[torchlaker]

I have been trying to find a bra that fits...and was trying underwires. I had been fitted for 2 -- but the wires dig into the flesh (lots of flesh!!) under my arms! I must have tried on 20 bras the other day and didn't buy one. I am a 38DD (down from a 44DD). It doesn't have to be an underwire.....it just needs to be comfortable and lift the girls up! Is there any way to avoid that big glob of flesh that has developed below my armpits (those came along with the batwings that showed up under my arms when I lost weight!!)

Thanks for any help....Any recommendations would be great! I am at a loss right now!

[SuperMom]

have you tried sports type bras? they're really good for support and there's no wires to dig into you!

my mother is also been having a similar problem to you and i suggest sports bras to her as well, and now she refuses to even try anything else - she loves them that much.

i have a much smaller chest.. 36C so i dont need nearly as much support..and sports bras just smoosh me and make me look like i dont have any breasts at all! so they're not for everyone, but worth a try

[Trixie14]

We have a store here in Canada called Additionelle, not sure if it's in the US but that's where I get my bra's and I'm an H cup, they have your size though too and their bras are really comfortable and supportive and well made. Not sure if that helps you out, I've also ordered from http://www.barenecessities.com/ before and the bra I got was pretty good, they don't have as much selection for my size as they do yours so you might be able to find something you like there.

[weebleswobble]

I have been buying (at Kohl's) an Olga bra that has NO underwire. I wear a 38 D or 38 DD (kinda in the middle there) and it fits me well, still with definition, the cups are very comfortable. Olga wire-free "satin comfort" style # 30591 (they have some other styles with the same wire-free design that I also have, this one has some lace by the edge of the cup).
They "cost" $32 at Kohl's but I think this one was $9.99 on discontinued clearance (the "color" was discontinued, I think (black?) and they're often 50% off and you can get a 30% off coupon on top of that if you have a charge card...when I do, I just stock up.

[kl_life]

If you have never gone into a really high quality bra shop then I would encourage that. I'm not talking a store like victoria secret, etc.

I got fed up with bra's not fitting me properly, having troubles finding ones that gave me support, didn't dig into my sides, etc. Then I went into a great bra shop, got fitted by the saleslady who REALLY knew her stuff, and bought me some high quality bras that made ALL the difference.

[Transformer08]

What would be some examples of "high quality bra shops"? (I admit that my two places to get bras are Target and Victoria's Secret.)

Thanks!

[Aclai4067]

Is it the actual underwire (the U shaped piece) that is poking into you, or is it one of the stays (straight piece) behind the underwire? I've had to cut the stays out of a few bras but they still work fine because they have the underwire. If it's the actual underwire poking you, then it's possible that you need a larger band with a smaller cup (ie- 38DD, try 40D). My underwire doesn't wrap around far enough to go into my armpits, but everyone is shaped different. Give it a try and see if it works.

[eroica27]

A good underwire should not cut into the skin but lay flush against it. your stays should not roll nor pull in towards the body, but lay flush against the skin. The bra should be snug and hooked on the middle set. There are also different types of wired bras...try balconettes, demi's and full coverage and know that each one, though they will say the same size, will not fit nor give you the same support and look. VS's bras have poor underwire construction. LB's brand caique has great wire construction but lack consistency with styles (meaning that the 38 demi fits differently than the 38 balconette and you may have to get different sizes for different bras) Also each brand's 38 will fit differently...try different manufactures, and try bras on before you buy them! When I try on a bra, I'll lift my arms up and down, jump up, bend at the waist, and lift my arms and twist a few times so I can see what the bra will do under each circumstance. And i hate to mention it, but you might have to go up and down a band size depending on the maker of the bra (I often had to go up a band size for playtex).

A lot of bras are fitted incorrectly in the united states...a good bra is more than picking out one that closes and does not bubble. I went to many places that supposedly speciallized in bras and after getting in a verbal-disagreement with the wenches at VS, the manager came and stated that I was not a 38DD but a 36DDD. However, it is difficult to find that size without reallly searching around. Conversly there are many women who wear a DDD that should really be an E. There are some misconceptions about boob sizes, especially when it comes to larger cup sizes.

As for finding a good store that sells bras, I'd start by localizing your search by including where you live in the search box. (example: Bra specialist in Dallas) You will have better luck if you live in or near a large city.

[torchlaker]

Thanks so much for the input. Yes, I was fitted at two different places at bra specialty shops for underwires. I got duped into buying an $85 bra...and she told me that I was a size I never heard of (probably to keep you from going somewhere else and buying that size). I have gone to a lady in Cleveland for years...and her underwire fits a bit better....but not much. Gotta say here, I have never worn underwires before. Do I really need one for my size (hey, I am 62....no real need for the girls to "stand up" anymore!!)

[eroica27]

no. wires give structure to the bra, not necessarily the wearer. look for a form fitting (not tight) underband in wireless bras. I still do the same manuevers for wireless bras that i do for wired bras. the last thing you want to have a happen is falling out under the underband. i have had this happen and its uncomfortable and strange. again each maker of bras fit differently.

[kl_life]

Originally Posted by torchlaker

Thanks so much for the input. Yes, I was fitted at two different places at bra specialty shops for underwires. I got duped into buying an $85 bra...and she told me that I was a size I never heard of (probably to keep you from going somewhere else and buying that size). I have gone to a lady in Cleveland for years...and her underwire fits a bit better....but not much. Gotta say here, I have never worn underwires before. Do I really need one for my size (hey, I am 62....no real need for the girls to "stand up" anymore!!)

The bras that I buy from The BraBar & Panterie here where I live are imported from France and England (not made in North America like most bras in stores are) and because of that they a) are sized differently, and b) are a much better quality.

The band of your bra makes a BIG difference. And yes they can be expensive but think about it...you wear them EVERY day.

I recently bought a couple cheaper bras at a store in an outlet center and I can tell they are cheaper because the bands are not of high quality therefore I get the wires digging into my sides. Not worth saving the money to be uncomfortable all day long.

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Do your bra straps dig into you, or are they constantly falling off your shoulders?

Does the underwire dig into you?

Does the back of your bra ride up to your shoulder blades?

Do your breasts bulge out the top, sides or bottom of your bra?

Do you find yourself pulling and tugging at your bra all day?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you are among the over 70% of women who aren't wearing the right size bra. That means your bra can't do what it is designed to do, and you are compromising support, comfort, and possibly even your health.

Most women have never been fitted properly in the first place and don't have a clear understanding of the concept of bra sizing. Others might not realize their bra size has changed with changes in their weight, or as they grow older.

It doesn't help that department stores, and even many specialty shops, only carry the most popular sizes. If you don't fit into that category, it is probably difficult to find the size you should be wearing, so you end up settling for what you can get.

[coachie]

I finally made the switch to balconette style bras. Never thought I would like them since I have a substantial rack and thought that would only add more mass. But, talk about lift! I have 'new boobs' and it made me look like I lost 15 pounds instantly.