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Kari

Veteran

Despite the fun this year at NAS, bra shopping was a bummer. Nothing fit despite being sized; my worn out bra fits better than what I could find at Nordstrom (even non sale stuff.) So I'm breaking Angie's (and my) rule and am leaving in a bra I know is ill fitting, because I can't stand to spend that much money on a new bra that's going to look just as bad. I seriously tried everything that came in or close to my size, and no dice.

Edited to add: Nordstrom alterations and lingerie fairy godmothers to the rescue! I am buying a bra with a cup size that fits and band that's too big, but they are altering to take it in. Hope it works.

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Chantelle Rive Gauche 3-Part Cup Bra

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Kari

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I actually helped my niece shop for a bra the other day, and it's so challenging! She has very different fit challenges than I do, so it's enlightening to see firsthand that we ALL struggle with this. I've tried on things that technically FIT, but they either push my boobs into a shape I don't like, or they're uncomfortable. Trying to get all those requirements met is a challenge, so I hear you. I'm sorry it wasn't a more successful endeavor, but maybe it's good to quit for now and try again when you're refreshed and ready to tackle it once more.

Gaylene

Veteran

Good for you, Kari; spending $$$ on an ill-fitting bra isn't a good way to up anyone's style quota.

Maybe check around for a couple of smaller bra boutiques that carry different brands than Nordies? I know my best fitting bras aren't from brands commonly stocked by department stores. They may cost an extra few dollars, but the CPW whittles down pretty quickly if the bra fits well. The really expensive bras are those that don't fit.

Kari

Veteran

Yeah, that's kind of been my mantra for the past 6 months. I think I just need to accept that I can't find anything in a brick and mortar store that fits because of the size challenges. I unfortunately don't have the patience right now to try ordering and returning bras online that don't fit, so I'll make do with the ones I'm wearing now.

Kari

Veteran

Edited to add: Nordstrom alterations and lingerie fairy godmothers to the rescue! I am buying a bra with a cup size that fits and band that's too big, but they are altering to take it in. Hope it works.

Nicole D

Veteran

Gotta love a happy ending, Kari. So glad you solved the problem.

HJ

I never thought of having a bra altered to fit. I hope it ends up working really well for you!

Astrid

Veteran

Keeping my fingers crossed! I had the same alteration done once, in the end it was my favourite bra for quite some time.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My best fitting bras (two from Simone Perele) have been altered. For me it's the straps that often need shortening for a better fit. I have many other bras that have fully adjustable straps, and while more comfortable/less likely to slip, they don't give that great shaping that my altered-to-perfection Pereles have.

deb

Veteran

I never though of having bras altered either. Thank you for mentioning this.

cciele

Veteran

Ooo, I hope the alterations fairies can do their magic! Will stay tuned to hear the results.

Theodora

Kari, I don't know where you live, but I have had major issues with my daughters finding the right size bras, and found the most amazing store on a trip to Atlanta, then a trip to New York. not sure where else they are, but the brands we got are not a Nordstrom, which used to be our go-to place for bra shopping.

I am a 30DD with a lopsided issue due to cancer, one DD is 34 E and one is 38 I. Yes i! She was having trouble finding ANYTHING until we happened upon the store: Intimacies is it's name, and it has been a godsend! Her bras are really expensive, but she is comfortable for the first time, and they treated her with respect, do that she didn't feel like a freak. She was actually smiling when we left. And no more tugging and sagging, which can be very uncomfortable, especially here in Florida. Now, I can just order more from the store, as hers get worn out or "strained" out more often than mine or her sisters. I found the first bra I could actually wear and feel normal in since my surgery 6 years ago. I feel like a pretty woman again. Worth a visit if you are anywhere near one of their stores or plan to travel

Kari

Veteran

I hope it works out! I hadn't heard of tailoring bra bands either.

Theodora, you're so kind to offer suggestions! Thank you. I've heard of Intimacies (I think via What Not To Wear) but I'm at the opposite end of the US. I'm so very glad that you and your daughters have found bras that work. I think I'm something like a 34I or 34J now due to weight gain in the past couple years, so I completely understand how challenging it is.

Theodora

Well good luck with the the alterations!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Kari, I used to have almost all my bras altered to make the band an inch smaller. A small local lingerie store that I started going to shortly after it opened would do the alterations on site and usually have them ready in a day or two. It worked out very well and I think is an easy fix.

Susie

Veteran

What a great ending to a frustrating challenge. Such a pretty bra; I hope the alterations make it perfect for you.

kkards

Veteran

I knew that there were places in NYC that would alter bras. Never thought to ask Nordstroms if they would. Good to know.

jackiec

Veteran

I have never heard of bra alterations! What a great idea! I think it's time I tried a proper bra fitting...

Kari

Veteran

Yeah, the sales associate and lingerie specialist were super helpful with that suggestion. They didn't try to pressure me to but something that didn't fit, and the lingerie fitter was as picky about proper cup and band fit as I am-yay!-but they did not want me to have to leave empty handed, and presented alteration as an alternative when we found a bra in the right cup size/shape.

I found out that as a cardholder, you get $100 in alteration costs per year reimbursed. They send you Nordstrom Notes after you pay for the alteration. Win-win! It was only about $12 per bra to take the band in an inch.