There are some kinds of shopping I like. I like to shop Howard’s amazon wishlist, or mine, or the kids. I like knowing exactly what I want and getting it quickly. I like leisurely browsing with money to spend how I please. Sometimes I like grocery shopping, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I like clothes shopping, sometimes I don’t. But there is one kind of shopping that I have always hated without exception. (WARNING: What follows is a discussion of the practicalities of shopping for women’s underwear. If you are male, you may want to skip the rest of this post.) I hate shopping for bras. I hate it so much that I will wear them until I can see through bits that weren’t designed to be see-through. The added see-throughness does not make them more attractive and makes them much less useful. I have finally accepted the fact that I must again go bra shopping. Grr.
I mentioned all of the above to Howard along with the fact that I’d need several hours to go try on underwear at Walmart and the fact that I would almost certainly come home from this grumpy but not necessarily having made the purchases. I confess I did rant a little about current bra fashions being more like padded breastplates. (I’m not at all convinced that bra utility is at all improved by being made out of padded foam, I think it’s just a fashion thing.) Howard listened to my rant patiently then asked: “Why do you shop for bras at Walmart?” Well, because they’re cheap. I hate buying bras even more if I’m spending piles of money. If I spend money and don’t love it, then I wear it every day and mentally groan at how much I had to spend to find something that is only adequate. I mentioned this to Howard and he countered with “If you shop someplace nicer, it might be more enjoyable.” He further pointed out that $150 for a set of bras is not too much to spend on something I have to wear every day. He further ordered me to blog about all of this and ask for advice on good places to shop where the experience will be less likely to engrumpify me.
So here I am, following orders like a good girl. I don’t need lingerie, just plain old underwear that I can use everyday. It needs to be so comfortable that I don’t even notice it is there. Attractiveness is a bonus. So, where should I shop?
Try JCPenney’s Bra department – more affordable than Dillard’s, but still has all the major brands. Pretty, comfy, and functional. I think you might like Bali’s bras.
I highly suggest shopping the website (www.jcpenney.com) first, to find things you would like to try on, then just go there, nab a bra lady, and have her help you hunt down the ones you chose earlier.
Don’t feel guilty about bugging her, it’s her job to help women get into bras they like.
Try JCPenney’s Bra department – more affordable than Dillard’s, but still has all the major brands. Pretty, comfy, and functional. I think you might like Bali’s bras.
I highly suggest shopping the website (www.jcpenney.com) first, to find things you would like to try on, then just go there, nab a bra lady, and have her help you hunt down the ones you chose earlier.
Don’t feel guilty about bugging her, it’s her job to help women get into bras they like.
Remind me, which local mall has JCPenny’s in it?
Remind me, which local mall has JCPenny’s in it?
I have been very pleased with Victoria’s Secret undergarments, when carefully chosen. I’m not a small chested woman, unfortunately, and it has been worth it for me to spend the extra money to get something that I know will work well and last a long time.
For sports bras, however, Champion is my friend.
I have been very pleased with Victoria’s Secret undergarments, when carefully chosen. I’m not a small chested woman, unfortunately, and it has been worth it for me to spend the extra money to get something that I know will work well and last a long time.
For sports bras, however, Champion is my friend.
Umm, haven’t a clue. I’ve heard both good and bad from Vickie’s.
But it seems to me that shoes, beds, and bras are three things that it’s definitely worth the extra money to buy value products.
Umm, haven’t a clue. I’ve heard both good and bad from Vickie’s.
But it seems to me that shoes, beds, and bras are three things that it’s definitely worth the extra money to buy value products.
FigLeaves looks excellent and I enjoy browsing them. DJ’s wife shopped there and she was thrilled. She has a difficult time finding bras to fit her. I’ve been lucky and been able to find bras that fit at the Bali/Warner outlet stores and at Macy’s. Mervyn’s was good too when we lived out West. Lately though I’ve just bought the camisoles with breast support (at least that’s what I think they’re titled) from CostCo. I have 8 (they come in two packs) and am seriously tempted to buy another set with the different colour and lace option.
FigLeaves looks excellent and I enjoy browsing them. DJ’s wife shopped there and she was thrilled. She has a difficult time finding bras to fit her. I’ve been lucky and been able to find bras that fit at the Bali/Warner outlet stores and at Macy’s. Mervyn’s was good too when we lived out West. Lately though I’ve just bought the camisoles with breast support (at least that’s what I think they’re titled) from CostCo. I have 8 (they come in two packs) and am seriously tempted to buy another set with the different colour and lace option.
Go to Vicki’s to get fitted, look at some very high-end bras and try them on to get an idea of what you do and don’t like. Then head to Dillards or JC Pennys and see what they have.
I personally, have been very satisfied with the Gillian O’Malley line at Target. Very comfortable and pretty, too!
If you need a sports bra, I agree Champion is the way to go. Support without pain.
Go to Vicki’s to get fitted, look at some very high-end bras and try them on to get an idea of what you do and don’t like. Then head to Dillards or JC Pennys and see what they have.
I personally, have been very satisfied with the Gillian O’Malley line at Target. Very comfortable and pretty, too!
If you need a sports bra, I agree Champion is the way to go. Support without pain.
Provo Town Centre
Provo Town Centre
Sandra,
I haven’t posted before, but I read your journal fairly regularly. Seeing this post, I remembered my troubles with the same issue in college. I had to, embarrassingly, have my friends teach me how to buy bras. I thought I’d share some of what I learned with you, since the entire thing can be very frustrating (I hope advice from a stranger on this subject isn’t too weird).
The most important thing I learned is that different bras fit differently, even those made by the same company. I find that I like a small subset of Maidenform bras (those with a little padding for those cold winter days – I live on the East Coast), but I dislike the others. The ones I found to fit, I love and buy whenever I can find them. My friends suggested that I try on several sizes too, because there doesn’t seem to be a very consistent measurement for bra sizes.
As to where you can get them, JCPennys does carry them (Maidenform and Bali), although usually for $25-$30 each. I have found that Marshalls and TJMaxx (they have them in Utah, but I don’t know if any are close to you) carry the same brands, but they usually go for $10 each. The problem with this is that these stores carry overstock, so you only get what they currently have and sometimes this doesn’t include what you are looking for. I usually stop by the bra section every time I go to take a couple minutes to see if my favorite bras are in stock (I keep a list of the model numbers in my purse).
I hope this helps you out in your search – and good luck!
-Jessica
Sandra,
I haven’t posted before, but I read your journal fairly regularly. Seeing this post, I remembered my troubles with the same issue in college. I had to, embarrassingly, have my friends teach me how to buy bras. I thought I’d share some of what I learned with you, since the entire thing can be very frustrating (I hope advice from a stranger on this subject isn’t too weird).
The most important thing I learned is that different bras fit differently, even those made by the same company. I find that I like a small subset of Maidenform bras (those with a little padding for those cold winter days – I live on the East Coast), but I dislike the others. The ones I found to fit, I love and buy whenever I can find them. My friends suggested that I try on several sizes too, because there doesn’t seem to be a very consistent measurement for bra sizes.
As to where you can get them, JCPennys does carry them (Maidenform and Bali), although usually for $25-$30 each. I have found that Marshalls and TJMaxx (they have them in Utah, but I don’t know if any are close to you) carry the same brands, but they usually go for $10 each. The problem with this is that these stores carry overstock, so you only get what they currently have and sometimes this doesn’t include what you are looking for. I usually stop by the bra section every time I go to take a couple minutes to see if my favorite bras are in stock (I keep a list of the model numbers in my purse).
I hope this helps you out in your search – and good luck!
-Jessica
Can you tell I’m not much of a mall shopper?
Can you tell I’m not much of a mall shopper?
I used to hang out there, because my ex-girlfriend (girlfriend at the time) worked at the EB Games there. We met there, actually, because of a defective Gamecube. Nerd love at its best!
Of course, I didn’t remember which mall it was, either. I just googled it. 😀
I used to hang out there, because my ex-girlfriend (girlfriend at the time) worked at the EB Games there. We met there, actually, because of a defective Gamecube. Nerd love at its best!
Of course, I didn’t remember which mall it was, either. I just googled it. 😀
Ignoring the fact that I just feel… Well, I feel a tab bit ODD reading about your bra-induced woes (I actually squirmed), I suggest the following…
Sears, Target, and K-Mart are all places *I* have shopped for clothing in the recent past. I would also perhaps suggest Shopko. I know they all have stores in Provo (as I just finished Googling them).
I’m not going to go try and forget we have been talking about yer bras, ok? No offense I hope, but man I feel wierd… 😉
Ignoring the fact that I just feel… Well, I feel a tab bit ODD reading about your bra-induced woes (I actually squirmed), I suggest the following…
Sears, Target, and K-Mart are all places *I* have shopped for clothing in the recent past. I would also perhaps suggest Shopko. I know they all have stores in Provo (as I just finished Googling them).
I’m not going to go try and forget we have been talking about yer bras, ok? No offense I hope, but man I feel wierd… 😉
Sorry to squick you.
Sorry to squick you.
Eh, no biggie…
I’m just not used to discussing the unmentionables of someone else’s wife, ya know?
*sigh*
Besides… i’m Fanboy Prime, remember? Yer on a pedistal along with the rest of your family… Such talk is unseemly for one such as I… 😉
Eh, no biggie…
I’m just not used to discussing the unmentionables of someone else’s wife, ya know?
*sigh*
Besides… i’m Fanboy Prime, remember? Yer on a pedistal along with the rest of your family… Such talk is unseemly for one such as I… 😉
I heartily second this, as I’ve had 17 years of good experiences with the JCPenney’s ladies, even in different states.
I heartily second this, as I’ve had 17 years of good experiences with the JCPenney’s ladies, even in different states.
Well, to get your mind off of it, you can always go shopping at Amazon.com via Howard’s website. Amazon browsing is good for hours of distraction.
Well, to get your mind off of it, you can always go shopping at Amazon.com via Howard’s website. Amazon browsing is good for hours of distraction.
Run, do not walk, to Dillard’s. I seem to recall that either the University Mall or Ye Olde Provo Towne Centre has one. Their lingerie people are given lots of training on properly fitting people, which is important because something like 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. They also carry weird sizes that other stores don’t, so once you actually get fitted properly, you can get the right size. Despite being Dillard’s, they do have a wide variety of prices available-I used to buy bras there for about $20, but I enjoy how my $30 bras feel quite a bit better. That comes down more to personal taste and skin sensitivity, though.
Run, do not walk, to Dillard’s. I seem to recall that either the University Mall or Ye Olde Provo Towne Centre has one. Their lingerie people are given lots of training on properly fitting people, which is important because something like 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. They also carry weird sizes that other stores don’t, so once you actually get fitted properly, you can get the right size. Despite being Dillard’s, they do have a wide variety of prices available-I used to buy bras there for about $20, but I enjoy how my $30 bras feel quite a bit better. That comes down more to personal taste and skin sensitivity, though.
If you mean Victoria’s Secret, I would have to disagree. The gals there don’t have a clue as to how to fit people. Every single time I’ve been, they’ve sized me horribly wrong. The very refined ladies at the Dillard’s I actually buy bras at rant and rave at the problems they have after people have gone to VS. It’s rather funny, though leaves me wondering why anyone does buy stuff at VS, as the attitudes I’ve encountered there have been pretty horrific too.
If you mean Victoria’s Secret, I would have to disagree. The gals there don’t have a clue as to how to fit people. Every single time I’ve been, they’ve sized me horribly wrong. The very refined ladies at the Dillard’s I actually buy bras at rant and rave at the problems they have after people have gone to VS. It’s rather funny, though leaves me wondering why anyone does buy stuff at VS, as the attitudes I’ve encountered there have been pretty horrific too.
You know I only shop there for you and your kids… 😉
You know I only shop there for you and your kids… 😉
The gals here in Phoenix are most helpful and have even suggested other stores when I couldn’t find what I was looking for with them.
Sorry you had a bad experience.
The gals here in Phoenix are most helpful and have even suggested other stores when I couldn’t find what I was looking for with them.
Sorry you had a bad experience.
I read the LJ community, which has a lot of information about how to find your correct bra size and bras in that size. You might want to check it out, whether or not you fit the “tiny girls, big boobs” designation. I think the information could apply to all women.
I read the LJ community, which has a lot of information about how to find your correct bra size and bras in that size. You might want to check it out, whether or not you fit the “tiny girls, big boobs” designation. I think the information could apply to all women.
I have had very good experiences being properly fitted at both Dillards and Victoria’s Secret at the Fashion Place mall. VS has some very nice unlined, seamless models in plain cotton (my fave). Other VS locations were not so good, and at Dillards, with their multiple brands, it can be hard to know which ones will really last. I now buy all my bras at VS, after years of similar misery, especially after a new puppy put an end to my very favorite bras.
I have had very good experiences being properly fitted at both Dillards and Victoria’s Secret at the Fashion Place mall. VS has some very nice unlined, seamless models in plain cotton (my fave). Other VS locations were not so good, and at Dillards, with their multiple brands, it can be hard to know which ones will really last. I now buy all my bras at VS, after years of similar misery, especially after a new puppy put an end to my very favorite bras.
My wife has had equal issues with bra purchases. Her size (38 I) is so uncommon, normal shops never have anything remotely fitting.
She has had luck ordering through Lane Bryant and Figleaves.com. She recently ordered 4 bras though Figleaves and 2 fit right.
My wife has had equal issues with bra purchases. Her size (38 I) is so uncommon, normal shops never have anything remotely fitting.
She has had luck ordering through Lane Bryant and Figleaves.com. She recently ordered 4 bras though Figleaves and 2 fit right.
BTW
You should get fitted every year, just like glasses, because you change every year.
I got that invaluable advice when I was 16 and getting fitted for the first time at Goldwater’s. The very knowledgeable lady who did it, had 30 years experience. It really makes a difference.
BTW
You should get fitted every year, just like glasses, because you change every year.
I got that invaluable advice when I was 16 and getting fitted for the first time at Goldwater’s. The very knowledgeable lady who did it, had 30 years experience. It really makes a difference.
Re: BTW
This presumes that I buy underwear at least once a year. It’s been more like three years because I hate it so much and because we had no money to spare.
Re: BTW
This presumes that I buy underwear at least once a year. It’s been more like three years because I hate it so much and because we had no money to spare.
I’m glad yours are more helpful, but I’ve been to more than one store around here and gotten the same bad attitude and bad help, not to mention them apparently not even carrying things in my size.
I’m glad yours are more helpful, but I’ve been to more than one store around here and gotten the same bad attitude and bad help, not to mention them apparently not even carrying things in my size.