Looking for non-irritating bras

medusa

I have easily irritated skin and have trouble finding bras that don't give me rashes. I can't wear anything with lace or seams. I generally like a T-shirt bra style because there is less embeliishment.

After some hunting I found the Luleh smooth T-shirt bra
http://stores.channeladvisor.c.....id=7311369
that I've been wearing for about 6 months. But now the edges of the underwire are starting to shift and poke me in the sides. So I think this one isn't going to work in the long run.

Any recommendations for other styles?

14 years ago

Shopping

9 replies

Latest reply was from carissa

garmenta

Active Member

I've found that the Gap's t-shirt bras are comfortable and have good coverage. Both the underwire and the wireless styles are good and reasonably priced. Unless you have special size requirements, they might work for you.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you had a bra fitting, Medusa? I was wondering whether the pros can get you sorted.

14 years ago

carissa

(website)

Active Member

Medusa - what size are you wearing?

Six months in a bra is a good long run. Perhaps it is showing its age prematurely do to over-wear, if it is getting worn back to back long days.

Tighten the back band to pull those wires out of the arm pit and anchor them in place.

Also take the bra with you to a fabric store and purchase some light weight felt (ask for help from the SA). Then a tailor can cover those pokey wires and make them softer and more comfortable.

14 years ago

marianne

Active Member

It depends on your size, and it's very individual, and a fitting would help. At Nordstrom, for example, they would be able to suggest different options. I like this one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2975925
Also, make sure you wash them on gentle cycle in a mesh bag and line dry to make them last longer. HTH!

14 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Quality might be the issue here. I used to find lace itchy and uncomfortable but a) I was in the wrong size, which mean the bra would shift more and the lace would scratch. When it is anchored in place, it doesn't move and rub your skin. And b) The lace was poor quality. The new bras I got have a finer and softer mesh.

Your bra should not shift. If it does, it is probably too big. I also found out at my fitting that I was wearing the band too high. Since the band I was wearing was too big, I would tighten the straps until it came up very high, where my back is slightly bigger. But it should have sat much lower, where I'm smaller (and therefore it would have been too loose).

I really think you should get a fitting if possible. I wore tshirt bras for years, but now I wear lace and seams and can't go back. Also, lace and seams last longer since the cups do not distort so easily.

14 years ago

Lee Hovey

Active Member

I think 6 months is a reasonable lifespan for bras from what I have read by the experts. So I wouldn't write off buying that same bra again if overall you liked it.

I also suggest the Gap T-shirt bras. I am picky about the quality and texture of bra material, and was very very impressed and pleased with the Gap full-coverage t-shirt bra. (They run a bit small though so be sure to go try them on. I am usually a C cup, but at Gap I am a 34 D) Also the associated were very helpful at the Gap Body store I went to.

14 years ago

medusa

Veteran

Thanks for all the comments!

Garmenta and Kendra - thanks for the Gap suggestion. Marianna - the Natori bra also looks promising. I'll look into them.

Angie and Carissa - I got this bra at Nordstrom after getting a fitting there; they put me in a size 34C. I tried on several different styles but this was the only one I tried that didn't feel scratchy. I have been washing them in the gentle cycle, but maybe it is the end of this bra's life.

Carissa - thanks for the suggestions about tightening the straps and getting some felt. I like that idea.

Maya - thanks, maybe I need to get a better fitting. From your thread it sounds like Intimacy does a better job than Nordstrom, so perhaps I should try going there. Definitely my bra shifts despite having been professionally fitted, so maybe I'm still not in the right size.

I love the thought that better fit could help me with the lace/seams problem, but honestly I don't think it's going to happen. My skin is just weird. For example, I have to cut the tags out of the neck seams and side seams of my clothes, because having tags against my skin makes me start itching like crazy after a few minutes.

14 years ago

shana

Veteran

I find also some types of lace irritating, especially the stiff kind. I prefer the stretch lace type of bras (have a few from Wacoal that are great).

I have heard that Hanro bras are great for those with sensitive skin:

http://www.barenecessities.com.....or,759.htm

14 years ago

carissa

(website)

Active Member

Tighten the back band, put it on the tightest hook. It should stay anchored a bit below the bottom of the bust (in the front of your body).

Intimacy will have different sizes and brands than Nordstrom and their fitting staff is better trained. But be warned their sales people (fitting staff) are well trained in sales tactics as well.

14 years ago

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