I'm in love with my new bras. I bought a set of genie bras at Walmart. They are the most comfortable bras I've ever worn (except for a sleeping bra I had once, which shouldn't even have been called a bra).
My husband and sister both commented on how smooth the bra made my back looked (no rolls of backfat falling over or under the seams).
If you can find these at Walmart or somewhere you can try them on (and if you don't like the look of "your size" according to the box's chart, try the size smaller), because it seems from the reviews that most women either love them or hate them. Also, even if you hate how it looks (I did), don't judge it until you've put clothes on over it.
I ended up buying the size smaller than the box suggested, because it was the closest size available (3X). And while I didn't think it was supportive enough, and didn't provide enough "lift," I bought them any way, because I was desperate for a bra I could put on after a shower at the gym (I have arthritis and other pain/mobility/flexibility issues severe enough that I often need my husband's help to get into my bra, and at the gym, I always end up playing twister with myself getting into a bra after the shower. Half the time I give up and just walk out of the gym with my arms in front of my chest).
I also wanted a bra comfortable enough to sleep in (which it is, it almost doesn't feel like wearing a bra at all) for bad flare days when I couldn't avoid having company (such as hubby's game night with friends about once a month). In our small apartment, I hated wearing jammies and no bra with people in the house, so I found a few t-shirt dresses and t-shirt draw string pants and t-shirts that could double as daywear/sleepware - but the bra was always the problem. I couldn't rest wearing one, so I'd take my bra off when I got to the bedroom, and then have to put it back on to go the bathroom or the kitchen for anything (because our apartment is too small - and the floor plan to open to be able to avoid being seen).
When I first tried on the genie bra, I didn't care for the fact that the genie bra seemed to flattened me a bit - so even with the padded inserts, it looks like I've dropped about half to one cup size (this also varies, supposedly some women feel it made them look a cup size bigger). And it didn't seem that supportive, but looked ok with a top over it (at least presentable enough for flare days). I was convinced that I would only wear it when I had to, and only because it was better than nothing (but not by all that much, I thought at first).
I didn't like the lack of "lift," and I was sure that I had bought a too-small size, but I thought well I'm losing weight...
They did seem to shrink a little in the washer or dryer, or at least the elastic got a bit snugger, and it seems like the lift is a little better (or maybe I've just become accustomed to the fit). I've considered getting out the sewing machine and shortening the straps, to see if that helps the lift, but so far I haven't made the effort - or risked damaging the bra).
A lot of the reviews I read, before I bought mine, said that the bra isn't for anyone with a C cup or larger, but I wear a D cup (a DD in some bras) and I'm really impressed (but then again, I wasn't when I first bought the bra, so maybe it takes some getting used to).
I've fallen in love with these bras though. They're so darned comfortable, I can't believe it. And I had given up on the back fat rolls. I really thought a smooth back was just something I'd never have until I reached goal weight.
(Though it did take a little practice adjusting the bra to maximize it's "smoothing" potential. I had spillage in the front too until I learned to tug and stretch into the bra until it fit the way I wanted it to. There seems to be a steeper "learning curve" on this bra, despite the fact that it seems so easy to get into - you do have to do some "adjusting" of the girls and the bra to get it right).
As I said, since they're a love 'em or hate-'em bra, they're a bit of a gamble - but I'm glad I took the risk.
Don't know what they have in the states, but in Australia they have the Ahh Bra and Smart Bra which sounds like it could be like what you want. You can get them on ebay.
46 or 48 C????? At your size, I have a hard time believing your underbreast measurement is more than 40 (and it's probably less).... Runningfromfat's site tells you how to measure (as do a lot of other reputable sites. I guarantee you'll feel better and will love any bra better if it fits properly.
Victoria's Secret. You cannot beat their bras, period. Pricey but worth every penny if you ask me.
See I can't wear their bras! I have tried on every single one that comes in my size 36DD and none fit right. They measured me and everything. I spent almost 2 hours in there trying to find one that fit properly. It was a shame because they were so pretty!
I have a REALLY tough time buying bras. I usually end up online, at HerRoom or Victoria's Secret (thank goodness they carry at least one bra that fits me, although they are not my favorite). I'm a 34DD and it's hard to find that combo in department stores - usually 34's are all small cups, and DD's are all large ribcages.
If anyone else is around my size and has found luck with certain bra makers or retailers, I'd love to know about it.
I have a REALLY tough time buying bras. I usually end up online, at HerRoom or Victoria's Secret (thank goodness they carry at least one bra that fits me, although they are not my favorite). I'm a 34DD and it's hard to find that combo in department stores - usually 34's are all small cups, and DD's are all large ribcages.
If anyone else is around my size and has found luck with certain bra makers or retailers, I'd love to know about it.
I have that trouble too when I am at my lightest weight. I don't lose much in my bust but I am small around the ribcage and it's so hard to find bras that fit. Funnily enough I had better luck in Australia than here in the US, where you are supposed to be able to get everything!
Don't forget about "sister sizes"! If you are a 36DD, a 38D may feel comfortable too. The way you find a sister size is if you go up in the band, go down in the up OR if you go down in the band, go up in the cup.
Sometimes the sister size feels like world of difference! I used to work at LB and I know they have some great non underwire bras, molded cup and nonmolded cup. The only thing that sucks about getting your bra sized at a store is if the person is fairly new or doesn't know a few 'tricks', you may end up being there for a long time. Right after Christmas, I had a customer come in asking about bras. I asked her if she had been fitted lately, and she made "that face" (you know the one... "I never want to be fit again!") and when I prodded a little more, she told me she was in the store (my store!!!!) for FOUR HOURS the last time and went home empty handed. I asked her if she was willing to try a fitting one more time and she reluctantly agreed. I sized her and pulled that size and sister sizes in the STYLES SHE LIKED (this is the key that a lot of sales associates forget... the basics are underwire versus non underwire and molded cup versus nonmolded cup, the cuts of the cup vary slightly but the sizes in the same store usually stay true). I pulled about 3-4 bras for her, don't remember her size but let's say I measured her at a 40DD... so I would have pulled a 40DD of course and then asked her how her bras fit now ANOTHER thing people forget!). I believe she said they were tight in the band so I also pulled a 42D and 42DD (sister sizes). She left with 6-8 bras in about 30 minutes. Only one was what I measured her at, the rest were the sister size!!!
MAKE SURE you get sized at least once per year... at multiple places if you have to! (I went to a Lane Bryant and a Motherhood Maternity to get sized this last time.) if you are losing weight (like 1-2 lb per week) get sized about twice per year. When you get your bra, make sure it clasps on the center hooks!!! If you gain a little (ie when your cycle starts, when you get a little bloat-y, whatever) it will be comfortable on the outermost hooks... if you loose a little, it will be comfortable on the innermost hooks.
Victoria secret tried to "sister size me" and the bra was so loose that I just left... they wanted me to just fit into one of their bras... which sadly they do not make my band size or cup I Am.
My rib cage is now sizing me as a 32 so I need to buy some new bras soon... might wait till goal since I'm dying to try some Freya bras.
Who loves their Bra? I want a good one.
