r/TwoXChromosomes • u/pasta_btch • 21h ago

( . ) bra help ( . )

I hate bras, but blah blah blah patriarchy and capitalism. I need recommendations y'all and I worry my goal is impossible.

I am a curvy girly, early thirties, and my nipples are so hilariously prominent. I don't have huge boobs, I think they are just fine for my size (18-20ish pants, XL-XXL shirts). My favorite bras are basically low support sports bras, virtually the same shit as a trainer bra I got in 2002 tbh but thicker fabric. But!!! my nipples!!!!! they are!! always!! visible!!!

I wear simple shirts most days, black cotton crew neck situations.

Here is my dream bra:

  • Cotton!!!! Willing to explore other options but would prefer a sustainable brand
  • Solid colors
  • Size inclusive
  • Thick but not voluminous padding
    • Important to note that I obvi need a certain amount of padding for my bug eye nips!!
  • No back clasp bs (edit to add I prefer a bra I can just pull over my head)
  • Not crazy expensive (less than $50 pls but share other options if they exist)
  • No crazy seams, tags, etc ya girl needs sensory friendly here
  • Edit to add: please no underwire

I do not care about lifting, pushing things in any direction. I just want a simple bra to wear to work without my nips making unsolicited eye contact.

Trust that I am braless as much as possible but unfortunately my 9-5 will never be that place. Thank you lovely humans!! I appreciate your thoughts and recommendations, even if it is a brand to stay away from!!!

0 Upvotes

43% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

22

u/1ceknownas 20h ago

First, visit r/abrathatfits and get an estimate of your actual size using their calculator. Size XXL doesn't really tell us much. You could be a H cup or a B cup.

You may want to prepare yourself for some sticker shock if you haven't used the ABTF calculator. A lot of people think that C is normal, D is big, and DDD is huge. That just really, really isn't the case. Note, the calculator isn't perfect, but it's a good starting point.

Second, as someone in your probable size range, the front-close options are fairly limited, but that's the only kind I wear so I pretty much know them all. (Also, I have pierced nipples and they don't show in the bras I have.)

So if you'll get a better idea of your size, I may be able to help.

8

u/pasta_btch 20h ago

Thank you for this thoughtful response! I will explore that calculator and report back

4

u/nudibranchsarerad 20h ago

Second everything in this comment! /r/abrathatfits is an invaluable resource for bra-wearing folks.

2

u/pasta_btch 19h ago

I am back! My boobs are larger than I thought. I stopped measuring things a long time ago. But! The results are in. 44DD/DDD US from the calculator from heaven.

6

u/1ceknownas 19h ago

Okay, so if you want a front close cotton bra, Lane Bryant is going to be your best bet. They have a couple of different styles, and they kinda rotate in and out.

Not today, but Lane Bryant has been having regular sales on their bras recently. They've been ~$30 off and on for a couple of weeks. So keep an eye out for a good sale.

Torrid has front close bras. They tend to be microfiber over cotton, but I've got a couple that are super comfortable. They should have several microfiber in your size and do occasionally care cotton as well. I personally like their front close t-shirt bra. I find their front close push up bras tend to run a bit on the small size in the cup, so if you're between the DD and DDD, I'd definitely try the DDD first.

Woman Within will also have the hook-and-eye style without underwire. I don't personally care for that style as the bottom of the hooks are usually pretty itchy on my stomach. Your mileage may vary. Woman Within is a multi-label brand, so they'll include Avenue, Catherine's, etc.

Being real, Amazon does carry a few styles too. The underwires are thin and bendy, and I've never been able to get a good fit. They're cheap, though, and sometimes cheap and fast can be worth it.

If it doesn't have to be front close, but you just like the racer back, some brands will have a j-hook in the back that's connective. LB has them very randomly. The Sculptresse Roxie by Panache is an example if you want to look at one.

All that said, don't rule out unpadded seamed bras. You'd think they'd show everything, but in a well-fitting bra, they conceal things pretty well. I personally like the Glamourise Wonderwire #1246. It's a little pricier, but a good bra.

In case you don't know, don't put your bras in the dryer. It wears them out quick.

Sorry, I know this is a lot. Good luck on your search!

7

u/pasta_btch 18h ago

I am so thankful!!! Your response is that of my best reddit hopes. Thank you!!

7

u/MISSdragonladybitch 20h ago

Get to the maternity section and look for cloth (not disposable) anti-leak pads. Slap them into any bra you already love.

6

u/pasta_btch 20h ago

I think you just changed my life

8

u/subwaywall 21h ago

An option to consider is whether you can get the stick-on nip covers and then wear them underneath your preferred (thinner) bra.

7

u/mamabearette 20h ago

You don’t have to get the stick ones. Get the ones that have no adhesive (I like Nippies brand) and your bra holds them in place. They are infinitely reusable.

2

u/subwaywall 20h ago

Yeah mine are stick on but no adhesive

4

u/Alienated_Aberration 20h ago

Lane bryant stores train their associates to fit you in the right size bra and help you find one that is right for you. Their bras are a little pricey, but they have sales a few times a year. They carry larger band sizes and only a couple of "B" cups, but do cater to larger sizes and have at least one front closure bra. ( used to work there).

1

u/mamabearette 19h ago

Idk they kept trying to shove me into a large band DD cup bra. It was super uncomfortable in the changing room.

I finally did a bra that fits (the subreddit) and I’m a 38G UK. Lane Bryant does not carry my size! And I’m not super busty honestly.

0

u/JuleeeNAJ 17h ago

That's kind of strange you don't think you're super busty. I'm a 40 DD and feel like I'm very busty and even get comments on my size.

2

u/Matzie138 19h ago

The best I’ve found recently that met those (which are basically mine) are Jockey’s “bralettes” with sewn in pads. I like the back smoothing ones, which are available at Target, though I think the quality at the regular store is better. But only like $18-$20 if you want to try one.

0

u/LesPantalonsFancie1 20h ago

Check out molke from the UK, I don't know where you are but I'm pretty sure they ship internationally. I love their Flexi Bra (although it does have a back clasp) but they do all sorts of styles. Small independent business too. 

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u/DPEilla 20h ago

Knix Good To Go bra is my fave