Ask the Mouse your lingerie questions...

[Netzach]

You *may* have some luck with the Stormy Zena bra. It's halter-ish but I've got one and it's more supportive than most. They have extended sizes that might work, I'm endowed but not endowed enough to be sure.

 

[Sweetdaisymae]

Thank you.
I have some very thin pig skin leather, think I might cover a bra with it.

 

[PhilGarlic]

how

Whats the best way to get inside my wifes lingerie? (while she is wearing it, not for me to dress in)

 

[KoPilot]

"Boob questions" are part of the territory.

I have seen some horrendous breast reductions over the years. I've seen some excellent work, but (to be honest) I've seen far more bad work than good.

Now, that doesn't mean don't research it, or don't do it! But I do *strongly* suggest interviewing multiple surgeons, and walking into each meeting as educated as possible.

Plastic surgeons think of breast tissue in cc's - which can cause communication issues. I used to always suggest to clients that they book an appointment with me to "try new sizes" before talking to their surgeon. I'd grab a variety of contour bras (cup size) that matched their band (back) size, and we'd play. I'd put them in a properly fitted current size bra and a tank top, and we'd hold each smaller size up in profile, so they'd be able to visualize their "new" size.

We'd talk about the pros and cons of each option, and when they found the size they were most comfortable with, they'd buy that bra and take it to their surgeon as a visual aid in discussing their surgical goals.

The most common issue I saw in what I consider to be "bad" reductions, was that surgeons would reduce the tissue from the front (projection), but fail to deal with the side tissue. So a woman might start out a H, and be "reduced" to an F in the front... but still have the side tissue of an H. Difficult difficult fit. Because at that point the under wire has to have the depth of an H (to not hit breast tissue on the side/ cause discomfort), but the cup has to have the depth of an F.

Ask how the surgeon deals with that. Ask to see pictures of different stages of healing. What is the policy if you don't like something about the reduction? What size does the surgeon recommend you end up? Is it in line with what you were thinking about/ the contour bra size you liked best in your fitting?

As for smaller bust-lines suffering less from compression... ehhh... one can argue that there is less damage, or that there is similar damage (just not as obvious). Soft tissue atrophy is soft tissue atrophy, and ligament damage is ligament damage. I'd be really blunt in your surgical consultations about your goals - ability to bind when you feel like it, but minimize damage - and see what the surgeon's views are. They may suggest a slightly smaller end size than you'd considered, or feel it would be beneficial to do a lift instead of/ in addition to the reduction, etc.

Very very helpful. Thanks!

 

[CutieMouse]

Cutie Mouse, I can't wear underwire do to scar tissue but really need the molded cups to compensate for some shape issues. Can you recommend a bra that is underwire free and doesn't look like something my grandmother would wear?

I got a chance to touch base with one of my contacts at Cosabella this week, and discussed your issues with her. She suggested a specific bra from their line, called Talco -

Cosabella Talco

It's a lightly molded (contour) bra, without any wires. According to my contact, it looks horrible on a hanger, but much better on a body. She suggested buying it in black first (less matronly) to see if it's comfortable and works well. The size run is 30 - 38, and I believe it goes up to an E (DD).

 

[Loverskitten]

I asked this of the corset group on Fet. I got a couple suggestions there but I should have asked you
I've been wearing corsets more and more but some of my underbusts hit the underwire of my bra. I like to wear push-up bras. I did a quick search for wireless push-up bra and Victoria's Secret has a couple. Do they even work well? Is there one you suggest? Reasonably priced please (I've spent all my money on corsets lol)

La Senza and Wacoal were two brands people mentioned. Thoughts? I'm clueless where to even find bra brands.

 

[CutieMouse]

I asked this of the corset group on Fet. I got a couple suggestions there but I should have asked you
I've been wearing corsets more and more but some of my underbusts hit the underwire of my bra. I like to wear push-up bras. I did a quick search for wireless push-up bra and Victoria's Secret has a couple. Do they even work well? Is there one you suggest? Reasonably priced please (I've spent all my money on corsets lol)

La Senza and Wacoal were two brands people mentioned. Thoughts? I'm clueless where to even find bra brands.

The construction of a push up bra depends on the under wire AND padding to make things work.

Are you tightlacing often enough to see a consistent (even if it's small) reduction in rib measurement? You may need to get resized. From your profile pic, you really should be in a 30 or 32 band. Once you bump down to that back, though, you'll need to bump up in the cup - epending on what cup size you are now, it might be difficult finding a bumpup in the new size.

 

[Loverskitten]

The construction of a push up bra depends on the under wire AND padding to make things work.

Are you tightlacing often enough to see a consistent (even if it's small) reduction in rib measurement? You may need to get resized. From your profile pic, you really should be in a 30 or 32 band. Once you bump down to that back, though, you'll need to bump up in the cup - epending on what cup size you are now, it might be difficult finding a bumpup in the new size.

I'm a terrible tightlacer, I only corset 4-5 days a week for 4-8 hours. I'm mostly breaking in new corsets since I lost weight a year ago. I can close most of my 24" and am moving into the 22"
I don't think I'll see much reduction in my upper rib measurement. You're right, I should be in a 30 or 32. But I don't wear a bra unless the situation requires some added oomph to my décolletage (which is about the same amount of time I corset)
I'm still in my 34c bras from before I lost weight with a few newer bargain ones that I feel fit well.

On a related note, why can't manufacturers get sizing right. One brand of shoe I'm an 8, another I'm 8.5, another 7.5????
Bras seem similar, I have a 34 that is TIGHT on the loosest hook.
Clothing is even worse. WTF?!?!!
End rant

 

[Loverskitten]

I guess I should add my goal is to be in a 20" not anything extreme

 

[CutieMouse]

I'm a terrible tightlacer, I only corset 4-5 days a week for 4-8 hours. I'm mostly breaking in new corsets since I lost weight a year ago. I can close most of my 24" and am moving into the 22"
I don't think I'll see much reduction in my upper rib measurement. You're right, I should be in a 30 or 32. But I don't wear a bra unless the situation requires some added oomph to my décolletage (which is about the same amount of time I corset)
I'm still in my 34c bras from before I lost weight with a few newer bargain ones that I feel fit well.

On a related note, why can't manufacturers get sizing right. One brand of shoe I'm an 8, another I'm 8.5, another 7.5????
Bras seem similar, I have a 34 that is TIGHT on the loosest hook.
Clothing is even worse. WTF?!?!!
End rant

If you can close a 24" corset, you have zero, zip, nada business wearing a 34 bra. And every 15-20# weight change will change your bra size by at least one size.

You're also not a C, and I can tell that, even compensating for the bump up in the avatar pic. If you really *are* a C, then just bump up one cup size for every band you drop down. Although you might need to shift two up, and one down.

If you drop down to a 32 (possibly a 30) you'll need to bump up to a Din the 32 and probably an E in the 30. It'll be easier(ish) to find a bump up in a 32D than a 30E, but once you get into the D sizes, bump ups in well constructed lingerie start getting harder to find.

If you need to start moving away from bump ups, look for a good plunge - most contour plunges will have a transverse (diagonal) seam across the cup that should compensate for the lack of bump up.

As for sizing... sigh.

Chantelle (french) tends to cut about 1/4" firmer in the back than most European brands, so you *might* need to do a 34, but I'd suggest sticking with the 32 over the 30 in that brand.

Is you find anything cute by Simone Perele, do a 30.

If you can find it (production slowed down and possibly stopped last year for redesign), look for a bra called Isabella by a company called Le Mystere - you'll probably want to do it in a 32D for the best fit. Best decolletage I've ever seen; the original design was created to showcase augmentations.

Aubade, do a 30E in a balcony (vertical seam). The engineering will shift all the tissue to the top of the breast, and create a fabulous roundness.

I think once you firm the band, you'll have a lot less problems with the rubbing...

 

[Loverskitten]

Well yes, as I'm sure you know, a padded bra has me at a bigger cup (or I'm spilling out the sides) as a non padded.
But the reasons for the padding
1. I have perky, pointy boobies
2. I have piercings I don't want to show

 

[Loverskitten]

If you can close a 24" corset, you have zero, zip, nada business wearing a 34 bra. And every 15-20# weight change will change your bra size by at least one size.

You're also not a C, and I can tell that, even compensating for the bump up in the avatar pic. If you really *are* a C, then just bump up one cup size for every band you drop down. Although you might need to shift two up, and one down.

If you drop down to a 32 (possibly a 30) you'll need to bump up to a Din the 32 and probably an E in the 30. It'll be easier(ish) to find a bump up in a 32D than a 30E, but once you get into the D sizes, bump ups in well constructed lingerie start getting harder to find.

If you need to start moving away from bump ups, look for a good plunge - most contour plunges will have a transverse (diagonal) seam across the cup that should compensate for the lack of bump up.

As for sizing... sigh.

Chantelle (french) tends to cut about 1/4" firmer in the back than most European brands, so you *might* need to do a 34, but I'd suggest sticking with the 32 over the 30 in that brand.

Is you find anything cute by Simone Perele, do a 30.

If you can find it (production slowed down and possibly stopped last year for redesign), look for a bra called Isabella by a company called Le Mystere - you'll probably want to do it in a 32D for the best fit. Best decolletage I've ever seen; the original design was created to showcase augmentations.

Aubade, do a 30E in a balcony (vertical seam). The engineering will shift all the tissue to the top of the breast, and create a fabulous roundness.

I think once you firm the band, you'll have a lot less problems with the rubbing...

Where would be the best place to find these brands to try on?
I'm also looking into shorter waist trainer styles even though I don't think I'm short waisted. Maybe I'm weird bodied... Sigh


Edit: yes I love the "balcony" (or is it the same as "tulip" style?) bras. No padding but yes, oomph! Although I still think the ones I have will hit my underbust corsets

 

[Ahlam]

panties!

Hello, CutieMouse! I am underpants-challenged. I've been having a difficult time finding pretty panties that don't drive me crazy and I was wondering if you could offer me any suggestions.

The problem is the waistband. You know that obnoxious prickly feeling your foot can get after it falls asleep? That's what my belly feels like from c-section scar to navel any time something presses me in that region. I've mostly been wearing high-waisted ones, although I do not like them. I think they look especially dumpy on me because I am short. I've tried regular briefs without elastic, but they slide off when I move around. Should I just give up and not wear any? I do that most of the time because of this, but I'd rather have more options.

 

[CutieMouse]

Where would be the best place to find these brands to try on?
I'm also looking into shorter waist trainer styles even though I don't think I'm short waisted. Maybe I'm weird bodied... Sigh


Edit: yes I love the "balcony" (or is it the same as "tulip" style?) bras. No padding but yes, oomph! Although I still think the ones I have will hit my underbust corsets

Nordstrom tends to carry more 30 and 32 than anyone else in terms of department stores (at least around here). Otherwise you're best bet would be small specialty boutiques.

 

[CutieMouse]

Hello, CutieMouse! I am underpants-challenged. I've been having a difficult time finding pretty panties that don't drive me crazy and I was wondering if you could offer me any suggestions.

The problem is the waistband. You know that obnoxious prickly feeling your foot can get after it falls asleep? That's what my belly feels like from c-section scar to navel any time something presses me in that region. I've mostly been wearing high-waisted ones, although I do not like them. I think they look especially dumpy on me because I am short. I've tried regular briefs without elastic, but they slide off when I move around. Should I just give up and not wear any? I do that most of the time because of this, but I'd rather have more options.

Yup.

Sometimes you can get around things like this with size & cut (style). I ignore size on most of my bottoms, and try on whatever I think might fit before making a decision. (Most good lingerie departments/ stores will have a try on hygienic thong so you can get an idea of how things really fit/what the bottoms look like on.)

As you've probably figured out, a lot of the comfort has to do with the rise of the brief - where things hit across the torso.

If you're wearing something without elastic (Commando, TC Edge, or a knock off of either - Calvin Klein, etc), you will probably want to wear one size smaller than usual.

If you want to try something a little more feminine, Hanky Panky makes really comfy tulip lace thongs, boyshorts, bikinis and retro (higher waisted) briefs & thongs. The thongs are sold regular rise (size 2-12?) or low rise (size 0-8?), but the other collections are XS,S,M,L,XL - again - buy a size down unless you are doing the thongs. If you're petite (under 5'4") I'd suggest the low rise thong over the regular.

If you want to try a lightweight thong or bikini that's pretty - try Cosabella or On Gossamer.

Ultimately, it's an issue of trial and error. It took about 2 years of trying things on in my spare time to figure out what brands and styles worked best on me. Now that I know, I rarely (if ever) bother with anything other than those specific styles.

 

[Ahlam]

Thank you so much, CutieMouse! I will explore some of those options.

 

[IrisAlthea]

I am now a happy owner of a Freya sportsbra.
Thank you so much for the advice!

 

[CutieMouse]

I am now a happy owner of a Freya sportsbra.
Thank you so much for the advice!

Is it not totally kick ass? The break in can be a bit stiff, from what I've been told, but it's a life saver for a lot of fuller busted women. Yay!

 

[GrrlFriday]

Hi CutieMouse!

I'm on the smaller side of 'plus size' (36DD bras fit me fairly well, I think) and I find that I've often had trouble wearing fitted blouses - that they strain across the front or even pop in a very unprofessional manner if I've needed to haul boxes.

While I understand that some of the issue is in the cut of the shirt (shirts for curvy ladies need to be cut with more allowance for curves), is there anything I should be looking for on the bra front, as a general rule, to give myself the best possible foundation?

I've never tried a 'minimiser bra' as I've not found one in my size - they tend to start at a larger size than I am.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Endless_Night]

Wow. What an amazing thread. I've learned so much!

1) Those sales girl's at Victoria's Secret were lying when they told me that a 34B was the same as a 32C.
2) I've been squishing my breasts in generic sports bras.
3) There are expensive *good* bras that aren't molded foam or industrial strength hideous.

Call me crazy, but if I'm spending $100+ on a bra I want it to fit well. And be pretty, or sexy, or preferably both.

I'm going to have to cogitate on this for a bit before moving forward. My mind is completely blown....

 

[notalwaysweak]

One of my $150 bras has popped an underwire within about 6 wears, but because I bought it a few months back and just hadn't worn it yet, I've lost the receipt (and also it took 4 months to come in special order). Can it be saved? Like if I take it to one of those repair places that hems pants and stuff and cry pathetically, can they stitch it back in?

(The fucker poked me in the chin. It might as well have been spring-loaded.)

Also, what are your thoughts on strap extenders? Are they okay for giving a longer life to a bra that one's outgrown a bit by putting on weight, or should I just go bra shopping again?

 

[CutieMouse]

Hi CutieMouse!

I'm on the smaller side of 'plus size' (36DD bras fit me fairly well, I think) and I find that I've often had trouble wearing fitted blouses - that they strain across the front or even pop in a very unprofessional manner if I've needed to haul boxes.

While I understand that some of the issue is in the cut of the shirt (shirts for curvy ladies need to be cut with more allowance for curves), is there anything I should be looking for on the bra front, as a general rule, to give myself the best possible foundation?

I've never tried a 'minimiser bra' as I've not found one in my size - they tend to start at a larger size than I am.

Thanks for any help!

I just discovered I didn't see this. Mea culpa.

A 36DD isn't full busted enough to cause that kind of strain... I suspect you aren't in the right size.

Most of the time, if the bust is properly lifted into position, the fullest part hits the darts perfectly, and 90% of the "button gap" is eliminated. Is there any way you can hit a Nordstrom and get a fitting? I've found most of the girls there are at least a little more trained in lingerie fitting than elsewhere. If you send me a PM, I might be able to give you a starting point for what to shop for (I'll need a little information).

But regardless of all that stuff - DO NOT BUY A MINIMIZER.

[minimizer rant]

A minimizer bra is designed to smash the breast tissue against the chest wall - which "trains" the breast tissue to spread (east / west), making you look heavier (wider) than you actually are. It also causes fatty tissue atrophy, which creates softer, droopier, saggier breasts.

Minimizers also tend to push the breast tissue lower on the ribs (part of the smooshing everything down effect), which means the bust still isn't going to properly hit the shirt's darts, and you'll still experience a button gap.

If it turns out you do need clothing tailored for a fuller bust, I highly recommend http://www.carissarose.com/. I've seen her clothing on clients, and it's beautifully tailored to eliminate gaps and such.

 

[CutieMouse]

Wow. What an amazing thread. I've learned so much!

1) Those sales girl's at Victoria's Secret were lying when they told me that a 34B was the same as a 32C.
2) I've been squishing my breasts in generic sports bras.
3) There are expensive *good* bras that aren't molded foam or industrial strength hideous.

Call me crazy, but if I'm spending $100+ on a bra I want it to fit well. And be pretty, or sexy, or preferably both.

I'm going to have to cogitate on this for a bit before moving forward. My mind is completely blown....

Technically, a 32C and 34B *are* sort of the same... except the 34B is going to wear out (stretch) in a heartbeat, and won't do much in the way of supporting anything.

I made the mistake of looking at my favorite vendor's spring collection the other day...

http://www.lisecharmel.com/collections.aspx

Dammit.

 

[CutieMouse]

One of my $150 bras has popped an underwire within about 6 wears, but because I bought it a few months back and just hadn't worn it yet, I've lost the receipt (and also it took 4 months to come in special order). Can it be saved? Like if I take it to one of those repair places that hems pants and stuff and cry pathetically, can they stitch it back in?

(The fucker poked me in the chin. It might as well have been spring-loaded.)

Also, what are your thoughts on strap extenders? Are they okay for giving a longer life to a bra that one's outgrown a bit by putting on weight, or should I just go bra shopping again?

It popped in the center? Weird. Because from your avatar pic, your lingerie fits.

If you take it to a tailor or seamstress, they should be able to push the wire back into position, and patch the top with a bit of felt. Ask them to do a heavy satin stitch across the top of the wire casing, then stitch down a patch of felt (I prefer microfiber) to reinforce it.

Once a wire has popped, it's more likely to pop again. You might also want to check the wire before you take it to the seamstress, and check if the plasti-dip on the end has somehow melted or come off. If it has, have the tip dipped before you have the repair done. You can use a plasti-dip (I think automotive stores carry it), or look for something similar, like a rubberized cap. That's necessary to prevent the wire from cutting through the thread and fabric at the end of the casing (and stabbing you in the chin).

 

[bhndblueyes88]

A Mouse question or anyone else with an answer...

I'm starting to need some new bras, but I'm not sure good places to shop here in Australia. We do HAVE Victoria's Secrets (where I roughly know my size), but I know that it's even MORE expensive. Suggestions on shops? I don't have any special boob needs that need to be catered to...just normal smaller boobs