop for comfy wired bras? Thanks!

[KatharinaRosalie]

You need to find your correct size first and then the bras that suit you. It's like buying jeans, not all will be comfy and flattering.
What's your size and have you recently been fitted?

[bumpertobumper]

Watching with interest as I hate wires and will soon be finished with feeding bras... Usually end up in M&S but they are never right.

[KatharinaRosalie]

I'm the opposite, with DC1 couldn't wait to burn the non-wired bras and with DC2, didn't bother with feeding bras at all, just kept wearing my normal wired ones.

If they are not right, not supportive and generally uncomfortable, I would firstly suspect that the size is not quite right. Have you tried to measure yourself according to this? : thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.com/p/fitting-advice.html

Once you have the size right, you can go looking for brands and shapes that fit. For example, I suit best Fantasie, Freya and Fauve balconnette and half-cup shapes, and don't suit Panache or generally plunge styles, even if the size is correct.

[Tangoandcreditcards]

Place marking.

I have a mastectomy reconstruction that extends to my back and makes wires v uncomfortable under the arm. But is big (34FF - according to better bra and bravissimo). But being fake, doesn't need masses of support. I've been on the lookout for a flattering non-wired bra for many years now (sorry, not helpful OP!).

I've been wearing cheap crop-tops during my recent pregnancy (DS is 3w!) but will be looking for something new soon would love to know what other non-wired ladies like.

[champagneplanet]

I got some lovely ones in m&s in the sale. White cotton and pretty. There was two in a pack, wish I'd got the black as well.

[loraflora]

Place marking too. I have been buying M&S but I really need to go down a band size and up at least another cup size and they don't have the size I think I need.

[KatharinaRosalie]

Tango Freya Deco has a non-wired version in your size, have you tried it?

[GnomeWare]

If your boobs aren't huge and you're after comfort, shape and coverage, have a look at some lightweight sports bras or yoga bras with foam inserts on the cups. (Not the really tight running bras, they will flatten you out).

You can usually find them in places like supermarket clothes sections, Matalan, TK Maxx etc.

As they have a deep elasticated band all the way round they are very supportive, and no massive shoulder straps. The deep shape also keeps bulges at bay and the foam cups keep everything in shape up the front.

I can't stand a tight strap or underwires, so these are a brilliant solution, don't know why bras of this type aren't more 'mainstream'.

Some egs below - you can find similar styles cheaper in other places though. Also google image 'yoga bras'.

www.sweatybetty.com/clothes/underwear/sports-bras/black-virasana-padded-yoga-bra

www.reebok.co.uk/cloud-bra/B19134.html?pr=oos_rr&slot=1

[amarmai]

the best i've found is Maidenform- well ammade , great support and last forever,i hope.

[Penguin13]

Ooh thanks all for responses . Lots of good suggestions here. I did try measuring according to the better bra method a while ago but found that the band was just so uncomfortably tight. Might have to give it another shot. Am roughly a 34B but even with scooping I sometimes struggle to fill the top bit of the cup. I feel I have lost some fullness not that I had much anyway but that might be an illusion and it's just because I no longer have my full pregnancy boobs! Perhaps I am trying the wrong styles. Will def have a look at yoga bras and have another crack at measuring.

[Happy50]

Look at luva Huva
They are hand made beautiful soft bras in organic cotton, lace, bamboo made in England
They are so soft and the only bras I can wear
I have spent so much money on bras that I can't bear to wear for more then a few hours but I can wear these all day

[ValiantMouse]

Does anyone know if there's something like Huva for plus size ladies? (I'm a 40H according to the above instructions.)

[Tangoandcreditcards]

Ooh. I'd not seen those freya ones available. Thanks katharina - I'll check then out.

[Tangoandcreditcards]

valiant - looks like Luva huva do custom sizes on request? (They've got some gorgeous stuff happy

[Qwebec]

mine look like this www.barenecessities.com/warners-secret-makeover-wire-free-lift-bra-1281p_product.htm?pf_id=Warners1281P&search=
I can't stand wired bras anymore. I'm not in the UK, but I went to a big shop that sells clothes, shoes, bras, pots and pans and beddings adressed to older andyounger people andthats where I found them, there were a few brands to choose from, maybe there is the equivalent where you live?
I thaught that meant I was doomed to the granny look, but no! :)

[CuttedUpPear]

I've been in Sainsbo's sports tops style bras for a couple of years now, I'm also small of boob and find underwires just unbearable these days. The straps of these are quite wide though so I'd be interested in trying some of those Reebok styles.

[rageagainsttheBIL]

Look at Gap.

[ZaraW]

The best ones I've found are from Calvin Klein. I get them from Shopbop when they do their 25% discount on CK underwear.

[Penguin13]

Loads of brilliant suggestions to try - thanks everyone! Looking forward to having some lovely new bras soon not much one for fancy undies but it makes such a difference being comfy.

[DianaT1969]

Non wired bras and bralets are really in at the moment. I see gorgeous ones on a blog called The Lingerie Addict. Never see such pretty stuff in the shops though, so you may have to buy online.

[Penguin13]

Right. Have re-measured using the better bra campaign advice and am 30 underneath 35 over so that would make me roughly a 30DD if I've got this right? I don't really have any padding on my rib area not a stealth boast all my padding resides in the bum region so I think that might mean I need to try a 32 band.

Any advice on good styles for someone with less fullness at the top? I guess I will need to experiment a bit but would be good to have a place to start!

Think I will try both wired and non and see what works best now I am (hopefully) armed with my correct measurements.

One final question - I remember now that I have struggled with the whole central gore should be flat against the ribcage advice. When I tried to follow that the band was so right I felt like I couldn't breathe. Does anyone else have this issue?

Now to find time to actually try some bras on. Doubt my 13 month old DD will find this enough to tolerate mummy trying bras for long Talking of which Tango on first reading I missed up-thread you mentioning your new DS - congratulations

[Penguin13]

Um clearly I meant 'so TIGHT' and not 'so right'

[KatharinaRosalie]

If the central gore was not flat then the issue usually is not the band but that the cup size was probably too small.

What are you currently wearing? Some brands (like Freya, Fantasie) have wider and shallower wires, others have higher and narrower (Panache), usually one of them is more comfy. Without fullness on top, half cups might look better than plunges.

[isntthatapippip]

I have panache sophie which is very comfy

[ShortyShortLegs]

Bon Prix have a huge selection of non-wired bras, I find them a good fit, comfortable, well made and not too grannyish! (I've only bought their cotton ones, can't vouch for the non-cotton types!) They wash well and hold their shape as well as giving me good support.....and plenty of choice which I don't always get as a 34E.
And they do free returns!