Sunday, September 19, 2010

Probably More Than You Want To Know, But I'm Going To Share Anyway

Today, I went bra shopping.  For most of you, this is a simple thing.  Not for me.  I haven't bought a bra since my reduction, so I had no idea what size I am. Wait, that's not true.  I have been living in sports bras for the last 2+ years.  I decided today that I wanted something a little girlier...maybe even a sexy black one.  I've never owned a black bra...they don't make them in my old, huge size.

I was all excited as we entered Walmart.  That's right, Walmart.  You see, I was never able to buy a "cheap" bra at Walmart.  Heck, I couldn't buy an expensive bra there, either. They didn't carry my huge size.  I always had to go to the department stores in the mall, where the sales ladies would look at me like I was a freak.  (If you are a big girl who doesn't wear expensive clothes and you have to shop in a department store, you know the looks I am talking about) Anyway, I headed to the bras, and was overwhelmed by the selection.  My only problem was, I had no idea what size to start with.  I know I am pretty big around, but I have no idea what cup size, so I grabbed a bunch of different sizes and styles and headed for the fitting room.

Not one of them fit right.

The first one I tried on wasn't thick enough under the arms.  When I had my surgery, they cut me from under one arm to under the other arm.  My skin kind of comes to a point now under each arm, and the thin straps were not comfortable.  They didn't cover enough and cut right into that skin.  So, off that one went and I tried the next one.  The cups were too big.  It was a "C".  The next one was a "B", and the cups were fine, but the same thing was wrong with the side part.  And the same thing was wrong with all of the rest I had in there.

My excitement quickly turned to frustration when I realized that I wouldn't find a bra that fit properly.  Resigned, I headed over to the sports bras, and still didn't find any that I liked.  Of course, they didn't have the style I am currently wearing, and they are really comfortable.  I guess I'll have to make a trip to the mall and deal with the stares as I try to find a bra that will fit properly.

I am not looking forward to that at all...

6 comments:

Dawn said...

Well, damn !! I am having the same problem you are having because I have already been to Walmart. So, stinking frustrating !!!! My first post-op, his assistant suggested Kohl's or Target. Do you have one of those ? Also, she mentioned Lane Bryant. But, I haven't tried any on yet. I go back a week from tomorrow ! I just can't wait !!!! I am tired of sleeping, eating and living in my compression bra. I also can't wait to sleep on my side !! I am NOT going to tell you to hang in there or anything, because I know it will be frustrating, too !! I will let you know what I find when I start looking!

Crystal said...

To Jenn and Dawn, I got my sports bra at Academy. A lil pricey but so worth it! Zips up the front and the shoulder's,sides are thick and not small straps. When I went to look for reg bra's I found LOTS at Kohls on the clearance wrap for DIRT CHEAP!!!! I love Kohl's!!!

jenn said...

Dawn ~ my goal was to buy a cheap bra, just because I have never been able to before. I am resigned to just waiting until we get our taxes back next year to go looking again, that way I have some extra money to spend.

I hope you find some that fit. Let me know if you do!

jenn said...

Crystal ~ they ZIP? And comfortable? I've never seen any that zip before, but then again, I have only shopped for fishing supplies at our Academy, lol! I know we have a Kohl's around here somewhere, though I don't think I've ever been in it. I'll keep that in mind the next time I go bra hunting.

Staci said...

I'm a C to a D cup based on brand, and I've never had luck with Walmart or Target bras. There's no uniformity to the sizing, even in the same brand. I've just resigned myself to the fact that I have to go the JCPenney's or Belk's, spend an hour trying on $30 bras, and end up buying one or two because I can't afford more and wear it until it falls apart. I've also resigned myself to the fact that they never seem to fit the same when you get home. In other words, bra buying is the worst, no matter what your size.

jenn said...

Staci ~ before my reduction, I was the same way, and it sucked. Now that I am a B cup, I really want to buy some "cheap" bras, and it's frustrating trying to find the right ones. I haven't looked at Target yet...but I have a feeling I won't have any luck there, either.