Ann Summers triumphs over Marks and Spencer...

[ThirdGenRetail]

You know, reading this thread is an irony because I just bought two new bras the other day... And I bet one will vanish within two weeks' time. It never fails... So I end up wearing just one so much that the tag fades and I can no longer tell what size it is I must have been a sight at Wal-Mart on Saturday, holding bra cups up to my chest to see what felt like it fit better... Not the most conventional way to make sure it fits, but I'm not big on people touching me, let alone anywhere near my bosom.

But big fun challenge for me... I hate under wires. I abhor them. They're uncomfortable for me, and, frankly, I don't even much like BRAS, but they're a necessary evil I have to deal with... So I go with under wire-free. And because they're more comfortable for me to put on... Front-hooking bras. Which are surprisingly challenging to find in such a combination(Are there front-hooking bras with under wires...? IDK if there are...). So far I've had good luck with Wal-Mart(And less than $3...? Score for me? I wear these things to death, too...), but I've contemplated looking at other places, to.. Just not VS, too many horror stories about their 'fittings'

[ZumZum]

ThirdGen,
Is there a Bali near you? We have outlet malls that have them.
I am well-endowed, and I absolutely hate underwire, too.
I have it in my pretty/sexy bras, can't find them without it.

However, my everyday, where to work ones have no underwire and are the most comfortable ones I have ever owned.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I feel your pain. I'm quite broad around the chest area, and also very big busted; I'm a 40E. I was wearing a C cup for years til I got measured, and found I was miles bigger. XD

However, my local M&S is actually very good; I can usually find a few every day bras there. However, for sexy bras, I always head for Ann Summers. I've bought quite a few bras there; my most recent purchase was a stunning pink and black bra with matching panties which my fiance bought for me. ^^ My only annoyance with the store is that being a small one, my size is often sold out. When I get the chance, I go to the much bigger one in the next town.

I don't mind underwires for sexy bras but for every day ones, no underwiring.

[ThirdGenRetail]

ThirdGen,
Is there a Bali near you? We have outlet malls that have them.
I am well-endowed, and I absolutely hate underwire, too.
I have it in my pretty/sexy bras, can't find them without it.

However, my everyday, where to work ones have no underwire and are the most comfortable ones I have ever owned.

No idea what a Bali is... So I'd wager that as a 'possible no'... There's entire chunks of the city I've never visited, though, so there COULD be one hiding somewhere I don't know about. Is it a chain found in the US..?

[PepperElf]

guh, bra shopping. I feel your pain. Can't believe (okay, can, but it blows) that M&S--or any store looking to make money--would be such jerks about helping you buy something! That assistant was awful. Glad you found something at the store with helpful folks! (even if it was pricey)

As for sizing. Whew. Yeah, cups sizes can totally change throughout one's life, plus fittings are often wrong unless you've got someone who knows what they're doing. Also, if the band size is different the cup sizes have different volumes--a 36 C (me, mostly) is closer in volume to a 38/40 B than C. Similarly, if I dropped a band size or two, I'd probably end up a D. Top that off with some lack of consistency in manufacturing sizes and any bra shopping trip is just a joy!

especially as you gain or lose weight. I've had my cup size change from C to B (and then back )

[siskaren]

No idea what a Bali is... So I'd wager that as a 'possible no'... There's entire chunks of the city I've never visited, though, so there COULD be one hiding somewhere I don't know about. Is it a chain found in the US..?

Bali is a brand of intimate wear. They do have their own stores, but you can also find them in department stores like Kohl's, Penney's, etc. They used to have a style I really liked, but then they stopped making the non-underwire version (I also don't like underwire).

[Treasure]

even if you're not "full figured" elsewhere try looking in shops that cater to plus-sized ladies for your bras when you're out side of "average"....

I love my bras that I got from Lane Bryant - cacique is the brand, they are cotton, deep plunge underwire bra's that have 2 sets of loops for where you can position the straps - the only down side is you can't wear this particular style as a halter (unless you tie the straps - not recommended)

I really need to see if I can get a strapless version to wear under my bridesmaid dress for Nov. as the strapless I have is not a deep plunge....

[Cat Herder]

Do keep us abreast of developments.

*ducks*

[Jay 2K Winger]

Do keep us abreast of developments.

*ducks*

They are sure to be quite titillating.

*ducks*

[PastryGal]

I've been wearing 40DD for years and recently was shopping down town with my sis in law and we went into the little boutique down there where she gets her bras as she's well endowed as well. She talked me into getting measured and fitted for free. Turned out I'm actually 38F. First bra she tried me in was $132 (about £82 for you brits), second one was $172 (£107). They fit like a dream tho, properly as they should. Unfortunately I can't afford any right now but as soon as I can I'm going to get one! Sis in law said she buys one or 2 a year there. She showed me one she had bought about a year ago and it looked brand new still. (she washes em in a special bra cage, need to get me one of those too, lol)

[ralerin]

When I get to the UK I may have to pop into AS and get myself measured, they do sound quite nice.

I'm surprised that you didn't buy other things there as well.

[Ree]

About 3 years ago, I bought a few of the "Cacique" Plus-size cotton bras wth no underwire, and they are the most comfortable bras I ever wore.
I ordered them online from Lane Bryant, and they were on a buy 1 - get 1 half price deal. (They must run that sale a lot.)
Shortly after, Lane Bryant stopped shipping to Canada, so unless I find a store in the US, I'm out of luck.

(OMG - just noticed the link shows they're shipping to Canada again. YAY!!)

[Chromatix]

What I've heard about underwire is that it requires fitting. So if you aren't having *all* your bras fitted properly, avoid underwire.

[dalesys]

Do keep us abreast of developments.

*ducks*

They are sure to be quite titillating.

*ducks*

Cat & Jay? Your hold on existence is getting rather nip & tuck...


But thanks for the mam memories.

[MadMike]

Cat & Jay? Your hold on existence is getting rather nip & tuck...


But thanks for the mam memories.

Why is everyone acting like a couple of boobs?