Ask Angie: Yet another bra quandry

Hello to everyone!!

I just finished reading "SarahM's bra troubles" from a couple of years ago, along with several other posts and suddenly no longer felt 'alone' in my quest for a better dressed me.

In so knowing that how our clothes fit on the outside does affect (and reflect) how we feel inside, I felt complelled to join and partake in the sage wisdom and elan exuded.

Being a stay at home mother of 5 teens & preteens, I must say that my wardrobe has gone by the sacrifical wayside of my young budding fashionista's and GQ's.

Nearing 40, it's time to take stock in myself again. Diet, exercise and oh, yes...rebuilding MY wardrobe.

First things first...undergarments! There's nothing on earth that makes a women feel more attractive than beautiful / sexy undies.

So, on to my quandry; bra's!
*Shopping for the right bra can be quite the expedition. Pack a lunch and camping gear, we're going to be here a while.
*Being small busted (AA) is difficult enough, but I have the added challenge of a convex sternum...it sticks out about 11/4 inches causing my breasts to point outward. Even tradional AA bras do not fit properly as the inward portion of the cup remains empty or collapses.
*Underwires are definitely out - that hurts and pushups...well, one has to have something to push up in order for that to be successful unless the cups can be sewn in upside down.

I've considered having bra's altered, but how different a band size should I get? From the fullest portion of each cup to the fullest portion of each of me, there is a 3/4 inch difference per cup.

I certainly welcome any advice except augmentation. I've already looked into it and that will only amplify my problem of outward facing 'headlights'. Correcting my sternum is out also...the insurace company considers it to be cosmetic since it doesn't pose a life threatening concern and with one income and five teenage mouths to feed...needless to say...

Please forgive me if I've posted in the wrong category, I have to admit to not reading the content of each.

Nice 'meeting' all of you!! I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Jennifer C.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Hi, Jennifer!

I have a question: what are you looking for in a bra (aside from correct fit, which clearly can be tricky)? Are you looking for lift, or shaping, or...? I ask, because that might determine what kind of bra you're looking for.

Jennifer C

Member

Hello Di!

Thank you for your reply. It's nice to hear from someone so quickly!

Definitely fit.

Being small gives me an advantage of not having to be terribly concerned with lifting or shaping...AA bras are normally all padded. Unfortunately, all of that padding mushes and aches without the right fit.

yellowgirl

Active Member

Hi, Jennifer! I don't actually have any advice, I just wanted to say welcome and I'm glad you found Angie's site on your style journey - you're definitely at the right place.

Thank you Yellowgirl! I'm looking forward to all of the insights...and maybe even sharing a tip or two as I learn more.

Steph

Hi Jennifer. I am large busted, so I don't have good advice for you regarding brands or anything like that, but I have a few thoughts. First, I'm wondering if you can just forgo a bra all together, or if that's not an option? Maybe wearing something like a cami or even just those little pads to cover your nipples?

Assuming that isn't a viable solution, have you gotten fitted? If you live near an Intimacy Bra Fit Specialist shop, I would highly recommend them. This is their site: http://www.myintimacy.com/ They are really experts and I bet that they could help you. Alternatively, could you go to Nordstrom? The women in their lingerie department are generally quite good as well.

Scarlet

I was also wondering if you can't get by with a camisole or bralet? Something just for modesty's sake, but you probably don't need much lift or shaping, I am guessing.

Anonymous

Hi, Jennifer, have you tried a quality professional fitting as Steph suggested? You might call ahead to Intimacy or Nordstroms and speak to someone about your needs before going in to be sure to get the most knowledgable fitter to help you.

I've read the Timpa duet bra does amazing things for small busts. But I think it has underwire. Maybe head to http://www.thelittlebracompany.com/ for advice and suggestions.

I was thinking a bralette, too, if you don't have lift/shape issues. That would completely circumvent fit issues. There are a ton of them on sites like http://www.barenecessities.com and http://www.herroom.com. Being an extremely busty woman myself, I'm jealous of those who can wear the gorgeous scraps like these at Anthropologie (they might feel a little slinkier than bralettes, if that's part of what you're going for):http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....9552150494

Wait, this one is especially cute: http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....lateType=D

*sigh* Back to the land of wide beige straps for me...

Wow Ladies!! You all are positively lovely!! Thank you!!

To answer the main recurring question: Yes, I've had many a good fitting with some very kind professionals and thankfully the answer has been relatively consistant...36AA.

Sadly, manufacturers do not take into account sternum nuances which has left both the well intending fitter and me scratching our heads for viable solutions. Usually I end up just buying the ones that are the least smushing until I can no longer stand it or wear them until they fall apart and the daunting quest begins again.

Bralettes?...I can honestly say that I've never had one recommended nor had I actually considered one given the lack of padding (which I only prefer for the nipple coverage). That's a great suggestion!

Di, that bralette is adorable! I love it! I like that website too...not too 'Frederick's'. I'm a bit modest having teen boys in the house who help with the laundry.

Steph, were it not for the nips, I would go braless. I have tried those little pasty things. Great for a night out, but hard on the skin for everyday use...I tried that too.

I'm off to check out the other sites as well. Thanks to all of you for the hope and a jumping off point! <Hugs!!>

Suz

Hello from another new member, and another small-breasted woman! (32A)

It sounds as if you have a very frustrating fit dilemma! I think the suggestion of looking at some speciality online offerings is a great one. The Little Bra Company (already mentioned) is one. Here is another: http://www.lulalu.com/

And here's another: http://www.ittybittybra.com

And another: http://www.evesappleslingerie.com/about

I have never ordered from one of these, but they do have good selection.

Bralettes can be really nice, I believe. I haven't worn one in a long while, mainly because I could never find one. Maybe I'll have to order.

It sounds as if it might be the best solution for you.

Good luck!

Sorry - meant to add, Eve's Apples has a different way of fitting bras that might be worth checking into. And maybe a consultation would be worthwhile, given your special fit difficulties?

http://www.evesappleslingerie.com/advice

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I was going to suggest the itty bitty bra company too

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