https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:07:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman/page/2#post-2185317 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 02:27:09 +0000 Aquamarine 2185317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for reviving this thread, Tilly, and all the new suggestions. As an update, my sister bought my mother a front-closing bra marketed for seniors but the hooks are still too small for her to grasp easily. So it’s back to the drawing board.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I do think she wants to wear one, at least when she goes out somewhere (such as that is during these times!). And the weather is getting warmer so she will won’t be wearing many layers and it will be obvious she needs a bra.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman/page/2#post-2185229 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:42:46 +0000 unfrumped 2185229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I want to save these references ! Great ideas. Had to shop for my mom also and get things sized up for easy on- off, she insisted on 100% cotton. Did my best to try to get attractive colors, coordinate things since the fits were not great, when you make a lot of other priorities for mobility and comfort do she could dress independent, at least.<br /> But was kind of “ this is your future “, too.<br /> I do wonder what kind of compromises I will have to make and what kind of fun with fashion will survive. I think of my 2 DD’s maybe having to figure things out. </p> <p>The bra lapse I get, not just as “ giving up”, but because by the time clothing is looser, thicker, and adding a loose jacket for older folks who may run colder—- then the adage of “ get a good bra fitting “ is kind of moot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman/page/2#post-2185214 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:52:08 +0000 Elle 2185214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your mom is not alone.&nbsp; Mine gave up wearing bras in her eighties and just wore thicker and looser shirts until her death at 87.&nbsp; She just wanted to be comfortable.&nbsp; I bought her pretty shirts to wear since it was hard for her to shop and she enjoyed wearing them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman/page/2#post-2185200 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:11:09 +0000 Kate 2185200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother gave up wearing a bra when she was in her eighties, and wore white cotton camisoles that were more substantial like tees. Hers were from Cuddl Duds I think. I would certainly ask your mom whether she wants to wear a bra again. There are a number of catalogs that feature clothing and assistive devices for the elderly that can be really helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2185059 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 04:51:18 +0000 Sloper 2185059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>National has "comfort" bras, some with front openings.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.shopnational.com/intimates-and-hosiery/bras?rfk=1">https://www.shopnational.com/i.....bras?rfk=1</a></p> <p>Also camisoles, etc.</p> <p>Also Amoena (specializes in mastectomy bras and post surgical bras).<br />This one has velcro straps.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amoena.com/us-en/pocketed-lingerie/front-fastening-mastectomy-bras/leyla-seamless-post-surgical-bra-rose-44604/">https://www.amoena.com/us-en/p.....ess-post-s</a></p> <p>My husband and I have been looking for clothing for elderly mother - in a nursing home and not too mobile.&nbsp; Though actually I don't think she needs a bra from what I can tell, but we've done some online looking for bed jackets, muumuus, etc.&nbsp; Silverts as mentioned above is a good choice. Also Appleseeds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2185057 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 04:30:26 +0000 Anonymous 2185057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anything you get for most seniors needs to be machine washable and dry able unless you are dealing with someone like my grandmother who at 95 wanted a small wash board to do her hand washing. She was thrilled with one I found at an antique store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2185051 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 04:15:39 +0000 Tilly 2185051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Found this thread when looking for info for my Nan - thanks for all the great detail.&nbsp;</p> <p>We ended up with having success with number Number 1 and 4 on this list of recommendations:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://frontclosurebrareviews.com/front-opening-bras-for-seniors/">https://frontclosurebrareviews.....r-seniors/</a></p> <p>Now let's hope they don't stop production anytime soon. Always seems to happen when you find the "right" bra </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137367 Sat, 08 Aug 2020 03:19:25 +0000 Aquamarine 2137367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FashIntern</b>...hilarious. My mother and yours may be related, God love them.</p> <p><b>Anchie</b>...I find it sad because my mother was always so fastidious. In her younger years, she looked like Jackie O. It’s hard, isn’t it, when they stop caring?</p> <p><b>Danni</b>...thank you.</p> <p><b>Neelie</b>...I am sensing a theme here. Thanks for sharing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137195 Fri, 07 Aug 2020 00:52:24 +0000 Neelie 2137195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 85 yr old mom also stopped wearing a bra a few years ago, just too binding on her.&nbsp; She wears thicker, looser&nbsp; button up shirts and&nbsp; no one is the wiser, but she is more comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137132 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 17:42:38 +0000 Anonymous 2137132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had pacemaker surgery in late January (my 2nd one in 10 years) except this time with a great deal of shoulder, arm, and hand pain (just starting to regain use of my left hand). I bought a velcro closure bra from this site which helped me immensely since I also slept with my bra on to reduce discomfort.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.silverts.com/show.php/list/women/clothing/intimates-sleepwear/intimates/bras/arthritis">https://www.silverts.com/show....../arthritis</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137061 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 09:49:38 +0000 anchie 2137061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mom has stopped wearing a bra also and I have given up convincing her that there are still options for her. She was very into fashion and loved shopping but now she doesn’t care any more and comfort is her only priority. It is disheartening and I miss our shopping trips dearly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137058 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 08:58:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2137058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Epigal and rachylou, you both made me laugh. Thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137029 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 05:18:38 +0000 Anonymous 2137029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are lots of reasons older women want to stop wearing a bra. My mother, in her 80’s, got chronic shingles right where the band of a bra would be. Many get shingles when the immune system becomes less strong. Others have painful scars from past surgeries. My mother also became allergic to latex and elastic late in life. It created burning itchy spots. Elastic showed up in unusual items including her shoes on top to keep them on and on socks. There may be good reasons the older people in your family stop wearing some things. There was elastic on undies and pj waists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137026 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 04:49:08 +0000 rachylou 2137026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just so y’all know: my mom denies everything. Everything! Like throwing my cardboard souvenir hat in the washing machine when I was 12. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2137005 Thu, 06 Aug 2020 01:21:38 +0000 elpgal 2137005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern, this made me laugh as this is exactly what my mom would do. I still begrudge the two Wide-mouth Klean Kanteens she took from me - her eyes lit up when she saw them and boom! they were hers - that are now collecting dust in her kitchen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136951 Wed, 05 Aug 2020 19:21:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2136951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>May I vent my irritation with my mother? A few (ok, probably 5 or 6) years ago, I spent a lot of time researching bras that are at a higher price point than I usually get. I spent a lot of time (by my standards) trying on front-close models. The one I ended up with seemed just right—supportive, close to my skin tone, easy to fasten, didn’t show under clothes.... It was kinda a big deal for me to spend that much on a bra. A couple months later, we were visiting my parents and my mother came sauntering in, as she is wont to do, as I was getting dressed. She saw the front closure and her eyes lit up. She had medical issues that I thought could make it hard for her to fasten a bra. I took mine off, gave it to her, and told her to get me one from her closet. She did. I wore that one for a while, irritated every time, but also glad to be helping out my dear old mother. This week, I sent her some of the links in this thread, because I thought they might be really helpful to her. We talked soon after that, and I asked if she was planning to get any of them. No. She seemed to think it was odd and a little confusing that I thought she would want something like that. I reminded her that I’m where she got her front close bra. Front closure bra? She didn’t know what I was talking about, couldn’t recall the swap at all. It’s a small thing and I should move on, but it just bugs me. So thank you for listening to my rant and letting me vent.<br /> Aquamarine, I hope your mother wears hers in good health and with happiness and maybe a smidge of a thought to her daughter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136904 Wed, 05 Aug 2020 13:24:21 +0000 Aquamarine 2136904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Rachy and Roberta! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136869 Wed, 05 Aug 2020 03:33:02 +0000 Roberta 2136869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mom is 97 and switched to substantial white cotton tanks a few years ago. She tried a shelf bra cami that I gave her, but just got tangled up in it. The white tanks in a decent weight are surprisingly hard to find, though. They look very cheerful under a bright peasant top (also easy to put on). They are an extra layer of warmth too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136718 Tue, 04 Aug 2020 04:15:07 +0000 rachylou 2136718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a good topic. I found these online, if they haven’t already been mentioned... Velcro and snap closures. I feel snaps might be difficult tho.</p> <p><a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-bras-for-people-with-arthritis-189850" rel="nofollow">https://www.verywellhealth.com.....tis-189850</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136712 Tue, 04 Aug 2020 02:52:37 +0000 Aquamarine 2136712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>kkards</b>...good site, thanks!</p> <p><b>elpgal</b>...zippers are a problem if they come apart and she has to thread them. The pull is usually not the problem.</p> <p><b>cherylm</b>...thank you, I’ll search their site.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Sal</b>...this is so helpful, hearing what other people’s moms have done. I agree there should be more choices, especially as the population ages.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136711 Tue, 04 Aug 2020 02:48:08 +0000 Aquamarine 2136711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>...Mom cannot handle hook and eye closures at all.</p> <p><b>Laurel</b>..how awesome is that! I guess your grandmother has earned the right to wear or NOT wear whatever she wants. I need to adjust my thinking perhaps.</p> <p><b>Phoebe&nbsp;</b>and&nbsp;<b>Firecracker</b>...good idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136684 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 21:25:48 +0000 Sal 2136684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Mum moved to a camisole in her later years. </p> <p>I would love to see a better range here if practical accessible basics for people with restricted mobility. I think it will happen and may already exist in the US.</p> <p>A few colours, natural fabrics, simple plain styles. Comfy waists, simple clasps, stretchy.</p> <p>There is a place for beige and some version of nude but there is a place for clear pink or navy or floral too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136681 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:26:18 +0000 cherylm 2136681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You can also search for elder clothing - I purchased items from Buck and Buck (BuckandBuck.com) for my Mom a few years ago when she was ill. They have a bra they call the arthritis bra that might work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136678 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:00:12 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2136678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Phoebe's suggestion reminds me that I sometimes step into a camisole, pull it up, and then put the straps up over my shoulders, as I would do with a bathing suit. So a cami with shelf bra, as has been suggested already, could possibly work that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136662 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:48:55 +0000 elpgal 2136662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can she do a zipper front if younchange out the pull.<br /> <a href="https://www.herroom.com/anita-5768x-care-lynn-front-close-mastectomy-bra.shtml" rel="nofollow">https://www.herroom.com/anita-.....-bra.shtml</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136661 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:44:28 +0000 kkards 2136661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This might be of help, lots of different ideas and suggestions<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/bras-for-arthritis/">https://creakyjoints.org/livin.....arthritis/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136660 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:09:40 +0000 Anonymous 2136660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seconding Laurel's suggestion about asking if she actually wants one. A compromise might be a slip that she could pull up from her ankles rather than over the head, can really make a difference in the way the dress follows the body.</p> <p>Am in awe of Laurel's grandmother, 105, amazing job. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136652 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:29:57 +0000 Laurel 2136652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am responsible (happily) for my grandmother, who is 105. &nbsp;About 8-10 years ago, she also stopped wearing a bra. &nbsp;Her clothing choices made it apparent, but not a big deal. &nbsp;Although I wanted to help her find an alternative, she wasn't the least bit interested. &nbsp;She has always been fastidious about her appearance, and while this shift surprised me, I'm happy she is comfortable. &nbsp;Just mentioning my experience, so you make sure she actually WANTS to wear a bra. &nbsp;She may be "over it" as the young folks say..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136640 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:56:26 +0000 Angie 2136640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A friend of mine wears this bra to lounge in. Maybe it's an option, but no velcro unfortunately.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-for-an-elderly-woman#post-2136607 Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:47:34 +0000 Aquamarine 2136607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b><div><b></b></div></b><div><b>Joy</b>...I hadn’t thought of a cami with built-in bra. Good idea. And it never occurred to me that elderly women stopped wearing bras. But I can certainly empathize. I sometimes feel like a contortionist trying to get into some of mine. I can imagine how it might not be worth it at a certain age.</div><br /></div><br /><b>hgr</b>...No, I didn’t realize there were special bras for women who’ve had shoulder surgery. I will search for those. Make sense. I’ve not had surgery but I have had calcific tendinitis and could not put on a bra without help.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div><b></b><b></b><b></b><b>Jenn</b>...Good website, thank you! I’ll poke around.</div> </p>