Not all boobs are created equal. Some need a little help in the size department; some need a little help in the size containment department; some need a little help in the uplifting department.
Without getting too personal; I fall in the latter category of departmental help.
Much as I would like to blame the state of my “girls” on my three children and three attempts at breast feeding; alas I cannot. From the moment they sprouted in late high school, they were far from perky. Gravity and 30 years have just seen things go more, shall we say, down hill.
I’ve accepted that this is my lot in life (pending a Lotto win will see me justifying splurging some of the family budget on a “hoik them up” job). Thankfully, bras have come a long way and when I’m actually wearing the right style under clothing, it can look deceptively gravity defying.
What I’ve also found is that it’s essential to have a “bra wardrobe”. Unless you’re wearing the same tees or tops every day, you’ll need a variety of bras in your uplifting arsenal.
Here are two* that are now on high rotation in my wardrobe. They may just work for you too.
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Berlei So Smooth Push-up Bra
At first I was a little scared by the amount of padding in this bra (I’m a C cup and don’t need extra size) but the surprise came in trying it on. The padding is towards the bottom, helping to push up and create a lovely uniform shape. The fabric is a brushed mircofibre which is super comfortable and the underwire is completely encased in cushion – no stabby factor here. And here’s the bit I really, really like. The back straps and fabric are designed to minimise back fat. I know. Genius. So it’s a t-shirt bra I’d actually happy wear under jersey or fitted stretch cotton with confidence. Sizes 10A-16DD, $69.95. Available in Onyx, Gold and Pewter at Myer, David Jones and selected specialty stores.
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Wardrobe by Bendon Micro Multi-Way contour bra
Sometimes – especially when I’m trying to strap the girls into a cocktail frock or ball gown – I need to call on a bra that does the uplifting job required but also is a little bit adaptable for the immediate task at hand. This bra is more than up for the job. It’s a wardrobe essential. It comes with both clear and black strap attachments – even the strap across the bottom of the bust can be substituted for clear, making it great for low-cut tops and dresses. The strap configuration also works for low backed garments. Wardrobe by Bendon comes in a lightweight Mircofibre or soft cotton and is available in three colour options: Black, White and Natural Moonlight. Love the affordability of this entire collection – and this bra in particular ($44.95). Available in sizes 10-18 A, B, C, D. Ph 1800 338 235 for stockists.
What’s your boob issue? Have you found a bra to help solve it? Share below so other Stylers can be enlightened and uplifted!
* These products were sent to me for review consideration. For more on my disclosure policy, click here.
Comments 46
Hey guys i just wanted to share my story with you. I have been buying bras over the internet for years now. I am the kind of person that hates shopping in stores for bras, so i found the perfect place to get any size, style and color of any bra you want. Leonisa offers a wide variety of bras and panties. You should check it out. I hope my story will help some of you that know what i am talking about.
Author
Thanks so much Britney – that’s a great tip off!
Very nice! I received news today that BNT have just released a brand new strapless bra that lifts and increases your cup by two sizes (supposedly). It is called Extreme Cleavage Strapless – let me know if you get around to trying it.
Author
Sounds great for small busted women. Having found out I’m an E or F cup when I’ve always thought I’m a C, I don’t think I need it!
God love you! Being a 10B I need anything they can give me!!
I am a 10F (or G) in Australia and a 32F in Canada. I have always had to buy the expensive Mystere, Prima Donna and Fantasie bras. Started out as a C cup but my boobs just kept growing – even though I didn’t – since I had kids 10+ years ago. Wish I could wear the bras you blogged about today but I would spill out. I still haven’t found a strapless shelf bra that could support my cleavage without fear of a wardrobe malfunction at an important function. For anyone who has not been professionally sized and fitted, you owe yourself the gift a a good fitting bra. I am looking forward to your bra shop blog.
Author
Hi Audrey, I visited Evie Boo lingerie boutique in Brisbane this afternoon. It was an eye opener – will be blogging about my discovery that I’m actually a 14F. This store has everything from a 6G to a 24HH – and it’s online: http://www.evieboolingerie.com.au/
Nikki, I have to admit I’m not surprised that you’re not a C. 🙂
Author
Haha, I was the last one to know. I think you should do a guest post for me!
Audrey, we are boob twins. I’m a 10FF. I was only a B cup before I had my son, who has just turned 7. My back size and cup size went up during my pregnancy. My back size came back down but my boobs kept going. I weigh a couple of kgs more, but not to justify going from a B to a FF!
I just can’t justify spending the money on cheaper bras when they just don’t do the job. I’d rather have two or three really top quality bras that fit me beautifully and give me a fantastic shape, rather than squish myself into illfitting ones that make me look bigger and don’t offer support. I buy mine from overseas too, which saves me at least half the money.
This is why I spent a fortune on my fabulous La Mystere strapless “boob shelf” bra. I hand wash all my bras and store them like you’re supposed to (not folded in on itself) and it has lasted and lasted. I love this bra so much that I’ve actually started to buy different clothes now because I can now wear things with skinny straps and strapless!
If I buy both these bras, will I also get the tummy that they have with it.
Can never have enough bras.
Author
I’m sorry to report, that has not occurred in my trialling period 😉
Hi Nikki! Snap! (Not your bra strap, your subject today) Only today I tweeted I bought an AMAZING Berlei bra yesterday and wanted to tweet about it. Can it be true that Berlei is not on Twitter?? For shame.
I have a total devotion to seamless t-shirt bras. My two issues are 1. I HATE nipple show-through. Esp since feeding my two. 2. Very wide back/ribcage for my size so I find I tend to end up with wrong sizes just to go around me comfortably.
Yesterday an experienced fitter took one look at me and fitted me with a Barely There seamless bra. I. LOVE. IT. I joined their mailing list today.
Author
Oh I like to hear stories like that. There will be a sequel to this post as I’ve found out this afternoon that I’m a 14F!!!
Wowee Girl! That’s impressive.
PS I meant I wanted to tweet *them* about it. Pls find out why they don’t have a Twitter account! I already left them this feedback on their Customer Service Form when I signed up.
Author
I’ll contact their PR!
Wow Nikki! With a properly fitted bra you won’t know yourself – and will feel very different in your clothes ….
Author
I already don’t!
My boob issue is that I recently got fitted & found out that I am a much larger size than I thought. Then I couldn’t find any push up bras above a DD. I guess they assume that we’ve got enough boob to go without the padding, but I can’t find anything to give me nice shape & lift, or that isnt ugly. This is very depressing for a 20 year old! lol
Author
Molly, I went to a specialized DD and up store today – will blog about it soon. Beautiful bras and up to G cup!
My biggest problem was when I was breastfeeding Greenie and I could not find a bra to fit my “milk implants” because i’m a size 8, and size 8 doesn’t go up very far (occasionally in D’s but i’m yet to see higher).
I have a cleavage problem. I just can’t “make it”. My boobs didn’t go back to how small they were prior to having Greenie, but they did get smaller, and saggier (but then they were saggier during my pregnancy with Bluey). I struggled to get cleavage before kids, and I struggle now. Sometimes when you go out you just want that curve and your boobs on your chest and not playing peek-a-boo with your belly button. So I totally hear you. Worst part is i’m just reaching my mid 20’s. I feel cheated in the perky boob department!
Author
sounds like you need a good fitting!
This is great Nikki.
I have always had enourmous boobs – even at my pre-baby skinniness I was a 10E. And don’t get me started on the 16G I became pregnant and breastfeeding! Keep in mind, I’m 165cm tall …
At anyrate, I have discovered the best and only way to deal with this is hit up a big boob shop and get professionally fitted. Brava lingerie in Melbourne is excellent. Of course, the cost can be more than prohibitive. So I now justify the initial outlay of one good fitted bra from a boutique then go on the internet for an identical bra but at a half or third the price. Chantelle is an excellent French brand for larger boobs – $160 piece in DJs will cost you $65 from a certain American website. Oprah is also a big fan ….
The other thing I have learnt is that ‘moulded’ is not the same as ‘padded’ – a mistake I made for years until the lovely ladies at Simone Perele put me right, another trusty brand for bigger boobs.
Will definately check out the Wardrobe by Bendon – looks great.
Author
Hi Angela. I’ve learned a good bra lesson today – and I’m going to be happier to spend more on quality (and uplift!) to get a “rack” that sits where it should!
My issue is that I got fitted and am a lot bigger than I thought I was. Now I can’t find a push-up bra above DD because I guess they assume that you’ve got enough boobs you don’t need the lift! lol but everything in my size seems to be super ugly, which is very depressing for a 20 year old 🙁
Author
Oh, Molly, that’s not fun! I’m doing some investigation today at a specialist DD and above lingerie store. Will be blogging about it soon.
My issue is huge boobs, small back. I swear by Freya and Fantasie, UK brands. I get fitted here, buy one then buy online from Debenhams. Even with pricey postage, I get two delivered for price of one here.
I have a La Mystere strapless bra with uber padding at the bottom. I call it the boob shelf! Boobs sit on it, supported beautifully and don’t get squashed at top. Cost $125, worth every penny!
Author
Kim-Marie, that boob shelf sounds just what I need. Finding a strapless that uplifts is a difficult task and yes, sounds like worth every penny!
Nikki, I have the perfect strapless for you to try, Panache Porcelain, it is the best strapless i have ever tried, and i have road tested a few, as you can imagine – will pop it in the post to you, let me know what you think of it.
Author
Thanks Dawn!
Loving the sound of that strapless La Mystere – appears we have the same approach! Lived in Freya for three years of pregnancy and breastfeeding – excellent shape and support maternity bras with no underwire.
Author
Saw some really pretty Freya today at Evie Boo Lingerie in Brisbane.
I believe it was Miss Dolly Parton who said, “The higher the hair, the closer to God”.
I say “The higher the boobs, the smaller my tummy looks by comparison. Oh My Gods!” 😉
Is anyone else experiencing boob growth in their late 30s / early 40s? I’m literally getting bigger every year. Back size not going up, but boobs are getting bigger. I’ve put on a kg or two since my 20s (as you do) but not enough to justify these boobs! Apparently, you can grow breast tissue as you age, says my GP. Fabulous. 😛
I have a bit of a bra fetish, I admit. I usually buy Victoria’s Secret because I like their styles and colors. I hate beige. I go with push-up too (ahem) ’cause the girls aren’t as perky as they used to be, even though I’m a C like you. Helps things stay proportioned.
Author
Oh, we know about THAT bra 😉 And yes, proportioned is as close to perky as I get!
Lingerie shopping is my most hated experience, even worse than jeans or swimsuits. Unfortunately as an E cup it’s almost a miracle to find anything that fits, but then they are usually extremely ugly (and nothing I would dare show to anyone else – lucky I’m single!). For the last 3 months I’ve worn the one ‘decent’ bra I have left every single day rather than go shopping for a new one. God that’s horrific when I say it out loud… Very keen to hear about your experience with the lingerie specialist!
Author
Hi Hannah, will let you know how it goes – and get some key brands for you to look out for. I do know that Intimo caters for larger cup sizes with some bras that look good too.
Love berli – because theynone of them go past D cups… which is my problem. Only a DD- but the number of bras that I think oh that’s lovely, and they don’t go further then D drives me nuts.
Can’t stress enough how important it is to get fitted properly. makes all the difference to the “girls” and your outfit!
having a 15 yo daughter means I have lots of teenage girls coming through my house – and none of them, other then my daughter have been fitted properly. (and is it just my imagination or are breast in general getting bigger??)
Author
Hi Vicky, I’m going to visit a lingerie specialist in Brisbane today that works with D cup and above women. Will be blogging about it.
I’ve got a 14-year-old and she’s probably sized about the same as I was at her age. I’ve had her fitted too. Which was a good thing as she was actually larger than what I thought.
will look forward to that blog post Nikki as I’m in the market for new Bras… Some “purdy” ones 😉 … as opposed to the utilatarian ones that do the job for under close fitting t-shirts etc.
I am a size 10 (sometimes 8) but my boobs are big and it is hard to get tops to fit properly – or even go over my chest. I have some push up bras and minimiser bras. I went for a bra fitting last year and wrote about it – it was a funny experience. http://carlyfindlay.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-would-rebecca-twigley-do-bra.html
I like the look of the first bra you reviewed..
Author
Just read that post, Carly – was really good – it’s so important to realise that bra shopping in particular is not a cookie cutter experience. We’ve all got things we need to accommodate!
My boob issue is that I have no boobs. The best bra is the oil bra (not it’s technical name, but it escapes me at the moment) from Intimo. About eighty bucks but SO worth it. I am totally false advertising but husband only one who matters anyway xx
Author
I think it’s called the Dream bra – and Intimo is a great way to go in getting a good fitting in the comfort of your own home. I’m a big fan.