Bras - boned or not boned?

thank you ladies for all you suggestions and apologies to mollie who may be confused - I was 65 when I joined 2 years ago so that is why I am mollie65.
I do mean underwired/padded - always called them boned after the old dreaded corsets of yesteryear. .
I have tried cheaper 'comfort' bras but find tthey tend to come unravelled at the bottom and definately have seams on the shoulders that tend to dig in.
have found the best way to put them on is over the feet (nearly did myself an injury trying to get them on over my head and then down over my bust - )
I just wish there were glamorous, nice lacy bras that were not underwired and 'push up to give you a cleavage type'
have never been measured for a bra - I do know I have to get an XL (aaargh) in the 'comfort bra' as the L is too tight to take my bust comfortably but otherwise I am a size 12/14 so suspect I am a bit top-heavy.
will try M and S and maybe debenhams or look out for cheap aaah bra lookalikes.

Just seen this thread - my measurements are similar to yours, but I always thought I was 38B until I had a proper fitting in John Lewis a few years ago.
I was advised to get Triumph Doreen, not underwired, in 36E and I'm still wearing them. I got some more from some firm online.
It fits really well and I even occasionally get looks from the other gender (at my age!)

I spent a lot of money on a couple of good bras recently but then bought one from Boots and another from Asda which were sports bras and I've lived in them ever since [they cost about £10]. They're nice and warm as well.

A lot of you have mentioned sports bras and how comfy they are, as I've never had one (not being sporty) I was wondering how they differ from the usual sort...?

I have thought about Doreen bras, but somehow am put off because that's my sister's name.

I've always been put off Doreen bras because they do look so matronly.
mollie, sports bras are fine if you don't need (or want) much support, but for the more pendulous boobs they're not fantastic.

I think sports bras have no seam across front of cups. So nipples show. Well, the shape of them anyway.

A strategically lined up seam is useful for modesty.

Bravissimo is the place to go if you have large b**bs, as they will measure you properly and have a large choice of bras.

I wouldn't mind larger b**bs, then I'd be a bit more balanced and bought dresses would fit top and bottom! There always seems more choice for the bigger chested ladies than us big-but-not-very-busted lot!

There aren't many pretty, large, non wired bras, thoug, are there? I have never been comfortable in wired bras anyway, but post breast cancer simply could never wear one. Even with a few bits missing I have an ample bosom, which needs support, which seems to mean matronly bras.

I tried the comfort bras, and yes, they are comfortable, but do, on me, give the impression of a shelf rather than a bust!

I am not alone with the problem then - very interesting to read others' views.
does anyone else do what I have done in the past - being frugally minded bought 'nice' wired bras on sale cheap and removed the 'uplifting wires'.
'comfort bras' do tend to flatten if you are a bit ample.

I like Miss Mary of Sweden. There is excellent on line measuring information and a good choice of bra. Colours are limited but they've given me the best shape I've had in years. I have wired bras and like a fairly full cup. Their prices are reasonable too - around £32 which for a well fitting bra you can forget about isn't bad. I'd love a Rigby & Peller though