2nd attack of the killer underwire bra

[Sasyrose2]

I've always liked wearing underwire bras, because they do a better job of lifting, separating and supporting. I'm not huge, but i'm not small and I refuse to go braless(38D). Since my injury, I've had 2 incidents where my underwire has broken in half and made cuts in my breast. (I'm completely healed now) Recently, I've resorted to wearing a cheap sportsbra, which is like a short tubetop with thin straps, but i don't like the look it creates. It's like I have a uniboob or it's just another roll of fatty flesh under my shirt.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for an alternative? Can any of you quads put on your own bras without assistance(another issue that's been bothering me)? or should I just be content with my 3 pk of sports bras that i got for 9.99?

[Tiger Racing]

ISince my injury, I've had 2 incidents where my underwire has broken in half and made cuts in my breast.
Seriously? What kind of bras have you been using? Do they have actual metal wire in them or is it plastic? I've never seen one break before. I've had the underwire (plastic) wear thru the fabric at one end or the other, but not snap in the middle. That would suck.

Recently, I've resorted to wearing a cheap sportsbra, which is like a short tubetop with thin straps, but i don't like the look it creates. It's like I have a uniboob or it's just another roll of fatty flesh under my shirt.
Yeah, that's not attractive. I used to have great legs. Not so much since the accident, so now when I want to be blatantly sexual and show off a bit of skin, it's cleavage time! A good bra is essential.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for an alternative?
Have you been professionally fitted? I highly recommend it. A quality department store or speciality shop should do it for free and then help you pick out bras that work best for your body type. Also, be willing to spend a few extra bucks on your bras. It's an item that you wear everyday that significantly impacts how your clothes fit, how you look and even how you feel. They don't last forever, but a good bra is worth the money.

C.

[SCI-Nurse]

I know what you mean. I have had both problems with underwires...broken wires (actually flat pieces of metal) and poking through the fabric at either end of the wire. Either way, those wires can be a problem.

You can find good support bras that don't have underwires, but you have to look a bit. I would also recommend getting professionally fitted, even if you have to pay a fee for this. Check with your local department store or a good underwear specialty store. They often have visiting specialists who can make an appointment for a custom fitting. My local Hanes outlet store does this periodically.

The easiest to get on yourself are either sports bras that you put on over your head, or front opening bras. With the latter, you can replace the hooks with Velcro if needed.

(KLD)

[Sasyrose2]

[quote=Tiger Racing]Seriously? What kind of bras have you been using? Do they have actual metal wire in them or is it plastic? I've never seen one break before. I've had the underwire (plastic) wear thru the fabric at one end or the other, but not snap in the middle. That would suck.

Both bras had metal underwires, one a flat bar and the others was twined wires, ands both were made by BALI. Those bras were fairly new and they were not cheap. i'm using the cheap stuff now, because i don't want to waste money. i have some nice sportsbras from before my injury, but they're just too hard to get on as a quad.

I also wear an abdominal binder and that darn thing always rips up the material on the cups. I've tried to adjust it, but it doesn't matter. that velcro always finds a way to snag.

[darkeyed_daisy]

I am so excited. Me and one of my friends are going to be fitted next week. My new years resolution......wear fitting bras!!!

[Aly]

I have found hand washing my bras instead of putting them in thewasher helps them last longer. It is a pain in the butt but much better than having the wires break so easily.

As for putting them on, I leave mine clasped and pull them over my head like a shirt.

[Broknwing]

Honestly, at your size....simplest thing to do is go to a Frederick's of Hollywood...Their bras are GREAT! Yeah, they're kinda pricy, unless they're having a sale or you find your size on clearance, but well worth it...I've also had good luck with Lunaire bras(can find them in Dillards usually). Lunaire are specifically designed for larger chests. I've never tried Bali bras, primarily b/c I've never found them in my size....If you can find a specialty bra shop, that would be your best bet b/c they can fit you & make any alterations you may need...I've got VERY short shoulders, so all my properly fitting bras have the shoulder straps shortened at least 2"....I currently have a couple nice bras from a company called Fantasia as well that seem to be holding up well also.

[Jadis]

get sized first of all. I had the same problem and was told it's because my bras were too small around the body. I was fitted and stopped breaking wires. (part of my problem was, I gained weight but didn't change my size. They were stretched out, so why did it matter?)

I also don't have the digging in problem anymore either. I wear a 36DD or 38D depending on how the bra is made.

[Clayton8]

http://www.curevents.com/vb/images/smilies/worth.gif



:D:applaud::amen::sorry::back2top:

[Art454]

Can one of use guys help you out here????....lol....j/k....Art

[Jadis]

yes.

design a bra that lifts, separates, supports and doesn't cause back/shoulder pain for those of us who are *cough* large.

Also, make it sexy yet functional.

thank you.

[cali]

i'm so glad my boobs aren't big. 34b is just fine for me thank-you-very-much.

i get my bras a victorias secret on sale, and i also hand wash mine, it's well worth it. they feel better and last longer and don't get "pilly", you know what i mean? snaggy is a better word i guess.

when i wash, i put a little tub in the sink (big enough for 2 or 3 bras) and i use a cold wash detergent. i just let them soak then rub good around the underarm parts. but i don't sweat, so the rubbing will vary for everyone.

my hands work good enough now, but i still hook it then put it on like a shirt.

as for the binder mucking up your bras, i don't know what to say to stop it. i know exactly what you mean about that velcro. i was thinking maybe an undershirt, then putting on the binder, but that depends on how your skin handles wrinkles.

[Foolish Old]

yes.

design a bra that lifts, separates, supports and doesn't cause back/shoulder pain for those of us who are *cough* large.

Also, make it sexy yet functional.

thank you.

This work?

[Jadis]

lmao!!! umm....no.

[SoFla]

I no longer use a binder, but when I did I wore a camisole under it. At that time I couldn't wear a bra because my incision is exactly at the bra line. The cami has a built in bra. Not with the best support, but it'll do in a pinch. Or post surgery.

Camisoles are popular in Florida. Maybe not so easy to find in colder areas. Check out Chadwicks.com. Once you order from them, they send sale catalogs. You can buy camis on sale for as little as $6.99.

Try one. I think you will like it. It will protect your skin, and your bra from the binder.

[sjean423]

old navy always carries them as well.

[pash8605]

I agree with the others. Get sized. Maybe the wires are breaking because you're wearing the wrong size cup. As for putting the bra on, I also do it up first and put it on like a tshirt.

[cali]

yeah camis are awesome i live in pennsylvania and everyone wears them here. if not by itself, layered under a deep v shirt or something.

they have underarmour too. hopefully you can just skip the binder one day. i'm keeping my fingers crossed for ya

[CapnGimp]

I don't wear a bra, I like the natural look....
BUT I did overhear a news report today where a lady had a bra DEFLECT a 45cal bullet on top of her shoulder!!! It just left a nick that 3 or 4 stitches closed up. I bet SHE won't complain about those biggies anymore!!

ps hey FOOLISH Youngin, how do we get a job making the molds for those??
:D

Clayton8, you make an interesting point that I find myself having to agree with, without further ado.

[cheesecake]

Right now Victoria Secret is having their twice a year bra sale. They do a good job with fittings and have a wide variety of bras including front clasp. They also sell camisals woth built in bras but no underwire.

Their bras are expensive so I always get mine during the sales. Save a fair amount of money and they last a long time. Getting fitted makes a big difference.

[Jeannette]

I have this problem too. I break underwires like you wouldn't believe, and finally gave up on them in favor of the bras that don't have underwires. Even the really nice ones from Fredericks I would break after a short while. I guess there's no restraining my boobs.

I have never bought a Victoria's Secret bra, and probably never will. I was told by a snooty asshole sales woman once that "no one of any decent size has breasts like that, you'd be best off going to the fat people store, what's it called? Oh, Lane Bryant" and I've never been back. I was told on a seperate occaision that VS didn't even have bras of a cup size to fit me - they only went to a D. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I've actually found a lot of nice bras that I like of the Valmont brand. They're just at the edge of fitting me. At 36/38 DDD/F it's really hard to get proper ones. I've been seriously considering a major reduction because between the lower back SCI and the lack of abdominal muscles and lack of lumbar muscle and the 103851735891 pounds of boob on my chest, it just hurts.

[Theophania]

As for putting them on, I leave mine clasped and pull them over my head like a shirt.

i do this too! :)

[LaMemChose]

A good fitting remedies much.

As for underwires, those can actually cut. Have had it happen twice so I check before putting on my bra each day to make sure the wires aren't trying to poke through the fabric.

Usually handwash mine with Woolite so they last longer, look better.

[keps]

I have this problem too. I break underwires like you wouldn't believe, and finally gave up on them in favor of the bras that don't have underwires. Even the really nice ones from Fredericks I would break after a short while. I guess there's no restraining my boobs.

I have never bought a Victoria's Secret bra, and probably never will. I was told by a snooty asshole sales woman once that "no one of any decent size has breasts like that, you'd be best off going to the fat people store, what's it called? Oh, Lane Bryant" and I've never been back. I was told on a seperate occaision that VS didn't even have bras of a cup size to fit me - they only went to a D. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I've actually found a lot of nice bras that I like of the Valmont brand. They're just at the edge of fitting me. At 36/38 DDD/F it's really hard to get proper ones. I've been seriously considering a major reduction because between the lower back SCI and the lack of abdominal muscles and lack of lumbar muscle and the 103851735891 pounds of boob on my chest, it just hurts.

Wow Jeannette, how dreadfully rude that woman was! And Lane Bryant is great. I hope you told her where to shove her bras?! :)


I was amazed at this thread - I never knew it was possible for underwires to break and/or stab.
When my bras are new, I handwash for a while, before I get fed up, and just end up throwing them in the washine machine.

Before my injury, I never wore underwired bras, because they annoyed me too much (the wire on my ribcage), but now I can't feel the underwire anymore, I always wear them. One *minor* benefit of my sci. :)

[darkeyed_daisy]

Underwires annoy me too but I just got fitted for a bra and that really does help alot. You dont realize how much better the right size feels. I usually find a specific brand that works and stick with that brand.

I had an experience once like that in Sears. People assume too much. Just because you are not in the department for your size they should not assume you are shopping for yourself. My daughter is addicted to Victoria's Secret bras....she tries to convince me that the gel is different in the padding and that is why I should pay $40.00+ for a bra. That feeling might change when she has to buy her own....LOL

[Rbrauer]

http://www.curevents.com/vb/images/smilies/worth.gif



:D:applaud::amen::sorry::back2top:




I'm starting to get really peeved. From the male community, we are willing to help, but without pics, this thread is a real letdown.

[CapnGimp]

YES ;) i have been stabbed by the OWNER of such bras :D

[Aly]

YES ;) i have been stabbed by the OWNER of such bras :D
stabbed by the owner or the bra, that is 2 dferent issues :)

[keps]

stabbed by the owner or the bra, that is 2 dferent issues :)

At least one of which belongs in R & S. :p

[darkeyed_daisy]

I'm starting to get really peeved. From the male community, we are willing to help, but without pics, this thread is a real letdown.

Maybe yall could model for us and show us the correct way to wear these uncomfortable "over the shoulder boulder holders????

Show us your "boulder holders"!!!!!

[Sue Pendleton]

Most department stores will measure for free here and then point you to the line best made for your sizing problems. I was amazed how professional they were. I mean it was like having someone measure you for braces. I like Wacoal but they can be pricey. And make sure front openers fit perfectly. With only one clip there is no give around the ribs. Ditto on the binder here. If it's not sawing from below it's cutting into the top of my thighs.
Oh yea, Bloomingdales.com and a Canadian eStore I forget the name of has great sales every so often.

[Aly]

Show us your "boulder holders"!!!!!
Great, now I am going to have to be very careful when reading post in public, no telling what these guys are going to take pics of and post.:p

[darkeyed_daisy]

http://media4.ugoto.com/pictures/over-shoulder-boulder-holder-ce4.jpg

For you fellas who requested pictures.....

[Erin81079]

I was a wonderful 36 C before I had kids and now my boobs have betrayed me. My skin has never gone back to normal and there are other issues that I have with my breasts. To get back to the topic however- I am now a 36 DD and cannot wear underwire because it hurts like hell and rubs me raw under my breasts. Lucky for me many companies make wireless bras that look like underwire and pretty much have the same support. Victoria's secret has a wireless that is called the Ipex wireless and they also carry a wireless demi bra called secret embrace. I haven't tried the demi, but the Ipex has really eased my pain. I'm not sure if they carry a 38, but I'm pretty sure they do. Hope this helps-and good luck. I hate bras but I don't even go to sleep without some kind of support anymore- I can't afford to have my boobs "let me down" any more than they already have ;).

[WheelieMike]

Hey Darkeye,
Thanks alot for that picture, I just lost my breakfast. I think her bra will fit my minivan.

Mike

[darkeyed_daisy]

Hey Darkeye,
Thanks alot for that picture, I just lost my breakfast. I think her bra will fit my minivan.

Mike

LOL!!! Glad I could offer ya some visuals this morning.....:zombie:

[chick]

ahhhh... the FREEDOM

the benefits of looking like a 10 yr. old boy. :)

[amanda]

"over the shoulder boulder holders"! every time I hear this I go straight to the movie "Beaches" in the scene with Bette Middler in her off broadway play. lol. classic!

I am lucky enough to not have any troubles with to much boobage. : / I did have to change my bra-ways post SCI though. I also hook it together before puling it on over my head. And I try to stay with the most skin friendly fabrics and as seamless as possible. VS has been a great resource for me with all of their "NEW!" bras they've come out with lately.
I worked at a VS store my freshman year of college. the bra fittings are great. but, the most important thing is to not be stuck on the idea that you are a 34XYZ and be open to try a few different sizes in different styles.
I hope you find something that works for ya!

[littlebit1010]

The best bra i ever purchased was from BigGirlBras.com. They have Oprah's Top Ten.

[bbs]

Daisy,
How DID you get my pic?

LOL


bbs

[redbandit]

OMG, that poor woman needs a reduction!

Do any of you ladies consider that? It could help, you could probably make a case for medical necessity to get ins or medicare to pay for it.

[611]

I have two friends that underwent breast reduction surgery in their early 30s. Constant back pain from weight of their breasts. I suspect big breasts can be a bigger problem for women with SCI,MD,or other neuromuscular diseases.

[Broknwing]

OMG, that poor woman needs a reduction!

Do any of you ladies consider that? It could help, you could probably make a case for medical necessity to get ins or medicare to pay for it.

LOL Redbandit....Funny you should ask that....That was the first thing I asked about when I became concious after my surgeries & drug induced coma post accident...I completely and seriously asked if it would now be considered "medically necesary" and my insurance(I had a COBRA policy at the time) would finally cover it...I've yet to actually finally persue that avenue though, but for other reasons...

[redbandit]

It's funny what goes through your mind after injury. I was heading up a huge and stressful project at work for the past year, and the first thing I thought of in the ICU was being relieved that I wouldn't have to be at work on Monday!

[Kari in Pacific NW]

I wear a 40DD bra. Finding a bra that fits and is somewhat stylish has always been a problem for me. And I have had wires poke through or plastic "wires" break too, even with better quality bras. I have been professionally fitted and have been wearing Wacoal and Cacique bras (Caciques are sold at Lane Bryant's). These two brands are the best fitting and most comfortable bras I have worn. The Caciques are less than half the price of Wacoals. Lane Bryant's often has specials too, such as spend $75 and get $25 off.

I suffered a spinal cord injury at C5-6 thirteen months ago. My biceps, deltoids, and shoulder rotator cuffs do not work at all. Thankfully, everything else is normal.

Now that I am disabled, I cannot put on or take off a bra by myself. I have tried leaving it clasped and pulling over my head, as suggested here. So far, I have not been successful. I have tried putting it on the way I used to: clasping it in the front and then pulling it around to the back--impossible for me.

I have ordered two front-clasp ones online and found the front closures too difficult for me to work.

I have googled bras for disabled women and have found several prospects, including one with magnetic and loop front closures, but they either don't come in my size or come in non-sized cups that supposedly fit cups A-D.

Recently I was alone for four days. Even though I was able to sponge bathe myself, I had to stay in my bra for the entire time. I want to find a bra that I can put on and take off by myself so that I can be more independent.

Suggestions?

[fishin'guy]

As far as the free sizing goes, I'll even pay $5.00 for each free fitting of a bra :crazy:.