Well...I've tried spending a lot and a little, and, frankly, there is not much difference between the two with respect to comfort, fit, or durability, as far as I can tell. Then again, I prefer practical over fancy.

Fit is important, but I find that different styles--even from the same manufacturer--don't fit the same on me. Anyone else have this issue? I always try on before buying and start by testing different sizes.

.....still searching for the perfect shapewear.....(or shapeshifters, as I like to call them).....

Interesting you did not see a difference.... ... We're you ever measured and fitted by a pro? That was the big difference for me. Apparently a majority of women are in the wrong size....! It amazed me...Was so sure they were going to tell me I was OK where I was!! The size recommended to me by the fitter was NOT what I ever would have tried on by myself. That was where it became indisputable .... I was part of that majority in the wrong size ..... And holy smoke...those girls looked quite right sized for the rest of me !!!

Yes, I have "pro" measurements. I tend to look for the same features and style in such garments, so I might be purchasing different labels made by the same manufacturer. Or they are using similar patterns and fabrics.

Funny memory from when my boys were little: they preferred to call underwear "overbutts"......I miss my little boys!

I've been getting my bras from Lane Bryant for years; they have pretty much every larger size you could imagine, and are the longest-lasting bras i've ever owned! I'm a 38DDD, and my boobs have been known to destroy bras within a couple months. The bras from LB, however, last me at least 3 yrs (!!) before I need new ones. Not putting them in the dryer helps, too ;)
They run about 30-40$ per bra, but there's usually a buy one get one half off promo going on. Google "cacique bras" if you're curious.

I work in a retail store where we have crazy amounts of clearance bras. My manager got fed up with the inventory not moving so he made all of the bras 1.99 each. With my 20 percent discount on to of that, I ended up buying a HUGE bag of bras. However, they are starting to be a little big on me now which is a good and sad thing.

I also have hard-to-fit boobs, one bigger than the other. I never had been fitted for a bra before. Decided to check out Aerie in the mall the other day to see if they did fittings -- they did. So I thought, why not? Apparently, even though I measure like a D, I wear a C -- a C36. I tried on oodles and oodles of bras which made me look GREAT, but the "touching elbows" test always resulted the same. The bra would stop holding my boobs and slide down my stomach. Finally I found what I call the "hooker bra," called Emma I believe, and oh my gosh. $30, great lift, boyfriend enjoyed it, even said my posture looked better than ever. After 5 bras you get the 6th free.

Honestly, I'll go back.

I wouldn't mind spending $50 or more on a bra if I could find one worth that. Really would like to find some good sports bras that don't make me look like I have a uni-boob! I think the most I have spent on one is about $35 and out of all the ones I have there is not one that I truly like.

Well guys, I started this thread, and let me update you! It took months of searching, but I found the right bras for me.

Body by Victoria Unlined Perfect Coverage. They only sell these bras online. I know everyone is different, but these are just perfect for me. And they are not ugly!

If it fits properly, is comfy and makes me look good, I will spend up to $50. 38DD, had kids, long floppy girls. :D

Since it is an item most of us wear most of the day, everyday, it needs to fit, be comfy and enhance the figure, this all helps to make our shirts look better, and keep the wild ones in check!:D

Typically I would spend a maximum of $50 NZD ($39.50 USD). However, now I'm a student and I don't want to spend my partner's money, I get $20 ones from Bendon. The $20 last just as long as the more expensive and look just as fantastic.

If anyone has the opportunity, try The Towne Shop (sp?) in New York for a fitting. It was one of the best things I ever did! Eight of us ladies trooped in on a trip to NY and each of us had our own "fitter." They even tell you "we don't "measure" you; we "fit" you." Long story short, only one of the eight of us was wearing the right size! I felt so good in the bras I bought there that I wore one out of the store -- threw the one I had been wearing away right then. I must have spent over $200 on bras that day, but they were one of the best investments I ever made (Chantelle and Wacoal). Well fitting bras seem to last longer, too.

I wear a 32DD, so they can be difficult to find (and pricey), but I will never scrimp on them again.

$3 - $12 at Ross and Burlington

I spent $60 on 2 bras this weekend at Macy's. I almost always go to Macy's because of a hard-to-find size (38G). I look forward to the day when I have a more mainstream size and can buy $20 bras.

I spent -about $30 per bra. I usually buy them online when Lane Bryant has those buy two get two free sales.

I'm a 38J so I spend a ridiculous amount on bras, and what's worse is that there is no where in Spain that does my size. I tend to stock up when I go to London as I can buy loads from Debenhams in my size, both in their own brand and in the other brands they carry. Otherwise I order them online on figleaves but that's still around £40 a pop.