I have no idea whose breasts these are.
From ages 13 to 40, I had the same breasts: band size 34, cup size large B. Then, I got pregnant. Suddenly, I had 36C breasts. I told myself this was temporary. I even stored my smaller bras for later. Then, I gained some weight and found myself in a 38C. This was not the size change I was looking for. And frankly, I’m realizing it’s not the one I wanted.
Even this tiny peek into the lives of women with larger busts has been eye opening. I wear a bra during all of my waking hours now or else I’m uncomfortable. I’m always shocked when I try on a shirt and it doesn’t fit right because my breasts are in the way. Or worse, when I wear a shirt that I’ve owned forever and suddenly, it’s too flashy for work. Or when I’m wearing a button-up pajama top and my breasts decide to unbutton it for me.
I never had empathy for busty women until this happened — after all, society says they are the most sexually desirable, right? But who knew breasts could be so much work?
My new rack has also changed the kinds of bras I buy. Bras that push up and accentuate are out. Bras that lift and separate and bras that are comfortable all day, are in. Because when you’re wearing the wrong bra, your breasts are all you can think about (mostly because something is pinching you or chafing or slipping). Here’s the bra I loved most, that I just bought three more of.
The Natori Feathers Luxe Contour bra lifts without pushing up. The mesh stretches for those days when you need it. And the plunged neckline makes it easy to wear many different tops.
I love this bra. I get angry when it’s in the wash. There’s a deep sigh of relief when it’s the first one that I find in the laundry basket when I’m in a rush. And it’s pretty too.
The Natori website has the widest selection of colors (some of which are deeply discounted). And don’t miss the fit guide that teaches you how to take your own measurements at home.
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Thank you for this post. I feel heard! I was forever 32C, until kids. Then 32D. I went for a bra fitting last year and am somehow now a 34DD! I could lose a few pounds, but wouldn’t be considered overweight. I have to pass on some great tops because they just aren’t made to accommodate substantial breasts.
The crazy part is that our racks are still considered well within the “normal” range for fashion. I don’t know what bustier women are doing, but I wish them luck and now understand why you can really only take bra advice from someone with a similar size bust.
I’m a 38D. I love that Natori for days I want wired bra. I also recently found this delightful wireless bra that actually lifts and separates that I daresay is a more size inclusive dupe of the recommended b. tempt’d bra/ bralette: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D8TJ6VGK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
Pretty and well-priced. Thank you!
Yes!!! I tell everyone (when appropriate) that the Natori feathers is, by far, the most comfortable bra I’ve ever owned. I watch for them to go on sale at Nordstrom, etc. Worth every penny.
34 G here. Wacoal is my go-to for comfortable underwired bras; the Puma sports bras from Costco are my new favorite wireless. I also love the Pact tanks with built in bra for sleeping; I don’t necessarily feel supported enough to wear them out, but they keep everything contained while lounging and sleeping, which is much more comfortable for me.
I sold bras at Nordstrom and they introduced me to this bra in training (yes they train us) and even a decade after working there, it’s still my favorite bra ever; I recommend it to all my friends. They do ‘seasonal’ colors that you can often find on sale after the season or at Nordstrom Rack (e.g., a soft pink for the spring goes on sale in the fall). 10/10 recommend your recommendation!
Also my favorite bra! The racerback version is my current favorite version.
38F after kids here, and the Elomi Matilda is without a doubt my favorite bra. I never would have found it on my own but we are fortunate to have a speciality bra store in our town and they recommended it for me. Yes, it’s expensive but it’s lasted years now with heavy wear and fits perfectly: https://www.barenecessities.com/products/elomi-matilda-side-support-plunge-bra-el8900-cafe-au-lait?variant=41290448371825
I was a 32E before kids and now a 36G, so it’s always been a struggle. The only wireless bra that has worked for me is the Chantelle Norah. Not enough to wear out and about but at home and occasionally while traveling under a thick sweatshirt.
If you haven’t yet, take the time to go get fitted somewhere. I kept buying bigger band sizes and still being uncomfortable in bras, but when I was properly fitted after having kids, it turned out a huge cup size I never would have picked up or tried on was what I really needed, and an appropriate band size gave me a lot more support.
I’ve been pretty obsessed with the unlined Spanx minimizer bras in this phase of life!
I agree with the advice to get fitted- and not at VS. Victoria’s Secret often puts women in a larger band, smaller cup because they don’t carry much variety in cup sizes.
A 38 band is more common in a woman who wears an extra large shirt- if you don’t have a great place to get fitted, I’d try the guidelines on the ABraThatFits subreddit.
Chantelle, yes!! Glad to see someone else in ‘Comments’ has found the French brand Chantelle. Their ‘C Magnifique’ is the first minimizer bra I’ve ever found that actually supports and minimizes my 34 F-G bustline that extra inch needed to keep the shirt closed. Wonderfully designed bras, nicely made. A shade expensive, I buy mine on sale. The French really do understand breasts.
They absolutely do! I used to wear Simone Perele before I discovered Chantelle, also a French brand. They are both expensive but they hold up very well and are far superior than all the other brands I have tried.
I used to love the Natori feathers before COVID when I was still wearing underwire bras! I’ve been a pretty consistent 38DD for years now, and the only bra I wear is a Wacoal wireless one (https://www.nordstrom.com/s/elevated-allure-wireless-bra/6518564). Chantelle also has a supportive wireless bra, but this is my favorite!
I’m 40 and had a similar story to yours before, during and after pregnancy. My kids are 8 and 11 and I’m in my 40s. I quietly got a breast lift and small implants in October and I cannot tell you how much happier it has made me. I don’t really even need to wear a bra if I don’t want to–and I never wear an underwire anymore. It gives me confidence I never knew I had before. Just food for thought.
For readers in DC, I have had excellent experiences with fitting and buying at Le Busitere in Adams Morgan! I recommend making an appt.
I wear a 32B in the Natori Feathers bra and still love it as much as the larger busted ladies! It’s really great for a shallow-profile, wide-set fit.
One more vote for the small ladies: I had kids and nursed the whole time, but in my case, I went from 34B to slightly smaller than a 34A and now I’m struggling to find a cup size small enough (AAs aren’t quite working for me). But the feathers one is great!