I've had big boobs for as long as I can remember. Being both plus-size and genetically predisposed to larger knockers, I was in a bra full time by the second grade. I remember roaming the bra section with my mom in Boscov's with the '90s neon signs humming over my head. I ran my hands along the sea of sweet trainer bras decorated with itty-bitty hearts or Joe Boxer smiley faces.
As I excitedly picked out a few to try on (hey, I was naive, OK?), my mom just shook her head and led me deeper into the lingerie department. They didn't even make training bras in my size, so I awkwardly tried on adult sports bras and even a few shaped ones for support. My body instantly transformed, and I stared into the mirror at someone who looked five years older than I was.
As I felt the straps digging into my shoulders, I turned to my mom and asked: "I have to wear one of these things forever?"
She laughed and gave me a sympathetic smile.
"Basically."
Nearly 22 years later, bra shopping hasn't gotten any better -- especially as a plus-size woman with big boobs.
Add to the fact that my boobs have also seen better days since I've had my first kid, and bra shopping is a chore that's up there with doing dishes and the fifth load of laundry. I always thought of it as a necessary evil — one that involved hours of trying on bras and settling for the lesser of 50 evils.
So when I was given the opportunity to try out ThirdLove, an online bra retailer that promises to size you without stepping into a store, I was game.
Admittedly skeptical, but game.
Logging onto the site, you begin by filling out a questionnaire that helps them get a feel for your breast shapes (yes, each can be different), current size, and problem areas in an effort to get you a better fit.
Typically, I buy a 44-46 DDD-sized bra, depending on where I'm shopping. Some issues I have to deal with include too-tight straps, a band that rides up and down, and some cup spillage — not to mention all of the wires poking me or squeezing me throughout the day.
See? Lots of spillage, tightness, and lack of support.
But, this is my normal, and believe you me this floral one is one of the better bras I've ever owned.
After answering a few more questions, the site determined I should actually be wearing a 42G Relaxed (which is their DDDD cup size), and suggested I try a T-Shirt fit.
After skimming through my options, I decided to go with the 24/7 Lace Back T-Shirt Bra.
Though it is available in five very pretty colors, I went with black because I still, at 30 years old, have not grown out of my "emo" phase.
24/7 Lace Back T-Shirt Bra ($76, ThirdLove)
Admittedly, when I saw the size, I laughed out loud. There was no way it was going to fit -- but I thought I'd give it a shot.
It arrived in really beautiful packaging, and the first thing I noticed was just how light it was. The fabric was silky and soft, and the details were really subtle and pretty.
The back strap had gorgeous lace detailing ...
… which gave it a fun and sexy touch.
When I compared my floral bra to ThirdLove's black T-shirt bra, I could spot the differences almost immediately.
My old bra is very structured and shaped in an unnaturally round cup. On the ThirdLove bra, you can see that the cups are much fuller and have a deeper curve for my more "relaxed" breasts.
And when it came time to don the bra, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it.
Not only did it fit, it fit well. The coverage was unlike any other that I have ever had, and my breasts sat in the cups very comfortably. The support was absolutely there, but all of the uncomfortable wire poking was not. In my 20-plus years of wearing a bra, I have never forgotten that I had one on. This bra? Well, truthfully, I totally forgot about it — which is the highest compliment a big-breasted girl can bestow upon a bra.
On the left, I'm wearing my OG bra, and you can see the spillage and unnatural shape. On the right, in my ThirdLove bra, I look natural and supported.
So the final verdict?
I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. If you take the quiz seriously, you and your boobs might be in for a total pick-me-up (no pun intended), and you might be able to give your girls a break for the first time in their heavy, spillage-prone lives.
See how ThirdLove fit other size women here:
