Bra Help from Large Breasted Women Please

Updated on October 06, 2010
C.G. asks from Oxford, OH
35 answers

Hi ladies,

I'm having a very frustrating time finding a full-figured bra that has adequate coverage. I'm 8 months pregnant and have outgrown the normal bras I wear, and I can't find another bra that gives me adequate coverage on the sides. I've tried Playtex 18 Hour, Glamorise, Cacique, and Goddess, as well as several others I've ordered online. I've tried cup sizes that are 1-2 sizes larger than my normal bra, and some of these bras are so cheaply made (even though they cost $20-$30 each) that I can hear the stitches tearing when I put them on even though they're supposed to be larger than what I normally wear. I had a bra fitting at Lane Bryant a couple of months before I got pregnant and none of their bras were cut full enough to keep me from spilling out the sides. Normally, I wear a 42DD Underscore bra from JCPenney, but their cups don't go above a DDD, and you rarely find DDD cups in the stores and you can't order anything higher than a DD online. Besides, it's a 44DDD that I've outgrown and is falling apart since I've worn it every day. I'm tired of ordering bras online, only to be out $10-$15 in shipping each time I have to return them (shipping both ways). Anybody know of a larger cup size bra that is cut full on the sides and in the front? Thanks!

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Try the website www.figleaves.com I have ordered from there on numerous occasions (I am large breasted and got very large with my children. I couldn't find my size in any store) That I think would be the best place for you to try and you can shop by size. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.J.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am very full breasted but I was able to wear Lane Bryant 38H throughout my pregnancy. However my sister, who always has been larger breasted than I am gets her bras custom fitted. The store info is as follows: MI Lady Corset Shoppes###-###-####, 1625 The Fairway, Jenkintown, PA 19046
Cross Streets: Between Old York Rd/Fairway and Rydal Rd

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N.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hello C. ,

I'm also a large breasted women who just gave birth to a healthy baby girl and i've found that the Queen Latifah bra line(at Walmart) carries big bra sizes for us and has support and also Bali bra's which are carried at every department store(Macy's,Khols,Penny's,)

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi C.,
I get really angry that the stores that carry Olga, Vanity Fair, etc only have a very few selections in DDD. It's like they have 300 style of bras and, oh, the DDD comes in 4 styles--total. Hellllooooooo??!! Do these makers want to sell bras? Sheesh. I was curious to know what others recommended b/c I've just about had it with the very limited selection at Macy's Penneys, Kohl's. I think The Avenue might be a good place to look so I just might try there. Also, I've read that tons of women wear the wrong size bra and the most common adjustment is to go down a band size (44 to 42 for ex.) and UP a cup size. IF you can find it! Good luck!

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D.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I suffer from the same problem, but I am a size I. Have you checked out Ashley Stewart's Butterfly Collection (ashleystewart.com or shop at store) Nordstroms also does fittings and I believe carry up to H. Unfortunately, big boobs means big money. I personally shop at speciality lingerie shop because they do custom bras. I had to go that route especially when searching for nursing bra. It cost me about $100 dollars but it lasted for months... actually almost a year. There are not too many options for full figure women to just shop in the store. The variety is online. You may also want to check biggerbras.com and barenecessities.com JC Penny's carries Medela bra; have you tried their line of bras. You can also google them and find out participating stores that carry their line of bras. Another option is Motherhood, however I am not a fan of their bras. I hope you find a right bra. Let me know how you do. I hope I was of some help.

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B.D.

answers from Lancaster on

Have you ever tried a sports bra? My daughter has the same problem you do, and these work best for her - and they are the most comfortable. You can just get a very low impact one. Walmart actually carries the larger sizes - as I'm sure some specialty stores do also.

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J.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

I would highly recommend "The Bra Lady". 2185 Street Rd
Warrington, PA 18976 ###-###-####

Hopefully she isn't too far from you, but I also large and have gone to her to get fitted for a strapless bra, nursing bras. Let her know I sent you.

Good luck!

Jen

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B.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I always had the same problem and wore wrong bras that I was busting out of and hurt me. I was always uncomfotable. Beleieve it or not I went to a free bra fitting at Fashion Bug and they seemed to have comfortable bras that fit me and covered enough. I'm a 42D and they have alot of selection in the bigger sizes.

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H.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have similar issues. I went to Lane Bryant for a fitting. Although, they did really well for my Mom and her best friend, they were a little off with me. One thing for certain, though was that they didn't carry my size in their store. They were able to refer me to a local store, though, that carried larger sizes than they do (I found out at that store I was an I cup not an H). I would check with your local Lane Bryant store and tell them that you weren't able to find one large enough to fit your breasts in their store and could they recommend a local store that carried larger sizes where you could try them on. Once you find one that fits the way you want, you can try ordering that style online. I love my new bra. It makes a big difference in support and comfort.

One other thing that had helped was when I was pregnant with my second son, I looked online for nursing bras. I was able to find a site that told you how to figure out your own size through measurements. Since I was planning on breastfeeding, I ordered nursing bras early instead of searching for normal bras. Just something to keep in mind. I would still look locally to try one on before I ordered one online so that you know for sure which size is going to work for you.

Anyhow, good luck. I hope this helps.

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F.B.

answers from Harrisburg on

Try going to the Hanes/Bali outlet in Hershey. They are located in the Hershey Outlet Center on Hershey Park Drive. That's where I go.

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S.W.

answers from Harrisburg on

Hello - i feel your pain as well - hence the reason i had breast reduction surgery 4 years ago - however one of my best friends still deals with this problem - so let me make a suggestion or two.

I am not sure where you are from - but in lemoyne there is a lingerie shop called "underneath it all" - and it is just WONDERFUL - the lady that owns and the people she hires know how to properly size a bra and they can either have one made and/or order one if for you that will fit - my friend is an "H" and they have been able to find several that fit her! i am sorry that i dont know the number - but its called "UNDERNEATH IT ALL" and if you look it up in the phonebook you'll be able to find it - the other thing that my friend REALLY likes about them is that they are "pretty" bras

there is also another shop in enola called "Leaf of Eve" and it sticks in my head that is another place that can get "bigger"bras - but i would try underneath it all first!!

good luck and let us know how it goes!
S. w.

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A.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

I only buy bras at Norstrom and ALWAYS make sure to have a specialist fit me. I go once every two years. I'm a 32DD and love their full coverage bras...and they have lots of sizes and can special order others...it is SO worth the little extra money. I've heard that Macy's is now doing the fittings too...so if you're not near Nordie's you can try Macy's.

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M.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I had the same problem. I found great bras at Macys in the regular bra section they have DDDand the brand that i fell im love with is Lilyrtte minimizer it isn;t cut to high in the front or back then back also smooths out rolls if any. i love this bra. I bought it when i was prego in DDD and went back for more when i wasn't prego. Hope this helps

M.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I agree with other recommendations about stores. You might want to also try bra-extenders from Joann Fabrics. They're only a few dollars each. I went from 38DD to 42DD within a month and couldn't keep up with bra purchases. The bra-extenders worked great. Good luck :)

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C.H.

answers from Allentown on

Catherines carries up to 54 DDD. They are the larger size of Lane Bryant.

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S.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi!

When I measured myself post pregnancy for a nursing bra, I needed a 44 DDD. I had good luck with a Goddess Nursing Bra and a Daisy Nursting bra, both of which I ordered on amazon. I really like the Goddess. It's very supportive and definately full ocverage. The daisy is prettier, it's a black lacy looking thing, but also very supportive.

I got them on sale and they were pretty reasonably priced and come in lots of larger sizes at Amazon.com.

S.

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K.C.

answers from Cleveland on

Motherwear online store(and catalog) GREAT products and excellent with returns. Pricey but they didn't fall apart. I wore for 2 pregnancies and found I was 1 cup size bigger nursing than pregnant. I used when pregnant and nursing. I found Cust Serv helpful with sizing. Good Luck! My favorite is the one I cut&pasted from the website below:

Great Support Bra
The most support you can find in a non-underwire nursing bra. It provides tremendous support for the fuller figure! The secret’s in the light foam shapers sewn inside the cups — they continue to support you even during feedings. Cotton cups open from the top with an adjustable three-hook catch. Adjustable sizing makes this a great choice for both maternity and nursing. Multiple-hook back closure. Wide, softly padded straps for comfort. Smooth, minimizing seams comfortably lift and support.
34-50 D, E, F $46.00
34-50 G, H, I, J $49.00

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S.C.

answers from Pittsburgh on

You may have to look into have a custom bra made. I am not from the Pittsburgh area originally, but there was a place back home (Pottstown PA) who made them. You would need to look for lingere (fancy underware) store or a seamstress who is willing to work with you. Have you considered writing to bra manufactures and asking if they make the size you need?

Please thank your husband for serving our country!

Aim High!

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M.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

It sounds like you need a way larger bra size and a new bra fitting. If you are spilling over the sides, your bras are substantially too small in the cup. I would go to a specialty bra store for a fitting and then decide whether to buy their expensive bras based on how unusual the size is...

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S.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

C.,

I feel your angst!! When I was pregnant I went from a 42DD to a 42H/I. I couldn't find anything that gave me the support I needed. I didn't have any money to go on the extensive bra hunt. Someone suggested that I have a custom bra made. It was out of my price range so I didn't have it done. The one thing I can suggest is to go with an non-underwire bra. They seem to have more side coverage than underwire bra's. Also look at the cotton non-underwire bra's at Lane Bryant. I know for a fact that those have wider sides than the others do. good luck!!

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A.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am located in Philadelphia and I have had much success with the bra store "touchables" in Manayunk. (It is located on main street.) They specialize in bras for larger woman though they carry all sizes. I have always found the employees extremely helpful and they will size you and help you find a good fitting bra. It is a little expensive but better then buying ill-fitting bras you never wear.
Good luck!

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C.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi C.,
I understand your frustration, I just ordered Goddess 3910 from freshpair.com in a 38H. It's the only bra that I can wear. If you need to be measured by another proffessional try Sweet Blossoms on in Doylestown, PA. Doylestown is about 50-60 minutes from you, she can guide you even more.
Good Luck, feel free to contact me for mor info,
C.

B.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi C.! Have you tried any maternity bra's? If not, I really suggest you look in that direction, they are made to accomdate the changes you go through durring and after pregnancy. Best wishes & Congrats.

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A.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Try Avenue stores, or Avenue.com

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C.H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I go to Macy's or Kohl's and get Bali brand.

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P.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi C.,
I also buy mine at JcPenney's. I have brought Bali, Olga, and Vanity Fair. They seem to work okay. I have not found the perfect bra yet. If you are looking for larger sizes, you can often find them on the manufacturer's sites.

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M.C.

answers from Scranton on

Have you tried Lane Bryant? Usually if you go to the store and they order it For you - you will not pay for shipping. And they will mail it to your home.
Figleave.com has larger sizes but you pay for shipping returned items. If you want to exchange you do not pay for shipping on that item. There is a website called biggerbras.com I have not purchased from them yet- but they offer sizes up to 56K and they have a Shipping special right now. The last few bras that I ordered I purchased with Free Shipping from Ebay. I prefer the Le Mystere bra and they are pricey (up to $72) I paid $40 with free shipping for a 38F - to me that was a deal! :)
I hope that helps.

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S.C.

answers from York on

Dear C.,
Before purchasing another bra, might I suggest another fitting? You're body is continuing to change, & so will your bra size. Most department stores, as well as Victoria's Secret, Fashion Bug & a few others offer free bra fittings. This way you'll know what to look for. Also, if you have the time, you might want to have it done in two or three stores to see if they all give you the same response. Good luck with your search. I'll be praying for you & your little ones!

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K.N.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I worked at Frederick's of HOllywood when i was in college. THe carry all sizes even H. Some stores carry them but you can get them online. They were of good quality when i worked there. I still have some that i have bought from there and so does my mom. I have no idea if there is one in Pennsylvania. I am from the south.

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Try Nordstrom. I just got a great 36F nursing bra by Le Mystere. It cost $56 but I feel it is money well spent to have comfort and coverage.

Good luck

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A.R.

answers from State College on

I have to order bras online as well. If you plan on nursing, Goddess offers a nursing bra, which is the brand I prefer. That brand also offers many other styles to choose from. You can find them at the just my size website:

http://www.jms.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/CategoryDisplay?cgnb...

Hope this helps - I know how you feel!

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M.A.

answers from Allentown on

Hi C..

I buy my bras at Avenue or Avenue.com. I usually have to buy one size up for around, like maybe try a 46, but the cups are always great and cover. They run to 48DDD.

Good luck!

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S.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

You must try the lingerie shop in Huntingdon Vally, pa. Jay-Anne's-they do bra fittings and I just got 3 bras in a 44DDD. They are on County Line road.

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L.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

I understand completely. Had the same problems. You should definitely try being sized at stores other than Lane Bryant. I didn't have much luck at Lane Bryant. I also had to give up ordering on-line. When you are large, you simply have to put the bras on to see how they fit. A specialty "corset" shop and even shops that specialize in fittings following mastectomy can help you.

I had a breast reduction when I was 45, and it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. But I have to say, the really wonderful thing about having been large (DDD cup to a C-cup)is that I know how important a good fitting is. Even with a C-cup, I've had bras that were just as uncomfortable as some of the bras I owned when I was DDD (and larger during pregnancy and nursing). It all comes down to getting a good fit. Try some of the places the ladies here have mentioned, or look in the yellow pages under "Lingerie." Some of the best recommendations I received were from a friend of mine who survived breast cancer. It may seem strange, but you might consider contacting a breast cancer support group in your area or checking out their web sites. Often they recommend specialty shops that fit all sizes and types of bras.

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S.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

I saw a beautiful series online somewhere that featured Hawaiian women modeling bras. The sizes went up to H cups. I think they were Olga or Bali bras. I was amazed at how much support was put in the bras....they may be expensive but I'm sure it would be worth your comfort and appearance. Good luck.

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