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The comfy bra thing....

(90 Posts)
jellybeanjean Sun 27-Sept-15 09:49:58

This morning's email from Gransnet included info on how to find the perfect bra. What I want, what I would gladly pay a small fortune for, is a bra which feels comfy all day long (i.e. not one I am desperate to rip off after an hour). I am a large-busted lady (66 and 3/4; that's age, not bra size) and would happily go bra-less if it didn't scare the neighbours/wildlife or attract unwelcome leering (probably more shock than leer, to be honest). Sainsbury's do a comfy pull on one but it offers next to no support, so I'm flopping everywhere when I wear it. M&S do a fairly comfy white one with a satin underbust band, but I hate white bras. I am stuck with the black full support M&S ones I've always bought, which have been fitted 'professionally' but they are so tight I can hardly breathe (ok, slight exaggeration).
Would be interested to read recommendations from other like mind/busted grans.

aprilinparis Tue 06-Oct-15 17:08:58

I am a hefty 42G and find only Triumph make a non wired, comfortable and (much needed)supportive bra. I get mine online at needundies.com. They are direct and efficient and will change anything that does not fit.
My bugbear is the lack of colourful bras for my size in non wired. I end up with a choice of black or white !

Elrel Fri 02-Oct-15 20:00:42

Sad to say that 'Who Made Your Pants?' is closing down, with a closing down sale of all remaining stock.

WilmaKnickersfit Thu 01-Oct-15 23:25:12

It does make a difference doesn't it? smile

Luckygirl Thu 01-Oct-15 12:53:40

I've always wanted a smooth look!

WilmaKnickersfit Thu 01-Oct-15 11:27:29

PS If you found a t-shirt bra that you like, you'll wear it to death because it looks good under virtually anything! grin

WilmaKnickersfit Thu 01-Oct-15 11:25:10

A t-shirt bra is a bra that doesn't show any seams through the fabric of a t-shirt so you get a smooth look. wink

Luckygirl Thu 01-Oct-15 11:22:29

I beg its pardon - it is a "T-shirt bra", whatever that might be - but it's great!

I was totally, mind-boggled in my trawl round the M&S bra department - balcony, T-shirt, sports, underwired, non-wired, maternity (they looked the most comfortable - I was tempted!), post-surgery - my head was reeling! I felt like burning my bra and going native!

WilmaKnickersfit Thu 01-Oct-15 01:20:19

Luckygirl that's great! My SiL is an A cup and buys her bras from M&S, but she usually has to go to the Marble Arch store for them. She can get her size online, but likes to see the bras before buying. Problem is of course, styles keep getting replaced and she's back at square one. She's always said she doesn't need to wear a bra, but it keeps her decent if it gets chilly! wink grin M&S do bras in my size, but one might fit well, then the next one doesn't. sad

Luckygirl Wed 30-Sept-15 22:58:58

Well - I went to M&S today and scoured the place for 40As - and found a bra that I would not normally consider - but it was in the right size. I tried it on and it was brilliant - they had two so I snapped them up! It is a sports bra with padded cups , something I have never gone for before - but I did not care as it is comfortable - hallelujah!

WilmaKnickersfit Wed 30-Sept-15 21:04:37

Not at all Atqui, it's still in my mind that I will get there some day! grin

Atqui Wed 30-Sept-15 20:52:26

Sorry to hear that Wilma

JoniBGoode Wed 30-Sept-15 17:16:29

sue01

Thank you for the info re the outlet in Northants. I am miles away from that area so I emailed them and had a very prompt reply with a link to their sister website. They have my favourite Fantasie bras at nearly half the price I normally pay. Thanks again.

WilmaKnickersfit Wed 30-Sept-15 17:09:46

Atqui it's health issues that make losing weight difficult, but it doesn't stop us trying (me and my husband that is)! I'm not very mobile just now, but am allowed to drive thank goodness, so I can get to Desborough (or be taken). It sounds daft, but when I was slimmer it never occurred to me that my health could be a barrier to losing weight. I always thought I would just go on a diet (again) and the weight would come off if I sstayed on track.

sue01 Wed 30-Sept-15 16:25:17

My pleasure ! I would definitely phone first... and book a fitting. After that they're very good, and if you phone, will tell you what they have in your size. Saves a wasted trip ! Hope you find something nice. Sue x

rosesarered Wed 30-Sept-15 15:15:10

We all seem to hate bras! Me too.I used to live next door to a quite elderly lady who once surprised me by saying " Isn't it lovely to get home from an evening out and go take your bra off!" I hadn't thought about doing that, and in fact didn't until fairly recently, and yes, it is lovely, extremely so.
I'm not big busted either, but even so hard to find comfy bras that also give uplift and support. Usually buy from M&S or Debenhams, any that don't have wires ( although I used to always buy underwired years ago.)I only buy in either black or nude colours, as they are the most useful.Same with buying pants.Both bras and pants have to have lace on them though, the more the merrier.smile

Atqui Wed 30-Sept-15 15:00:50

Terribul and Loopylou could have written those posts myself. if only I was brave enough I would have a reduction.Hope it goes well for you Wilma. Surely being offered the op on NHS will spur you on to reach your bmi (?if you don't have the coward issue!)

WilmaKnickersfit Wed 30-Sept-15 14:28:35

I can get to Desborough! It's not exactly local, but there's good roads between here and there. Sue01 you are a star flowers

I am a 42J or 42K - massive buzooooms that are the bane of my life. Even when I lose weight, my bust only goes down in band size and unlike most women, I don't lose weight first from my bust, but from my waist making my boobs look bigger. As part of a pain management plan I have seen a consultant about a breast reduction of the NHS and I would be an acceptable candidate if I can get my BMI down to the required level, but that's not likely any time soon.

Bras are SO expensive and at the moment I only have one bra that fits well, so I only wear it when I leave the house. I have worn soft bras in bed for donkeys years (including the stretchy kind mentioned on here). The adverts for the stretchy bras used to say they were suitable for up to D cups and I'd say that is still the case. There's virtually no support in them.

Talking about bras being too tight, the rule is that a bra is the correct band size if two fingers can slide under the band at the back. Obviously someone has to help you to try this and the band should be tight over the fingers. The band should be tight because it takes the weight of the bust (not the straps).

Elegran Wed 30-Sept-15 14:14:33

M&S "cross-my-heart" type, worn inside out, have no seams and are pretty good (but not pretty - very plain)

kittylester Wed 30-Sept-15 13:39:42

Surely the only comfy bra is the bra slung over the bedroom chair when one can't stand it any longer! grin

hulahoop Wed 30-Sept-15 12:15:21

Try getting post op bra specialist shops all give different sizes since surgery I have spent a lot on bra and can honestly say non fit brilliantly just have to put up with the. Them .

Luckygirl Wed 30-Sept-15 11:32:15

Jaxie - I am in exactly the same boat as you - 40As are as rare as hens' teeth as far as I can see!

Riverwalk Wed 30-Sept-15 11:27:27

Rigby & Peller have a factory shop? shock

I'm on my way!

sue01 Wed 30-Sept-15 11:13:43

OK ladies... I think I can help ! But only if you can get to Northants.

Rigby and Peller have a factory shop, on the Rothwell Road in a little place called Desborough... pronunced Des - bra !

It's easy to find and in addition to an excellent fitting service by helpful mature ladies, there are some massive reductions on top quality bras like Freya, Fantasie and Fauve.

I live in Northants, and all the girls hereabouts visit regularly.

I gather the place has recently changed its name and is now known as Wacoal Europe.

It's usually open from 9 - 4p.m... but if you're coming from a long way... and many women do... it's best to check the opening hours before you leave home. They also have sales on top of the usual discounts !

The phone number is; 01536 761 252.

Chances are, you'll find you've been wearing the wrong sized bra !

I now wear a 38 FF, and the bras I get at Desborough are the best and most comfortable I've ever worn.

Happy hunting !

Luckygirl Tue 29-Sept-15 22:35:23

I hate bras!!! I have never found a comfortable one in my whole life. I am a 38A - and all the bras I have ever had have cut me under the boobs. If I get a bigger size the cups are too big. I have been measured up before now but still finish up with tight band below boobs.

Faye Tue 29-Sept-15 22:34:29

I hate bras with a passion and only wear a bra if I have to go out. If I wear a bra for too long I am in pain and feel as though my back is ready to snap. I prefer to wear a stretchy tank top which gives me some support and is comfortable through the day.