Can we talk about boobs?   or rather, the support of them.   :-)

Genetically, I have big boobs.  (thanks, Mom).  Being overweight contributes to bigger boobs.   My bad.  I've worn underwire bras since I can't remember when.  These bras are a wonderfully engineered combination of various fabrics (stretch and non-stretch) and wire to support the weight.  They aren't the type of bra you can go into Kohl's or Penney's or Target and get off the shelf.  Nope, these bras are specialty items that command a premium price. 

I may grumble at the cost (they cost WHAT!?!??) but my comfort and proper support are quite important.  I take good care of my bras and they tend to last a very long time.

I go to stores that have trained ladies to have the bras properly fitted.  When they are, you simply forget that you are even wearing a bra.  Most of the time I'm unaware that I have a bra on.   Yeah, there are some occurrences when the underwire can seem to be a bit snug and that's uncomfortable .. but that's not the normal case. 

Well, some time ago, I experienced a rather painful JAB at the tender flesh precisely under a boob.  I'd wiggle around and it would go away but would return.  When I removed the bra, I took a look and discovered that I had BROKEN MY BRA.     Oh good lord ... the underwire had snapped in two and the broken end had worked its way through the fabric channel.  Ouch.     

Being a sewer, I could see that if I just spent a little time with Jack, I could open up the area where the break was.  My thought was to wrap "something" around the two pieces to rejoin them, then stitch the channel back up.   Ha.   You know how the saying about the best laid plans of mice and men goes.  I didn't have anything that would stiffen up the break, which would have been a good idea.   Tape, neither masking nor electric, provided a stable join.  Mr. Pirate contributed a shrink-wrap electrical wire tubing thing and that kinda/sorta worked but the break was still wiggly.  The two ends do stay together although the break still tends to "bend".  But since the break is underneath the boob, as along as the underwire stays INSIDE the fabric channel, I figure it's good.  It does work so that was my solution.  

Just *recently*, with a different bra, I experienced the same jabbing pain.  Man, I *knew* what the problem was right away.  Sure enough, I had broken ANOTHER bra.  Sigh.  This time, Mr Pirate suggested that I bring it to a welder and have him weld the two ends together.   <imagine me staring at Mr. Pirate>  Umm ... no.  I am not taking a bra underwire to a welder.   

Then, it occurred to me ....heeeeeey .... there is actually a sub-group of sewers who make their own bras.  (I had experimented with it many years ago)  There are SUPPLIES for this endeavor, so I looked for underwires.  I found a place!  Woo hoo!  Luckily, they gave the dimensions of their underwires (instead of just bra sizes), which was very handy because bra sizes are NOT standard and they didn't like "my" size anyway.  I found some underwires that appeared as though they might work.

They arrived today.  Excitedly, I threaded the new, replacement underwire into the fabric channel and .. voila! ... my bra is FIXED!!  With a sturdy, one-piece underwire!  I am so jazzed!  I just shake my head at myself that I hadn't previously thought of *replacing* the underwire instead of trying to fix it.

And the cost?   Are you sitting down?  The underwires were $3.50.  For six *pairs*.  That's TWELVE underwires.  For $3.50.  Plus shipping and a "small order fee" of $1.00 (because they have a minimum amount that I hadn't met).

My bras are good to go for many more years.  Because I really do grumble at the cost of a new one.  :-)

I can't tell you how many different kinds of underwire bras I have bought over the years in the never-ending quest for a comfortable, supportive bra that fits well and can be comfortably worn all day.  I have been so disappointed so many times.  I don't mind paying a bit more if it is a quality bra that will last long enough that I feel I have gotten my money's worth.  But I have been disappointed so many times.  And invariably, when I find one I really like, they discontinue that style.  I even found some GREAT ones at Walmart several years ago that I was quite happy with.  But I should have bought more of them.  When they're gone, they're gone.

So, please tell me -- what kind is it that you are talking about in your post?

I have not had the problem of breaking the wires in two pieces, but the problem I have most often is the ends of the wires wearing holes at the ends of the channels, either under the arm or in the cleavage.  I have been able to make repairs and wear them for a while longer.  But inevitably, you have to give it up when you can't even fix it anymore.    

Good for you! It is said that necessity is the mother of invention and you proved it.  My DD has a healthy supply of boob and has to have bras fitted so I know the cost.  She says it make such a difference and is worth it.  Me?  I could get by with and undershirt.  The one thing I like about quarantine s being able to go without wearing a bra all day. If I have to dress to leave the house I almost feel constricted and can't wait to get home to take it off.

One time when DD was about three or four years old she was in the bathtub and she was pulling at her chest area, trying to "stretch" her nipples out.

"What are you doing?" says mom.

"When will I look like a real girl,  like you and grandma?" says DD. 

"Give yourself some time, it will happen," I say because I know that she's probably going to grow up to look like me and my mom who are both "ample" to put it politely.

Fast forward forty years and DD had breast reduction surgery because she's very short was very busty and her backaches are killing her. She still wears underwire bras but her plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction work is an artist and DD is extremely happy with her new "look" and easier life.

(I helped DD remove the dressings 48 hours after surgery and when I saw that the surgeon gave her the Venus de Milo look I was gobsmacked.)

latterberry said:

The one thing I like about quarantine s being able to go without wearing a bra all day.

Yup! Really the only time I wear one any more is if I need to go out.

I have had a few wire break too, however since I can get by without them I just pulled them out.  The reason for having these bras wasn't for the underwire support it was the fabric content.  I know the high price of having to pay for a bra, the frustration of no longer available, so last time over the coarse of two months I bought ten. 

Jo

Wow, i just read about your fixing your bras. That is great. invention and all that. bras were made by men. well, mostly. for now i'm wearing stretchy ones. so tired of the stiff formed cups that do not fit me! good for you!!!

Pirate (PIRATE_SR) said:

I go to stores that have trained ladies to have the bras properly fitted. 

I wonder if those stores are even allowing fittings for bras at this point...probably not would be my guess..

Glad you were able to fix your existing bras..

Suze (casuzenn) said:

I wonder if those stores are even allowing fittings for bras at this point...probably not would be my guess..

oh yeah .... i hadn't even thought of that.  You're probably correct.

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