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As someone with a large and unusual bra size, eBay has been an enormous resource in purchasing bras that fit me and are at a reasonable price. I used to regularly pay $56 a pop for Wacoal bras which almost never went on sale. That is a thing of the past. I generally save $10-30 each time I buy a bra on eBay.
1. Buy and/or Try On in a Real Store First
It is imperative to try on a variety of models, from a variety of manufacturers in person before attempting to purchase bras online. Just like with regular clothes, the "standard" sizing of bras is far from standard.
Take note of different bra styles you like or dislike--with or without underwire; smooth cup; reinforced cups (larger cup sizes are often helped by a crescent of lining on the inside of the bra, on the side of each breast closest to the underarm--it helps with sideways projection as the breasts are boosted up). And write down manufacture's names and model numbers or identifying details of the bras you want to search for later.
Always try on the following brands:
I personally boycott Victoria's Secret because they have gradually shrunk their stock of larger sizes--in both bras and lingerie.
Finally, always buy at least one bra from a store where you received personal assistance. You can buy the other ones you need to fill out your wardrobe elsewhere (like on eBay). But don't waste someone else's time when they could be helping a paying customer. It's unethical.
2. Always Know Your Measurements
For bras, always know what your measurements are WITH your bra on. The most important measurements are the circumference of your ribcage, under your breasts, and the distance around your breasts, at their fullest part (usually at the nipple). Sizes are based on the difference between these two numbers. There are many good guides on eBay that tell you how to measure for a bra.
3. Search (with Google or other search engine) for Size Charts
Different manufacturers translate the proportion between chest size and breast circumference differently. They have you add a few inches to your chest circumference for the band size, then tell you how many inches difference translates into each cup size. eBay also has some excellent guides with size charts for different manufacturers.
Occasionally, brands change their size charts. Be aware of this. The current Goddess G, for example, used to be what they called an F.
4. Be Aware that Different Models--Even from the Same Manufacturer--Fit Differently
Different bra models may fit you in different sizes. Some may not fit you AT ALL. For example, some bras with cups that are far apart don't fit me, because my breasts are very close together. Other bras will never fit right because they expect more fullness on the top side of my breasts than there is.
5. Construct your eBay search
A typical search would look like one of the following:
Wacoal DDD
Goddess 42H strapless
Donna Karan 34D
38G bra black
The first search would be good for a woman who sometimes takes a 38 and sometimes takes a 40. She can then look at the picture and model number (Wacoal bras are often listed with their model number) of her search hits to see which bra she wants.
The second would be great for someone who is looking for a special occasion/bridal bra by a manufacturer whose bras she already owns.
And so on. Each search is helpful in its own way.
Notice that bra sizes are generally listed without a space between the band and cup size. However, you can sometimes find one or two additional bras by searching for the same size, with a space between the band and cup.
And don't forget to used the My Favorite Searches function to get daily e-mails of items fitting your search criteria.
6. Check Online for the Current Retail and Sale Price for Each Item You Consider
I recommend searching on Froogle, or another shopping search program. You can also look on the Lane Bryant website (they carry Goddess bras online, as well as their own line). And I LOVE figleaves.com.
Knowing the retail price can help you appreciate the bargains you find on eBay.
7. NWT/NWOT/Used
For those new to eBay, there are three classes of items you will find:
NWT: New, with tags
NWOT: New, without tags
Used
I highly recommend considering the purchase of used items, which many people over-look. Many people buy bras that are the wrong size, only discovering this fact after they have gone home and worn the bra once or twice. Some people are embarrassed to try on bras in dressing rooms. Other people, in their haste, have bought a bra in the same size and by the same manufacturer as one they already own, only to discover that it doesn't fit the same way as the one they already have. In my experience, used bras always come in great condition and at a cheaper price.
8. Always Include the Shipping Cost into Your Price Comparison
GOOD LUCK!
1. Buy and/or Try On in a Real Store First
It is imperative to try on a variety of models, from a variety of manufacturers in person before attempting to purchase bras online. Just like with regular clothes, the "standard" sizing of bras is far from standard.
Take note of different bra styles you like or dislike--with or without underwire; smooth cup; reinforced cups (larger cup sizes are often helped by a crescent of lining on the inside of the bra, on the side of each breast closest to the underarm--it helps with sideways projection as the breasts are boosted up). And write down manufacture's names and model numbers or identifying details of the bras you want to search for later.
Always try on the following brands:
- Wacoal (up to DDD, including smaller band sizes)
- Lane Bryant (who has finally added to their line cup sizes above DDD as well bras as narrow-chested as a 36)
- Goddess (probably makes more cup sizes than anyone else, AND specializes in "special needs" bras--nursing, strapless, long-line)
- Chantelle
- Felina (less expensive, sexy bras, up to a DDD)
- Fantasie (very expensive, sexy bras)
- Olga (if you are no bigger than a DDD)
- Donna Karan (if you are a D or DD with small band size--like 32 or 34)
- Bali (only up to a DD or DDD)--some people love the Bali product, but their bras are in a shape that NEVER fit me
I personally boycott Victoria's Secret because they have gradually shrunk their stock of larger sizes--in both bras and lingerie.
Finally, always buy at least one bra from a store where you received personal assistance. You can buy the other ones you need to fill out your wardrobe elsewhere (like on eBay). But don't waste someone else's time when they could be helping a paying customer. It's unethical.
2. Always Know Your Measurements
For bras, always know what your measurements are WITH your bra on. The most important measurements are the circumference of your ribcage, under your breasts, and the distance around your breasts, at their fullest part (usually at the nipple). Sizes are based on the difference between these two numbers. There are many good guides on eBay that tell you how to measure for a bra.
3. Search (with Google or other search engine) for Size Charts
Different manufacturers translate the proportion between chest size and breast circumference differently. They have you add a few inches to your chest circumference for the band size, then tell you how many inches difference translates into each cup size. eBay also has some excellent guides with size charts for different manufacturers.
Occasionally, brands change their size charts. Be aware of this. The current Goddess G, for example, used to be what they called an F.
4. Be Aware that Different Models--Even from the Same Manufacturer--Fit Differently
Different bra models may fit you in different sizes. Some may not fit you AT ALL. For example, some bras with cups that are far apart don't fit me, because my breasts are very close together. Other bras will never fit right because they expect more fullness on the top side of my breasts than there is.
5. Construct your eBay search
A typical search would look like one of the following:
Wacoal DDD
Goddess 42H strapless
Donna Karan 34D
38G bra black
The first search would be good for a woman who sometimes takes a 38 and sometimes takes a 40. She can then look at the picture and model number (Wacoal bras are often listed with their model number) of her search hits to see which bra she wants.
The second would be great for someone who is looking for a special occasion/bridal bra by a manufacturer whose bras she already owns.
And so on. Each search is helpful in its own way.
Notice that bra sizes are generally listed without a space between the band and cup size. However, you can sometimes find one or two additional bras by searching for the same size, with a space between the band and cup.
And don't forget to used the My Favorite Searches function to get daily e-mails of items fitting your search criteria.
6. Check Online for the Current Retail and Sale Price for Each Item You Consider
I recommend searching on Froogle, or another shopping search program. You can also look on the Lane Bryant website (they carry Goddess bras online, as well as their own line). And I LOVE figleaves.com.
Knowing the retail price can help you appreciate the bargains you find on eBay.
7. NWT/NWOT/Used
For those new to eBay, there are three classes of items you will find:
NWT: New, with tags
NWOT: New, without tags
Used
I highly recommend considering the purchase of used items, which many people over-look. Many people buy bras that are the wrong size, only discovering this fact after they have gone home and worn the bra once or twice. Some people are embarrassed to try on bras in dressing rooms. Other people, in their haste, have bought a bra in the same size and by the same manufacturer as one they already own, only to discover that it doesn't fit the same way as the one they already have. In my experience, used bras always come in great condition and at a cheaper price.
8. Always Include the Shipping Cost into Your Price Comparison
GOOD LUCK!
Guide created: 10/27/06 (updated 08/24/08)
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