Comments on: Reader Mail – How to Dress if You’re Busty and on a Budget

By: Chicago K

Chicago K — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:07:54 +0000

you should hand wash in cold water, in the sink, with woolite. I also know they make lingerie specific soaps, but I haven’t personally used them.

I wouldn’t use Dove personally…just because, well, it’s not meant for clothes.

You might want to also let them soak for a bit in the cold water and woolite mix before giving them a little hand scrub…I find washing by hand doesn’t get things as clean (although I had a boyfriend who once washed my stuff by hand and got it cleaner than the washer! So maybe it’s just me).

By: sara

sara — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:42:02 +0000

I just keep buying the same model and brand and size whenever I can because between different models there is different fit. I have more on the lower part of my bust and less on the upper part, so I wear balcony and demi cut bras best, if I bought a full cup bra even in my favorite brand and size, I doubt it would fit.

But what I can’t figure out is how to wash them. They are nice lace bras and I am just petrified of ruining them. Can I just use dove soap to wash them in the sink?

By: M

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:27:09 +0000

If you live in Atlanta, there’s a great place in Kennesaw (northern suburb) called Livie Rae Lingerie. Proper fitting without judgment for wearing the wrong size for most of your adult life, on the spot adjustments/tailoring which are necessary for small band sizes and larger cups AND – cheap prices! I got four bras, all specially tailored because I was still nursing my son, for approximately $120 – no sale price included.

By: AN

AN — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:52:49 +0000

Bravissimo is the best! They carry Freya, Fantasie and all brands that go way beyond a DD/E (which is the max VS carries). They also start with very small band sizes (e.g. they carry 28D all the way to G/H cups, perhaps higher) – that really helps people like me (busty + slim ribcage) get a great fit.

By: lurker

lurker — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:33:09 +0000

I bought my Chantelle and Le Mystere bras and panties for around half retail on eBay. With automated sniping programs and services, you can bid with minimal effort/time.

By: monica

monica — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:30:42 +0000

The SOMA line from Chico’s has a great size selection for well endowed ladies and a great fit. They are a little cheaper than wacoal. With a Chico’s membership $35.00 to $40.00. Mine are a about three years old now and still look great after lots of washing and drying.

By: Molly

Molly — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:29:46 +0000

I’ve tried Bare Necessities, but I really love freshpair.com. They have an awesome selection, free shipping and their customer service peeps are great for recommendations. they also have an outlet site, cheapundies.com, where you can get awesome brands for super cheap (Cosabella, DKNY, etc)

By: Mich

Mich — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:23:04 +0000

One thing I’ll mention is to be wary of online, like ebay, if you can’t return. It is amazing the variation in fit even in the same brand with the same exact size. It’s a pain and you may miss some good “bargains” but I think you really have to try them on. Anyone else’s experience with this??

By: sezme

sezme — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 03:02:09 +0000

if anyone lives in north jersey WOB (Wizard of Bras) in wyckoff/river edge is fantastic – i got fitted there and spent a ton of money that first day (was so excited to have a great fitting bra after yrs of VS crap) but after that stalked loehmanns etc…and WOB also has fantastic “sidewalk sales” – bins of bras for $15-$20.

By: five tomatoes

five tomatoes — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:36:27 +0000

I second Megan’s comment about Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx/Marshall’s, and discount stores. I’ve been able to find some wonderful brands normally sold at high-end department stores for $25-30 at those outlets.