Help Me with Finding a Good Bra

Consumer Reports did a test and found that one of the less expensive bras from one of the mass merchandisers was the best but I can't remember which, but it was within the last year or two, see if you can find the report online?

You need to be measured by someone who knows what they are doing. Most department stores have someone on hand who does this. You may need to call ahead to check when she works. I am plus sized and have gone to Lane Bryant for my last few fittings and have been VERY PLEASED with the fitting and bras I purchased there. Great quality, less than VS. You may want to call them and see what sizes they sell to see if they have your size.

Good luck!

I'm a petite size 4 with natural 34DD's. A GOOD quality bra is usually pricey but worth it in the long run. You get what you pay for.

I am wearing Wacoal now and love it. I don't like seams or decorations on the cup, I like it to be as natural looking and smooth as possible. I bought my last 3 at Neimans after a fitting by the consultant. I've also had consultants at Nordstrom and Dillards.

It is true to try on a lot of them, move around like you normally do in it to make sure of the comfort level.

I love my Wacoal bras and I paid around $75 each but they are great, holding up well and worth it to me to have good support.

Good luck.

I too have trouble finding a bra that fits well after having my daughter (and she's 4 now...lol) The best that I have found is a Hanes sports bra (G400), but it's not a pull-over type. It's made like a regular bra, with the clips in the back. I tried several other inexpensive bras & I would always "fall out" of them! But these are the best for me!

As far as measuring, the Hanes site has a guide. I actually followed their guide the other day and according to it I should have a smaller cup size.... nooo way does that work! I "fall out"! LOL

I do warn you though that I have unfortunately not been able to find more of these Hanes sports bras lately. :( I'm going to be really disappointed if I can't find them again!!

The first thing you need to do is to get measured to make sure your wearing the right size. Large department stores like JC Penney, Macy's, Sears, will have trained professionals who will measure you. Try on many different styles. When you're in the dressing room, jump up and down, bend over and move like you would in your normal day to day life.

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to put out some money for the first one, but once you have a brand/style that you like, you can wait for sales or try shopping on line. I like onehanesplace.com.

Try Bali bras. They are sold in department stores, but are also available from Avon alot cheaper! Find an Avon consultant in your area and buy one! They cost around $30 at Macy's and around $20 out of the Avon book.

One thing I just want to mention about Victoria's Secret is that they do "vanity sizing" - you will typically measure larger there than elsewhere because their objective is to make you feel busty.

While getting fitted is very important - sizing varies from one manufacturer to the next. Get fitted then get several sizes in a style bra you like - then try on. A properly fitted bra will lie flat across the breastbone, will not have straps that slide off or cut into your shoulders. The band will lie flat across the back and not create a bulge. Your breasts should fill the cup without spilling over or creating "side boobs" - it should not be puckering.

Generally - you will have to try on about 30 bras to find one with a great fit.

Soma is a great place to go as well as major department stores.

Years (and years) after breastfeeding my daughter, my breasts (never really large, but fine) remain relatively perky, probably because I've retained ligament strength by ... mostly not wearing a bra. It's a use-it-or-lose-it kind of thing. (Let the ligaments work or they lose their capacity to lift ..) This might sound CRAZY, and some large breasted readers of this blog post are already composing their reply, but stop and think about this. I'm doing research in this area and have heard many women say how shocked they were at first about the idea of not wearing a bra (which in the end had a lot to do with not having their nipples be prominent), and then moving to less bra use. Don't assume you have to wear a bra all the time. Also, eat well so you retain good tissue integrity. (And if your bra leaves red marks, you know you're constricting circulation.) Feel free to tell me your experience. http://lynnfraley.com/wordpress

Sorry my only suggestion was Body by Victoria. I know they are pricey and I never catch them on sale.... but once a year I get a $10 off coupon around my birthday (i have a victoria secret card... i think that is why) and then I go get my one good bra. I wear it out!
I love Body by Victoria...can even sleep in it it is so comfortable and makes my girls look and feel great (like before 3 kids great!).
Sorry I am not much help since you do not want to spend this much. But maybe the $10 off is something to think about!

Victoria secret will size you so you get the perfect size and they now offer a 2/$30 bra in their Pink line that fits nicely and has support. It's worth checking out, just a basic bra, not fancy, but it seems like that is what you are looking for.

Finding a good bra is like buying a house--when you walk in the door (or try it on) you just "know" when it's right. Go to any local department store like JC Penney/Kohls/Macys. They will ALL have women who can measure you and go fetch & step while you try on a LOT of different bras. Expect to spend some time so allow for it. Tap into the sales ladies--they are a wealth of information and can really help you!

In my experience with bras (I'm a DD), a good bra costs money. You get what you pay for, no way around that. Not that I haven't paid a lot for a bra that sucks.

Also with my experience I think that a 'good' bra fits correctly. Measure yourself properly (you can google how to do this), or have someone do it for you (they do it for free at Victoria secret or Bali), because even if you are a little bit off, it can make a huge difference in how your bra fits you.

I love my bras from Soma. They are not bad in price. You can usually get them on sale. I shop at the store on Preston and Park in Plano and the ladies are helpful. I found out that I was wearing a bra that was 2 sizes too big. I had lost a lot of baby weight and now I know where I lost it from :) I also like Soma because there are always coupons and specials and they keep track of them at the store. You don't have to. I walk in all the time and give them my number and have them look up what I have and they are always happy to do it. They do offer bra fitting. There is also an outlet in Allen but I haven't done much shopping at it. I always get good deals here.
Hope this helps
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