Bra Shopping 101

This post may contain too much information for the male reader, proceed with caution unless you have ever purchased a bra.

Bra shopping has never been fun for me. Actually I'm not sure if anyone enjoys bra shopping. Well I guess I should say I don't think any FEMALE enjoys bra shopping. Men may enjoy "lingerie" shopping and that may include a barely there bra of sorts but TRUE bra shopping is just no fun. Well, last night I learned that bra shopping when pregnant is EVEN MORE FUN!!!

Let me start from the beginning. Over the last week, I have determined it was time for a new bra. The 38DD bras I had been wearing were just not taking the cake any more. In fact, they had turned into torture devices of sorts. The "girls" were too big for them and the underwire no longer sat beneath them like it should. Instead it crept up each side to try to conquer and divide the "girls" into sections. And they were successfully digging red trench lines on the underside. Not very flattering. Not very comfortable either. I don't know how they grew in one week like that or maybe I just now started to notice, but it was time for action.

Last night I made Clay help me do a bit of measuring. With my sewing measure tape we took a stab at trying to measure the accurate size. Then I was on my way. I didn't want to go to Victoria's Secret and have them measure me only to turn around and walk out of the store becuase I KNEW they wouldn't have anything to fit me. I know from experience they don't have much of a selection past those lucky women who wear a 36C. In the past I had considered Lane Bryant for the larger bras but they look at you funny when you walk in and you aren't their size everywhere else (it's true, I swear.) Plus I'm not even sure we have that store any more. I thought about Motherhood Maternity but knew they only had nursing bras which I'm sure will be an experience in itself when that time comes. (Good lord I don't even want to think about how big they will be then.) So, I settled on trusty Kohl's, knowing I needed something bigger than a 38DD and not sure what they would have in stock.

Upon arriving I was somewhat pleased they actually had a few different styles that came in 38DDD or 40DD (and some that were even larger). WOW those were a site to behold. They looked HUGE.  I grabbed a large variety of styles in both sizes and some various colors (mostly limited to black, white, and beige. The only colors bras of that size are ever found in) and headed to the fitting rooms.  I also needed a new sports bra so after locating the sports bras and finding an approximately accurate size, I grabbed a few of them too. Here is where the fun began!

I always take the handicap stall if open. I like lots of room to operate. I began with a fury and quickly remembered why I hate bra shopping. Nothing FITS! Some of them I couldn't even get the band closed. There was no way they were the size they said they were. Then after twisting and turning the bras into place (even harder when your belly is here and the side to side twisting is limited) the cups never fit right or the straps aren't fit properly. It's like I needed an assistant.

What I swear felt like 50 bras later I had maybe 2 that would work. One sports bra (black) and one regular bra (also black).  I took one additional sweep through the bra section and went back for more punishment trying on a few more before settling. I wanted to wait until Wed when my 30% off at Kohl's would be helpful but I new I really needed them NOW. I did decide the sports bra (priced at $42) could wait until Wed so I could save $12. I will just survive my Fit Mommy class in the regular bra tonight. I did have a 15% off coupon of course but I was disappointed that for the first time ever the item I bought at Kohl's wasn't already on sale. I thought there was a law about that. Kohl's is always on sale. Right?

Well, I checked out at the only checker available. It was a weird man and I think my one bra purchase of a 40DD bra made him a bit uncomfortable.  Upon exiting the store, I called Mel to share my expereince and we both had a good laugh.  I probably had some funnier comments last night when the experience was "fresh" in my head but I still wanted to share the experience this morning as I sit here comfortably in my new bra. I can't wait until the next bra shopping experience which I'm predicting will be sometime in the near future as the "girls" and I continue to grow. Oh boy oh boy! What will the next time bring?