This is NOT a sponsored post. These companies have no idea I’m writing about them – they’re just ones I personally love and have purchased from!
Today I’d thought I’d take some time to talk about a particular issue of mine. It’s one I have to deal with every day. I have to carry it and support it every day of my life, and one I’ve had since I was about 12 years old. It’s my chest.
Yes, I know, you’re probably thinking, what’s the big deal? A lot of people would love to be well-endowed and it’s a normal problem, right? I’m probably just whining.
Would you think the same thing if I told you…
- that I can’t shop for bras in regular stores?
- that Victoria’s Secret doesn’t come close to my size?
- that I think being well-endowed actually hurt my breastfeeding journey?
- that I wear a bra nearly 24 hours a day, even while sleeping, because I need the support?
- that my swimsuits need to be bra sized?
- that every empire waist dress I’ve ever worn hits the middle of my chest rather than under it?
- that basic bras for me start at $50 and only go up?
- that my shoulders and neck are consistently tight and sometimes painful, and that sometimes it’s hard to take a full breath?
- that I just got measured, and I wear a 36H?
I imagine if you were jealous…you’re not anymore.
I really try hard not to complain, since my chest is something that I’ve just learned to live with. That being said, I know I can’t be the only one. I know there are other women out there – women who need my size and larger and have no idea how to find a comfortable bra that fits them correctly. I struggled to find well-fitting bras for a long time, but I’ve been fortunate to find some resources for myself over the past few years and wanted to share them.
Getting measured if the first step, and a crucial one. If you’re in the DC area, my favorite place to go is Trousseau in downtown Vienna, Virginia. Are they pricey? Yes, but they will find you a bra that fits. They start by measuring your ribcage to get your band size. From there, they ask what size you’re currently wearing and start bringing you bras to try based on that – whether you need more room or less. It’s very private (once you’re in the dressing room you don’t leave – they just keep bringing you things), and their staff are trained to be sure the bra fits properly – everything from the band, to adjusting the straps, to making sure you fit in the cups appropriately. They also offer alterations on the bras they sell – for free. They can adjust the band, add darts in the cups – whatever you need. They’re a fabulous resource for anyone local to DC.
As much as I love Trousseau, their prices are pretty steep, and I’ve never seen them run a sale. This is where online shopping comes in. If you’ve been fitted properly, you can then take that information to watch the sales online and snag your bras cheaper, but knowing they’ll fit.
Two of my favorites are Bare Necessities and Fig Leaves. They have everything from sports bras (with underwires!), bras, pajamas, lingerie, and swimsuits. Both run specials and coupons frequently, and both are on Ebates so you can get a percentage back. Bare Necessities offers free shipping at $70 (which is easy to hit), free shipping on exchanges, and 60 day returns. Fig Leaves ships out of the UK, so I order from them less, but sometimes their specials are really great.
Lastly, there’s a lot of different brands out there, and just like other clothes, they all fit differently. Some are listed as US sizing, some in UK sizing, some in EU sizing. It’s important to pay attention to that – it really helps you understand how they all fit. Some of my favorite brands include Panache, Chantelle, Fantasie, and Elomi…but there’s so many more out there. Every brand fits differently, so sometimes you need to try a few to get it right.
Do you have a hard to fit bra size? Any other well endowed girls out there like me?
8 Responses
This is the first blog post I have ever read that almost brought tears to my eyes! I too am WELL endowed and hate swimsuit shopping. I hate bra shopping. Even shirt shopping can be tough. Why don’t they just make shirts longer… I need more material to make it over the chest and not be a belly shirt! 🙂 I’m really excited to check out the websites you recommended.
Thanks!
Oh, hon – I just want to reach out and hug you! Believe me, I struggled for years and years to find bras. I still hate that I have to spend SO much on them. If you have any questions about how things fit, brands, etc…please don’t hesitate to email me. I’ve so been there!
And so with you on the shirts too…and I can’t wear button downs because they just gap regardless of size!
Oh my goodness, I am so glad you wrote about this! I’m a 30GG and shopping is a nightmare. Once you actually find your correct size, you cringe to think about how badly every other bra you’ve owned fit and looked on you. I am petite (5’2″) and so uplift and support is really important since my boobs take up so much real estate on my short torso. I second your website recommendations, and add HerRoom to the list as well. I also found a site called bratabase.com where you can search by size or brand to see reviews by women with your same size!
My best find this year has been a tank top from Panache with a built-in underwire bra. It isn’t enough support for me to feel comfortable wearing it out during the day (smallest band is 32 and I need a 30), but it’s been great for sleeping. I’ve slept in an underwire bra for years – it’s just more comfortable.
Can you tell me what bras those are in the picture in your post? I think the sports bra on the bottom is from Panache, right? I have that one too, and it’s the most comfortable yet supportive bra I’ve ever owned – I would wear it every day if I could! 🙂
I’ve also found two Polish websites that sell regular clothing tailored for well-endowed women. They both have pretty good reviews you can look up. One is Biu Biu (you can select the Union Jack flag at the top right for an English version of the site, and you can pay in dollars), and Urkye.
It really makes you think once you find the right size, right? So crazy. I had a friend go with me once who’s also well endowed…and the second she had on a properly fitting bra we could SEE the difference. She was WAY off.
I’ll definitely check out all the ones you mentioned – I love new finds! I actually sleep in a leisure bra with no wire and a front close – it’s comfortable and keeps the girls in place. Sometimes you just need a break from underwires!
And yes, the bottom bra is the Panache sports bra! I just got it on Monday and LOVE it, especially the option to make it racerback – no more bounce! I used to have a Freya one I loved too, but this one is better! The top one is an Elomi bra that’s also convertible to racerback.
Thanks again for your sweet comment – I was a little nervous to post my actual bra size…but I figure other people need this info too!
I can absolutely relate. I have huge boobs. 😉 It’s a pain in the butt!
Thank you sooo much for writing this! I am 15 and I wear a 30E. I feel so uncomfortable about my breasts especially since I’m still in high school and I always have to cover up in front of male teachers but still try to look attractive in front of my friends. Today a few of my girlfriends commented on my boobs and how big they were even though I’m fairly skinny and it made me feel really uncomfortable. Thank you for writing this article because sometimes I feel like the only person who has looked this womanly at such a young age.
Kristin –
I’m so glad it helped you! I assure you, there are lots of us out there, but it’s hard to believe when you’re in high school and the only one with big breasts. I remember exactly what it was like, and how you just feel so different from everyone else. Please reach out if you need to talk at all – I’ve been there, and I promise, it does get easier to deal with.
I’m a 28 GG, so I really resonate with this post. I’m a big fan of breakoutbras.com. Their store is in SC, so I visit whenever I’m at home. A brand to add to your list is Freya. I have several of their bras and one of their bikinis. No one truly understands the plight of busty gals til we explain our extra problems buying swimsuits…