Bras-How Many Do You Own? How Often Do You Buy Them?

Updated on September 23, 2011
K.B. asks from West Jordan, UT
29 answers

So, I'm a bit bigger chested but not that big around. Yes, I'm proud to say they are "natural." The last two bras I purchased were from Nordstroms but a bit on the expensive side. It was a nice experience though because I was properly fitted etc. I was totally buying the wrong size for years. Anyhow, how often do you buy bras? I think I bought these 3 years ago and definitely need some new ones. I have a couple of sexy ones too but only wear those on special occassions-NOT for everyday wear. Thanks Mamas-You're great!

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C.R.

answers from Kansas City on

I own 2 that fit properly and I only buy them when I absolutely have to! I hate shopping for bras, so I really wait until they are falling apart. I think I went like 3 or 4 years before buying the ones I have now.

2 moms found this helpful

A.G.

answers from Houston on

Ive bought hundreds, but i only have like 7. My boobs are ever changing lately. I used to get my size C bras anywhere and be happy with it, but when i was an E i could only get a few really nice ones. Now that i am back down to a D i can deal with cheaper brands but still buy the good ones. But im pregnant again so.....i may be getting f's soon who knows

1 mom found this helpful
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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have 2-3 that fit-ish. I have about 10 fun ones that dont. For some reason, i grew a cup size after the 3rd and 4th baby. I still claim to be a D, maybe a DD. I have a few friends that will laugh and tell me that i am an E. E standing for eeeek! I am a little overweight, not much. I hear there is an amazing bra store in a mall near me. (king of prussia) They apparently cost a ton, but they size you and they are guaranteed free fixes forever. I may have to look into it :)

1 mom found this helpful

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

I only wear sexy lingerie. I'm a rather confirmed tomboy, so that's my 'secret weapon' / where I DO get all feminine. <grin> I LOVE that look, too. The one that happens when I'm kicking around barefoot in jeans and a t, and pull the T off and all of a sudden it's silk, satin, lace, and ribbon.

Also I'm allergic to latex, and cotton type bras tend to have a LOT of latex. Silk and lace, otoh, has very minimal amounts.

I'd have hundreds if I could afford that and everything else I want out of life :) Since I can't, I buy 1 or 2 new bras a year (they cost over $100 on sale). They last 5-8 years on average. I currently own 5 or 6. They all fit perfectly. Since I'm paying through the nose... they'd better.

36DDDD aka 36g

I also have 3 underwire sports bras (from title9). They're cotton, though, so I avoid wearing them as much as possible (the elastic burning my skin issue)

2 moms found this helpful
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E.P.

answers from New York on

I just ordered a new bra yesterday. It's the Enell Sports Bra (otherwise known as the Oprah Bra). It is the only bra that keeps my 44DDD chest squished enough to make it look like I'm a 44D. The bra keeps my shoulders and upper back from hurting. If they ever stop making this bra, I don't know what I'll do - seriously. With shipping, ONE bra runs between $65-$70. Luckily, they last a long time so I only need a new one maybe once every 18 month to 2 years. I rotate the oldest one out of circulation and alternate wearing the new one and a slightly older one. So I guess, on average, I might buy one new bra every year and a half or so.

2 moms found this helpful

J.I.

answers from San Antonio on

I have itty-bittys. So I own I think 5 or 6. I replace them whenever they get too worn or if the wire starts coming out or something. I maybe buy 2 each year. But at $14 a pop it's no big deal. I wash them in a bra bag (Tide makes one) in the machine and then hang them up to dry. The bra-bag is great b/c straps don't get tangled around clothes and they don't accidentally get tossed in the dryer.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.G.

answers from Seattle on

I own 4 and I tend to buy new ones yearly. From what I understand, or at least according to where I've been fitted you're supposed to replace them at most every six months depending on wear. I can't see putting out that kind of money twice a year, but that's just me. I purchase all my bras at Victorias Secret and I'm tiny so that may be why I don't need to buy them as often.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.B.

answers from Missoula on

Right now I'm nursing my 6 month old and I have 5 nursing bras that fit and one that doesn't. I used all but one of them the first time I was nursing, about 3 years ago, and they are still fine, I did buy one new one for this baby.

Normally, I have probably 5 or 6 bras that I wear regularly and one or two that are for special occasions or specific outfits (strapless, etc) . I buy bras as often as I can, I love new bras, but as a 36H, I usually end up spending upwards of $50 per bra, which means I can't have as many as I would like :). On average I probably by 2 or 3/year and rotate out whichever are most worn.

1 mom found this helpful

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm opposite, 44B...UGH!~ Hard to find bras in that size. But I did and I LOVE them so I went all crazy and bought 8 of them. I think 4 would have been enough, maybe 6 at the most. I think before I bought these I had bought some about 4-5 years ago. I used to have a drawer full but only a couple really fit me well and it got to the point that those wore out so I HAD to get new ones. So now I feel like I have way more than I need....which I guess is better than not having enough! =)

1 mom found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I buy 3 or 4 good ones ($30-50 ea) every year. I do machine wash them but I always hang them up to dry. That really helps keep them nice.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.K.

answers from Detroit on

I have 2 that are my FAVE, they actually give me cleavage! I have itty bitties, 32B even after 3 babies :(

I have probably 15 more that fit but don't give great cleavage or are "fancier" and can't be worn under t-shirts etc. I have a victorias secret outlet just a few mins from me, so everytime I'm at the mall I hit them up and check ou the latest and greatest!

1 mom found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

I have a few that fit really properly, and others that I make do with. I generally have to buy my bras online, since I'm a 28-30 around, but have a kind of large cup size. (I got sized for my wedding dress bra.) I've never found my size in stores.I bought one a few months ago, but it had been years until I got the new one. I didn't even get a new bra when I was pregnant, since I had no breast change. I go a very long time in between buying new bras.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

I have a lot of bras, I hate bras, but I only use my strapless bras. Of which I have 3.
I hate the straps on bras. Hence I use my strapless ones, all the time.

Got my bras from Nordstroms too.

I like the Calvin Klein t-shirt bras. From Nordstroms.

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L.K.

answers from Denver on

From what I understand you should have one bra for every day of the week. You should also wash them (using a special soap) every time you wear them. Do not dry them in the dryer.

If you do all this your bras should last 12 months or perhaps a little more.

Pricey if you are like me and bras cost $120.00 or more. I try to break up my purchases so I'm not buying 7 bras at once because that isn't happening.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I am a natural perky 34DD thanks to good genes on a size 2 116# petite body!

I wear Wacoal from Neimans or Nordstroms. THey are upwards of $60 each but you get what you pay for. They are very functional and pretty.

I buy about once a year and I buy 3 at a time. beige, black and racerback. One is always clean and ready to go!

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S.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

I have have tons of bras but only 2 regular and 2 sports bras that fit right now. i am pregnant and my bra size keeps changing so I don't want to buy a lot more right now

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

Not enough and not often enough. I can not stand shopping for bras b/c no matter who does the fitting it's never right ... I am terribly lopsided. A/C cups :/ So, honestly I buy them as little as needed and I wait until they are trashed.

G.T.

answers from Redding on

I have about 25 bras because even tho I buy new ones I keep the old comfortable ones around for awhile. Sometimes my bra drawer is a tangled mess of all different colored bras hooked on to each other. It's pretty crazy.
I buy new bras probably about twice a year, and usually pick up at least 3 to 5 at a time when I do. Some of the bras I have are at least 10 years old, but are sort of specialty ones that I just wear occasionally.

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

oooh my!!! i was going to ask this question too!!! THANK YOU!!!

Right now I own 3...one for "work outs" - firm support, etc. and two demi cups...like you - I'm okay in the chest department DD...

I HAD one "sexy" one - but I didn't like the lace so I donated it.

I typically buy them about once a year...I would like to have a few more in different colors!! And expand my horizons!!! I think I would like to have 7 - like the colors of the rainbow - however with some black and brown instead of orange and yellow! LOL!!!

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

In a perfect world I would have multiple style bras and matching panties! Sigh....but alas I have your basic, black, pink, and nuetral....Love Victoria's Secret BioFit. However, I hate the pricetag....$45 for a bra!!!!! :(

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I am small chested and only wear a bra when I "have to" like to work (part-time for now) or a more formal occasion. I own 1 beige and 1 black bra, and one camisole style for more casual wear. There's a few other older ones in my drawer, but I should just toss them as I never wear them. I only like racer-back style and comfort is my first priority. I am a convert to Wacoal bras. More expensive but comfortable! And since I go without so much, I don't buy very often at all.

I am a runner and train in karate, so I own about a 1/2 dozen sports bras. All Champion brand, the less expensive style, since I don't have to worry too much about support.

Sunshine - I would look at www.titlenine.com for sports bras. They have a huge selection at all levels of support.

M.C.

answers from Pocatello on

I buy probably 2-3 a year... I think that bras and underwear are the foundation of your apperance, so having good, supportive, flattering ones is very important. My weight has fluctuated enough that I have practically a "bra boutique" of different bras and sizes. Several of my bras are "for fun" too...

I need new bras, I only have a couple that fit really well. I am a 32 DD... down in size "around" but larger chested. I only have 2 "everyday" bras that work, plus 1 or 2 special bras that are strapless. I also need a new sports bra... ugh I am nursing but I am so over "nursing bras" (which are the least supportive and least flattering bras I have ever encountered... that I just wear snug nursing tanks with a "built in" bra when i am at home... and V-neck tops when I am out.

I do spend a lot on bras, at least buying victoria's secret or better. The cheap ones I have just wear out too fast! I need strong straps and upward lift on 'em!

-M.

@ Amanda G., with my first pregnancy I almost outgrew my E bras, and when I was engorged the first week after delivery, my sister in law asked me if I was smuggling cantaloupes! Thank goodness it didn't last forever!

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

I'm jealous - I'm pretty much flat chested! Anyway, I have 2 sports bras and 4 regular bras. A couple don't really fit right and I have been thinking of getting new ones soon. I do not buy bras very often - I think I wait waay too long. I was just thinking of this recently...about how long I have had one of my bras. It's ridiculous. It's so old and out of shape. I need to just throw it away and go shopping! I just started shopping at REI for the good quality sports bras. They are so much nicer. I think if you can buy quality bras it's always the best thing. Just wait for the sales!!!

C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

i have three of different colors. i probably buy them maybe once a year or a little more often...i get mine at a legg's/bali outlet here. they do fittings too. so does lane bryant. i did not know a bra could last three years...(i have bought the lane bryant ones, which are more than the ones i buy at the outlet- they didn't last any longer, either) i might have to look into that investment....!

R.B.

answers from La Crosse on

I have 3 ( one black, one white and one that can be strapless) and 1 sport bra. I only buy them when Im down to one bra that fits right.. then buy a couple at a time.

Every once in a while, while walking past that section I will see one that will catch my eye that I really like and will get it. But that is very far and in between. I don't like wearing them... like buying them even less. Some days I wish I didn't care what others would think and would go with out even though I know I would look that one floppy, hanging down to thier belly button ( well they aren't that bad, but close enough) woman people crinkle thier noses at when walking by... but since thats never going to happen outside of my house... Im stuck wearing them...

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A.F.

answers from Fargo on

Oh my, is it bad that I had to go count my bras before I answered this question? I have 17 bras and I buy them on sale if I can find them since I only buy expensive bras.
What I don't have is a sports bra. Any suggestions on brands, ladies? I need one with good support!

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C.K.

answers from San Antonio on

I have 25 - 30 bras. Sometimes I don't buy a new bra for 6 months or a year, but other times I'll buy a new every month. If I find a style I like that fits well & comes in different colors I will buy one every month until I have all the colors in that style that I want. Otherwise I don't usually buy a new one unless one needs to be replaced, or there is a sale too good to pass up.
I have some bras that have lasted for 8 years (so far. and it is still in great condition). Other bras are not of great quality and only last 6 months. The ones I have that are of good quality came from Victoria's Secret and Frederick's of Hollywood. They are sometimes very expensive, but when they last for so long they are worth the expense.

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C.B.

answers from Boston on

The lady at the store called Lady Grace (who was trying to sell me bras of course) said you should get new ones every 6 months IF you treat them right. Do not put bras in the dryer (I do) and preferably hand wash them and hand to dry. I do try to buy 2 new ones every 6 months now and I keep the last 2 around in case I forget to do laundry, but I can tell the difference right away due to the elastic digging into my sides with the old ones.

C.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I have 3 that are just T shirt type that I can wear with anything and I have 1 strapless. I buy them at aerie. They have the best prices and great quality! I buy them maybe 2 times a year

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