Looking for Good Bras

First problem with VS is the majority of the gals working there are 12 and have not had children :-) The second is their bras are totally overhyped.

Tina's Closet in Naperville is a hike for me but I made it and it was worth the drive. In 20 minutes I had several very well fitting bras (I am a completely different size than VS told me) - I can't believe the difference in how my clothes fit and how much thinner I look. I'm also a runner and she fit me with two great sports bras that hold the gals in place and keep me from getting a back ache trying to hold em down.

It's worth the drive! Just beware that Tina is pretty no nonsense and gets you in and out - a plus for me. My girlfriends daugher is a 30EE :(yes, that's a size!) and she will only go there.

She also has swimsuits and formal dresses.

Can you tell I loved the place?

I'm also a former Nordstrom employee and would recommend any of their departments - bras and shoes first and foremost!

I agree! VS bras have really let me down. It's worth it to budget around $50-$70 for a decent bra. I've had great luck with Wacoal bras that you can get at Macy's. I like them because they're super simple and not covered in lace, and come in darker colors so you don't feel too frumpy and old-ladyish. I've also had luck with Bali's, which I think are also at Macy's. If you go to a dept. store, they usually have trained women to help you pick a good one to fit your frame, or at least they did when I last bought bras. I'm the same size as you now, so I feel your frustration!
Good luck,
J.

One of my girlfriends really likes the store "Soma" which is a divsion of Chicos. She swears by their bras (and hates VS.) Good luck with the girls, :)

I too have been struggling with this my entire life. (34F before pregnancy) Tina's Closet is great they will fit you and make alterations to help the bra fit its best. I have also always had great luck at Nordstrom, but they don't alter the bras. VS has NEVER given me enough lift and support.

Hi Jenni,

My moms group just had our annual bra fitting party. Kathryn from Knickers came and fitted around 20 moms with bras. Both years I have bought Wacoal and have been pleased with them. Carsons carries them also & sometimes you can use a coupon for them. I also found the same bra but in pink that was on the clearance rack.

Good luck
C.

i have heard that Tinas Closet is THE PLACE to go. i have yet to go and I don't know where it is. i was hoping someone woudl have posted that place!! I think its in Lombard?

I think Victoria's Secret does a horrible job at accommodating women with large breasts. Their bras just aren't supportive enough. If you really want a good bra--it may cost a about $60. A brand I really love is called Freya at Nordstrom.

Nordstrom is the BEST! They are widely known across America for being the best bra fitters. Google Oprah and Nordstrom. She did a show a couple years back about it, was pretty interesting. And they've got the best return policy ever. You can literally take anything back, after any length of time after having owned it, with no proof of purchase, no tags attached and return it with no questions asked. They're amazing.

I've never had problems with finding good bras because I was really small chested before I got pregnant, but JCPenney always does good service. They will always measure you if you want, and pretty much give you a personal shopper in a sense. I'm actually headed there to get nursing bras, and back again once I have the baby! Good luck!

VS bras have been really disappointing and I dont get them anymore. I had posted a similar question last yr and many responded that VS bras are not worth it. They are designed to age quicker so you can get more of them! The ladies who work there don't know how to take a measurement properly either.

I went to Nordstrom's lingerie section to get measured properly and got fitted with the most wonderful, comfortable bras. Nordstrom's is known to have very knowledgeable 'bra ladies' who measure you accurely and help you select the right type for you. I plan to go back there soon cause I need more of them.

good luck!

I say we all dump the bras! Just kidding, I know sometimes we need them. I did read somewhere how they constrict your lymph flow because they press on certain points under your arms and to avoid wired ones especially. I don't know, I just wish it wasn't such a stigma to go bra-less. It is an invention we're made to believe is completely necessary, like make-up ;) I'm not that big though, maybe I'd be more stressed about it too if I were. Best of luck!

I am now a 38 DDD and the best bras I have found are at Lane Bryant, Cacique - the microfiber balconette and the microfiber plunge are all I ever wear anymore. They both lift and give some good cleavage (one of the only benefits of a DDD!!). They are more comfortable than Le Mystere (Oprah's bra) which I have also and cost about 1/2 the price.

As others have pointed out, Nordstrom is a great place to go. First of all they will fit you the right way...unlike VS. I just had a fitting from Nordstrom and am much more comfortable in the 32C (Warcoal) she recommended compare to a VS 34B or 36A (VS said I could go either way). Obviously I am not very well endowed, but I know other women who are who have also had success with Nordstrom. Good luck!

I have to say I was discouraged by V.S. for a couple of years, however, I just ordered the Angels Secret Embrace Push-up and I absolutely love it! I am currently a 38D.
So, for what it is worth they have me back. It is worth a shot.