The worst part of wedding attire...

[XChick03]

The bras are horrid.

I had to wear this completely uncomfortable bra to try on dresses and it was horrible. I could hardly breathe and all I think could think about the whole time was how uncomfortable I was. I''m sure not what the technical name for them is, but it was the kind that goes down your stomach.

I don''t know how brides do it. I don''t think I could stand being that uncomfortable during my ceremony. The horrid bra-thing would be all I could think about. Not to mention the price. I can''t see my self spending $80 on something I absolutely hate with a passion. She said there were alternatives but they would change the way the dress fit and I don''t want to spend a fortune on alterations.

Ugh, I''d rather get married in pajamas than have to ever wear that thing again.

 

[SparklyThing]

are you sure it fit you correctly? They really shouldnt be that uncomfortable

 

[Caribou]

Xchick, I thought the same thing th first time I tried on a dress at David's , the bra hit me wrong on my hip, it was horrible, I kept thinking 'I have to wear this for at least 6 hours.

The only thing I think you should buy at David's is the dress... I got my full brazieer (sp) bra at Kohl's and it is so much more comfortable then David's. The last time I tried on my dress with the bra, I oculd hardly tell it was on.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I have the full bra thing from Davids and was surprised how comfortable it was. Maybe you need a larger size. That happened to me. She gave me a B and it HURT but the C felt fine. It really does smooth things out.

 

[XChick03]

Maybe it just didn''t fit right. I usually wear like a 34/36 B and occassionaly C depending on the brand. The one she gave me was a 36 B and it was so tight I thought I was going to suffocate. I''ll defintely try a different size or a different store. She also said I could try just a normal strapless bra or even have bra cups sewn into the dress and not wear a bra at all. But I really love the way it fit with the painful one, it would hardly need any alterations with that one.

 

[XChick03]

The thing I tried looked almost exactly like this one:

I liked the way it made my chest look fuller. I was kind of worried about the dresses looking bad on me because I''m not exactly well-endowed, but that bra thing really helped. I think I''m just going to find a nice strapless at Victoria''s Secret and hope it doesn''t change the fit of the dress too much.

 

[SoonIHope]

I would recommend going to a few other places and trying on ones similar to that if you liked the way it made the dress fit. If they just aren''t comfortable on you...then they just aren''t comfortable! And the MOST important thing is that you are NOT IN PAIN on your wedding day!!!!! But I bet you can find one with a similar effect to the David''s one that is comfortable on you! And if not, I think a strapless bra would work fine too! That''s probably what I''m going to end up doing personally...or maybe even just have cups sown into the dress?? I''m still a looong way away though...

 

[XChick03]

Yeah, I still have 14 months to go, but I really want to get a head start on the planning. I''ve seen brides wait until months before the wedding and they were so stressed.

The one in the picture is from VS, so maybe I''ll go try that one and hope its more comfortable. I think the problem might just be my body. My MOH says I have a "broad" back, which kind of freaked me out, but she just meant that my shoulder blade area is pretty toned, which might be why they don''t fit me well.

 

[glaucomflecken]

the thought of spaghetti straps or strapless bridal gown freaked me out because I am a 36D and was like there is NO way I can wear a strapless bra contraption comfortably on my wedding day! I tried some on and felt uncomfortable or "saggy". My seamstress suggested I get fitted at a local lingerie shop that specialized in post-mastectomy bra fittings, because the women there were experienced and know how to fit properly. I did, and the bra (it went down over my stomach to my hips) fit me perfectly (and my seamstress altered the cups a bit for an even better fit) and while I was in my dress, I did not "move" or "bounce" at all and felt so comfortable wearing my spaghetti straps and danced and was fine! Also, the bra was a lot cheaper than what I found elsewhere.

 

[AndyRosse]

Gosh, I typed a whole long response to you and then I got a freaking error message!!

So, to recap quickly, your bra should not be that uncomfortable, try different sizes and styles.

As for the bra you pictured from VS (and said you used a similar one at Davids), I suggest staying away from it. It is actually a bit padded all over, which actually adds girth to your waist, etc!!! My MOH and my mother both tried using that bra, only to find out that the dresses honestly wouldn''t fit (we couldn''t even zipper them all the way up!). But when we changed to the same style bra but much thinner fabric, there were no problems. Just an FYI.

Now if I get another error message, I am going to scream and throw my computer out the window

So if you don''t hear from me for a while, you will know why LOL.

 

[E B]

XChick,

Do you need a lot of support? I'm a 34B as well, but I can usually go without a bra (I love built-in tank top bras!). What I'm planning on doing is having cups sewn into my gown to give the effect of a bra without the discomfort of one. Is that a possibility for you?

 

[XChick03]

LOL

Hm, I usually wear a 7/8 in dresses, since WDs usually run small we tried a 10 but it wouldn''t zip up all the way. So, I had to try 12s. I bet if I had a different bra, the 10 would fit just fine because the bra-thing was really thick. And I wonder if some of the dresses that didn''t look good on me would look different with a better bra.

 

[XChick03]

Date: 4/10/2006 3:45:15 PM
Author: EBree
XChick,


Do you need a lot of support? I'm a 34B as well, but I can usually go without a bra (I love built-in tank top bras!). What I'm planning on doing is having cups sewn into my gown to give the effect of a bra without the discomfort of one. Is that a possibility for you?

Yeah, I wear those tank tops all the time! I'm actually considering doing the same thing, but the bra did make me look better. I have pretty big hips (or at least I think so) and the bra helped create more of an hourglass effect, especially in that last dress that looked really great on me.

 

[sydneycasandra]

If you''re going to be searching for another bra similar to the one you first discussed, I think they are often called "longline" bras (I am sure there are other names too but this is what I have always known them as.)

I wear a 34D and need quite a bit of support; I had bra cups sewn into the dress and although it''s not the perfect solution (they could look a little perkier!) it will be very comfortable because I won''t be worried about my bra hanging outside of my dress at all for dancing, pics, etc... Just a thought.

 

[E B]

Date: 4/10/2006 4:00:31 PM
Author: AntiguaBride

I wear a 34D and need quite a bit of support; I had bra cups sewn into the dress and although it''s not the perfect solution (they could look a little perkier!) it will be very comfortable because I won''t be worried about my bra hanging outside of my dress at all for dancing, pics, etc... Just a thought.

That''s a really good point!

XChick, were you able to take pictures?

 

[Mara]

HEE i didn't wear a bra...i just had my dress fitted tightly and that was that. I hate bras!

Oh and cups inside the dress are totally an option (maybe that's what I had done, I don't even remember but it was very comfortable)...I know we talked about that with the seamstress but don't remember if I did it or just had it fitted tightly. I'm a 36C.

 

[AndyRosse]

Date: 4/10/2006 3:46:31 PM
Author: XChick03
LOL

Hm, I usually wear a 7/8 in dresses, since WDs usually run small we tried a 10 but it wouldn''t zip up all the way. So, I had to try 12s. I bet if I had a different bra, the 10 would fit just fine because the bra-thing was really thick. And I wonder if some of the dresses that didn''t look good on me would look different with a better bra.

I would definitely suggest going back and using a different bra. Seriously, it makes a huge difference.

 

[Munchkin]

I think you need to be measured and then try on a variety of long line styles. The cup in a 34 and 36 B is not the same thing. (I was a bra fitter at Vicky''s during undergrad.) If you are truly a 36 B, then you would be a 34 C if you dropped band size. Conversely, a 34B could potentially get away with a 32 C or 36A depending which end of the 34 spectrum their ribcage is.

Basically, the cup size (letter) varies inversely to band size. The letter size does not remain constant.

Munchkin

 

[ChargerGrrl]

A couple of friends wore the "Flattering Me" longline bra and highly recommended it:
http://www.flattering.com/index.htm

A good longline with the proper fit makes all the difference!

 

[chickflick]

I''m a D cup and I swear, I was coming out of the top of that thing at David''s Bridal! I kept joking with my mom and singing the Jell-o song- "watch them wiggle, see them jiggle..."

I''m loving the flattering ones posted above but dreading the thought of spending a third of the price of my dress on just a bra for one day!

 

[XChick03]

Date: 4/10/2006 7:12:54 PM
Author: Munchkin
I think you need to be measured and then try on a variety of long line styles. The cup in a 34 and 36 B is not the same thing. (I was a bra fitter at Vicky''s during undergrad.) If you are truly a 36 B, then you would be a 34 C if you dropped band size. Conversely, a 34B could potentially get away with a 32 C or 36A depending which end of the 34 spectrum their ribcage is.


Basically, the cup size (letter) varies inversely to band size. The letter size does not remain constant.


Munchkin

See, that has never made any sense at all to me. I have always been told that cup size is the actual size of your breasts and the number is just the measure of your chest and back. I wouldn''t be surprised at all if I''ve been wearing the wrong bra size all along, especially since I own 34 Bs, 36 Bs and 34 Cs that all seem to fit.

Yeah, I''m really not thrilled with the idea of spending that much on one of those long bra things because I know I''ll never ever wear it again. That''s why I''m seriously considering getting the padding sewn in or just getting a nice strapless from VS.

 

[teebee]

Date: 4/10/2006 11:06:57 PM
Author: XChick03

Date: 4/10/2006 7:12:54 PM
Author: Munchkin
I think you need to be measured and then try on a variety of long line styles. The cup in a 34 and 36 B is not the same thing. (I was a bra fitter at Vicky''s during undergrad.) If you are truly a 36 B, then you would be a 34 C if you dropped band size. Conversely, a 34B could potentially get away with a 32 C or 36A depending which end of the 34 spectrum their ribcage is.


Basically, the cup size (letter) varies inversely to band size. The letter size does not remain constant.


Munchkin

See, that has never made any sense at all to me. I have always been told that cup size is the actual size of your breasts and the number is just the measure of your chest and back. I wouldn''t be surprised at all if I''ve been wearing the wrong bra size all along, especially since I own 34 Bs, 36 Bs and 34 Cs that all seem to fit.

Yeah, I''m really not thrilled with the idea of spending that much on one of those long bra things because I know I''ll never ever wear it again. That''s why I''m seriously considering getting the padding sewn in or just getting a nice strapless from VS.

I also own several different sizes of bras - but keep in mind different manufacturers and different styles may fit you differently. Cup size is the actual size of your breast, but in relation to the band size. I wasn''t a fitter or anything, but as I''ve understood it, your cup size is determined by subtracting your bust measurement (measuring around the fullest part of the chest) minus your band measurement (measuring around your rib cage right below the breasts) - the difference in these measurements in inches determines the cup size: A (1in), B (2in), C (3in), D (4in), etc.

So if you measured a 34C you would have a band measurement of about 34 inches, and a bust measurement of about 37 inches. But if you moved up to a 36 bra, a C cup would correspond to a 39 inch bust measurement.

I think I''ve got this right - I''m sure someone will correct me if I''m wrong or not saying it properly...

I agree though that is imperative to be fitted properly. I''ve gained some weight over the last few years and just automatically started buying 36 bras instead of my previous 34s... but was always having problems with the straps falling down on my shoulders or the back of it riding way up. Finally got out the measuring tape and I''m still a 34 band - but my cup size has increased so I went and bought some more 34s but got a larger cup size, problem solved!!

I highly recommend looking in your yellow pages for a specialty lingerie shop althoug Victoria''s is great and even some department stores are getting a lot better with fittings and selection - but the best long line bra I ever bought came from a specialty bra shop that carried everything under the sun - from eensy weensy to the heavy hitters... It was amazing...

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 4/10/2006 11:44:00 AM
Author: SanDiegoLady

Date: 4/10/2006 10:58:45 AM

Author: Tacori E-ring

I have the full bra thing from Davids and was surprised how comfortable it was. Maybe you need a larger size. That happened to me. She gave me a B and it HURT but the C felt fine. It really does smooth things out.

Is this the thing that has formed cups but has sort of a stretchy skirt part to your knees? When I tried on gowns there, I wore one of those, its very comfortable!! I''m going to buy one for under my gown as well.. and.. its something that can be re-used as well.

Mine stops at my waist. I would really try on a 34/36 C because I had the same experience and it made a HUGE difference.

 

[XChick03]

Thanks a lot, teebee. That makes a lot more sense to me now. This reminds me of an episode of Sex & the City when some lady made Miranda buy a different size bra because she''d been wearing the wrong size all along. I know, I''m a dork.

 

[MissAva]

BRA SIZE: HOW TO MEASURE
BAND SIZE
• Measure around your ribcage, directly under the bust.
• Add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size. (i.e.: If your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size.)


CUP SIZE
• Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point.
• Each inch of difference between this measurement and your BAND size = cup size. (i.e.: If your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup.)


If the difference is:
less than 1 inch = AA cup 3 inches = C cup
1 inch = A cup 4 inches = D cup
2 inches = B cup 5 inches = DD cup

Taken from the VS website

 

[XChick03]

Okay, I think I am a 36 B. Which is what that longline bra was, so if it was the right size, then it was just uncomfortable?

 

[teebee]

Date: 4/11/2006 9:34:44 AM
Author: Matatora

BRA SIZE: HOW TO MEASURE
BAND SIZE
• Measure around your ribcage, directly under the bust.
• Add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size. (i.e.: If your ribcage measurement is 29'' + (5) = 34'' band size.)


CUP SIZE
• Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point.
• Each inch of difference between this measurement and your BAND size = cup size. (i.e.: If your band size is 34'' and your bust measurement is 35'', you wear an ''A'' cup.)


If the difference is:
less than 1 inch = AA cup 3 inches = C cup
1 inch = A cup 4 inches = D cup
2 inches = B cup 5 inches = DD cup

Taken from the VS website

See, this is why fitting for a bra is soooo confusing - that formula totally does not work for me - that would put me in like a 38DD or 40D, and I am soooooooooo not either of those sizes!!!!!! Right now I''m wearing my most comfy cotton underwire bra - a 34D.

 

[SoonIHope]

Date: 4/11/2006 4:06:31 PM
Author: teebee

Date: 4/11/2006 9:34:44 AM
Author: Matatora
BRA SIZE: HOW TO MEASURE
BAND SIZE
Taken from the VS website

See, this is why fitting for a bra is soooo confusing - that formula totally does not work for me - that would put me in like a 38DD or 40D, and I am soooooooooo not either of those sizes!!!!!! Right now I''m wearing my most comfy cotton underwire bra - a 34D.

I agree - I do NOT think this is the right way to measure sizes!!! One of my friends researched bra sizing the day of our mutual friend''s bachelorette party (which was followed by a sleepover) and accosted us all in our pajamas to take our bra sizes, and NOT A SINGLE ONE of us wore the same size that this system indicated!! As in, it said 90% of us were AA cups, when we ranged from A to C...and the D got that she should have been a B. There''s no way ALL of my friends are wearing the wrong bra sizes!!

 

[Mara]

actually, did you gals see the oprah episode where they had nordy's fitters come in and measure and fit everyone in the audience?

if i recall correctly, more than 75% of the women in the audience were wearing the wrong bra size to begin with. it may have even been higher, like 85%. i was shocked, but in reality i have heard that lots of women wear the wrong bra size....but that just totally clinched it.

during the whole show they talked about how the bras should fit and showed what was wrong and right on the various girls, how to make yourself look better, lift the twins up higher, etc. they said that the mistake most women made was wearing too small of a cup size....girls who were B's ended up with C's and some B's went to D's. oprah herself said she thought she was something like a 34 DD and in reality she was a 36 F or G!

they talked about how women have this misconception that a larger size is a bad thing or women don't want to be thought of as 'strippers' who have DD's or something, but in reality more women wear D's or similar than they'd think and that they shouldn't let numbers and letters feel stereotypical. most of the women went up a cup size or two after being fitted by the nordy's gals. some of them were SO HAPPY, aka original full A gals were like 'I'm a C!'..etc.

anyway it was really interesting and i would not be shocked if the VS website was right and everyone just thought it was wrong because thats not how THEY measured themselves or how they felt their bra should fit. also i think part of it has to do with 'comfort' level, aka i don't like a too tight bra but on the show they showed that the bra straps should fit tighter but i think that would just bug me, so i don't know that i'd even want to wear the size the fitters said i should.

 

[XChick03]

Thinking about it now, none of my bras really fit that well. I think I''m just going somewhere this weekend and getting measured by someone who knows what they''re doing. I''m starting to think I''m really more of a 34 C than a 36 B.