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Even more bra questions

marianne

I've been meaning to ask this after the recent bra discussions. I am pretty sure I am wearing the right size but the wires on some of my bras can get uncomfortable on the sides, especially after a long day. I was wondering if anyone else has this issue and if there are brands/bras with more widely spaced cups?
Also, are there reasonable soft cup bras and which brands? I know it's not the same, but I wouldn't mind having a couple around.
Thanks!

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from biscuitsmom

Maya

Veteran

Marianne, sorry to be a pain, but some specifics would help. How are they uncomfortable? Do they dig the tissue or your ribcage? Does the poking come higher up on the underwire, closer to the armpit (I don't know if I'm explaining that well)?

marianne

Thanks Maya, I was hoping you;d come to the rescue
The wires dig into the rib cage but right next to the tissue, if that makes sense. Sort of along the outline. And yes, it is higher up - which makes me wonder if I should look for bras on which the wires don't go up as high.

Maya

Veteran

Bingo Marianne. Look for balconettes and plunge styles.

marianne

Thanks Maya. So the wires in those don't go up as high on the sides? I am going to reread your superpost about bras, as I am still not sure I could identify balconettes in a store.
Any ideas on wireless bras or does everyone wear underwire exclusively?

Maya

Veteran

At your size wearing a wireless bra isn't the end of the world, but you really should alternate with underwires. What kind of bras do you wear now?

marianne

Usually Wacoal sort of like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2763447/
And a couple like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3056939/
(hmm this says it's a balconette bra, is it?)

agrace

Maya, and why is this not your career? You need your own line!

Maya

Veteran

See this:

http://www.herroom.com/solve-b.....30.html#10

That Wacoal bra is very full coverage. It comes just below the armpit. The Natori is a balconette but it's hard to tell how far up it comes without seeing a side view. Here is a style that might work:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....9&P=1

I realize it's a push up and that might not be to your liking, but if you look at the sides, you can see it doesn't come up as high.

Agrace, I'd rather do it on a volunteer basis

marianne

Maya, you totally should look into something like lingerie design... or lingerie buyer at a dept store.
That link is interesting - because I am actually relatively short from shoulder to chest, so it makes sense. Thanks for the suggestions! I guess I'll have to set aside some time to try on a whole slew of bras at Nordies, there doesn't seem to be an easier way

Maya

Veteran

Bra shopping is no different from any other shopping. You have to try on a ton of things and find something that works. It just SEEMS like more work because no one likes buying bras :p

elpgal

Veteran

Marianne, On the herroom.com website, click on any bra and scroll down till you see a tab that says 'Fitter's comments' where the bra side measurement is specified. That should help you narrow down a few styles.

marianne

Elpgal - thanks! That's great info. I never paid attention to those details but apparently there is a huge variety.
So I compared the wires on my bras, and my Wacoals do indeed go higher than my Natoris, but the Natoris cups are a tad narrower. And I do get with problem more with Natoris. (If you wonder that I don't have anything better to do on a weekend night, I am on kids duty and doing a bunch of stuff around the house). Anyway, the point is I have to be more discerning about the details.
It's not that I don't *like* shopping, I am just not very efficient and need a ton of time, and it's hard to come by.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Marianne, I hope you find the right bra :0)

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Cacique makes great Balconette bras, and at LB right now they are buy 2, get 2 free! I used to use Le Mystere and Wacoal, but actually get the best support and lift Ive ever had from their Smooth Balconette (Im a 40F)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Some bras look so much more balcony-y than others. I'm wearing one of my new balcony bras right now and it's very comfy.

Maya

Veteran

Biscuits, is Calcique a plus size brand? I am just asking because people keep mentioning it here but I have never heard of it though it seems like it is sold exclusively at LB. If that is the case, it won't work for non-plus size ladies. Correct me if I"m wrong. How small does the band go down to?

I wear plunge bras exclusively because my back is so incredibly short. Even balconettes are often too high cut for me. Less coverage does not mean any less support as long as you aren't bulging out of the cups.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Maya, the Cacique bras start at 36C....they do have a few plunge styles too, but I dont know how supportive they are. If a C cup would fit you, you can always shorten the band/and or straps yourself or have a tailor do it for cheap....I didnt know what size you are, I was hoping they'd work for you and I wanted everyone to know about this great sale thats going on....

Maya

Veteran

Marianne is a 32 and I am a 28, so it won't work for us. But it could be useful info for others, definitely.

Plunge styles are actually quite supportive. Support comes from the band and cup structure (seamed styles being more supportive), not the amount of coverage.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Oh, Im sorry, Maya! No..that definitely would not work for you or Marianne! I thought if you were an inch or maybe two smaller it could be altered....yes, thanks, I knew that about where the support comes from, I just didnt know (personally) how well-made that type is from Cacique...good luck in your hunt!

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Oops! I see that it's Marianne who's searching, not you! Sorry....good luck Marianne!