Help, my bra is about to kill me! 32dddd

[Anonymous]

I can't take much more. I am a 32dddd and have been wearing an underwire bra by Chantelle, fit and purchased at Nordies for far too long (the brand and style). The bra offers good support and I think it makes me look better. HOWEVER, I often can't take the pain another day! I am aware that it's on, almost always, as it digs into my ribs and under my breasts and is far too tight in the back. When I get home, I can't wait to unhook the thing, so I can breath. I've often unhooked it while in the car, and I literally breath a sigh of relief when it's off. Clearly it's the wrong fit.

Does anyone with large breasts have suggestions for where I can get fitted for and buy a bra that doesn't make me have panic attacks, and that does not sound the alarms at airports? Is there such a thing as a comfortable bra for a large breasted woman? If so, what is it (no jokes please)?

And, what is the lifespan of a bra that is washed on gentle with special soap?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Maybe you are no longer a 32? How long ago were you fitted?

[Anonymous]

I actually upgraded to a 34, on my own....and, I'm still in pain......

[Anonymous]

Nordstroms can't fit bras to save their lives. Lingerie store. Your bra isn't supposed to hurt.

[Anonymous]

trousseau in vienna. professionals.

[Anonymous]

OP, have you considered a breast reduction? Given your measurements the surgery may be covered under your insurance. It's more than a cosmetic issue, obviously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't take much more. I am a 32dddd and have been wearing an underwire bra by Chantelle, fit and purchased at Nordies for far too long (the brand and style). The bra offers good support and I think it makes me look better. HOWEVER, I often can't take the pain another day! I am aware that it's on, almost always, as it digs into my ribs and under my breasts and is far too tight in the back. When I get home, I can't wait to unhook the thing, so I can breath. I've often unhooked it while in the car, and I literally breath a sigh of relief when it's off. Clearly it's the wrong fit.

Does anyone with large breasts have suggestions for where I can get fitted for and buy a bra that doesn't make me have panic attacks, and that does not sound the alarms at airports? Is there such a thing as a comfortable bra for a large breasted woman? If so, what is it (no jokes please)?

And, what is the lifespan of a bra that is washed on gentle with special soap?

TIA!

How often are you wearing the bra? I have about 7 bras in rotation, so I wear them 1/week, and I handwash them, and I would say they last about a year before they start to lose their shape and become less comfortable. I'm a 32d or dd, so not nearly as big as you are.

Also, FWIW, I've never found Chantelle bras comfortable. The band really digs into my ribs, I've found. Try Sylene's?

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Wacoal? You get free shipping and returns at their online store.

[Anonymous]

LOVE wacoal!!!!! I'm a 38 GG and its the only bra I can wear!

[Anonymous]

I second trousseau.

[Anonymous]

Yes Trousseau is a great store.

[Anonymous]

I'm a 32F and stopped buying the underwired bras for that reason.

[Anonymous]

Stylene's, Friendship Heights can help,you. I have never heard any of my friends discuss Trousseau's so I can't compare the two stores. Good luck, OP.

[Anonymous]

You must go to Intimacy. I have never been to the one at Tysons, since they opened after I moved out of the area, but the original store in Atlanta saved my life. Many of the other stores that people have mentioned just can't handle the disparity between the band size and the cup size. Most bras don't have smaller band sizes in the larger cup sizes, and if you get them altered, you just end up looking misshapen (had that experience at Dor Ne in Silver Spring). Once you find a bra that you like and you know what size you are in that brand and style, there are a variety of sites online that you can order from if Tysons is not convenient for you.

[Anonymous]

11:55 - I wish I could hug you! You totally get the challenge. Not OP, but a 32G - 34F, depending on the day and the brand. I'll have to look into Intimacy.

I was actually measured at Nordstom at Montgomery Mall. I confirmed the measurements myself, so I think she did it right. But they just didn't have much to fit me. Small bands with large cups are hard to find, and IMHO most manufacturers don't scale them properly for the small bands.

I buy all my bras online from either HerRoom or Bare Necessities. And occasionally from Zappos. What doesn't fit, I return. It helps to try on at home, so I can see how a bra does with various necklines and fabrics.

Wacoal - I think it is the French Garden
Le Mystere - Manhattan Convertible (discontinued?)
Le Mystere - Safari T-Shirt
Simone Perele - Romance
There are others in the drawer that don't deserve a mention, as they aren't very comfy for me.

I wash my bras in a special "cage", but with the regular laundry. I hang them to dry. They get a few wearings (1-3) between washing (we don't do weekly laundry), but never two days in a row. The elastic needs recovery time.