For the Women - Bras & MS
 

This is kind of embarrassing to post this but I know many of you suffer from the Hug like I do. It is a daily thing for me now. I decided to post it in the MS Forum as opposed to the Women's Forum as it really is MS specific. So here goes . . .

As many of you know I am preparing for DD17's HS graduation. This not only entails having to get new or new to me clothes to wear to all the upcoming events but a new bra as well. A good bra can make any shirt look fantastic.;)

I am was wondering if you found any type (band) that works better for you and/or any brand that works better for you or even if you found a great work around. Quite honestly, I hate wearing a bra as there are days when it irritates the hug so much I have to take it off. (I am this way with pants as well. You should see my bed after I try to get dressed. LOL).

Any advice or tips would be great.

I know what you mean about the hug and a bra irritating it. It drives me insane some days. Luckily, I am home alone most of the day and can lounge around without one.....but I have to wear one if I go out. There's no getting around that! :o

I have found that a good support or posture bra helps. It does take some getting used to because it is a little constricting but after I get used to it I find it actually helps. I guess it forces me into sitting up straighter. I've found that I can breathe a little better....or at least get a good deep breath.....when I wear one.

Playtex has some really good ones. Here's a website that has some awesome deals and they're really reliable. I order from them quite a bit. Their online address is www.juliasbrashop.com.

Good luck!

Since I very rarely go out, never wear the dang things. I am barefoot and braless in Ohio..:eek: :D

I wear a comfy bra and slippers, when going out somewhere. :rolleyes:

How about one of those convertible type bras (converts to halter, strapless, backless) that don't have a band around the chest, rather a band around the waist?

( i truly don't have any experience in going braless since I was a kid and one of these wouldn't do anything for me, but my cup runneth over. You may have a different body type and it might work for you. )

Kelly - I'll check out that site and see what they have. It is so funny because some days I am fine and have no problem and other days just a slight touch on my ribcage will cause that squeezing can't breath stuff from the hug.

AZ - Isn't that the weirdest feeling? If I didn't know I had MS and sensory issues I would think I was insane. LOL Nothing like putting on some as simple as flip flops and having spasms go from the foot up to the butt. LOL Crazy.

Sally - I am barefoot and braless in AZ. LOL I only wear a bra when I have to go out in public and/or I know someone is coming over. Lord help the person who decides to just drop by unannounced. They sure would be getting a surprise.:eek::D

RW - Great idea. I'll have to check some out this weekend. I did consider pasties but I am not sure they would work. I have put on weight and my girls finally went through puberty at 43. I now, for the 1st time in my life, have girls that are more "prominent" and don't like it. :p Back in my thinner days, I didn't need a bra. Band-aids worked just fine. ;):D

I have considered getting a bathing suit top as they don't seem to bind as much. But I also have to keep in mind it is going to be HOT, possibly 90's during the graduation (which is at night). Most of the other stuff we have coming up is indoors.

It's not embarrassing at all, it sucks! It's torture! It's all men's fault!

Major rule #1, get fitted. It's the one thing women ignore that is the one thing they NEED to do.

I love the Bali imitation Victoria's Secret underwire. It doesn't have those ultra-padded, bullet-proof cups and the band does not make me feel like I can't breathe. The hug stays with me most of the time and these allow me to move my arms over my head without readjusting the girls every ten minutes.

Do yourself a favor, Trish, and get a few of the same, right ones. Hand wash and hang them after EVERY wear, it will support their support much longer which supports your boob budget. ;)

"Only cheap girls wear cheap bras."
—Mom

Great suggestion, AMN! I was thinking of going to VS for a bra and to get fitted. Since my "size" has changed as well as age, it is time to get fitted. I was waiting until I dropped these last 10 lbs but so far over the last year that has not happened.

And to add to you're mom's quote, my mom always said to get the best quality you can afford when it comes to classic styles (clothes, furniture, etc.). This holds true for bras and I did just that up until I stopped working.

I wear FRONT closing bras, and if I get too huggy, I unhook the bottom two or three of the hooks. it still holds the girls in place, and allows me a bit of breathing room.;)

All you barefoot and braless people, stop bragging!

Where's a jealousy emoticon when you need one? :Scratch-Head:

Oh, I am not bragging! LOL Maybe I should have said barefoot, braless, and sagging. LOL


Dejibo - I never thought about a front closure bra. That is a fantastic idea as if the hug gets going I can casually undo the front a bit to take the pressure off the rib cage. And I can do that without it being noticeable at the graduation.

I cannot go without a bra and I hate underwire -- how's that for another type of dilemma? :nopity:

I also cannot go without a bra and underewire are painful for me too - hit my rib cage where I have the hug. I am actually uncomfortable if I do not wear one.

Sports bra? I've heard really good things about them and how comfortable they are. I considered getting one for everyday use and for when the hug is really bad.

However, I can't wear a sports bra to the award ceremonies, parties, and graduation as that would not, IMO, be appropriate whatsoever.

Barb! That's right, I now remember you bringing that up. For me it is the actual band of the bra that causes the issues. I have a few different bras but each have a different issue. One is great on the hug but terrible for support, one is great for support but I won't let it touch my ribcage (I should just throw it away), and 2 are somewhat OK it just depends on the day.

Exactly. One can find non-underwires but the choices that also give you enough support are few and far between. It's a serious drag. I should really go to a bra shop because I don't have patience for shopping and I know that I should also really get measured. I forgot the percentage of us who don't wear the right size bra but it's incredibly high (and I'm positive I'm one of them).

I know I am one of them. LOL I think it is something like 80%

I am not sure about the 18-hour bras that provide support but don't have underwire. I don't know how comfortable they really are.

Every now and then at my local J.C. Penney's the do bra fittings. Since it is prom/wedding season they may be doing one soon. I'll have to check that out.

Like I mentioned in my other post, VS does fittings as well AND the quality of the bras are great.;)

I have a question about getting fitted. I know I need to do this again..since it's been years.

What kind of bra do you wear to get fitted?

I may not be asking it right. I looked onthe VS website and you measure with a bra on.

But if you don't like the way your current bras fit...will that change the measurements? I have bras that give me no support..others that smash the crap outta the girls..ones that dig into my shoulders..ones that give zero side support...

My best fitting bra that I love is wearing out. It's an Oleg Cassini. 36DD.

Dillards has a great selection of bras (only place I buy mine) and they have professional fitters that will size you.

The ones I buy are the store brand bra, and yeah, they're underwires. (I'm...ahem...well-endowed) They're also a minimizer bra. Someday, if I have the money, I'm getting a boob job and making mine smaller. I'd like to drop from the DD down to a B or C. My back hurts from dragging these things around.

I dont like not wearing a bra. When I'm at home it's ok, but I really would rather put up with the uncomfortable hug then having the ta-ta's swinging in the breeze. (hug usually only hits me in the ribcage on the left side and is worse after eating. It's not an all time thing, and currently isnt the most annoying thing)

I recently had to start wearing my bra a little looser. I've had numbness in my left elbow, that hasnt really felt the same as MS numbness. Makes me wonder if I have a pinched nerve from how tight I'd been wearing my bra. My boyfriend has actually expressed concern at how tight I'd had my bra. Since I loosened things up, the numbness in my elbow has actually gotten better. Maybe the underwire was stabbing me in a nerve or something?

Curious, that is a really good question. I have no idea. Maybe someone who has been properly fitted before will come along and help us out. I know I won't be going to VS until this weekend. I can let you know what happens after that.

At one point, I was going to just make my own bras. The measurements that you take to make the bra were far different that what I learned (rib cage under the breast and the fullest part of the breast) but the instructions say to also go by the measurement of the chest above the breasts. This was new to me and pretty interesting.

Maybe when AMN comes back she can give us some insight in to what happens during a fitting.

I got a VS gift card for Christmas and have been putting off using it. :o

I don't think those type of measurements would work well for me. I'm not big around the upper chest or my back. I'm just Boobs. :D

Ooh, I'm under the impression that when you get fitted by a pro it's without a bra. I haven't been for a very, very, very long time but that's what happened last time I was.

Do what I did.....have a boob lift and go braless!

When I was measured at VS's, I just wore a normal bra and the asst measured me, as they measure below your b00bs, etc. I cannot wear underwires anymore for the same reason as some of you have stated. They make me feel like I have a winch tightening all day long. I took a couple of my $$$ VS's and put a teeny cut by the side of the underwire and slipped it right out. It feels so much better now and I'm not throwing away a pricey bra.

At home, it's either a sports bra or none. And, when I do get home, it's the next thing to come off after my shoes. Good luck T!

I'm with Bearygood about the fitting. It's done without a bra in order to get accurate measurements.

I have sports bras but find they're still firm around my rib cage. Infact, I think they'd have to be in order to support you while exercising/playing sport.

I've never worn them or spoken to anyone who's worn them, but do those gel type stick on cups work? Would they work for one night at this function? Just an idea.

If you were having a dress made, or buying one especially for the graduation, how about a built in bra?

I know that doesn't help your every day need though, 'cos I'm another who
doesn't a wear bra unless I have to leave the house.

Taaaaa daaaaaaahhhh, here I am!

Wear the best unpadded/simple bra that you own and a flattering top, the fitter will want to assess your shape with your top on.

I have NEVER been measured without a bra ON. They need the girls in place to do the right measurements.

It's very quick and they are very respectful of your sensitivities.
They measure your band size (under the girls).
They measure your chest above the girls.
They measure the shoulder length from back to front.
They measure your bust (all the way around the girls and back at nipple level).
They ask you questions about your lifestyle/wearing/cothing preferences.
They ask you questions about your girls' actual shapes.

You wait in the fitting room while they go fetch you a few options to try on, they wait for you to change, come back in and assess the fit and comfort level.

Here's the trick, ready? When you've settled on the right one for you, buy only ONE.

Go down the mall, find JCPenney and tell the bra broads that you want this bra at a better price. Let them fit you also because VS often wants to send you home with a less practical, sexier version than you need.

They always come back with the same one for me, a Bali soft-cup underwire. Then, I buy a bunch of those, go back to VS and tell them I changed my mind, get my $50-60 back.

:hug: TY Cindy.

I need to use the gift card, but will only use that and go to JCP and stock up.

The last few years, having nice pretty bras hasn't been my priority. Must have been hubby's..he got me the gift card at Christmas. :rolleyes:

My plans for shopping today are nixed. Grandson is sick, so I have the baby. I am going to do this.

Yappy, honey, they have lots of other stuff at VS, you could always get stocked up on whimsical things just to burn up the card for fun. ;) I like their knee-high nylons but would never pay retail for them.

Take good care of the grandmonkey, he's so lucky to have you! :) :hug:



ETA: I forgot, JCP always has big bra sales coming and going, I stock up if I hit a sale, if not, I wait and order them online in the color I want and get free shipping for in-store pick-up.

Barefoot, braless and don't wear pants (just undies much of the time and shirt.) They always told me when I was older I'd be glad "my cup didn't runneth over " but for certain things once in awhile put on that special VS WOW bra and DH must hook and help.

:eek:I feel like I just prank called someone and asked what they were wearing.:D That's funny.

AMN - Thanks for the info. I feel better about it. I am a pretty modest person and was dreading having to get measure with my girls hanging low. LOL Your shopping trick is great!

I may take my girls with me. Well, not my "girls" as they go everywhere with me but DDs. It would be good for them to get measured as well. It's funny as when I was "little" I could pick out a bra, try it on, and it would fit just fine. DDs have trouble with bras too. Of course they are bigger than I ever was until I put weight on. They so get that from their dad's side, not mine. My sisters and I were all either A or nearly B's. Plus, DD19 complains about the shape of bras - the gap between the girls.

I did find a site yesterday that was really good and had lots of info on it about measuring and fit and styles of bras. In reading and according to what the were saying, I found out that I really should be wearing a demi or baclonette.

Here's the link. http://www.figleaves.com/uk/fitting_..._top-_-fitting

Yapster!! If you don't want to use your VS gift card on bra's, they have the best undies in the world. 5 pair for $25 and they last forever, don't ride up and are comfy. I do not dry them in the dryer and if you sign up for a VS card, they send you a card for a free panty or $10 off a bra or other purchase every month.

Kohl's also have some great lingerie sales and carry alot of different brands.

Or you could go for a mammogram and ask the tech to measure while the girl's are resting on the machine!! :D jk

You are so right, DM! They do last a long time. VS' quality is fantastic and well worth the money spent. Over the past several months I have been putting a little bit of money aside just to go to VS for new undies as they last so long and are comfy. So when I go this weekend, I do have the extra money ($30) for new undies as well as a new bra. However, I really like AMN's little trick and will probably do that to save money.;)

She says... :rolleyes:

Never made it to VS. However, DD19 and I went to the mall today as I was close by there having lunch with some friends. DD19 was my driver today.

We ended up going to JC Penney's where I got measured and fitted. Maidenform consistently was the best fitting and most comfortable bras for me. And, they were having an awesome sale on them. I got 2 bras for $12.00!!!!! They were regularly $32.00 each! What a steal.

As for the measuring and fitting, she measured me with my clothes on and once I tried the bra on I had to put the shirt back on and she checked the fit that way. It was really no big deal and well worth it.

Yup - it is - I'm a old bra fitter from NMarcus - if they fit properly they should be relatively comfortable - can also try cotton bras by Hanro - no underwire and no binding around the torso - also cotton breathes -

I dragged this back up again because I remembered the thread, and finally found something I like!

It's described as "subtle support", and that it is. It's a sleep or leisure bra, perhaps not what you want to wear under a nice blouse to a fancy schmancy event.

But it's very comfortable, stretchy fabric, fastens in the front (number of hooks varies by size). I have one in three different sizes: my regular size (for going out and about), a size bigger (for when I feel "huggy" or wearing sweaters, jackets, etc.) and TWO sizes bigger for when I'm hanging around home and/or just don't want to look "braless".

I'm posting a link so you can see what it looks like. I chose this merchant because it was a good picture, but it's sold other places as well. (And no, I don't receive any money for this) :D It's called a "Leading Lady" sleep and leisure bra. (If the link doesn't work, I'll try something else)

http://www.google.com/product_url?q=...AA&gl=us&hl=en

I could live with that. :D

If I wear one at all, the only things I can stand to wear are "bralettes." Sort of a lycra mini tank with adjustable straps. They are soft, comfortable and hold my little girls nicely. I know they aren't for everyone, but any of other less endowed women haven't tried them, you might want to.

That's cool B2Y! Even with light support it would still cover the "headlights.":D

After wearing the bras for a while they became somewhat uncomfortable. I was at Target one day and they had Hanes bras for $4.00 on sale. I bought a couple and they are so comfortable. The only problem is they aren't lined and when it is cold, the headlights shine through.:o But for just hanging out around the house they are fine. I wear the others when going out somewhere.