Sick of buying uncomfortable bras

[FletchFan]

I feel like it's impossible to buy a bra that
a) doesn't feel like it's strangling me
b) doesn't dig into me (underwired especially)
c) lifts my D cup boobs enough so they don't look flat and saggy
d) actually keeps my boobs in rather than them congregating at the middle
e) looks somewhat pretty and flattering.

I have so many different types, and every time I try one on in the shop and think 'finally', I wear it for a day or two and the one of the above problems happens and I've wasted yet more money.

I just wish I could find a bra that actually fits and then just get it in several colours so I don't have to think about it anymore.

I've been to bra fitters, they always fit me in ridiculously tight bands that aren't comfortable.

Is it just me?

I'm almost tempted to get some type of tape as my current bralettes are fabulous, my boobs just want to spill out the middle and it's driving me nuts.

Are you actually a D cup? As in your over bust measurement is 4 inches longer than your under bust measurement?
Just because you say you have trouble keeping them in check!

I hate tight bands too. I have a 31" chest but 32" bands are very sore. I wear 34" and it still feels comfortably snug.

Yes. Anything bigger and the bra just gapes.
I always wear 34 as well even though fitters say I'm 30 or 32.

I have just started wearing Sloggi women’s Zero pull on bras.
Very soft but with foam like removable cups if preferred.
The material is soft but very stretchy and it’s easy to get on over the head.
They are incredible comfy and don’t dig in anywhere.

The correct bra isn't uncomfortable. If your underwiring etc is digging in I suspect you aren't wearing the correct size.

Have you been fitted at somewhere like bravissimo or a decent independent?
Other option is just to do a massive online order and try sizing for yourself.

Be warned though - new bras are always a bit tight. Once you've worn them for a bit though the bands do become comfortable. If they don't it's a sizing issue. I was experiencing bra discomfort at the beginning of the year - the things that's worked was losing a bit of weight (or I could have bought bigger bras)

Curvy Kate have a couple of good basic bras that I would suggest trying. Be aware what fits one person might not be right for another. A colleague and I are similarly well endowed and had a long bra chat one day - so she bought some too. Wonderfully fits me brilliantly whereas Victory is her jam.

Wonderfully (https://www.curvykate.com/products/curvy-kate-wonderfully-full-cup-bra-black?variant=41533589323931)
Victory (www.curvykate.com/products/curvy-kate-victory-side-support-balcony-bra-forest-green?variant=46366198202523)

Shapermint. Really comfortable, supportive and give a good shape. The sweetheart neck one is versatile and imo less old nicer than the everyday one.
Admittedky they are not that pretty but the black looks nice on. The pale pink, not so much

The trouble with bra fitting I think is that there is so little flexibility for normal day to day body changes - as you eat your rib cage moves a little, as water absorption levels vary , never mind hormones …

I love molke - very flexible great shape very comfortable and some great fun patterns -

I’m the same size as you and love Mey full cup bras. I wear either a 32D or the sister size 34C and both work well for me. They are expensive but worth it and very exciting when you find one in the sales!

Have you been to Bravissimo? I always find them great and the best bras have had as well as fit.

Have you tried Boody? I have a smaller bust than you, but I love mine. The fabric is bamboo and lovely and soft, they’re the most comfortable bras I’ve ever had.

You’re wearing the wrong size if your rib cage measures 30 and you’re wearing 34.
if you’re on Instagram, look at Bella Rosa lingerie, she does Transformation Tuesdays. Amazing photos of how the right fit bra makes such a difference.

although there are many MN'ers who disagree, I've found this calculator to be, the, most useful for achieving the fit I need

Another vote for Molke bras. I will never go back to underwired ones.

I found that independent shops are best and I make sure when I go in to say 'don't put me in too tight a band' because you're right, they always tend t o do this..

I changed to Comfit 6 months ago and they are absolutely fantastic- chucked all my old ones away

I can no longer wear wired bras and have tried a ton of non-wired ones that give the horrible results you list. The only ones that don't give me the monoboob effect are the Royce ones. Shapermint are hopeless--if the cup size is big enough, the band is far too baggy, and after a few hours the boobs go into squidged monoboob shape. Not sure why bra manufacturers have forgotten that the aim of a bra is to lift AND SEPARATE. A "cross your heart" type bra (I remember these from decades ago) would do the job but now nobody follows this principle of design except for seriously "old lady" styles.

I used to get one bra a year from Bravissimo - see user name. I always took their advice and bought whatever they recommended, but they weren’t comfortable and I never wore them more than a few times afterwards. The terms of the job meant I couldn’t take them straight back.

Surprisingly enough to me, the best place was Victoria’s Secrets.

I've found Comfit no wire perfect after trying almost everything else. I'm a 42D

Thank you everyone. The problem is I refuse to spend a lot nowadays as I know there's a very good chance it won't be comfortable after wearing it for a day. I'm so fed up of bleeding money on underwear that isn't comfortable.

I don't have any brands people mention near me for fitting. I live very rurally.

£30 for a bra is just too much.

I totally understand where you're coming from. I had literally tried lots including expensive ones after measuring etc. I ordered Comfit online and I genuinely am totally converted. I realise might not be for everyone but when I say I'd tried all sorts I literally had! I bought just one to start with, then on a good multi offer got 3 more, including pretty red and mauve ones. Good luck in your search!

Thank you. I've just had a look. Anything in particular you'd recommend? I prefer non wired.

That’s why then. If the back is too big and the cup too small, you’ll have exactly this issue.

The only place I trust for a bra fitting is Rigby & Peller. They’re always spot on whereas other places I’ve had bra fittings (from M&S to other independents) always get it wrong.

So these days I just stick with Rigby & Peller and the brands they’ve tried me in that fit beautifully and are still comfy. What I like is that they also consider the shape of your boobs so it’s not just about measurements. In fact they don’t even measure you. The wonderful women who work there just look at you topless and then come back with a selection of bras for you to try (and explain why for each one). I’ve learnt so much from them. Different brands and/or styles suit different boob shapes, it’s not as simple as just knowing your size.

Note that I only ever go to the Knightsbridge branch (good excuse to go and buy cake in Harrods afterwards!) so can’t vouch for any of the other branches but Knightsbridge is always fantastic.

Molke is online and really good to work with

pricy but last years

I like Bravissimo bras, but not their fitting advice. Like everyone else these days it seems, they tell you that you need bras with far too tight a band. Just go in and try on a variety of sizes until you find what fits. I haven't tried any of theirs since I stoped wearing underwired bras though.

I got fed up with the cost also and tried Primark bras. Who knows how long they will last but they fit. I'm a 30 back and their 32 is fine and tight enough for me and they do bigger cup sizes now.. OP - agree with others who say you're probably wearing the wrong size ( too big back and too small cup).