Bra Shopping Tips From Intimates Experts

Stylelist | By Sarah St. Lifer | Become a fan | Posted: 10/12/11 12:50 PM ET | Updated: 10/12/11 12:51 PM ET

Denim shopping is often touted as a dreadful experience, but finding the perfect bra can be equally frustrating to shop for.

After many hours wasted and countless regrettable purchases, we tapped industry experts for their best bra shopping tips.

Peruse the gallery below for expert advice. From the creator of Spanx, to a Victoria’s Secret model – hey, it’s her job to wear bras! – we promise that your next trip to the dressing room will be a bit more pleasant with these tips.

Meanwhile, take a look at the lingerie ad that was deemed too racy for television.

Bernadette Wallace: HanesBrands spokeswoman

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"Get professionally fitted. Take advantage of complimentary bra fittings at many department stores. Keep in mind, your bra size is not the same for every brand, so fittings are important."

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LL UNcool

32 Fans

08:21 PM on 10/24/2011

If you're looking for a comfy everyday bra, try CK's Perfect Fit or Gap's Tshirt bra - I put together a list of my favorite 'everyday' bras here http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/larissa/add-yours-the-perfect-everday-bra (this post if featured there too!)

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Wander Woman0001

0 Fans

09:48 AM on 10/18/2011

For the ladies looking for larger bras - try Cachet or Lane Bryant. They have a good selection. My sister shops there as she wears those sizes. I wear a 36B which is a hard size to find but usually shop the outlets.

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Joanne Lee Miller

0 Fans

12:05 AM on 10/14/2011

Forget the brand promotion here. I have a very supportive bra available. It affords a truly amazing look, feel, and support design which compliments and supports a woman's figure in a healthy, flattering, feminine way. E-mail me at kind_lee_lady@yahoo.com

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jc7667

2 Fans

07:09 PM on 10/13/2011

The best way to get fitted for a bra is to go try them on. Every bra manufacturer seems to size them differently. I wear one size in Bali and a different size in Platex. The best way to know if a bra fits is to just try it on! Most women tend to wear to large a band size and to small a cup size. Your bra should fasten in the center hooks and you should not be hanging out of the sides of the cups if your bra is properly sized. Measuring yourself with an ill fitting bra on will not give you a correct size! Just try them on ladies!

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Raejeanowl

35 Fans

04:51 PM on 10/13/2011

Who is this idiot? Not only does the measurement at the fullest part of your bust NOT determine your bra size (by itself), she didn't even have the measuring tape straight.

Some "soft" bras are well-constructed in a supportive manner that can replace underwires, but if you're really large, something is going to have to compensate for all that weight on your chest. I like Just My Size Ultimate Comfort style 1256 personally for everyday wear.

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relaford

50 Fans

03:41 PM on 10/13/2011

They always tell you to wear a bra that fits well when being measured. If you have a bra that fits well, don't you more or less know what size you need?

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ebon2008

0 Fans

03:38 PM on 10/13/2011

my daughter who is 14yrs old is already a D and hates VS wire bras. She loves to come home and rip them off, but its very hard to walk down the block with her although i make her cover up and not expose herself, these pervs still gawks. I have to say she is only 14. I on the other hand is a cup b and very difficult to find a bra that fits comfortable, I will have a fitting at VS and go home and found they gave me the wrong size. I usually find mine at discount store only $2.99 or sale $1.99 go figure

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Joanne Lee Miller

0 Fans

10:53 PM on 10/13/2011

Hey Mom, they gawk 'cause she bounces. She can't help it, she doesn't have a bra that will keep her from it, and they can't help it (sorta) 'cause that's the way they're made (to a point). E-mail me, I can help, in fact, I want to help! That's why I became a distributor of custom fitted support bras. I really enjoy watching ladies be transformed in terms of their level of confidence and self esteem when they see how much more beautiful they look, and the dignity in their appearance. They don't bounce, your concern, they don't hurt your shoulders, they don't rub, poke, etc; like an underwire would, her concern. You're right to be concerned, you have to protect her. She will have the modest look you want for her while having a comfortable supportive fit that feels so much better to her. kind_lee_lady@yahoo.com

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glbabynumsnana

I have gone to find myself, if I get back before I

34 Fans

02:13 PM on 10/13/2011

Where oh where does one find bras for DD's and up? Very hard to find. Squeezing myself into DD's is even uncomfortable. I can't stand to wear underwires so don't even suggest them!

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Joanne Lee Miller

0 Fans

03:41 PM on 10/13/2011

I am a distributor of some very good bras which are designed like a suspension bridge, they take the weight of your bust off your shoulders and distribute it around your body. They eliminate painful bounce so that you can do any kind of physical activity you want without pain or loss of dignity. There is NO underwire, and we have sizes all the way up to 46KK. Contact me by e-mail; kind_lee_lady@yahoo.com and we can communicate more. If you give me your phone number and name, I will call you as well.

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Dani Bargala

1 Fans

02:02 PM on 10/13/2011

For the ladies with Ds and up, I find the Victoria's Secret Angels Demi fits me perfectly. It's the ONLY bra I am comfortable in. I am a 36 D.

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rpattonhrc

15 Fans

12:36 PM on 10/13/2011

Bras are uncomfortable--and yes, I know how to fit into one, been doing it for 30 years. When is someone going to invent a bra that doesn't make me irritated by the end of the day? Why are they always the same basic design? And why so much advice about how to make them look bigger? How about an article about how to be happy with our own bodies without having to manipulate our breasts every day?

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madmikeme

14 Fans

11:56 AM on 10/13/2011

Lemme know if you need some help...I've got great hands and good tape measure...and...I'm gentle but direct. I'll get you in and out of the right one!!!

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Matthew Hayes

0 Fans

11:07 AM on 10/13/2011

Damn finding DDDD bra is your bigest problem lady you are not normal face it and stop whining.

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darcstar2

0 Fans

12:16 PM on 10/13/2011

finding a DDDD is not my biggest problem. I gained alot of weight due to meds, and have now lost back to a smaller size. I have gone from a 16 to an 8 in just under a year. I just did not lose any of the bust that I gained when I gained weight.

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darcstar2

0 Fans

12:18 PM on 10/13/2011

and yes my figure now looks kind of like Dolly Parton's! BUT I AM NORMAL--THANK YOU

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tapace30

0 Fans

10:35 AM on 10/13/2011

I have the same DD problem. I pay a little extra and go to Dillards now because they will take the time to fit you and then help you find what you need

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darcstar2

0 Fans

10:21 AM on 10/13/2011

Victoria Secrets offers great bras if you are small chested. I went there to find a good t-shirt bra only to be told my breast were too large and they do not carry anything over a DD in a 34, I need a 34 DDDD. I've tried JCP, Sears, Kohls, etc... My problem is that I am petite and small(size 8), I just have large breasts. Why can't companies make items for normal women instead of the 5% with the "perfect figure"?

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norree

0 Fans

10:36 AM on 10/13/2011

Try Wacoal bras -- 34G. they are made for the American woman and are lovely to look at, give proper support, and good lift. They are available at good department stores.

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darcstar2

0 Fans

08:20 AM on 10/14/2011

never heard of this brand, but will give them a try. Thanks for the info!

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Diana Egielski

21 Fans

02:05 PM on 10/13/2011

While I agree with your statement, I don't think there's anything normal about a petite bust with gigantic cups. I mean, you sound amazingly fabulous and other women probably pay lots of money to have what you have, but I'd still place you in the atypical category (and you should embrace that!)

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darcstar2

0 Fans

08:19 AM on 10/14/2011

Believe me, I've been ask several times since losing weight who I went to for my enlargement. I gained weight in my breast first, but have not lost any of what I gained there. It is not easy on the back either. I went from a 34D to a 38DD, can still fit the 38DD cup size, just need the band to be a 34 with the larger cups. It is not all fun and games to be petite with this size cups!!!!

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cougarwind43

4 Fans

10:10 AM on 10/13/2011

That didn't give me the information that I need. Short, big bustied and at my age I need a bra that will hold me in on the sides as well as uplift. I already know how to measure and what size I need. Any suggestions. NO, no wires.

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swthonigram46

29 Fans

10:14 AM on 10/13/2011

playtex 4693.

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Joanne Lee Miller

0 Fans

11:14 PM on 10/13/2011

Not playtex ma'am. I have a bra that will do all that and more. No underwires, and brings all that from under your arms all the way up front and high. They last too, unlike all your dep't store bras which are stretched out in 3-4 months. I have ladies who have worn the same 3 bras for 7-8 years only replacing a hook or an eye! I'm not talking about women with itty bitty, well you know. You can do Zumba, or go horseback riding, and your girls will stay put. Maybe, you don't want all that activity, but isn't it nice to have the choice? E-mail me at kind_lee_lady@yahoo.com

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