I hate buying bras. So I decided to update this post and include much more information.
So I’ve written a new post about the Best Bras for Women Over 50 , an ultimate guide to buying and fitting a bra, and I’ve included all the information that was in this post.
More posts in this series: Best Comfy Bras
So with you Jo these days Iโm really finding it hard to get a comfortable bra at 61 I can no longer stomach wires digging into my ribs and as for thongs I have never understood why women want to wear them they must be the most uncomfortable piece of kit I have ever come across just no fun at all Had a good giggle reading this lightened up my day.
Glad it gave you a smile, Yolanda ๐ Me too, I hate wires sticking into my ribs!
I’ve always been single so other than a couple of periods where I’ve dated I’ve not bothered much about underwear and kinda stuck to sports bras and boring briefs.
Having said that, I got a couple of new dresses late last year and realised the cheap bras I get (that push and flatten my boobs as much as possible) really weren’t too complimentary, so actually went and had a fitting with a specialist to get a couple of decent bras. Still boring beige though. #teamlovinlife
Hi Deborah, Yes a dress can go from ‘bleuh’ to ‘WOW’ with a good fitting bra. Now to change the beige and get some beauties maybe ๐
I hear you Jo! and I think you have hit the mark with all of us! We all hate buying bras. And I can really relate to your point #3 – this is absolutely my problem too! It takes forever to find a bra which will not do this. My last best buy was from Target. So I went back and bought 2 more the same. Thanks Jo for another relevant post but written so we can all have a laugh as we agree. Ps – and thanks for the tips on how to fit a bra correctly! I never knew that measurement thing for working out the cup size.
Thanks Jill – glad you found it useful and amusing too ๐
Yes I’m absolutely on the same page with you here Jo. I hate buying bras and I hate being fitted. It’s so humiliating when the shop assistant is pushing all your squelchy bits into a bra and then saying you need to go up a cup size. My favourite bra was a Target one that is no longer available. I’m still wearing the old ones and they are just about falling to bits. You do have to try on every different brand because they differ in size. As for thongs or g-strings – no way!!! #TeamLovinLife
So humiliating isn’t it Kathy ๐ – and I always feel as if I should know better – but I always get a better bra if I subject myself to further tweaking and advice!
Miss 21 wears thongs, I don’t know how she stands it. They feel like dental floss and irritate my delicate bits. The past couple of years I’ve had a good run with the Target brand tshirt bra. Knowing my luck it will be discontinued next time I need to stock up ….
I know that feeling Janet – my advice is stock up to last a couple of years (and don’t increase arm, or shoulder strength exercises or anything like that in the meantime!)
The best way to bra shop, is with wine and friends….I mean really. What could make it better than that (oh, maybe a little chocolate thrown in for good measure). Remember when we used to be proud of our little growing girls….and now we get upset at trying to fit them into a holder? It is laughable!!!
Although I have always learned that the base number of the bra should be the under bust measurement??? Isn’t that what is supporting most of the action???
XOXO
Jodie
Wine and friends – I like that Jodie! Next time I’ll call a friend. Not sure about the under bust measurement?
Oh you made me laugh so much Jo! I’m rather well endowed in the um … boob department so have always had to be properly fitted…usually at Myers. Being larger sized has usually meant more boring and dowdy bras but it’s getting much better! Like some of the others, I’m finding bras and underwire so uncomfortable lately and am resorting to wearing my sports bras around the house as they’re so much more comfy (those all in one pull on stretchy numbers). As for thongs – OMG – I’m with you! Can’t stand them. I tried them of course but nooooo! Apart from the fact they are supremely uncomfortable, I actually don’t like the look of them under clothes anyway. It’s so obvious when one is being worn and I find them tacky. There are better and more comfy ways to achieve no visible panty line I think! ๐ #TeamLovinLife
Hi Min, I agree on all counts ๐ I’m glad I made you laugh – and your comment has left me with a big smile and a laugh in my head too. Thank you!
Came over from MLSTL… and oh dear can I relate! After recent breast cancer (I’m fine), I’m now lopsided. Yup, one boob is significantly smaller than the other. They kinda tell you that might happen along the way in treatment, but so much else is going on, you kinda don’t hear it. Until you need to shop because, well, things are different. I even found one place that talked about “sizing for asymmetry” … which sounded good, but really wasn’t anything but talk. So I’m still on the finder’s path…and when I find one that fits, I’m gonna buy a dozen, so I never have to shop again!
Oh Pat, I hear you. What a conundrum. I’m so glad that you’re ‘fine’ after breast cancer but sympathise about the asymmetry. As you say there was a lot going on and just as well you didn’t realise the implications about bra fitting until afterwards. I hope you find a great fitting bra soon, and as you say, buy a dozen (or more!) when you do. I’ll keep my ears to the ground for you too x
This is so true Jo! I put it off until I’m absolutely desperate and that’s not always a good idea because then I’m too stressed to make the right decisions. I agree with the comments on thongs too. Funny I wrote a post about bras and thongs this past week too – just a different type of thong to yours ๐ stopping by from #mlstl
Great minds think alike Debbie! I’m going to find your post about bras and thongs and read it today ๐
Oh good grief, it only gets worse with increasing boob size, there is only really one shop I can go too; it gets so expensive.
Visiting via today link-up (losing the plot)
Hi Sonia, I know – why are good fitting bras soooo expensive? I wouldn’t say they last all that much longer either.
I’m with you Jo! I hate shopping for bras or underwear full stop. I know we need them but boy they are uncomfortable and I don’t think I have ever found a comfortable one even after being professionally measured. Thanks for your tips though I will keep them handy for my next purchase. I’m a little like Leanne and have started wearing my sports bras or pull on ones which seem the most comfortable. Besides, I don’t have that much to fill these days LOL:) Thanks for linking up and sharing at #MLSTL. Have a great week!
Hi Sue, I agree sports bras are the comfiest to wear and like you on a daily basis that’s me – except when I’ve got my going out togs on, then it’s a lift up and support needed!
I loathe bra shopping – my poor little boobs are hanging a bit low these days, but finding a bra that is comfortable and not begging to be ripped off the moment I walk in the door at the end of the day just seems impossible. I’ve given up on underwire and lace – both are uncomfortable (except for special occasions – which are fewer and further between these days) and I now just buy the all in one pull on bras from somewhere like Best and Less – I’m going for comfort over looks these days – and I’m grateful I don’t have big enough boobs to warrant too much scaffolding to hold them in place.
Thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL and I’ve shared this on my SM xx
Hi Leanne, totally agree about bra shopping. It’s great though that you’re comfortable with yourself and your bra needs these days – go you ๐
Hi Michele, so glad that you’ve found a bra brand which has stood the course of time. Love that you found some op shop bargains – as you say, you’re sorted for a good few years – just keep the moths out won’t you! Lol!
Great advice so many people underestimate the value of a good fitting bra…luckily for me the bras I like have been available for years and hopefully, they will continue to be. My best buy was actually to see 10 in the op shop tags still on for $4 each bargain. Won’t need to go shopping for a few years now