Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate
Comments
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Thanks, Val, for your reply. When I went to Nordstrom last weekend, I hadn't checked on this thread (oops!) and I was under the mistaken impression that I wasn't supposed to wear an underwire (oops, again!), so the fitter at Nordstrom put me in a Wacoal Awareness Soft Cup 856167, which when I got home I realized didn't work at all because of the empty cone area that looks ridiculous under the weight of clothes, and a Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Wireless Contour, which fits much better because it doesn't have a gap at the nipple area, but it seems to flatten both the boob and the foob and pull them apart.
Once I read the thread here, I dug through my bra drawer and found a VS Perfect One with underwire that does a much better job of supporting my foob.
I looked at the Freya's and the Panache, but I don't think they come in my size. (36C) Any suggestions for smaller size bras? I don't have a full upper pole at all, especially on my natural side.
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Thanks Val for all your help on this. I'm definitely making a run to Nordstroms with your instructions in my hands! You guys are the best!
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almagetty - although Nordstrom doesn't carry the Freya and Panache in your size, they ARE available at herroom.com and barenecessities.com. Although it's pricey, the Chantelle "Sublime Spacer" bra is great - especially for uni's - since it has very slight padding to help even you out. The lining is thin enough that it should still allow for good encapsulation, too. I think Deborah might have this bra.....? http://www.herroom.com/Chantelle-3951-Sublime-Spacer-Bra.shtml
I love the Freya Pollyanna for everyday, so that would be a good one to try - though you'd have to order it online. The cups run a bit small, so you might order a couple sizes to compare - that's what I do. http://www.herroom.com/Freya-5922-Pollyanna-Balcony-Bra.shtml
Another one to try is the Anita #5490 (unlined - ideal for first 3 months) or w/ a bit of padding: http://www.herroom.com/Anita-5650-Twin-Air-Underwire-Support-Bra.shtml
Anita makes great bras that are supportive and comfy, so look at all the options they have.
Good luck!
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oh.....and don't throw away that Awareness bra......that's the go-to bra for LOTS of ladies here, especially the ones who can't wear underwire. It might be a great sleep bra in a few months...then the extra space in the nip area won't matter....
(I have that problem, too......a lot of us do, so you're not alone!) 0 -
Hi Val. I need to run something by you. I went to Nordstroms yesterday for my bra purchase. I asked for gal who had the most experience with BMX w/ Reconstruction which they did. Anyway, I was sized and she said that I'm a 32DD. VS had told me I was 34D at the time of my expanders. I got two underwire bras (my PS wants me wearing underwire 24/7), one for sleeping (more of a full coverage bra) and then another for day-time. Anyway, I woke up in the middle of the night feeling the most incredible tightness around my rib cage...like a constricting band. My PS did alot of suturing in the inframmary fold area. My incisions are more on the sides of my breasts almost directly under the underwire when I wear a bra. I woke up so uncomfortable that I ended up putting on my original bra (34"). My question, could I have been sized wrong (I measured under my breasts and I'm a 29" ribcage) or is it too soon to wear these bras? At one point, I woke in the middle of the night after having the most bizarre dream that some guy was dragging me around a dance floor and was holding me like a vice grip around the ribcage. :-) Thank you for your help. Trying to figure out whether to return the bras and repurchase at a later time or what to do.
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travelgal6979 - I can offer you no advice, simply my experience please note that my PS told me no underwires for 3 months ... I tried to wear them earlier and had a lot of pain ... so I just want you to know that you're not alone. I would talk to your PS and ask his opinion since he's the one that wants you to wear one. My first question would be to him and see what he has to say.
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Thanks, Val! I'll order from herroom.
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Val -- oh I love that Sublime Spacer! I can't wait till I'm allowed to wear underwire again!
Diane -- my PS does not want me in underwire until well-healed. I should think that if it hurts, that's a sign that it is not the right fit for right now! Perhaps the 34 is better for sleeping... the 32 better for daytime?
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Hi Lilah: That's what I'm thinking too...that the 32 is just too tight right now. Since my PS wants me to wear underwire, I want to wear it but I can only tolerate the 34" right now. I'm also sticking little medical padding under the wires on the side which helps.
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Diane - I remember that feeling! Yes, you really are a 32 - your band should be the closest even measurement to your ribcage. You frankly could probably wear a 30 - I guarantee my PS would have you in one! - but probably later after you've healed. It's entirely possible that your incisions are being somewhat irritated by the wires, but since your PS wants you in underwire, I'd definitely follow his recommendation. Mine did the same. I had a ton of pocketwork done medially and laterally, so I do know maybe a bit what you're feeling. I'll just tell you - it's not comfortable AT ALL - at least for the first couple of months. I honestly detested the damn underwire for probably three months. Then - almost overnight - it was okay, and I can't bear to NOT have one on. If you're concerned enough, call your PS's nurse and ask her - my PS's nurse was FABULOUS about bras and a great resourse, so hopefully yours will be, too.
Sorry...late for Pilates.....check back soon!
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Hi girls!!
GOING SHOPPING FOR BRASSSSSSS!!!
16 days out from ex and my PS said today I could get out of my surgical bra and into an underwire or whatever I want!! I can sleep on my side!!!!
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY.
Will let you know what I find....VS, here I come!
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Good luck, Dee! Let us know how it all turns out at VS. I'd love to hear a GOOD story about those fitters.....fingers crossed! And that's FAB news about sleeping on your side. I was a side sleeper, but my PS had me sleep on my back for months after my surgeries, not to mention all through the 8 months with my TE's - though I do hear it's better for your complexion......
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Dee: You might not get sized correctly at VS. They are not professional bra fitters. If you have a Nordstroms, I would go there for sizing and then go to VS....
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I just received my Anita Daytona bra in the mail today.
http://www.brasmyth.com/product/1825/daytona-u-w-bra?deptid=bras
It came stuffed in a wrinkled manila envelope. When you spend $85.00 for a bra [$76.00 plus shipping], it should come with footmen, a few mice, and riding in a pumpkin carriage. Or at least a pretty mailer. I have the Anita 5490 which is the most comfortable, flattering bra I own. This one is prettier than the 5490, but it runs small. I cannot exchange it [brasmyth.com] because I was told they were special-ordering it for me, since they do not stock it in their store. It will fit eventually, but it certainly is not very comfortable at present. The thing I love about Anita bras is that the center gore - the wire in the center - just lays so nice and flat and comfortably in the sternum. This makes the profile of the bra so much more attractive in clothing. It is not the bra for everyone. I can look at someone and tell if the 5490 or Daytona would work. Travelgal...it would work for you. I would try the 5490 though....and order from herroom or barenecessities so you can return it if you do not like it or to exchange for another size. If you wear a 34DD, you would be a 34E in the 5490. You might try a 32 band also though....possibly a 32F.... It is sort of industrial looking, but under clothing, it is amazing. It gives me more projection and the profile is very natural.
http://www.herroom.com/Anita-5490-Seamless-Underwire-Bra.shtml
Well, there is my bra review for the month!
I'm going back to Ebay now!!!!0 -
whippetmom - Love it! Agree, white mice, pumpkin carriage, footmen and then some!
I haven't tried an Anita bra yet ... thanks for the link. I'm taking a class in St. Louis once a week. In order to get out of the city, it's a nightmare. Soooo ... if I head the other direction, the traffic isn't nearly so bad and guess what? There's a mall with a Nordstroms!! I went last week and had a heyday for an hour trying on bras. I didn't buy one, but I went back tonight after class. And bought a couple.
Tried on my first LeMystere, most of them didn't work for me because I don't have a lot of projection ... but the 9955 fit beautifully. It has wide, comfortable straps too!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=le+mystere+9955&origin=keywordsearch
I LOVE the chantelle bras but I have yet to find a 30band in them. Most of them I have tried on, I've put on the third hook and if I'm going to spend that much for a bra I don't want to start out with it on the tightest hook. BUT, found one tonight that runs tight in the band. It's a 32, but it really feels like a 30. It isn't the prettiest bra that Chantelle makes, but I feel so supported all around in it ... it may prove to be my favorite bra yet. It's a Chantelle 2895
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=chantelle+2895&origin=keywordsearch
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Dawne-Hope....Oh...I like that Chantelle bra also. I think I put that one on the list also for a bra which nicely separates the girls....
Fantasie is a European bra, much like Chantelle...and they do have 30 band options...
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My PS did not give me much guidance on bras except to approve the cheepo Walmart Hanes sports bra that I had on at the one month post op. She said it was fine and to wear it as tight as I could tolerate and no other type of bra. I do not go to see her until the 29th. I have purchased some other bras that I wear occasionally but pretty much stay faithful to the cotton sports bra
because of drs orders. The bra does keep my breasts together nicely and is comfortable at night, but I am concerned that I am missing something after reading so much about these other bras.I hope that my breasts have healed okay--I was told nothing about pockets etc. I had immediate recon with submuscular implants. I think I look okay, although my breasts are a bit far apart (but that's how my little mosquite bites were prior to all this anyway).
I want to add that my implants are smaller than most of the ladies here--I am now a B cup and the cc's were quite low compared to some of you--cannot remember but my right breast may be around 300+. So maybe my PS did not think I needed as much support as a C, D or larger.
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whippetmom - thank you! i take your and val's recommendations very seriously. thank you! i bought a fantasie 2091 on sale a few weeks ago and it fits me better than any. the chantelle that you like too ... i may have the strangest body on the planet b/c it actually brought mine together.
speech529 - my PS told me nothing about bras as well. He said sports bra for three months, after that time I could wear underwires if I wanted to ... everything I've learned, I've learned here. Are your implants completely submuscular? that may be why ... whippetmom would know for sure but I wonder if they need as much support if they're completely under the muscle?? I don't know, but someone will. If your current sports bra is keeping them together ... that's one of the most important things, so I wouldn't be concerned!
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Deb -- I love that Daytona bra! I will have to go to my local Brasmyth and see if they have any... though I wonder if it comes wirefree. I have another Anita that I LOVE. It's similar to the wired other one you posted.
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dawne-hope - I have a couple Chantelle bras in 30 bands, and I think the ones I have feel looser than my Freyas. I love the C-chic racerback one. Nordies does carry it, but maybe not in the 30. I have to order most of my bras online. A major pain, but worth it.
Deborah - Agreed, Cinderella! At least herroom wraps their bras in pretty green tissue so you think you're getting SOME special attention! That Anita 5490 is the one I tried and absolutely LOVED, but it rippled a bit in the nip area. The one I kept was the "Alicia" bra - w/ the lace. Almost as comfy as the other one. I also think the cups run a bit small. I got 30E in both, and the wire sits RIGHT on the edge of my implants. Probably a perfect fit, to be perfectly honest.
And Deb said what I didn't about VS......I was trying to be nice to them for a change.....
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speech529 and anyone else who's an A or B cup, I'm just going to post again some resources that cater to us smaller gals:
Lula Lu has some shops and is online: http://www.lulalu.com/ I got GREAT help at their shop in San Mateo CA and have bought 4 bras from them, all of which fit better than anything at Nordstroms or elsewhere.
The NYTimes published an article that named a bunch of bra/lingerie resources for AAA-B cups: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/fashion/02Small.html
Enjoy! CS
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Alright ... you all have turned me on to a new addiction. I ordered three bras online yesterday from Nordstrom. The LaMystere 9955 (on clearance!), the Chantelle "Sublime Spacer" and a Natori that was on sale. When my husband asks, I'm blaming all of you! LOL
I also had a shopping cart full of stuff over at herroom, but decided to wait a week or two before placing an order.
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Wireless bras and sports bras with good lateral support:
http://www.herroom.com/Shock-Absorber-B5047-Dynamic-Racket-Sports-Bra.shtml
http://www.herroom.com/Shock-Absorber-N109-D-Max-Support-Sports-Bra.shtml
http://www.herroom.com/Hanro-1516-Simply-Satin-Soft-Cup-Bra.shtml
http://www.herroom.com/Bali-3820-Double-Support-Wire-Free-Bra.shtml
http://www.herroom.com/Anita-5427-Top-Comfort-Jana-Soft-Cup-Bra.shtml
And I have found that Champion sports bras, which are more readily found at some dept. stores, provide pretty good lateral support as well. You need to try on various styles though, to see what works best for you.
http://www.herroom.com/Search2.aspx?new=yes&terms=champion
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Hey Val..... can you post... just one more time..lol... WHY your PS wants you and US in a sleep bra??
I have a group of plastics here..... they are known for all they do........... I want to take to them..... what you are sharing about sleeping in a bra...... and about the support during the day. They are REALLY coming down on me... LOL... concerning all I share here... on BCO...hehe.. They want to know....... WHY you are suggesting a "sleep bra".......or why your PS is.
I NEVER tell them names... I just pass on... what you all are saying here...:).. and since your DH is a doctor himself.......... I feel......... you are educated in this..... to REALLY know of what you speak!......
TY !!!!!!!!!!!!! Laura
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Hi Ladies
I went to Nordstrom's today to get fitted for a bra--when I started to talk to the woman in the dept I thought I was going to cry. It was so hard to tell her why I was there. She immediately put me at ease and found bras that were perfect. I ended up buying 3! I bought a Chantelle and a Natori plus a Wacoal Sports bra. All are wonderful and fit like they were custom made for my body. I did not realize I bought the wrong size, either. I was wearing 36 and should be in 34. My own bra's cup size was too small for me, too.
Thank yo so much for the advice and encouragement to get a proper bra. Makes a great difference!
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speech529 - Welcome to the world of bra addiction!
I am sooooo happy that you had a good experience at Nordstroms. And so thankful that the salesperson was able to put you at ease! Sounds like you bought some really nice bras. Congratulations! So happy for you!!!
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Hi everyone! I went on vacation for a few days with my DH and so I just read all of your posts and I am catching up.
After hearing all of the horrible stories about VS, I opted to not let them measure me. Almagetty, VS sells only on line a wireless pushup bra that I like and I needed an underwire with pushup for a special event dress and I purchased a Felina from Nordstrum that I will need to have adjusted to be a smaller band size to get a perfect fit. I will be posting pictures over the weekend of all of my bras.
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speech529 - you brought tears to my eyes remembering my first time at nordstroms. It was such a wonderful experience for me having someone understand and accept me as i was. I think nordstroms should make a commercial using the beautiful women from bc.org. I would be more than willing to tell my story.
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MBJ: Do you have the style name for the VS bra? I'll be looking for the pictures. I hope your vacation was wonderful!!
speech: I know how you felt telling the Nordstrom salesperson why you were there. I felt that way, too. The original girl I spoke to was very sweet. She went to get the store "specialist" for me, who was on a break. She was wonderful, too.
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Almagetty: Just go to the VS website (their labels are vague) and do a search "wireless push up bra". I think they only have one and I think it's an Ipex Plunge Bra. It doesn't push up as much as some more traditional push up bras but it does push them together and up a bit without alot of padding or discomfort. I am all about the comfort!
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