How many everyday bras do you own?

[shelivesthedream]

I'm bra shopping at the moment and have found one I really like (semi-pretty, comfortable, doesn't show under a white shirt) and am thinking of just buying multiples of this one bra. How many should I buy? How many bras should I have? I hate shopping for stuff like this so would like to buy several while I have found one that I like!

[spruce]

I have several, but end up wearing two of the same kind over and over again. I really think two is all you need, so you have one to wear while the other goes in the wash.

[RetiredAt63]

I have trouble finding ones I like, so I will buy one, and if I like it I go back and buy a bunch.  Gentle wash, air dry, and they last a lot longer.  Only downside is that when it is time to buy replacements, they may no longer be made and I have to start all over in the hunt.

[GuitarStv]

None, they're only for special occasions.

[RunHappy]

I have about 6 bras I wear on a regular basis, not counting sleep bras.  I typically wear them twice before washing.

If you find a bra that you really like, then I would buy several.  Wear some then keep the others in a closet when you need a replacement.  It is not a minimalistic approach but bra shopping sucks.

[justajane]

I have three - all the exact same brand and very utilitarian. I buy them online, since I need a non-typical size, which is a larger cup but smaller band. I agree with RunHappy. Bra shopping is the worst, especially if it's really hard to find your size.

[Khaetra]

I too am a member of the 'hard to find your size' club, so when I find one that fits and is comfortable, I buy a bunch of them.

[shelivesthedream]

But when you say 'several' how many? I'm thinking of buying four.

[RunHappy]

But when you say 'several' how many? I'm thinking of buying four.

That depends on how often you wear them and wear them out. I would figure out how many you want to keep in your current rotation and then maybe buy 2 extra.

My bras will typically last a year maybe a little longer even with my current rotation.  I'm top heavy so the elastic usually gives faster than anything else wearing out.   For many years I have been buying my bras from Soma.  Their sizes are pretty consistent so I don't feel the need to keep any extras on hand anymore.

[Jakejake]

I have a small hoard of bras, and go through 3 a day. Morning: sports bra, bike to work. Work Arrival: change into regular underwire bra. End of work day: Back into sports bra, bike home. Return home: change into nonpokey nonunderwire comfy bra.

Because of biking, I have winter weight bras and summer weight bras. Because of thrift shopping and being in the odd size club, I will snatch up good quality newish ones when I find them in my size for $1-5 dollars. If I have black shirts and there's any chance of a strap showing, I want a black bra so it blends in. If I have a light shirt, I want white or beige so it doesn't show through. When it's super hot out, I want the vintage pointy kind because it keeps the gals away from you and holds in less body heat. It's nice to have a break from underboob sweat from minimizing bras.

[Mr_Eric]

Hi everyone!

Not many people know this, but Victoria Secret will exchange their own worn out (broken) bras you have with new ones for free, without receipt.

My wife's bras last maybe 3 years or so then the metal wire starts to break through the material. She takes it into the store and shows them the problem and then they let her get a new similar bra for free.

One of her friends who worked at VS told her about this policy. They don't really advertise it but it's there.

[meg_shannon]

I agree about buying what you need plus two. Over a couple of years your bra size could change if you gain or lose weight, etc.

I have a really hard time finding bras, the right side of my rib cage is slightly higher than the left and many bras rub uncomfortably, and I have an unusual size. I recently found one that fits, however, it's expensive - about 55$ - and is currently unavailable in Germany, so I'll have to wait until I get back to the States to buy more.

Ultimately I want to purchase 4 of these. And then 2-3 per year there after.

Fortunately, since winter is coming, and I don't leave the house that often aside from running errands, hiking, or playing at the park, my ultra comfy - but not super supportive - stretchy bras will work.

[lizzzi]

I found a style I like in an ordinary size, Vanity Fair bra, and have been able to find it and buy replacements every couple of years for the last ten years or so.  I have re-vamped my clothes to where everything is dark, so I can alternate my two black bras under all the colors. I did recently purchase a strapless black Vanity Fair bra that I wear under tanks and wide-neck tops...I can't stand straps showing. Agree with those who recommend gentle or hand washing and air drying.

[Lski'stash]

I have a black and a white bra, plus a couple of colored ones for outfits they don't matter with. I have no problem wearing a bra for a few days either (tmi??).

[Lski'stash]

Also- I highly suggest going and getting fitted somewhere professionally (Victoria's Secret does it for free, along with many other department stores) but then go online to buy when you know your actual right size. This has made a big difference for me!

[lemondirgopie]

Two bras right now. I probably could add one more but two is pretty comfortable for me right now. I got the Coobie and Anenome bras off of Amazon as I ditched underwire a long time ago (after switching I couldn't believe how uncomfortable underwires are in comparison). Of course, it all depends on what you value in a bra and what size you are, though I've seen comments of people with D cups and up loving those two brands. For anyone considering the Coobie or Anenome, I found it worth it to use separate pads as the ones included fall apart and aren't very substantial.

[shelivesthedream]

I'm not particularly well-endowed, I just have a set of requirements that it seems high street stores are usually incapable of meeting:
- Not super-padded but a bit of structure (nothing you can see nipples through!)
- Not totally plain (not t-shirt bra) but not covered in shit
- Genuinely nude (a peachy-minky colour that does not blare out under white shirts and tops) without stupid contrast trims in neon colours
- Comfortable yet moderately supportive (again, not particularly large-busted so I don't need Engineering but there does need to be a difference from wearing no bra at all)
- In stock in my size (I think mine is quite common so sells out fast)

Seriously, how hard is it, shops?! Even M&S, where I usually shop (UK) and used to have a good reputation for quality basics, has started mostly doing 'fashion' bras in stupid colours.

I had a Washing Incident with my favourite bra that has made it unwearable so figured this was a good time to clear out and restock!

[Rezdent]

Three, two black and one nude.

My peeve is that I want front close.  Period.
Finding a good fit in a front close is difficult.
I'm in the larger sizes, and some sizing issues because I am not perfectly symmetrical.
But my days of struggling with a back closure are done.  Do you HEAR ME, bra manufacturers?

If I found the perfect ones, I would definitely buy four of them.  Hell, I'd buy eight of them, because the chances of them becoming unavailable in a few years is too high.

[justajane]

After my first kid had weaned, I went to one of those nice bra stores and got fitted. I bought a Fantasie bra, which I loved and ended up buying another for cheaper on ebay. Problem is that after my second child, the underwire became excruciating. So I switched to a cheaper, non-underwire bra that technically is not the right fit but is cheaper and more comfortable. Now that my third child has weaned, perhaps I'll try the expensive underwire again. I certainly looked better in them.

Anyone else have trouble post-multiple pregnancies and breast feeding experiences with underwire? I'm wondering if all that has permanently changed my breasts and made this untenable. Or maybe as I get older I am just unwilling to deal with discomfort just to look better.

[MayDay]

2 bras, I rotate daily. 

Then when the elastic starts to wear out around the chest band, I sew it tighter, and get another year out of them.  Then by the time that is too loose again, its time to pitch them. 

4 seems like way too many to me.  Plus definitely wear them for a couple weeks before deciding if you really like them enough.

[GreenSheep]

This may seem obvious, but I was taught to buy a bra that fits when you use the loosest of the (usually 3) hooks. That way, as the elastic wears out, you can move to the other hooks to make it tighter. It's a small change in fit, but it helps get a little more mileage out of the things!

[ynotme]

3 or 4; 2 nude, 1-2 black

I find I wear black more in winter and nude more in summer.

[Samala]

This may seem obvious, but I was taught to buy a bra that fits when you use the loosest of the (usually 3) hooks. That way, as the elastic wears out, you can move to the other hooks to make it tighter.

Absolutely!  Brand new bras should be pretty snug, even on the "end"/loosest hook, because they will all stretch out over time. Proper fit means you get more wear out of them, and can make a huge difference in your appearance and the way clothes fit.

I have four bras in rotation, buying them during semi-annual sales usually.  I have worn VS bras since I was a teenager and feel that they are the best for cost vs. quality/performance. Freya is another excellent brand, especially if you are D-cup or up. They are expensive, yes, but they hold up a long time with hand washing and air dry routine.  The engineering in these more expensive bras is worth it if you're curvier too.  Having four in rotation (with various strap arrangements) really extends their life because they elastic has a chance to rest.  I usually get roughly two years out of each bra.  (Cost per use works out to something like $0.23 per wear, I wonder if that's decent or not!)

[alice76]

I'm nursing, so I bought one black and one nude. I'll get professionally fitted after baby's weaned and probably buy a good quality black, nude, and strapless.

[SuperSaver]

6 everyday. 5 are identical except the color/print (Gray, dark gray, navy, bright blue and lilac) 1 is a push up version of the other 5 for extra oomph.
 Plus I have 4 sports bras since joining a gym & a strapless that I wear frequently but aren't worn daily. Super top heavy and I sweat so I only wear a bra once before washing it.

They never go in the dryer. It kills them.

[Davids]

Wouldn't a true female mustachian have zero bras...

[GreenSheep]

They never go in the dryer. It kills them.

Yes!! I don't trust them in the washer, either. Hand washing only here.

[jan62]

I only own three 1 on, 1 in the wash & 1 in the drawer.
all the same style, I hate buying bras so once I find one that fits right I just buy three the same, in nude, they last a few years.

[Sailor Sam]

I have about 6 bras I wear on a regular basis, not counting sleep bras.

Is sleeping in a bra common? Or...am I genetically missing some sort of bra knowledge?

I have no practical advice to give the OP, just a story. My wife is terrified of Victoria Secret, so I do the measuring, enter the store, find an interlocutor, convey the preferences, and purchase the goods. I have no idea what scares her so much; I find the annual bra buying missions quite fun.

[RunHappy]

I have about 6 bras I wear on a regular basis, not counting sleep bras.

Is sleeping in a bra common? Or...am I genetically missing some sort of bra knowledge?

I have no practical advice to give the OP, just a story. My wife is terrified of Victoria Secret, so I do the measuring, enter the store, find an interlocutor, convey the preferences, and purchase the goods. I have no idea what scares her so much; I find the annual bra buying missions quite fun.

I think it depends on the person.  I have had large breasts my whole life which means sometimes going braless, even at night, was painful.  I did have a breast reduction a few years ago so I don't have the weight issue anymore, but I still find it more comfortable to sleep with one than without one.  JcPenny usually has good sleep bras and they need replacing much less often.

[justajane]

I slept in a bra for the 3+ years I was breastfeeding. That was an absolute necessity. I'm big breasted too and do okay now without a bra at night, but it's really uncomfortable for me to laze about the house without a bra on. That just doesn't happen. Plus it's a little obscene for my three kids. My husband likes for me to go braless, but that's about it. I would be mortified if someone other than my family saw me that way. 

[Jakejake]

I have no practical advice to give the OP, just a story. My wife is terrified of Victoria Secret, so I do the measuring, enter the store, find an interlocutor, convey the preferences, and purchase the goods. I have no idea what scares her so much; I find the annual bra buying missions quite fun.

I had a horrible experience there, and will never go into one of their stores again. They appear to have no experience in fitting women, and the woman who chose to argue with me about my size (?!) - I should add I had just been professionally fitted - whipped out a tape measure IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORE with no warning and basically assaulted/groped me publically to try to measure me through a sweatshirt, like that even makes any sense.

It's every bit as fun as being felt up by the TSA when catching a flight.

[shadowmoss]

Wow.  I have over 25 bras, bought over the years.  Mine last years, and I hand wash them.  I'm not quite sure how I ended up with so many just now, but as I haven't changed sizes and am not overly endowed, mine last a long time.  I think I was traveling a lot and when I was back in the states I'd find them on sale at *mart for $5-$10 ea and just grab 5 or so at a time.  It is time to sort through them as a couple of them are too small in the cup since I put on a bit of weight.  Although, being cinched in is helpful when I am exercising.  I no longer care about impressing anyone with my assets, so comfort and not showing are the only criteria.

[Shann106]

Because my bra size has recently changed and I have accepted that my weight is not likely to change dramatically in the near future I went through drawers, and storage today and listed my barely used bras on a clothing sale site. It's embarrassing to say, I listed over 30. Pre mustachuan days I thought nothing of buying a new sexy bra and panty set before a special date night. At my new size I have a smooth black, a lace black, a smooth off white, a lacy white one, a red one and 2 fancy speciality bras. All bought with combination of bogo sales, coupons and gift card, so no money out of pocket. I try to make sure when I buy panties that they match/coordinate, but will not pay more just to match.
Some people see bras as simply foundation, and do not care if they are pretty, sexy etc. just as long as they fit well. I cannot stand to wear a plain Jane boring one. When I was thinner I only bought Victora Secret, as they seem to be the best value for the money-frequent sales, coupons, and the almost always have a coupon for free panties as well. Now I buy only from Cacique, who is owned by VS.

[Sailor Sam]

I have no practical advice to give the OP, just a story. My wife is terrified of Victoria Secret, so I do the measuring, enter the store, find an interlocutor, convey the preferences, and purchase the goods. I have no idea what scares her so much; I find the annual bra buying missions quite fun.

I had a horrible experience there, and will never go into one of their stores again. They appear to have no experience in fitting women, and the woman who chose to argue with me about my size (?!) - I should add I had just been professionally fitted - whipped out a tape measure IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORE with no warning and basically assaulted/groped me publically to try to measure me through a sweatshirt, like that even makes any sense.

It's every bit as fun as being felt up by the TSA when catching a flight.

That's horrifying, and pretty reasonable grounds for rescinding your business. Sorry that happened to you.

[okits]

Wouldn't a true female mustachian have zero bras...

Only if that specific individual found zero utility in wearing bras.  Well-endowed women need the support (back pain is an issue.)  Professionalism and modesty in workplaces are common considerations.  I think there's a perceived expectation of how breasts "should" look, and some bras help women conform to that.  Lactating mothers may need a bra to hold breast pads in place so they don't leak milk everywhere. 

I go without when I can, but outside the home my main concern is modesty.  OP: three everyday bras plus two sports bras I'll wear with casual clothes.

[horsepoor]

I have three of the same model; one white, one black, one nude.  I'd just as soon change the white for an extra nude.

Gave up on having any variety or fanciness in bras a long time ago.

This doesn't include sports bras.  I have several of those, but mostly wear the same two.

[letired]

I think part of it depends on how often you do laundry. I have 2 - 4 regulars at any given time plus strapless which will do in a pinch. That is  enough to get me through about 2 weeks of sweaty Texas summers without having to wash bras. I find they last me ~2.5 - 3 years, but I'm too lazy to hand wash. I'm saving all my handwashing for my cashmere sweaters.

[Allie]

I'm in the weird size club.  I have two.  One black and one nude.  They are indestructible and made by structural engineers.  Everything stays exactly where I want it despite the laws of physics.  Every year, I head to our local, small speciality store and have one of the women who has spent years sizing and finding the perfect bra for customers get in there, measure, size, and arrange everything.  It costs more, but not much more, and is always worth it.  I'll happily spend the extra few dollars to support a local business instead of buying an extra bra and getting them online.  If they can't keep their doors open, I can't get the excellent service and, really, I don't need more than 2.

[happy]

I also only have 2, both skin-coloured (?what you gals call "nude"), utilitarian sports bras.  I refuse to buy more because I'm always going to lose weight and go down a size….

[Boganvillia]

2 X rose beige, lacy, identical
Black with white lace trim
Dusty pink
Black cotton blend

and

Sports bra x 1

= 6

[Nudelkopf]

I have 8... but I bought 4 of those this year. I went to a Bonds store for the first time, and I didn't know they sold them in my size (12F/34F), and the one I bought on the day was so awesome I bought 3 more online. Those 4 are my really 'everyday' bras, but when they're dirty I have another 4.

I tend to wash after 1 day.. Riding in 40 degree heat makes for sweaty work.

• 8 normal bras
• 2 fancy bras
• 3 sports bras

[Rural]

I have three "good" ones - as in they fit well and are comfortable, not that they were expensive, which they weren't. One each black, white, and nude. The black and white have enough structure to wear under light fabrics, the nude is much more comfortable but really has to go under a sweater. I don't wear a bra if I'm not leaving the house.


 I've also held on to an uncomfortable but will do in a pinch old-school cross my heart bra in case of laundry emergencies. I do not do underwire, so I wash in the machine and hang dry. It's about time to start thinking of bra shopping again as it's been three or four years. I bet that brand (something inexpensive at Walmart) isn't made anymore...

[smalllife]

Three sports bras and three "everyday" bras - although I have a clear favorite and one I only wear if I have to. Two is a good number if I ever find a bra that actually fits (28f - I have three brands to choose from in the us and none are awesome withy shape) and holds up to washing. 

[Elle 8]

Wow, I'm in the lowest % category; 7-10.  I used to just have a few, maybe 3-4 but bought a few more in the last few years.  I've been wearing the same make/model bra for probably the last 15 years.  It's the only one that works with my large size without cutting into my shoulders.  I used to pay about $25 per bra.  Sometimes on sale, buy one get one 50% off.  I would always buy a few when I found a sale.

But suddenly I realized if I'm buying the same bra all the time, I don't need to go to the store, I'd see if I could find them online.  And I did!  For about $15.  And they came in all kinds of colors that I never saw in the stores.  So I stocked up.  Now I have 8.  In the winter I'll wear them multiple days but in the summer, when it's hot, I like a fresh one every day.

This is not counting special bras, which I'm trying to phase out of my wardrobe by not buying clothing that needs them.  For example, If buying a new special occasion dress, I make sure it has enough of a sleeve and front coverage to be able to wear one of my regular bras.  Strapless is out of the question for me.

Something else I do now because finding a bathing suit that works for me is so hard; I now only buy tankini tank tops and wear a bra with it!  That way I can buy a cheaper tankini top and not have to worry about the support.  You do have to make sure the tankini straps are wide enough to hide the bra straps, but I just try to color coordinate the top to the bra and not worry about it too much.

[horsepoor]

I'm in the weird size club.  I have two.  One black and one nude.  They are indestructible and made by structural engineers.  Everything stays exactly where I want it despite the laws of physics.  Every year, I head to our local, small speciality store and have one of the women who has spent years sizing and finding the perfect bra for customers get in there, measure, size, and arrange everything.  It costs more, but not much more, and is always worth it.  I'll happily spend the extra few dollars to support a local business instead of buying an extra bra and getting them online.  If they can't keep their doors open, I can't get the excellent service and, really, I don't need more than 2.

That's a business that really supports you right back.

Sorry, couldn't resist!

[eostache]

I just went to count mine. I have 14. They are all sports bras. I could probably go without a bra most of the time, so these type of bras are fine.

I've had these same group of bras since at least 2006. I like the non-cotton, wicking material ones. Back then I had a few cotton bras on hand but I wanted to get some more. I was appalled at the prices of the non-cotton ones, $20-25 or more. So I went into Ross (it's like TJ Maxx or Marshalls) and found ones I liked for $4-7. I bought 9 of them that day, spent about $60.

I had some other bras on hand that the rubbery part had melted all over my back (yuk!) and Bestform warrantied them for me and sent me some nice lightweight non-cotton ones in exchange for the bad ones. (Not sure if they warranty any more.)

I wash in warm and hang to dry. One bra wore out a couple years ago and I tossed it, then I found one just like it at a yard sale for $1 to replace it. These bras are getting a little dingy but are still good for most days wear. I have one that is still very white and I keep it aside if I really need to wear a new looking one.

[NoraLenderbee]

I used to have three, plus several sports bras. I must have had them for 15 years. The elastic was going, so I went on a mission to find a bra that was actually comfortable, didn't itch, and provided enough coverage. Support was not an issue because I'm small. I tried the "not-a-bomber" bra from Title Nine. It fit well, but it's still kind of itchy. Then a tried their Wunderbra. It's made from wicking fabric, very light, racerback, yet covers the "headlights". Oh. My. Goodness. Perfect. So now I have six (white, nude, black, purple, turquoise). They are really comfortable and dry fast. I even use them as sports bras on very hot days.

I'm a bit surprised by all the women who are hard to fit (my sympathy) and only have 1-3. Seems to me that if you're hard to fit and you find something that works, you'd buy as many as you could afford and keep some as spares.

[Pigeon]

I probably have 10 regular bras and two special occasion bras.  I only pick them up when I see them very cheap at Marshall's, typically Warners, and if they are on clearance, they are generally under $7. I sweat and wash them after I wear them once. I don't do laundry more than once a week.

[Jschange]

I like having 2 light, 1 dark, 1 fun and 1 sexy. The last two categories are less important. But right now I'm in desperate need of my basics, so it's time to spend a hideous amount of money.