I wound up bra shopping today. It’s not something I do a lot. In fact I do it as little as possible. However, I looked down the other day and noticed that my boobs looked like they were leading an expedition to the South pole. So I took that as a sign it was time to go to the store and update my “unmentionables”.
When I first met Doug my girls were perfectly happy residing in a little lacy demi 32B. If you wear a 32B the world is your oyster, at least when you’re bra shopping. Every store has your size in many different styles with an assortment of colors and trims. (Not to mention you can always find some on sale.)
Sadly, I haven’t worn a 32B since Amanda was born. That was some time back to say the least.
I noticed when I was at the store today that some pretty bras were on sale. They were the kind that Doug describes as “having a life of their own”. I think they’re actually described as “plunge” bras. (They have a smooth cup and are attached together in front with just a tiny piece of fabric.) If you wear a plunge bra you never have to worry that you’ll look like you’ve got three boobs because the underwire in the middle is sticking out and showing through your shirt. I’ve got to have an underwire these days. Anything less “industrial” is just not up to the job; and it’s a big job.
I stand there and try to figure out just what size I should take to to the dressing room. Anyway, I grab a 40 DDD- yes, that’s 3-D’s, just like the movies, and off I go, sure that I’ll be successful. But noooooooooo- nada, zip. Not one fit. Logically, I know that I should have just bumped up a size and finished my shopping. Instead I just left straightaway. I’m just not mentally ready to venture into 42DDD territory- not yet.
The last time I even thought about bras was last summer. I know I’ll have to go back and shop for bras again soon. However, next time I might have a wee bit of a drink before I go.
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Oh, Michele, this post made me laugh so hard! I remember as a child looking at elderly relatives thinking, “They may as well have watermelons stuffed in their blouses.” I couldn’t imagine such a thing! Well, guess what? I can imagine it now…
I can imagine you thinking that back then. My grandmother was amply endowed, to say the least. When she rocked me I could get lost in her boobs. They were so soft. I thought it was great. Now, I’ve turned into her, at least boob wise. Not so great. But you life with what you’ve got I guess…
I know exactly how you feel! Some time ago, my husband and I were watching a late night rerun of Oprah and it was all about how to buy a bra and how most women wear the wrong size. My husband was facinated (probably because he couldn’t believe the whole show was devoted to this!) and I was skeptical. I had been buying 38C’s and while not perfect, thought that was adequate. I was astounded when after following the measurement instructions, I was supposed to be a 44D! Not wanting to believe, I ran out to the closest department store to try on bras. Darned if the bigger size wasn’t a perfect fit! My husband laughed himself silly when I showed him the difference, but since he is the only one who will probably ever see the tag in my bra, I guess I can make the mental adjustment to a bigger size, lol!
Welcome to my club.
Love the way you write your posts, funny! I wear 44DD, love the plunge bras. l.o.l.
Many thanks for the kudos. I thrive on them.
This bra-shopping has gotta get better. I’m just looking for something comfortable! The last time I was measured, I was told 38C. Went back to the same place and was told 36F. F????? F’n F??? I didn’t even know there was an F. The delightful woman told they went up to K. Like I wanted to know that. Then she gave me one of those awful generic spanx things that are only shown on size 2 women in the marketing materials. Sheesh. I haven’t worn a girdle since I didn’t need one. I thought I was in decent shape. The word here is decent, not great. Not even good. Shoot me before you put me in one of those things again. Anyway, I bought 3 bras, not a small drop in the bucket, and only two work. The 36D continually falls off my shoulders – like I KNEW it would. Why do I listen to others when I have a lifetime of experience with these babies. I just want a comfortable somewhat sexy bra. Suggestions???
Did that saleswoman give you a Spanx without you requesting it? If so, I’d have pulled it down over her head! (Of course you would’ve had to remove it before she suffocated.) As far as a sexy bra for the over-amply endowed, all can suggest is a plunge bra. I don’t know if they make it in your size or not. Good luck with your quest.
I agree with you! Take that Spanx and give it to some insecure size 4!
Hello, I like buying my bras from Lane Bryant Dept stores I live in New York City. They are underwires which i like and soo many pretty colors, bottons and bows. They have buy one , get one sales and once or twice a year $14.99 sale. I wear 44dd! and the twins good great. ha, ha!
I’ve seen those there but have never been there when a sale is going on. I’ll keep on the lookout. Thanks.
i have a full drawer full of Lane Bryant. I guess i bought the wrong one, i feel that i am inside a tank, i bought the one that has 5 positions… the lady gave me padded bras. Why would i want a padded bra when i am a DD? As always i bought them in all colors.
Hi hon, it’s called shapers, not padded. You know we go south and these bras give nice shape to what we have already. The 5 position bra I’m not that crazy about, but you need if for certain tops and dresses. VS has very pretty bras, but not in my size.
They have DD, i bought 3. Trust me i am not a skinny thing. Wish i was, but not anymore.
I’m a 44dd,
)
and i nad the padded bra.i am a 40 DD on one side…….and the other side? i honestly dont know…i saY I HAVE ONE WATERMELON AND ONE CANTELOPE…..cancer took a lot of my right breast…so i kinda fall out of the left side, and not quite fill the right side…..wish some one would feature breast cancer suvvivers bras with 2 different sizes
try queen latifa’s brand name @ wall mart.
Victoria Secret is the place and there are girls in there that will size u up in less than 5 mins. I buy the full coverage which is still pretty good as you can have a nice cleavage. Very comfortable. I too was using the wrong bra size and i am now happier that i went. I told the girl that i though VS was for super skinny women that is why i never went in there. Surprise, surprise. Then she put in my bag a free panty size XS, was she playing joke on me or what?
I always thought Victoria’s Secret is for those with TB’s to average size. I had no idea they went up to the land of DD to DDD’s. I didn’t want to walk in and get that “Why are YOU in here?” look. Thanks for the info.
couple of years ago I had to go shopping for bra to say I hate doing so would be an understatement
when I went thru menopause I went from a 36C to what I am now 40DDDD or 40E which ever I can find, guess what can’t find
I like the lacy pretty and yes comfort is a key thing along with not costing a small fortune per bra…
I just wanted to say my ‘reaction’ to finding out how large the twins had grown was along the same lines as your… I was OMG!! there’s now flippin way! *sighs* but there it is a 5′ nothing frame slightly heavier than should be [only 30lbs but thats another issue bleh] with major dolly parton ‘twins’ I still have trouble accepting that I’d me happy if I could wave a magic wand and go back to my 36C heck I’d settle for 38C’s! lol
I read lane bryant I’ve some shirts from there will have to check that out sometime thanks for the chuckles and the info…
I have several persepctives on this. First, I wore the wrong-sized bra for years. As I gained years (and weight), I kept buying larger sizes moving from what I thought had seemed a manageable 34DD to 36DD and then trying 38DD. I was quite ignorant about bra sizing.
Last year, I experienced some odd breast pain and went to check it out. All was fine, but I was advised to get “sized” properly. Result: 32J (yes, J, who knew?). And all of my illusions about being a large person, despite the 15 extra pounds, went flying out the window. My core frame has remained small, so all of that boob was like a great lava flow across the front of my body.
Several of the health practioners i met with asked if I’d ever considered breast reduction surgery. What? Didn’t even know it was possible. Yet, the more I thought about it the more I realized I’d been “managing” my large front (physical) and hiding my true self (emotional) for 25 years.
Last month, I had the surgery and I will likely end up a 32B/C when the swelling is gone and all is healed. It has been an extraordinary emotional and physical journey. I am excited (as I appoach my 49th year) to revisit sports I dropped years ago, cull my closet of clothing purchased too large to accommodate the bulk, and move forward with ease and comfort.
I never thought I would make a move like this, but I have not had a single regret so far. Already I enjoy the free range of movement not having my arms compete withteh sides of my breasts for common activities. Currently I’m wearing a sport bra for compression to assist healing.
I look forward to a return visit to Victoria’s Secret this spring to buy something OTHER than an underwire for the first time in 30 years.
Good for you! I think what you did is just great and brave too. Also, you didn’t wait until you’re my age to do it. Years ago, I met a woman who was 65 when she had her reduction. She told me it was the best thing she ever did. I’d have it done in a heartbeat, but without major medical, it’s just not a possibility for me. Enjoy your shopping and your new body. I’m happy for you.
When i went to CT this Xmas my sister in law confided that her boobs weighed too much and she needed a reduction. Her employer pays her health insurance and it is $1000 a month! She asked me to help her find information if her insurance would cover it. I thought at that price they better. We checked her card and she did not even need a referral. She was so happy that she can do this. She went to her primary and she told her that her back hurts probably from arthritis. I was so angry! My SIL is barely 5’2 and her boobs are 36DDD she is a tiny woman, why would a doctor even say such a thing when she never suffered from arthritis?
I bought some beautiful bras that were ‘supposed’ to fit me, but if I were to lean over for anything there would be fall-out like you would not believe! …and you certainly wouldn’t want anyone else to see!!
I have the answer, though, for us well-endowed, full-figured women. My Pastor’s wife turned me on to Jeunique bras about a year or so ago and I love them!! (here’s their website: http://www.jeunique.com/) These bras don’t cut into your shoulders and they actually get your breasts up off your tummy and the back of your bra strap (where you hook them) is not riding up above your shoulder blades! They are a very controlling bra, which Ilike. My generation did not think our boobies were supposed to bounce in public! (I am a soon-to-be 59 year young woman.) These bras have a clip on the front of the straps that opens the bra up like a nursing bra, sort of. You unhook the cup to reach in and pull “the tissue” as they so gently refer to them, into the cup all around – bottom-up and sides-in. The bottom half of the front is lined with something that acts like a shelf and keeps everything up where it belongs. I have less back problems, my shoulders don’t hurt, and I am sporting a proud front to the world! I feel like I look world’s better! They cost a little more than some, but less than some others, and as long as you never throw them into a dryer, they last a long time. The only shock was that instead of the “DD” I was accustomed to wearing, I believe I am in an “F” or something. As long as no one sees that part but me, I’m good with that!
Do they divide and conquer?
Yes, I have “separation”! Not like a smaller breated woman would have, mind you, but not looking like I’m holding them up and mashing them in towards each other!
I’m not sure if I could finally bid farewell to my alinesque, 3 boobed look due to my underwire. I’m going to have to percolate on that.
Donna – I checked the site, and they do look “up” to the job! Though, as other’s here have commented, I’ve been wearing an underwire for so long I can’t imagine not having one, and none of these seem to. So how do you fugure out what size you need? do you have to buy through a consultant like Mary Kay cosmetics of something? (bra party??) The last bra I bought was at Wall Mart, where I hardley ever go – but when I saw a whole rack full of “full figure” options – and so cheap! $14.99! – I had to try. I do think it was a “Queen Latifa” model (Ha! Just you and me Queeny with our got it so flaunt it attitude) The bras at department stores and VS are so expensive, it makes very hard to experiment. I’ve also found that those, supposedly trained, bra fitters ladies in the department store, don’t always know what they’re doing – think they must enroll them in a quick fix training session somewhere, then turn them lose on us poor buffudled multiple D types, knowing we’re desperate.
Queeny had a breast reduction a year or two ago and you can tell it made her life easier and more comfortable! Her girls were HUGE in Chicago!
I really like that gal!!
Mine don’t have an underwire – I never could tolerate being poked in the side of my boob with those wires. What JEUNIQUE has is a kind of fabric “ring” inside the cup that you “pull the tissue” into all around and it does what the wires would do except all the way around. It holds your girls into the bra like it’s supposed to. Hope this helps! Yes, you have to find a consultant to buy through. I’ve been thinking about signing up as one so that I could just buy my own on-line. I will ask my Pastor’s wife about the sizing question. I was appalled when she said she sent me an “F” or something like that! But who cares if they fit right and get the job done like so many bras from Wal Mart do not?! I’m rather passionate about these bras!
I forgot to mention that if you buy one and it doesn’t fit, they happily take them back! Very friendly attitude about returns!
I received the Spring Lane Bryant catalog and the cotton bras look great! I think i will order those, they are very similar to the Victoria’s that i purchased, probably cheaper with all the coupons i get from them.
LOL!
I think I was a 32B in third grade.
Neither my mother nor my sister had amble buzzooms, so I guess I got them all!
I’ve never been tiny, and I really don’t remember a time when mine weren’t “leading an expedition” either!
Ha! Let’s just say that I could be out in the sun all day, and my nippers would NEVER get sunburned – they are well-protected from the sun!
On the VS comments – I have never shopped for anything in there but lip gloss and perfume. They have my (and Hubby’s!) very fav perfume, Rapture. I never thought anything else would fit. You ladies who are 40 and under around on the bra are lucky – they have such cute bras in your size, cup size no matter. What do we large and lovelys get? Usually white, black and if lucky, beige! I was so excited the first time I could get a pink bra from Roaman’s! I ordered the size based on my actual measurements, and can wrap the bra front (front fastener) from armpit to armpit for some reason. Go figure.
I am homebound now, and give Da Ladies the freedom they’ve always desired. When I was working outside the home, as soon as I got in the door, the shoes came off first and the bra second. Freedom! And, I’d always expected that they’d get droopier (thanks to gravity) if I didn’t wear one more often. In fact, I’ve been more comfortable, and they are no “lower” than they’ve been since I turned 40. (51 now.)
My daughter is now 23, and has ample blessings in that area as well. Like me, I don’t remember a time when they were “perky” or did anything but look for matching shoes, so perhaps it is a genetic flaw! LOL! I know she was cramming into a 48C and still had muffin tops. We read online how to better fit a bra, and she got her next one in 44D, and it fit so much better! In fact, we just ordered a couple Sunday for her, so she can toss some of her old ones.
How did we ladies get led down the wrong bra path for so long? Weird mfg sizing? Guessing? Too embarrassed to ask for help? I dunno, but I am glad we aren’t so afraid to ask anymore.
Ah, such fun, trying to figure out how to contain Da Girls.