Girls, what do you think about the push-up bra? And Bra-less-ness?

I couldn't possibly go braless, as I am very curvy. It sounds to me like you need a proper fitting for a bra to ensure that you are wearing the right band and cup sizes. This has been addressed recently in the media, most notably by Stacey from What Not To Wear. They did a show on undergarments and she also discussed it on Oprah. Since those aired, I've seen more places offer fittings, especially high-end department stores.

With all the variety in bra styles and materials these days, you should be able to find something that is comfortable, as well as cute and supportive. You may also be pushing up too much if you are able to go braless. Get a proper fitting, and invest in some quality bras.

Oh- and one you know your proper size, check out HerRoom.com -- they've got a huge selection with detailed fitting information and customer feedback for each item.

My normal bras are wonderful, so I think I am sized correctly. I wonder if my breast tissues are sensitive to directional change and if the pain something to worry about.

You may find that it varies through your cycle due to hormonal fluctuations and fluid retention. I doubt that it's cause for concern, but bring it up at your next Gyn visit to put your mind at ease.

Breast cancer is not painful; lump can be felt or palpated or picked up on mammogram. Microcalfications, which can also be cancerous, cause no sensations either. I have never found the perfect bra. What kind is yr. normal wonderful bra? Bras fit differently when I sit down than when I am standing.. I had a small lumpectomy and that breast is perkier and smaller than other one. So getting a good fit is complicated. Wires I find to be a form of torture.

Dear gailcalled, I am so sorry to hear that you had breast cancer. How are you doing now? Did the doctor say anything about reconstructive surgery? I imagine from reading your posts that you are a very strong person who accepts life's changes with a grain of salt. I know I would miss that little piece of my breast because I love to be sentimental.

My normal wonderful bras are made by a company called On Gossamer. I send away for them. Maybe they are more expensive than others, but I like to feel their materials against my skin. The supple fibers fit naturally to my curves. I also have seen that Victoria's Secret has bras that have no wires. I would like to try them, too. If you are interested, I will let you know what they feel like.

@Helena; Thank you; I am fine, after 11 years. Compared to other really hard things in my life, the breast cancer was ho-hum. I don't miss that little piece (and it WAS little- like a lardon of bacon) AT ALL, considering what was in it. Surgeon left an almost invisible scar in a natural crease; you can't tell by looking at me, and I have all the necessary parts for sensation, so am very grateful. If anyone wants to discuss breast cancer, write to me privately, if you like, since we are supposed to be talking about bras.

I'll check out the On Gossamer and would be interested in a report on V's Secret's wireless bras. One thing I have learned as I age is to Never, Ever Again, wear any garment that is uncomfortable.

Not even shoes, gailcalled?

Never, ever wear uncomfortable shoes! We must continue to encourage the industry to design shoes that have style AND comfort. It has been getting better in recent years, and I actually own several pairs of heels now, after many years without.

@Andrew; Rx: spend a day (or an hour) in a pair of Manhola Blaniks.... designed for people w. only three toes, and pointed ones, to boot. And then we'll talk. As one ages, the one part of the body, irritatingly, that loses fat is the bottom of the foot. So the natural cushioning disappears.

@heartkat is right...Lots of cute, trendy and comfortable shoes for women available now- Clarks, Ecco, Mephisto, Teva, etc..

Gailcalled and I grew up wearing very dangerous shoes – very high heels, very narrow toes. We looked utterly marvelous because these shoes make your butt stand up in a
searingly seductive way, and they make you walk like a prostitute (a good one).

These days, another very charming brand is Keens. Their shoes somehow fit almost everyone immediately. They aren’t glam for evenings out, but for daytime they’re adorable and keep you sane.

I haven’t worn a bra in years, except to job interviews. Read Dressed to Kill by Singer and Grismaijer.

@gcross; do you have small breasts that don’t jounce around when you move or do you just flaunt the girls?

Flaunt. I’m 5’8”, 275# and a C or D cup. I get a lot of stares from construction workers and hispanic males but I just keep on going.

According to the book, the risk of breast cancer for women in bra-wearing nations is about 1 in 8. In nations where bralessness is the norm rather than the exception, the risk is about 1 in 168.

Did a recent write-up for my final for my college course in Dreamweaver 8. You wil find it here: http://cis.arc.losrios.edu/~bcrossg/cancer_free/breastcancer.html

WOW thats wierd

A proper fitting Bra is essential to keep the girls supported unless they are in the Skilled Hands of your S/O…

@gcross: I don’t have time to read the whole study, but I am curious… how did they factor out other risk factors, such as diet, child-bearing and breastfeeding? Western cultures not only wear bras but also have more processed foods and obesity, more pesticides and industrial chemicals in the environment, more childless women and more women who opt for bottle feeding, etc. I honestly can’t believe that allowing one’s breast tissue to succumb to the forces of gravity could significantly reduce the risk for cancer.