Mrs. Gingerbread, Vancouver
Age and Occupation: 32, Psychologist
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Software Engineer
Engagement Date: Sometime in the fall of 2004
Wedding Date: July, 2008
Blogging Since: March 24, 2008
Venue: Rainforest wedding, beachfront restaurant reception
About Me: I recently moved to Canada from Southern California. Trying to plan a wedding in a new city, not to mention a new country, is tough, but the fact that we can get legally married here more than makes up for it! The wedding will be an opportunity for most of our family and friends to see our new city for the first time so it will be both a wedding and a reunion. Besides my future wife, I am also madly in love with a good bargain, Swedish pastries, Tivo, and my two dogs and calico cat (in no particular order).
Supporting The Girls
April 21st, 2008 @ 6:27 pm by Mrs. Gingerbread
Now that I have my dress, I need to find a bra. While my dress has spaghetti straps, it has a very low back. Oops! How did I not notice that before? I guess that’s what I get for being a skittish bridal gown shopper.
When I was in high school, I wore those bra bandage looking things to support the girls. Now that my girls are no longer teenagers, they need a little lot more support than that.
So far I’ve been to a department store and had no luck. Where are all the backless, strapless bras? I checked Victoria’s Secret online, but didn’t see anything.
Have any of you tried Nu Bra? According to their website, Oprah endorses it. Really? I have a hard time believing that this bra would work for Oprah or for me.
Have any of you found a good, strapless, low back bra for a C or above cup size?
44 Responses to “Supporting The Girls”
I am a D and I tried the Nubra and it was useless for me, although, I highly recommend Nordstrom if you are interested in trying it, their return policy is top notch even for odd items like this one.
I have the Victoria’s Secret 100 ways strapless convertible bra (which is on their website (go to Bras, then convertibles & strapless.) It does convert to a backless bra and it really is impressive!
The Nubra did nothing for me (DD) or my cousin (C).
What about a low back bustier? How low is your dress in the back?
found this on a post by Mrs. Strawberry a few weeks ago!
http://www.maidenform.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=71471
it looks awesome but I haven’t personally tried it
I am currently doing the same search, looking for a low back, strapless bra. I too find it hard to believe that those would do anything other than cause me great discomfort and possible embarrassment should one slip off and fall on the floor! Could you imagine!
I did find a Vera Wang boustier type thing that seemed to do the job, but don’t want to purchase it till my dress comes in, just in case it is not quite low enough and I have to return it. I haven’t seen it in Vancouver though (of course), but tried it on in Seattle and found a few websites that carry it, so will order it online. It is the only one I have found so far that seems low enough in the back while still doing the job intended. Good luck!
I will post a link to it later… don’t want to google Vera Wang Lingerie at work 
I think you should check out that maidenform bra that Mrs. Strawberry blogged about (someone posted the link above). That bra has NO back AND it looks really supportive.
@pgv: & @mlindsey: I was really excited when I saw Mrs. Strawberry’s post until I remembered that I needed strapless and backless 
@MrsJones: Thanks, I would love the link 
@Nicole: & @knudsonwedding: Thank you for the feedback on Nu Bra!
The Nu Bra does nothing for me either (C)! Hmmm…could you have cups sewn into your dress?
I’m actually surprised to read the responses…I am a D and LOVE the NuBra. I have worn it to a number of different occasions (the most risky one in a very thin, very low back jersey material dress) and have thought it was fabulous.
My only two criticisms of it are that 1. after multiple uses you definitely need to buy a new one cause the stickiness wears off and 2. for that undesirable… ahem…under boob sweat they are absolutely useless BUT in a thick enough wedding dress that really shouldn’t matter. I
It’s probably not a bad idea to buy something and that jump around in it on a hot day for awhile…that way there can be no mishaps on the big day!
On an aside, mlindsay is right about the maidenform sounded pretty great! Good luck!
http://www.barenecessities.com/The-Natural-Strapless-Shaper-Bra_product_TheNatural2288_,search,.htm
That looks like it would be more supportive than the Nu Bra!
I would say forget about the nu-bra….i have 2 in an a and one in a b (im awkwardly proportions and sometimes i fill bras and other times i don’t) and it does nothing for me! So i can’t imagine it working on anyone bigger
I would definitely look into a bustier-type bra. Search on barenecessities.com — I tried a few out (returns are so easy) on my quest for one for a bridesmaid dress I have to wear. I’m not sure how low the back of your dress is — obviously, it’s not going to work if it’s all the way down past your lower back, but if it just falls a few inches shorter than a normal strapless bra, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a low-backed bustier. Plus, they are SUPER supportive, and help suck the rest of you in!
I used the nubra for my wedding last summer. Strapless dress with a sheer back was not my best decision! I’m a C and while it didn’t hold me up, it did give me great cleavage. I had cups sewn in and also used the nubra. The combo worked fairly well…but then again, there were no other feasible options!
Ditto with the people who give a thumbs down to the Nu Bra. I’m between an A and a B and it does nothing for me — no shaping, no real support — so I can’t imagine it would be helpful if you had more on top! Plus — and this is totally a digression — its sort of awkward to deal with if your fancy night out turns into something more ….. the FI didn’t know what to make of it.
Perhaps you should go for a longline bra?
As someone mentioned above about Nordstrom’s (I am a certified bra fitter and prosthesis fitter there), we have a great return policy!!
I would not suggest the Nu Bra for you for two reasons: I’ve never seen a single person keep it. EVERYONE returns it and it will NOT do you justice the way it claims to.
Again, I would strongly suggest a low-back long line bra. If your breast are more round (a la, you took a grapefruit and cut it in half), get the Le Mystere long line bra (this is an item you must order). For more tear drop/shallow cups, go with either FELINA (which I personally love their long line bra) or Wacoal.
HANDS DOWN THE BEST THING TO DO IN THIS SITUATION:
GET CUPS SEWN INTO YOUR BRA! You can also ask your seamstress if she can sew little pockets in case you decide to add some extra oomph (a la, silicone bra inserts) to your cleavage. Make sure it has a flap to keep the inserts INSIDE your hidden pocket!!
This is, of course, assuming you are wearing the correct bra size. I’m a 32D which is the same cup size as a 34C. The difference is actually in the band tightness. Get professionally fitted for a bra at Nordstrom’s and if you don’t feel comfortable with a bra fitter seeing you or pointing out things, I’d be more than happy to walk through it with you. I once did a post on how to fit yourself for a bra (and I had a whole bunch of different bras to show women the difference). If I can find it, I can forward it to you.
Try getting a bustier! They are usually lower in the back. I bought mine from La Vie en Rose
@Julieulie:
Thanks for the link. It looks like they have several options. I’m not to thrilled with the idea of ordering a bra without trying on first though. That Va Bien bra looks especially supportive. I wonder if any brick & mortar stores carry that line.
@pandamonium: Thanks for the suggestions! I couldn’t find any bustiers on the Nordstrom website, but I assume there is a bigger selection in store? I might have to cross the border to hit up a Nordstrom’s!
Here’s a link to the one I go:
http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=37680
It works pretty well, though it’s not very comfortable. I guess what can you expect from something like that….anyway, you can find these in department stores, too. I think I got mine at Macy’s.
Miss Gingerbread, I’m a C-cup and my dress is REALLY low in the back. I went on a months-long journey, and finally ended up with the Flattering Me bra:
hope that helps!
Months-long bra-finding journey, that is
@Maude: Thanks for the recommendation. I looked them up online and they sell them in a few retail stores around Vancouver. I’ll definitely have to check this out!
Has anyone here actually tried the Maidenform bra? I was considering buying it, too.. but would like to hear from someone who’s actually tried it on first.
Erica, the backless Maidenform bra is atrocious. Hands down the WORST bra I have ever tried on (and I’ve tried a lot!). It seems all fine and dandy, until you move. Just the act of walking out of my closet was enough to cause one breast to spill out over the top and the other to slide under the cup… nevermind attempting to bend over or reach for something! You’d have better luck with a roll of duct tape — at least then you might stay in place.
I got a backless, strapless bra from Victoria’s Secret - I had to go in person, but it is like a regular bra with stick panels on the side. I like it much better than the NuBra. (I’m a C)
I’m a 34D and had a tough time finding a low back strapless bra too…
I went to Lord and Taylor, and I found this boustier that reeeally worked.
It’s Calvin Clein “perfectly fit” style f2641
hope this helps
oh, and i know they carry this bra many other stores too
I second the “Flattering Me” brand. I found it online on this site and it was cheaper than buying it from a bridal shop that sold it near my home. ($65 plus shipping versus $95 at the shop). This thing should be something you can wear with shirts and dresses for years to come because its very comfortable. I am a C cup btw.
http://www.senselingerie.com/p-281-flattering-long-line-strapless-bra.aspx
http://www.barenecessities.com/Vera-Wang_product_VERAWANG22901_,size,.htm
Here is the Vera Wang bra I mentioned earlier, it is the lowest back one that I have tried so far, and very smooth fabric. I just noticed that its on sale right now as well, bonus.
I had a seamstress sew cups into my dress so I didn’t need a bra for my DDs. It worked wonderfully and was cheaper than buying a bra! Make sure you go with soft cups if you go that route though–the hard ones are super pointy (think Doris Day).
well, i’m certainly jealous. I don’t have the problem of keeping the girls supported. i’m Barely B…Hoping to give myself a special gift once I find a new job to “support” my gift but it will be after the wedding too
I tried the Nubra and I don’t really like it. I’m a C and it doesn’t really support at all. One major thing, it doesn’t work in the summertime! Any sort of moisture will cause it to ‘un-stick’ and then you get all uncomfortable and conscious.
Miss GB, my sister is about a size C and my mom bought her a Nu Bra… it works well, when it sticks…one side sticks and the other, not so much… so hopefully if you decide to get one I hope both sides work for you.
I also recomend you go to Nordys, those ladies in the bra department will help you find what you need!
I have been addicted to my NuBra for a year! I am a B+ to C cup…i even wear them for everyday, because it is comfy and does not come off in the humidity of the summer or with walking activity.
I think you should go for it. You will get used to putting it on and can adjust your cleavage to the outfit. You can get lift from it.
Washes well, never uncomfortable. Especially under a bridal outfit, where you usually have extra layers of fabric, i don’t see how almost any bra size could go wrong, except perhaps the very, very largest. Make sure you get the right size & follow the simple instructions! Love it, loooooove it.
I just posted above, love, nubra…I notice that girls say it comes off…try washing the slick inside area if it comes off, that means it has micro lint or debris stuck to it inside. A mild liquid laundry soap does the trick.
I never have had trouble in humid weather myself, and I live in a sub-tropic summer environ. Good Luck!
I’m a DD and bought the Le Mystere bustier. I think it’s part of the L’image bridal seduction collection. It was a bit pricey, but definitely worth it! It stays exactly where it should stay and even sucks in my tummy! I did though have my seamstress alter it a bit by having one hook in the back taken out to lower it a bit. The women who sold me the bra told me it can be taken down as many as 4 hooks. Good luck!
I really like my NuBra Featherlite (B cup), and I never had any problems with it not sticking. I follow the instructions to the letter, washing it with soap and water after every wearing, etc., and it always sticks fine. It’s not the BEST for shaping under very thin fabric– the edges stick up a little– but with my thick satin wedding dress it worked perfectly. I probably didn’t even need a bra, but the NuBra gave me a little cleavage and made it easy for me to change outfits in front of people.
I think the original NuBra might work less well for people because it’s heavier, and therefore won’t be as “perky” as the Featherlite.
I ended up with the Va Bien Seamless Molded Strapless Bustier Style from
http://www.laurensilva.com/Va_Bien_Seamless_Molded_Strapless_Bustier_p/vabi-513.htm
I live in Ontario, and it took about 2 weeks to get to me. I did have to go up a band size though to get it to fit, but it’s quite low in the back, gives great cleavage and stays put. I just returned the ones that didn’t fit.
I have the original Nu Bra and the Featherlite Nu Bra (both in A). Do not waste your time with the original Nu Bra. It weights the girls down and leaves weird lines under your clothes. The Featherlite Nu Bra keeps everything tight and perky and can be worn under my thin, silk wedding dress without being detected.
Yes, I do have a “Featherlite” Nu bra.
I have worn a Nu bra. They are kind of weird to put on and it takes a few tries to be able to do it correctly. I am pretty busty and it worked ok for me as long as I wore something that was tight across the chest to kind of help it stay stuck on. If you sweat in your cleavage at all though, they fall off. Moisture deactivates the glue.
I have been looking into this too and found a great option - the Wonderbra multiplunge. There are a hundred ways to wear it! (It works by having different types of straps and eyelets all over.) It has a low back converter and can be worn strapless so it should work for you… and it comes up to DD cup
My cousin’s a C, and she’s worn them successfully.
Hi, I am having this problem too. I’ve tried the Nubra, it’s ok, but as soon as there’s any sweat action (which in the summer and with all the nerves, there will be), it comes right off. If you find something, can you post it?!? (I’m in Vancouver too, so something local or Canada delivery friendly would rock)
Hi again, just thought I would let Ms. Gingerbread know that I went to Holt Renfrew to see what they had…I found a bought a Vera Wang bustier, very low in the back, strapless and quite supportive…they had two different ones, I think one of them is mentioned above (one lacier and one smoother). It’s a good idea to try it on there and then maybe buy it from Bare Necessities as it was quite a bit cheaper online than in Holt’s (unless you happen to have a gift card, as I did), i think it was $110.
