Favorite bras for the larger busted

[wendibird22]

I'd love to see what everyone's favorite go to bra is. I'm a 32DD (or 32E depending on if it's european sizing) and prefer underwires because I need the support. I have a hard time finding a good fit because I prefer fuller coverage but I have a very petite frame (I'm 5'2" and usually wear a sz 4 blouse) and sometimes the "U" of the underwire is too wide set. My current rotation includes:

Wacoal Bodysuede Seamless Underwire (http://www.amazon.com/Wacoal-Womens-Bodysuede-Seamless-Underwire/dp/B000T34JXW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312463423&sr=8-1)

Wacoal Bodysuede with Lace (http://www.amazon.com/Wacoal-Bodysuede-Seamless-Underwire-Naturally/dp/B000T349P0/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1312463471&sr=1-1)

Wacoal Halo Lace Underwire (http://www.amazon.com/Wacoal-Womens-Coverage-Underwire-Black/dp/B0012HGPEU/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1312463535&sr=1-2)

And my newest addition is Rosa Faia (by Anita) Alicia (http://www.amazon.com/Rosa-Faia-Anita-Womens-Underwire/dp/B001C2FADM/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1312463595&sr=1-2). OMG! Amazingly comfortable bra.

I'd love to get something in a pretty color or pattern (I have lots of nude) and perhaps something not as full coverage for lower cut shirts. I can't do demi styles. I'm considering this Chantelle c-paris (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod122730003&parentId=cat6710743&masterId=cat000097&index=10&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000009cat000097cat67107 43) that I tried on at a local store. Wacoal has been my go to just because they are somewhat reasonably priced, offer my size, are usually comfortable, pretty consistent fit across styles, and wash/hold up well.

I'd love to see what you all love.

[hellokitty]

Bali's Passion for Comfort underwire line is FANTASTIC and they are cheap. I like mine better than my wacoal and natori.

[weech]

I swear by Panache and I've had okay luck with Fantasie. I had that Rosa Faia bra but felt like the cups were too stretchy (leading to unsightly sagging!). I'm about a 36F, but it keeps changing with my weight.

I'm interested that you wear Wacoal and are petite. My upper body is petite (I guess I have a short torso) so most larger sized bras would cut into my armpits and the straps were too long. Maybe I should try them again?

[wendibird22]

I swear by Panache and I've had okay luck with Fantasie. I had that Rosa Faia bra but felt like the cups were too stretchy (leading to unsightly sagging!). I'm about a 36F, but it keeps changing with my weight.

I'm interested that you wear Wacoal and are petite. My upper body is petite (I guess I have a short torso) so most larger sized bras would cut into my armpits and the straps were too long. Maybe I should try them again?

The Halo and the Bodysuede w/ Lace seem a bit more petite friendly than the others. I do worry about the Rosa Faia cups giving out, which will make me sad because it's just so darn comfortable.

How does Panache run? Do you find you have to go up/down a band or cup size as compared to other brands? Do you have a favorite Panache?

[bubbaray]

I have success with Bali t-shirt bras (sorry, can't remember the name, but underwire and very lightly lined so no show-thru) and Triumph t-shirt bras.

[lizzywednesday]

Chantelle.

Pricey but worth it.

Though the last really-really-really nice bra I bought was a Freya.
I'm sad that it doesn't fit correctly anymore.

[CaliMommy]

I'm a 32DD and size 4 blouse too. I recently
purchased the Natori 136001 Contour bra (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/natori-136001-contour-underwire-bra/2890088?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=0) during the anniversary sale and I love it!

[SoloMelody]

I am petite 5' 2" and 32H, bras need to be full coverage,provide lift and shape and minimize. I know some of the requirements I have are contradictory, but with my size I need it all! I always go for a 3 part cup as it gives lot of support and shape from the sides.

current stash

go to bra - chantelle rive gauche http://www.amazon.com/Chantelle-Gauche-3-Part-Underwire-Black/dp/B0021SIXLM/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1312488970&sr=1-1

for no seams - freya pollyana seamless http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Pollyanna-Balcony-Bra-White/dp/B000R3G5F4/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1312489061&sr=1-3

wacoal sport bra, not a great shape, kind of too rounded but for work out I need no bounce and it does it. runs small in the band http://www.amazon.com/Wacoal-Womens-Sport-855170-Naturally/dp/B001T6HAPW/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1312488882&sr=1-1

Previously a big freya fan, but most styles dont minimize well. I still own some and wear them under certain blouses and indian saree blouses where I get extra support/minimization from the fitted blouse. http://www.amazon.com/Designer-Georgette-Latest-Indian-Dress/dp/B002YVG7W8

Pre-pregnancy/baby I wore prima donna and another brand, cant remember.

[fivi2]

My new favorite bra ever is this Wacoal (http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=235665&cm_mmc=Google_Feed-_-2-_-26-_-MP226)

however, the size I have isn't showing up on the size chart. If they have stopped making it in my size, I will cry.

I also have a Chantelle (Legende) that I also can't find on line right now (I may be in serious trouble in the future!)

I have had mixed experiences with Fantasie (one style that I loved before, but doesn't work as well now), and Panache (rubs under my arms, but the rest of the fit is okay).

[TwinFoxes]

I swear by Panache and I've had okay luck with Fantasie. I had that Rosa Faia bra but felt like the cups were too stretchy (leading to unsightly sagging!).

Agree. But my favorite right now is Elomi:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/elomi-asia-molded-underwire-bra/3066283?origin=category&resultback=0

[wendibird22]

Thanks for all of these suggestions ladies. I wish I had a great store nearby to try on all of these. Unfortunately no Nordstrom and my Bare Necessities closed years ago. One high end place has Chantelle, Perele, Fantasie and Freya, but not Panache, so I'd have to order online and hope on the sizing.

[TwinFoxes]

Amazon has free returns on bras. :)

[weech]

The Halo and the Bodysuede w/ Lace seem a bit more petite friendly than the others. I do worry about the Rosa Faia cups giving out, which will make me sad because it's just so darn comfortable.

How does Panache run? Do you find you have to go up/down a band or cup size as compared to other brands? Do you have a favorite Panache?

Forgot to reply to this. Here are my favorites:
Panache Porcelain - http://www.herroom.com/panache-3376-porcelain-molded-seamless-underwire-bra.shtml

Panache Tango II - http://www.herroom.com/panache-3251-superbra-tango-ii-underwire-balconette-bra.shtml

I buy all my bras online, and usually use Her Room's tips to gauge sizing. I've bought Panache for so long I don't really know how they compare with brands other than Fantasie (they're about the same).

Now I really want to try out Chantelle, Wacoal, Freya and Elomi. Need to find somewhere to try them on!

[Reina]

Bare Necessities online has a great return policy.
my favorite bra (all time favorite) is Le Mystere Dream Tisha http://www.barenecessities.com/le-mystere-lace-tisha-underwire-bra-965_product.htm?pf_id=LeMystere965

This bra is like magic. Lifts, covers, minimizes, does not flatten. Cannot say enough about it. I have several. Highly recommended.

[Beth24]

This is my favorite bra...http://www.barenecessities.com/chantelle-volupte-seamless-minimizer-bra-2361_product.htm?pf_id=Chantelle2361.

[mimosa]

I really like Freya. Used to wear Panache often, but it seemed like it sort of spread things out and made me look "wider" if that makes sense. With Freya, everything is much more lifted and forward.

[mommylamb]

I'm not a fan of wacoal any longer. I think there are other bras that do a good job for more voluptuous women that are also sexier. I also really like panache bras. But my favorite at the moment are Freya. I have this one: http://www.barenecessities.com/freya-deco-plunge-t-shirt-underwire-bra-4234_product.htm?pf_id=Freya4234&search= and this one in several colors http://www.barenecessities.com/freya-jolie-plunge-underwire-bra-4101_product.htm?pf_id=Freya4101&search=

[erosenst]

My favorite is the Fantasie t-shirt bra http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fantasie-4510-smoothing-molded-cup-underwire-t-shirt-bra/2893192?origin=category&resultback=345

If you call any Nordstrom and ask them to order this online for you, it will be done free of charge...

[wendibird22]

Anyone have problems with the straps being too wide set? I'm noticing as I look through a lot of your links, and just Chantella, Panache, Freya, etc in general that most of the bras have the straps originating from the outside (near the armpit) of the cups. I have such a petite frame I worry that the straps will be off my shoulders (most of my Wacoals have the straps starting from the middle of the cups).

[hillview]

Anyone have problems with the straps being too wide set? I'm noticing as I look through a lot of your links, and just Chantella, Panache, Freya, etc in general that most of the bras have the straps originating from the outside (near the armpit) of the cups. I have such a petite frame I worry that the straps will be off my shoulders (most of my Wacoals have the straps starting from the middle of the cups).

I have with the Chantella -- I have 2 of them (or had) and both drove me crazy. No more. I like Victoria secret the best. I've tried "better" brands but VS work best for me. I am a 34D.

[weech]

Anyone have problems with the straps being too wide set? I'm noticing as I look through a lot of your links, and just Chantella, Panache, Freya, etc in general that most of the bras have the straps originating from the outside (near the armpit) of the cups. I have such a petite frame I worry that the straps will be off my shoulders (most of my Wacoals have the straps starting from the middle of the cups).

That's my only criticism of Panache - the straps tend to be wide-set. They're not off my shoulders at all, but I'd prefer if they were closer together.