I have a slightly smaller size than you (and larger band- 38F) so I know how you feel. I would never recommend a sports bra- I even exercise in a regular (albeit older) bra. It may make your chest look slightly flatter, but I find it just pushes the mass out on the sides a bit and I feel I look plumper in one. Let me know how it works out for you! I would be interested in your take on a good bra after you find one.
I am 5'4 178 36HH so I can "feel your pain" I would recommend trying to embrace your size at any size. Concentrate on wearing blouses that are modest (cami's are your friend) yet flatter you. (wrap blouses or empire waste or belted) I know the comments can be hard, but a well fitting bra is much more flattering than a sports bra( uniboob) or a minimizer( underarm boob is unattractive, uncomfortable and unhealthy for your breast tissue).
I wear minimizer bras for work, because I get that button popping thing unless I wear a huge oversized shirt.
Not a huge fan of smooshing your boobs in, but they work.
For really busty girls, there's really a limited selection of bras that work.
Reliable, high end brands I'd recommend are Freya, Le Mystere (but only their full types), Fantasie. I love the Le Mystere style 9955. Although technically it doesn't say it's a minimizer, it basically is because it's molded and your boobs are gonna end up exactly the shape of the mold lol. I wouldn't mess around with Olga, Bali, etc.. at your size
You should check out Pepperberry, it's a good site for finding tops that fit you and won't require a minimizer.
Last edited by ddovii; 08-27-2012 at 09:29 AM.
Reason: Peaberry is a type of coffee, Pepperberry is more like it
Wacoal makes a nice bra. I have two of them and love them and they last like forever. Im a 38H. Its an underwire, the only kind I buy. Pricey though, but worth every penny.
Honestly, all that sports bras and minimizers do is make you look bigger ELSEWHERE as they flatten and widen them out. I rarely find that attractive.
I wear a 34 DD to 36 G depending on the brand and it looks WAY better when I wear a bra that fits well and supports me well versus trying to hide them.
I just look 'off' when I wear minimizer. It simply doesn't flatter the body. Bigger boobs doesn't have to look raunchy. It's how you dress otherwise that makes the difference.
Thanks for all the comments ladies. But I am ntn looking for something that "fits", but something that makes the breasts look smaller. I'm gonna have to deal with looking "wider".
I have to put in a vote for Wacoal underwire bras too. I have found them to be comfortable and supportive. I wear minimizer Wacoal bras - and as long as you are wearing the right cup size (not too small!) - they don't push your boobs under your armpits. There is a minimizing effect, but it looks natural and isn't uncomfortable. I think my bra has given my chest new life! Without it I'm a saggy sally, but in it, it's like an instant breast lift! I am a 34F, so lifting these puppies is no small miracle! Also, with my breasts lifted you can see that I have a waist. I think the bra makes my whole torso look trimmer.
I have been wearing the Cabernet Minimizer brand bra for the last 15 years and I love it. It's a minmizer, underwire bra. I wear a 36DDD and the bra makes me look like I am a 36B. It is very comfortable. I buy this brand bra from Dillard's. The sales ladies are "bra specialist". They are trained to measure and fit you for the perfect bra.
My minimizer bra makes me look like I have 2 oranges in my bra. Without a bra, I look like I have 2 watermelon hanging on my stomach. I don't leave home without it.
This thread is very helpful! I also wear a minimizer. I'm a 36DDD or 38DD and have always bought Bali. I've never heard of these other brands.
Bali is okay, but for the money, it could be better. I can only do the under-wire and it seems the wire is always pushing forward right between my breasts.
HELP Plz!! Minimizer bra vs sportsbra?
