Bras - underwire

[Eve]

I've been on another mission to find a properly supportive bra (finally found one in Debenhams yesterday though not cheap at £33).

They have a good sale on though if anyone else is looking and I have to say the lady who helped me was great, so much better than the times I've been to M&S recently.

I've been looking online for some others, having accepted that fuller cup ones are the way to go and I can't get away with the prettier ones without "bounce" issues.

I've found a few "total support" ones from M&S though they are non-wired. Probably me being dense but I thought the wire gave more support (although it is probably more comfortable without).

Can you get better support without wiring?

[EcclesCake]

It really does depend on what your size is. Are you trying to avoid wired bras, are you looking for pretty or do you want everyday support bras?

[Eve]

Hi, I'm a 36G. Pretty would be great though the important thing for me at the moment is having some comfortable supportive black work bras, I am in a lot of pain a lot of the time and have been suffering badly with upper back so support and comfort is key.

[EcclesCake]

OK, look out for Fantasie brand. They are widely available from John Lewis and House of Fraser.

Freya is prettier and available at the same stores as Fanastia, usually.

I'm a similar size and have found with the odd exception M&S are crap for support.

[EcclesCake]

I meant to add that as a 36G going for a non wired option will not be a good option in the long term. I hated being a 36G, extra wide straps and three hooks....yuk. Makes them feel like armour however much you spend on the damn things. I understand your frustration.

[Bluestone]

I would definitely not go for non-underwired. It just doesn't offer that support, or 'oomf'... if that's even a word? Anyway, stick with underwired, or else you'll end up with saggy boobs! :-)
As mentioned, Freya is good. I always shop at www.bravissimo.co.uk, as they have a great collection and stock up to an L! (I know, I never knew that size existed either).
I have tried those "total support" ones from M&S (I'm 34G) but they just don't seem to offer the support that the wired ones give, and I'm always worried what the effects of constant wearing would result in.
However, this is from someone that wears a bra 24/7... even to bed!
My opinion - stick with the wire :-)

[237SJ]

As above - Bravissimo.
IMO you might get support from a non-underwired bra but you never get a good shape.

[Eve]

Wire it is then :) I thought maybe I was missing something as they had ones which seems like they are more supportive but with no wire!

It's like trussing up isn't it Eccles! :) I do miss the days of being able to go pick up reasonbly priced pretty little things from the cheaper high street stores and being able to wear things like balcony bras and little dainty straps which you can hide under things.

[Bluestone]

Hey! You can still get balcony bras, you know.
In fact, they look much better with a fuller bust bursting out! :-)

[EcclesCake]

Fantasie Helena is comfortable for every day wear, £25 on Figleaves.com.

[EcclesCake]

It is worth going through the ranges that fit you in a department store and once you know your size in different brands buying on line from bravissimo or figleaves. Figleaves often have 10% off if you google for a a voucher.

[Smowball]

I'm also a 36G and the last couple I bought from M & S have been useless!

[tamborine]

I got a fab teddy (body stocking) from Primark at £5.99 size 44. It spreads 'love handles' to improved proportions.