Nice new bras please (but still bf)!

[bobsmum]

Have been a bit down recently so dh suggested last night that I go out and spend lots of money on nice new underwear (). Clearly we will both benefit from his sudden loosening of the purse strings, but I need your advice.

I am still bf ds (13.5 mths) morning and evening. I'm wearing very badly fitting "normal" bras during the day as I don't need nursing bras anymore, but my back is killing me because of the lack of support (and general back pain anyway). While I'm still feeding is it still advisable to avoid underwired bras? Or is that just when you're pg?

If I can't wear underwired bras, are there any nice bras out there which aren't matronly granny mega support bras? I'll need to be re-measured too, although I'm still bigger than an E I think so ATM I'd rather buy in a real shop than online. Any suggestions of good online shops also much appreciated though.

Basically, I would like underwear for every day, that's well-fitting, pretty, comfy, reasonably priced but not bargain basement. Please help - I need cheering up!

PS - I don't want any weird agent provocateur nonsense

Anyone??? I'm starting to sag as I write.....

As long as an underwired bra is well fitted, it should not be a problem while still B/F. Don't limit yourself - you will be able to wear any bra of your choosing really. Fraid I cannot advise because I just stick to my M&S white numbers. I don't like having bumpy lacy bits (fancy bras) showing through my clothes. I like the smooth but incredibly boring look.

Argghh! Whenever I try and do a link they never work!

URL is www.bravissimo.com

I found some nice ones in M&S, surprisingly, that were quite lacey and offered better support than the Mothercare ones I had been using. I am b/f my ds who is 23 months and 38 weeks preggie as well!! I've just gone back into the bravado cropped top style as it offers more support (as I'm somewhat large at the moment!!) HTH!

bobsmum, I agree with Mears ()!

A couple of weeks ago I bought new bras, asked for feeding bras but was advised that as DS2 was only having one feed a day I could wear normal underwired ones (previously I didn't realise this was possible). I personally would recommend going to a really good bra shop as I was surprised how much I had changed shape since my last measure, 34F before and now 32G, I wouldn't have realised that my measurement round the back had come down, I thought it would have been the cup. Anyway as it is my DS2 gave up feeding by himself the very next week and I am very glad I didn't spend oodles on more feeding bras. I ended up with a Fantasy (they specialise in larger cup sizes) £28 and a Triumph £22, IMO not too expensive.

Have to say I feel great in my new bras I had forgotten that my boobs were meant to be up there and not swinging round about my waist. Only thing is with DS2 giving up feeding I'm probably about to change size again, arrrrgh!

Enjoy shopping!

bobsmum are you in London? If so get yourself down to Rigby & Pellar. (One on Conduit St, one one round the side of Harrods) YOu wait for ages, then get taken into a waiting room where a middle aged lady will get you to strip, stare at your body then bring you the most wonderfully fitting bra you have ever ever worn - and usually physically manhandle you into it!

They're not cheap - bras are between 40-60 pounds, but oh so worth it.

Prufrock - in Herts, so London trip is entirely possible, but the stripping for an old lady sounds a little scary!

Susannah (out of Trinny and..) was on Parky the other night raving about her "magic knickers" 2 weeks after dropping her sprog. Are they real, and where can you get them?

I couldn't ever spend that much money on a bra! Or could I I really should invest in myself though, shouldn't I? What is so great about those bras Prufrock?

Hmmm - could only afford one bra like that (if I braved the strip), so what happens when it goes in the wash? Do I just have to tuck 'em in my jeans again?

They are pretty, rather than being the normal body armour that other places offer. I'm a 32G, but don't look it because my boobs are so well supported. They have lots of different styles (Own brand, Fantasie = lots of others I can't remember) so you can choose how you want your boobs to look. I have some that push my boobs in to look smooth, and others that make me look like Jane Russell! Its amazing how a well fitting supportive bra can make your waist look so much thinner as well.
There is no obligation to buy at all, so I would urge anybody to go in just for the experience.

i can definitely recommend bravissimo. my mum & i had a trip to the shop in leeds & spent hours there! conveniently ds slept through the whole experience. they spend ages finding the right fit for you, & don't actually measure, just keep trying them on 'til they get the right fit. i got 2 bras for about £20 each, & a strappy top with integral support. ooo errr. oh yes, & matching knickers.... the thing i liked best was the range of colours - you get so used to having no choice when you're larger busted. i came out with a shocking pink & a turquoise one!!

I would also recommend going to John Lewis and being fitted there - have used both the Brent Cross and Oxford Street one and found them to be very good about making sure they fit properly. Can thouroughly agree with the impact it has on your figure afterwards. - I can't wait to get back into normal bras as I'm still in feeding bras at the moment myself.

Another recommendation for Rigby & Peller here - i'm the same size as Prufock, and was wearing a 34c bra before I went the first time. I didn't even know they did cup sizes in a G, and couldn't believe what I looked like. I absolutely love them. I still find it amazing that they can tell what size you are by eye though. They don't even touch you !

I'm tempted to go to Rigby and Peller myself! If you are still bfing though, Bobsmum, maybe the Elle McPherson preg/nursing bras would suit you. They're not underwired but pretty supportive. And as attractive and sexy as nursing bras can be. If you go to figleaves.com they sell them there.

Get measured! I usually go to M&S and they then bring you loads to try on so you don't have to get dressed/undressed again and again. After b/f dd I got lots of new bras and I looked like I had lost weight, the fit was perfect and boobs looked perky(ish). I like the lacy Calvin Klein bras too but have not been able to spare money to splurge in there yet...............

Another recommendation for Rigby & Peller here - I had been wearing 38D for ages and then was measured by M&S as a 40B, which was ridicuous. Went to R&P and went away with two beautifully fitting 34F bras. It did feel a little odd when wearing a properly fitting bra for the first time - it felt tight round the back and I was very aware of my F cups out the front - but now I love them. I think they were about £35-40. Now I know what a well fitted bra can feel like, I can buy in other (cheaper!) shops.

By the way, they were seam free and very plain (no lace), so go on Mears...

Message withdrawn

Last time I was measured was about 6 months ago and I was a 34J which a bit of a scary jump from pre pg size of 36D. Don't think the Elle McPherson range goes up to the size I may be.
Rigby and Peller seems to be more and more of a possibility though. Do you have to get totally topless? I'm horrifically body-conscious at the best of times let alone in front of a complete stranger.
Otherwise, it's John Lewis for me!

No - they tend to do the first look whilst you still have your old bra on - then criticise it terribly. Then they will "help" you into the new one, but they stand behind you so you can hide. But they have seen it all before!

I always buy my bras from rigby and peller. they just don't fit properly from anywhere else. I had a particularly good splurge there on my wedding stuff I remember! but don't go on a saturday morning, you'll be waiting all day...

I suppose it might work out cheaper overall than the constant bra-buying I seem to do. Although am currently restraining the enormous milk-machines with Emma Jane/M&S numbers...

Mears, you can get coloured smoothie ones, you know. Including from M&S. Go on!

PS M&S in Croydon, of all places, measures you beautifully