This post is part of the Gorgeous 50’s series inspired by a book given to me by one of my sisters on my 50th birthday – ‘Grown up and Gorgeous in your 50’s’ by Pamela Robson. I will be sharing some of Pamela’s words and my own thoughts along the way. To see all posts published as part of this series, go here.
Pamela says:
In your 50s, a great bra is one of the best items you can own. It’ll support your breast tissue, help your clothes to hang correctly, and will give you a leaner, longer silhouette.
- Have your bra measurements checked every six months in the lingerie section of a department store.
- When shopping for bras, focus on the fit rather than on the bra’s cup and band size, as different brands fit differently (professional fitting is recommended).
- Avoid that ugly *back fat* look by adjusting your bra – the middle hook is often the best one.
Bras you must own
THE DAY BRA: also known as the T-shirt bra, it offers seamless support and camouflages nipples
THE SPORTS BRA: essential for protecting delicate breast tissue
THE STRAPLESS BRA: great for evening gowns; another option is a multi-tasking bra (the straps can be adjusted to suit different outfits)
My thoughts:
I agree that what bra you wear can completely make or break an outfit (and your figure)! I’ve always been professionally fitted but have slipped in a few sly (not professionally fitted) cheapies lately and I sure can tell the difference. It’s back to Myers for a professional bra fitting for me soon, and some new bras. As Pamela says, our shapes are always changing so we need to recheck our measurements every now and then. I do think that six monthly is a bit excessive though (as Pamela suggests), so perhaps annually or every couple of years (depends on how much your shape/weight fluctuates)? As for back fat – ugh! I think much of that has to do with the width of the back strap of the bra. Sometimes if they’re not quite wide enough that’s when back fat can become an issue, as well as the ‘fitting’ needing to be not too tight!
I do agree with the three bra types she recommends, however it’s interesting that she hasn’t mentioned the general underwire ‘day bra’. I’ve never heard of the term ‘day bra’ before but I’d personally classify the underwire bra with that term more so than the T-shirt bra as women generally spend the majority of their days in the underwire variety of bra. With this in mind, I’d probably extend it to FOUR types of bra’s to own – the underwire, the t-shirt bra, the sports bra, and the strapless (or multi-tasking) bra.
After having included the ‘underwire’ above I must say that as I get older I’m finding them more and more uncomfortable to wear and my favourite part of the day is when I get to take it off! Can you relate? Maybe this is why Pamela elected to leave the underwire off her list?! What do you think?
What are your thoughts on bras in your fifties and beyond? Are you finding the underwire bras uncomfortable too? Any tips on a good strapless bra that stays put and doesn’t have to be constantly hitched up?
Ciao for now
Link up here at WOTM or with another of us in the Lovin’ Life Linky team:
Leanne of Deep Fried Fruit | Kathy of 50 Shades of Age |
Deborah of Debbish | Jo of And Anyways – the rambles of a hungry writer.
It doesn’t matter where you link up as it will magically appear on all five blogs.
34 Comments
I’ve never been able to successfully wear a strapless bra without it moving or without having the dreaded mono-boob look. I do, however, agree that the best part of the day is when it comes off. Aaaaah
I’ve not had much success with strapless bras either Jo. I really dislike wearing them. Totes agree that the best time of day is when the bra comes off! lol
I’ve always had trouble with bras Min. I have a broad back and that is where most of my ‘fat’ goes to. I normally wear sports bras because that is mostly the type of gear I wear around home and working out. Strapless bras have always been an issue where I feel like they are falling down! There is nothing like a professional fitting but to be honest if I’m at home I don’t even wear one! LOL:)
I wear sports bras a lot too Sue – well to Pilates and often stay in them long after. However, being big busted I really do need the support and lift of the underwire bras so mostly wear those with ‘normal’ clothes etc. I am not a fan of the strapless bra and have yet to find one that gets my tick of approval. With off the shoulder tops and dresses being popular of late I’m pretty keen to find one that I can like though! As for going braless at home – why not! I do sometimes but generally not till after 5pm’ish when hopefully there won’t be any unexpected visitors! Lol
Well I think I was behind the door when that part of our anatomy was given out! I’m sure many women have the same problems no matter our size. It’s great to have you with us at #MLSTL and I’m sharing on SM. Have a great week! xx
I agree that women have similar problems with bra comfort and fittings regardless. Thanks so much for sharing on your SM Sue. Enjoy the rest of your week! 🙂 xo
Having smallish boobs has its blessings Min – I HATE underwire bras and (after decades of wearing them) have given them the flick and I wear softer more tee-shirty ones now. I also always go braless at home these days (unless we have visitors – don’t want to frighten small children!)
You’re right Leanne – smallish boobs WOULD have blessings that I will never get to experience *sigh*. I know because my sister (who has smallish boobs) can wear things that are impossible for me to wear (but I would like to)! The underwire bras seem to give me the best shape and support. Some are more comfortable than others. I really need to go get some new bras (it’s on the ‘to do’ list). I wish I could go braless at home but not really practical when you’re big busted (I’ll spare the details) LOL! However, from around dinnertime onwards it’s a different story! 🙂
Hi Min – just popping in from MLSTL to say I’m sharing this on my SM – also just saw you and Sue on the Adrift FB Live – I’ll be towering over you both when I see you – lucky we’re sitting down to eat! xx
Thanks so much for sharing on your SM Leanne! Oh you made me laugh – yes told you I’m a shrimp! Shorter than Sue but so glad she was there yesterday to help make me feel not quite so much the odd one out amongst all those tall women! Yes – you will tower over us! Looking forward to the 6th! 🙂 xo
I too wear an underwire bra every day and yes taking it off is always such a relief. I have always thought that strapless bras were the work of the devil but I bought a new one recently which is actually reasonably comfortable (you note I said reasonably!)
Yes I think strapless bras are the work of the devil too Jan! I’d love to know what brand/type the one is that you’ve bought that is ‘reasonably’ comfortable!
Around the mid-forties here and still loving the underwire!
SSG xxx
I don’t mind the underwire SSG. Some are quite ok comfort wise. Others are horrid with bits that stick into you and wires that poke through and stab you etc! It’s a matter of being properly fitted, getting the right size and style for your shape I think (and good quality). xo
I seem to be almost on my own here – I love wearing a bra, even an underwire one, and I HATE not wearing one. Horses for courses. It does remind me though that I need to go and buy a few more as mine are getting a bit manky-looking.
PS Has the linky featured changed? It won’t let me link as it says my browser is outdated and blocking it – possible but it’s blocking me on my phone as well (surely not outdated?) and wants me to sign in with social media to comment. Anyone else reporting issues?
I’m a little like you too Christine. I’m rather large busted so need the support or things um get in the way if you know what I mean. SO I do like bras for that reason – and also for the lift and so forth – so long as they’re reasonably comfortable. It’s nice though at the end of the day to whip it off and set the girls free! A day of confinement is quite enough if you know what I mean. As for the linky – INLINKZ has changed things so that it why it looks different. I know what you mean about it asking you to sign in with social media to comment – I had that happen to me when I tried to link my post via my phone. However, when I went to my computer I was able to link up as per normal. Did you try and link via your phone?
Until recently I lived in sports bras, but a couple of years ago I bought a dress that made my boobs look as if they were sagging to my waist so I made the effort to buy a non-sports bra that makes my boobs look perkier. Generally I used to try to push them down as flat as possible, but realise that doesn’t really make them look smaller, just lower! Eek!
Oh your comment made me laugh Deb and I needed a good laugh! Go treat yourself to a proper fitting at Myers. A good bra can make such a difference to how you look in your clothes. Sports bras are so comfy though so I know where you’re coming from! 🙂
I have tiny boobs…not sure what’s going to happen to them as I age. I’ve never gone for a professional bra fitting and I must confess, I only have ‘day’ bras including push-up ones, one strapless and a bunch of sports ones for the gym.
They will probably stay sitting up nicely for you Sanch! lol You don’t have the weight dragging them down! 🙂
I have found the perfect t-shirt bra from Big W and I bought it in white, black and flesh. I actually tuck the straps in to make it strapless. I find that actual strapless bras tend to leave a line along the top. So far my boobs have been kind and aren’t hanging too low. Fingers crossed they continue to be kind for a while!
That sounds perfect! I’d love to know the brand etc so I can seek it out! I know what you mean about the line along the top with strapless bras – yep I find that too and it’s so annoying!
Hi Min, I absolutely agree that a good fitting bra is the perfect foundation for an outfit. I can look all slouchy and sloppy in an old bra and then put on something that actually fits and lifts nicely and my attire takes on a whole different look. #MLSTL Shared on SM x
You took the words right out of my mouth Jo! Agree! Thanks for sharing on your SM! 🙂 xo
Hi Min, it’s an interesting topic and I agree a bra needs to be well fitted. Apparently the majority of women wear the wrong size bra. I’m fortunate to be smallish and really enjoy a soft tshirt bra, with a bit of padding, these days. We’re all so different aren’t we? Sharing for #mlstl
We sure are all different Debbie! There’s no way I can wear a bra with padding as I have ample of my own padding! LOL I agree that sooo many women wear poorly fitted bras. If it fits well it can make such a huge difference to how you look. 🙂
Hi Min, New here…visiting from MLSTL…I have never had a professional bra fitting. Ever. I’m sure I would benefit by one, but never could justify spending the money on myself. But now I am becoming more comfortable with putting some of my needs (and wants!) in a priority position.
Maybe this is next!
Hi Nancy – there’s no charge for a bra fitting over here in our department stores (I go to Myer). It’s just part of the service (complimentary). Even going once is beneficial as they point out what you need to look for when purchasing a well fitted bra (how things should sit etc). I say – go treat yourself – you deserve it! 🙂
Hi, visiting from MSTL. My issue with bra fitting is that I wear a different size bra for every style/brand so I don’t see the point of determining your correct size. I always take 3 different sizes to the dressing room. As for underwire bras, yes, they are so uncomfortable. I bought a couple bras that don’t have underwire but they definitely aren’t supportive.
Hi Amy – yes brands can differ in sizes – true! A fitting is still beneficial at least once though I think cos they point out how to pick a well fitted bra – what to look for – how things should sit etc. As for underwire bras – well having a larger bust I need them for good support. It’s a matter of shopping around. Some are SO uncomfortable. Others feel great! Having said that I do enjoy a nice soft t-shirt bra too! Not a fan of the strapless bra at all. I’d love to find one I could like one day! 🙂
I have finally after many years and many hundred of dollars found a brand that fits. When I say fits I mean it doesn’t roll up in the back from back fat and the straps stay on my shoulders. When I was younger I had a couple of drawers full of fancy bras and panties but as time passed I couldn’t find a bra that fit . I have never found a T-shirt bra and wear underwire all the time.
Fantastic news! If you find a brand that fits well be sure to get it in every colour you might like and see if the brands other styles fit and suit you too! I’ve got ‘bra shopping’ on my TO DO list. I need new ones desperately!
I typically wear sports bras since that is, for the most part, the sort of apparatus I wear around home and working out. Strapless bras have consistently been an issue where I feel like they are tumbling down. I have consistently believed that strapless bras were crafted by the fallen angel however I purchased another one as of late which is very agreeable.
Hi Nancy – it’s the same ‘ol story with the strapless bras worldwide isn’t it?! lol Someone, surely, must be able to design one that is comfortable AND stays up … soon?!