Kat, thanks for starting this! I've gotten several good hints I'll be sure to follow up.

I have a drawer full of bras that seemed comfortable enough in the store, but that turn out to be pretty awful by the end of a work day. Most of them end up chafing under the arms -- I HATE getting those red rubbed marks because the bras turn out to be cut too high under the arms. I never seem to be able to spot that in the store.

It never occurred to me to remove the underwires! Duh! (Knocking self on side of head...) I'll try it! If I still have any of those, of course -- haven't bought any with underwires for years.

The best brand I have found that is reasonably widely available and reaonably priced is "Barely There," though I couldn't find a website showing the style I've found best (all stretchy nylon -- I'd love cotton but they don't seem to make it that way -- with very few seams, just a few little tucks in the middle, fairly wide straps and a band of thicker stretch nylon around the bottom, no fasteners -- goes on over the head, or step into it and pull it up). God, I hope they haven't discontinued it. Story of my life: I find something that works for me or that I like and they discontinue it. They don't seem to make "plus sizes" though -- I'm right at the top of their size range, and if I get any fatter I'm in trouble. Another one I found that's pretty good is called "Bra-llelujah" by "Spanx" (who thinks up these names?).

I used to buy a style that fastened in front, and loved that feature -- SO much easier to put on! -- but haven't been able to find satisfactory ones lately. But it's always possible to do up the fasteners in front before putting the straps on, then turn it around so the fasteners are in back where they belong, and put your arms through the straps.

Good luck, Kat -- I hope you find something that works for you!

Nancy