BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!

Subject: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 11:28 AM

We've had so many other types of *open* discussions from condoms to impotence, etc. I thought why not ask Mudcatters/ettes about this?

I used to not wear one unless I had to go out. They are uncomfortable, make me itch, even if all cotton, and I hate them.

Since having open heart surgery I've had to wear one so as not to pull on the incision and all of the underlying muscle/tissues which feel so incensed at the rude slicing and still hurt sometimes.

So, I am using an old *sleep/leisure* one which is falling apart at the seams. Have looked all over, online, in catalogues and stores for something that feels comfortable. Trouble is when they get to a certain size, just as with clothing in plus sizes, they figure one is a 6 foot tall Amazon and everything fits just wrong. I suppose I could make my own, but I'd rather not. The biggest problem I have is too large of cups with too many hooks in front (I only wear front-opening ones.)

So, those of you who are into cotton-only and comfort and may be well-endowed...HELP, please!**bg**

thankskat

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 11:33 AM

Ummm...well...

They don't seem like a particularly good idea to me, but I'm not a woman. Wouldn't it be better for the health of one's breasts to simply wear a sort of soft inner cloth shirt which covered the breasts but didn't restrict them so much? I don't know what you'd call it, but it sounds like a better idea than encasing yourself in Zena-type armour, if you know what I mean. Anything that constricts a body area and reduces blood flow to the tissues can potentially cause health problems. Restricting air flow to the body can also cause health problems.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Amos
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 11:35 AM

The rumour from the Temple brotherhood is that you might want to try the specialty zones: maternity suppliers (because the height to frontage ratio get so exaggerated just before childbirth) OR those who traffick in the Strange, such as cups with open fronts or holes designed to tantalize or some such.

A

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 12:44 PM

What about sports bras, kat? I don't know where the hooks are - maybe one pulls them on over the head?- but they look comfortable, with their broad straps and deep girding.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 12:47 PM

LOL, I might've known Mudcat men would venture in this one, first!

Camisoles, LH. They work up to a point, but need to be of something more flexible and supportive than cotton, so no go for me and my sensitive skin.

Amos, I guess I could just wear my deep purple pasties with the black-swinging tassels! OH, no, I gave one of them away!

Thanks, fellahs!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 12:57 PM

Thanks, Ebbie, missed you in a cross-posting. I've tried them, most are too tight, no front-hooks and don't have the right sized cups. I have a tough time with pulling them over my head. Though that may change with time and effort.

I am finally able to walk much more, with very little supplemental O2 and the first place I lose weight is in the Golden Globe dept. plus weights exercises, yoga, and tai chi are helping with the flexibility. These days, though, as for several years, I am realy into COMFORT more than anything, so any kind of stricture, difficulty in getting on (or off!) is more than I want to deal with.**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 12:59 PM

I know what you mean; if you're a large size they think you need as much girdering as the Golden Gate Bridge, when actually all you want is a whisper of extra support. I'm an expert at this, from the consumer end.

If you truly mean cotton only -- as in no Lycra blended in for stretch -- then I probably can't help much. But on a recent trip to Costco, I found packets of two cotten camisoles with built-in shelf bras that provided ample support for my purposes. I'm stocky and short, XL (42-inchish), not quite "queen-size" but definitely, ahem, buxom. The camisoles do come in XL.

Athletic "crop-tops" with built-in shelf bras are another way to go, but they're a little too confining for my taste. And I don't even have surgical scars to worry about!

Pardon the anonymity, but I'd rather not announce my bust dimensions publicly.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Janie
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 01:12 PM

Kat,   I'm like you--I hate the damn things and wear them only when propriety demands it. Have you tried Ebbie's idea of a sports bra? They are cotton with enough latex to stretch. They should provide sufficient support for the area around the incision. Many of them have no fasteners, they pull on over your head.

Alternatively, what about binding your breasts with a strip of cotton to which you have attached fasteners?

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 01:23 PM

It was just a tad before my time (*G*) but I understand that what Janie (Hi Janie!) proposed is what women and girls did before there was such a thing as a commercially made bra: a band of doubled or tripled cotton wrapped around the torso in the appropriate place and secured with whatever was available at the time. One could even install it in place UNDER the breasts, creating the first 'push up' bra.

That's not a bad idea- to the sewing machine for me!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST,ClaireBear
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 01:28 PM

A very well-endowed, comfort- and cotton-oriented friend used to recommend this place. I haven't tried it, but it looks like a possibility for you.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 01:32 PM

Sorry but I love them. Hope I don't sound crude, but as a man I think they are the best beautiful item for a woman.I love to see my wife buy a new one.Vert beatuiful item.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Peace
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 01:40 PM

For a minute or two this thread was next to the thread: Catholic priest clears his chest. I have nowt constructive to add to this conversation other than to say I hate bras, too.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 01:42 PM

A lot of men also love stiletto heels on their women. :)

But I agree with you that a new bra is a beautiful thing.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 02:06 PM

First and foremost, measure properly and accurately.
Bra size is the measurement around your diaphragm UNDER your breasts. Then measure around your breasts at the nipple. For each one inch difference between the two measurements add a cup size with A as Ground Zero.

SO: 38 around diaphragm and 42 around breasts = 38 DD

Then go and try on a few. Playtex 18 hour with wide straps support the weight comfortably but each one fits slightly differently. They have front closing bras.

Also try Silhouettes on-line. They have bras up to 52 DDDD and front closing ones. A very flexible return policy makes it easy to find the right fit. Buy one size and cup up and down, try them on and return what doesn't fit. They also carry colors vs. industrial white only in Macy's etc.

I too hate my bra but with gravity and age ...SIGH.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: *daylia*
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 02:10 PM

Have you checked Amazon out, kat? click here
and here for the whole selection

I don't like bras either, but I wear the sports variety when I absolutely must.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Emma B
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 02:17 PM

Teddies....Yes! Wires..........never! but anything in silk is great!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 02:25 PM

Someone has to shed light on the 800-pound gorilla in the room: I like Victoria's Secret. They have a lot to choose from, with tons of support down to very little, and all sorts of materials in use. (You can also get a matching thong to go with it!)

Another place you might look is in the swimming suit separates at someplace like Academy. Perhaps a light-weight swim top would be more comfortable than the fully-constructed bras you've been finding. They also have a variety of band or tube-type tops. Even a snug tank top might offer some of the type of support you want.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Amos
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 02:46 PM

Now, if you're feeling creative and want to get back into your dance routines, take an Ace bandage (or maybe a horse bandage of similar construction) and tie one end off to the towel rack. Back it off as far as it will go, and then hold the other end lightly in, er, place. Twirl your way in to the towel rack, bending slightly to adjust torque and angle as you twirl. Voila!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST,Peter Woodruff
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 03:03 PM

When I retire I want to be a bra-fitter at Victoria 's Secret.
Peter

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Pistachio
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 03:10 PM

I found 'crop top' styles very comfortable - resembling the top part of a swim suit, all stretch and no hooks. I sympathise if you find it awkward actually getting a top on,especially with a scar area to contend with. Maybe you and your sewing machine could adapt an old swimsuit (with cups) and use velcro sparingly!
The 'secret support' t shirts do their job for the less endowed but I fould myself unimpressed with the appearance.
Sports bras have little or no flexibility and are for 'restraint' not comfort!
Good Luck -
H.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST,Janine
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 03:14 PM

I don't have all that much to put in one really so I find Pistachio's T-shirt idea just about right.

Janine

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 03:23 PM

I have absolutely nothing constructive to add here.

Don Firth

"I'm my next incarnation, I want to be a brassiere."
                                              --Jesse Ventura (former governor of Minnesota).

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 04:58 PM

I own one. Never wear the damn thing. Medieval implements of torture they are!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 05:12 PM

As a man I have to say I hate this new style of pre shaped bras that can stand up on their own. Nothing beats the satin or lace. And it shows off the true shape. With these new ones all women are the same shape. Please note ladies, they are sexless. I know you'll say they are for comfort, but you should still feel good. As we like to feel good too ! Sorry bad joke.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 05:15 PM

Best one I ever found was by Just My Size, but they discontinued it (a**holes) and I am on my last three tattered ones. Junonia has some nice plus-size stuff but I dunno about what would feel right-- might look 'em up online tho. Don't get the nice-looking one from Leading Lady shown in the catalogs-- it's not comfy at all.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Helen
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 05:43 PM

I have found some camisole tops which are made of stretchy lace with cups held in place. The stretchy lace holds comfortably, with no bra straps digging into my back. Not a good option I know for a larger size endowment :-) but it suits my size. These ones can go over my head but I find it puts a strain on my arms so I step into them and pull them up. They are stretchy so this is easy.

If I crack and buy a bra I always immediately remove the underwires.   I can barely restrain myself from doing that in the shop. Items of torture invented by men who like the look, I am sure.

Little Hawk, in answer to your suggestion, it is not a good thing to leave them unencumbered because the movement can bring about mastitis which is very painful. I haven't had it but I know women who have. Some method of restricting movement is a preventative.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Bo Vandenberg
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 06:07 PM

Bras are proof that women don't get what they want. If Men needed bras there would be 35000 varieties of support. Pockets, gps, attachable socket sets -- you name it. Men would buy the most amazing crap and people would produce it.

I make some costuming. Excluding simple binding there are at least 3 major types of breast support available to women: Boostier, Corset, Bra and I'm sure there are more. Forgeting attractiveness for a minute, women have very little to choose from and very little expertise to help them get a good fit. Because breasts are soft and women are undemanding, or worse want what will please someone else, they have rotten choice and are very badly served.

I make it a point to be sure my lady wife is comfortable and happy - if that means goin the extra mile for good underware its more than worth it.

Women who are badly served by underware selection should complain to their retailers. Buy comfort first and you'll be happier and more attractive.

Sigurd

We now return you to your regular web site.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: *Laura*
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 06:26 PM

Bras are beautiful and lovely... you just need to find the right one.
It's easier than finding a man even - they don't have to like you back and they don't argue (much). And when you do find the right one they make you feel special...
Once you do - you will fall in love and live happily ever after...

This is not a bad fairy-tale but a TRUE FACT OF LIFE!

xLx

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 06:50 PM

Bra fitters at expensive department stores can be a GREAT help, and it's surprising how they pamper you without it being embarassing. (Purchasing is not required.) Once they fit you in the cut/type that's right for YOU, it's possible to find a similarly-framed one anywhere you shop. I know the energy to do that may be a factor, but once you've been fitted, you can steer through catalogs much more easily. And Laura's right-- I can still recall my step-daughter's delight when she was introduced to "pretty underwear." When it feels good and you know you're wearing it under your clothes, it can have quite an effect on your demeanor! Like a day at the bewdee parlor when you really NEED it.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Peace
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:05 PM

"If Men needed bras there would be 35000 varieties of support."

Ya ever try to find a comfortable sports cup for fighting?

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Peace
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:05 PM

Cup to put the testes in, not the mammary glands.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:06 PM

Based on my much too limited experience:

If the scars present an unusual fitting problem, you might want to contact your physician (or better perhaps, his nurse) to see if there is a "medical/surgical" supplier nearby that may have special items that would suit you better than something off the shelf.

If it's just a matter of getting a suitable style and fit, I would concur with the recommendation that you be "fitted." Attempting to measure yourself is likely to be awkward and inaccurate. When you stretch to stretch the tape, it ain't all where it's gonna be when you get all rigged up. Even if you can't find a qualified professional, taking a friend (and a tape measure) to assist with the fitting can be a big help.

Determining a suitable style and fit usually is what's important. I must disagree with the "Once you do - you will fall in love and live happily ever after..." since once you find one you like, you will inevitably find that that model has been discontinued when/if you go back for another.

Note that my experience here is mostly - but not exclusively - as a transportation provider; but I do get to listen to all the complaints.

John

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:32 PM

The fitting is also about configuration of anatomy, in addition to sizing... what you have, yes, but also where you have it. A good fitter will explain as she goes along.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:42 PM

bodywise bras
have been designed to be ergonomic. Like Ebbie I go with the cammy - no hooks, cups, - basically just a very feminine singlet with lace. i have been wearing them for years, n get simple cotton lacy ones from Australian firm my size
Their Nice Girl Cami(Item ID #1340A104)is towards the back of the Summer 2005 catalogue its lacy across the bodice,+ 100% Cotton.

These camis from Bodywise are also very comfortable

the bra is dead - long live the camisole!!

freda

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:45 PM

this page has a front opening

bra!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 08:53 PM

What a GREAT idea!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 09:25 PM

Decent Exposures might fit the bill for you, all-cotton or other options, lots of sizes, and custom sizing available, as well. Pull-over, or front-opening.

I got two bras from them when I needed something for breast feeding my son (that is to say, to hold the leak pads, between nursing sessions!), otherwise I'd do without, if I had my choice. I still use those bras, 10 years later, as a hot-weather undershirt under a couple of jumpers. (I removed the little ring of fabric that makes the "cups".) They're comfy! Not like the bras I've been wearing lately since I've taken to working full-time in the world and feel a need for some more modesty. I'm small and I can't get normal bra straps to stay up. (I know, I need T-backs, but they're hard to find in something lightweight.)

But even with those nice folks at Decent Exposures, what is the deal with bra prices??? It's ridiculous.

And can I confess, after years (44) of wearing no or minimal bras, recently I bought a contemporary underwire+foam (nothing fancy) bra. I've yet to use it. When try it under something and I look in the mirror, I think, "who's boobs are those? they're not where they usually are, and I think someone cut off the nipples!" It's a very strange sensation. I work on a university campus and can see that smooth and round is the fashion, but I think that I agree with Guest 5:12. I suppose most of them make up for it by exposing cleavage and lots of other skin. (Plenty of opportunity to show skin in our climate.)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: frogprince
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 09:27 PM

The "tother" weekend my best gal announced her intention to go out to buy some new undies. She went on to say that she was going to do it alone, as she noted that "You've had a hand in every piece of underwear that I've had since we've been married".

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: JennieG
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 09:30 PM

I don't like the current style of 'smooth' bras - we aren't built like that! We do have nipples! I like lacy and pretty and always buy the matching knickers too. Himself understands about girly things like that.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 10:25 PM

My suggestion for the smooth bras: get some pistachios and eat them. Then glue the discarded shell halves onto the fronts of the smooth bra. Presto! Instant nipples.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Bard Judith
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 11:14 PM

Try Wonderbra (no, really!) model 3384. Even in DD 44 it's comfy, and without underwire and eight sets of hooks... And my buxom friend also endorses bra fitters - she said she could not believe the difference in comfort as well as shape. With a properly fitted bra you can lose five pounds / gain five pounds - visually that is - where you need them!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: bobad
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 11:32 PM

Wow, all this talk about 44DD's and 52DDDD's and 38DD's and I'm married to someone with a pair of fried eggs, sunnyside up. Can't wait to crank up the old dream machine tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 11:34 PM

Kat,

Female siamese twin friends of mine used a co-bra until it bit them...

Art ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 12:28 AM

Boobs (Italian style).

Bras (these are demi cup, the ones I like best--they aren't padded much if at all).

Boobs in bras.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: GUEST,Ingrid Frances Stark
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 01:06 AM

I've been ripping the wires out of underwire bras for years. The style is fairly supportive even without the wires, and MUCH more comfortable.

As for the scars, you might consider a longline style. There is less pressure right below the breast, and you might actually find it supports the scarred area.

I've had good luck over the years with Warner styles. Also, I have a front closure longline from Exquisite Form called the Ful-ly bra #7530. Its very supportive of the upper back, and the torso in general.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: dianavan
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 01:22 AM

I hate bras too! The most comfortable bra I have found is the Elita plus (slip on) but you might also try the Grenier (back clasps).

Now for a funny granny story:

My mom who was fighting the very hot, Arizona summers liked to walk around with a face cloth under each breast. She claimed that the cloth absorbed the sweat and cut down on the friction between her breasts and her ribs. I had to try it and guess what! She was right. Instant relief.

Only try this if nobody else is around. Its definitely not sexy!

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: RichM
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 01:44 PM

Gargoyle, your comments continue to amaze and bemuse...

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 02:56 PM

Hiya Kat!

   I'm partial to the Just My Size bras and lately, Champion makes a sports bra, no tag and that is ultra comfortable...not the usual sports bra where you are squeeze so tightly that you wonder where the heck your breasts went...this one offers decent, flexible support and it goes for about $12.00. Of course, this is NOT a front closure...but it does go on fairly easily and I'm thinking because it is soft cotton without all the lace and trim, it might not be too uncomfortable on your scar. If you decide to go the catalog route, Lane Bryant and Romans have plenty. I'd steer clear of the Leading Lady bras as they have a funky rubber smell to them that never does go away. Anyway, those kinds of catalogs offer the plus sizes in all kinds of styles....including a more "leisure" bra that is meant to be really comfortable...although lacking in support...but it's better than nothing (ok...well, not really...but you know what I mean....don't you?....it's not the white, scratchy, super industrial over the shoulder boulder holder type!!!!)

Good luck!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: Metchosin
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:01 PM

Interesting links SRS, possibly intended to titilate the male posters here, but hardly intended to keep one abreast of the problem at hand. LOL

kat, I agree with previous suggestions to go get fitted at an exclusive or high end store that specializes in larger sizes. Its worth the extra bucks and you will be amazed.

I recently went with my eldest daughter who required new undergarments as maid of honour at her sister's wedding.

She's built like a mac truck, naturally overly endowed by some conventional standards, has exremely sensitive skin (this was a baby who, when she was born even in the hospital, had to be specially attired with cloth diapers, because of an allergic reaction to disposable ones) and she loves sexy things.

I was not looking forward to the trip, because from previous experience, when she was younger, any such outings were usually pretty tense as her frustration levels started rising and as "Mom", I quite often took a lot of the heat.

There were tears this time too, but it was of absolute joy and relief, she couldn't believe what she had been missing all these years.

Subject: RE: BS: I hate bras - finding a comfortable one!
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:22 PM

Thanks, everyone! Great links and suggestions. I'll take some time to look them over in depth and, yes, probably go get a professional fitting, too.

It's not the scar so much as the deep tissue which has mended but every once in a while lets me know it's been sliced and stitched. BUT, I am not complaining! The new valve is working so well, I am off the oxygen a good share of the time, now, AND walking at least a couple of miles a day.

kat