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Plus-sized bras for comfortable travel

I am in search of a good 40DDD bra comfortable for travel and everyday wear but still very supportive. I don’t know that comfort and an underwire go together, but that is probably what I need. A sports bra would be okay, if it were styled appropriately for everyday wear and had a seamless cup. A plus would be breathable fabric. Does anyone know if such a thing exists? Many thanks for any suggestions!

Posted by
1307 posts

My suggestion is that you go to Nordstrom or another top department store and get a personal fitting.
None of us here, I think, could possibly know what might fit you since we are all so individual.

Posted by
481 posts

I have worn Wacoal’s Awareness bra for many years and have found it very comfortable. It comes both with and without wire. I’ve worn both. Not cheap - but so worth it. With careful washing, these will last a long time.

If you live near Nordstrom’s, I highly recommend you go in and have them measure you. They have specialists who do this. Many women wear the wrong size. Once I got the right size, it was much more comfortable, and looked better too.

Here is the wireless version:

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/wacoal-awareness-wire-free-bra/2992917?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=274

Here is the underwire version:

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/wacoal-awareness-underwire-bra/2791770?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=001

Posted by
6299 posts

Beth, before my recent breast reduction surgery, I was the same size as you and wore these Chantelle bras. I used to wear Wacoal but these were more comfortable for me, especially with the underwire.

Of course, now I have about 7-8 bras that I need to do something with. I'm thinking Goodwill but not sure if they take stuff like that.

Posted by
6290 posts

Mardee, there’s probably a “clothes closet” in your community that would take the donation.

Posted by
6299 posts

Jane, great idea! I just searched and found several in the area - thank you!

Posted by
62 posts

Many Wacoal fans here, and I am one of them! I wear the same size as you. The "Retro Chic" is the only style I've worn for many years:
https://www.wacoal-america.com/retro-chic-full-figure-underwire-bra-855186
It is lovely, lacy, and flattering. However, the cup is not seamless. Another plus is that the lighter, lacy fabric means shorter line drying time, especially helpful while traveling.

The sports bra you chose looks good and has a seamless cup, so that may be the winner for you. In general, Wacoal bras have good support, but some are better than others. I wore the Wacoal "Awareness" bra (the one Renee mentioned) years ago, but it was not right for me (too buxom, and the wide straps were often visible depending on what shirt I wore). After another fitting at Macy's, they introduced me to the Retro Chic style, and I was sold. They have a long life span. The first one I bought nearly 9 years ago is still functional.

Posted by
2375 posts

People who are familiar with the forum understand that it's best to start a new post if you have an even slightly different question.

Many people only read/answer the original post, and the original poster is contacted when there is an answer. It's annoying.

Posted by
95 posts

Mike, I’ve not been around long enough to know if there’s a backstory to your question, but I truly don’t mind if you posted it innocently. However, I get the point that you would garner more helpful advice if you posted your own topic. I wish I had suggestions for you, and I hope you find what you’re looking for. Peace, all.

Posted by
888 posts

I too have had good luck with some Wacoal bras and one brand I don't see here called Elomi. I've mostly bought them thru Amazon but recently learned that Dillards carries them so I'm going to go check them out.

Generally I'm more comfortable, have better support and shape with a seamed underwire bra but would love to find a wire-free for airline travel. I've worn underwires for 30 yrs without a problem at security but ever since I had my total knee replacement TSA has taken to patting down my chest. They don't even care about the knee.

And for any guys who feel left out of this discussion, feel free to google "bras for men". I did and found a whole new world of retail.

Posted by
95 posts

Product update/review:

I ended up LOVING the Wacoal sports bra https://www.wacoal-america.com/sport-contour-underwire-bra-wacoal-853302. Excellent comfortable support, even with the underwire. If you get your true size, it might feel a bit tight at first, but stick with it. Very quickly it adjusted to my body and now is amazing. I can even wear it with my lower scoop neck t-shirts without it peeking out. The style of an everyday seamless t-shirt bra with the support of a sports bra!

Posted by
6299 posts

Beth, that's great that you found something - it's a beautiful bra, too, and nice that some colors are on sale!