I'm fed up with department store bras, even the ones that claim to be very supportive just don't fit me right. I've tried Bali, Maidenform, you name it. I don't know if my b**bs are just oddly sized or what. I've heard some good things about LB bras and wonder if anyone wears them. I'm a 38D (maybe even a DD in some styles). Thoughts? I need support and a little minimization would be nice but not mandatory.
Many of the LB styles right now are padded or formed. This doesn't do anything to minimize, but it does provide lovely shape. I find them to be pretty comfortable and they are much more attractive than department store bras in my size. To maintain shape, I'm careful to wash them in a lingerie bag and hang to dry.
What "requirements" are you looking for in your bras?
I (please don't throw tomatoes ) hate LB's bras. I don't know why, but they never fit me right. I'm about the same size as you - on a good day I can fit a 38DD.
I've had good luck with Vanity Fair and Playtex bras though - but both companies stopped making the bra I really like
I love LB bras! I find them very supportive, true they don't really minimize - but I think they are very comfortable. You might want to try going to a specialty shop, they are expert fitters and carry high quality bras. You would be surprised at how many people are not wearing the correct bra size. I have found the brands Wacoal and Chantelle to be great and some styles do minimize- they just cost more than LB bras.
I only wear LB bras as they are the only ones that come in my size (38H!) and are usually BOGO. Plus I do a google search for LB coupons and can usually get 4 bras for about $75.
First, are you 100% sure you're a 38DD? If your bras aren't supportive enough you most likely need a smaller band size and large cup size (you band size should be your underbust measured tightly! see here for more fitting help). But basically a well-fitting bra should have a band that stays parallel to the ground (even after wear), the center gore should sit flat against your chest and the cups should enclose all your breast tissue (even after scooping your breasts into the cups).
Measure your underbust and make sure you're a 38 underbust before you do anything because it's going to be hard to find the correct cup size if you have the wrong bad size.
Now, if you do have a 36 underbust or above Lane Bryant has some GREAT bras there. They're pretty supportive BUT they don't sell much of anything over a DD/DDD cup (check online too because they sell more there).
Also, definitely check out Elomi, which is an amazing plus-sized brand. Personally, some of my favorite brands are Freya/Fantaise/Ewa Michalak but some like Panache (it comes down more to breast shape when finding your favorite brands).
If you have any questions let me know (I can help with fitting advice too).
ETA: I've got to be honest here. minimizers are horrendous contraptions. A well-fitting bra in your correct size can do absolute wonders (I have a link to a picture here on my how to buy bras while losing weight loss post). Also, if you're worried about a minimiser because you're having a hard time finding tops, check out my resources page. There are some amazing shops out there that sell clothes to large breasted women (biubiu, AJ Rumina, Pepperberry...).
Last edited by runningfromfat; 02-02-2012 at 11:39 AM.
I've worn LB cacique just fine and Target Playtex fine. I am a 42D.
Underwire only for the C cup and above otherwise it is annoying. And it ought to lay flat on the ribs. Band should be on LOOSEST hooks so as it ages you can tighten up a bit.
Don't add inches to the band. Just measure under the breasts. That is your band size. (Former recc to add inches was from yesteryear when fabrics were not as elastic as modern ones.)
The cups? Measure around fullest part of breast and subtract band. In the US that works out to...
A = less than 1"
B = 1 inch
C = 2
D = 3
DD = 4
DDD/E/F = 5
DDDD/F/G = 6
Runningfromfat, I love your blog! I'll have to look closer when I'm at home, not on my lunch break with the risk of people coming up behind me and thinking I'm just looking at pictures of women in bras. Also, you are looking fabulous!
For me, LB bras don't work. The only bra that I've tried and actually loved has been the wacoal retro chic full figure underwire bra. Funny, because I just ordered 3 this morning since I found a bare necessities coupon code that actually worked (those suckers are expensive, but it's worth getting a few to be able to actually rotate them like you're supposed to!) Wacoal has a few others that I like almost as much, but this one is seriously great.
Runningfromfat, I love your blog! I'll have to look closer when I'm at home, not on my lunch break with the risk of people coming up behind me and thinking I'm just looking at pictures of women in bras. Also, you are looking fabulous!
For me, LB bras don't work. The only bra that I've tried and actually loved has been the wacoal retro chic full figure underwire bra. Funny, because I just ordered 3 this morning since I found a bare necessities coupon code that actually worked (those suckers are expensive, but it's worth getting a few to be able to actually rotate them like you're supposed to!) Wacoal has a few others that I like almost as much, but this one is seriously great.
Thanks!!! Haha, I know what you're talking about. DH always teases me that if someone saw what I looked at on the internet all the time they'd think we're pervs. I guess I just feel really strongly about well-fitting bras.
Also, I think ideeli has a sale on Wacoal (and does every so often) so you might want to keep an eye on them there too.
I love their bras! I also have no choice bc if my size, but I find then comfortable and flattering. And they will measure you right in the store so you'll know exactly the right size. Plus their bras are really pretty, which is rare in bigger sizes
Thanks Ladies! RFF, my boobs are wide and shallow. So usually the cups are not wide enough but are way too tall (does that make sense?). I think I need to go to LB and try some on, and yes, I will measure under my boobs. There's no way I'm smaller than a 36 band size.
Thanks Ladies! RFF, my boobs are wide and shallow. So usually the cups are not wide enough but are way too tall (does that make sense?). I think I need to go to LB and try some on, and yes, I will measure under my boobs. There's no way I'm smaller than a 36 band size.
Try Panache and Curvy Kate bras then (brastop is having free international shipping AND a 14% discount today so the bras are really, really reasonably priced). Also to add Freya bras might be too narrow and deep for you.
You COULD definitely be much smaller than a 36. I was a 36 band when I was over 200lbs, I haven't been there for a long time and your BMI is much lower than mine... Also I'm doing an Underbust Survey right now on my blog (to tell bra manufacturers what sizes are needed vs what are sold) so please fill that out once you know your measurements too! It really does help. The reason I mention the Survey is that so far the vast, vast majority of women who are at a healthy BMI (or close to it) have underbusts of 32" or less (the largest so far was 35") and I really do have a large range of heights and frame sizes. Make sure to pull the measuring tape tight, though, when you measure.
Last edited by runningfromfat; 02-02-2012 at 01:45 PM.
Goodluck. I got three Cacique bras when I was a 38DDD and they were just lovely. SN: I had the smallest boobs of the women in my immediate family and they all like their bras too.
Anyone wear Lane Bryant bras?
) hate LB's bras. I don't know why, but they never fit me right. I'm about the same size as you - on a good day I can fit a 38DD. 
I guess I just feel really strongly about well-fitting bras. 
