Comments on: For starters

By: Manolo for the Big Girl!

Manolo for the Big Girl! — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:11:20 +0000

[…] that you have the perfect bra, or plans to get one, it is time to think about […]

By: pbird

pbird — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:09:56 +0000

My contribution to this quandry is to make custom bras for a few large ladies, which I do. Custom is great if you can find someone.

By: Miss Elisabeth

Miss Elisabeth — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:41:18 +0000

“Miss Elisabeth, if you think finding a 32B is hard, try finding a 32D, and a racer-back one at that (my narrow, sloping shoulders mean that any straps not connected at the back try to escape as soon as I stand up straight, no matter how tight I tighten them). Arg! It’s enough to make a girl crazy.”

That’s what I’m afearing I’m going to end up as - I’m 16 and those girls of mine are still plunking along at about an inch bigger a year. We’ll see what happens as I get older, but even now I see that a B isn’t quite going to cut it for much longer. Gah.

By: LizaBet

LizaBet — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:49:11 +0000

Jane C–as a 32DD, I know the torture of trying to find bras that fit someone with a narrow ribcage but a larger cup size. I suggest trying the website for ‘One Hanes Place’ (they also have a catalogue and a limited number of shops in outlet malls around the US). They have a Bali minimizer bra there that is seamless, pretty, comfortable and reasonably priced. It comes in a 32 band size with both D and DD cups. The site also has a limited selection of sizes/styles for larger chests. Happy shopping!

By: Liz B.

Liz B. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:23:35 +0000

Those in the Southern California area are urged to run - not walk to Modern Woman in Monrovia. Known as the “Wizard of Bras,” I can personally vouch for their superfantasticness. They also have a web presence, so Google away.

I was measured by their experts and pronounced a 44F. The Girls have looked fabulous ever since.

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:02:56 +0000

I second Meg Q’s recommendation of Prima Donna. I’m a 36H, and so far those are the only brand that fits — but they’re amazing, and (rarest of rare attributes for those of us who require industrial-strength scaffolding) beautiful. Unfortunately, also extremely expensive. If any of you are in the Denver area, SOL (the Store of Lingerie) on Detroit St. is quite fantastic.
Does anyone know where to find something without underwire that’s comfortable to sleep in, but that is still cute to look at? I don’t need to be able to seduce anyone with it, I’d just rather not feel ugly.

By: Jess

Jess — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 06:18:11 +0000

I’ll add to the recommendations for Wacoal–I’ve sadly outgrown them, but the ones I had in the past were fantastic in terms of both comfort and quality. Also, I’d point you in the direction of barenecessities.com and figleaves.com, both of which carry a large range of sizes and styles. The latter has free return shipping, making it even easier to try out sizes until you find the perfect bra.
Also, the Nordstrom’s fitters are fantastic, and have always been helpful. The helpful part stands out most for me, since I’m a difficult size–a 30H or 32GG depending on the manufacturer. While I rarely find my size (it’s apparently difficult for bra companies to fathom that a small framed person can still have a large chest), the salespeople have offered to order bras in from other stores and have also suggested stores in the area that might carry bras in my size.
Lastly, adding inches to your underbust measurement is not always accurate. My underbust measurement is about a 29, but a 32 band is not supportive enough–I got away with 32s and 34s when i was a DD, but at an H, i need to be as held up as possible, if only to remedy back pain. So if your band is riding up at all, it’s too big. Also, when you buy a bra, make sure it fits on the loosest hook. That way, when the elastic starts to wear out, you can adjust the band down with the remaining rows of hooks. Saves on how often they need to be replaced.

By: SaraB

SaraB — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 03:05:11 +0000

I third (fourth?) the recommendation of Nordstrom for fittings- they know their stuff and can recommend based on your size AND your shape. Once you know your size, you don’t have to depend on brick-and-mortar either. Check out http://www.figleaves.com and http://www.bravissimo.com for really pretty bras is a larger sizes. I’m an F cup and both of these sites have great bras that don’t make me look like my torso is “all bra” when I’m wearing them.. JaneC, Bravissimo offers clothing sized by “curviness”, including button-downs, so that may help in your search..

By: JaneC

JaneC — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:17:45 +0000

Miss Elisabeth, if you think finding a 32B is hard, try finding a 32D, and a racer-back one at that (my narrow, sloping shoulders mean that any straps not connected at the back try to escape as soon as I stand up straight, no matter how tight I tighten them). Arg! It’s enough to make a girl crazy.

But a definite yes on getting yourself measured. I was trying on bras one day three or four years ago, and the lady who unlocked my fitting room looked at me, looked at the bras in my hand, and said, “Those aren’t your size, honey. Here, try these.” I was embarrassed, but boy was she right. Knowing my real size makes me crazy sometimes because stores don’t always have it (the size I used to think I wore was more common), but when I do find one, it makes quite a difference.

Now if I could ever find a button-down shirt that was big enough in the chest and small enough in the shoulders, I would be a happy girl.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:34:49 +0000

girl, I’ve seen Wacoal nursing bras at the appropriately named Nordstrom Rack.