Realty check - body image

[LBTC]

Wow! I think good bras are much less expensive in the US! I must have tried on 15 bras in this little independent store, the cheapest of which was $80, the most expensive was $180. It made the price of the one I bought (yes, I did buy it - it worked very well with the low cut top for the alpha b**ch outfit) seem not terrible. And, yes, now that I know my size and the finer points of a good fit, I will visit a lower end store to buy one or two less expensive, well fitting bras. At least one of those will be microfibre. Too bad their microfibre bra was in the wrong colour.

I think one of the things that is weird about this larger cup size issue, is that it really emphasizes that I *must* have a well fitting bra all of the time. These girls need support! It's a bitter sweet feeling. For years I was quite a bit on the small side, and my perception of myself hasn't changed since then! How strange to be a woman!

My DH has been wonderful through all of this, wanting me to upgrade my wardrobe to help me feel better about me. This is a fabulous thing! And the clothes shopping really helped to make up for the high cost of the bra. A pair of suede and leather shoes, a belt, 3 skirts (one in leather) 3 tops and a suede jacket for $225. Still more money than I usually spend, but I think I did well.

Today I'll be wearing the fab new bra, one of the skirts and the shoes, with an old favourite blouse. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you for the encouragement, support and reminders to be gentle with me! And especially for the great stories of how unpleasant shopping can be! I feel like I'm not alone!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[kaybee]

Not sure which I hate more -- bra shopping or shoe shopping. Small chest + big feet = unpleasant shopping experience

KB

[Eden]

$155!! wowza, I balk at $15.......
but I am another 32A, so I look for minimal support and lots of comfort.
I prefer sports bras and I've really become a big, big fan of camisols recently. sooooooooo comfy

[teigyr]

I can relate to body image because sometimes aging is not kind. I stagger a bit and think "but...but...I've always been <insert size here>!".

It's humiliating. I do agree that things that fit are the best. Unfortunately I'm bad at that also, I balk at going up a size. I've had to swallow my pride though and do it and I honestly think we are harder on ourselves than others are to us.

I like bras. It's a relatively inexpensive way to (but not at $155! ) play and have fun. Same goes for undergarments in general, you can get any color and get all wild but nobody knows the difference. I'm not 100% impressed with VS in some things but they are good for others.

The most absolute worst thing (that I will share because I have no shame) is I had to get old/large people "support" undies to fit under pants I have. I got 'em. They looked SO heavy duty and were tri short configuration. (Had previously been wearing tri shorts under these pants because the pants show lines really easily.) I was running late and had to dress "professionally" so on went the support granny panties. They shredded. I kid you not, the first time I wore them I shredded underwear meant for large women that were trying to fit into smaller clothes. I was mortified. How many people can say they broke a girdle type undergarment?

Everyone assures me there was a defect. I am not convinced

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

...I was running late and had to dress "professionally" so on went the support granny panties. They shredded. I kid you not, the first time I wore them I shredded underwear meant for large women that were trying to fit into smaller clothes. I was mortified. How many people can say they broke a girdle type undergarment?
Everyone assures me there was a defect. I am not convinced

Hey maybe they were those special edible underwear, some sort of "cole slaw" variety? Maybe they were "supposed" to shred?

[teigyr]

Hey maybe they were those special edible underwear, some sort of "cole slaw" variety? Maybe they were "supposed" to shred?

Like stripper "breakaway" granny panties? Or, um, maybe they were edible and tasted of the "early bird dinner".

I exchanged them and let it be done. The poor saleswoman though...

[ACG]

I was an A cup, then after 2 kids a B cup, now with age a D cup. I have 2 daughters, both of them are D cups!!! Try shopping with 2 young women whos breasts are still pointing north, tummies are flat and who's behinds don't jiggle, then we can talk about body image!

I get measured every 6 months and buy a bra based on comfort, not the price. I've never to spent $155 on a bra. I work in an office and have to wear business attire, so headlights are not appropriate. Coverage is appropriate. I only wear sports bras when I'm riding or working out.

My advice, if the cost makes you uncomfortable then the bra will too.