The lifecycle of a bra

[Qwerty]

I have a job with bras within 6 mths the bra straps start falling down , I have moved the metal/plastic bit to make it tighter but to no avail and end up buying another bra or two , I am forever putting my hand down my top and yanking the damn things back up, I even bought a thing from eBay that you fasten the two straps together it works well but have to get O H to do it for me for obvious reasons , no eyes in the back of my head , but it also gives me back ache
I think it might depend on how much it has to hold up , as a woman of Jordanesque proportions , I rarely get more than 6 mths out of a bra , but they do have a lot to contend with ! Anyone else have my problem ?

[Daisy]

Qwerty - I always have problems with my bra straps slipping off my shoulders and I've always thought it was because I have quite narrow sloping shoulders, so the straps don't have to move far before they are in freefall!! As you say, I'm constantly having to yank them back up because I don't like the feel of them dangling round the top of my arms.

They do last longer than 6 months, though, but last week I looked at the sad, saggy grey-ish contents of my bra drawer and threw them all out and spent nearly £100 in M&S for some new ones. OH thought I'd bought all the bras in the world for that amount! I'm gradually working my way through them deciding which work with which necklines etc and most important, which are the least uncomfortable!!!

[Qwerty]

Good for you Daisy the price of bras these days you don’t get many to the pound lol

[Daisy]

Qwerty - that's pretty much what OH said!

[Oma]

I think its because if you have a fair size bust the straps are too narrow , I like a bit of width , not Granny boulder holder wide but about double the width you get now ,
I love a new Bra but hate how uncomfortable they are till you wear them in ,
Mine last more than 6 month but after a while even hand washing they go that dull colour as Daisy said
But I hate getting rid of comfy Bras , I'm afraid I'm the same with Knickers I have my favourites that I wash and wear all the time despite having a draw full of new ones unworn yet

[Daisy]

Oma - I find there's a 'window' of maximum comfort with a bra. Yes, it needs wearing in, but then the fabric seems to deteriorate and become a bit hard and scratchy. I'm always a bit itchy anyway and can't cope if the bra is adding to my discomfort. Yanking a strap up is one thing, unbearable itches in the cup area is harder to deal with in public!!

[Gemini]

I have never really got used to wearing the non-underwired bras I had to wear after surgery and radiotherapy. but I'm not sure I could go back to the underwired ones now.

[Daisy]

Gem - that's a bit of a dilemma, then!

I have a mixture of wired and non-wired, but mostly wired.

[Mimi]

I don’t know about you ladies but the highlight of my evening is when I can take my bra off.
When did they become so uncomfortable. Up until my late 50s I could wear a bra all day long and it didn’t bother at all but now I feel as if I am being squeezed tight after wearing one all day.
I have been measured in the likes of M and S , Debenhams and independent shops , brought new bras but it’s still the same . And new bras are even worse !

[Plantaholic]

I always had wired bras but the last ones I bought, all identical are not. I like three hook bras with a wide shoulder strap like Oma, they don't slip down.

[Nana]

I went to a lady who was supposed to be a bra fitting specialist. I bought one on her recommendation & fitting but I felt as tho' I couldn't breathe. Never worn it. I just don't know if I'll ever get a well fitted bra. Now I'm the heaviest I've ever been they're all too tight around me. I was fitted at M&S too but I'm such an awkward shape.

[Nanto2girls]

I get more than 6 months from a bra. i'm not a fan of wired bra's.

Daisy,you have to pay good money for a decent bra, so £100 wouldn't get you many.

[Grauntie Mag]

How about the kind that you can cross at the back for the shoulder slip problem? I do think the wider strap would help though. I’m forever looking for decent non wired bras with a bit of substance to them. I usually end up on line, Royce isn’t bad. Damart seem to have a good selection but I haven’t bought from them. I did see a photo of myself recently and my bosom was nearly on my waist!
All straps have now been hitched up.

[Daisy]

My SIL is a trained bra fitter and a few years ago I got her to come with me to JL. She did all the measuring etc and decreed I was a 36, but I'd have needed a couple of tug boats to fasten it, it was so tight. It was what the tape measure said, but I it was far too tight. We went up a size, which was much better. She did work out what cup shape was best for me, and that's what I always look for now, so it did help. Sizing seems a real problem. M&S fitters never get it right either.

[WeeGranny]

Qwerty, go to a specialist lingerie shop and get yourself fitted. You'll be amazed at the difference a proper fitting bra will do for you, your appearance and your confidence. You might end up paying more, but believe me it's worth it. I go to a little independent shop and the ladies are great. The owner can size you up just by looking it you!! Unfortunately, it's a bit too far away from you, but I'm sure there's someplace near er to you. I now buy Freya bras in a certain style and size on line and know they're going to be perfect. I still go back to the shop to get myself measured when I need new bras, just in case I've changed shape. Oh......and make sure you buy matching knickers!!