Gransnet forums

Style & beauty

Bra woes

(115 Posts)
JessM Wed 08-Aug-12 17:13:02

Just dashed myself on the rocks of Debenhams and M and S bra depts.
Here's the issue:
A 36 A fitting needed (not that common)
A partial mastectomy a long time ago means one side about 2/3 of the other.
The only kind of bras that even out the lopsided look are the ones with little pockets inside so that I can whip out the insert on one side and put it in the other side. Wonderbra used to be a reliable source, but technology has moved on... I have a load of BHS bras that just fit but are not really comfortable, and are wearing out and getting less and less comfortable.
Debenhams have a reasonable bra dept. But only one line that suited my needs (Level 2 enhancement apparently !!). Once i had got over the "I don't actually want a mastectomy bra" hurdle. But they didn't fit. Forgot to say, they are wide apart as well.
M and S truly abysmal. Thousands of bras. Eventually located a member of staff (very young) who again suggested a mastectomy bra. Don't want a mastectomy bra thank you.
Seems bras with removable inserts are out of favour and M and S do not a one.
I'm wearing a comfortable 11 year old bra i bought in the States. Wish I had bought a carrier bag full at the time.
Does nobody cater for those with partial mastectomies?
Any ideas GNers?

Enviousamerican Sat 11-Jan-14 19:46:42

I don't understand thongs...what's the point? I also wear genie bras but don't you think they lack definition? Make you look a little odd shaped? confused

JessM Sat 11-Jan-14 20:24:52

the point is to look like a porn star.

Sook Sat 11-Jan-14 20:30:54

Thongs! Never I like my bum to be well covered grin

Ana Sat 11-Jan-14 20:58:34

Jess! Are you saying that phoenix and Lona want to look like porn stars? shock

Ana Sat 11-Jan-14 20:59:31

(And possibly Nonu, but she hasn't made her mind up yet...)

Anne58 Sat 11-Jan-14 23:53:31

I think there is more involved in being a porn star these days, bleaching comes into it..........................

Nonu Sun 12-Jan-14 09:22:21

I think I will be erring on the side of NO , Anna.
BYKT !

Ariadne Sun 12-Jan-14 09:43:21

Back to bras - wore a new one yesterday. I have to have something very supportive as I am well endowed, even with bits missing; can't wear wired ones because of the BC surgery, so this was the old faithful one from M&S. It was snug, to say the least.

After a while, I began to feel quite unwell - bit faint and uncomfortable. Then I realised that this had happened before - the bra was just too tight. Took it off and was fine. Shades of Victorian ladies!

And yes, I have been measured recently. Same old size.

rockgran Sun 12-Jan-14 09:51:11

One of life's little pleasures is taking the bra off at night. smile

Lona Sun 12-Jan-14 10:35:00

Ariadne Is it an age thing do you think? I'm exactly the same, got remeasured, no difference.
I'm ok until I sit down, and then it's like wearing a strait jacket.

Actually, come to think of it, my dil does the same thing, so it can't be age! [phew]

rockgran Night?!! Afternoon is bra o'clock for me wink

Lona Sun 12-Jan-14 10:36:42

Jess Porn star? shock Not last time I looked in the full length mirror!

JessM Sun 12-Jan-14 10:54:18

Well maybe pinup. Porn star was a bit strong, sorry.
But they are designed to show off those gluteal areas in a way that has long been portrayed in that sphere. Not designed with female comfort in mind.
I know some people say they are comfortable but if one has, well, a womanly bottom shall we say, how on earth can they be?

Lona Sun 12-Jan-14 11:02:29

Jess Not showing my gluteus maximus to anyone these days, just like to be comfy smile

Judthepud2 Sun 12-Jan-14 12:21:42

Thongs! No way! It would only enhance my -fat-wobbly bits! Don't want to disturb poor old DH! Even more disturbing when I am in the changing room at swimming pool grin All those slim young girls would be appalled! Give me M&S cotton knickers every time. I'm past caring.