Talk to me about Boobs/Bras/Shapewear

DanieKA

I'm on the hunt for some new unmentionables (::snort::) and I'm looking to you ladies for some tips. I've gained a bit of weight recently (boo/hiss) and currently ol' lefty is bulging out of my current bras. BUT...lefty has always been bigger than righty. Not so much so that I have a complex, but let's just say righty fits perfectly where she is, whereas lefty likes to make herself known. Always been like that. When I wear shirts, you can see that line. Almost like VPL (visible panty line) but for boobs. 

So, what bras do you swear by? I currently go for Victoria Secret plain cotton underwire bras. I'll probably buy a few more of those since I have some gift cards and whatnot, but I'm open to suggestions. I've also never gotten officially measured at a fancy store. I think I might do that, but I'm not sure I want to pay $80-$120 for ONE "proper" fitting bra. 

Question 2, shapewear: What do you guys recommend in the way of shapewear. I've really never found a good strapless bra (at my smallest I'm a full C/small D cup. Currently I'm a DD). The girls just don't do well in strapless. But I'm in a wedding next year and the dress is a one shoulder.

I saw this maidenform bodysuit in a magazine (click). It has removable straps, so I can take one off. But are there any others that you can think of. Also, I can't really tell how one is supposed to pee in that thing. I can just imagine having to disrobe completely and re-robe constantly when I break the seal at that wedding.

Thanks! 

Swazzle

I can't wear VS bras because they don't make my size so I get all of my bras from Nordstrom.  They do fittings there too which I highly recommend to every woman (most women wear the wrong size bra!!!).  

I loathe strapless bras & pretty much never wear them but the ones I do have both have detachable straps so that could be an option for you & maybe a pair of Spanx or something similar.  

I'm curious to know how one pees in that thing also LOL Maybe there's a flap?

caitlin.cave

Okay, so I have 30GG boobs, and I could wear this until I grew out of it --> http://www.barenecessities.com/freya-deco-strapless-underwire-bra-4233_product.htm?pf_id=FreyaAA4233&search=

It's comfy, and comes up to a G.   I swear by Freya Deco bras in general.  They are fabulous for suller figures.  Make sure you get measured for the right size before you buy a strapless.

DanieKA

Thanks ladies. Okay, I'm going to cave and get measured. I'm not sure what has been stopping me, everyone swears by it. Caitlin, I'm definitely going to keep this bra in mind after I get measured! I've just been so frustrated with regular stores and their selection of strapless bras! It's a grass is greener thing, I guess. I'm sure some women would love to be a C/D cup, but unless you are lucky and they are naturally super perky, or surgery induced, I've just never found a strapless bra that didn't slip down without strap support. 

alyaki

Right now, I think I'm happy I stumbled on this thread.  I agree with rdr that getting fitted so you get the proper bra size is a huge deal. I have been going to a local botique store that specializes in bras, so I don't think I'm much help   rdr and caitlin, you just gave me some ideas as to where else I can shop

ETA: caitlin, those bras look amazingly comfy!

SopChick

That Maidenform one looks like it could be a good option for the wedding you're in. As for everyday bras, I don't know about VS because they don't fit me, but I can't recommend enough getting properly fitted (I know you're already planning to).

DanieKA

Thanks again, Ladies!!! Liv, that bra is awesome! Why have I never seen that?!?! To answer your question, I don't usually wear demi bras, but I don't really keep up with the style, just the size (I could be wearing them and not even know it). 

I also like that it comes in pretty prints! I'm definitely going to get a few of these with my gift cards:)

elannis

I have nothing constructive to add. I'm just wondering why they always show the shapewear on women that have nothing to shape up. Why can't they actually show me what it does for someone who actually has rolls to smooth down?

Also, the one and only time I've ever seen "Hot in Cleveland" was the episode involving Spanx and it was hilarious.

I'm just being random today I guess. I'm sick, so my head is fuzzy, lol.

lunarsongbird

Let me see here...I wear Victoria Secret BioFit.
http://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/biofit?pageAt=all

The key to not having the spillage or bra lines is a proper fit.

Regarding strapless bras....I just got a sweet one at David's Bridal. Can you believe the darn things can be altered, as well? I got one of those torosolettes...feels pretty good.
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Accessories-Lingerie-Bras

If you're looking for some darn cute shapeware....Assets, by Spanx is where it's at:
http://www.spanx.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=4345854
They actually don't make you feel like an old lady! They have lacey ones!

Blessed=2BeInLove

I actually work at Frederick's of Hollywood which tends to carry more supportive bras for larger busts, even strapless. I found that VS bras don't run as true to size, but worked until I hit a C cup, and then when I got to a D cup I had to switch over to Fredericks. VS bras, for some reason, are small on me, especially with all the extra padding causing a double boob in a lot of their styles. I would check out both places though, depending on the style either could work. Good luck!

HULU

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_talk-boobsbrasshapewear?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:af5422e7-78db-4caa-9e21-d35bff0e915ePost:1119b3ed-38a5-4c69-a030-01c7cfc86d24">Talk to me about Boobs/Bras/Shapewear</a>:
[QUOTE] So, what bras do you swear by?
Posted by DanieKA[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Anything that remotely gives the illusion I even have boobs. *sigh* All the women on my dad's side of the family are very small and petite, and I took after that. Department stores don't sell anything that would actually FIT me, so I just have to wing it. Sucks.

</div>

bsidebella

I'm a 38/40D, not one of the easiest sizes to find. The best bras I have ever worn are by Olga. I don't know if you have a Kohl's by you, but that's where I got mine. Full coverage cups, comfortable underwire, thicker straps and cute designs.

This (<-- clicky) is the one I'm currently wearing, in the "Ruby Dot" pattern/color. I also have it in "butterscotch". I can't wait to get more cus they're currently on sale!

They also wash really well.

Edited because the link was huge.

desertsun

I always had problems with VS bras fitting right.

I now go to Kohl's, grab an armload of bras that have convertible straps or racerbacks in a couple different sizes, and try to find one or two that fit and are comfortable. 

Stina51286

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_talk-boobsbrasshapewear?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:af5422e7-78db-4caa-9e21-d35bff0e915ePost:ef05b691-4e09-4bc4-8cc1-507cbe113633">Re: Talk to me about Boobs/Bras/Shapewear</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Talk to me about Boobs/Bras/Shapewear : Anything that remotely gives the illusion I even have boobs. *sigh* All the women on my dad's side of the family are very small and petite, and I took after that. Department stores don't sell anything that would actually FIT me, so I just have to wing it. Sucks.
Posted by HULU[/QUOTE]

This is me exactly! However its my mom's side. I love Arie by AE. I cant even fit in VS panties they seem to not like my hinder and fall down!

DanieKA

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_talk-boobsbrasshapewear?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:af5422e7-78db-4caa-9e21-d35bff0e915ePost:81c42f42-269b-4f46-817a-e2ff291febc6">Re: Talk to me about Boobs/Bras/Shapewear</a>:
[QUOTE]Let me see here...I wear Victoria Secret BioFit. <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/biofit?pageAt=all" rel='nofollow'>http://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/biofit?pageAt=all</a> The key to not having the spillage or bra lines is a proper fit. :) Regarding strapless bras....I just got a sweet one at David's Bridal. Can you believe the darn things can be altered, as well? I got one of those torosolettes...feels pretty good. <a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Accessories-Lingerie-Bras" rel='nofollow'>http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Accessories-Lingerie-Bras</a> If you're looking for some darn cute shapeware....Assets, by Spanx is where it's at: <a href="http://www.spanx.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=4345854" rel='nofollow'>http://www.spanx.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=4345854</a> They actually don't make you feel like an old lady! They have lacey ones!
Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]

<div>I had no idea strapless bras could be altered! Is it sad that this is the most exciting news I've heard all day? I've never actually thought about going to David's or any other bridal place for bras/shapewear, but that's actually sort of genius! With the popularity of strapless dresses over the last decade, they have to be offering some support options. GENIUS!</div><div>
</div><div>And I will check out the spanx! I'm pretty sure they sell Assets at Target, so I can head there easily. </div>

DanieKA

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_talk-boobsbrasshapewear?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:af5422e7-78db-4caa-9e21-d35bff0e915ePost:33713d6d-95ec-4dec-a4e4-edeff86b7cdb">Re: Talk to me about Boobs/Bras/Shapewear</a>:
[QUOTE]I always had problems with VS bras fitting right. I now go to Kohl's, grab an armload of bras that have convertible straps or racerbacks in a couple different sizes, and try to find one or two that fit and are comfortable. 
Posted by desertsun[/QUOTE]

<div>Okay, Kohls is on my list. Both you and bside recommended it, so I've got to check it out. Thanks!</div><div>
</div><div>I think I might just be "outgrowing" my VS bras. I think, like others have posted, as you get up there is size, perhaps the accuracy gets lost in translation. The spillage really isn't enough to go up yet another cup size, but it's enough to annoy me. Now I'm determined to get measured before the end of the year. </div><div>
</div><div>Thanks Ladies. You guys rock!</div>

caitlin.cave

If you're ever in England, go to a Bravissimo store and get fitted.  They actually keep ALL sizes in stock, as in from 28A to 38 and 40KK.  It was the best bra shopping experience of my life.

Since I'm pretty well-endowed, I do all my bra shopping online at either http://www.bravissimo.com/ or http://www.barenecessities.com/ It took me a while to figure out what size I actually need.

Fitting resources:

http://www.bravissimo.com/perfectfit/fitting-video/
The cool thing is that they even do fittings over the phone.  I suggest this as opposed to going in to VS or something because they're used to dealing with fuller chests.