Bras

[petunia_843]

Tell me about your bras!

1. What size do you wear?
I wear either a 38C, a 38B, or now a 36C.

2. What brands do you like?
Wonderbra is my favorite because I fully fill out their C cup. I also like Barely There, Maidenform, Lily of France.

3. What brands would you never wear?
I dislike Olga, Playtex, the J.C. Penney brands. I am also not fond of Victoria's Secret bras, I find they fall apart rather quickly.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No!

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
No. My boobs are not a special size.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
I like a little bit of padding. I occasionally like a push up bra, which is more padding, but for every day I like just a little padding.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
I can do either way, but if I'm going no underwires it has to be a very well constructed bra with a lot of support. I like a certain degree of uplift.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I love lace bras, those are my favorite. I also like "girly" bras- pinks, reds, blacks. Occasionally I will go for something "out there"in a leopard print or a purple. I realize I am lucky because I wear a standard size and my choices aren't confined to beige and black.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
Whenever possible! When I go bra shopping, I rarely buy just the bra, the first thing I go for is the matching set.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
My bras last about 2 years. I have a lot of them, so they don't get heavy wear. I just had a couple die on me.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
I'll let you know when I get one! My best friends' husband doesn't care about lingerie at all, so she gets the most basic, plain bras.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
I buy a lot of bras at Kohl's. I have never purchased a bra online - I feel the trying on process is too key. I bought some bras at J.C. Penney a couple of years ago and was really disappointed in how they wore - the straps broke, the underwires came out. When I was a teenager I used to buy a lot of my lingerie at Victoria's Secret, but not anymore. Too pricey, and not in my opinion very well made.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I have about 5 sports bras, and then the rest of my bras are just regular bras. I don't have those "convertible" bras that make crisscross and strapless. I also don't have any strapless bras. I suppose if I had to get a special bra for an event or something I would just go out and buy one.


What about you?

[Nemesis]

1. What size do you wear?
Typically a 38E, but right now I'm rocking 40E, but it's likely that 38F would fit as well.

2. What brands do you like?
Freya is my go to brand, but I've occasionally liked empreinte and lejaby.

3. What brands would you never wear?
Anything that can be found at a department store or a discount store or VS or La Senza.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No, it's more important for me to find a good fit that supports me in a way that doesn't hurt my back than to appear 'small'. I actually find it insulting that bras are marketed as pushup/padded (message: you are too small) or minimizer (message: you are too big). Breasts are breasts and come in all shapes and sizes and they are all good!

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
No, now that I buy pricey bras, I find they fit me well.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
I prefer no padding, but don't mind the lining in tshirt bras.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
I only like underwires. I don't find I get good lift/seperation from no underwire.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
Fit. I don't a darn what it looks like as long as it fits comfortably and doesn't hurt my back and makes my breasts look like I think they should (not too high, not too low, nice rounded shape, etc).

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
It doesn't matter to me. I just don't have a budget to buy that many bras to match my underwear as I like to have fresh undies every day. I also have no desire to have 5 or 6 pairs of the same underwear just to match my bra.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
? I usually change size before I need to a buy a new one. I take care of my bras since they are so expensive and they are well made. I finally made the switchover to decent quality bras and bought my first one for over $200, and I still have it - 6 years later. I was wearing it up until I got pregnant and my size changed.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
Nope.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
I buy online (f!gleaves) because they are half price of what I would buy it for locally. This is why I stick with the one or two brands I like b/c I know they will fit. Sometimes I will browse their clearance area and make a random purchase or two to see if I can branch out beyond the ones I know I like, but those have all been busts - too big, or too small, or an improper fit.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I have some sports bras (have to wear 2 together) and a nursing bra. I've also got some strapless/convertible ones to wear with formal gear or nice dresses, but those are all crappy bras and I would never ever wear them regularly - they were just bought so I could wear a dress to a wedding/formal occasion and not have my bra show.
_________________
Everyone thinks I do it to make people stare, but really, it's to keep them from looking too closely.

[Solstice]

1. What size do you wear?
36F or 36G depending on which sizing convention they use - the size one above DDD, anyway.

2. What brands do you like?
Currently, Elomi and Wacoal are my favorites.

3. What brands would you never wear?
Most department store brands, just 'cause they don't come in my size at all.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No. Aside from the fitting issues that result, I like my boobs; I don't want to minimize them!

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
No - like Nemesis, once I made the switch to more expensive bras, I found a good fit was possible.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
I prefer none - really, I have plenty of boobage, I don't need help there - but I can tolerate when there's that foam for "shaping" that often acts as padding too.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
I haven't actually tried a non-underwire bra in years, but I doubt I would get enough support.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I dislike the ones that are "industrial looking" like some large sizes are - but simple is fine, pretty is nice, and there's surprisingly many decently attractive ones out there. It helps that I prefer black for most, so that color's usually available.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
No - my bras are expensive of necessity whereas I'm not very picky about panties. They're usually both black, but not deliberately matched.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
My switch to higher-quality bras is pretty recent, so I'm not sure how long they'll last; hopefully a long time! Before then I was in VS bras that I'd had for 4-5 years but they were getting very worn out, underwires popping out, the elastic coming apart, etc.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
Not applicable

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
Online, or in this local boutique-type store. Department stores don't usually carry my size.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
Sports bra, and then just a range of everyday bras - some that are smoother for T-shirts, some that are lower-cut, etc.

[smalltowngirl]

Whoa, I'm a little intimidated coming in here with a mere 34B!

I think all my answers will be boring, so I will just say, I usually only have 3 bras that I wear regularly. A few others sit at the bottom of my drawer getting wear only when I need a strapless bra or the like. I usually buy them at Target but for years I've been wanting to get measured to make sure I'm buying the right one. I never seem to have enough money though to go in a fancy store and get measured and buy a really, really good bra!

My bras are very plain and boring. I've been known to mend my bras to give them a little more mileage. I'm very much a practical person and I don't dress up much, so I don't buy fancy bras, no lace. My favorites are t-shirt bras, that kind of thing. I also have one sports bra that I'll wear until it is no longer supportive. They never match my underwear. SO is not a factor in underwear shopping. I'D have the problem if HE took issue on the state of my underthings!

I do like a little padding, b/c I am self-conscious about any uh, nippling. Besides that, I don't wear any more padding b/c I like my girls all natural! What you see it what you get.

I used to be a nice full C but now I run and I lost a ton of boobage, and am more like a B or almost C. I'm a little sad about it, to be honest!

[scaredsi11y]

I'm with you, smalltowngirl. I'd have answered everything just about the same way. (Except, I've never been any bigger than a 34B and I'm not really a runner.)

I actually tried to go bra-shopping a few months ago at the mall. Ugh, I should have known better from the get-go. The mall is one of my most hated places. I was confounded by all the fancy, super-padded bras, not to mention angered by the prices! I have a few t-shirt bras from VS that have minimal padding. I was hoping to replace them with more of the same, but I guess they don't make those anymore. Everything they had on display was way too padded for my comfort - when I tried them on I felt like I was wearing a life preserver!

I think part of my hatred for underwear-shopping comes from having to go to REAL stores to do it. I buy almost all of my other clothing second-hand, but that's not an option for underwear.

[geekychic]

I just recently measured myself and looked at a bra sizing thing online. It said I was a 36J....JAY! So, I went with it and ordered a bra. It was like magic. I've never before had a bra that fits. It's glorious. Well, I actually just wish they were smaller, but having a bra that fits is second best anyway.

I don't know about brands. I only have two right now and I have no idea. I just know they fit. HA!

I never match....anything. So, no. No matchy underthings.

The dude does not give two shakes about what my bras look like. Nor do I to be honest, though sometimes having a pretty thing is nice.

I loathe having to wear bras, but I am not comfortable without one.
_________________
trying not to be afraid
http://littlewalls.wordpress.com/

[Barbeegrrll]

I just went bra shopping,so I can answer pretty easily!

1. What size do you wear?
32DD- I've worn that size my entire adult life, except when I was pregnant and the biggest size I wore then was a 38H!

2. What brands do you like?
I like Lunaire bras

3. What brands would you never wear?
Most others, but Bali, for sure. For years they were the only company that I could find that carried my size locally. They fit like a truss, though :)

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No!

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
Yes, When I was pregnant.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
No padding

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
Underwire
8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I like pretty bras that have great support and show a little ( but not too much) cleavage. Lace, but not scratchy lace. I like the girls to be high and round , but not too high.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
When I buy a pretty bra and there are pretty panties to match, I usually splurge. But, I have tons of panties that I wear that don't match any of my bras.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
About 2 yrs. I try not to dry them in the dryer and that helps.
11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
My now ex bf was all bout pretty lingerie.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
I usually can find them at Dillard's but I looked this week and they didn't have the bra I wanted in the color I wanted, so I went online and bought one. I'm pretty sure it will fit, because I have the exact same bra, just in another color.If not, they have a no hassle return policy.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I have some really supportive sports bras that I wore almost every day when I lived in CA and stayed at home all of the time. Now that I'm living back in civilization, I like to wear my pretty bras on a daily basis and will wear them to work, once I start working.

[Ms. Nutkin]

1. What size do you wear?
32A

2. What brands do you like?
No preference, right now it's mostly CK and American Apparel.

3. What brands would you never wear?
I'm pretty open, I wouldn't wear anything heavily padded, though.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No!

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
Nope.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
No padding!

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
Underwire is ok.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I like pretty bras with interesting detailing, that are dainty, but not too feminine. So mesh, not floral lace, for example, or some kind of interesting strap designs.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
No, but I make an effort to sort of match. Black with black, nude with nude.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
A couple years. I have some bralettes that are....7 years old?

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
Currently, I guess? Once in a while I get a "cute bra!" or "cute undies!" comment.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
internet, UO, AA, discount stores because being 32A is pretty damn forgiving.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
No. Just bralettes for every day, proper bras for work, I also freeboob a lot.
_________________
You have the American dream! The American dream is to be born in the gutter and have nothing. Then to raise up and have all the money in the world, and stick it in your ears and go PLBTLBTLBLTLBTLBLT!

[Figwit]

1. What size do you wear?
Around a 34/36B.

2. What brands do you like?
I really loved Medela nursing bras in the beginning when my baby was teeny (and my boobs were huge), but now that I'm smaller than my pre-pregnancy size, I'm wearing some organic cotton non-latex bras from hessnatur, a german company.

3. What brands would you never wear?
Almost everything, only because I need nursing bras and I prefer organic cotton.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
Nope, I'm small enough as is.

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
Other than the fact I have to order the organic cotton nursing bras, no custom things.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
I used to wear padded bras, but now I don't care. Also, not sure there are many padded nursing bras. I do have to wear hemp/cotton pads because I leak every.single.time still at 9 months.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
No underwires. Not enough to need them.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I'm more into function right now.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
Enh. I bought some organic cotton underwear from the same company but only the black stuff matches. I don't care!

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
My older bras would last about 1-2 years.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
Nope! He doesn't care (other than to say "you look so cute!") about anything I wear, so it's all good.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
Online - not many options for nursing bras in cotton in stores. I really dislike poly blends, and I'm allergic to latex.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I have 3 cotton bras, and 1 nursing sports bra that I never wear. There's only one purpose for my boobs now :)
_________________
good, clean, fair.

small is possible.

[daircroi]

1. What size do you wear?
36DD

2. What brands do you like?
Wacoal, Maidenform...

3. What brands would you never wear?
Playtex. Victoria's Secret.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
Oh heck no.

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
Nope. My size is unusual but not impossible.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
A tiny bit of padding is often nice, but I'll go either way.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
Underwires are an absolute must.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I like balconette styles, with pretty decorative seaming and contrasting lace. I go for black and red most of the time. My favorite ones I have are red satiny with black lace overlay and black decorative seaming.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
No, but since most of what I have of both is black it ends up sort of matching a lot of the time anyway.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
A year or two, though I've heard that since I'm big-breasted I should replace them more often to keep the girls well supported.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
He likes pretty ones, but honestly doesn't seem to notice what I look like most of the time period, so...whatever?

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
Macy's, most of the time.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
Just regular ones and sports bras. My sports bras are Enell, the absolute best for big-breasted ladies IMO (I think it was Glitter that introduced me to them, thank you thank you).
_________________
And it was messy, but we were drunk. Story of my life, I guess? --oohlala

[Chiquita]

1. What size do you wear?
36C

2. What brands do you like?
VS, I like their selection and they have lasted well for me. I don't stick them in the dryer so that probably helps. I have very narrow shoulders so I racerback bras are a must, otherwise I'm always retrieving straps that slip down, VS has those all the time. I have a few sports bras I bought at T*rget.

3. What brands would you never wear?
Haven't tried another brand in at least 5 years. I'm loyal.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
I'm a standard size so no need.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
Just a little for nipple coverage, otherwise I think my boobs are great and don't need any padding.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
Underwire for everyday, I have a couple of sports bras.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
Fit first, I have to feel good in the bra. After that decorations and lace are nice but not a requirement.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
I like to stick to the same color family but since my favorite undies are from another company matching isn't really an option. Of course, I do have a couple of matching sets specifically for special occasions.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
2 years

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
He always thinks I look beautiful, cute undies are a plus but not a requirement.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
In the store, it's close and convenient.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I do have a few sports bras that I use when doing yardwork, I hate sweaty underwires, or tai chi.

[Chiquita]

1. What size do you wear?
36C

2. What brands do you like?
VS, I like their selection and they have lasted well for me. I don't stick them in the dryer so that probably helps. I have very narrow shoulders so I racerback bras are a must, otherwise I'm always retrieving straps that slip down, VS has those all the time. I have a few sports bras I bought at T*rget.

3. What brands would you never wear?
Haven't tried another brand in at least 5 years. I'm loyal.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
I'm a standard size so no need.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
Just a little for nipple coverage, otherwise I think my boobs are great and don't need any padding.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
Underwire for everyday, I have a couple of sports bras.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
Fit first, I have to feel good in the bra. After that decorations and lace are nice but not a requirement.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
I like to stick to the same color family but since my favorite undies are from another company matching isn't really an option. Of course, I do have a couple of matching sets specifically for special occasions.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
2 years

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
He always thinks I look beautiful, cute undies are a plus but not a requirement.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
In the store, it's close and convenient.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I do have a few sports bras that I use when doing yardwork, I hate sweaty underwires, or tai chi.

[Melmont]

1. What size do you wear?
34C or D...I was a 38D for years, then a 34B for a short, lovely time, but seem to have settled back in here.

2. What brands do you like?
I have found my dream bra at Aerie. They're better known for their teeny, power-push-up juniors bras, but they stock one amazing, unpadded, full-coverage t-shirt bra.

3. What brands would you never wear?
La Senza, which is kind of a Canadian VS, has the weirdest sizing in the world. I'm also not a fan of most boxed bras like wonderbra/vogue etc, because their seaming is always uncomfortable, and their straps can't be hidden easily.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
No!

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
Nope.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
I prefer no padding. I find it hot and cumbersome.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
Either, although underwire is looks better on me, if it's properly fitted.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I like comfortable, well-fitted bras that still make an effort to look pretty. Usually simple, tagless, soft fabric with a cute pattern, little embellishment. I look for bras that are lined, rather than padded, to cover the nips a little.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
Nah, I don't care.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
A year or two.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
Nope, just how fast he can get me out of them.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
I got to Aerie for my "real" bras, and wherever for sports bras. I can usually get sports bras reasonably cheap for running, because I need a bit of support, but nothing crazy. For roller-derby, I wear the cheapest imaginable sports bras, because I mostly just want the ladies out of the way.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I was going to say no, but I guess I kind of do...different types of sports bras depending on the sport/activity, bandeau-types for strapless stuff, my regular, everyday bras, and skimpier ones if I'm trying to fit into something that requires slightly smaller boobs...I've gone up almost 2 cup sizes in about 6 months, after going back on BCP, and I'm still longing for my cute little boobs...
_________________
http://montgomeryfibrearts.wordpress.com/

[town hall]

1. What size do you wear?
I don't know. I was a 36DD, but I need to get refitted because my weight has changed. All my bras are either too big or too small! And I am broke, so I'm putting up with them for the time being. Anyway, at a guess I'd say 36D or C.

2. What brands do you like?
Um, Marks and Spencer? It's not really a brand - it's a department store that does its own ranges - and it's also the default place where 'everyone' gets their underthings in the UK. Boring, but somewhat reliable.

3. What brands would you never wear?
I don't know. I find Wonderbras really uncomfortable, but then, I haven't owned one since about 2001 so maybe they've changed.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
Nope.

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
No.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
I prefer none, although my favourite (or former favourite, when it used to fit properly) has a very thin layer of padding - maybe 2mm thick. I like lined bras, though.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
Oh god. All my bras have underwiring, but I hate it so much. Maybe I just always have the wrong size or something, I don't know.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
I quite like retro-y ones. But really, I'm more interested in comfort.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
Not bothered. I quite like a matching set, but I don't have any at the moment.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
I don't keep track.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
Somewhat. But not really.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
Marks and Spencer.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
Not at the moment - all my usable bras are pretty basic. I do have a sports bra; it is too big & therefore useless because, again, I need to get new bras quite desparately. When (if?) I start working again, bras will be on the list of things to buy on my first payday.
_________________
kittens are cute, but a full-grown cat can be cuter

flickr!
twidder!

[PrickleyPete]

1. What size do you wear?
32C

2. What brands do you like?
I have Victoria's Secret and something from Macy's. You can't find them in 32C in every brand.

3. What brands would you never wear?
I buy bras less than once a year so I am not picky. Nothing cheap and nothing fancy, just good solids.

4. Do you wear minimizers?
hahahaha

5. Have you had to have custom made or custom ordered bras?
Before I figured out I was a 32C instead of a 34B I wanted to get a custom so something would fit me right. Finding the right size bra changed the life of my boobs.

6. Do you like padding vs. no padding?
Lite padding so my headlights are not on.

7. Underwires vs. no underwires?
UNderwire for the day, none for night. I sleep in a bra every night.

8. What aesthetically do you look for in a bra?
Plain either beige or black, but I just bought a fancy, yet sturdy gray leopard print one. I feel a little saucy wearing it.

9. Do you like to have your panties match your bra?
My bras are all plain so matching is black bra black panties and yes that happens all the time.

10. How long do your bras typically last you?
Years.

11. Does your significant other care what your bras look like?
He doesn't care much but when I wear my sheer one with sheer panties he likes that.

12. Where do you typically get your bras?
Macy's and VS.

13. Do you have a lot of different bras for different purposes?
I have many to sleep in and for daily wear 2 blacks, one grey, 2 beige and 1 almost white.
_________________
If you don't talk to your cat about catnip, someone else will.