https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 14:57:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-935061 Fri, 17 May 2013 16:41:27 +0000 Elly 935061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Definitely recommend Chantelle. Freya is another favorite of mine but in particular Chantelle has a lot of great options with Spacer foam and several options with wider backs. If you are smaller than a E or F then Natori can be good. I also like Marie Jo, but they are more expensive. <br /><br />And a professional fitting at a really good shop is a huge difference for me. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-935029 Fri, 17 May 2013 15:50:02 +0000 rachylou 935029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So right, K. The difference is gigantic! I was *all like* to the Anthro girl, <i>No. They are not the same</i>. I was very emphatic. Lol.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-934255 Thu, 16 May 2013 19:49:50 +0000 K. Period. 934255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou, so not the same difference, right!?! That drives me crazy. And therein lies my dislike of Victoria's Secret. They'll fit you into a bigger band and smaller cup size if they don't have the right one. &nbsp;I'd had the experience of too big a band and too small a cup, but I had no idea how common it was until I read through this thread. &nbsp;So many of us have had exactly the same experience. &nbsp;I always wonder when women tell me that they can't stand an underwire whether they are wearing the wrong size. I bet that they usually are. &nbsp;<br /><br />Shannon, are you completely sold on the idea of a professional bra fitting yet? &nbsp;I love all the&nbsp;bra fitting&nbsp;evangelists&nbsp;here on the forum (and I consider myself one too!). &nbsp;I don't think that there is a better investment you can make than in your bra. &nbsp;Really, if you found a top that magically made you look 15 lbs slimmer, you would buy it in a heartbeat, wouldn't you. &nbsp;A good bra does that and you can wear it every.single.day. &nbsp;Plus there is the youthfulness/perkiness effect. &nbsp;;) &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-934069 Thu, 16 May 2013 17:51:38 +0000 rachylou 934069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to buy 34Bs. Then I got a fitting and learned I was a 32C. Way better.<br /><br />But then guess what? No regular stores carry 32C! This girl at Anthropologie tried to tell me it's the same difference. Anthro doesn't even make things in 32C.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-933799 Thu, 16 May 2013 14:07:29 +0000 T-Rex 933799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Years ago, I read an article about the American fear of large cup sizes. In essence, not only were large cups with a small band hard to find, but cup sizes weren't accurately labeled because, supposedly, some women are freaked out by the idea of having wearing a large cup size. According to the article, Europe doesn't have this problem, at least not to this degree. I see that you are Canadian, so I don't know if the "fear" mentioned above applies&nbsp;in your neck of the woods. In any case, I can't find the article now. That blog may not exist anymore. <br /><br />However...while searching for it, I found lots of articles about vanity sizing for bras, and about how bra sizing changed recently but the general public isn't aware of it...until they go in to buy a new bra. I didn't read all the articles because I'm at work, and they may interpret a pic of a woman in a bra as inappropriate around here. Anyway, if you are interested, do&nbsp;a search with terms like "bra cup size fear" and see what comes up. It's pretty interesting. </p> <p>Lastly, if you can't find a&nbsp;bra you like with convertible straps (to get that X or racerback look in order to minimize slippage),&nbsp;I&nbsp;suggest looking around for one of those things that will connect your shoulder straps in back. Something like this. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2001-Fashion-Forms-Strap-Connection/dp/B000144M54" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/2001-Fas.....B000144M54</a></p> <p>In a pinch, I've "macgyvered" my own solution using a bit of ribbon or elastic. I just loop&nbsp;it through the straps in back&nbsp;and tie it. I will sometimes add the strap first, then pull the bra&nbsp;over my head to get it on. Or I'll ask a friend to help me if I can't&nbsp;reach back that far.&nbsp;The thingie I mentioned above, or this make shift&nbsp;suggestion,&nbsp;would be a cost saving measure until your weight&nbsp;and bra size is stable again.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-933615 Thu, 16 May 2013 05:40:26 +0000 Gaylene 933615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Even if you are a 36C, Shannon, I'd say, based on my own bra collection, that it's quite possible you might find that you need different sizes in different brands, and even in different styles within a brand. My current bra wardrobe ranges from 38C to 32E--but all those bras fit me perfectly. Sizing in bras is, unfortunately, as variable as sizing in any other clothing item. <br /><br />I think the biggest reason so many women give up on underwire bras is because they are wearing the wrong style and/or size. Finding a gorgeous bra that lifts, separates, shapes, and, most of all, feels totally comfortable throughout an 18-hour-day takes a bit of effort, but is totally worth it. My everyday bra is an Empreinte Lorella Demi bra that is totally functional, but also very pretty.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-933613 Thu, 16 May 2013 05:39:14 +0000 T-Rex 933613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I thought I remembered a thread about bras that Day Vies started some time ago. And I found it! You may find some more good information here, along with some links.&nbsp;<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-story">http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-story</a><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-933578 Thu, 16 May 2013 03:56:25 +0000 Bagaline 933578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Carolbee, I wear Unbelievabra Shapeez. This fantastic bra is made like a camisole and the straps NEVER fall from my narrow shoulders. It has saved me from the dreadful back fat that I hated so much.&nbsp;This bra is also 10 times more comfortable than all the "spanxy" stuff that I've tried.&nbsp;The quality is superb: I bought mine last year when I was in Quebec, wear it at least 3 times a week and it is still in perfect condition, it hasn't lost any of its elasticity. I just ordered 3 more that my daughter will bring with her when she visits me in Ireland in July (huge savings&nbsp;on&nbsp;duty, which is on the heavy side here!)<br /><br />Ok it's not a sexy bra, but I'm sure that among all the suggestions you received here,&nbsp;you'll find something&nbsp;to&nbsp;make hubby "wink".<br /><br />And Shannon, the beauty of it is that you do not have to order on the net because their&nbsp;site contains&nbsp;a complete list of retailers in every Canadian province.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.unbelievabra.com/styles.html">http://www.unbelievabra.com/styles.html</a><br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-933529 Thu, 16 May 2013 02:43:15 +0000 Carla 933529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to wear 36B, then I got a dept store bra fitting and was told that I should wear a 34C. The new bras fit much better but I seemed to get to the last set of hooks very quickly. 2 years later I went to a bra specialty store because I liked a swim suit in the window. While there I had a bra fitting. She advised 32D, and maybe even to consider 30D. I was so dumbstruck, I went to another specialty bra store. I was told the same thing...and fit into a Chantelle 32D. I have a wide set pair, and there was always some squeezing at the top, with excess flesh at the armpit. All this fit inside the D cup, and there was no more chaffing or bulgingg at the sides. The T-shirt profile was awesome. </p> <p>Of course, when I went back to the department store, they didn't have any 32's let alone 30's. I figure the bra fit person wasn't going to suggest a size she couldn't sell. </p> <p>Though I paid $100. ish for the Chantelle, I actually got 2 very nice, plain (black, white) 32D's with only the tiniest bit of padding at La Senza for about $40.00 apiece. The SA was super helpful, and said they try to keep smaller sizes in stock, though they don't get as many regularly. She said they even sometimes get 28's ( which I'll never be!). She had a lot to say ( positive) about a good bra fitting, and was completely on board with the concept that a much smaller band and much larger cups is the way to go.</p> <p>Just a note, the La Senza bra's do have wide set straps, so they could pose a problem for rounded shoulders. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-933446 Thu, 16 May 2013 01:03:26 +0000 Jaime 933446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear Chantelle full coverage t-shirt bras (black or nude depending on my top) and they are engineering miracles. And I think the straps are pretty!&nbsp;I recently tried the racer back model of the same bra and that was also good for certain tops. I wear 32DD and I had usually worn 34C before I was fitted a few years ago. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies/page/2#post-933440 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:54:44 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 933440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to think I was 36C and lately, 38C. At the fitting I found out that I was 36DDD in Chantelle or 34E(!) in Simone Perele. My reaction was WTF??? How could I have been so wrong all these years? But to be honest, I had never been really happy with how my bras fit -- something always seemed to be slightly off, either the straps were falling off (and I don't have sloping shoulders), or there was some spillage and shifting throughout the day. The fitting was included with the purchase of one bra at my local lingerie boutique, and the fitter spent 1.5 hours with me, trying on different sizes, brands, and cup styles.&nbsp; And the prices were comparable to Nordstrom and the like.&nbsp; So yes, I now preach professional bra fitting to anyone who will listen. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933429 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:24:14 +0000 carolbee 933429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My go to bra now is by Shapeez, the Unbelievabra. &nbsp;I get the soft cup, not the molded. &nbsp;It is THE most comfortable bra I have ever owned, smoothes the back fat, and the longer version is great for winter - no camisole required. &nbsp;Its costing me a fortune (the shipping to Oz is expensive) as getting the right fit has been a bit of trial and error but I love them so much I am willing to do it. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933410 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:03:43 +0000 Makrame 933410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to think I was 36C. &nbsp;After trying a bunch of sizes I switched to 34D or 34DD. &nbsp;I like Dream Tisha bra mentioned above for a smooth, molded cup&nbsp;option under knits (my only complaint is the cups looks "too round" under clothes). I get these bras from Bare Necessities when they have 15% off coupon (not sure if this works for Canada).&nbsp;I also like Chantelle Rive Gauche for a lacy, seamed option and usually buy it during NAS. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933407 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:26 +0000 Suz 933407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, workout bras can be quite differently sized.&nbsp;<br /><br />You may find that your size is a lot different than before. I used to think I was a 34B. Um...not so much. Whatever I should have been in before, I'm now a 30 C or D (depending on the maker). Which is unfortunately a lot more difficult to find than 34B.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933372 Wed, 15 May 2013 23:19:45 +0000 Transcona Shannon 933372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow - you folks are a wealth of information! This is all&nbsp;<i>VERY</i> helpful. I will definitely go for a professional fitting but these suggestions give me brand names I would like to try once I know my size and thank you for the information in particular about what to wear for sloping shoulders.<br /><br />I'm a pretty average size (36C...or was anyway) so that isn't my fit issue - in fact, my shoulders are really my only issue.&nbsp;<br /><br />Suz - funny you mention work out bras. I went last week to The Bay and bought three Shock Absorber bras - FANTASTIC! Worth every penny. And if you watch The Bay website, they sometimes go on sale, although not often. I'm not sure if I'm the same size in a regular bra though so will still need a fitting.<br /><br />Thank you everyone https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933292 Wed, 15 May 2013 21:17:38 +0000 Suz 933292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, and while you are at it, get new workout bras if you can. I have an awful time with that. It's one capsule I definitely need to refresh soon! I tend to try to get mine at Winner's and, as you know, our Winner's here is sort of substandard and doesn't always have much a available. You can imagine the result... https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933261 Wed, 15 May 2013 20:34:13 +0000 Nicole D 933261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like Simone Perele too, but agree with Gaylene and Suz&nbsp;that you need to get a good fitting and try on a few that are recommended by the experts. &nbsp;And don't gasp at the price tags. &nbsp;I just bought $700 worth of bras for DD and I. &nbsp;You need three good bras: one to wear, one to wash, one to recover (good elastic needs a day to recover apparently). &nbsp;And some fine fabric wash to care for them. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933246 Wed, 15 May 2013 20:20:15 +0000 lyn* 933246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like Ralph Lauren bras for non-slippage - they just seem to fit better and last quite a bit too; I've had one for about two years :)<br /><br />Unfortunately they set off the metal detector at airports. I learned THAT the hard way. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933227 Wed, 15 May 2013 19:59:12 +0000 Suz 933227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that it would be useful to go for a fitting. Also, you might consider spending (or trying to spend) a little less now, because you will surely need another set of bras in another 6 months. It is money well invested, however.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933215 Wed, 15 May 2013 19:51:17 +0000 Gaylene 933215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the "perfect" bra is so individual that you need to go to a good bra boutique and work with a fitter, or educate yourself about how a bra ought to fit and then check out different bra sites to see how different styles and makes work with different breast shapes. If you decide to go the latter route, I'd second the recommendation to check out Kristin's site <a href="http://line4line.blogspot.ca/" rel="nofollow">http://line4line.blogspot.ca/</a>&nbsp; She is the closest thing I've seen on the internet to a "bra whisperer" because she is a fanatic about proper fit.<br /><br />One of the suggestions from the bra fitter who is offering suggestions on her site about sloping shoulders is to look for a bra with straps that start closer to the centre of the cup.&nbsp; Here's the quote from Veronica on Kristin's site: <br /><i>Do you have narrow or sloping shoulders? If your bra is snug enough to anchor the bra to your body, the problem may be the bra straps themselves. I'd suggest trying a bra with inset straps. This refers to straps that are positioned more at the center of the cup (like with a full cup and some plunges) rather than off to the sides (like with a demi or a balconette). A wider-set strap on narrower or sloped shoulders will almost always fall off (except those of my beloved Empreinte which angles the straps on its balconettes so that they are more centrally positioned at the back of the bras).</i><br /><br />I know that once I realized that my fit issue was wide-set, full-on-the-bottom breasts and realized that the balconette-style with a three-piece cup worked the best, many of my fit problems vanished. <br /><br />ETA:&nbsp; Buying at a bra boutique can be pricey, but once you've figured out a style and brand that works for you, you can usually save quite a bit of money by ordering on-line, even when you calculate exchange rates and shipping charges. I've used the UK Figleaves <a href="http://www.figleaves.com/uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.figleaves.com/uk/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; and have always had a good experience with them. And, for some really weird reason, <b>Canada Customs does not charge duty on bras ordered from the UK, but it does on ones ordered from US sites like <i>barenecessities</i></b>! Weird, but true. And, another tip, if you order online and need to return a bra, using a padded envelope instead of a box can save quite a bit on shipping charges.<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933183 Wed, 15 May 2013 19:23:31 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 933183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am 100% with kkards on a professional fitting.&nbsp; Body shapes and breast shapes are so individual that what works for some may not work for you or me. I had a fitting just last week and came away absolutely flabbergasted by how different my size was from what I thought.&nbsp; I walked away with three bras, two lacy, one smooth, all three with outstanding support and perfect fit.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933170 Wed, 15 May 2013 19:11:10 +0000 Kristin L 933170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried the Josie by Natori when I was fitted and love them. Good luck with your bra search! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933139 Wed, 15 May 2013 18:30:30 +0000 Mo 933139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear Calvin too. &nbsp;But I am (of course) between sizes in them as well. &nbsp;Natori is also a good one. &nbsp;Their convertible mesh is awesome in summer heat! &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.barenecessities.com/natori-sheer-mesh-convertible-ultra-light-underwire-bra-132005_product.htm?pf_id=NatoriWhiteLabel132005&amp;search=&amp;manual_cm_sp=SlotLocation-_-R2C1-_-NatoriWhiteLabel132005">http://www.barenecessities.com.....abel132005</a> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933138 Wed, 15 May 2013 18:29:14 +0000 CocoLion 933138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And I wanted to add that I have never, ever had a slipping strap with Calvin Klein.<br /><br />I just got this one: &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.barenecessities.com/calvin-klein-seductive-comfort-seamless-balconette-bra-f3456_product.htm?pf_id=CalvinKleinF3456&amp;search=&amp;manual_cm_sp=SlotLocation-_-R4C3-_-CalvinKleinF3456"><a href="http://www.barenecessities.com/calvin-klein-seductive-comfort-seamless-balconette-bra-f3456_product" rel="nofollow">http://www.barenecessities.com.....56_product</a>.</a><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933132 Wed, 15 May 2013 18:22:19 +0000 CocoLion 933132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find Calvin Klein bras fit me well because they have fully adjustable straps, are well made, and comfortable. &nbsp;They might not have a huge size range like Simone Perele (my other favorite brand). &nbsp;However Calvin Klein is&nbsp;great for average sizes and priced around half of Simone Perele. &nbsp;I have to have the straps shortened for the S.P. brand because they are not fully adjustable and one of my shoulders slopes so I need a much shorter strap for that (right) shoulder. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933113 Wed, 15 May 2013 18:04:34 +0000 Janet 933113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wacoal, Fantasie and Chantelle seem to be the best bets for me. My tee-shirt bra of choice is by Fantasie.&nbsp;<br /><br />Agreed with KikiG's advice for the dressing room! Also, I now make sure I check out the side view with a tee shirt over the bra I'm trying on. A couple of times I've gotten a bra home only to realize that the side view is weird -- either oddly flattened or somehow off. My boobs are quite front and center, and some bras seem to push everything out to the side.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933108 Wed, 15 May 2013 17:58:02 +0000 rachylou 933108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have slopey shoulders too. Convertibles worn x-back is helpful. Also bras that have more coverage in the back - I don't know the proper term - but that are more like a tank and not just a cross-hatch of straps.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933065 Wed, 15 May 2013 17:11:42 +0000 Peri 933065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, just checked...it is just butterflycollection, not the butterfly...<br /><br />But, they specialize in D-K, not sure if that it your issue. I just remember reading a post on their site&nbsp;on what causes shoulder slipping. I have wide shoulders... never have that problem! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933052 Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:47 +0000 Peri 933052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Shannon,<br /><br />Can't help specifically because I have differing fit issues, but I'm learning an insane amount about bra fitting from these two sources:<br /><br />line4line.blogspot.de<br /><br />thebutterflycollection.com<br /><br />The blog is running a series, ask the bra fitter, plus the woman who does the blog is supremely interested in bra fitting. She has a ton of links to other sources. I learned more in one day about the source of my fit issues than I understood in my 40 years of wearing bras!<br /><br />And the butterfly collection is a Canadian company.<br /><br />Hope this helps some. I'm on a serious hunt also. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-bras-ladies#post-933051 Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:27 +0000 pastrygirl 933051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't tolerate underwire, but this underwire one is the most comfortable bra I've ever worn: Bali comfort-U. Lightly padded and has a sensible 3-hook back. </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://baliintimates.com/bras/styles/?style=3470&amp;color=WH">http://baliintimates.com/bras/.....8;color=WH</a></p><p>ETA: I wanted to add that my shoulders are narrow and slope down, too. These straps STAY UP. I had to replace a couple before a year was up because they started feeling poke-y, but I'm not sure if it's because I gained a lot of weight at that time. I've also been able to find them for as little as 17USD so I don't mind replacing. I love them so much that I have around 5 at any given time.</p>