Yet another bra question

marianne

Question for the average sized ladies - What is your favorite bra style? (I mean molded or not, lace, etc, not necessarily brand). I am looking to buy new bras - I apparently went up to C after kids and thought I could use it as an opportunity to try new bra styles and do a brief survey before buying.
I always wore Wacoal bras similar to this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/27.....6&P=1

At Nordies I also tried one molded cup bra that I liked. My question is - do molded cups add to your chest circumference? Unfortunately, I wasn't wearing a button down shirt when I tried it on, but since I already have issues with most shirts pulling over my chest, I don't really want to expand it even more. Also, are they worse in hot weather?
Any thoughts on soft cup?
I think some of this have been discussed already - if so, I apologize.
Thanks!

17 years ago

General

4 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Maya

Veteran

Hello Marianne, I am far from average sized but I wasn't born a DDD so I think I'm still qualified to give some input

First I need to clear up some confusion: What you're talking about is a contour cup (the kind that stand on their own and retain their shape). All non-seamed bras are molded cups. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I have both types. A contour bra will not add a lot of size to your bust. It has a reputation for doing that but women are confusing size with shape. These bras usually give more projection, especially as the size gets bigger, which makes it seem like the bust is bigger when really it's just, uh, sticking out more? The material is actually very thin so the amount of size it adds to the bust is really negligible. I actually like them because they give some shape and prevent the dreaded lateral projection (which I'm sure you won't have a big problem with at a C).

To answer your question about buttondowns, I wear contours under knits and especially wraps because they give a smoother and sleeker appearance from the front, and also the biggest benefit is the lack of nipple-flash. However, I prefer non-contour cups for buttondowns not because contours make my chest bigger but because they push the boobs forward more.

I know this isn't the ideal answer, but my advice is to have both types at your disposal.

Wacoal is a great brand and I have a few bras from them myself. I don't doubt that they would be just as good for someone average size as well.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Thanks Maya! This is very helpful and makes a lot of sense. Sorry, I was asking about "average" to address my particular goals, but I didn't mean to discriminate
I am a little confused about terminology and which ones are contour but yes, I mean the ones that hold their shape. The one I tried on was this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....4&P=1
So it sounds like it wouldn't hurt to have one available.
And yes, I like Wacoal fit, but I am not that crazy about the lace, which seems to be always present in some form.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

My bra requirements:

1) must have underwire

2) beige OR black (I own more beige than black) - no fancy colors and no white, because they show under shirts. My teens, on the other hand, prefer colorful bras because they wear tank tops a lot and it's the "trend" to have your colorful bra strap show - but it can't be a nude strap, because that's tacky! Hee hee. So they load up on pink and purple and turquoise and other fun colors.

3) no lace (although I do have one with lace; the lace must not itch)

4) I'm not sure if it's a molded or contour cup - not sure I understand the difference. But similar to the one you tried on at Nordie's. Lots of times I see these advertised as "tee shirt" bras because they aren't supposed to have any obvious seams showing through, and eliminate nipple problems. I don't find that they add much extra bulk. You definetly DO want to try them on under a close-fitting tee so you can be sure that you like the shape they give you. I don't want pointy cone-shaped breasts, but i do want some shaping.

5) I prefer "full coverage" bras for every day. The Nordie's one does not seem to be full coverage. Full coverage bra will reduce spill over/"heaving busom" effect. I do have one or two bras like this though, for when I want heaving busom effect (romantic dates, for example - but NOT for work!)

Your hot weather question: cotton is definetly going to be cooler. But I find it just doesn't give enough support and rarely holds up for very long.

Try Chantelle - they have a bra that is designed to keep you cool in hot weather. I have this bra, and it lives up to its claims, although, as I've mentioned before, the bra has developed sweat stains on the outside of the cup. What this bra does is wick moisture away from your skin and out to the outside of the bra. (No, your top doesn't end up wet! hmm, I guess it wicks the moisture to the inside of the cup?). Anyway, after wearing this bra in very hot summer weather, it developed stains that won't come out. It's all cosmetic though and I still wear it. It's very comfy. I can't stand sweating in bras, so it's worth the trade-off.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I echo the lasses 100%. A molded cup should not add circumference. If any thing, it smoothes out the line of the bosom. Happy bra hunting!

17 years ago

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