Best bras for every figure

by Susan Wagner (Subscribe to Susan Wagner's posts) Aug 29th 2008 8:00AM

Categories: Just For Moms, Fashion & Clothing

Bra shopping is a hassle -- it's so hard to find a bra that really fits, and honestly, since no one ever SEES your bra, why spend any money on it? Even though your bra is always under cover (it's underwear, you all, not outerwear, no matter what Madonna might be doing these days) it is important to choose a bra that really fits your body and flatters your breasts. The right bra can change your whole look -- make you look thinner and younger and shapelier. The right bra -- one that fits properly and supports your chest appropriately -- can also prevent sagging and stretching, particularly in larger breasted women.

Take the time to have a proper bra fitting; most department stores have bra fitters on staff, as do smaller lingerie boutiques. If you are particularly hard to fit, we suggest you go the boutique route, as the fitters in these smaller stores often have more training than the ones in larger chain stores. The exception to this rule is Nordstrom, which is THE place to go for a bra fitting. Take the time; you'll be glad you did.

Pretty sure you know what size bra you wear? HerRoom is your online source for fantastic bras at great prices. HerRoom also provides clear instructions on how to fit yourself -- follow them carefully to make sure your bras are the right size. Here are five options, each for a specific shape and size. Some are a bit of an investment, but the right bra will make everything else -- even the cheapest cotton tee -- look fantastic. A great bra is money well spent, every single time.

Comments (22)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Ann Marie 8-29-2008 @ 8:17AM

What a great article! NOT!! I purposely looked at every page waiting for the small chested bra! I thought I would be surprised when I read the petite version, until you said "but petite doesn't mean small chested" then youONLY listed sizes for larger breasts! Don't we women suffer enough slings and arrows for our bodies, now you're going to purposely leave out an option for small chested moms?? I'm 37 years old and small chested. Do you think it's easy finding a bra that fits? Thank you for being insensitive idiots!

CELINA 10-03-2008 @ 7:35AM

HEY! I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO FIND A PERFECT BRA IN A SMALLER SIZE. GO TO VICTORIA'S SECRET AND ASK TO BE MEASURED BY A BRA SPECIALIST OR A MANAGER. THEY HAVE AN INTENSE KNOWLEDGE OF BRAS FROM AA'S TO DD'S . YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!

warmwomyn 10-06-2008 @ 7:39AM

Ann Marie there's nothing ugly about small breasts, they're beautiful. I have large ones and I truely admire how small breasted women look. It's easier to find clothes too. your 2nd and 3rd buttons don't burst so you always have to buy larger clothes and if you want a tailored fit, i have to buy clothes that are too large and then have the arms and shoulders altered. You can also get pretty bras, no victoria secrets for me.

Ann Marie 10-06-2008 @ 8:23AM

They don't make AA cup bras that are pretty! And Victoria Secret doesn't actually carry any AA, you have to get them online (and the selection is extremely small). Most places I go tell me to go to the girl's section for training bras!

Also, I don't feel my breasts are ugly. It's society who does! It would just be nice if they actually made bras for smaller chested women. Not everyone is a 36C!!

Hera 10-03-2008 @ 7:22AM

I recently watced an Oprah where she saiod 80% of women wear the wrong bra size and I was one of them. I had lost a lot of weight and did not know what size I was. I went to Nordstrom's and got professionally measured and was suprised that my back was smaller than I thought. By wearing the right bra my figure now looks better. I love Wacoal bras.. a little pricey but worth it.

Rebecca 10-03-2008 @ 9:12AM

In 100% Agreement with you Ann Marie! I wasn't even going to bother reading the article, but figured what the heck. I too am small chested and have a heck of a time finding bras that flatter the little that I have. As poster Celina wrote definitely contact Victoria's secrets. I did it about two years ago and the bras fit perfectly. I figured this article would give me a little more info, but I guess the writer of the article (Susan) has as much knowledge as my 4 year old when it comes to these things. I hope she has a day job!

Stacey 10-03-2008 @ 11:23AM

I hate to say it but I was told by a friend of mine that used to work at V's Secret that they sometimes measure wrong because they do not carry the size you actually wear. Wonderbra is a very nice bra for me 32A there is no pull away at the top like with my secret bras and best of all they are about $30 less I got mine on www.unders.net she even helped me over the phone with all my questions.

Kari Hadley 10-03-2008 @ 9:21AM

For me, the best bra is NO bra. They feel like a horse harness, and I can't breathe, especially when I run. For one thing, my breasts aren't not that large. I have no idea exactly what size, because I haven't worn a bra in decades, but I figure it's probably a B at best. Before anyone lectures about sagging -- I'm 49, and they're still perky. I work out, and have great supporting muscles. How many women who wear a bra and let it do the work of the muscles can say that?

toozcompany77 10-03-2008 @ 11:16AM

you sound so hot. email me

toozcompany77 10-03-2008 @ 11:19AM

kari hadley we need to chat

lauraandyshort 10-03-2008 @ 9:32AM

Another place that does bra fitting that I have found is Lane Bryant. They were very nice to talk to and completly understanding about trying to find the right fit. I went there very recently and came out with bras that work like they are supposed to and even look nice to boot. I hope this helps.

kristyjane 10-03-2008 @ 10:30AM

I totally agree with being measured for a correct fit. I was always frustrated trying to find a bra that felt good and fit well. I had been wearing a 38B and then I was measured at Victoria's Secret and found that I was a 36D! The woman was even able to tell me that before she pulled out her tape measure.

Sexy in TX 10-03-2008 @ 10:56AM

Maybe no one sees YOUR bra, but I have a bf who loves to look.
Pretty undies also make ME feel sexier, even when I don't have a date.
No granny panties or Ma bra's down here!

Diane 10-03-2008 @ 10:56AM

Thank You Kari on No Bra is Best Bra. IT seems that the "pressure" for those of us who do not need bras, is given from those who do...Kind of a how can we strap,,tighten the hatches just to appease those who have been ingrained to cover, cover, cover. It is an absurb tradition that if you follow any Energy Medicine, global known author Donna Eden, talks about how the "underwires" are hazardous to health.

silverbatwing 10-03-2008 @ 11:57AM

Try coming to Delaware Ann Marie because all the stores pretty much only sell under a DD cup. Unless i go to a specialty store, I cannot find an E

toozcompany77 10-03-2008 @ 11:56AM

My BF loves it when I wear no bra and let my curves and nipples make other men stare at me in public places.

sandifernandi 10-03-2008 @ 12:37PM

I was looking for the small chest part too. how dumb to leave it out. Anyways, I've always liked calvin klien bras. I always get the 32A, or 34A in pushup. Its not overpadded like some other brands and looks great/natural under a shirt. its a little pricey but well worth it.

cat 10-03-2008 @ 12:38PM

i was also very disappointed in this article and pics. i may be large chested, but it is very difficult to find a bra that does not minimized (i want to show what i have) that has a plunging look to it, you cant wear a low cut top if you have to wear a full support bra that looks like your mothers. V secrets is no help either, they only have full support. we want to look sexy too.

leigh.girl 10-03-2008 @ 3:23PM

If you are slightly larger chested at all- meaning that you sag- for the love of god do not go to Victoria Secret...Their bras are cute but are not made to support anyone above a C cup. My job is doing bra fittings and getting people in the CORRECT size- even if I have to send them to a specialty store to get it. Go to a high end department store or Lane Bryant. Not everyone at LB is properly trained so ask for a manager. Do not continue buying a DD because that is all you can find. If you have dents in your shoulders, your boobs are still saggy with a bra on, or the back of your bra rides up- get fitted! Also- if you have young daughters- please, please, please get them fitted at one of these stores (even if they are skinny- go to an LB if that's closest)!!! I was one of those young girls and I have back damage and actual curvature to my shoulders from wearing the wrong size.... It makes a world of difference and the sooner you start- the easier life will be. LB carries sizes 36C-DDD, 38C-H, 40-44B-H, and some 46-48D-DDD... I plan on opening my own plus-size shop but I will still get my bras there until I can make my own. It makes a world of difference in your appearance and physically how you feel.

Brittany 10-03-2008 @ 1:08PM

I went to Nordstroms once to get a bra fitting and will never make that mistake again. I wore a 38D at the time but decided to see what the sales woman suggested anyway, she made her measurements and matter of factly stated I should be wearing a 40C, and with her "expertise" went and found the bra she thought would work exceptionally well. I tried that bra on and it was the worst fitting bra I have ever worn! The cups were too small, and the band was too loose! I bought it anyway (she was full of glares), tried it a few times, and ended up returning it for my normal size.

I now where a 38DD in a very specific brand and style that fits me perfectly. I think thats the key: finding your exact style that works for your body shape, and then find whichever size in that bra wears the best. I detour to the lingerie section of whatever store I'm in everytime just to see if my bra is on sale or whatever; I've found a few on extreme clearance and stocked up! Anytime I can save 30 bucks on something I desperately need is good news.

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