The weekend before last was a lot of firsts for me: first trip to a brick-and-mortar Lane Bryant store, first time in about a year of shopping at a mall, and most importantly, it was the first time I bought a convertible bra that actually fit.
Yes, indeed - the convertible bra. The convertible bra entices us with its promises of ultimate versatility and maximum variety, but the road to completion seems rather high. Finding a bra in my size is already difficult; couple that with our halter-cum-racerback-cum-strapless buddy, and things can get mighty hairy.
There’s been a lot of bra talk lately. For me, keeping my stable of bras in good shape is a challenge - you get what you pay for. Being the cheerful college student I am, indulging in $20-$40 bras frequently just isn’t on the menu. This is something that all women bemoan, I’m quite sure. If you can find me a lady that doesn’t need a bra, I can almost guarantee you she’s not plus size. I pepper my sentiment with ‘almost’, because I’ve been proven wrong before.
I recounted a downright tearjerker to the bra saleslady at Lane Bryant, who quickly whipped out her measuring tape and got my numbers. It’s always nicer when someone else can size you - I’m always just a hair off, but it makes my clothes a touch more comfy.
No one really remembers the pitch. I think we get caught up in the home run, the way the crowd goes wild and the batter runs like hell through the bases. Sales is no different - I can’t talk about the result without at least a cursory mention of how I got there.
The saleslady and I talked briefly about my fashion style, particularly what shirts I like to wear. After waffling between blouses, camis, and halter-tops, she suggested to me the Bra6.
At $42, the Bra6 is definately an investment. I’ve seen far more expensive bras on the market though, and experienced trouble with them. I personally own this bra - I’m currently wearing it, or I’d snap a physical picture of it.
Now, while we’re talking about cost, let’s be real for a second: cost is relative. I’m sure there are some of you ladies out there that wouldn’t look twice at buying this bra. It goes without saying that there are plenty of ladies in the other camp. Unfortunately, well-fitting clothes and undergarments have become a bit of a luxury. I think this is an investment that deserves space in any lady’s bra-and-panty drawer.
The bigger question then, is simply: Is it worth it?
YES! Let me expand on this a little bit:
This bra has got to be one of the softest materials I’ve ever had for a bra. It makes it a delightful experience when I put it on. It definately holds up to the stress of the day - I feel good wearing this bra - it holds up well to the stress of the day.
I definately noticed a very nice lifting action with this bra. Before with other bras, my breasts sort of just looked saggy and lifeless - as if my chest had aged before I did! With the Bra6, My chest actually sits where it should, giving my profile an accentuated curvy look.
I’m currently wearing it in the traditional style, but I’ll most likely convert it to strapless for my spaghetti-strap tank. Or maybe I’ll use clear straps. Indeed, the Bra6 is versatile, with 6 different styles to choose from: traditional, cross-back, one-strap, halter, strapless, and even interchangeable back. You can check out the style types at Lane Bryant’s website.
Had to include this point, of course. There’s nothing wrong with wanting our bras and panties to accentuate what we have, to make us feel sexy and desirable! It takes far less energy to love your curves than to give a list of things you hate about them. Far. less. energy.
We just can’t have pros without cons, can we? No product is perfect - the day I personally review a product with no flaws will be the day that Bill Gates runs Linux on his personal laptop and Warren Buffett gives away buckets of his money. Okay, one condition has already been met, but this is an AND operation, not an OR one.
Woefully irrevelant computer jokes aside, the Bra6 may feel limiting to some. I’m a 44D and I noted that if I don’t sit properly, the underwire tends to feel noticeable. After I adjusted the bra, though, this went away. If you know you’re more than a 44D/DD/etc, perhaps a bra extender may solve the problem. I haven’t looked into that yet, though.
The Bra6 does resemble a computer problem, in that the user interface needs a little work. In order to enjoy the benefits of the Bra6, you have to learn to put it on. Whatever way you’re used to putting on your bras, give it up. Put the Bra6 on like a shirt, slipping one strap over your arm and then wrapping the back part around you. Close the side clasp (yes, it’s a side clasp number), then place the other strap over your other arm. It’s slightly confusing, but still very doable.
Note: the above directions are for wearing the Bra6 like a traditional bra. I’m not certain how much they apply if you’re wearing it halter or cross-back. Naturally, if you’re wearing it in the one-strap version, these directions will mostly apply.
Right now, I’m in happy-bra-customer land. While the $42 is still solely missed in my wallet, I comfort myself with this: better to purchase a $42 bra that I actually like than six $7 bras that leave me none too satisfied.
Update: Glen noted that the Bra6 doesn’t fit our extra-curvy friends. Upon further glance, I noticed that the maximum size for this bra is a 44DD! That’s not nearly enough, and I apologize to the curvy ladies I left out with this post. Hat tips to Glen for pulling me back into perspective. — DG
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June 27th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
The last time me and my wife was in Lane Bryant she passed up the Bra6 knowing that it wouldnt fit her. It seems like a very good concept but not something that ladies with larger cup sizes can take advantage of.
May 13th, 2007 at 2:34 am
Tramadol withdraw….
Tramadol withdraw….
June 13th, 2007 at 10:48 am
Maybe it has changed since they first released this bra, but the Bra6 definitely comes in larger sizes! I am normally a 40D, but since becoming pregnant, that has all changed! I was at a Lane Bryant store last week and picked up two of these in a 44DDD. This is the largest size they carry in the store, but they can get them for you in even larger sizes. As previously mentioned, it can be a tricky bra to get on, but once it is on, pure joy at have the versatility of this bra with so much comfort!!! I love it!