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Health

Are you wearing the right bra?

(64 Posts)
Quizzer Fri 29-Jan-21 10:55:04

What is it about mature ladies and their bras? I was shocked to read in a recent post that many ladies were not wearing their bras during lockdown because they were uncomfortable. It is estimated that over half of British women wear the wrong size bra.
A couple of years ago I took my older SIL shopping to choose an outfit for her GD’s wedding The assistant in the shop was so helpful and eventually an outfit was chosen, but the assistant then tactfully suggested that my SIL should be measured for a bra to go with it. The bra she was wearing slung her boobs at waist level! She is not a well endowed lady so the weight should not be a problem.
My SIL declared that she had been this bra size for years, even though she had dropped two stone in weight. How many women don’t realise that their size changes throughout life, especially after the menopause. I gently persuaded my SIL to go to the lingerie department of a nearby M&S where they usually have a bra fitter. My SIL had been wearing a size 42B bra, but the fitter measured her as a 36D and brought in a few to try on. SIL was amazed how well they fitted and how comfortable they were!!
Once we get out of lockdown I would encourage anyone who is uncomfortable in their bra to get properly measured and buy one that IS comfortable.

PaperMonster Fri 29-Jan-21 15:03:53

I feel really uncomfy without my bra. I was measured at two independent places, who both came up with the same size. Neither used tape measures but looked at me and my boobs to see what would be the best size and style. I now only buy one make and style, which is really comfy for me. M&S aren’t known for measuring properly, sadly. I know a lot of people swear by Boob and Bust on Facebook for measuring, but I’ve never investigated them as I’m very happy with my bras!

Kate54 Fri 29-Jan-21 14:51:17

Notagran55 I think you’ve made my day! Have checked out Molke and they seem to what I’ve been looking for. Mostly out of stock, so they must be good!

biba70 Fri 29-Jan-21 14:35:33

This part of the article is confusing- it states underwires do not cause (I'd rather say 'contribute) BC- but then goes on talking about wearing a bra or not wearing one, with no mention of the underwires???

''Underwire bras do not cause breast cancer. Only one scientific study has looked at the link between wearing a bra and breast cancer. There was no real difference in risk between women who wore a bra and women who didn't wear a bra.''

biba70 Fri 29-Jan-21 14:32:57

Blossoming

I find underwired bras more comfortable. There’s no evidence they increase the risk of breast cancer.

www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/no_evidence

I have given up wearing underwires- after one of my daughter's had a C scare and the specialist told her not to wear underwires as it was a big risk. As usual, even experts don't agree. She is VERY well endowed and finds it difficult to get comfortable bras that do the job, whereas I am a C/D and can do with little suport. Very happy not have have underwires anymore, I must say.

Riverwalk Fri 29-Jan-21 14:30:14

Calendargirl

I know Rigby and Peller look after HM’s bra requirements, and also that they are very expensive, but what do they do in the measuring department that is so different to other institutions?

I understand ladies have been in the totally wrong size for years, so what is their measuring secret?

They no longer have a Royal warrant - something to do with the former owner spilling the beans!

Their secret is they employ very experienced woman who know their job - they just look at you, sans bra, and check your back with their hands, no tape measure in sight.

I haven't been for a number of years but will return.

ayse Fri 29-Jan-21 14:25:02

SLOGGI’S not sluggish

Calendargirl Fri 29-Jan-21 14:24:54

I know Rigby and Peller look after HM’s bra requirements, and also that they are very expensive, but what do they do in the measuring department that is so different to other institutions?

I understand ladies have been in the totally wrong size for years, so what is their measuring secret?

ayse Fri 29-Jan-21 14:24:31

I’m not very well endowed at all but have a very broad back so generally go braless these days in the winter. Summer isn’t nearly as easy. I may try Sainsbury for cropped tops. My biggest problem is that I breast fed my children so my nipples are quite large and tend to stick out. I’ve considered making my own but finding the right fabric is very difficult. I’d also like to be able to buy 95% cotton and 5% Lycra. Sluggish fit that particular need but are too narrow at the back.

twinnytwin Fri 29-Jan-21 14:16:31

I seem to be allergic to the metal in bra fasteners - I have to put a handkerchief or tissue between them and my skin to prevent the itching. I've moved on to wearing Sainsburys crop top bras, but they don't really give any support/shape. I confess I'm not bothering anymore now only DH sees me. Luckily I'm not particularly well endowed to say the least.

PamelaJ1 Fri 29-Jan-21 14:10:46

Over shoulder Boulder holders. That what my sister calls hers.
Like Jane I’ve got some crop top type bras. Very comfy but I will still use my more structured ones when I want to look a little perkier!
jeanrobinson have you tried the crop top ones?

NotAGran55 Fri 29-Jan-21 14:07:39

jeanrobinson

Alas I have costochondritis (inflammation of joints in ribs)
so wearing a bra is too painful. I gather stick-on bras do not work well, so what do I do? I would be grateful for suggestions.

On Mumsnet they swear by a brand called Molke as being the most comfortable bras ever invented.
Not to my taste , but worth trying for comfort maybe ?

molke.co.uk/

Georgesgran Fri 29-Jan-21 14:02:53

Shinamae - back in my day, we called them Rawhide bras - head ‘em up and move ‘em out’
Really Gossard Wonderbra.

jeanrobinson Fri 29-Jan-21 13:55:12

Alas I have costochondritis (inflammation of joints in ribs)
so wearing a bra is too painful. I gather stick-on bras do not work well, so what do I do? I would be grateful for suggestions.

Iam64 Fri 29-Jan-21 13:39:00

It’s a bit of a relief to see I’m not alone in being measured in two different (good) stores, one said 38c, the other said 32dd. Needles to say, neither worked.
I found those sports type non wired bras, bliss but, not as blissful as no bra

NotAGran55 Fri 29-Jan-21 13:05:13

I have been wearing the correct size and importantly style for 5 years after being fitted by Rigby and Peller .
It completely transformed my shape , no more matronly frontage and now looking a dress size smaller .
Some of the best money I have ever spent and I wish I had done it years earlier.

Septimia Fri 29-Jan-21 12:53:11

The problems with bras that aren't underwired is that they tend to push your boobs together in the middle. This probably isn't a problem if you only take a small cup size, but if you're bigger then it gets hot and sticky down the cleavage! I really hate that.

Like others, my body has changed and I'm struggling to find comfortable bras. My biggest complaint at the moment is that the elastic around the bottom is too narrow so that, even if it's a good fit when standing up, it digs in when you sit down.

dragonfly46 Fri 29-Jan-21 12:21:26

I seem to have got bigger but only across my back so the cup size is the same but I have gone from a 32 to a 38!
Since my mastectomy I tend to buy cheap bralets from Sainsbury or Primark. they are so comfortable.
And no underwired bras do not cause cancer!!

Peasblossom Fri 29-Jan-21 12:18:17

All bras go bad during the course of the day.

Anyone watch that episode of the IT Crowd?

Liz46 Fri 29-Jan-21 12:08:00

I used to be very comfortable in BHS 40b. When I couldn't get them any more I went to M&S and the lady said I am 38c. It does look a good fit but feels very tight.

B9exchange Fri 29-Jan-21 11:57:11

I find you have to 'wear in' a bra. Initially they are tight if they are to fit and give support, but after a few days wear they are wonderfully comfortable once they have stretched a bit. I do have to take out the stiffening bits down the side, but the Berlei B510s work wonders for me, and I have had comments asking which ones I use as the shape they give is admired! grin

Blossoming Fri 29-Jan-21 11:48:11

I find underwired bras more comfortable. There’s no evidence they increase the risk of breast cancer.

www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/no_evidence

BlueBelle Fri 29-Jan-21 11:38:57

Blue sky and lemon I agree totally I ve been professionally measured twice by very well thought of stores and both times I could hardly breathe in the size they gave me
The bra was at least two sizes smaller than is comfortable for me
I usually throw mine off by 5 /6pm until I m strung up again next morning I hate bras but can’t go without my friend does and her spaniel ears are nearly on her tummy

Esspee Fri 29-Jan-21 11:34:29

What is a bra?

BlueSky Fri 29-Jan-21 11:32:33

Aise yes underwired are not recommended for breast health, apart from being damn uncomfortable! If I was small I wouldn’t bother, as it is I’m tempted to try a crop top when I venture out. Time for comfort!

ayse Fri 29-Jan-21 11:25:10

Professional? measuring hasn’t worked for me at all. Apparently health professionals say that under wired bras are not good for breast health.