Lovely MNers Help me find a bra - maybe it does not exist!

[FestiveRoad]

Lovely MNers, I need your help.

I measure 31" under, 37" over.
Never found a comfy underwired bra - have always stuck with non wired & non padded. Currently wearing this www.marksandspencer.com/2-pack-cotton-rich-non-wired-non-padded-bras/p/p20115306?OmnitureToPDP=05183708&ddkey=http:MSSearchResultsDisplayCmd
But I've put on a little weight and the cups are struggling!

Went to Bravissimo. Lovely helpful assistant. Tried on millions of bras. Started at 32F but settled on 34E as 32 was just too uncomfortable round the band. Bought 'Rebecca' in 34E, but it's going back. Style too 'high', too foamy & gives me a flat shape. I feel encased in hot foam. I need to breathe.

I don't like loads of lace.
Love clean, sporty lines.
Hate nude/coloured polywhatever, love unfussy white cotton.

I've looked at JL, Brastop & figleaves, but can't find anything which fits all these criteria. Maybe it does not exist?

Years ago I bought a non wired but quite structured light sports style bra from M&S, but I can't find anything now. If I buy wired, I just know it will sit in the drawer.

Should I just buy a bigger cup size on the M&S bra or does anyone know of an alternative?

Thanks for reading.

With the rebecca, I know you said the cups feel too high (it is a tall bra) but is the underwire causing you any problems? TBH, non wired bras aren't great - they're ok for small breasts but for most people they just won't give adequate support.

Thanks SC. I've just tried it on again. I can't find any problems with the wire. The wire seems to fit all the way round and sits close to the body. I couldn't really tell in the shop if the bra was wrong or just different to what I am used to, so I thought I'd buy and try on again at home.

I think you should maybe try wires, but in the right size and a non padded /non moulded style so you get something in between. If the Rebecca wire is fitting I'd suggest looking at Freya, fantasie and fauve as they are all made by the same company with the same wires
I'm on phone just now but will search for you when I'm at a computer!

Thanks!

How about Freya Rio?

I'm used to underwires, but have always found this one very comfortable.

Or something simple like this?

Thanks for your suggestions Tethersend. I like the appearance of the Rio. I also seem to have a problem with the straps being so close to the end of my shoulder, but most of the styles seem to be like that.

Think I'm going to have to order a few or get to a store.

What size were you wearing before Festive? Most of the time, problems with straps being too close to/slipping off the shoulder are down to the band being too big. Once you downsize in the band it tends to resolve.

34b. I intend to try some 32 bands so, as you say, that might resolve it.

But are there any styles where the straps don't originate from the very outside of the cup iyswim?

I have problems with slipping straps in lots of styles, even when the bands are right. Unfortunately, I do find Freya bad for this - I've put some lovely bras in the charity shop pile because I'm sick of pulling them up.

I've had the best luck with some of the curvy kate styles. They're not cotton, which I do like because I have sensitive skin, but the fabric they're made from is actually quite cool. Princess is particularly good for non-slipping straps and, until I put on a few pounds, I found I could go down a band size and up a cup size, which made it even better (I was 31 under bust, like you, but now I'm 31.5 and my boobs a fraction larger, so that one's been put away until I lose weight again). It's not great for under tight t-shirts, mind, as it's spotty textured.

Lottie is also very well behaved in the strap department, as the straps seem to be set more centrally, at the back, and a lot smoother - though some styles/colours have an annoying bow that you'd probably want to get rid of.

How about [http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/black-white-and-nude-bras/esme-bra/white/fah4wh/ esme]]?

Unpadded, underwired, kindof self-pinstripe fabric (not cotton I am afraid) but nice and plain, the straps are attached more toward the centre of the back, so less chance of them slipping off. The straps therefore sit a bit closer to your neck than the kind you are complaining about, but not ridiculously. Obviously you can't wear with a really wide neckline, or the straps will be seen. I have two of these in different colours and it's a style I like.

Damn. esme

Thanks for your suggestions Oureyve. I've put the Princess & Lottie on my list. I've just had a look at them on brastop & read some of the reviews.

I hadn't spotted the Esme Daft. It does look a good contender. Thanks for your help!

Sorry, I meant Ouryve !!

As a rule, the straps on plunge shapes are further in than on balconies. Balconettes and half cups are generally the worst with the straps being right at the outside.

Great. Thanks for the extra info SC.

I can't wear Freya - straps slip off my shoulders. Fantasie bras usually much better though usually a less pretty selection.