Sigh...Bras...Can you help me?

[Wylie's Mom]

Okay, I despise bra shopping, DESPISE it. I need help and wondering what brands/kinds of bras you use. But I have specific problems finding a bra - so I need to give you some personal details that will help YOU help ME (I hope).

-- I'm 5'4"; weight about 101, but should weigh about 110 at least (point is, my boobicles will get bigger (which I HATE) when I gain weight, so I need to account for that)

--I need a 32 band and these are so hard to find sometimes.

--At current weight, I can *just* stuff myself into a B; once I gain some weight back, I'll probably be a small C

--Being petite, I do NOT like to draw any attention to my breasticles bc I think they look ridiculous on my small frame - so NO PADDING

--Historically, I buy a bra - and the first couple weeks, AWESOME fit. Then, even though I wash it as little as possible and am careful - it stretches out so fast - and when I NEED that 32 band and a specific fit, I can't have all that stretch

So, I want a non-padded, 32 band, B/C-ish size, no enhancement whatsoever, and I want the elasticity to last (reasonably). I've used body by victoria, but those just stretch out fast too .

Any advice?

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh, and has anyone tried Playtex Thank Goodness It Fits Bra (for between sizes)?

[mblab]

Hmmmm ... you really must have a hard time! I can give you answers/suggestions for most but necessarily all of your requirements.

In my search to find the right bra I've searched high and low and everywhere in between. At my normal weight I was technically a 32D, but that's next to impossible to find. (You think 32B/C is hard to find, without padding, try a 32D, almost impossible. Now try to find one without padding, there's more than you'd think!) Anyway my go-to bra is from Victoria's Secret, I-Pex Demi. I'd get a 34D and I'd keep my bra on the tightest setting. But before I get ahead of myself, make sure you're the size you think you are! I know everyone says that but really if you're not the size you think you are you'll run in to even more trouble!

Okay, now if that VS bra doesn't work for you my next suggestion would be to try higher end department stores. My next best bra shopping was at Nordstrom. I found a 32D strapless bra there! It's not something you can easily find! Needless to say it was not!!! cheap, but then again it was the only time I've found a strapless that fits me. So I'd suggest going to Nordstrom, Macy's, etc. where they'd have a nice sized lingerie department and access to a good bra specialist!

Unfortunately I have the opposite problem than yours, grad school made me gain weight and I'm now 15 pounds off from my normal 115. So I had to go up a size until I can get back to there. Which reminds me, even though you're not where you want to be (as in you'll gain some weight and things will change) get something that fits you NOW! You can't predict the future, you can get a larger bra when you are larger!

P.S. Oh and as far as the stretch thing goes. My understanding is that by their nature, bras need to be 'retired' after a few months to a year or so. They natural adjust with so much wear and tear. I hate that, but I've realized it's true. Then again, while my bras stretch, it takes a very long time for them to get to a stretched out point that I notice. I notice the underwire moving much sooner! So if you're having stretch problems within a month or two maybe you're not in the right bra to begin with!?

[itzzbarb]

Here is a link for Playtex bras. I see in their sizes they have 32. Good luck.

Find Your Bra Size: Bra Finder from - One Hanes Place – Outlet Prices, Great Selection !!

[jp4m2]

Good luck finding your "perfect" bra....I'm still looking....Between the straps falling down, cups that bag, constant tugging on the cups to get coverage, and feeling like I'm being squeezed...ughh!

The biggest complaint I have is the same as yours.....Loss of its holding power!! They start out nice and perky then one day I put it on it's back to the dreaded rock in a sock look....

They also just fall apart way too fast!....One day I had on a v- neck tee shirt, I looked down and it looked like I had a little white snake peeking out of my cleavage. It was the under wire!.. It had worked it's way out of the bra and was getting pushed out!.....

I've also had some bras where the elastic on the side panels just snap!...It looked like I had spaghetti noodles hanging off from under my arms!...I swear men must make these things!

[Hollee]

I heard on Oprah (i think) that you should get a bra that fits you in the dressing room on the loosest hook. That way when it stretches out, you have a little bit of room to make it tighter

[jeanm1963]

I dont know if you tried there but my daughter is 5 feet tall 120, 34 D, these are her favorite bras.... I dont know if you have one near you but they actually have a BRA Drawer, in the Bra Drawer they have every single kind of bra they sell , you tell them the size , they hand you the whole drawer.. these do NOT strech out, they are very pretty and YOUNG looking, my daughter hates old lady bras " as she calls them" , they are great in the wash ( hang to dry) , I was hers on gentle cycle.... Really give these a shot.. they are made very good!!

bra collection - American Eagle Outfitters

she uses the lightly lined and Tshirt bra!

[Nico29]

Great post. I feel the same way. I don't despise it but it does frustrate me. Last week I bought a pretty good one from Victoria's Secret. It's called the perfect bra. No padding which I think is what you wanted. Give it a try. Good luck!

[Darlene68]

If you find a good one please share, I am a 32 B/C ish too! I have a heck of a time finding a 32 band on a bra!

[jeanm1963]

And any Bra that strechs out from Victoria Secrets is returnable.... I have had to take back a few bras, I alway save my receipt and they give me a brand new bra... we have big " bobsicles " in this house and I HATE when you spend 50 bucks on a bra and it last a month and the elastic goes!!

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Okay, I despise bra shopping, DESPISE it. I need help and wondering what brands/kinds of bras you use. But I have specific problems finding a bra - so I need to give you some personal details that will help YOU help ME (I hope).

-- I'm 5'4"; weight about 101, but should weigh about 110 at least (point is, my boobicles will get bigger (which I HATE) when I gain weight, so I need to account for that)

--I need a 32 band and these are so hard to find sometimes.

--At current weight, I can *just* stuff myself into a B; once I gain some weight back, I'll probably be a small C

--Being petite, I do NOT like to draw any attention to my breasticles bc I think they look ridiculous on my small frame - so NO PADDING

--Historically, I buy a bra - and the first couple weeks, AWESOME fit. Then, even though I wash it as little as possible and am careful - it stretches out so fast - and when I NEED that 32 band and a specific fit, I can't have all that stretch

So, I want a non-padded, 32 band, B/C-ish size, no enhancement whatsoever, and I want the elasticity to last (reasonably). I've used body by victoria, but those just stretch out fast too .

Any advice?

[TLC]

These are my favorite.

barely there Invisible Look Wire-Free Bra

[jasminr]

I'm a36 DD, wich I did not know till I went to Frederick of Hollywood, they have an amazig service, they measure you and give you all the time you need,they have all sizes, you just need to tell them what you want, they really helped me, I have tried every brand, it was a nightmare for me to go bra shopping, then I found this store and I never gonna try anything else. Good luck finding your perfect fit

[jasminr]

Originally Posted by jasminr

I'm a36 DD, wich I did not know till I went to Frederick of Hollywood, they have an amazig service, they measure you and give you all the time you need,they have all sizes, you just need to tell them what you want, they really helped me, I have tried every brand, it was a nightmare for me to go bra shopping, then I found this store and I never gonna try anything else. Good luck finding your perfect fit

I forgot to say, they have everything, style In there from outside look like just a sexy kind of store that's why I didn't try it sooner..

[red98vett]

I'm 117 and a 38 DDD (SOMETIMES a DD) and I agree with every single thing you said.

What bugs me.... is I buy what think is a great fit - the girls are right where they should be...

a week later.... they're heading south for a nice Costa Rican Vacation without me

[Wylie's Mom]

LOL and WOW....we are all having soooo many of the same issues! Argh.

I am going to check out those links thank you.

For the heck of it, I ran over to Ross today - and by such luck - I found a 32C $44 Calvin Klein bra for.....$6.99!!!! A 32C!!! I let out a tiny shriek of joy and some girls around me looked at me really weird. Little do they know!

TLC, does the wire free have enough support? Bc of my small torso, but C breastisies, I always get underwire for added support. Do you think I should try without?

Good info here, thanks gals, keep it comin'!