Bras and my body over 66

Ah I didn't see the padded bits were adjustable. I just got frustrated trying to get it over my head. I do like the idea of them! I think there are some that fasten at the back rather than pull over the head. When I was smaller breasted (until a year ago!) I had a couple of Fat Face white cotton vests that had the same effect. No cups in them but they supported you well and were comfortable. I don't like my boobs being bigger as there are less options!

Apparently And/Or is a John Lewis own brand.

gentleshores

Parsley3

Thank you for the suggestion of trying a crop top. I am off to Marks this morning to have a look.

I wouldn't bother :-) I ordered some yesterday for next day delivery and they're awful! Almost impossibly tight to get over your head and shoulders (and I ordered two sizes - one bigger than I usually wear). Once I managed that, with the bigger size - the padded inserts were all misshapen - looked terrible. There was no way of getting at them to straighten them out either. Also very lycra type so probably sweaty. I do like the idea though - I did try a sloggy one but that wasn't the right shape and the other one I liked seems to be out of stock everywhere. With something like that I'd want it to be mainly cotton based.

However I've had some success now the 38B's are here as that is a better fit than a 36C - more comfortable but same cup size. One I really like and will keep (a Wren Bra from John Lewis). It's actually a strapless bra with detachable straps. I'll keep the straps on though. And although it's underwired, it's not too hard. So I think I just needed a bigger band size due to my extra flab ha ha.

I had 3 other 38B's to try on. All fitted fine but the cheaper ones were uncomfortable because the underwiring was so hard and rigid. So yes they are all different. I'd already sent for two Marie Jo bras (with trepidation at the cost) so I'll see how I find those in this size.

Re the M n S ones: I love them, but

yes I agree you need a size larger

the padded cups are removable and adjustable from a slit at the side, on the inside, but it is a bit fiddly.

They are clearly very popular, but will never suit everyone. I'm not very well endowed and am not sure how they would suit big cups.

And it's not strapless, it's a multiway bra (the picture shows the straps crossing at the back - why would you want that? But I'm wearing the straps the conventional way.

Sorry it's not Wren, it's a make called And/Or and the design is called Wren.

keepingquiet

Oh I so agree with OP- I'm the same age and so know the frustration.

However, try to find a good fitting bra when you have only one boob- it's impossible.

I still have one bra that I bought post-surgery. I think it was from Bravissimo- 14 years later it is still my best bra but nothing I have bought since comes near.

I now buy those you pull over your head but when I bend down my fake boob falls out!

Oh the joy...

My Aunt just had the one boob as well - I'm not sure what she did - it must be very frustrating finding the right bra in that situation. Is there somewhere that makes special bras for this situation? I would think you'd need some kind of prosthesis in one cup? Or does that not work? Hope you're doing ok x

Parsley3

Thank you for the suggestion of trying a crop top. I am off to Marks this morning to have a look.

I wouldn't bother :-) I ordered some yesterday for next day delivery and they're awful! Almost impossibly tight to get over your head and shoulders (and I ordered two sizes - one bigger than I usually wear). Once I managed that, with the bigger size - the padded inserts were all misshapen - looked terrible. There was no way of getting at them to straighten them out either. Also very lycra type so probably sweaty. I do like the idea though - I did try a sloggy one but that wasn't the right shape and the other one I liked seems to be out of stock everywhere. With something like that I'd want it to be mainly cotton based.

However I've had some success now the 38B's are here as that is a better fit than a 36C - more comfortable but same cup size. One I really like and will keep (a Wren Bra from John Lewis). It's actually a strapless bra with detachable straps. I'll keep the straps on though. And although it's underwired, it's not too hard. So I think I just needed a bigger band size due to my extra flab ha ha.

I had 3 other 38B's to try on. All fitted fine but the cheaper ones were uncomfortable because the underwiring was so hard and rigid. So yes they are all different. I'd already sent for two Marie Jo bras (with trepidation at the cost) so I'll see how I find those in this size.

I just had a look and it is indeed a Royce bra.

Not spaghetti- the varieties available is much reduced now. I don't know why.

I can't wear a balcony bra and always wear a scarf because I am so conscious of the mis-match. It is very annoying that bra manaufacturers seem to think you either want to flash your boobs or you're an old 'granny' excuse the word, who doesn't mind the more 'solid' look.

Just remembered that my friend likes "Royce" bras now post mastectomy - but I don't think she has ever worn a balcony style.

...my daughter also had some great bras from them too. Maybe they specialise in "different" breast shapes and needs - hers were nursing bras.

keepingquiet - how frustrating! I hope you find something lovely that doesn't have that problem.


You would think there would be hundreds to choose from these days.
How annoying.

Oh I so agree with OP- I'm the same age and so know the frustration.

However, try to find a good fitting bra when you have only one boob- it's impossible.

I still have one bra that I bought post-surgery. I think it was from Bravissimo- 14 years later it is still my best bra but nothing I have bought since comes near.

I now buy those you pull over your head but when I bend down my fake boob falls out!

Oh the joy...

Thank you for the suggestion of trying a crop top. I am off to Marks this morning to have a look.

I think so too. 😍

A well fitted bra is the best thing that you can ever buy.

I cannot find a bra to fit in M&S (even with a fitter)... Like others I'd suggest Rigby & Peller if you are anywhere near.
I like Prima Donna bras - but they are as expensive as the Marie Jo I'm afraid.

One of my daughters wears Marie Jo and one is a different shape from me and my older daughter (Prima Donna too) and gets on better with a different brand. I can't remember which. It's a French make.

You can have the same size in 20 different bras and they will all fit differently. If you have truly knowledgeable staff they will find something perfect for your body shape.

I don't think any M&S bras fit me either. Hence asking for tips! They seem to be cut a bit skimpy at the sides and the foam is a bit light and basic. Plus the underwire is harder. I always liked underwire balcony bras but honestly can't bear the feel of underwire now. I had some torn rib muscles last year and actually cracked ribs on the other side - maybe my ribs have changed shape! But they feel a bit sensitive to pressure.

I will definitely try some more crop top bras. Waiting for some 38B's as well at the moment to compare with the 36C - cup size is right but it feels a bit tight underneath.

M and S could even find a bra to fit me. Tried to say I was a 40 band... I wear a 36 band!!
Fantasie I find best. Not cheap but worth it.

gentleshores

flappergirl

All my bras are ancient. They've moulded to my shape and I can't bear the thought of "breaking in" new ones.

Ha ha exactly. I love my old bras and now they don't fit. One is an M&S balconette style but it's very old and will drop to bits soon. I knew my boobs had got bigger when they started coming out of the bottom of it! M&S quality seemed to be better when I got that one about 15 years ago! I used to like the Wonderbra strapless bra as well but that doesn't work for my shape any more. I swear my rib cage has expanded as well.

Getting older isn’t for softies is it?😖

Aveline

Try a crop top bra. So comfortable. No hard wires or hooks and eyes. Easily accommodate and support bigger busts. Seriously, try one. I bet you wouldn't go back.

Can you recommend a particular make?

flappergirl

All my bras are ancient. They've moulded to my shape and I can't bear the thought of "breaking in" new ones.

Ha ha exactly. I love my old bras and now they don't fit. One is an M&S balconette style but it's very old and will drop to bits soon. I knew my boobs had got bigger when they started coming out of the bottom of it! M&S quality seemed to be better when I got that one about 15 years ago! I used to like the Wonderbra strapless bra as well but that doesn't work for my shape any more. I swear my rib cage has expanded as well.

All my bras are ancient. They've moulded to my shape and I can't bear the thought of "breaking in" new ones.

If you can get someone to take you to a shop to be measured it would be good for you.
Some fitters can tell what you need without using a tape measure, and not all bras are the same. One size in a particular brand can be very different to the same size in another brand.
The fitter will also get your straps the correct length, and make sure that you are not falling out of the cups at the sides or the front.

Please go and get measured and fitted correctly for a bra. I have done this 2 weeks ago and I stopped wasting money and time by buying useless bras.
I went to an independent local shop - not posh, just a regular woman's wear shop that sells lingerie, swimwear and some clothing. Not in the least embarrassing, and I was very grateful for the help.

I would recommend an independent bra fitter, if you have one near you?
I use an independent bra fitter and she is the best.
Fantastic one to one service, plenty of time, lots to choose from and always a perfect fit.
I had no luck with Bravissimo and also found them very unhelpful.
Good luck 😉

Aveline

Try a crop top bra. So comfortable. No hard wires or hooks and eyes. Easily accommodate and support bigger busts. Seriously, try one. I bet you wouldn't go back.

Thanks. Yes I like that idea. I did try a Sloggi one from next but it wasn't quite the right shape. Wyllow - I'll check out the M&S one. I do have one strappy t shirt that is kind of a built in bra shape but it's getting a bit worn.