Hello ladies! I recently joined the community and I thought I would lend as much information as possible to the community. I read a few posts talking about bras and I thought I would lend my professional advice and expertise as a previous Lane Bryant management a few years back before I went after my current profession. I don't mean to get preachy, but I thought I would offer as much advice and help as possible to help save a buck and offer information.
Bra Fittings: The worst thing you can do and get frustrated about is wasting your time trying on bra after bra. If you are plus size and even if you are not make sure you get a fitting every 6 months. Even if you don't end up making a purchase, slip into your Lane Bryant or other favorite store and request a bra fitting. If the ladies at your favorite store aren't seemingly nice about giving the fitting send a quick email to management. Trust me, they get a personal talking to and better step up their behavior/performance or else they get replaced. At Lane Bryant I was one of their top bra saleswomen in my region, so I definitely know the ins and outs of the bra business. They offer over the shirt fittings so you don't have to get undressed unless you request - including those who aren't plus size! You are even allowed to try on their bras and you get a professional opinion in how you look in return.
Look 10lbs Lighter: Yep, I can't tell you how much skinner you will look with the right fitting bra on. Guess what, if you are complaining about wires hurting you and disbelief you can have a great supporting sexy bra then you're in the wrong size. With the right size on, after having a bra fitting, you will, I guarantee see a huge change in your appearance and feel comfortable. I changed many a woman's day just by getting her in the right bra!
It's a lotta cash: Uh huh, it costs a little more to have bigger breasts. I know, I have 38 DDDs and I feel your pain on the wallet. Here are some secrets in the business of plus size booby business. When Victoria Secret is having their semi-annual sale Lane Bryant is usually right there with them. You can buy 2 get 2 free. Throughout the year the bras are always buy 1 get one 1/2 off and LB always has coupons!!!! So, plan your bra shopping to co-inside with your 6 month purchases and save your back, appearance, and wallet. The investment in a great bra is imperative to your health. Back issues are no fun. Those awful dig marks in your shoulders are NO FUN. Looking 10lbs heavier than you should is NO FUN!
What bra should I get? I understand the desire to want to wear something sexy underneath. There's something simply amazing when wearing a cute print and cut beneath the outer layer. Here's what I would do:
Wide Shoulders / Smaller Breasts (C-D): Demi Bra. I would link examples, but my count is not 25 or higher. Please refer to the Lane Bryant website to refer to the bras I am suggesting.
Hour Glass / Larger Boobs / DD - F: Balconette Bra. I'm 26 now, but in college this bra was all I would wear. I could get a sexy bra and I could get an every day comfortable bra. I LOVE THIS BRA. The widened straps aren't so wide that I feel unsexy and the way the bra is molded/shaped it helps tone down my cleavage. This the most popular bra that Lane Bryant sells for a reason - it's the absolute best for most big breasted women because of comfort and cuteness.
**For sizes higher than an F I would suggest a custom made bra OR ordering a Full coverage F or DDD bra from Lane Bryant. Full coverage is extra cup room.
Sexy Bra for short term occasions: I will tell you now that the plunge bra was not intended for women who are very curvy up top because it will be uncomfortable and usually you have to go a size up. A lot of women have to take out the air pockets to fit and at the end of the night the smaller straps dig down and hurt the shoulders.
Strapless for the Ladies? Guess what, YOU can wear strapless bras if you are fitted for the correct size and try on this gem of a bra. I have this bra, in fact, I have two. I can still wear strapless and not tug my breasts up every moment of the day. It's built for larger breasted women. It's not an every day bra, but if you have that special occasion and want to wear a halter, you'll have no fits with this product. BRA6 Convertable. You get straps with it so it's a 6 for one product.
Why should I invest? Simple, this is what you will wear (usually and hopefully in public at least) every single day and you deserve to feel good. Don't be miserable. Make the investment. This is the equivalent to a hair appointment, mani-pedi nail day, or a pair of those shoes you probably shouldn't have bought. What's even worse your bras that you purchase cheaply (and they break/tear up) surpasses this investment over one year. This is the product that is going to help you show off your body like it's meant too. Heck, clothes look better, too!
Making your bras last: Simple. Don't dry them. I have done routine bra fittings and have stayed the same booby size until recently. (3 years) After 2 years of having a few bras they're finally not wearable. If you make the investment and care for your product it saves you money. Make sure when you first try on a bra you are on the very last hook possible so that as it loses its elasticity you can tighten it up - same goes for your shoulder straps.
If you have any questions feel free to list them below. I'll try my best to help in any way I can. Of course this information is based on personal/professional experience. If you've had great happiness with a product then keep going with it! I no longer work for Lane Bryant, so I am not trying to advocate them in any form or fashion. It's just the product I know and have loved early on in life.