Suggestions for soft, no-wire plus size bras?

Makrame

I have a family member who needs to replace some of her bras. She normally wears a 42B, and I secretly think that she needs a 40C or 40D because she is not small-busted. I would like to order some bras online with free return to have her test them out. The problem is that she prefers very soft, mostly cotton-blend bras that do not feel restrictive. Most plus-size bras I see at Bare Necessities are very supportive, made of synthetic materials, and will probably feel fairly restrictive to her. She is also used to paying under $10 for a bra so I am not even sure there are options other than Target or Kohl's for that price range. I have never looked at bras at Target but I was very unhappy with the selection at Kohl's the one time I tried looking there - but I was specifically looking for the good support that I am used to getting from brands like Chantelle. Any ideas?

11 years ago

Shopping

7 replies

Latest reply was from Makrame

ManidipaM

Veteran

Any chance a seamed moderate-support cotton-rich sports bra would do the job? Support enough, but soft on the skin, no wires... Basic brands like Jockeys and Hanes should be well within that range.

11 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

Thanks, Manidipa! I asked about that but she is set against sports bras. I might still try some just in case.

11 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Might be worth showing her some of the styles that actually *look* like a normal bra. I hated the racerback, pull-on styles and refused to wear a sports bra until I found the ones with adjustable straps and hooks in the back or front.

11 years ago

Heather

Veteran

What about a Playtex bra? They are reasonable, soft cup and sold at retailers like Kohl's, etc.

http://www.playtexfits.com/bras/styles/5213/

11 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I've been attempting to find this bra again, but they no longer make my size. It is the most comfortable no-wire bra and I hope it may work for you. It's by Wacoal and #85276 and there's another one, very similar and with a plain front, #85226. Here's a link on both of them:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/wa.....origin=pla

85226. the Whoopi Goldberg "The View" bra:

http://www.herroom.com/Wacoal-.....c001-85226

11 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

It would be worth it to go in for a bra fitting, if you can convince her. Years ago I had a bra fitting that changed everything for me on bras. My sister (plus size) and I (M to L) were both wearing the same bra: 36 C. I realized that couldn't possibly be right, so I thought a fitting couldn't hurt. Turned out that I was a 32 DD and my sister was a 40 A. When I changed to a 32 DD, suddenly the discomfort of under wires disappeared, along with the dark lines that I had on the sides of my breasts. After the fitting, your family member may ultimately insist on a no-wire bra, but at least you'll have a good idea of what size she is and how it should fit so that she can evaluate the fit of future bras.

11 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

All great ideas, thanks for the suggestions! I liked the Playtex bra selection at Kohl's online. I also really like Wacoal bras that Vicki posted but I think this is out of the "comfortable" price range for my relative.

We don't have any places in the area for bra fittings, other than one really expensive small boutique, and since she is unlikely to buy any bras at those prices, she would probably feel uncomfortable going there and not buying anything. We can go to Kohl's to try bras on in person but it looks like the online selection at Kohl's in plus sizes may be better. I will probably do what I did for myself - order a bunch in different sizes and return those that don't fit. That (and reading Maya's bra fitting guide) is how I went from 36C to 34 D and never looked back.

My relative was telling me "I don't need or want supportive bra" and "there is no way I can wear a C or especially D cup". I find both hard to believe, based on my experience, but I understand that in some cases, comfort may be more important than support.

11 years ago

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