Thread: Full figured bra that REALLY fits and is REALLY comfortable

If you are reading this then you know what I am talking about. The constant ongoing search for a comfortable an supportive bra--not just a costume bra but one to wear all day long. Something that doesn't dig into the back creating rolls of back fat, a bra that lifts and separates but keeps you covered, and a bra that does something about the underarm boobage thing.

I'm a 38DDD. Not an easy size to find. Most of the time I end up buying 40 DDD bras and the cups are just a tad to large and I wear it on the tightest hook and hope it doesn't stretch out. Of a 42 DD, take an inch or two off the back band and it still isn't right.

So I have drawers full of lingerie bras that promised to be perfect and weren't.

Dillards store brand Modern Movement bras have been pretty good fit for everyday and I have covered some for costume bras. But a couple of months ago Modern Movement came out with some new radically different bras. My favorite is their BFF Tee Shirt Bra. It is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. And it has this thing going on at the sides of the cups and under the arm, like part of a second bra sewn into the first one, that compltely covers the side boobage and keeps it firmly in the cup where it belongs.

In the larger sizes it is a little pricey to make into a costume bra ($40) but it would sure be worth it. Here is the webpage at Dillards for the bra. Can't really see the underarm structure but there is a little video on the page.

Just thought I would pass this on for my full busted sisters who are still searching.
Product: Modern Movement 3-D Curves® "BFF" T-Shirt Bra

Souzan

Thanks for the tip! We don't have a Dillard's but I'll see if Belk has it. I actually am at a point I'm going to look up getting a boob lift. I damn sure don't want more boobs, but what's there could use some perking up. I might start a thread asking about that.......

I'm a 38E-F cup (UK sizing) and I've recently had a lot of luck with Bravissimo. Their bras are pretty dear (about £30 for a moulded padded plunge) so I've yet to turn one of them into a costume bra, but for daily wear the quality is amazing and the size range is incredible- D-JJ!

Most of my costume bras have come from M&S. Their DD+ range is a bit hit and miss, but they're much, much cheaper than Bravissimo, so I don't feel bad about chopping them up!

Last week I found out that the national 'cheap as all get out' store Primark is selling DD-G bras for £5, so i bought a couple and am wearing them to see how I like them. If they hold me in and keep a nice shape then i will definitely be using them for costume bases!

Why not use the better quality/expensive bras for costumes?

Originally Posted by Darbla

Why not use the better quality/expensive bras for costumes?

Well thats a good point, Darbla. Probably because we cut them up and reposition cups and reconstruct them and it seems a shame to cut it up and toss out so many pieces of it. But I do like the coverage of these bras. I think it might be a good candidate to leave the back band on and cover cups and sides only to use as a costume bra under baladi dress with cutout bust. I would take the shoulder straps off and add nostretch shoulder straps but depending on how you stitched the fabric on you could always take it off and use the bra as lingerie again.

Originally Posted by Darbla

Why not use the better quality/expensive bras for costumes?

Cos I'm skint! ..big-laugh;

Also the difference with the high quality bras is usually in the fit around the ribs and over the shoulders... the bits that get cut off and junked when making a costume bra! I'd far rather save those for daily wear and use the cheapo ones (which usually have nice tough cups but wimpy 'roll into your fat folds' straps) for chopping up and remaking.

OK, another question: if we can take a cheap bra and reconstruct it into a beautiful costume, why can't we take a cheap bra and make it better for everyday wear? Or repair a worn-out one to make it usable again? I ask this from a money-saving perspective (cuz I'm skint too ).

I can do basic maintenance on bras; e.g. chopping out those little plastic sticks that you sometimes find under the armpits (they dig in something chronic), taking off itchy/worn trim or sewing a stray underwire back into place and reinforcing the spot where it broke through. i've also moved shoulder straps so they don't end up by my elbows. (I have sloping shoulders!), but not total strip down and rebuilds.

Maybe the time element comes into it. I don't mind spending hours on a costume bra that's meant to be seen and that I can't buy off the shelf, but I wouldn't put the same effort into something that goes under my clothes; I'd just put it in the project pile and buy another one that actually fits!

Going to posh lingerie shop really improved my life. I was wearing the right size, but the wrong brands. Fell in love with Freya and Chantelle, figured out my size in each, and then looked for cheaper sellers on eBay. All my bras are pretty now, and I would be tempted to use a Chantelle T-shirt bra to make a costume.

Chantell T shirt bra on eBay for $25:

Chantelle Rive Gauche 3286 T- Shirt Bra 38DD $76 - eBay (item 270694630534 end time Mar-19-11 18:01:46 PDT)

Why dont they show this on a model with big breasts so I can get a real idea of the fit?

Originally Posted by anala

Why dont they show this on a model with big breasts so I can get a real idea of the fit?

Because those of us who fit into that size have scary boobs, maybe?? Now that you mention it, I've always seen these bras on slim models.

I actually did find a Chantelle at Marshall for deep discount and really liked it until the dogs ate the back off it. Salvaged the cups for costume bra though.

Darbla, the Modern Movement bras are one of Dillard's store brands but you can order them online. The underwire is very comfy and the large cup sizes are really made for larger breasts, not bitty boobs with a little more fabric.

Often when I buy an everyday (not costume) bra that is not from Wacoal, I regret it. They are expensive, but are lovely, fit well, are flattering, are well-constructed, and last a long while.

In short: Wacoal is my busty lady go to!

You can also buy bra extenders (like these, but I bought mine at Nordstrom). This way if you find a cup size that works perfectly but need more band length...voilà!

Why dont they show this on a model with big breasts so I can get a real idea of the fit?

I KNOW! So annoying.

I love this thread! I recently realized that my boobs must have gotten bigger somehow and now I muffin boob over the top of many of my 36DD bras. I've always had great results with the gilligan and o'malley bras that they have at target for like 10 bucks. Being a college student I really can't afford much more expensive. I bought a really pretty and comfortable and supportive bra from VS when they had their semi annual bra sale thing but it came appart pretty quickly :( Maybe I should invest in one of these nicer bras?

I bought 2 Lilyette 929 bras yesterday. Here are reviews on them at Amazon:
Amazon.com: Lilyette Women's Strapless Bra with Convertible Straps #929: Clothing

My department store had them for $16. I tried on a bunch of different brands and styles and these fit better than anything. The eyes for the strap hooks to go in are nice and wide apart on the front; that's always an issue if you're wearing low-neck blouses but I think these will be no-show. There are four hooks in the back so a nice substantial bra band. The band is double-layered elastic for a strong and snug fit.

After much weeping and wailing and trying on of bras, I found the 36D to work for my cup size but will have to sew the rib cage band smaller. It didn't seem to be available in 34DD.

Crap, I saw this minimizer there too but thought it looked to flimsy to bother trying on. Now I'm reading all these wonderful reviews of it:
Amazon.com: Lilyette Women's Tailored Strapless Minimizer Bra #939: Clothing

Will stores let you return bras? Now I want to try that one!