Cheap...but Strong Comfortable Bra

Updated on June 30, 2010
S.M. asks from Berlin, NJ
17 answers

Hi Moms I kinda have an issue...I can't seem to find an inexpensive bra that will last me all day!!!!! I am a 38 DDD and I know that is a hard size to find. I just bought the boxed bra's and they are horrible..no support. I am 30yrs old...so I don't want any old lady Bras! When I was younger I thought nothing to spend $40 or $50 on 1 Bra...but with three kids..alot harder now. I would appreciate any suggestions that you moms may have. Oh and I absolutely need underwire!! Many Thanks!!!

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So What Happened?

Thanks Moms!! I am so glad that you respnded so quickly...I looked online at Lane Bryant but I think this is something that I will need to go into the store for..they are having a sale but 2 get 2 free!! Not a bad deal!! To Toni P. Thanks so much for the suggestion..when I was pregnant I was a 38H...38DDD probably is not my true size but it is what I have found fits. I have never been professionally fitted but would love to be able to so I could buy my true size...Maybe when my birthday..Anniversary..or whatever holiday rolls around first I will ask my hubby for just that! Thanks moms so glad that I am not alone in the daily Bra war!!

Featured Answers

J.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have the same issue I'm a 34 DDD and they start the DDD at a size 36 when you can even find them at all the stores, and if I do find one it looks grannyish, and at 27 I don't want to look that way at all.

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J.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

I got a gift card for JC Penney's at christmas, and when I got there I decided to treat myself to some new bras. They had a brand Lilyette that are pretty and come in the larger sizes. Mine is a 40C. I think they were about $20 each.

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M.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

I think Lane Bryant is still having their semi-annual sale (They would DEFINITELY have your size) They have buy 2 bras get 2 free.........and there are a ton of coupons out there for 25 off 75. I can send you my coupons if you PM me your address.

Good luck! I know a comfy bra is an essential! I'm still wearing my ratty old Pea in the Pod nursing bra from when I was pregnant! (even though I only nursed 2 weeks, it's too comfy to give up) LOL!

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T.P.

answers from Boston on

I know you want cheap and comfortable, but you have to do this for yourself. I went into Nordstrom one day browsing through the bra section.The sale rep asked me if she could help. Of course I said "no thanks" because their pricing is ridiculous. She asked me if I've ever been professionally fitted there before for a bra. I hadn't, so she offered. I hesitantly accepted but figured "what the heck". To my surprise, my real bra size is a 36 G. Yeah, I said it "G". I had been wearing 38 D all along! She said that when sales people at Victoria' Secret size you they are not doing it correctly and will not go past a DD cuz thats all they sell. So I splurged and got a 36 G bra... It fits amazing and I still can't believe that is my true size. I told some other girlfriends about this and they fitted to a much larger size as well. My sister was wearing a 38 DD as well and she got fitted into a 38 H. Just try it and see what size you really are... You will be SHOCKED! So the one bra that cost me $75 is worn allllll the time. I wash it alot and it still fits great. Good Luck.

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J.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I am a 38 G so I feel your pain. Lane Bryant is the only place that I can find them reasonably. I just wait for their twice a year sale which is going on now. By 2 get 2 free, and then you can use a coupon too. I just got 4 bras for the price of 2 and then an additional $25 off, which brought the price down to $14.50 a bra. Those bras will last me at least a year and they have great patterns and styles. I would suggest getting fitted though. Their sizes can be a bit different than what you expect. I hope you find what you need.

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T.S.

answers from Harrisburg on

lane bryant or lanebryant.com....the brand is cacique.... and have them professionally fit you, too!..its free!...bra sale is going on now...buy one get one 1/2 off!...plus many times coupons are around for $25 off $75...signup online and print coupon to use in store!..let us know if you like them!...i will ONLY wear cacique by lane bryant last 15 years or so..bras last forever and i even machine wash em!

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I suggest getting professionally fitted.

I am 34DD and I love Wacoal but I pay about $65 each.

I don't think I've ever seen a bra, except maybe for trainers, under $20.

Good luck.

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M.I.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I just browsed the other answers, and you've been given some good advice. I worked in the undergarment industry for a bit, and I can tell you that while it sucks to shell out $50 or more on one item, it's the best thing you can do to ensure correct fit and support. Think about it...if you are spending $50 twice a year, that puts you ahead of the game if you are spending $20 every two or three months because the underwire is no longer supportive, it's too strectched out, or worse, it breaks.

Lane Bryant is good for a quick answer, but I highly suggest looking for a small boutique that caters to the undergarments of larger-chested women. They aren't plentiful, but they are out there. My mom is very large chested, and she has found that this is the best way to go. If you correctly care for them by handwashing (or at least on gentle), line drying, and in best case scenarios, alternating every few days with another one, your high qualtiy bras can last for some time, making it worth the up-front cost.

Good luck!

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D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Take it from someone who had it done and has not looked back have a breast reduction. I am not trying to insult you. I would think that you are having some issues besides finding a supportive bra. I am not trying to make you mad but trying to be honest. Think about it,once it is done you will be able to wear whatever bras you want. Insurance will cover most of it if done for medical reasons. good luck

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

www.onehanesplace.com

The Bali cotton underwire full coverage! I love it and I believe they do go into extended sizes. I'm a 38 C, and these bras are some of the most comfortable and long-lasting I've ever worn. They aren't flowery or lacy, but they do look "young" at least because they're made of cotton and not some matronly lace or polyster looking stuff! Sometimes they're on sale on this site for $14.99 but usually cost about $20.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I just bought two nice Vanity Fair bras by chance at Sears yesterday--on sale for $20 ea. I wear a 38DD and you're not going to find a decent bra for under $20. They were normally $34/ea. So that's close to half price.

Oops--forgot to say--they are underwire--it's the only way to go! LOL

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F.H.

answers from Sharon on

Do you have any oulets nearby? I bought my bras there and they were cheap.

1 mom found this helpful

B.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

HI, I suggest you go to a good shop that specializes in high quality products and proper fit. You may find a better fit in a 40 DD or E vs trying to find a 38DDD. Remember for each size up in band there is at least a two inch increase in cup size and fit is everything. You will have to spend more for your bra's, but with a quality product and good fit you will have to purchase them less often if you take really good care of them. Best wishes

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A.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am large on top as well, and I swear by the "Bali" brand. Kohl's sells them - the sizes can be tough to find, but you can check online. Also, there is a very soft one at Target (looks like a sports bra with an underwire) that I like, too. Both are fairly inexpensive. Good luck - I know how hard it can be to find a good one!

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N.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

Try Lane Bryant's bras! They are expensive but they always have some kind of deals or coupons online if they have your EM address! Go to the store if you can and let them size you! They have nice and sexy bras!!!!! Also underwires galore!!! Don't be surprised if you are not the size you think you are! I sure was!!!

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B.M.

answers from Eugene on

I find the ones at Lane bryant are really good and comfortable. They usually have buy one get the other half off. I do know that is still a lot of money...I am large busted too and finding ones that give good support is hard!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

I'm a 42DD and I only wear Lane Bryant Balconette Bra. They are comfy and come in a bunch of colors. Now if only I could find a bathing suit that supports the "girls" I'd be happy!

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