Bra Shopping

[Earlybird]

It's time to go shopping for new bras. But, before I drag myself down the high street, thought I'd ask a few questions:

How many "active" bras do you have for day to day use - not counting the "special occasion" or "I only wear it with a few outfits" ones?
What's the top price you'll pay for a decent everyday bra? (Again, expect the special ones to cost more....)
Do you think it's better to buy cheaper (and presumably throw away more quickly), or do you spend top whack for a great bra from a specialist shop?
How long do you expect to use a bra before it's time to bin it?
What shops/boutiques/specialists/department stores do you use/suggest?

Oh, and I want bras that can be put into the washing machine (lingerie bag, delicate cycle, hang to dry), as the idea of hand washing is alien to me. And I am not big busted, so don't need the special considerations required by the big laydeez!

I await your expert advice.....

If I find one that fits well I buy it. I would pay loads for the perfect fit but as this has never happened tend to go mid-price. John Lewis is pretty good but read something recently that suggested Selfridges. What about Figleaves on line - they have loads of choice for all shapes and sizes?

I pay 15-20 quid for my every day bras and would normally have 3-4 of them... I buy most of mine from JL or Selfridges and find them fab... I personally like to keep them for about 1 year before replacing... am due a shop soon for new ones...

my special treat has been an Elle McPherson bra that is GORGEOUS and cost 35 quid... would not pay more than that for one as I think they are as gorgous as they get -- and have desired effect...

I went to Rigby and Peller in Knightsbridge for a fitting and bought two bras at £50 each. They were the best I have ever had, fitted perfectly and made me look as though I had lost a stone. However I haven't been since having kids and am currently in nursing gear (elle mcphereson - I love you).

I need the scaffolding though.

Avon do good cheap bras. ive had loads of them.
What kind do you want?
Uplift, padded,underwire,t-shirt.strapless.
M&S have pretty good bras too

I get just about all mine from M&S, can't beat em IMO.

And they wash really well in a machine.
And they are a good price.
And they last well.
And you get good service.

Agree with SleepySuzy - M&S bras are fab (some of mine can even go in the tumble drier!!!!!)

They last well too - have bought quite a few 'cheap' bras from Asda and Tesco this year and though they're OK, they don't hold their shape as well as M&S ones and the underwired bit came out of one of them.

Next have some very pretty ones but for some reason can't work out what size I am there - nothing ever seems to fit right ()

BHS do some very nice bras as well.

Another M&S fan here!

I get the padded underwired ones. I got one of them in the sale for £6 and I love it. The others I paid £12 I think, might have been £15.

I can't say how great they are. No seams, wash briliantly, keep their shape and no nasty underwire accidents.

bras are my only clothing extravagance. I will spend more on a bra than I will on a coat. But I have 38EE cup norks, so I don't think £35 is unreasonable. And I am furious if it drops to bits within 2 years. I spend more on every day bras than frilly ones, they have to be comfortable.

I am usually a cheapskate, but not with bras