My dd needs a better bra. She is about a 38 D or DD, but the problem is, she's frequently uncomfortable, itchy, puffy and bloated, and in pain. She doesn't want a cutesy lacy thing with little straps, or something with underwire or padding. She needs support but comfort. Seems she inherited her figure from her dad's side of the family, so I don't have a lot of experience. I wasn't even close to a D when I was pregnant and breastfeeding! My figure is more like a yardstick than a curvy one, sadly.
Does anyone have experience with those Genie bras? We went to Bloomingdales, to the bra dept for a professional fitting but the poor saleslady (she was very kind) kept bringing out "cute" bras that the typical 20-something girl would love, or bras intended to add padding, or bras that were lacy and they made my daughter's skin get terribly agitated. We walked out with nothing but frustration. I've seen the ads for Genie bras and they seem like they might work. Are they only available online? Do they fit well? Or is there another place to look for bras for people with sensitive skin, frequent itching, pain, and bloating and all over body pain and misery?
It's so hard to explain to a bra fitter about her physical symptoms - no one's ever heard of most of her diagnoses.
Where should we go to find supportive, breathable, comfortable bras with no lace, without skinny little straps, without itchy material?
Thanks everyone. We went to Sears, partly because it was the first store we came to and dd was already tired before we started. And I figured they'd have some good basic choices.
We didn't end up getting a professional fitter, because dd didn't want one. I settled her in the dressing room and then brought in about 3 dozen choices. We finally found a Fruit of the Loom one that seemed to fit all her requirements and looked nice. It's similar to a sports bra but not exactly. We bought three of them. Afterwards though she was so exhausted that she just sat in the fitting room and cried.
Regarding the bloating and all that - it's all due to her many medical issues (Lupus, a connective tissue disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, tachycardia, and several others, so its a fact of her life).
Take her to Soma's. They have good bras. I have been so happy with them! And the ladies are wonderful. Tell them what you've told us here.
Have you taken her to the doctor about the bloating and puffiness? That doesn't sound quite right... I mean, I get the itchy part. Lacy stuff can cause that. But bloating and puffiness sound like something a bit "off". And if she is in pain, she needs to find out why. She shouldn't be in "misery".
What about sports bras? Isn't the Genie basically just that? You can find sport bras everywhere, Target, sporting goods stores, Lululemon, Althleta, department stores, even Victoria's Secret. I have always found most of them to be supportive and comfortable, and the more expensive ones especially so.
How much are you willing to spend per bra? Can you have them made locally? That might be the best thing for her. They will fit her and she can leave off all the lace and still have a nice looking bra.
My daughter is amply endowed and has problems getting bras that fit. But when she does, they are usually costly but last her a long time. As they say, you get what you pay for.
I feel for you both.
the other S.
I was a bra fitter at Penney's for 3 years. Call your local Penney's and ask if you can bring your daughter in for a fitting. Bali and Playtex make good bras with and without a wire for larger women. It's quite easy to measure someone for a good bra fit. Measure under the arms (arms down at sides) above the breasts, that is your band size (36 - 38 - 40) then measure across the nipples the difference is cup size, 1 inch A cup 2 inches B cup 3 inches C cup etc. Always measure with bra on. If you measure an odd number 37 try on both the 36 and the 38 a DD cup on a 36 is the same cup size as D cup on a 38. You want the bra loose enough to be comfortable but not ride up when arms are raised. There should be no space in the cup but the breast tissue should not bulge out the top or sides of the bra.
Remember all bras fit a little differently, same as shoes. Always try on bras at time of purchase.
Also many women have different size breasts D cup on one side and C or DD on the other, always fit the larger breast and use a push up pad to fill the other side.
Good luck I hope this helps.
Oh and Genie Bras are glorified sports bras. Not a really good look and can squash you a bit.
A lot of women love the Playtex box bras, I don't like them they give you a uni-boob look.
I wear a 36D. My go-to everyday bra is Fruit of the Loom extreme comfort bra. Stretchy cotton, no padding, adjustable, underwire. It is both comfortable and supportive if she can forgive the underwire. I get a perfect fit with these.
https://www.amazon.com/Fruit-Loom-Extreme-Comfort-White/d...
I don't have Genie bra but I have similar style sleep/lounge bras which are *very* comfy, but not terribly supportive. I wear them at home. She would probably like them, but they won't do for being active.
How does she feel about sports bras? Most of those come without padding or wires, but depending on what kind of clothing she likes to wear, you can have a uniboob look or a strap/material exposure issue.
Tips: Make sure she has a proper measurement. Most women wear the wrong bra size (usually a too-small cup) because they have been improperly measured. Even most fitters in lingerie stores/departments tend to take measurements incorrectly. (Check your own too!)
Cup size is properly measured while bending over parallel to the floor, not when standing up straight.
http://sameatschildren.tumblr.com/post/45962915522/do-it-...
Also, make sure she knows how to adjust her breast tissue in the cups after the bra is on. The underwire or band should touch the underside base of the breast, no gap. Her size uses the scoop & swoop method:
http://bustyresources.wikia.com/wiki/Scoop_and_swoop
Properly fitting (non-sport) bra checklist:
1 - The band does not ride up. It is parallel to the floor.
2 - The center gusset lays flat against the breastbone.
3 - The straps do not dig in nor slip off the shoulders.
4 - Breast tissue does not squeeze out the sides or bulge over the top of the cup.
5 - The top of the cups rest gently on the breast. It does not press into it, nor leave a gap.
Well, I think I fulfilled my quota of talking about boobs on the internet. Good luck to you and your daughter!
i own genie bras. while super comfy, its like not wearing a bra at all. no support for the bigger breast, and they stretch out and your left with nothing worth anything. only time i wear mine is to bed. they offer enough support to prevent a pinched nipple and keep clothing from rubbing a sensitive one raw.
when i am out in public i wear glamorise sport bras http://glamorise.com/all-styles/sport/no-bounce-cami-bra.... this exact one. super comfy and supportive
the site has numerous bras for every kind of woman and her bra needs. their bras fit as they should and wear well. and they have videos showing you how to measure yourself to get the right fit.
http://glamorise.com/complete-comfort-front-close-leisure... this one is simple and looks supportive as well as comfy with larger straps.and states its comfy enough for sleeping in..
You've already been to a department store, but can you go to a place that specializes in bras for difficult conditions? Sometimes Lady Grace can be very helpful, and I know they deal a lot with women who have undergone mastectomies and reconstruction. You might also ask a local cancer patient support group what their patients wear. I would think that population would want things that don't pinch or rub. They don't have to understand your daughter's diseases to understand the basics. I can't imagine buying them on line and putting her through the frustration of so many try-on sessions. When I've been to Lady Grace, they do a good job of coming back with more options, sizes, and so on.
I wear Anita bras. It's cotton, no wires, and very breathable and comfortable. (I joke it's a marvel of German engineering, but I digress...)
Here's a link to the one I love and wear daily. I got sick of underwires stabbing me under the arms and poking into my ribs. I'm a lot bigger than your daughter and this bra is very, very comfortable. I haven't had any problems with the fabric/irritation.
I've never liked anything lacy myself.
Something always rubs and irritates.
I prefer an underwire myself but your daughter may not go for that.
She needs a good support bra - probably something with gel straps.
I don't know about Genie bras - I've had good luck with Bali.
http://www.biggerbras.com/catalog/category/bras/figure-ty...
How does your daughter do with cotton? That's what I usually wear. We don't have a Bloomingdales here, so I don't know what their selection is like. The last time I went bra shopping I went to JCPenney. I told the woman I wanted a bra without an underwire, and she was able to show me several nice bras.
There's really nothing wrong with wearing a sports bra. I used to wear those all the time in college, as long as I was wearing a t-shirt or sweatshirt. They really are very comfortable. It does give you a bit of a "uniboob" look, but with some outfits you really don't notice.
When she needs to dress nicer and needs more of a traditional bra, I would look for one without an underwire and made of cotton. I would honestly be surprised if Bloomingdales didn't have something that would work for your daughter. You might have to be very blunt with the sales associate. It doesn't sound like she was listening very well. You might need to really spell it out - no underwire, no lace, thick straps (yes, they make them that way), possible cotton.
I would try again.
They are made for women with smaller breasts. They do work but I'm not sure she'll feel comfortable in them.
I'd like to suggest you go to Lane Bryant and actually try on some real bras for full figured women.
This is the bra that I buy. I love how comfortable it is. Lane Bryant has tons of bras and most of them are pretty and fit well.
http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is/image/LaneBryant/rc_...
If that photo doesn't come up then this page is the over $20 page. It's the last one on the page, pink soft cup bra.
http://www.lanebryant.com/cacique-plus-size-sexy-bras-int...
Genies are terrible. I love Lillyette. Been wearing them for years. I'm a 40D. Underwire.
Also like your basic Playtex full figure. Both very comfortable. Playtex is not an underwire
I highly recommend Nordstroms. I'm on the larger side (G cup!) and that is the only place I go now. They have a huge selection. Tell them what you want and don't want and they will find something. They will also make sure you are getting the right size.
Can you ask her doctors? Seriously. They might have some ideas
Go to Macy's or Dillards and have her fitted for a Bra so you will know the exact size. You do not need to buy it there but you need to get a good brand that will support her. It will not cost anything to do the fitting and they will teach her how to adjust it for better comfort.
I am a D cup, I find the bras I like the best are Lilyette. I do buy underwire, but this brand is always comfortable as long as you buy the right size around (i.e. 38 etc) I'm sure they also make bras without the underwire too. They usually aren't real lacy which is fine because I think the lacy stuff is itchy.
Bless you both. What a wonderful mom. I wish your daughter a comfortable fit and a sense of how very much she is loved.
My poor daughter is 15 and a 32DDD, I worry about her. I told her they suck but you have to wear an underwire when you are at school or anywhere nice. She completely ignores me half the time and sneaks out with her sports bra on. So if you are going for comfort I would go to a high end sporting goods shop and go that route. They look awful but apparently are quite comfortable.
I have also been cursed (blessed?) with a large chest, the same size as your daughter. I shop Maidenform, or Paramour (though the latter tend to be the cute, lacy type that your daughter does not want). For something simple, I suggest Playtex, Lilyette by Bali, Maidenform or Just My Size. These are more "functional" than girly or sexy and come in the larger sizes for us busty ladies, plus a lot of them have the thick, no-slip straps that are a must. You can also just go to Walmart.com and go into their women's intimates section, and look for bras in her size (there is a size tab where you choose her size). Then, you can narrow down the ones that have good reviews or the ones that look like what she would like. You can have the bras conveniently shipped to your home or the store of your choice and pick them up. They return items either in store or through the mail, no questions asked, and no need to pay for return postage as long as it's sold through Walmart and not a marketplace vendor of theirs.
I realize that you said she does not like underwires, but for that cup size, I don't think that is an option. She needs support and needs to know her breasts won't hang down to her belly button, or wobble all over the place if she is walking quickly or running. I have been large-chested all my life and everywhere I went, I was told I needed underwires. I tried my mom's bras, which don't have underwire, and my breasts looked like they were stuck to my belly (especially when I sat down) because there was no lifting or support, so I would suggest being open-minded to underwires. By the way, they do not hurt nor bother me in the least bit, assuming this is why she's not keen on them. If she doesn't care about her appearance, then I guess you can forgo the underwires but it's probably not good to have no support on large breasts, as they may keep growing and will just end up hanging. I highly recommend a t-shirt bra, as they will prevent her nipples from showing through, and they are soft and comfortable on top of being discrete.
I know for me, bra shopping is an exercise in patience and a nightmare, so I prefer having them shipped to my home where I can try them on and decide if I want them or not on my own time, and in decent lighting. Also saves me the frustration of going through many racks looking for my size and the color I liked, only to be disappointed when it has been sold out. She may not be as impatient or short on time as me though, but I recommend trying shirts on top of the bra before deciding which is the one she wants. Bras sometimes look cute on their own, but when you put a shirt on, they look differently. I know I do it all the time to see if they flatter my figure or make me look like Madonna with her cone bras in the 80s. I do think for her sake that she should get some testing done to determine why she gets so puffy or bloated. Could she have kidney disease or a thyroid imbalance? I do and it causes some bloating, and I bloat a lot during my period due to PMS. If she is in pain though, that is definitely something that needs to be treated so she isn't miserable 24-7.
I too, have had difficulty finding a comfortable bra. In my 30s.I went yo Nordstroms trying out several bras the suggested trying a Wacoal. That may not the correct spelling. The bra had an overlay of lace. The lace never touched my body. The cups were soft and the straps were in the right position for my body.
After wearing the Wacoal, I was able to duplicate it in a less expensive bra. The underwire supports me the best. They don't poke me when the bra fits.
I also look for cotton to wear in the summer. Cotton wicks the perspiration away from the body. Synthetic holds it in.
You can buy Genie bras at Walmart. My sister bought one from the "as seen on TV" section.
You may want to try out Coobie bras. You can buy them on Amazon. I'm ordering one for myself after reading about them on a blog.
Best of luck to your daughter! I hope she can find something that makes her feel comfortable!
I wear a DD/DDD and the best bra I have ever found is the Warners Cloud 9 underwire bra. The fabric is the softest I have ever felt and they are comfortable all day long while giving great support. They have them at JCPenny and they are almost always on sale (buy one get one half off ect). I will never buy another bra again unless they stop making these. You can also get them off amazon :) but make sure they are the cloud 9 for that extra soft material
I'm a 34DD and I love bras by
Wacoal.
I don't like lacy or extra padding. I can get a great smooth comfortable bra from Wacoal. They also have racer back styles that are comfy.
I personally hate sports bras which tend to make someone look like they have a uniboob.
I do like a good quality nice smooth bra with underwire. Wacoal is not cheap but you do get what you pay for.
Do you have any specialty shops? I know here in Dallas there's a specialty shop that will custom make a bra for you.
Good luck!
She wears the same size as I do. After years of trying to be comfy in all your above listed my most comfortable are the stretchy sport bras in 3x and 4x. I alternate them and wear the occasional lacey underwire stuff under a blouse if needed. For some reason those sport bras (the stretchy material kind-not the underwire) feel like heaven and hold up the girls really well. Good luck with her search. Not fun really.
When anyone is over a D, I strongly recommend going online because there are so few stores that offer. Great looking, larger sized bras, that also feel great to wear. My oldest niece is currently a 34H. When she goes to stores they try to squeeze her into either a DD or a DDD which aren't her size at all.
Rigby and Peller is a great store that has various sized bras you wouldn't find at ordinary bra stores or department stores. There isn't one near you though.
You could also try this online store.
www.wizardofbras.com
They tell you how to determine the proper cup size by measuring. This is very important. Also note that the breasts change over time too. My niece has put on weight and so her breasts have gotten bigger. It's time to bra shop some more again.
Due to budget constraints, I used "cheapie WalMart/Target" bras which did NOT support me plus, I always had to ad 2-3" to the band b/c I could NEVER find my right size. I finally sucked it up & spent $30 + on a 'good' bra.
I chose the Hanes Just My Size and while I really don't like lacy stuff, I too have ultra sensitive skin & lace makes me itch and causes rashes, the ones I chose have only a tiny strip of lace around the top which I can't tell is there. I can't stand underwire so I was looking for support w/o it and I got lucky!
I must say, it's like night & day between the Hanes JMS and the cheapie $8 bras I was wearing. No more flopping around! Yes, they do look a bit like "granny bras" IMO but I guess there really IS something to it b/c they're super comfortable and VERY supportive. I had to suck it up & wear granny bras! Never thought I'd see the day but yet, here it is. I hate to admit it but granny bras work. Good luck!
