Bras and my body over 66

Gentleshores I'm the same. I have hardly put on any weight over the years and yet my old bras are now too tight, as are a couple of dresses. I can only think it's because I am no longer toned and instead am saggy. Even my feet have got bigger! In the last 10 years I have gone up a shoe size... and yet, as I said, I weigh about the same as when I was in my 40s.

Well, having read this thread, I decided to research the matter. At the same time as I bought my first crop top bra I also bought an exactly fitting conventional bra from M&S. I kept it for some reason but really found the crop top one so comfortable that I only wore those for the past few years. Today I dug out the conventional one and tried it on. It fitted well but wasn't very comfortable. On looking at my silhouette in the mirror I got a shock! The girls were yanked up so high and far out that I could easily grace the prow of a ship. What a stately vision I was! I happily changed back into a crop top one and resumed my homely, happily unthreatening shape.
Result: if strictly necessary I can wear the conventional one eg to intimidate jurors in a court proceeding but I'm far happier going back to my cosy, if lumpy, shape.

I wish my breasts could be yanked up enough to grace the prow of a ship

That would be a true joy for me.
Even with the very best "lifting" undergarments my breasts are resolutely not so intimidating!

They dropped anchor years ago.

So have mine apparently NotSpaghetti. That bra had a huge job in hoisting them up!

gentleshores I hope you can see this still. A good fitting bra is always a fraught mission of many women. I know there are many recommendations for you to go get fitted properly, which would be good - if you cannot figure this out on your own.

I’ve lived through many physical changes in my body, including breast cancer. I found my ultimate bra in the end - realizing that there were long held beliefs I had to let go of. Here’s what you need to know:

• Boobs come in many shapes and they change naturally as you age
• Each manufacturer cuts and creates for a certain shape
• Be open minded to a different size AND manufacturer
• Be prepared to spend more for comfort
• Inexpensive bras are a waste of money
• You only need two to interchange for starters, and you will always buy the same

If you do not want to have a professional fit you (it does NOT cost more!) then you need to get out of the house and spend several hours in the lingerie dept. of a really good store and try on many bras on your own…. In which case you will wish you had that person to help you.

There is a bra and a certain line that will be your answer. Good luck! I found my ultimate bra in the Wacoal line.

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/06/womens-breasts-laura-dodsworth-photography

I remember this from years ago.
She did make the book.

I’ve never had a comfortable bra in my life. Recently I’ve changed shape and need new ones. I can’t tell if a new bra fits until I’ve worn it (as with shoes) and then it’s too late to return it. I currently have 6 worn-once bras, all bought on line because I can’t get to M&S to try before I buy. I HATE the damn things!

I've been looking for better bras lately. Comfortable, and to give me a better line than the bralettes I wear in the house.
Bon Marche have a good selection at reasonable prices.
I bought one and it's perfect.

Result: if strictly necessary I can wear the conventional one eg to intimidate jurors in a court proceeding but I'm far happier going back to my cosy, if lumpy, shape.

I so agree with this. I moved over to crop top bras a few years ago and found them so comfy that I now only wear a wired bra when dressed up (which isn't very often these days).

I know what you mean. I’ve worn Triumph Amourette bras for years. I had a massive clothes clear out recently and lovely dresses that fitted perfectly no longer fit. My shape is definitely very different now!!

The best bra is NO BRA! I have not worn one at all since I retired 3.5 yrs ago. You can get away with it by wearing a supporting or silky camisole - if you are built small. I am C cup and only do cammies.
FREEDOM!

I have been measured and fitted at Rigby and Peller, John Lewis, Bravissimo and Marks. And I have bought bras in many shops and online. And each time I have come away with at least one bra. None of them has been comfortable. I have resigned myself to never wearing a bra that gets taken off the minute I get home!

Does anyone else find that heir skin has got thinner with age and that everything, even crop tops, irritate their skin? I almost can’t bear anything touching my skin unless it’s loose fitting and cotton.

I agree with Bravissimo and Rigby and Peller. I’ve only been into Rigby & Peller a couple of times, I’ve been measures and bought bras that make a huge difference to your body shape. I’ve then bought the same style and size bra on EBay when I’ve been lucky. Lately I’ve ordered bras from Bravissimo.

So many helpful posts and glad I'm not the only one! To the couple of ladies who said they don't bother to wear a bra - I would love to do that! And I often used to not wear a bra. The issue came when they got a bit bigger and were uncomfortably heavy - I just felt I needed some support.

I did get sorted. I can't get out easily so sent for a lot online - parcels everywhere and loads of tedious returns to sort out. But the key was finding the right size - and having a band size that was comfortable. 38B is just right for me and I got two bras I am happy with and are comfortable. One was the And/Or multiway bra from John Lewis. The other was this M&S bra which I've now bought in both colours - it's a nice shape when on, supportive and comfortable. If you get the size right!

The link to the Guardian article was fascinating!

www.marksandspencer.com/silk-and-lace-wired-balcony-bra-a-e-/p/clp60638354

Skydancer

Gentleshores I'm the same. I have hardly put on any weight over the years and yet my old bras are now too tight, as are a couple of dresses. I can only think it's because I am no longer toned and instead am saggy. Even my feet have got bigger! In the last 10 years I have gone up a shoe size... and yet, as I said, I weigh about the same as when I was in my 40s.

I think it's sagginess with me too ha ha. Maybe the fat slipped down (sorry if that's a bit graphic!). Once I found one the right size and shape though, all the saggy bits were inside the bra rather than outside of it! This whole experience has made me look up " core exercises" to see if I can tone my torso without hurting my knees!

Sports bras are comfortable