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For as long as I can remember I have had breasts. I know I know…you may be thinking to yourself “Ashley, stop over exaggerating”. But trust me honey I am not.
I started my period when I was 8 years old, and have had growing breasts since the age of 6. I know right! Something had to be in the water for me to start dealing with womanly issues so early in life. Even while being a teenager in high school, I began to feel that I was the only person going through the big bust struggle. To be able to operate fully during cheerleading practice and games, I had to wear one regular bra and 2 sports bras to control my then size H cup breasts while the rest of my teammates would slip on their dainty sports bras and skip to practice like life is amazing. Ugh…I could not stand them lol.
My mother did not have huge breast and I never thought to look for other options that would make my childhood experience more comfortable. So for the longest time I was walking around trying to be comfortable in the wrong size bras. I would even go as far as to say I was also wearing the wrong type of bras that were not made for my curvier figure.
When I was in college, I had the first thought that there had to be something better out there. And of course, like so many other women that are new to fashion, I decided to go to the first undergarment specialty store that I knew of…Victoria Secret. I walked into VS and immediately started looking through their very beautiful and sexy bra selection. After going through several racks, I noticed that I did not see any bras that would fit me. So, I went to a woman that worked there and asked here if she could help me because I have not found anything that would fit me. She glanced over my breast with this “uh oh” face. She took the time to measure me, but then after said “We actually don’t carry anything in your size.”
That could have been the end to everything and I could have just been left with a shot to my confidence. But this VS sales associate was so nice! She walked me a few stores down to Lane Bryant. We walked up to the store manager and introduced ourselves. The Victoria Secret sales associate did not leave until the Lane Bryant manager smiled and said “Don’t worry we have everything you’ll need.” I’ve been in love ever since.
Because of this beautiful experience, I have been shopping at Lane Bryant for my bras ever since. I left that day with 3 new bras that have changed my perspective on how my breasts are supposed to look and feel under my clothes. I was 19 and It was the first time in my lIfe my breasts were sitting pretty in my bra! Now, I pretty much stock up during the semi-annual sale with about 4-6 new pieces. I just can’t believe this option has been out for me during all of those hard cheerleading practices, but I wouldn’t change my learning experience one bit.
Tell me, how have you learned from being a curvy woman and shopping for the perfect bra?
Wow!..It’s like you’re my sister from another mister. I too was wearing bras at the age of six and package a purse at eight full of pads. It was lonely and frustrating and in high school my bras for so poorly my breasts would literally pop out. Things didn’t get better for me until I started working at Dillards. On your first day each guy got a free tie and each woman is sized for a bra and gets to pick out a free one. I started working in that department shortly after and bra shopping was smooth sailing from… Read more »
Wow that’s crazy Dasha! The early puberty is a booga wolf lol. I found out later how common it was amongst other women as well. That’s great that you got a chance to help other women feel & look great under their clothes. We all walked around with the 4 breast syndrome for far too long (2 breasts poking above your bra, then the rest that’s left in lol)
Wow what an amazing sales associate to go the extra mile. You were so lucky to finally have a good experience with finding the right fit! I think most women, no matter what size their breasts are, have been in a similar situation at some point in their lives as far as wearing the wrong size bra. I had a great fitting experience at my local Torrid a few years ago and finally learned my true bra size when I was almost 30 lol!
You’re so right Lauren, it’s not just women with big busts. We all have been a little lost in the bra department some time or another lol. I’m glad we both finally got in the know!
I am so happy that sales associate directed you to Lane Bryant! What a relief that must have been. Also it must have been difficult adjusting to your period so young. Thanks for sharing, Ashley!
Thanks Jamie. My mom ended up getting me on a monthly shot to prevent me from having periods until the age of 11 so it didn’t affect me as much.
I’m still having the bra issue. My problem is that I’m little with a big cup size, so Lane Bryant isn’t an option for me
Aw no! Where do you usually shop? Lane Bryant isn’t just for curvy women. They should have bras with smaller waist bands that also come in a larger cup size. They may be only sold in certain stores or online. I always have to shop my size online, because they don’t carry it in most stores.
Hi Ashley. Inspiring blog post. I found you on YouTube. I too have had breast since I can remember. My period started when I was 9. I unfortunately never find a supportive bra that will hold my boobs firm and feel sexy at the same time. When I find a strong bra, it’s ugly. When I find a sexy looking bra, it’s not strong enough for my breast. Please recommend where you buy your bra from. Blessings ♥️
I just saw you buy from Lane Bryant. I will check them out. Thank you
Hey Hun! Yes, Lane Bryant, Elomi, Third Love, and Sculptresse are all great companies that have cute & supportive bras. I hope you find the beautiful sets you’re looking for.