Gransnet forums

Style & beauty

Amazing discovery on bras

(54 Posts)
Saxifrage Fri 03-Nov-23 09:49:37

Several years ago I stopped buying bras with bones or stiffeners in them and just went for soft comfort. I tried a variety of styles never quite finding the ideal. Among others I bought a pack of sports bras, the type that is all in one without any fastenings. I couldn't get on with these as found them much too difficult to get on (over my head and struggled to get arms in). I have now just discovered that if you step in to them and pull up over hips it is incredibly easy. I am now very comfortable indeed so though there might be others who are as slow as me to see the obvious!!

Granarchist Sun 05-Nov-23 09:23:37

always a roll on! A once in a lifetime visit to rigby and peller showed me the 'lean forward to drop boobs in' method.

Witzend Sun 05-Nov-23 09:29:27

I’ve always fastened bras at the front, and twizzled them around. Not sure how anyone manages hooks and eyes behind their back!

MerylStreep Sun 05-Nov-23 09:32:42

Witzend

I’ve always fastened bras at the front, and twizzled them around. Not sure how anyone manages hooks and eyes behind their back!

I thought everyone did it that way 🤷‍♀️

JackyB Sun 05-Nov-23 10:45:41

My mother wore a roll on until she was at least 5 months pregnant with me. When she handed in her notice at work (at least our generation didn't have to do that) no one believed her when she said she was leaving and why. I was born in November so she would have been wearing it in the summer months!

silverlining48 Sun 05-Nov-23 12:06:39

Yes we had to leave our jobs in late pregnancy. I left at 8 months.
In the mid 70s pregnant women had no maternity pay or job protection. Nor were there nurseries which made a return to work elsewhere difficult.
I worked in the civil service in the early 60s and if a woman married they had to leave.
Thank goodness times have changed.

Toddleo Wed 08-Nov-23 11:12:59

Oh yes, roll - on, that was what my mum had, great memory, I had forgotten about that!. I would also add that I pull my bras up too, rather than over my head, so much easier, would also add that I am pear shaped with "generous" hips, but luckily the bras are are very stretchy!

cc Wed 08-Nov-23 11:25:40

Witzend

I’ve always fastened bras at the front, and twizzled them around. Not sure how anyone manages hooks and eyes behind their back!

Yes, that's how I do it too. It's fine so long as you are not still damp from the bath - you can give yourself a nasty welt if the fabric catches!
I think that a front opening bra would work best for me, but they tend to be rather solid and unforgiving, like maternity bras.

RosesandLilac Wed 08-Nov-23 11:26:20

My mother made me wear a roll-on at 10 years old, she thought I was fat ☹️ (I definitely wasn’t when I look at photos), along with insisting I had my hair permed.
Goodness knows what she was thinking 🧐

cc Wed 08-Nov-23 11:28:28

My granny had a proper girdle for which she had to be measured, not a roll-on - it fastened around her. This was in the 60's I think.

Milest0ne Wed 08-Nov-23 11:30:35

Why are there no front fastening bras except for nursing bras? If you have arthritic shoulders it is impossible to fasten a rear fastening bra unless you step in like Saxifrage.

Grannynannywanny Wed 08-Nov-23 11:39:49

Milest0ne I’ve seen front fastening bras on the Damart website .

It’s never occurred to me to do it any other way than fasten it at the front and slide it round then get into it . My only problem now is trying to see the hooks 🤓

woo69 Wed 08-Nov-23 11:48:46

I have seen front fastening bras in M&S and Bravissimo. I have also see online ads for ones that have a strap coming from either side which you cross over at the front and fasten at the other side.

Gwyllt Wed 08-Nov-23 11:51:44

I always fastened my bra round the back until about four years ago when I broke my wrist. It took a long time to rehab and I became very lob sided. A while after my bra fastening ability was back to normal. At my pilates class I announced I was now able to fasten my bra round the back. I was surprised when I realised I was the only one who could

Julesey Wed 08-Nov-23 12:29:53

Go to a Bravissimo shop. On Saturday I bought three new boned bras as they were all so comfortable. One lady was actually dancing around outside the fitting rooms as she was wearing a comfortable bra for the first time since she’d needed one. Plus she loved it was so pretty, lacy and bright red! She was young but very well endowed as we say. I believe she wore it home too. 😁 Marvellous staff who give you as much time as you need and you can explain exactly what’s been wrong with previous bras. They had a huge range and most were available in every size needed. I was at the Nottingham shop but it was just the same when I went to their shop in Bath.

Gundy Wed 08-Nov-23 12:41:48

Saxifrage This may be the answer to my prayers! I HATE bras, but will try this trick with a sports bra. Sometimes you just have to wear one, even for everyday. (I wear strapless for dressier outfits. It’s always the straps for me.) Thanking you in advance.

Taking care of the “girls!”
USA Gundy

Gundy Wed 08-Nov-23 12:53:35

Fairycakes Two things about fit… you may have to increase your bra (band) size, not necessarily cup size. Or/And you should look for bras that have wider/higher constructed SIDE panels (under your arms.) That will give you support and not the spill-over. Perhaps both options will solve your comfort problem.

Onthemoors Wed 08-Nov-23 12:55:29

Years ago, I always wore "push up" bra (very small bust). After I had my children, I wore just soft cupped bra. And now, for the last 5 years, I have worn sports-bra, no wire, no padding, but so comfortable. And yes, step in and step out mainly because had a broken collarbone years ago, & I have pain when placing arm straight upwards.

singingnutty Wed 08-Nov-23 14:04:16

I have recently had my third attempt at getting a comfortable bra - went to be 'fitted' for it. As I wanted non-wired and as close to cotton as I could get there was limited choice and I got the one which seemed the best. Still very uncomfortable, I find, now I have worn it several times. I will try and visit Bravissimo - it's quite a trek to Nottingham, but needs must!
I tried wearing roll-ons in my youth but couldn't cope - I breathe a lot into the lower part of my lungs (perhaps because of singing) and constriction in the abdominal area is uncomfortable.

Mirren Wed 08-Nov-23 14:16:23

Bluebell, I am with you.
I am very flat chested so always felt I needed under wired and padded bras.
One year, DH , who is not afraid of the lingerie department in M&S , bought me a set of 3 bras as part of my Christmas present.
I was disappointed at first as they weren't wired.
Not wishing to upset him though I tried them.
A revelation. Not only comfortable but they actually give me a better shape than any of the wired ones did . I look as if I have a bosom and even a cleavage.
Well done to M&S.
I have been out to buy a supply in case they stop making them.
They're inexpensive too !!

spabbygirl Wed 08-Nov-23 14:56:10

I can't do sports bras as they flatten boobs not support them and that's very uncomfortable, Triumph make the best wireless bras I reckon, they fasten at the back and are really pretty, they also seem to always have some sort of a sale on

Skye17 Wed 08-Nov-23 15:34:22

Thank you very much Saxifrage and JackyB! What great tips 😀

Paperbackwriter Wed 08-Nov-23 17:24:41

Georgesgran

It also helps to lean forward so the ‘girls’ fall into the cups properly! Saves lots of manual pulling and shoving.

I had a fitting at Rigby and Peller many years ago with the legend that was June Kenton. That's how she taught her clients to put a bra on. Lean forward, let the breasts fall into the cups. She was wonderful but a bit terrifying!

Kamiso Wed 08-Nov-23 17:45:20

I bought two bras from Miss Mary of Sweden and found them to be very good. Supportive with wide straps and nothing digs in. Unfortunately the price has shot up and they are now nearly £50!
www.missmary.com/gb/?rc=gb&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgK2qBhCHARIsAGACuzlmeHqqYzfqYalQD7FzKdHZeAy3rt0pyfYgchE3PDBM7wFE8MX5P_gaAuoaEALw_wcB

It’s just occurred to me that I now have a drawer full of disappointing cheaper alternatives that haven’t worked out. They’ve probably cost more in the long term.

I avoid wearing bras at all but occasionally it’s unavoidable!

MayBee70 Wed 08-Nov-23 17:58:27

I tried a sports bra on in a shop and couldn’t get out of it. Well, I did eventually but it was very worrying and embarrassing at the time.

Anniel Wed 08-Nov-23 18:38:23

Thank you! I do not wear a bra unless going out and I have those sports sitting in a drawer.But no longer! Using your handy advice I now have my bra on and it is very comfortable. THIS IS THE BEST TIP I HAVE READ ON GRANSNEG%!