Are you wearing the right bra?

Yes I doubt underwired bras actually cause breast cancer, but they are not recommended as apparently interfere with the lymphatic drainage? I used to wear them and found them necessary because of my size. Now I’m down to crop tops!

I have never really had a bra problem. I am quite a small size and not overweight and my size has varied little over the years.

The ones I will not wear as they look ridiculous are those great big moulded and padded bras that look like Boudicca's breastplates.

After my pacemaker op in Oct. I had to go braless as the unit is just where the bra strap would go. However, being well endowed I found that I started to get breast pain. After much searching, I have found a company that does padded straps and which have the adjusting metal pieces at the back. Relief!

My usual go to place was M&S but having lost a fair bit of weight recently, I wanted to buy some "interim" bras. I was a bit shocked when browsing the M&S website that the bras on the models didn't look a particularly good fit. Because shopping has been a bit limited this year I took myself off to Asda and after one or two false starts, found a non wired bra that fitted beautifully........... at £7! Bought it in 3 colours, happy in the knowledge that soon I shall need some smaller ones. I would always trust my own judgement about fit.

I was at the breast clinic last week, diagnosed with breast nerve pain, advised to wear bras without wires. Having bought two, that were rubbish, like flimsy bits of material, I’ve removed the wires from my other ones, this works well, size 38D.

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!

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!

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.''

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.

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.

SLOGGI’S not sluggish

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?

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.

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.

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?

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/

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!!

All bras go bad during the course of the day.

Anyone watch that episode of the IT Crowd?

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.

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!