Do bras just suck or am I doing something wrong

[Angels1111]

I used to hate bras and ditched them years ago in favour of crop tops like this, or just going braless.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3pk-seamless-non-wired-crop-tops/p/clp60714603?color=BLACK#intid=pidpg1pip28g2r2c2%7CprodflagplptsQPH56

Recently I injured my shoulder and my physio said that I should at least wear sports bras when exercising. (Edit to add: my shoulder injury was unrelated to bra, or lack thereof, she was just making an observation).
I went to get one and thought while I'm there perhaps I'll go back to bras for everyday wear too. I got properly, thoroughly, measured and tried loads on, bought 2 ....

.... but alas, I still hate wearing them all day :(

When I take it off I feel a sense of relief, my boobs feel sore and I'm so glad there is finally nothing on them anymore. I'm pretty sure I'm wearing the right size, at least according to the lady in the shop. This happens whether I wear wired or non wired. And it's how I felt before no matter how many different things I tried or times I tried to get remeasured. I remember why I gave up on them!

Is this just what bras are like, or am I going wrong somewhere?

I'm a 36F, so not small, but I do find the crop tops do the job.

I am with you, OP. Crop tops all the way here, except for the gym. My sports bra isn’t terrible, but then I never wear it for more than an hour.

I absolutely hate bras. All of them. I’m a 34GG, been measured properly at Bravissimo and re checked myself on boob or bust online etc. Just can’t stand any of them. So uncomfortable. I did used to wear proper bras all the time when I was younger and worked in an office and needed to look smarter but now I’m 45 and don’t live that kind of life anymore I just cannot be bothered. I wear crop top type things from m and an and primark. I am fully aware they do absolutely nothing for my shape and I probably do wobble a lot but honestly couldn’t care less.

Another who agrees M&S are crap at measuring for bras. I got told years ago if you can feel it, it doesn't fit! After being properly fitted at Bravissimo a few years ago I am so much more comfortable in a 30GG than a 36 band which other retailers suggested.

Try an independent shop, the ladies tend to be a lot more helpful and knowledgeable.

Sports bra are by definition a tighter fit, but shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable. You should be a lot more comfortable with a bra than without, especially if you have bigger boobs.

I'm 30D too, and been pleased to see this size in store in M&S.
Although not sure about advertising them as their ridiculous, wrong bra measuring annoys me so much!

I find what fits when I first put it on can be (usually) too tight 2hours later.
Molke are my comfiest bras.
But in my saggy boobed experience the back slips up and boobs slip down as the day progresses unless the band is v tight -and therefore not that comfortable.

Op I have found maternity and breastfeeding feeding bras the most comfortable. I still wear and buy them. I wear them all day l8ng and also while sleeping because I dont like my nipples chafing so they need to be super comfortable.

I'm a 38 F and have recently tried the bras from Outfigured - I was totally sick of straps digging into my shoulders, falling off my shoulders, or digging in around my chest. I bought this bra in the size XL and its been a game changer. For less than £20 it was worth a try. I've loved it so much that I've ordered a lot more and I'm comfortable wearing it all day.

I can't bear under wired bras so I get mine in Primark and cut the wires out! It doesn't seem to adversely effect the bra and is definitely far more comfortable.
I would hesitate to vandalise a bra I'd paid £20 for in this way.....

I detest bras. I’ve student an advisor fortune and have a drawer full of ones that are from all the recommended places. They get worn once and never again. I am left with red marks wherever they touch.
I had a real breakthrough with the online supplier Shapermint, to the extent that I’ve now bought 4 from there. They’ve been a real game changer and not too expensive as there’s always a sale on.
honestly, try them!

https://share.shapermint.com/x/J9Ucmx

just found I can share a link and think it saves you £25.

Omg so much for my typing! I mean I’ve spent a fortune.

Try a Celeste D’Or jelly bra. I’ve recently discovered and I’m not going back. There’s no underwire but there are so supportive. Doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a bra but it does actually hold the tits up.

Since having kids, I can't tolerate bras anymore. AT ALL! I have some comfy crop top bras from M&S and other than sports bras I can't wear anything else now. I'm 37F.

If I wear a real bra (eg for shape when going out in nice or low cut clothes) the straps slip off my shoulders constantly, they dig in round the band no matter what size they are, they are just SO uncomfortable and I can find absolutely nothing for my boob shape (wide, flat and teardrop since finishing breastfeeding). The cups only fit me if I'm sat up straight, but if I'm sat normally they usually gape or don't sit against the top part of my boobs.

So I am usually crop top or braless and if I wear a proper bra to go out in, it comes off as soon as I get home!

I love those types of bras too. I usually wear yoga bras which provide a little support but are still very comfy.

I’d wear a proper sport bra when doing anything medium to high impact.

Try a 32c on a tighter back fitting, most shops missize people as they only try to fob you off with what they have in stock, I have helped measure countless female relatives over the years and most are wearing a back size which is too long, I had the same happen when I was younger because they tended to stock 34 and up so you end up with the band riding up

Have you tried wearing bodies instead? I recently ditched my bras for bodies and haven't looked back.

I agree OP. I haven't worn a bra for years and weat the same M&S crop tops like you do, they are so comfortable. I don't have massive boobs though and they might not be suitable for people who do have. I do wear a sports bra when working out though

Since COVID I mainly wear crop tops unless I'm going into work and have to wear a proper bra. It's one of the reasons I hate going into work.

I think in years to come Bras will be like high heel shoes, make you look 'better' but will be ditched for the bra equivalent of trainers, soft crop top type support. Tried everything and everywhere and that's what I wear now. Not as shapely as a fitted bra but oh so comfortable. Perky boobs are great but like high heel shoes come at a comfort cost for lots of people .

Thank you! I will give it a try. I haven't actually been measured professionally. The lady in marks said she was a bra fitter but they don't offer that service in that shop. Not especially helpful I must say! X

I think it depends on your size
crop tops don’t really exist in my size and it’s painful without an underwired bra

I can't wear a normal cup underwired bra. They dig in to my sternum. Balconette bras are fine though, particularly the Bravissimo Millie.

It's not just the right size, the shape had to be right too. Might be worth a try for people who are struggling but still want a 'normal' bra.

Issue is buying shit m and s bras. Have a go at boob or bust method or go visit bravissimo. I'd bet you're wearing the wrong size. I'd bet back to big and cup too small

I made the move to crop top style "bras" about 2 years ago, and won't ever go back!

My old style bras also used to come undone at the most random times, for no obvious reason.

I remember walking to the theatre with my sister one time, when I suddenly realised my bra had come undone. Had to walk the rest of the way, very conscious that my bra was just flapping round my back!
I mentioned it to a friend, who told me she'd made the swap to crop tops, and that was it. :)