Quest for the perfect bra

hollyuhler · February 2015

Before getting pregnant I was a 32D now I'm at least a 34DD (I haven't been measured so I might be bigger). It just seems impossible to find bras that fit and offer support anddd are comfortable. Is there anyone else having this issue? I have for the most part started relying on sports bras, but I can't even find one of those that doesn't stretch out and stop offering support after a few weeks. I also feel like I should start investing in nursing bras. I've looked online a few times.... but I don't even know where to start looking!

jbatch · February 2015

As strange as this sounds I liked the nursing bras I got from Target the best. But to be honest I don't remember what brand they were. They have underwire, so some people will say you shouldn't use them because of clogged ducts.. I used them the whole year I breastfed and only had 1 clogged duct.. Anyway I need to buy some new ones as well so I will be visiting Target soon.

finchfeeder80 · February 2015

I can't buy bras in regular stores not pregnant, very few carry a 42 FF/G so I go to a specialty store. I have not yet looked into nursing bras. So far all my original ones are still fitting. But I will go to my store when it's time. I'm a fan of the brand Elomi, which I know you can buy online. I'm not sure what they offer in nursing, though, since I haven't looked yet. But if you have any boutique type lingerie stores, you might want to give them a try. They will at least be able to assess your proper size.

amhowell14 · February 2015

Bravado! Best bras ever, and so comfy.

laurendutch · February 2015

I think in going to try out the Gilligan O Malley brand bra at Target. Once I'm about two months into nursing, I'm going to go to a local lactation store and get fitted for a nice quality bra.

ElRuby · February 2015

jbatch said:
As strange as this sounds I liked the nursing bras I got from Target the best. But to be honest I don't remember what brand they were. They have underwire, so some people will say you shouldn't use them because of clogged ducts.. I used them the whole year I breastfed and only had 1 clogged duct.. Anyway I need to buy some new ones as well so I will be visiting Target soon.

The only nursing bra I liked came from Target.... It was Gilligan and O'Malley... Underwire but no padding.... It was so comfortable and easy to unclip.... Never was able to find the same one again but I am on the hunt!

Sammadden27 · February 2015

The bravado is wicked comfortable but not very supportive. I was a 36DD and now a 40DD. The big boobs could be the reason why it's not so supportive. I'd say it's as supportive as a sports bra, maybe a little less.
I bought a few bras at motherhood that were comfy in store but after about 3 hours I wanna die. Itchy and really digs into my skin.
There is another thread about comfy maternity bras and someone mentioned Nordstrom. They said they'll convert any bra they carry into a nursing bra for around $16. Next time I'm near a Nordstrom I'm gonna try that.

annatta79 · February 2015

If you haven't go get fitted at a real lingerie store (NOT VS). Not only will that give you your size, but will help teach you how a good bra should fit (I went a few weeks ago and realized I'd been buying bras all wrong). Also, you probably don't want to buy a nursing bra just yet. You want to wait until you are closer to your due date since you don't know how large your breasts will be then (and they will grow even more after baby comes) and your rib cage is going to expand as well.

The underwire thing is a personal preference. I can't do underwires while I'm nursing, some people are fine. It is a good reason not to buy too many nursing bras of one type right off the bat, because you don't know how you will react.

sabett · February 2015

I was able to find bras fairly easily, but my sister was an unusual size (32G) and had the best luck at Nordstrom. They seem to carry plenty of sizes and you can return unwanted items for free – so there isn't a loss like buying from other online companies.

ksimo6 · February 2015

Currently a G... My go to for bras over size D is Lane Bryant. They are awesome and the ladies there will fit you. And they sell nursing bras online.

finchfeeder80 · February 2015

ksimo6 said:

Currently a G... My go to for bras over size D is Lane Bryant. They are awesome and the ladies there will fit you. And they sell nursing bras online.

I didn't know Lane Bryant went up that high. I stopped shopping there several years ago because they only went up to a DDD and every bra I bought from there fell apart within a couple of months. Maybe I'll check them out and see if they're a cheaper alternative should I end up needing something between now and nursing bra time.

HoosOnFirst · February 2015

I have loved my Warners bras without underwire!

ksimo6 · February 2015

finchfeeder80 said:

ksimo6 said:

Currently a G... My go to for bras over size D is Lane Bryant. They are awesome and the ladies there will fit you. And they sell nursing bras online.

I didn't know Lane Bryant went up that high. I stopped shopping there several years ago because they only went up to a DDD and every bra I bought from there fell apart within a couple of months. Maybe I'll check them out and see if they're a cheaper alternative should I end up needing something between now and nursing bra time.

@finchfeeder80 - I have worn LB bras for years and have had zero issues with them. Maybe they changed their manufactoring since you have had them... love the balconette!

frankengibbs · February 2015

sabett said:
I was able to find bras fairly easily, but my sister was an unusual size (32G) and had the best luck at Nordstrom. They seem to carry plenty of sizes and you can return unwanted items for free – so there isn't a loss like buying from other online companies.

This! Look at places like Nordstrom, Jockey or if you have the chance to go to the mall, stop in all of the bra specialty stores.
I feel your pain though, I was originally a 32C and am now a 32D but will probably have to go up another size soon...as you probably already know from your size, it's really difficult finding bras that have a small band size but large cup size (not to mention at a reasonable price for a boob holder) so when you get the chance, dig through the bra aisle at every store you shop at. I recently found a good bra from Ross of all places for $7.
Also, Target has really good athletic compression bras.

cauriemm · February 2015

Bravissimo.com and figleaves.com have really cute larger bras, bikini tops and wires sports bras. Freya and Panache brands are very supportive. I'm a 34H right now. They're both British sites, so it takes about 2 weeks for deliveries to the US, but they're the best sites I've found for supportive bras on sale. I haven't found a supportive bra with out underwire yet, though.

ruby2315 · February 2015

I would suggest getting fitted at a store like Nordstroms. I've gone from a 32C to a 32DDD. Keep in mind that they typically don't carry smaller band sizes in stores.

alsier · February 2015

I like the Bravado nursing bra (even though this is my first baby and I've never nursed in my life). It's comfy, no underwire and has a tiny amount of padding/protection for leakage if it ever occurs. I also like "Jen's Bra" from Blue Canoe---it's organic cotton and offers less support than Bravado, but is nice to wear around the house when your boobs feel like cannon balls on top of your belly. Good luck shopping!

elizabethdeer · February 2015

If you're in the us and want to order online herroom.com and barenecessities.com usually have good sales and carry a large range of bras.I'Ve also had a lot of luck finding inexpensive bras on amazon, plus if your have prime they offer free returns on bras. In terms of brands curvy kate, panache, freya (especially the deco line) are usually solid choices. I've also heard good things about brittney spears' bra line, which looks beautiful and goes up to a EU I cup.
Luckily I've only gone up one cup size so far and am a (uk) 34j. I wish I was a in the d cup range- so many options!

Good luck!

Penwater1 · February 2015

I ended up a 38DDD (up two sizes!) after my first. JC penny had comfortable and afordable nuring bras, I bought them online. I will be using them again for child #2. Casique has great regular bras for when you want bras that can fit & support two new friends but don't want a granny bra. Brwasts went back to normal size a few months after I stopped Breastfeeding

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