Bra Makeover on a Budget

Definitely get measured, but not at VS! I've found that the #1 place to be measured is Nordstrom--very throrough and professional. You don't have to buy a bra there, but I recommend getting measured there--then take the info to a less expensive store. I like bras from The Gap Body.

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D.,
I'm in the same boat. I just quit nursing and I still have weight to loose. I went to Walmart and purchased about three underwire (gray, pink, white) bras from Fruit of the Loom. They were about $6.68 each!!! They are not the type I would normally buy because, nursing four kids for a year each, I need a little more lift. But figure I'll invest in that when I'm closing to my target weight. Hope this helps.
C.

1 mom found this helpful

Go to Sears/Dillards & have them fit you, buy two GOOD ones & they'll last you a while. IF you buy cheap cute ones you'll be sorry in the long run. Good luck & God Bless!

I know this sounds silly but try Wallmart or target (depending on our size). also clearance shopping at places like Lane Bryant or Torrid (the only bras that fit me properly) is a must. I only make $7.50 an hour (I don't have kids yet) and I just bought a new truck a couple of months ago (my Blazer almost literally blew up) so with car payments and hiked insurance not to mention gas prices (AAHHHHH!!!!) shopping on a tight buck is a must for me. All you need is one or two decent bras to get you through and if you go to the right places that shouldn't cost more than $20-$30. All you need is one black one and one that closely matches you skin tone.

At JC Pennys they have Lily of France "Budget Bra" 14.99. They are my fave!

I've found some nice, reliable, pretty, reasonable bras at Target. Great bras for when your going through this transition and want something nice but don't want to spend a lot of money. Give them a shot.

Depending on what size...I pleasently discovered that www.lanebryant.com has extrodinary bra's. If your size is smaller than DD, I think they have them in store as well. But on line, I have found FABULOUS bra's from them, that wear and wash beyond belief. And, they run specials so often that I am able to pay about $10. Due to my chest size, I have always spent $40 for a good bra (sorry, no offense to VS, but never found what I needed there, pretty, no performance! And I want both!!)! Good luck!

I would go to the Playtex outlet at the Great Plains Mall. I was able to find a bra exactly like one I had gotten at Penney's for half the price. They will measure you there too if you need it. But they have tons of name brand bras that are half the price you will find them elsewhere, lots under $20. Good luck-I know what you are going through!

I've had some good luck getting nice bras at JCPenney's on sale or even clearance. They also have a line of bras that are only $14.99 or there abouts everyday, so they naturally do not go on sale (but do sometimes get clearanced). You can also save an extra 15% off sale prices if you take the online survey that's mentioned on the back of their receipts. The catch is that the coupons are only good for 30 days, but just take the survey and print it off before you go and no problem. I've gotten truly excellent deals when combining their sales, plus extra % off (an occasional sale incentive, e.g. "extra 20% (or more!) off sale & clearance prices), plus my internet coupon. Just be sure to read the fine print on the coupon--certain brands are always exempt, though I can't think of any bra brands that are on the exempt list.

Can you tell I used to work for Penney's?? Anyway, I've never once had any problems with any bras I've bought from Penney's. Good selection, the clerks in the lingerie dept. are also trained to help with bra fitting, and good sales offers as well! Many are in the catalog as well, so if they don't have your size in stock they can probably order it for you, at the sale price. One more idea...perhaps if the bra fits now at the loosest fasteners when you buy it, it will continue to fit as you lose the baby weight? Good luck with that--I'm still trying to lose the baby weight from my 2nd! :)

Whatever you do, before you buy, get sized. You can have this done at JC Penney, Dillards, VS and I'm sure there are others. I have always been a different size when I finished nursing than when I started and you want the right fit. Once you are sure what size you are that will determine where you can buy. If you are able to get a good fitting bra at Walmart, then go for it. I, unfortunately, am only able to buy at Dillard's and even they don't always carry my size. I do have Lunaire, which another poster mentioned and it is very comfortable and supportive. Good luck!

JC Penny's Outlet! I've got $50.00 bras for $14.00 there. You have to sort through them, since they get scattered and throw around.

Wal-Mart has a padded, front-close Hanes bra that I LOVE! It costs about $5 too. Then when you're ready, you can ask for VS gift certificates for bday/Christmas!

Ambrielle from JC Penney - got 4 post-breastfeeding and they are all I wear now! Very reasonably priced, especially when there is a weekend/holiday sale.

Depending on the size you need they have some bras at walmart called Curvations. I think they are made by Queen Latifah but they are comfortable. I used them for a while after I had my son and they worked for a decent price.

Burlington Coat Factory! I just went through the same situation. You can't beat their prices. The most expensive bra I picked up there was $6.99 and they have name brands like Vasserette. Good luck to you!

I haven't read all your responses, so I apologize if someone already mentioned this. Check out Ebay! You can find brand new, never been worn bras with the tags still on! And you can get them for a fraction of the price. So, just look up your favorite bra, I'm sure you'll get quite a few hits.

Target usually has cute bras. Also try Wal-mart, Cargo Largo, Gordman's, K-Mart, Big Lots,any place that's usually cheap, or has good sales really! Good Luck

JCPenny outlet has some nice ones for $9.95! The recent ones I have gotten are Vanity Fair and very nice! Good luck!

I don't know what size you are and that would make a difference as far as where and what you buy. If you have a more ample chest it probably cuts down on choices as far as what and where you shop, IMO. If you are size C or larger there is a brand called Lunaire that Dillard's and I believe also Macy's carry. They are very pretty and come in many styles and are the most comfortable bra I have found and I have had trouble finding something that doesn't poke too much. My new favorite is the new t-shirt bra they carry. They run in the mid $20 to mid $30 range depending on the style. If you are smaller it is easier to find nice bras a little less expensive. Also, Dillard's usually has a sale rack that you can get some very nice discontinued bras of all sizes. Sometimes the companies will put out a special color for a season or a promo and then after a certain time these go on the sale rack. Hope this helps!

Hi D., E-bay has great Victoria's Secret bra's to offer for a minimal price. I have also gotten some great fitting and supportive bras from Kohl's for 1/2 the price of VS. Good luck.

Victoria's Secret sales!

Have you tried bra extenders? You get them at JCPenny's and just use them on your old bras. They worked for me and cost about $5.00.

Good Luck

TJMaxx has some good bargains, and a wide variety to choose from.

D.- I just read in Consumer Reports that Target has a bra - the brand name is Gillian and O'Malley and they ranked it up there will Victoria Secret and some other really expensive bra. However, this bra ranges from 9-15 dollars. So I thought what the heck, Target had actually ran a sale on them so I tired them. Actually, they are nice and they wash really well. They have a lot of variety- like underwire, no wire, cotton, padded etc. so hopefully this will help you. I have been back since and bought a couple more.

Good Luck.
V.

After my 2nd child I did not get back to my pre-pregnant weight. The hardest thing for to adjust to was having larger breasts & bra that was comfortable / suportive. The only semi - reasonable ones I have found are Curvations. I absoultely love them. They are sold at Wal Mart & K Mart. They do run abou $12.00, but it beats $30 at specialty shops. To give you an idea I went from a 34C to a 36D, doesn't sound like much, but uncomfortable.

i recently bought a handful of new bras. it's my first time wearing underwires in over 10 years!

i second Gillian & Malley from Target. the ones i saw range from $10-$17. i also bought a few that were Sheer Expressions (i think). they were about $10.

i am pleased with the quality and they shape they give me.

Hi - you have received some great advice, and I do agree about Walmart. The only suggestion I haven't seen is the Vanity Fair Outlet Store out at the Great Mall of the Great Plains.

It may be a trek to get there depending on where you live, but I think it could be worth it. They also have cute clothes for both you and the kids. Good luck!

look on the end caps at target, they usually have nice bras marked down, also checkout the bras at tj maxx and marshall's.

Catch either the Kohls or JC Penney sales. Buy 2, get 1 free! JC Penney will also fit you at no charge.
L.

try Marshalls. or other discount places in town.

I always get my bras at Kohls. They have lots to choose from at a good price. They are always having sales.