I've had enough with bras

[BlueMoonAndRedNose]

I realise this must be a middle age thing (late 40s) and being a little overweight, but I find bras so unflattering and uncomfortable, I am eyeing up bralets, which I had never considered before. The thing I don't like about bras is that they give me a cleavage with low cut tops and create fat back bulge. My size is 34C I think, so I feel I can get away with some light support. I would love some recommendations to create a smoother silhouette. Thanks so much.

I don't think the Doreen is that ugly, personally. I have a black M & S bra which is a similar style. My own issue is that I am on a diet and losing weight so my bras are getting big. To complicate things I need a mastectomy bra and they are mostly available mail order. So trying on is not as easy. It was easy to alter normal bras when out pound shop sold comfort bras. I would just cut them up to line the inside of one of the cups on a normal bra to hold my prosthesis which pads out the one side. However they have stopped selling them. So when do I take the plunge and order new? I have been making do with altering existing bras. I have altered back straps. Goes to look up taking in cups....

Oh and I've taken the wires out of my bras too.

St Pancras - I'm the same size as you and struggle to find bralets that fit. Would you mind posting which ones you buy?

@silverystream

The comfort bras Ive worn, from Asda, Sainsburys Aldi ,and a few other places have all got a pocket with an insert (that I chuck away) so I would think wouls hold a prosthesis

"If you are overweight, highly unlikely you are 34 anything. I second the suggestion to get remeasured."

Why do you say that @RaggeddeeAnn? I am a size 14 in tops but my bra is a 30 band.

Thanks, Oldraver. Yes, I've got one of that kind and very comfy it is too. However, I need something a bit more substantial for running in. My existing bras are still holding up but I will have to get some more soon, I think. I just don't like having to send things back. Asda do cheapish post surgery bras but non have actually been as good as my existing bras altered by me. I'll have to work out my size. I measure 32 under bust and 37 and a half (with prothesis). I'm thinking 34D or 34DD because I don't like the band too tight and I can always alter the band easily if it is too loose.

Yes I also need the post surgical bras, it’s hard to get them without buying online. I did wear the Asda comfort bra top type things when I was first recovering from the operation but they didn’t look very nice and don’t suit a lot of tops/ dresses.
Husband bought me a load of expensive bras from Amoena (think that’s spelt right), but they have lots of lace on and they itch!
I hate bras 😕

As an aside...I live near a town with a very small M+S so therefore not very big selection and they always have a few post surgery bra's. I did try one on as they look so soft but felt odd buying one.

Missy I hate all the lace and itch on bras. Quite a few years ago manufacturers started to heat seal bras at the fastening and this irritates like hell on me

Ooh I'll have to see if our M & S has any in store. I know they do online.

I was in John Lewis recently and they had a sign saying they could adapt any bra for post-surgery, but they charge for it (no indication how much). M&S presumably you could order a range, try in store and then return but that does sound a lot of faff.

These are good-

www.marksandspencer.com/louisa-lace-floral-longline-dd-bralette/p/p60271342?image=SD_02_T81_8214D_Y4_X_EC_90&color=BLACKMIX&prevPage=plp

Well, thinking about it, I could cut up one of my bras that are too big to line the cup of a new one. Then I could get just get any non wired bra that fits.

I hate mismatched underwear so only wear matching/sets and for soft bra’s/bralettes I like Calvin Klein.

www.calvinklein.co.uk/shop-by-set

Just ordered this bargain to try out.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Firm-Control-Bra-Soft-Wired/dp/B00UDA9V0W/ref=ctsapp2vtp?th=1&psc=1

Rigby&Peller

Life is very very different with a well fitted bra.

The ones Pomgirl said! Just bought another one, they are a marvel. Also M&S bralets (need to try them for size though), I'm a C/D cup depending on the style. Having said that, if you have the opportunity, there is indeed nothing like a Rigby & Peller fitting. It really does sound as if you're wearing the wrong size though, OP, if you don't mind my saying.

@margaritasbythesea these ones in a size 10 tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Black-%26-White-Supersoft-Lace-Bralette-2-Pack-/133799346-White

I wear these for sports and as my normal bra I’m a 34D so a large is a good fit and are very comfortable they also have a one in skin tone which goes with everything www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XXFHFRL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

I bought some m & s bralets a while ago and am wearing one of them today for the first time. I'm disappointed as its really uncomfortable and seems to be making me look squashed and flat. I tried them on in the shop and bought the dd+ range and thought they were OK. Wish I'd tried them for longer before now as I've got 2 bralet and shorts sets I've wasted money on.

I can't see that those bra lets give you much support and I think are really for smaller boobs. I have to be really careful to have good support or I get flesh rubbed underneath. The doctor nearly fell off her chair when she saw the damage from one of those all elastic pull on jobbies that I only wore around the flat. I did not realise what was happening until I tried to peel it off and took my skin with it!!

Thanks St Pancras

I have the total support non wired bras from M&S, they're Satin with a stripe effect. Think 1950's style.
Love them. I wear a 44G for comfort and it feels like I'm not wearing a bra but gives great support.

(I tried the bra intervention and measured 38 J/K but no way can I wear anything so tight around the band.)

Sainsbos do some very cheap bralettes and crop tops.

Same here poppym, I didn't find the M&S DD bralette comfortable at all. It tries to be supportive by squishing you down, which makes sense as there's no shape to them.

Unless you're smaller, or still nicely perky, they're not great.

I wear a 44G for comfort and it feels like I'm not wearing a bra but gives great support.

It's going to look like you're not wearing a bra if your back size is three sizes too large. All the weight is going to be in the cup (and on your shoulders), which is going to cause problems for you in the long run.