Arthritis shoulders and neck - bra problem

I have one injured shoulder and also recently had breast cancer lumpectomy, and can't stand pressure around my chest. The only bras I can wear are soft pull-on ones. I found that they were still too tight unless I bought the largest size- 5XL, which I am certainly not!
soft bras

Sorry to hear that shysal. Be lovely to find something comfortable wouldn't it. 😔

I have this problem too and have tried many types of bra but still have great discomfort.

Have you thought about going on the versus arthritis forum and asking others? Someone may have an idea. X

I'm waiting for a new right shoulder and find wearing a normal bra painful so I've started wearing crop tops. I've bought some good quality ones for when I have the operation done and also a good Bandeau bra. I got mine from Shapermint, expensive but good quality.

When I had shingles recently the rash affected my left breast and there was no way I could stand any sort of bra.
I found a cotton camisole with a built in shelf bra which was great. It wasn't very supportive or flattering but it kept me decent and was so comfortable.

Bra’s are the bane of an older woman’s life aren’t they? I never gave them a thought when younger and wearing a bit of lacy nonsense in size 34b😁but nowadays, just can’t wait to get home and yank the damn thing off me😖
The best are the pull ons, but even they grip like a python by the afternoon.

I thought I'd found a solution for my stiff shoulders with a front fastening bra, great in the winter under jumpers but in summer you can see the outline of the zip fastener under teeshirts🙄 What we ladies go through 😅

www.boody.co.uk/products/shaper-crop-bra-nude

These Boody crop top bras are lovely - soft bamboo, wide straps, winter and summer colours!
(I think they were a previous recommendation from a poster here.)

Highly recommended.

Sorry - photo won't load😡

Uniqlo do a T-shirt with an included bra that is stitched onto the fabric of the shirt. Very comfortable.
They have a website if you don’t have a nearby shop.
Their clothes are excellent quality, wash beautifully, though not the cheapest.

Just for the record, Glamorise do a pretty front-fastening bra which just has a little clip in the front, not the horrid bulky zips. Although small, the clip is totally secure. They do have underwires but even with an arthritic shoulder I find them very comfortable and the give a good shape.

Have you considered a swimming top? Gentle all round support - the sort that's half a swimsuit but the bottom half is separate.

I can't wear bra's but I've found vest tops with inbuilt bra works for me. Soft stretchy material, I forget I'm wearing them .

Under summer blouses you could try wearing a short silk or nylon chemise - that way you are not completely naked under a thin blouse-

I often wear one under my bra, as the elastic makes me itch if I wear the bra next to my skin, and a thin chemise prevents this problem.

If you can't find any (or don't care for the price) they are easy to sew if you find a good pattern. Mine is an ancient Burda pattern, but I am sure you still can find patterns for chemise and french knicker sets.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-33yfql-1000018300.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-9pyhkq-1000018299.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202505/medium-7ls4p0-1000018298.jpg

I have had a shoulder problem for decades. The Bonds crop tops, I found were comfortable. Since my complicated shoulder operation over a year ago, I was told to wear cross over or sports tops. The Bonds one I have now are extremely comfortable (the straps can be changed to regular straps or cross over), so much so I don't have the notion to take off immediately on arrival at home. Good shape. Has padding that can be removed or not. Bonds Move Seamless Bralette. They have an array of colours including green and gold. I needed a larger size, the size chart helps too.

I've got some very thick cotton sleeveless t-shirt tops that I wear underneath flimsy summer stuff. Hides nipples and various bulges. Have loads of colours, mine came from lands end a couple of years ago. Hate wearing a bra.

I had a similar problem, but mine is due to scoliosis. conventional bras always pull and they never fit properly. I started using "Sloggi" bras and these are the most comfortable bras I have ever had.

Thank you I'll have a look

Thank you all so much for your ideas. I'll also try the arthritis website suggested thank you. I have seen those vest tops with built in bras, I'll try one on, and I'll try chemises and crop tops, though I have tried crop tops and the straps still hurt - I think I might try a bigger size as suggested. Thank you also for the brand names suggested
Sorry to hear so many of you suffering too. Yes we women do through a lot regarding bras lol. I'd just go completely without if it wasn't for modesty bits 🤔. Thank you all again. X