Dearest bra burners and bra wearers,
Every year, the prekinder teachers I worked with would take their students on a bear hunt after reading them Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s picture book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Maybe, once upon a time, you even read the book with your babies? In the book, a family heads out on a beautiful day to catch a big bear, adding that they aren’t even scared. They go through the tall grass, a cold river, a dark forest until they find the bear. And discover they are scared after all. With their teachers in the lead, our students would ‘hunt’ all over the school for signs of a bear…through the library, under the tables in the cafeteria, over the jungle gym on the playground.
Today we are going on a bra hunt. As you probably already know, a bra hunt can be about as scary, if not scarier than a bear hunt. My bra hunt started several months ago…good thing I packed a lunch! PC and I were at the outlet mall and I wandered into Vanity Fair to be measured and check out their bras.
Vanity Fair
Why is it that women’s lingerie stores and departments are ‘manned’ by young girls barely out of training bras themselves? The Vanity Fair clerk did at least seem to know how to measure me. And her measurements agreed with the bra size I have been wearing for several years…a 36D or 38C. With her help, I gathered a number of bras to try on, and found one that was very comfortable. At least for the 30 seconds I had it on. Only problem, I wanted a nude and they only had the bra available in black and white in store but were expecting a shipment ‘soon’. She would call me when they arrived and I could avoid the shipping costs involved in ordering it online.
She never called. And trusting that she would, I didn’t write down the name of the bra to order it myself. It might have been this one, the ‘Body Caress full coverage wirefree bra’. My bra hunt continued.
Soma
Y’all know how I love the capsule wardrobe style challenges hosted by Alison at Get Your Pretty On. I take Alison’s advice as gospel on trends, accessories, and basically getting dressed every morning. BTW, registration for the 2018 winter capsule wardrobe style challenge is now open. Please join me and use my affiliate link, here, to register.
So when Alison recommended the Soma Enbliss bra in a recent review on her blog, I decided to try one, especially loved the idea that this was a wireless bra. Of course, El Paso doesn’t have a Soma store so I had to resort to ordering online. However, when I did a little research about their many different bras, I decided the ‘Enticing Lift unlined full coverage bra‘ was the best bet for shoring up my ‘girls’. I placed my order. Using the measurements from the gal at Vanity Fair, I ordered a 38C.
The Enticing bra was so pretty on the model online but not quite so enticing on me. Here’s how it looked.
See those pleats? Not a good look under clothes. Or over them, for that matter. Back to Soma it went. Shame. It was comfy for the 30 seconds I had it on.
Asked them to exchange it for another but they refunded my money instead. Hmm, does that mean all of the Enticing Lift unlined full coverage bras come with those pleats at no extra charge? The bra hunt continued.
Victoria’s Secret
For years, once I outgrew my Sears training bras and could afford better bras than the inexpensive ones at Walmart, Victoria’s Secret was my go-to boutique for all things lingerie. But the last underwire bras I had purchased there became torture devices by mid-afternoon of a full day’s wear. That darn underwire. Must have been invented by a man. Yet VS bras hold up well and look so pretty. Plus, it feels kind of sexy to walk through the mall carrying a large tissue filled pink and white striped VS bag. Decided to head to the VS and boy, did I pick the right day. All bras were $35. Panties were 10 for $25. The store was upside down!
Thank goodness, PC found a bench outside the store and contentedly played Empires and Puzzles on his phone, while I continued my bra hunt.
I asked to be measured by the sales girl, who could have been my granddaughter. She giggled saying she had only done measurements a couple of times. Of course. She came up with a 36D or 36DD. Whoa! Double D? I’m not even nursing!
I tried on several bras and wound up purchasing ‘Perfect Shape full coverage push-up bra‘ in dream lavender Rio lace shine in a 36D. Does anyone else buy bras in their husband’s favorite color? Really wanted a nude bra but the Perfect Shape was sold out in that color. The bra hunt continues for a nude bra that works well under tees.
Enter True and Company
In the midst of my hunt, I came across these great graphics created by the folks at True and Company on untangling how a bra is supposed to fit and feel. Never realized how important the straps are!
The Band
The support system….the skeleton of the bra. This is the part that gives my skeleton fits. Along with that beloved underwire. Maybe my ‘girls’ just tax my bra bands too much.
The Bridge
Provides additional support. Who knew?
The Straps
When I first tried on my Victoria’s Secret bra the other day, it about strangled me. The straps were adjusted to their shortest point and the bra fit more like a choker. Once I adjusted these pulleys, the Perfect Shape bra became a whole lot more comfortable and actually fit over the right parts of my anatomy.
The Cups
My priority here has always been pretty. Are they lacy? Do they sparkle? Do they make my breasts stand at full attention? Never realized they were supposed to feel like little pillows. Did you?
So, now that I know what to look for, I am going to continue my bra hunt. Thinking maybe I can find the perfect bra over at True & Company. ‘True Body underwire‘ in dulce, I am looking at you. Or maybe an ‘Everyday Calvin full coverage bra‘ in bare? With True’s guarantee and free returns, I am certain to find the tee shirt bra that works best for me. Heading over right now to take their Fit Quiz. And check out some of their best sellers, here.
Your Turn
We’re friends, right? So, you won’t mind me asking what is your favorite bra and why? Have you tried Vanity Fair, Soma, Victoria’s Secret or True & Company? Do you have trouble finding someone old enough to vote who can give you an accurate measurement?
When my baby girls were baby girls, they used to call breasts by their own word…’bubbles’. Wasn’t that cute? And bras were called ‘bubble dresses’ or ‘bubble dressies’. My sweet babies. Won’t be long before they are buying bubble dressies for their own babies.
Hope to be able to try a True & Company bra or two and get back to you on the results of my bra hunt for the perfect tee shirt bra. It is safe to say I can rule out Soma from the start. Those pleats kind of defeat the purpose behind a tee shirt bra.
[source]
Have a productive Monday, girls! Thanks for spending a few minutes of it with me!
Hugs and kisses,
Kellyann Rohr
Oh the bra hunt! It is never ending and much like spotting a unicorn, does the perfect bra exist? I have given up on VS – they don’t provide enough support. Another thing is that I wear different sizes depending on the brand (and the person measuring, lol). I like full coverage, don’t mind underwire, and would love to banish any back fat. I haven’t yet tried Soma but I need to make the time and go in. I hope you find one you love!
xo,
Kellyann
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Had a good chuckle at your comment that finding the perfect bra was like going on a unicorn hunt! Ha! I really liked the way the Soma bra felt but couldn’t deal with the puckering and pleating in the cups. Had hoped True & Co. would allow me to try one of their bras for an honest review of it on my blog. But they didn’t. Boo!! Still looking for that elusive undergarment.
em
Are we ever NOT on the same page? This has been a quest for me for the last year. Have you done the Third Love quiz? NOT inexpensive but they give you 30 days and free returns to try what they recommend. I have to try that in my latest size.
I’ve been acquiring permanent divots in my shoulders from strap dig. I tried and liked Wacoal Lace Embrace…until I poked my thumb through the lace while hooking it. They make one called Lace Affair…much better because the lace is fabric backed. But at $60+ each, I hit the clearance table and aftermarket stores like Steinmart, Rack and TJs and occasionally found a couple that worked….BUT
After STILL not being able to cure my side boob, I shopped local, and was professionally fit by a young woman who told me that side boobs aren’t always curable, dropped my band size significantly and upped my cup size likewise. Wore a 34B for years (though I called it a 34 long)…went to a 32c with Wacoal and–post fitting–am now a 30DD (!!) in Natori. Cups are smooth, band doesn’t ride up (though it is admittedly not as smooth as I’d like in the back) and shoulders are no longer bruised. The girls are happy, but the pocketbook says take REALLY good care of those bras!
So that’s my story. Aren’t you glad you asked? LOL
em
NOT clearance tables…clearance TABS on dept stores…not first choice in colors…but better pricing.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Wow, I am glad to read I am not suffering alone with my bra issues. Misery loves company. My 91 year old mom has not been wearing hers in the hospital and my brother jumped down her throat for not having a bra on. But the nurses kept running the IV connections through her bra straps so she decided it was better to just keep the darn thing off. And at 91, I think she can do whatever she wants.
Interesting that dropping a size or two in band and adjusting your cup size made a difference for you. I have never heard of Wacoal but will check them out. Oooo, just visited their website and they have free shipping. Bras are pricey but at least they offer free shipping. Will be investigating further.
In my post, I forgot to mention that I do have a Third Love bra that I like but it just didn’t seem to maintain its shape well. Or maybe it has been longer than I think since I purchase it?? Might need to give them a second chance.
You always make me laugh with your witty comments. I think we would be great walking buddies if we lived in the same place. Happy new year!
Morgan
I hate bra shopping! I am nursing so I could use the DD one. Ha! I especially don’t like this time of life. It’s hard to find a good nursing bra and I do fluctuate! Boo. I’ll have to try out True & Company once I’m done nursing.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I am sure you have a whole set of bras in your nursing size and then a set of bras for pregnancy and a set of bras for after baby is born and finished nursing. Crazy! Expensive!! Why is it guys don’t have to deal with any of that stuff? Not fair. If you try a True & Company bra, hope you will come back to give us your opinion. Had hoped they would allow me to try one in exchange for a review on my blog but they didn’t offer. Boo!! Sure have enjoyed photos of your sweet babies over the holidays.
Donna
Hi, Leslie – I feel your pain!! I absolutely LOATHE bra shopping and avoid it at all costs. When I do get to the point of despair and desperately need to go on a bra-hunt, I usually pick up several bras at once. I’ve had some success with Calvins. Good luck with the rest of your hunt!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Just catching up on my blog comments and reading! Tell me more about Calvins…is that Calvin Klein? Is there a specific style you like? It is a shame that I flinch about spending money on a bra but don’t hesitate a moment on spending the same amount on other clothes. And yet, I wear a bra every single day. Something wrong with that picture!!
jodie filogomo
It’s a struggle, and I have a post like this in my queue!! Great minds think alike!!
But I have learned that our bra size is variable depending on the brand. It’s no different than clothes at times. I’ll tell the secret on the blog, so keep your eyes peeled!!
BTW, Kay gave a really nice post about posing…I thought of you when I read it since you mentioned it recently….https://dressedformyday.com/how-to-look-great-in-photographs/#comment-1505
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Have been so behind on my blog reading and commenting, thank you for sharing the link to Kay’s post about posing for photos. It’s funny, I had seen your comment and mention of her post but couldn’t remember where I saw it…and here it is. Need to head over to your blog to see if you have posted about bra size variability yet. Can’t wait to read!
Pat
I’ve had to re-enter the bra hunt after breast cancer surgery which has altered me on one side….totally asymmetric at the moment. I’m a similar size to you actually… VS measured me at 36DD but I’m usually buying 36D. I’ll need to look at 38C next time and decide if that’s better. My go-to in the past has been BALI, I get it at Kohl’s. But it’s not always there in my size….and my favorite style was discontinued (of course). I tried ThirdLove and disliked it. Felt comfy but then by end of the day I was bouncing/spilling out of the top. Impossible to return after you wear it too. I’ve tried KNIX and like them but it gives me a “uni-boob” which I’m not too fond of. My biggest challenge is finding a bra that works for yoga!! Doing an inversion (like a Down dog) and not falling out of the top of it….I’m still on a quest for that…. Knix’s sport bra didn’t work; VS newest sports bra either. My 3 yr old VS sports bra is the only one that works…and its definitely seen better days! If you find one that works for that… let me know!!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Oh, Pat, I remember now that you are a cancer survivor and warrior. Bless your sweet heart. I have had pretty good luck with Under Armour sports bras. I have several styles and they have held up well and held me up well!! You might give them a try. It is a shame that in a day and time when we can send man to the moon, cure so many diseases (sadly, not all cancers, though) that we could come up with a comfortable bra!
Dara
I have big chest problems. Like VS doesn’t even carry the size I need. I also hate underwire. I have found one I like though, it’s a Playtex 18 Hour and I need a few more!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Yay for good old Playtex. I ordered something similar for my mom recently from JCP and she says it is the most comfy bra she has. At 91, she has worn her share of bras, too!!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I am much smaller than you! Ha! But, I have always purchased the same bra at VS and it is a push up, because… I need all the help I can get! LOL! I will say I do prefer seamless bras, I don’t want any tucks of fabric or anything to show over my clothes. I also prefer solid colors. I have black, nude and white. I’m so boring, I know! LOL! I love your reviews on all of these stores, I’ve always wanted to try something other than VS!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I wore VS bras for years just because the store had some status to it…I mean who doesn’t like to have a bag of pretty things from Victoria’s Secret on their arm? I think I am a tightwad when it comes to shopping and buying bras. There are very few things we women wear every single day like a bra but yet spending $75+ on a bra seems like an outrage. I guess because it is a foundation piece that no one is going to see. I would rather have $75 shoes!!!
If VS works for you, then you have found your perfect match. I like my new VS bra but I bought a purple lace – you’re welcome, PC – and won’t be able to wear it with everything. Still trying to decide on my next tee shirt bra.
Daenel T.
I almost choked on your descriptions. I hate bra shopping. But I hate getting fitted even more. It’s always some young girl who hasn’t an ounce of back fat. Except the time when it was my daughter. Yes! Imagine having your kid walk into the room for the fitting because she’s filling in for someone. She looked me square in the eye and said “Hi, Mrs. Vaughn-Tucker, my name is Anjuli and I’ll be helping you today…” She doesn’t have back fat either, but she was very professional and didn’t giggle until it was over. She was like “Mom, I’m a trained professional.” She still gives me bra advice. LOL
I prefer Victoria’s Secret. So pretty and comfortable.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Look at your baby girl measuring you for a bra! And being all professional. Reminds me of when my daughters were students at the school where I was a librarian. They had to call me Mrs. —- instead of mommy which was very hard for them and me. And they slipped up more often than not.
I really don’t want a teeny bopper fitting me for a bra. Seems like Victoria’s Secret and Penney’s and Kohls and other stores that sell women’s foundation pieces would have the good sense to have an older woman coordinating things in those departments.
Cindi
I thought I was the only one who went through this. I’m a large breasted girl. VS doesn’t even carry my size and they’re all about big boobs. Go figure.
I usually carouse the sale racks at Marshall’s. Up until now, I’ve been lucky that way.
Marshall’s must be slacking off.
Anyway, I found the clearance racks at Kohl’s and I can get any brand named bra for like $2.50. yes, please!
But….and here’s that ‘but’……..these new fangled bras don’t last very long like my Maidenform used to. My straps are always slipping. The band always loosens up. By the end of the day I can’t rip these bras off me fast enough. What’s going on??? I’m wearing a Playtex and a Bali.
My hubby measures me. I don’t trust anyone else. I’m like a 38DD. Ugh Ugh.
I like wearing my sports bras, which I did all summer. Not a good thing. I think I got larger because sport support is like non-existent.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Love that your hubs measures you for your bras. My dad was the only person my mom would let perm her hair!! So funny!
I like wearing sports bras, too, I think because of the wide bands. They don’t dig into me like a regular bra band. Why can’t bra manufacturers make regular bras like sports bras??