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Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate

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Comments

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    Dulcigirl - None of those web based measurements work for me ... a large part of the problem is that we're dealing with reconstructed and not natural breats. Remember they are w - i - d - e -r than natural breasts so that throws off the measurements.  There is one that Val61 recommended ... it may be in the header ... that one came closer than any ... but none of them worked for me.  

  • Dulcigirl
    Dulcigirl Member Posts: 864

    That's why I was curious about this one in particular as it was designed for implants.



    I can't imagine anything is accurate short of being there and trying it on!

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    And all of our bodies are unique ... our skeletal structure ... all of that influences our bra size ... and some of us just don't fit the mold.  WinkCool

    Remember too, that different brand bras ... you might be a different size.  One of the best things I've ever done ... is spend some time (like an hour or more) in a fitting room just trying on all different types, brands of bras.  Really helped me figure out this new body and what is going to work ... and what isn't going to work.  Once everything has settled and you have a good idea what your favorite brand is, favorite style, favorite cut ... you can find what you like on ebay.  I also search the sales ... starting about this time on the websites listed in the header ... and you can get some fabulous deals in the early spring and fall.

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    Val61- Thank you for posting that new sports bra that you found.  Whenever I reach for a work-out bra I inevitably reach for the Bendon.  #2 is the tatatamer ... although I like the older version better than the newer ... I'll definitely check out the one you posted when I need a new one.

    I've never tried the Simone Perele that is the video.  I have a spacer-foam Perele that I bought before I went to Florida and the straps aren't fully adjustable ... and I've learned that I really need the fully adjustable straps Undecided ... and the Andora has the fully adjustable kind of straps ... so that one is now on my list. Kiss  It's so pretty.

    Edited to add:

    Ah, the Andora is spacer foam too!!!!!  The one I have, I think, is the Care Essence ... yeah, it's definitely on my list.  Summer is my least favorite season ... I need all the help I can get to get through those hot days! Tongue Out lol.

    Andora:

    http://www.herroom.com/simone-perele-131343-andora-3d-molded-bra.shtml

  • tinat
    tinat Member Posts: 2,235

    Dulcigirl - I believe those guidelines are geared to augmentation only, not BC reconstruction:

    "...your existing breast tissue prior to surgery needs to also be accounted for."  Nevertheless, it is confusing.  I was fitted at a mastectomy shop and by two Nordstrom fitters and got three different sizes.  I ended up returning the bras that the Nordies BC specialist fitter as they were horribly uncomfortable.  Actually had much better luck with one of their "regular" fitters.  Go figure...

  • Dulcigirl
    Dulcigirl Member Posts: 864

    Very interesting, Tina. I'm trying to decide whether to keep the one I got or exchange it. My fitter said the only way to really know was to wear it for a few days. It's good in all but two spots. The wire leaves a red mark on my skin on one side of my cleavage line. The wire also sits slightly below my IMF...which might be a good thing right now! That part is only uncomfortable is I have to sit for long. I'm used to not really knowing my old bras were there, so I'm hoping for that kind of feeling again.



    Hey bras! Do your job but be quiet about it!

  • tinat
    tinat Member Posts: 2,235

    I have a problem with underwires that come up too high in the cleavage area (the wire ends leave giant red gouges).  I think that's an issue with those of us who have prominent sternums.  It seems to take some buying and returning, but eventually you should be able to eliminate certain styles or brands just by looking at them.  It's very frustrating at first, but it does get easier :)

  • Golden01
    Golden01 Member Posts: 527

    Spotted this "Claudette" brand bra on Herroom website today. Has any one worn this one? What did you think? I love the colors. Here's the link: http://www.herroom.com/claudette-2000ne-dessous-mesh-full-coverage-neon-bra.shtml

    Before BC, I only wore white or beige colored bras. Today, I am wearing my red Chantelle C-Chic and loving it! 

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    Golden - It's marvelous.  And it comes in camo colors!  LOL!  I think it's beautiful and that you ought to try it.  And then come back and tell us all about it.  Laughing  It's a 3 part cup ... it is totally worth a shot.  

    I hear you ... that's all I wore too ... woo hoooo for red!  I haven't been out of a sports bra today ... but I have a lot of fun picking out what I want to wear ... I NEVER had matching bras and knickers before... it IS so much fun!  Kiss

  • Golden01
    Golden01 Member Posts: 527

    All right ladies, I ordered the Claudette in camo colors! If it fits, I plan to wear it when I need to do something difficult, like a hard day at work, a trip to the oncologist, or that 60th birthday that is coming up in a couple of months. I'll let you know if it fits!!!

  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 1,477

    Golden that bra looks really pretty I love that your using it as your armor to make you stronger.

  • owlwatcher
    owlwatcher Member Posts: 63

    Golden i started drooling when i saw it. i just ordered another freya too. i cant wait till you tell us how it fits.

  • Golden01
    Golden01 Member Posts: 527

    Question - Do you still wear a bra 24/7? I'm a year out from getting my implants. My right one (with both the TEs and after I got the implants) tended to move down-and-out (needed some correction during my nipple surgery last May). I generally wear a good underwire in the day and a wireless or sports bra at night. At my most recent visit with my PS he said "they aren't going anywhere" and indicated I didn't need to sleep in a bra anymore. I'm good sized (34DDD). What's been your experience and what is your advice?

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370

    I was told I had to wear a bra all the time..but I do take it off for like an hour here and there ...fell like I'm suffocating but every PS is different in what they want us to do

  • Golden01
    Golden01 Member Posts: 527

    Spotted this bra on sale and thought I'd post. It's a molded cup which I find doesn't work very well for me. The price is great!

    http://www.herroom.com/lunaire-15211-whimsy-barbados-sexy-basic-bra.shtml

  • tinat
    tinat Member Posts: 2,235

    Golden01 - My PS recommended a bra 24/7.  About once a month I take a bra vacation and sleep one night without.  It took me a long time to get used to wearing one at night, now it feels weird without one.  Could be that I'm wearing better quality and properly fitted bras now and I don't think I was before BC.

  • Golden01
    Golden01 Member Posts: 527

    TinaT - I think I'm used to wearing a bra at night, it seems more comfortable. 

    Sherry67 - Your last surgery was not so long ago, I remember even finding a comfortable bra was hard then. It got better for me! 

  • cailindearg
    cailindearg Member Posts: 19

    Hi ladies,

    Had my recon back in Nov 400cc Sientra teardrop, I'm quite happy as they look "natural" under clothes but I'm sorry I didn't go a little bigger...so I've been wearing a Coobie bra since but want to go shopping, I just measured myself and according to something I found online and I'm 34AA!! Anyway what do the small foob ladies wear?? Any suggestions?? I notice allot of the bras mentioned here start at C, D ect....

  • Obxflygirl1
    Obxflygirl1 Member Posts: 106

    I have 400 mentor HP ... They fit me just fine and I'm not petite. I did find a bra that is comfortable and will "enhance" the look. It's a Warner's.. Is wireless but has a small support pad running the length of the lower band on each cup. Style is called Elements of Bliss Lift.



    Really comfortable.... Also Bali Comfort Revolution with light padding is a comfortable one. Good Luck!

  • Diana67
    Diana67 Member Posts: 4

    Thank you Val and everyone who posted here.

    Went today to Nordstrom with a list of brands/styles from this forum, tried a dozens and found one that fitted me perfectly. Natori 136001. What a relief, first day since my TE exhange surgery in Oct with no pain. + I look again like myself. I was so emotional it brought me to tears.

    Thank you ladies!

    Another good advice I found here and confirmed at the store, Nordstrom accepts health insurances. I will be calling tomorrow my plan and getting info on my coverage.

    But today, I spent all day running around and driving- like in old good times:) and feeling good again.

    And for this, I'm grateful to all of you who took time to share this important information.

    If anyone has any questions and I can help, pls msg me and I will get back.

    Best Regards,

    Diana

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969

    Hi, ladies! I thought the thread had been really quiet, as I'd received no email notifications for a good while. Guess what? I must have accidentally touched the "cancel" button- I'm more iPad-challenged than I thought!



    Tina - welcome to the 24/7 club! You really DO get to the point where NOT wearing a bra is uncomfortable! I still sleep in my Freya underwire (cute, sexy, sheer ones :), so you are not alone!

  • cailindearg
    cailindearg Member Posts: 19

    Thanks Obxflygirl1! Actually, I also looked at the Herroom bra fitting page and they said 29" underbust was a 32 band, so I would be a 32B, then I looked at another site and put in my measurements, they said I would be a 32D!!! Anyways I think I will just go to Nordstrom and be fitted and try on the bras!! Are the sheer bras still supportive?? Is the underwire enough?

    thanks ladies!!

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 4,503

    I have not been on in awhile and no way to catch up.  Hope everyone is finding bras to fit well.  I needed to replace my bathing suit top and did not want to buy a whole new suit.  PS wants me in an underwire top.  Everything that is underwire also has push up padding.  I finally found a reasonable one at JC Penny that did not cost a fortune and fits really well and I was able to keep my last years bottoms.But it does make my boobs look huge but good.

    I did read someone asking about wearing a bra 24/7.  I had to have a complete revision the end of November.  I am still in a bra 24/7 until the end of March which will make me 4 months post op, then PS said I will be very healed and can start sleeping without a bra.  I am so looking forward to it. 

    I ended up finding a really good underwire pushup sports bra ( per PS instructions) at Walmart of all places.  It is a danskin and keeps the girls totally in place.  Was only like $12.  Come in racer back or an adjustable band.  The only thing the cups run really large so you need to buy a smaller cup in this bra. It has been very comfortable to sleep in since my instructions were push up underwire 24/7.

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    cailindearg - Going to Nordies is a good idea!  The link in the header is the one gals get the best results with when measuring yourself ... but none of those 'do it yourself' measuring work for me.  Implants are different than natural breasts thus the wonky measurements.  

    If the sheer bras are '3 part cup' bras you better bet they are supportive!  Looks can be deceiving.  The underwire is where the bulk of the support should be ... not the straps.  

    See this link:  http://blog.lindasonline.com/2013/02/12/shocking-your-new-bra-size-and-what-it-means/

    Some of my favorite sheer (Freya) bras that are still available are:  Arabella and Lyla.  

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969

    I second Dawne-Hope - the sheer bras (if 3-part cups) are SUPER supportive. You CAN have support AND sexiness at the same time! Because the sheer tulle fabric has no stretch, they are actually more supportive than a regular 3-part cup bra because most fabrics have a bit of stretch these days.



    As for sizing, the link I included in the header of this thread is the best place to start. Additionally, I am a firm believer that your band size should be only 2 inches larger than your rib cage measurement -not 4" as most sites suggest. The Europeans size that way!

  • Dulcigirl
    Dulcigirl Member Posts: 864

    And that is how Nordies fitted me...I'm 31.5 and she put me in a 34. I'd been wearing a 36 all my life. The 34 is so much better!!!!



    Can't wait to try a sheer Freya!

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 4,503

    I did my fitting at Victoria Secret and my rib cage is 29 so they put me in a 32C but once I tried it on we had to go to a 32D.  32's really limit what you can buy but 34's are way too loose

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969

    Tell me about it, Sherry! I wear a 30 band (DD cup) which is even harder to find! That's why I keep UPS in business with all my mail order bra shopping :). I buy several styles and sometimes sizes then return what doesn't work.

  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 1,477

    Funny how there are so many different ways to measure. I suppose different brands may require differnt ways to measure. At Soma we have a special tape measure but before we had that we would measure the rib cage and if it was an even number add 4 and odd add 5 unless 40" or more then don't add anything. But I don't know if that works for other brands. Works really well when I fit people at Soma though. Keep in mind the back should not ride up, it should be parallel to the floor and even with the fold of your breast. Also you should be able to get your finger easily under the band.

  • cailindearg
    cailindearg Member Posts: 19

    Thanks Dawne-hope, that link was very interesting!! Looking forward to bra shopping, thinking that Nordstrom rack might be good too!

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