General Discussion

leftynyc

(26,060 posts)

82. Unless you're buying the exact same style

Thu Apr 11, 2013, 12:59 PM

Apr 2013

in the exact same size, a woman needs to try on every single bra -they all fit different (and we wont even get into the difference between an American cut vs a European cut (quickly, the bottom half of the cup of European bras are 1/2 inch shorter than American cut). As we age, we also need different things from bras. I honestly can say I've never even met a man who designed bras but I worked with the designer who made that second skin satin bra that has made over $1 billion for Victoria's Secret. She retired a few years ago and was probably the best in the business. You make an excellent point about the majority of bras and sizes fitting into a very small window but the reality is that most women will fit into those sizes.

Also, for the women out there - when trying on a bra, put your shirt or dress back on to see how it looks with clothes so you don't get an unpleasant surprise at home. 12 years in that business and attending dozens of fit clinics taught me a lot.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

233 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

French study: Bras don�t help breasts [View all] Paul E Ester Apr 2013 OP

I like this study. Katashi_itto Apr 2013 #1

to put it bluntly HockeyMom Apr 2013 #2

I would volunteer to watch and assist in making a judgement. Katashi_itto Apr 2013 #6

D+ hurts no matter what you're doing, bra or not. Myrina Apr 2013 #8

I hear ya', Myrina, and you are so right. Mine came in during 5th grade and tricked me into Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #54

oh to be perky again! shanti Apr 2013 #78

Perky makes it easier to keep from getting hit in the face with 'em when running. Of course, then Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #79

I haven't gone, or been able to, go braless since I was 12 HockeyMom Apr 2013 #134

+1 JustAnotherGen Apr 2013 #69

Panty hose are out of fashion anyway here in California. Cleita Apr 2013 #86

wrong place Cleita Apr 2013 #87

Hi Cleita! I've seen that bare legged look in California and want to try it R B Garr Apr 2013 #140

I use Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. Cleita Apr 2013 #146

Thanks! Sally Hansen is a good brand R B Garr Apr 2013 #148

I use the spray on tan. It's better if someone else sprays it on for you Maraya1969 Apr 2013 #184

Thanks Maraya! I did check for this also at the drugstore R B Garr Apr 2013 #214

I've seen fashion police skewer women for wearing nude hose BainsBane Apr 2013 #156

I prefer bare legs myself, however, if I'm wearing pumps instead of Cleita Apr 2013 #163

Oh sure, I'm all for wearing what you want BainsBane Apr 2013 #172

Not in Central NJ JustAnotherGen Apr 2013 #226

Eek! That sounds so uncomfortable. Cleita Apr 2013 #228

double d hurts like hell xmas74 Apr 2013 #90

I Disagree Macoy51 Apr 2013 #99

Way to be classy MattBaggins Apr 2013 #107

I guess it differs if they are personally attached to you xmas74 Apr 2013 #207

Very True Macoy51 Apr 2013 #222

I didn't get them until I turned 50 and blimped up. Warpy Apr 2013 #102

Not to mention, without some kind of support ... Myrina Apr 2013 #105

cooking can be especially dangerous nt BainsBane Apr 2013 #119

Have you tried nursing bras? I mean the good ones, like Medela, not the cheapies winter is coming Apr 2013 #143

It hurts to do a lot of stuff without the bra on. GoCubsGo Apr 2013 #74

I am a D cup and run without a bra. I never wear bras at all in fact. MillennialDem Apr 2013 #130

I am a DD ... he only time I WANT to wear a bra is running/ sports etherealtruth Apr 2013 #141

I'm guessing you're not wearing the right size BainsBane Apr 2013 #174

Very true etherealtruth Apr 2013 #175

You're speaking to the Einstein of bras BainsBane Apr 2013 #177

You ROCK!!!!!!!! etherealtruth Apr 2013 #181

I actually purchase mine from a local specialty shop xmas74 Apr 2013 #208

This I have never considered! etherealtruth Apr 2013 #217

Not a problem. xmas74 Apr 2013 #231

no one makes straps long enough! i'm constantly pulling the band down. and the wires poke. ellenfl Apr 2013 #188

You're definitely wearing the wrong size BainsBane Apr 2013 #210

I think it really depends on the size of the boobies. Sivafae Apr 2013 #3

A lifetime of dating bigger women with large breasts and I generally agree. Poll_Blind Apr 2013 #4

Well, you should ask all those "bigger women" how they feel without bras. Because all my friends who KittyWampus Apr 2013 #28

My poor friends with bras digging into their skin would disagree. we can do it Apr 2013 #47

As others mentioned downthread� if bars are digging into your skin, you're wearing the wrong bra. KittyWampus Apr 2013 #51

i meant BRAS! we can do it Apr 2013 #61

that is what I am fighting right now CountAllVotes Apr 2013 #62

Oh my- I feel for you poor dear. I am blessed to be small and (pain) free. we can do it Apr 2013 #66

thank you CountAllVotes Apr 2013 #77

Oh wow. I am sorry for what you are going through. Pain sucks. Maraya1969 Apr 2013 #191

Yep. I'm fairly well-endowed. The first thing I do in the morning is put on a sports bra. Arugula Latte Apr 2013 #94

Agreed. Even when I was a 32DD I still needed them, simply because of the way my breasts are shaped. GreenPartyVoter Apr 2013 #101

will you marry me? eom ellenfl Apr 2013 #192

No, but sometimes it's more comfortable to wear one. So whatever. Brickbat Apr 2013 #5

False necessity- also shaving, makeup, heels, neckties, and circumcision. NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #7

I wear a bra for comfort. and let me tell you, so do a hell of a lot of other women cali Apr 2013 #17

I would wear one, especially if I was large there, I think. I would probably shave a little too. NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #27

It's a lot like shoes. Xithras Apr 2013 #63

Olive Gardens. cliffordu Apr 2013 #39

Remember that time we both wore bras to the Olive Garden? NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #42

I miss breastfeeding that mutt cliffordu Apr 2013 #70

Jeez, Cliff, the neighbors are going to wonder why I'm laughing so loud Hekate Apr 2013 #187

I'm here to serve..... cliffordu Apr 2013 #194

Did you order fried chicken xmas74 Apr 2013 #91

Nothing better than corn flake chicken! NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #96

I've heard it called a lot of things before..... cliffordu Apr 2013 #193

Hear tell it once killed a man just for snoring. NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #195

Anything I can do to help...... cliffordu Apr 2013 #198

Professional? NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #199

WELLL>>>>>>> cliffordu Apr 2013 #213

Oh noes! xmas74 Apr 2013 #206

the kudzu thread lasted a long time. Do you know what ended it? NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #212

What did finally end it? xmas74 Apr 2013 #230

Rumor has it... NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #232

I know all three threads! xmas74 Apr 2013 #233

I know all the memes except "Olive garden" Paul E Ester Apr 2013 #147

Rabrrrrr nailed it. NYC_SKP Apr 2013 #178

I never wear one at home Oilwellian Apr 2013 #9

yes, nor cal shanti Apr 2013 #80

That's what I do! etherealtruth Apr 2013 #142

That's the reason I wear one. I saw these sticker things that you can put Maraya1969 Apr 2013 #197

There is such a product A Little Weird Apr 2013 #205

Thanks for the this! Maraya1969 Apr 2013 #225

iam sure they help - srican69 Apr 2013 #10

And men's underwear doesn't "help testicles". Nye Bevan Apr 2013 #11

French study: Underwear doesn�t help testicles Paul E Ester Apr 2013 #14

Why does my guy say he has to wear briefs for support, then??? Manifestor_of_Light Apr 2013 #20

As Kramer said, "my boys need a house" (nt) Nye Bevan Apr 2013 #22

Because you never know if you might need to jump off a 4 foot ledge. Hassin Bin Sober Apr 2013 #36

Boxers normally, but when I run or work out; strickly briefs. Javaman Apr 2013 #48

agree nt mopinko Apr 2013 #25

study finds place in France where the men don't wear underpants Johonny Apr 2013 #29

Underwear keeps shit and urine off your pants. Warren Stupidity Apr 2013 #40

Maybe you should try "The Nut Bra" Arugula Latte Apr 2013 #95

I've been led to believe TlalocW Apr 2013 #12

Not true leftynyc Apr 2013 #24

another interesting post� thanks. as frustrated as I get with DU, still find great stuff in all the KittyWampus Apr 2013 #31

I was wearing one that was too big around and too small cups, made a world of difference to have one Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #56

That's what most women do leftynyc Apr 2013 #71

Amen! It hurts much less now, though underwires are still my bane. It is so worth it to invest in Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #73

Best brand is Wacoal leftynyc Apr 2013 #75

I have two Wacoals and an Anita, love 'em! nt Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #76

Wearing Wacoal right now! PasadenaTrudy Apr 2013 #97

They're well worth the price leftynyc Apr 2013 #100

Ewww, underwires! Warpy Apr 2013 #106

But I bet you're happy to leftynyc Apr 2013 #218

To me there are bras and then there's lingerie. TlalocW Apr 2013 #72

Unless you're buying the exact same style leftynyc Apr 2013 #82

Your posts are great advice R B Garr Apr 2013 #144

You're very welcome leftynyc Apr 2013 #216

largely because companies like vanity fair don't make BainsBane Apr 2013 #120

Thanks for the link, I have some dear friends who might benefit. KittyWampus Apr 2013 #30

Best bra site tammywammy Apr 2013 #34

a good information site BainsBane Apr 2013 #122

huh. Who knew. That's awesome for her.=) Volaris Apr 2013 #60

vazquez is really a goldstein? whooda thunk it? thanks for the links. eom ellenfl Apr 2013 #200

When I was on a camping trip to Brazil undeterred Apr 2013 #13

I work in the blazing hot sun during summer and wear athletic tank tops with built in shelf bras. KittyWampus Apr 2013 #50

They are fairly comfy, too...and you can jump right into the pool after work. we can do it Apr 2013 #114

I have spent years doing my own research on this topic... Demo_Chris Apr 2013 #15

I recommend getting a grant from the UN and going global in your studies...nt Paul E Ester Apr 2013 #18

Funding is not the problem, I just need more volunteers! nt Demo_Chris Apr 2013 #23

try NIH BainsBane Apr 2013 #123

LOL Oilwellian Apr 2013 #33

Jury Results JVS Apr 2013 #16

Love DU Juries Paul E Ester Apr 2013 #26

What idiot alerted on this? Dear gawd we can do it Apr 2013 #49

Which is why we need an eye rolly icon B2G Apr 2013 #52

Very cute! (I just don't get it some days) we can do it Apr 2013 #55

I can guess (and I'll bet you can, too). 11 Bravo Apr 2013 #89

The outrage brigade was at it again, I see. Apophis Apr 2013 #85

Boobie baiting? maddezmom Apr 2013 #92

The patriarchy strikes again! UnrepentantLiberal Apr 2013 #121

I am thinking it should be referred to as maddezmom Apr 2013 #128

. UnrepentantLiberal Apr 2013 #137

WTF? octothorpe Apr 2013 #93

WTF? kdmorris Apr 2013 #110

Kick Fuckety Kick Catherina Apr 2013 #113

I agree with Juror #1, we need eye rollies. Shrike47 Apr 2013 #133

I think you can post the smilies in the jury results if I'm not mistaken Cali_Democrat Apr 2013 #139

Most women wear a band size that is too small around the ribs. Manifestor_of_Light Apr 2013 #19

Same here, I gave the damn things up nearly 20 years ago. No ill effects. we can do it Apr 2013 #38

I take the trouble to find one that fits. I didn't throw them away completely. Manifestor_of_Light Apr 2013 #44

I'm 40 A - there is no need for one. we can do it Apr 2013 #53

I'm a 40B. Manifestor_of_Light Apr 2013 #150

I wear pretty loose tops most of the time, some no show worries. we can do it Apr 2013 #154

Underwire that doesn't stab?!!! Thanks for the link, Manifestor! nt Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #57

I've got some Glamourise underwires that don't stab. They're expensive, winter is coming Apr 2013 #98

Speaking of straps, why the HELL don't they Warpy Apr 2013 #129

Why are the straps so effing short? winter is coming Apr 2013 #138

Still lack range of motion due to frozen shoulder, and have therefore switched to eridani Apr 2013 #223

Check out this website tammywammy Apr 2013 #67

I think most people wear band sizes to big BainsBane Apr 2013 #124

I agree, I have a fairly small rib cage but a very large cup size so I can never find a bra smirkymonkey Apr 2013 #159

There are a few nice ones BainsBane Apr 2013 #162

Thank you for the tips! smirkymonkey Apr 2013 #202

there is a brand called Freya which makes some really nice ones, they can be expensive JI7 Apr 2013 #221

OOH I HEAR YOU Skittles Apr 2013 #157

What's always surprised me every time it happened, is how few women know Egalitarian Thug Apr 2013 #21

LOL BainsBane Apr 2013 #125

I wear them all summer long. robinlynne Apr 2013 #131

those little silicone thingies? BainsBane Apr 2013 #132

wearing them now. I have small breasts. robinlynne Apr 2013 #151

I'm glad you found something that works BainsBane Apr 2013 #153

oh. we little ones can never find a fitting bra online! They just wnat to prtetend that everyone is robinlynne Apr 2013 #155

Have you tried specialty stores? BainsBane Apr 2013 #160

Thank-you. i will look at your search. generally they say they have them but they dont when you . robinlynne Apr 2013 #196

they must work for some BainsBane Apr 2013 #136

They are great for camouflaging nipples. Even with a bra I still put them on sometimes. but each robinlynne Apr 2013 #152

Covers? I should live so long! Manifestor_of_Light Apr 2013 #164

I learned all about bra sizing some years back. Heywood J Apr 2013 #169

washing machine and dryer? BainsBane Apr 2013 #171

My washing machine is comparatively gentle, Heywood J Apr 2013 #176

I bet BainsBane Apr 2013 #180

One ex used those to deal with a symmetry problem she had. Egalitarian Thug Apr 2013 #179

Do you ever watch DDivas on Lifetime? BainsBane Apr 2013 #182

Sorry, I don't watch TV. Women need good lingerie stores. It's one of the very many things that Egalitarian Thug Apr 2013 #185

corollary - my balls get no benefit from underwear datasuspect Apr 2013 #32

I knew this a long time ago. Just another way to get women to waste more money. we can do it Apr 2013 #35

But wearing something like the AHHH Bra, like I am doing right now, feels more catbyte Apr 2013 #37

Got a non-stabby underwire at this shop. it's possible to find comfy underwires. Manifestor_of_Light Apr 2013 #45

Totally, I kind of need one, but I can't wait to get it off at the end of the day and smirkymonkey Apr 2013 #161

A semi-funny underwire bra story. Le Taz Hot Apr 2013 #219

Tittilating tresearch threads take tsience to a whole tnew tlevel pinboy3niner Apr 2013 #41

I suspected that was the case... so glad to see this! redqueen Apr 2013 #43

Post removed Post removed Apr 2013 #46

I remember learning from some model they brought to our school treestar Apr 2013 #58

Putting something on your face that clogs your pores keeps your pores from clogging. we can do it Apr 2013 #116

that foundation thing is bogus BainsBane Apr 2013 #211

This thread is useless without pics. baldguy Apr 2013 #59

... Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #65

I agree Baclava Apr 2013 #204

I so totally disagree. Baitball Blogger Apr 2013 #64

Ann Landers said if you can't hold up a pencil you don't need one - I agree. we can do it Apr 2013 #68

I haven't passed that test since I was 13. :^( GreenPartyVoter Apr 2013 #103

I still pass after nearly no bras for nearly 20 years. we can do it Apr 2013 #115

I bet that's really nice. :^) Life was a lot more freeing back GreenPartyVoter Apr 2013 #167

me either BainsBane Apr 2013 #145

It is the bane of any pendulous type lady, for sure. GreenPartyVoter Apr 2013 #165

I can still pass it at age 56 Skittles Apr 2013 #158

The only time I enjoy these things is when I am flashing a little cleavage, provided GreenPartyVoter Apr 2013 #166

on the rare occasion I wear anything form-fitting Skittles Apr 2013 #168

LOL GreenPartyVoter Apr 2013 #170

Who asks you that? Bay Boy Apr 2013 #224

anyone who knows me well Skittles Apr 2013 #229

Mine were used as the Le Taz Hot Apr 2013 #220

And then there are those of us who only wear bras to hold up prostheses... Contrary1 Apr 2013 #81

That's ok, we are glad you are here! we can do it Apr 2013 #117

bras dont help, but arnt they made for comfort? RedstDem Apr 2013 #83

And they needed a study? BanzaiBonnie Apr 2013 #84

Since old age has sent my Ds down to my knees, Cleita Apr 2013 #88

Like if breasts were their own person............ nolabels Apr 2013 #104

"After 15 years of meticulously studying the breasts of 130 women" PD Turk Apr 2013 #108

That guy's power point presentations must be a hit at conferences. JVS Apr 2013 #111

yeah PD Turk Apr 2013 #209

I don't think anyone thought it "Helped breasts" kdmorris Apr 2013 #109

Nursing HockeyMom Apr 2013 #183

I think Duct tape would work better! (LOL) n/t kdmorris Apr 2013 #186

Set 'em free, I say... Blue Owl Apr 2013 #112

Me too....Be free little friends we can do it Apr 2013 #118

way? robinlynne Apr 2013 #126

I always knew this Generic Other Apr 2013 #127

Best reply stopwastingmymoney Apr 2013 #189

To ask MEN HockeyMom Apr 2013 #135

Not a man but I'd say support like some of us larger breasted women. maddezmom Apr 2013 #149

The strap is for sports and it holds a protective plastic cup in place so that your balls don't... JVS Apr 2013 #190

How interesting. I know I won't leave home without one Number23 Apr 2013 #173

I thought it was nearly universally understood Wednesdays Apr 2013 #201

Loving this thread... Aristus Apr 2013 #203

I've hated bras Le Taz Hot Apr 2013 #215

yay, I never wear one, I was a rebel. riverbendviewgal Apr 2013 #227