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Original poster

How do you wear your bras?

759 replies

BedHeadTigi · 25/08/2012 18:44

Do you like to wear them super tight so you know they are there and leave bra marks when you take them off, or have them at a looser more comfortable setting? Im asking this because i have realised all of my old bras are pretty super tight on me, but my new ones are so comfortable and no way as tight but i wonder if they will still support my bust the same?

OP posts:
gypsyfloss · 31/08/2012 11:49

I bloody love MN for threads like this. I've been putting off sorting out my bras but yesterday I took myself off to be fitted and came home with one perfect Lepel bra. I've since been on Brastop ( found a code for free delivery) and order loads more of the same brand and even found one on amazon, the same as the one I bought yesterday but half the price :)

I demo'd the scooping thing to my DD who was amazed at how much more boobage I have. I measure about 28 under my bust but am now wearing a 32E.

phlebas · 31/08/2012 11:56

one fits perfectly (lepel) the other one is too lose/cup too small (bestform) so will try both 34 & 36G in that one :)

HazleNutt · 31/08/2012 12:03

gypsy 32 on a 28-inch ribcage still sounds big, where did you get fitted? Sure 30F or 28G wouldn't work?

gypsyfloss · 31/08/2012 12:53

I went to bra dept of a local independent store that came highly recommended. They did me by eye and then poked and prodded every one I tried on; discarding loads that weren't right. It'll be interesting to see what the ones I've ordered are like. If they don't fit as well as this one what size should I try next?

HazleNutt · 31/08/2012 13:08

Well different brands fit differently as well so this particular one might still be the right size (havent' tried Lepel myself). Generally with 28 underbust I would try 28 or 30 bras, going up a cup size or two.

gypsyfloss · 31/08/2012 13:20

OK; will have a trying on session and see how it goes. If I am unsuccessful I'll take a trip to JL.

ComeAlongPond · 31/08/2012 14:16

Okay, bras arrived this morning. I can't tell if they fit or not. I an't work out whether the 28d or the 28dd is better - they both feel really comfy and there's no obvious flaws in either. They did say I'm between sizes, so maybe either will fit... Would it be okay to go in tomorrow and ask their opinion, then return the one that doesn't fit?

Also got a couple of plain ones from Freya but they don't fit at all, both are gapingly huge on me! And another one from Cleo but I think it's too small, the underwire is digging into me. So will have to send all those back.

StatisticallyChallenged · 31/08/2012 14:22

I find there is quite a big difference between Freya and Panache on me, especially in the back.

Is it the back or the cup that feels wrong, do you think? I've worn 28's, and I found that size-wise the bravissimo own branded ones (particularly the alana) was kind of a half way house - tighter back than freya, but looser than Panache.

CrunchyFrog · 31/08/2012 14:38

Am now in a 32H panache superbra.

VERY comfy, minimal escaping bits (scooping makes a big difference, before I did that the 34FF I was in was too big!)

ComeAlongPond · 31/08/2012 14:45

In the Freya? The cups. They just gape at the top. The Cleo is the cup too, the underwire feels like it's pressing against breast tissue rather than sitting where it should. But the Bravissimo own brand fits fine - in both sizes Confused

HauntedLittleLunatic · 31/08/2012 14:51

OK.

Is there an equivanent of Bravissimo for little chested people.

Based upon all the stuff above I would need a 34C (don't see it myself but I'm humouring you) (33.5" band and 37" bust without a bra on are actual measurements).

Bravissimo on;y start at a D cup.

StatisticallyChallenged · 31/08/2012 14:58

I generally have found John Lewis quite good for fitting and they stock everything from a AA I think so might be worth a shot

StatisticallyChallenged · 31/08/2012 15:02

ComeAlongPond, how is the bottom of the cups in the Freya/Panache? If you find it fits OK at the bottom but not the top then it's possibly a style/cut issue rather than size. I find some bras which I just don't fill at the top, even though there is no way I could go down in the cup because then the wires would be on my breast tissue.

What shape are they?

ComeAlongPond · 31/08/2012 15:23

It fits fine at the bottom, it's just the top. Think you're right, it's probably the shape - it kind of feels like it doesn't need to be smaller, just not quite as 'tall' in the cup. It's this one brastop.com/SetDetails2.aspx?setId=3711 - I ordered the dd in black and the d in nude to try and the dd was too big all over, the d just too 'tall'.

This is the Cleo and after a bit of scooping and fidgeting I think I'm going to keep it after all - I loosened the straps and that seemed to make a lot of difference, I think it was being hauled up by the shoulders but it feels much better now.

Finally this is the one that seems to fit in both sizes, but I've decided to go for the dd, because it just seems more secure. I'm wearing it now and it's lovely and amazing.

So now I have two lovely pretty bras and no plain practical ones. Tragedy.

StatisticallyChallenged · 31/08/2012 15:56

Ah, I find the Deco is very odd sized and I know a lot of people have extra space in the top of that one. I can wear it, but quite a bit smaller than my regular size. And it is VERY tall in the cup. I wonder if you are slightly more hollow towards the top outside - I used to be like this and it was a real pain!

The masquerade one is beautiful.

It may be worth trying some of the half/demi cups if the bra being too tall is an issue - Bravissimoo have a couple (demi diva/rococo charm are 2 of them) You might also get on with something like the Curvy Kate Tease Me. I've just received this and it seems really nice.

OhDoAdmitMrsDeVere · 31/08/2012 16:10

I am back!
30f
Have to wear a plunge with high sides and a band at the bottom.
This avoids the pokage and spillage.

I have a black bra. Not exciting but I couldn't afford to buy the new patterned one and the knickers.

But now I know what range to buy - the satine

Phew

StatisticallyChallenged · 31/08/2012 16:20

MrsDeVere, the Satine is lovely, I have it and absolutely adore it. Although my shape has changed a bit recently when I was younger I used to really struggle with anything that wasn't very plunge shaped as it felt like the wires were digging in to my chest in the centre - I have literally no space in the middle of my breasts. This is something I've got better at over the years.

If you like the Satine then you may get on with the Freya Retro Basic Plunge - I've not worn it for a couple of years (too big now!) but it used to be a favourite and it's been around for years so probably pops up on Ebay.

OhDoAdmitMrsDeVere · 31/08/2012 16:27

They are bringing out the new colours in the satine. I had a sneak preview :)
I can't wear anything with a 'bit' in the middle because I am a bit scrawny and it digs in, same with wires if there is no band underneath.

Hurrah for nice bras :)

I also found out they are collecting old bras for charity. I have been wondering what to do with my DD's bras. They are only small (she was 14 when she died) and hardly worn. I can't bear to chuck them or give them to charity shops. This feels right though. They can be worn by girls in Africa who would have to go without underwear otherwise.

It will be hard letting them go but I can't keep them forever. Sad

StatisticallyChallenged · 31/08/2012 16:32

I think that is a lovely thing to do

CrunchyFrog · 31/08/2012 16:42

That is lovely, Mrs DV, do you have a link for the charity? Since I now have about 8 bras that need to go.

OhDoAdmitMrsDeVere · 31/08/2012 16:54

They have collection bins in store. The money goes to Tommy's and the bras go via BCR Global Textiles.
I assume they are one of those companies that sell on to developing countries but I asked in store and it does seem legit. They have raised a lot for Tommy's so that has to be a good thing.

I know some of those companies can be a bit dodgy so I will do a bit of googling first. Silly I know but I don't want DD's bras being mixed up in anything dodgy :)

ComeAlongPond · 31/08/2012 17:10

That's lovely MrsDV Smile

Thank you for your help statisticallychallenged! I don't think I can justify anything else until I've got a plain black and a plain nude but I will keep note.

musttidyupmusttidyup · 31/08/2012 17:46

What a nice idea MrsDV. Im so sorry for your loss.
I know that charities are desperate for bras a friend of mine collects from us and sends them somewhere -I'll find out where.
This is a great thread. The bra clun.

OhDoAdmitMrsDeVere · 31/08/2012 18:41

Please do must
I read an article about donated underwear (knickers too) women and girls who owned underwear are much less likely to be raped :(
Such a small thing can make such a difference

gypsyfloss · 31/08/2012 19:17

I really like the idea of being able to send on bras and would love to know where I could send them to as well musttidyup. Gosh what a dreadful thought MrsDe Vere - it is amazing what we take for granted in our lives.