I’m over 50 and I wear almost every brand of underwear – it’s just a matter of knowing what works best for your particular body type and size. But some brands are more flattering to certain body types than others.
|
- Underwear brands for full-figured women.People think the terms “full-figured” and “plus size” are interchangeable, but they’re not. A full-figured woman is someone who is a DD cup or larger, yet is average in the rest of her body.
So, a full-figured woman over 50 but who is not above a 38 band size (which would put her in about a 10/12 dress) will do very well in a brand called Lunaire or Chantelle or Panache. Elomi is a great new brand (a division of the Goddess Companie and Fantasie) that does a really nice full full-figure bra as well.
- Underwear brands for plus-size women.A plus-size woman is a DD cup or large and also over a size 10 or 12. She is going to do very well in Goddess and Fantasie. Freya is a more youthful line, but they have some really cute things if you want to experiment fashion wise.
- Underwear brands for petite women.Wacoal designs a line of petite bras. The cups are a little bit closer together and the straps are a little bit shorter. They’ve made an effort to keep the underwires smaller as well. For instance, I’m a size 4/5, 5 – and I’ve tried a petite bra on and it doesn’t feel right – I feel smooshed.
- Underwear brands for average size womenAverage size women, at our age, need to be buying just really nice quality bras. Because they last – you really get what you pay for in this industry. You pay $40 to $60 for a bra and it lasts for years. You pay $15 to $20 for a bra, it’s gone in a year.
The better quality bras are Chantelle, Wacoal, and Hanro. In the mid-tier, there’s Vanity Fair, Bali, and Maidenform, which does I think some very creative things. In the less expensive category I would go with Playtex.
|
Thank you....I know there is hope.
Oh, how sweet. Yep, looking back, I just embrace the awkwardness of her. Thank you for your sweet and meaningful reply.
Shirley - that's funny but what you are saying is true about the men...first sex, then a little company, then back to the dating sites. :) There are too many fish on line to stick with just one so they go back to see what else is available. I am a me
did you also hear that 50% of American women wear the wrong bra size? I was definitely one of them. I made the huge mistake of going to Lane Bryant since i was overweight at the time. Their bras made me feel like i was in a war tank. Why would anybody that is full figured be given a padded bra? I have at least 5 of those in my drawer. Then I lost a little weight and bypassed Victoria Secret and decided to go in and check it out. The girls in there were fabulous. They measured me and gave me the most comfortable bra ever! Body by Victoria. They also have a strapless version that fits great and comfortable. Finally!
“Why would anybody that is full-figured be given a padded bra?” you ask – to avoid the “Hey world, these are my NIPPLES!” effect, that’s why.
Even Stacy from What Not To Wear advises in her video tips that a little padding is just the thing to keep those nipples from being displayed to the world. (It’s great to hear a positive spin on a old virtue: modesty!)
that’s why i love the new t-shirt bras! i even found a brand in Zellers that has no wire. unfortunately they don’t last long but they are very cheap and the ones i bought fit very well
I would like to correct you on the percentage of women wearing the wrong size bras, it 80%. I fit ladies for the right size bras. Underwires are bad for you because your limph nodes do not drain properly. Just thought that I would mention this.
Okay, but how does one hold up a DD (or larger) bust without underwires? I have never had success without the underwire, they roll and become extremely uncomfortable.
I would like to correct you on the percentage of women wearing the wrong size bras, it 80%. I fit ladies for the right size bras. Underwires are bad for you because your limph nodes do not drain properly. Just thought that I would mention this.
i agree 100%
OK, So how do we figure out the correct size by ourselves at home? I don’t want a stranger in the fitting room with me. Sorry, if that is your job, but I’d rather do it my self. Measure under the breasts and again at the widest part and then what?
LYMPH NODES
Thank you for all of the info. above! I am a fan of Wacoal. My problem is that most “shapeware” items are too long in the straps and overall length. When I sit down they roll up because they are too long. I contacted Spanx and asked if they are going to provide petite lengths – they said they are always working to make their products better. Nancy Ganz made a ncie camisole but it is now discontinued. Frustrating!
For larger women, Lane Bryant Cachique. Last so well, shape so well, very inspirational. The Lane Bryant I mean is the brick-and-mortar stores but you can also order from them online. They are in the same line as Catherine’s and Fashion Bug, so as not to be confused with Lane Bryant mail order catalog.
i found custom bra’s at http://www.ardysslife.com/njciticoutur all sizes
LeMystere brand bras are great!! I love the Dream Lace Tisha.
what about the rest of us? i am a 16W and probably wear a 42D or 44D bra. can never find one that fits right. it’s not the straps, it’s the sides that keep riding up. help!!!
hi I am a 42-44C and a 16W and I found the brand Curvacious..Queen Latifah’s line of undergarments and they fit and move with me…try it and you will be preasantly surprised…it even made me feel sexy and gave me the cleavage I wias looking for.
*pleasantly…sorry
I like the curvacious brand also!
If you know of anyone where you live that fits ladies for bras go to jeuniquecanada.ca or jeunique.com try those. There bras won’t ride up if your fitted properly.
Well, once you find a bra you like, for instance I found a (Lily of France) bra, a push up bra that I liked because it was wireless. Checked stores, and internet, and it seems they no longer make that one. Everything has underwire. Oh you can find wireless, but they are not the styles I like. I get so discusted that when you find a product you really like, it’s changed or discontinued the next month. Very frustrating!
This was one of my new years resolutions. To finally wear the right size bra. Macy’s recommended Wacoal. I love these bras. Worth the extra money to have something that fits so well.
Finally, at the age of 57, went in for a professional bra fitting and , oh my, what a difference! I now will look at buying a good, well constructed bra that fits correctly as an investment in me. I love the Chantelle brand. It fits so well and is so comfortable. After the bra fitting, I came home with my new bras and kept trying on all of my sweaters and tops and was just amazed. The new bras made my chest and even the entire midsection look 10 years younger and even a few pounds lighter! The fitter even told me how to properly take care of my bras too. Learned alot that day!
where does someone go for a professional bra fitting?
Most department stores will advertise when they are having professional bra fittings,either by certain manufacturers or just in store. I happened to go to Nordstroms, fitted by one of their own professionals, and then she spent about an hour with me , bringing in different brands of bras. Nice thing that day was that for each bra bought, $2.00 went to the Susan Komen foundation.
Okay – here’s a problem that’s never discussed or helped. For those of us who are Plus sized but not in the bra area…..trying to find a bra that will go around but smaller cup size is a real challenge.
Like I mentioned before, try to find someone who will fit you at jeunique.com, they will help you.
I am a 32DD sometimes DDD and have found that when I want a t-shirt bra I have to buy a bra with a little light padding. I then look enormous. I really like minimizer bras but you can see everything. Any ideas out there/
There are things called “Petal Tops” that cover your nipples so you don’t “see everything” but you don’t have a Brunnhilde the Valkyrie chest either. You can get them through the Lady Grace catalog, which has mediocre customer service and a long wait for your order, but they seem to stock EVERY BRA ON THE PLANET and to me it’s sometimes worth the wait. Good luck!
Go to jeunique.com they have what is called a molded cup bra excelent for t-shirts. Ask if there is someone in your state who fits ladies for bras. Hope this helps.
I love the Balconette from Lane Bryant. They fit me great and I am a 38D. I haven’t found a bra that fit better but now I will need to try some of the suggested ones. Thanks bunches
For me buying bras was a nightmare. For the past year I’ve bought my bras at Dillard’s. They measure me, are very helpful, and the bras are affordable. I don’t mind buying bras now.
Oh the brand is Modern. I think it is a Dillard’s brand.
Here is BC you can buy a “tab” It cost me $140 at a Women’s Health Fair. I had a personal fitting (rarely done anymore) and ended up with a 34 DD. It makes me laugh. I am overwieght and 5’9″, small breasted. so it’s the DD that is hilarious. I also measure in more like a 36 to 38 these days. How does it fit? Like a dream. It has an inner piece that can be removed and side padding rather than boning. Holy cow, for me this is a bargain cause it will last for years. for some reason it helps my posture, visually, and I look a bit slimmer when i wear it.
Can anyone please tell me where I can find decent looking bras for 42A? Ever since my chest has been altered drastically (due to a mastectomy) I now have a size that DOESN’T EXIST anywhere in the regular stores. The mastectomy bras I’ve come across are SO UGLY! To have custom-made bras cost A SMALL FORTUNE. I’ve had breast reconstruction since the mastectomy so I no longer need the special pockets to be sewn in.
We have a similar issue, and I’m desperate to find a bra that fits now! I had a unilateral mastectomy two years ago and have since gained about 12 lbs. the reconstructed breast is much different from the natural one, sometimes to the degree that it’s noticeable that one is higher than the other while I’m wearing a bra and clothing.
I’ve worn a 36C for years, but now spill out the sides. Anyone have an idea?
Can anyone please tell me where I can find decent looking bras for 42A? Ever since my chest has been altered drastically (due to a mastectomy) I now have a size that DOESN’T EXIST anywhere in the regular stores. The mastectomy bras I’ve come across are SO UGLY! To have custom-made bras cost A SMALL FORTUNE. I’ve had breast reconstruction since the mastectomy so I no longer need the special pockets to be sewn in.
I understand, I’m on the small side and hate bra shopping. I found JCPenny’s has really cute and affordable bra’s. If you dont find what you want in the store get a catalog. Worth it really..
And the ones I have found don’t make you look like your wearing a training bra.
I wear a 6or 8 bottom and 12 or 14 top. 36 DDD. If I don’t get the right fit in a bra I look so unbalanced that it’s embarassing. Chantelle worked for me but didn’t hold up too well. I’d love to have a pretty bra that doesn’t look like a corset
What I would like to know is how do I solve the problem with back pain from the back of the bra. I have been fitted properly twice by two different retailers and I wear the same size a 38DD.However, when I fasten my bra on the first notch, it still hurts the middle of my back. When i unfasten it, my back feels better. What type of bra is good to solve this problem.
Try Jeuniques bras, go to jeunique.com if you are in the US, if Canada try jeuniquecanada.ca. Their bras help your posture to be standing sitting straight. Find someone who will fit you, you’ll be amazed.
Hey, Victoria’s Secret Ipex rocks! They are so comfortable that I can even wear them to work out. They are a bit more expensive than I’ve ever spent on undies of any type, but well worth it! Comfort is the number one consideration for me…….followed by sexy! Ha Ha!
Right on. I am a 38 F, size 16 and discovered Fantasie and Freya about 3 years ago. I have never been so comfortable and lifted at the same time. My breasts now line up with my arm pits rather than below like they used to do. The most important thing is to be properly fitted. I used to buy bras in department stores, etc where the largest cup was a D, and I would wear a 42 or 44 D. It went around me and sort of fitted, but without the proper support. All wrong.I happened to wander into a specialty bra store one day and was correctly fitted with 38 F. What a difference. Support makes all the difference. It feels great and looks fabulous. Also thanful for shopping on line. Once you know your correct size and the brands that work best, it is so easy to go to http://www.biggerbras.com or http://www.figleaves.com to find loads of different styles.
I just wish I could find a pretty bra in my size. I am tired of all those functional but matronly styles. I wear 48 Hor HH cups.
Manufacturers just don’t provide much at all for this size. I still want to feel feminine and girly. I like to wear shirts that will show a little cleavage, no I don’t want to spill out everywhere but a hint is still nice.
I have looked at Lane Bryant, Roamans, Women Within, One stop Plus any other suggestions?
I read on the net a short time ago, that as breasts have no muscle & are completely made of fat, that all breasts will eventually sag (unless you are a very low A cup, and even a nurse told me how many women no longer wear them). I am handicapped, in a whelchair (even to get around my apartment, and am unable to go out unless someone takes me out). So I never wear a bra at home (unless company is coming over, or I am being taken out) as I have noticably different sized breasts (40D to 42C)! I was also the hospital recently for 4 months (due to a brain growth, that affected me like a stroke & largly paralized my left side, none of the doctors or even specialists could figure it out), so I was on many medications, some of which caused signifficant swelling, making it necessary my family buy me very large sized bras. But now that I am back home (no they still haven’t figured it out), and they have been slowly lowering some of my med, and the swelling is reducing, soon I should be back to my old bras. Now my question is, as a home-bound handicped woman, should I even bother with bras? (Yes I do dress myself otherwise, though a challenge it is.)
I’m a petite size 4-5 which means short from shoulder to waist. I wear good undies like Aubade, Chantelle & Simone Perele. However, I have yet to find one that I can wear with a low-back dress! Even an attachment to the bra to lower the line in back doesn’t work. What to do?
i was wearing 38 C bras I had bought at walmart and target. One day I looked in the mirror and thought you look frumpy. Broke down went to victoria secret got measured, I was really a 36 D tried on many styles, and I look 5 years younger in a good bra. Yeah it has a little padding at the bottom, but that is just to help even out thta sagging we all have at this age
My 17 yr old daughter is overweight and her bra size is 44G! Which is very hard to find in stores. I recently found WomanWithin.com which has bras in that size for resonable prices with and without wires. I don’t know how good they are, but since they do fit her and I can afford them….
36 G here…. and can testify that being properly fitted is a must for comfort, healthy and looks. I highly recommend mothers take their teenagers to be fitted, also. They should learn early the proper care of their breasts and to have a healthy self image and to be proud, not embarrassed by their bodies. Please forget the discount stores and ill fitting, ugly bras just because “Oh, they’ll probably out grow a good bra and it will be a waste of Money.” Nothing wrong with being charitable and passing them on to a foundation for women. I personally prefer Freya designs simply because they are always a good fit for my body type (Breasts like melons that seemed to be attached as an after thought) and are beautiful as well as supportive.
Also, for any woman in the Kansas City area, there is a store called Intimate Designs (Lee’s Summit and Harrisonville locations) where you can be fitted. They carry all the brands named in this post, plus other intimate items AND fantastic swimwear. Also, you get a rewards card to use for added discounts and $5.00 gift certificates every time you recommend someone to their store. If you are self conscious, these ladies will put you at ease;they make being fitted for a bra a party event.
If you live on the East Coast, there is a company called The Full Cup, in VA Beach. It was where I was first fitted and they really know their “girls”. Good luck and happy fitting.
I absolutely refuse to wear a padded bra. If my nipples show, then so be it. Why should I be ashamed of it? And if somebody stares at me, then I’ll stare at a guy’s crotch with a sneer on my face. He won’t last long. And I can stare down a woman too.