Help me with bra problems, they are all uncomfortable but nipples too big to go without

[bowlingalleyblues]

I hate wearing bras. I have a range from underwired / padded and simple crop tops. Since pregnancy and breastfeeding x 2 my rib cage has expanded, my breasts are pretty flat and small but my nipples are huge. All the bras I own are super uncomfortable and dig in, I’ve tried crop tops but they are really hot and synthetic and my nipples show through and I feel self conscious. Any recommendations for lightweight cotton bras that won’t dig in but have enough padding to smooth big nipples? Or any other solutions? I just want to bin everything as it is all so uncomfortable!

I got silicone nipple covers off Amazon a while back and absolutely love them! I don't have huge boobs but could take someone's eye out with my nipple I don't like having to wear padded bras all the time so now I'm able to wear sheer/non padded bras without any nipple poking through! Depending on the fabric of my top I could also go completely braless (also depending on the cut, they're not as perky as they used to be) I'd definitely recommend them.

Wow - if this is true it would be an absolute game changer for me. I have the same issue with good sized boobs so I always go for padded / moulded bras but would love to have something sheer.

do they actually work and can you please link to this magical product?

I actually came to the board right now to post about bras and this was top of the list of threads.

I currently wear Uniqlo beauty light bras which are like r shirt bras without underwire and they are amazing and supportive - even for DD cups. But they seem to have been discontinued so I came here wondering if anyone else has any suggestions for good, light, possibly non underwires t shirt bras….

I think maybe you need to get re-fitted as your bra size have changed. When you're wearing the wrong size bra its never going to feel comfortable.

At times I've used these from M&S. They're like little reinforced plasters. Good for hot days or strappy dresses when you want to go completely without a bra.

First thing to do is check your size.

Go and do boob or bust bra measuring method and then check out M&S sumptuously soft bras.

I don't really have any bra recommendations (aside from ensuring you're wearing the correct size), but regarding the nipple issue, I wear re-usable silicone nipple covers (with an unpadded bra) like the PP. They're only two to three pounds on eBay. The reason being that I prefer the feel/fit of unpadded bras, but don't want my nipples to be visible.

Might be helpful to you, as then you can wear absolutely any bra you want, rather than being restricted to padded ones.

I have this exact problem! I bought the resusable covers but they didn’t last longer than a few days, unless anyone can link to any that do work? I’ve resorted to sticking them down with plasters in the past but that caused fungal rashes. Now I either go without (38 dd, I wear 2 vests) or I wear underwires vests. Crop top type bra if I go out for dinner or something

Have you tried having a proper bra fitting? If they are digging in your ribs it sounds like it's the wrong size.

But, yes nipple covers! They are great for non padded bras. I also have reusable stick on bra thing (I got them from boohoo ages ago) that looks like 2 nude coloured rabbits, sticks on over the nipple and pulls the boob up a bit- benefit of a bra without the hassle of straps/bands. Soooo comfy when you just need a little coverage and lift.

These are the ones I use

nipple covers

Hiding your nipples is a relatively recent trend. We never gave this any thought when I was growing up. You got breasts, you had nipples. Your nipples sometimes showed through your clothes. Maybe just relax and stop trying to hide a perfectly normal part of your body.

I wear a lot of those tops for exercise with bra shelf linings (Sweaty Betty brand sort) so don't bother with a bra at all then, and I think that's only where it's vaguely/slightly 'problematic.

I don't like padded bras, I find sports bras, the stamina type I have a few of, is best and helps and they're quite thin for a sports bra. But also crop tops, as have been mentioned. My favourite is a Lucy and Yak crop top.

I've seen covers in dance shops but haven't ever tried them.

Thanks for the advice. I went to M&S for a bra fitting but they recommended something like a 32 A and I could barely get it done up. Anywhere better for sizing? Thanks for the tip on sumptuously soft bras. Hmmm maybe a dance shop for something else that isn’t as bulky and sweaty.

@Ponderingwindow it's not so much that they show, more that they are sensitive to the fabric of your outfit, and by sticking out they rub more than they should to be confortable.. Great solution when you don't want to wear a bra, and you don't want uncomfortable nipples

Uniqlo do bratops, mostly camisole/vest type with a built in bra which is very comfortable to wear and the cups are shaped and padded so nothing shows through. They also do quite nice bras, not as supportive as under-wired but nice and soft and most of them also have padded cups.