Bras for people with breathing problems

[Gilly100]

Wonder if anyone has found a comfortable bra? I have not worn a bra for several years as I find them constricting and affect my breathing. Getting measured instore is no use as the correct size is too tight. I have tried on various types of bras to no avail as they all feel restrictive below the bust. Any advice gratefully appreciated.

[Anselm198]

I just use non fastening slip over the head ones, almost like a top but they are bras. Very comfy just buy a size or two bigger to allow for any shrinking. I get them from Amazon.

[Gilly100 in reply to Anselm198]

Thank you!

[Singinglouder]

When I had my gallbladder removed and needed something that wouldn’t chafe the scars, I bought a couple of sloggi double comfort crop tops - pull on cotton. They were so comfortable, I’ve been buying them ever since!

[Gilly100 in reply to Singinglouder]

Did you go for your normal size or a bit bigger?

[Singinglouder]

I bought the largest one they make (40) - think at the time I had some 38s and some 40s in other bras, depending on cut, so I went for the larger of the two options.

[Singinglouder in reply to Singinglouder]

This particular sloggi does have quite a wide band below the bust - it was fine for me, but something to think about. Didn’t press on the scars, tho - and I really wanted cotton, and a lot of stretchy bras aren’t.

[Gilly100 in reply to Singinglouder]

Thank you for mentioning the wide band, it may be too much/

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Not wearing one is not an option for me as I am well endowed and it's uncomfortable for me. However, I find my back size varies and when asthma is there I can find my bra band is too tight. If it's an overall bad patch Vs a one off trigger I prefer soft bralette styles, and wear these in hospital. Sainsbury's have good ones which are comfortable in larger sizes if at home, but still support me when I'm out and about if I wear a slightly smaller size (the band will still stretch with me). Some people swear by M&S and I have found some good soft ones there - just don't let them fit you or advise on sizing, as they still add 4 inches to the back size which is very old-fashioned and no longer necessary - vs places which teach you how to assess fit yourself.

I refuse to give up on all underwired bras as they *can* be comfortable if correctly fitted, and I often find if I lack support in the band/structure of a bra because it is too soft, then the straps dig into my shoulder - or if it is a soft bra with cups the band is often actually tighter. And also because I love clothes and just get the best shape with underwired under many of my clothes - my mindset is that I refuse to let asthma mess with my life more than it has to, and that includes not messing with my love of clothes. (I have experienced severe poorly controlled asthma and I know how much it can mess with things, so I'm not at all suggesting it's mind over matter or that it doesn't interfere with your life in many ways, nor am I saying that everyone else should care re clothes - this is something I have always been into and is how I deal with it personally).

To compromise, I have tended to go for the larger option in back sizes but with different hook options so I can change if needed - sometimes I can be ok at the start of the day but if I encounter a trigger then it's too tight. I explained this when the Bravissimo assistant was telling me I should get 34 not 36 and went for 36.

As a more general side note, many bra fitting services in stores are not very good - I'm looking at you again, M&S. I feel that even if you are looking for something comfortable and non-restrictive, it helps to know your correct size. For those with larger chests, especially combined with smaller backs, the weight of the breasts can for some people interfere with breathing in itself - and personally I went up at least one back size and several cup sizes when I was on long-term oral steroids!

[Gilly100 in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you Lysistrata. Appreciate what you have written, really helpful!

[pink123floyd in reply to Lysistrata]

I agree with the M&S thing went with my daughter to get measured asked for a measurment as being top heavy but only 4ft 6 i need a good support during their measuring the lady shouts into the room im in try these 44dd i gave my thanks and left with nothing when i left the fitting room to meet my daughter she was in fits laughing saying ever one waiting for a measuring heard her even a old gentleman sitting with his wife.never been back

[thegenegenie]

I know this problem only too well! I have a selection of bra extenders in various colours and when it’s a difficult breathing day, or I’m doing a fair bit of bendy housework or gardening then I use one of the extenders on the biggest setting. Not ideal but it’s cheaper, and less frustrating, than trying to find the’right’ bra when I’ve probably got the right bra just not right for all day, or even half an hour!

[Hil101]

I find Sloggi Zero Feel Bralette is amazingly comfortable and now hate going back to my old bras occasionally to go with dressed up clothes. I did size up to medium when I would normally be small, though

[Prettygirlme]

U may use the hook extension.It helps to breathe in without any breathing issue while keeping the breast in place.

[Brahater]

Dear Gilly100,

I have the same problem with bras restricting my lungsand breathing. For years I thought I was having heart attacks. Have tried hundreds of bras to no avail . Just a week ago went to a bra fitting shop in Ballina NSW and bought 2 bras - they didn't help - more money wasted. I am 83 but hate going without a bra as it is so aging.

The only thing different about the bras I bought was that you put the bra on over your head. That gave me the idea of using a singlet and pining a bra insert to the singlet. Oh God, so comfy and looks like I am wearing a bra. I have now decided to take it further by adding pockets to the singlet to hold the bra inserts and make pretty straps.

So simple and it really works.!

Barbara Turner Byron Bay

[Msccruises]

Singlet and bra inserts?Thank you all. The last 3 weeks on steroids I have had central chest pain and thought it was a heart attack!

[Angel6767]

Hi Gilly I bought myself some bra extenders from amazon as I didn't want to go for a larger size but like you suffered with the tightness of the bra round my chest. I got them in various sizes & colours from amazon & they have worked great for me.