I've had it with bras

[Mij]

The older I get, the more I hate them. And it doesn't matter how well they fit and yes I've been measured - rarely gets me a better bra - and followed all the instructions about how to measure and fit myself, and I still bloody hate them.

I'm a 32-34 c ish (depending on the make and style and material), I'm 5' 6", slightly rounded at the edges by middle age but not overweight, don't experience excessive droop or back pain or anything, they just irritate the hell out of me and sometimes (like now) give me an actual rash. So I've gone freeform today, which I enjoy but I'm self-conscious about shape under my clothes abs would prefer a bit less, well, jiggling if I'm honest.

Does anyone know of anything, be it vest or bra-esque thing of any kind that doesn't involve a tight band that can help a girl (and her girls) out here? DD1 suggested that what I actually need is a corset but I had something slightly more contemporary in my optimistic imagination.

Are you absolutely sure it is not the brand at fault? I can only wear Ewa Michalak and any other brands are just agony, I don’t even bother trying any more. Ewa’s bras are under wired, but so so comfy, I actually look forward to putting a bra on! It just feels better, more supported with it (and certainly looks better). I have been wearing an underwired bra all day today and it hasn’t rubbed anywhere. A Curvy Kate bra, on the contrary, I was desperate to take off after two hours as it mercilessly dug in.

I had to measure the proper way though to get the right size 34GG for my 5’6 frame. M&S bras or supermarket ones have never ever been comfortable for me though.

I also agree with measuring Boob or Bust way. Don't add on 4 inches to band size like M&S do.

That's so bizarre seeing your post as I was about to do my own raving about ditching the bra in favour of these amazing cami's I found from in TKMaxx by shopskinnygirl. They come in a 2 pack (black and white) and whilst they do have a band under the bust, don't be put off as it's really soft and you don't even feel it. For me the best part is they aren't see-through and have removable soft pads so it gives me a fantastic shape without the tightness and back rolls from a bra .
Chances of ever finding these same ones again at that price are slim so following the recommendations on here with interest but absolutely without question ditch the bra. Can't believe it's taken me nearly 50 years to actually consider them as a viable alternative to a bra

you sound the same as me sizewise.

I would wholeheartedly recommend trying the victorias secret, body by victoria perfect coverage bras. i have literally worn these for almost 20 years and they are the most comfortable and supportive bras ever. i barely notice i have them on.

i occasionally try similar looking ones from other brands and they always always go back. anything else genuinely makes me understand this relief that people have when taking their bra off at the end of the day. i honestly have never ever felt that from these bras.

they also do a perfect shape padded version which i also love for a bit of extra hoik. it has to be the body by victoria range though, other ranges they do aren't nearly as good!

they do ship to the uk now, which is most convenient as i've had to schedule in a US trip every couple of years previously!

H&M do cotton crop tops in their basics section. They're not underwear but I wear them as bras. No band, so they're perfect in the hot weather.

Peacocks do really good sloggi style bras. The band isn't too wide so doesn't roll up. Have been wearing mine for years now and I am quite big boobed (36dd).

Bought these from m&s yesterday. Really comfy. Not cotton though. I am a size 12, bra size roughly 34c and got large which fits well. Gives shape and enough support to not feel conscious of jiggling but without that restrictive feeling you get from bras. I got grey and black, but they have white and peach too.

I'd also recommend the Sloggi Zero feel which are true to their name, but have a bit of padding. For something which fastens at the back and is slightly more supportive, try M&S's non-wired Flexifit.

I've just bought this slightly different one from M&S:

www.marksandspencer.com/flexifit-smoothing-non-padded-full-cup-bra-a-f/p/p60220050?color=PALEPINKMIX

Wouldn't go out when poshed up in it, but very comfortable for when just knocking about. (Couldn't go without, I get too cold without a bra - what's that about?)

Another vote for Sloggi Zero Feel. It really is true to its name but gives just enough shape to look ‘rounded’ and also not look indecent.
I’ve had BC surgery on one boob and can’t bear anything pressing/digging in/riding up/rolling over etc against the scars and had tried many soft,no-seam crop top and sports bra types. Nothing has been close to the comfort of the Zero Feel. Even the straps are comfy. I can wear it all day and actually forget it’s on (rather than being desperate to take it off!).

I too have ditched underwired bras. I wear sports bras and bralettes.

same issues. i saved up and had a reduction/lift called a mastopexy,
at the age of 61.
life is too short to be uncomfortable.
the girls have been tightened up with no overhang onto the chest wall and no need for a bra.

I posted something about this last week! Search my username for the thread.

I have the bra that Qwertyguerty linked to at the start of the thread. Whilst it does give by far the best shape I've ever had from a non wired bra, it is unfortunately really uncomfortable after a few hours. I'm much bigger than a 32C though. I've got several underwired bras that are much more comfortable.

I used to be able to find comfortable bras easily but I don't know if I've changed shape as I've got older (although my actual bra size hasn't changed) or if the designs on sale just don't suit me any more, but I'm finding it much more difficult these days.

@Qwertyguerty I'm wearing more and more sports bras/bralettes these days so this M & S one looks good! Is it thick enough to cover your nipples? I suffer from permanent bullet nips 😂

I'm really glad I'm not the only one who hates bras. In fact today I'm just wearing a vest with no cups or shelf or anything under a thick jumper. I'm lucky my boobs are quite upward facing and only a C cup so I don't really need the support. I just can't bear straps digging in etc.

molke.co.uk/shop?category=1&order=name

You might get on better with these

I'm another Molke fan. I can't wear anything tight but these are comfy for me. Join the Facebook group to see how they fit or they have a gallery on the website now which is handy.

molke.co.uk/pages/molke-size-gallery

I was going to post the M+S bra on another thread yesterday but the person wnated 36G...Looked at the sizing on the bralet and they are very weird. For some reason you can only get a G in a 32/34

@InspirationWontCome I have the same problem which is why I always go for one with a light padding

OP, there’s no law making bras compulsory! I haven’t worn the ghastly uncomfortable things for over 30 years now. They weren’t even invented until 1914, so women managed fine without them through most of recorded history and still do in the 3rd world.

Thank goodness its not only me who has bra problems. I'm 38DD, and bralettes and the like are lovely to wear at home, but useless for work as I need shape, lift, and support, so currently wearing M&S wired.
I don't remember this problem when I was younger pre-children.

@mymadworld haha, the pain is real!

Gap do good sports bras - the t back one is blissful
www.gap.co.uk/gap/medium-support-t-back-sports-bra/000981746.html?dwvar_000981746_color=000981746000&dwvar_000981746_fit=regular&cgid=1062186#start=1

I also bought a New Balance one from TKMaxx which looks much the same as the above. Both super comfy. I'm an E cup so I wear a bra to work but whenever I'm at home I put on one of these. Wear them for long dog walks too, they're very comfy.

Sorry to ghost the thread - have had a bit of a month 😶 Thanks for so many good suggestions, I'll follow them all up.