Bras - boned or not boned?

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

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.

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 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!

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 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.

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

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 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.

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!)

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.

I got measured in Bravissimo a few years ago. I thought I was a 36D and it turned out I was a 32G! The band around your chest is supposed to be what holds you up, not the shoulder straps. I now buy Gorgeous bras from Debenhams in a 32GG (although I'm probably a 32H but refuse to admit it). They are the most comfortable underwired bras I've found (although I do end up with red marks from the wires, and when I get home from work I change into a less-well fitting, more comfortable old grey one from M&S). Debs often has the Gorgeous ones in the sale. One of my boobs is a bit bigger than the other and spills over the top a bit; I find that preferable to having one cup a big baggy. I wish I could wear an Aah Bra but I fear I would look as if I had two large balloons down my top.

Just bought a SnugBra from local StoreTwentyOne for £4.99 and am delighted with it.
Previously tried Aah and Belvia and returned them .

I hate underwired bras. They appear to dig in the wrong places. I am like DebnCreme- M&S every time. I do like their sports bras, so comfortable.

I like plain white non padded, not underwired and they are quite difficult to find. I have one fairly new lace pretty bra but I am sure that I could carry the weeks's shopping home in it. My other bras are not the same horrendous size.

It's getting a bit confusing, there are two mollies on this thread and Mollie65 started the conversation... I think I know which posts are intended for me

Doreen bra always does for me - comfortable and no wires. Beware cheap alternatives!

I used to manage to remove my vest without removing my outer garments when the day got hot - known in our family as a "vestectomy"!

Gally, there is a very good department store in Leven (I'd better not say the name) who have a really good measuring service and have very good selection of bras - if a bit expensive.

Mollie slightly off topic, but are you sure you're in the right size bra?

I was convinced I was a 36b, having put on a bit of weight after dd. I found wired bras so uncomfortable that I wAs wearing vests with a bra in instead.

I took some timely advice from mumsnet, and found out I'm a either a 32dd/e or a 30g depending on the bra.

I wear underwireds all the time now. Can't believe I've been in the wrong size all this time!

mollie I've been measured without clothes, and then the last time I was measured the "old dear" who was doing the measuring, went off to find her tape and was much shocked when she came back and I was standing there topless in all my glory! She said "No, no, dear, put your bra on!"

Lona I do that too (the flourish). My MIL used to walk around with the back of her bra undone (but keep the bra on!)

That should say wear not sheared;-)

I always seared wired bras as I am an E cup but I find M&S sport bras very comfy for daily wear and they have a range with non slip straps wired lacy bras also very comfy

It would get past my knees ok, but may reach an impasse over the hips
I was fitted in M&S for a comfy bra (no wires) for travelling long haul as wires tend to stick in after 20+ hours slumped in a seat. I wore it but it was the most uncomfortable thing - it curled up under my boobs and the strap slowly rose towards my neck so on the return journey I didn't wear one at all - bliss. I shall stick to the underwired, but would love to find someone who would give me the correct fit. It would make life so much more comfortable.

I've got 2 bra 'wardrobes'. One is for when at home, old comfortable non- underwired bras and a couple of these elasticated things with wide straps..... so comfy.
But if I am going out and need to look a bit uplifted, then I've got a couple of 'posh' ones with underwires and a bit of padding etc...