For some reason I can not find a bra to give me adequate support. I've tried every brand of bra in the department store from the cheapest to most expensive. I've tried different cuts, styles, and sizes. I've even been fitted on several occassions. But for some reason I just can't get the support I need. Sometimes when I first put a bra on it seems to be okay, but before I know it the support is gone......Any suggestions?

I swear by Jeunique bras sold online by many independent distributors. Pricey, but absolutely worth it. Here's the link to the company I use - http://www.twotexasbelles.com/brapage.html. Just ordered yet another bra today as band sizes have been dropping quickly. I've been wearing these bras from size 42H to now 34GG and I have a better bustline at age 50 than I ever did at 30 when I didn't know the power of a good, properly fitted bra.

There are mixed reviews on Cacique from Lane Bryant. I love 'em, and I'm a DD. But others don't.

I don't know that it's true, but I've read that the support actually comes from the shoulder straps. Make sure they're sturdy and adjusted right?

I can't think of the name brand of the bras but ALL of the bras I get from Nordstroms hold up perfectly (I am a 32 DDD).

They ARE pricey but I will only buy bras from there. Have you tried them? Have the associate fit you and then bring some bras to you for you to try.

Lovebirds - the support should actually come from the band - the shoulder straps sort of keep things in place. I am an awkward size (36G - that's four D's if anyone is counting!) and I have been to a couple of specialty bra shops recently, to get measured and get a better range of options. Both stores told me 90% of women have the band too loose because they feel that it shouldn't be tight - and of course we all want to avoid the dreaded back fat rolls! But the band should be very snug on the loosest hook when you buy it - as you wear it and the elastic stretches, you can move through the hooks. When you're on the tighest hook and it's too loose, time to buy a new one!

Joyc - you don't say what the problem is, so I don't know if you have the band issue I mentioned above. But if you are wearing the right size, you should get the necessary support. Have you tried having a fitting? I was "fitted" by Macy's who said I was a 42D - yeah, that didn't work. But the specialty stores both measured me at 36G, which works so well. I personally love La Mystere and Chantelle bras - they run about $70 a piece, but they are so worth it to me.

CaliDoll - I agree with Nordies, and also Dillards (regional, I think?). Higher end department stores tend to have better trained sales women and also better selections for sizes outside the common A-D cups.

I love these bras. They make the only strapless that has ever worked for me. I'm a 38 DD

Definitely need a small enough band. Paradoxically you get less back rolls with a snug band that sits in the proper place instead of rolling up into your fat/skin rolls. If you try a smaller band than you're used to, be ready to get into a bigger cup than you're used to. If the back is riding up, it isn't supporting you.

You'd think it would be obvious, but stretch doesn't support. Try bras in that kind of net/mesh fabric without a stretch. A little horizontal stretch is comfortable, but vertical stretch does not support.

More structured cups will sually support better than unseamed cups.

Thanks for all of your replies.....I have a few Cacique bras from Lane Bryant but those don't work well for me either....I've been fitted at Macy's, Nordstroms, JC Penny, and the Maidenform outlet, but still have had no luck. I think I'm going to try a specialty store.

I'm a 34DDD so I have a hard time finding bras that fit me and also provide the support I need.

I find my best bras, believe it or not, at Frederick's of Hollywood. I know, I know, some of their stuff looks like it comes from a bordello, but honestly, their bras are great. Very supportive and uplifting, and well made. They do have occasional sales on bras so they can be reasonably priced.

I also make sure to replace my bras every six months because over time, the elastic in the band wears out a bit and no longer provides ideal support. I stock up during the buy one, get one free sales and it ends up being not too terribly expensive.

I wore these when I was younger because my grandmother sold them and at the time I didn't realize how much support they really have but I've been thinking about ordering me another one. I'm glad to have that link so thanks! But for a couple of years Í've been ordering from Woman Within and Roamans and I have enjoyed them. They give pretty good support. (they made me delete the link from my quote because I hadn't posted enough to post links lol)