I hate bra shopping any advice to make it easier on the wallet and me?

**imagine** · 03-20-2009, 05:47 PM

I need new bras. I have been wearing nursing bras for the past 12 years. The old ones are so worn out and are the wrong size now (weight loss).

It is so hard. I head out to figure out what I need. One store had the "helper" called the "fit specialist". You walk in and she has the measuring tape around you with in two seconds. Picks out several for you to try on and says "let me see how they fit when you have them on. Okay very over whelming.

One store finds out what cup size I need. They don't carry a cup that big so they send me to the plus ladies store. The plus lady store figures out what band I need and sends me to a regular bra store since they don't carry a band that small.

I'm so frustrated. I just want to find one that fits, is comfortable, keeps the "girls" up where they belong, and doesn't make my wallet scream in pain.

Is that asking to much?

Any tips/advice for me?

**hotprincesscm** · 03-20-2009, 05:50 PM

I hate to say it but try walmart!! They always seem to have a big selection, and a variety of prices...either that or check online, Ebay, Overstock, etc...Good luck in your search....I have the opposite problem of you...I always tell my BF that they just don't make midget sized bras...LOL My band size is too big for my cup size...Oh well...LOL

**imagine** · 03-20-2009, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by hotprincesscm

I hate to say it but try walmart!! They always seem to have a big selection, and a variety of prices...either that or check online, Ebay, Overstock, etc...Good luck in your search....I have the opposite problem of you...I always tell my BF that they just don't make midget sized bras...LOL My band size is too big for my cup size...Oh well...LOL

I already tried there. They don't carry a cup size big enough.

I saw my friend there and she has the same "problem" as you. She was admiring all the $4.50 bras on clearance and wishing they could fit her. I ask her if they made such a thing as nearly A. Apparently they don't.

Thanks for the tips

**hotprincesscm** · 03-20-2009, 06:07 PM

Nope they don't...but tell her to try the teen girls section they have AA there which is smaller than an A....I fit into an A but I guess the band size is too big for that cup size because even places like Victoria's secret don't make them in that size and actually looked at me like I had two heads when I asked for that size!!! I have found my size in other places but I really have to look for it!!!

**TheRootedNomad** · 03-20-2009, 06:08 PM

I have had the best luck at Dillards for odd ball sizes. The only way to be frugal about it is to find the size/style that fits best and wait for the sales and clearences. Bra are probably the most expensive clothing I own. For the longest time Warcol and two other brands at Dillards were the only ones I could find ANYWHERE that actually fit. The heavier I get the easier it is to find the right size as the band size increases but for years there was only Dillards that I could find.

**hotprincesscm** · 03-20-2009, 06:13 PM

I don't have a dillards around here!!! I usually buy one bra every year or so...and just wear them until they are worn out...I think I have a total of 2-3 bras that actually fit me!

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-20-2009, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by imagine

Picks out several for you to try on and says "let me see how they fit when you have them on. Okay very over whelming.

Did you let her see how they fit or did you walk out?

I hate shopping,too. About two years ago I let a friend take me to a specialty bra store. I got fitted and found out I've been wearing the wrong strap and cup size for 20 years! I also found out that not all bras are cut the same, and different ones in the same size can be comfortable or uncomfortable, and shape me differently. Yeah, it cost me $45 for the bra, but the information I got from it was worth it!

If you don't fit any of the standard sizes maybe you should look for a bra boutique in your area. It won't be cheap, but you'll end up with something that fits and makes you look wonderful. And one or two well fitted bras are worth a sackful of cheapies that don't support.

**jennordhavn** · 03-20-2009, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by hotprincesscm

I hate to say it but try walmart!! They always seem to have a big selection, and a variety of prices...either that or check online, Ebay, Overstock, etc...Good luck in your search....I have the opposite problem of you...I always tell my BF that they just don't make midget sized bras...LOL My band size is too big for my cup size...Oh well...LOL

I have this problem too. I have a small cup size (B) but I need a larger band size (40 or 42) so I have to get bras at a large sized store, but most don't carry B cups. Regular bra sizes usually stop at 38. Once I find a bra I like that fits, I buy a couple cuz they are so hard to find. I usually get them when they are buy 2 get 2 free, usually at Lane Bryant in January.

**butterflygreen** · 03-20-2009, 08:08 PM

I am also one who hates shoping for bras they never make the adult ones with a small enought band and the teen ones are to small in the cup. I am a 31 A and this is sush a hard size to find. I dont have any advice for you but I hope you have some luck in shoping for new ones.

**Jilly** · 03-20-2009, 09:17 PM

I hate bras PERIOD!! It's usually the first thing I whip off after getting home! I have never found one that didn't bind or pinch. I wonder who ever invented those things anyway!!

**JustMegan79** · 03-20-2009, 09:24 PM

I feel your pain. Dont laugh, but in my younger and more stupid days I got a breast augmentation. So, while this gave me more than the skittles I was given by God, it created a problem.

I used to be able to buy a bra anywhere. 34 B is easy to find. My size now is still easy to find (36C or 34D) but----because of the augmentation, my boobs are "heavier" and tend to stray to the armpits. So I need a really good underwire and a strong strap.
Walmart doesnt cut it. I finally found that I have to buy a specific bra at victorias secret.

At a ridiculous price. So I currently own only two bras, having even these is lucky, I got the gift cards last Christmas and bought clearance online. But having only two they wear out super fast, and the ones I have now are falling apart. So, I have to buy a new one very soon.

They key is to find what works properly, and buy more than one. If you cant buy more than one, remember the brand/style/size and look online for sales constantly. Good Luck!!

**misscas** · 03-20-2009, 09:55 PM

Try romans.com and womanwithin.com. They do have a wide range of sizes from 12 on up to 6X. They have a linguire section too. I think both will pay for shipping back if you don't like it. You will need a measuring tape and follow the sizing guide.

I would not recommend any of the discount stores. You get what you pay for. The longest a wally world bra ever lasted me was 6 months and the band rolled down and the wires poked me. Lane Bryant (womanwithin) bras last twice as long and are much more comfortable.

Lastly, some of the stores that specialize in post mastectomy bras can custom make you a bra. It is pricy though. Most larger cities have these stores. Check the phone book.

**MisaLady** · 03-20-2009, 11:04 PM

Get professionally fitted. Go into Victoria's Secret or someplace like that and ask to be fitted. Then, go to Ross and get bras there. Or any "big box" store. Getting the right size really helps.

**pbobber** · 03-21-2009, 02:54 AM

Trial and error is the only way. Frustrating, I know. Once you find a brand and style that you like, stock up. I have friends that have had luck buying odd sizes at JcPenneys and Macys. Online selection is better than in store. Bra extenders can add up to a couple of inches to the band if you find a cup that fits.

**imagine** · 03-21-2009, 04:05 AM

Originally Posted by Contrary Housewife

Did you let her see how they fit or did you walk out?

I hate shopping,too. About two years ago I let a friend take me to a specialty bra store. I got fitted and found out I've been wearing the wrong strap and cup size for 20 years! I also found out that not all bras are cut the same, and different ones in the same size can be comfortable or uncomfortable, and shape me differently. Yeah, it cost me $45 for the bra, but the information I got from it was worth it!

If you don't fit any of the standard sizes maybe you should look for a bra boutique in your area. It won't be cheap, but you'll end up with something that fits and makes you look wonderful. And one or two well fitted bras are worth a sackful of cheapies that don't support.

Yes I let her see how they fitted. She wasn't much help. She kept repeating "I don't know why it doesn't fit." Since my cup was overflowing I said I need a bigger cup. After about the third time I said this she said "You need a bigger cup" She had to send me to another store as they didn't carry ones that big.

When I was 13 my mom took me to a specialty bra shop that fitted you. The lady was very nice and taught me all about how to fit myself. I went to that bra shop until after I was married and they closed down. She knew me by name and bra size. LOL

Since that place closed I'm not sure there is a bra boutique in the area.