Need help from horsewomen--finding suitable undergarment. (HR)

[deltawave]

This isn't a padded underwear thread, not a sports bra thread. :)

But it is about bras. (If this is TMI, you can just stop reading, OK?) :)

My problem is that I broke my collarbone ages ago (in a fall off a horse, see, horse-related!) and it healed really crooked. So conventional bra straps don't work for me, especially for riding. I'm a C-cup, it's not a problem with needing more support, I just need straps that won't fall off my dang left shoulder when I ride!!! Makes me batty.

I have a dwindling supply of FANTASTIC racerback bras from Hanes, but according to their website they no longer make them, so when these wear out, that's the end of them. :(

Racerback is really the only style that works for me, but they seem to be rare nowadays and typically that strap type is only found on sports bras, which I do NOT like at all. I don't need all that much support, and prefer something pretty much thin and light and front-closure, preferably a soft underwire. No gigantic swatches of fabric covering up my whole chest, yuck. But I don't need push-up pads or anything frilly, either. :) :)

So I don't know where else I can find this many women who might know how to help me! :) Any brand/style suggestions, with how to find them (preferably on line, I do not shop at malls if I can help it) VERY much appreciated! Thanks.

[Evalee Hunter]

How about these:

http://www.harrietcarter.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/The-Strapper/productID/3d385a89-fc62-4665-b8b8-2a88122dd4fa/categoryID/8d7f73b3-495d-4530-9155-1ba9d6058e29/

[Candle]

I saw something at Walgreens the other day that was a straight strap across between shoulder straps above the band that keeps straps from slipping out or falling off. It seemed really cool, maybe you could make one, or find one similar in a department store? I think Target also makes fantastic bras, and I've seen racerbacks there. Gilligan & O'Malley is the brand, and they are super-comfortable and hold up forEVER.

[Simkie]

I know I saw racer backs at Target--I think they were Gilligan O'Malley.

Yep, here they are: http://www.target.com/Gilligan-OMalley-Underwire-Cotton-Racerback/dp/B000M8QD2Y/sr=1-1/qid=1238610167/ref=sr_1_1/191-8191131-6522542?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&field-browse=1041790&rh=k%3Aracerback&page=1

I like the other Gilligan O'Malley bras, but I wear them mostly for padding vs for support. But they still might be worth checking out for you?

[4Martini]

Here's one I found on Sale:
http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2996&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=798&iSubCat=884&iProductID=2996

Title 9 is awesome and has excellent customer service - so I'm sure if you call them they can tell you which ones are best.

They have a HUGE selection.

[ValleyMiss]

What about this?

https://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/strap_perfect_ood_ontv.html?gid=

I see it advertised on TV all the time. It turns any bra into a racerback.

[deltawave]

COTHers rule! Thank you--keep 'em coming! Target is one store I don't mind going to. :)

[cranky]

Land's End has a few:

Here's one (http://www.landsend.com/pp/CottonStretchFrontClosureRacerBackNonpadded~167499 _-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::ELA&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000220&origin=index)

and

Another (http://www.landsend.com/pp/FullFigureCottonStretchRacerbackBra~167576_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::WHI&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000220&origin=index)

also,

Title 9 (http://www.titlenine.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=674) always seems to have some non-sports bras with racerback options. They always look so comfortable to me.

[SimpleSimon]

This is a sport bra - but doesn't appear to be the uni-boob type.

And if you dig up the free shipping for smartpak thread you don't even need to leave the comfort of your computer chair to get it!

http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=6294&cmPreserveSource=true&cmPreserveCategory=true

[Melyni]

This isn't a padded underwear thread, not a sports bra thread. :)

But it is about bras. (If this is TMI, you can just stop reading, OK?) :)

My problem is that I broke my collarbone ages ago (in a fall off a horse, see, horse-related!) and it healed really crooked. So conventional bra straps don't work for me, especially for riding. I'm a C-cup, it's not a problem with needing more support, I just need straps that won't fall off my dang left shoulder when I ride!!! Makes me batty.

I have a dwindling supply of FANTASTIC racerback bras from Hanes, but according to their website they no longer make them, so when these wear out, that's the end of them. :(

Racerback is really the only style that works for me, but they seem to be rare nowadays and typically that strap type is only found on sports bras, which I do NOT like at all. I don't need all that much support, and prefer something pretty much thin and light and front-closure, preferably a soft underwire. No gigantic swatches of fabric covering up my whole chest, yuck. But I don't need push-up pads or anything frilly, either. :) :)

So I don't know where else I can find this many women who might know how to help me! :) Any brand/style suggestions, with how to find them (preferably on line, I do not shop at malls if I can help it) VERY much appreciated! Thanks.

I have these doohickeys that I got from Bed Bath and Beyond that hook the bra straps together behind my back. They can be a bit of a wiggle to get on and not all bras have long enough straps for them to fit. But they do keep the straps together and on!

If you PM me you address I can send you one ( I got a whole boxful and don't use them that much), so you can try it and see if it works for you.
Yours
MW

[Horse with No Name]

PM on its way that might be of some help :)

[GoForAGallop]

H&M and Victoria's Secret both have simple, basic bras in racerback styles. H&M you have to go to the actual store, so if you don't have one near you, you're out of luck. But you can shop Victoria's Secret online.

I have several of the H.M bras and they have held up really well for $16 bras. Very comfy and cute. (And I'm a DD cup, so it's usually impossible to get both at once!) The VS bras are more expensive....I think usually 2/$40? They do come in a wider variety of colors, though.

[StefffiC]

Cabernet has racer backs, they're sold at Dillards and Belks.

What band size? I have some 30Cs, 36Cs and 36Ds that need homes.

[Hunter Mom]

I wear the Fiona by Moving Comfort. I'm bigger (DD) so support is a must. It is a back fasten bra, but the straps come up from the center. I have problems with straps falling off my shoulders with regular bras, but not in this one. I found it at a running store, but they're online (eBay especially - NWT) all the time.

Not to mention, my girls sit the trot when I do.

[Angel Undercover]

I have a similar problem, in that I don't have very broad shoulders at all so my bra straps are always falling down too. So annoying! I usually buy racerbacks from Victoria's Secret, I like the Body by Victoria the best for anything athletic.

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/collection/?cgname=OSBRPRACZZZ&cgnbr=OSBRPRACZZZ&rfnbr=4858

[Eventer55]

Title nine has a racer back bra with lace that's rated a4 barbell. I wear it with a sports bra over it. The straps do not slip and before I got really old I could wear it alone and had enough support (I'm a 34C +.)

[InWhyCee Redux]

The Champion Sport "No-Poke Wire" is convertible -- can be worn "straight" or the straps can be hooked at the back to create a racerback. (Yes, it is a sports bra, but I wear one most every day and it looks as un-sportswoman-like as my fluffy French bra, and it's on sale this week!)

http://www.championusa.com

[hasahorse]

I worked at Victoria's Secret for 6 years and was a fitter - back when the employees actually knew how to fit bras. I used to be able to tell a woman's bra size from just looking at her - but that was my job. Kinda creepy, but it was a good party trick.
Anyway, what you want to look for is a bra that has straps that adjust all the way over the shoulder. A lot of "pretty" bras that are sold adjust only in the back, which if you have sloping shoulders, just don't give you enough room to adjust, especially after the bra has started to stretch. Most racerbacks will adjust all the way over the shoulder. Haynes Her Way also has back hook bras that adjust over the shoulder, plus they often have removable straps in back, so you can make the bra into a racerback if needed. I haven't really bought bras in a while as when I left VS I had close to 200 bras (when you get a good discount, you stock up).
Also, how long are you expecting your bra's to last? A good bra should really last only 6 to 8 months if you are wearing it a lot. I would also recommend that you go to Dillards or Macy's or wherever and get fitted for a bra by someone who really knows what they are doing. You may be in the incorrect band size - even if you don't change in clothing size, things shift.

[Noctis]

I use the ones from Target, and I LOVE them. Granted, after 2 kids I DO need the support of a sports bra now (geez jumped from a small C to a DDD. This is wrong.), the racer back "regular" bra's from Target are amazing...and inexpensive. Worth a shot!

[jetsmom]

Ditto Valley Miss' suggestion.

[citydog]

Wacoal makes amazing bras. Front closure racerback: http://www.ebrasetc.com/wacoal_body_bra65124.htm

[betsyk]

I have one that's exactly as you describe (different size!) and it came from JCPenney a few years ago. Can't remember what brand it was but it wasn't terribly expensive.