I’m Our Bra Writer — and I Can’t Stop Buying What Wacoal’s Selling
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I feel as if I’m inbrapurgatory at a 36D. In the alphabet soup of cup sizes, the D remains in no way small but not exactly large-large. That has meant dealing with a lot of pushing, smooshing, hoisting — my poor boobs! Don’t even get me started on the unnecessary padding. The last thing I want to remember is what it was like stuffing a training bra,thankyouverymuch.
Of course, good bras do exist. By virtue of being our underwear writer, I get more bras thrown at me than aprime-time rhinestoned Elvis Presley. I’ve tried established name brands like Natori, Maidenform, and Warners, and I’ve tried thestart-ups, including Thirdlove, True & Co., and Harper Wilde. But the only bras I buy for myself are by Wacoal. I believe with my whole chest that they are the best — for me, at least. Wacoal gets the fit right every time (and offers a size range of 32B to 40DDD, with a few SKUs offered inG to K cups). No matter the style, a 36D fits. Not once have I thought,Oh, the joy of a monoboobwhen trying on a Wacoal — or had anything, well,dangling. If I’m in bra purgatory, then Wacoal’s bras are something of a godsend; they hold me as angel’s wings do a cherub.
I don’t know how many Wacoal bras I’ve had, but I know I have around a dozen right now. They aren’t cheap, but they’re worth every penny. Keep in mind that “discontinued” styles end up going onsale(or can sometimes be found atNordstrom Rack). Sometimes popular styles get marked down too — but in colors likewild azalearather than flesh or neutral tones usually. Occasionally, you can find them for upwards of 60 percent off.
Here are a few of my most-worn Wacoal bras (and the ones I’m thinking of getting next).
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This is my everyday bra. I can’t believe how smoothing it is. Begone, bulges! Shoo, rolls!
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There’s no lack of support here. Not only does the bra have an inner sling (for a well-rounded décolletage), it has slightly less-wide-apart straps, which lay flat and stay that way. Plus the “strategically placed lace,” as the product copy says, means no more nipple peekaboo.
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If you likeThirdlove’s Second Skin Unlined Bra, you’ll love Wacoal’s Better Than Braless. It’s the textbook definition of unlined — if theintention of an unlined brais to appear natural, then this is about as natural as it gets. It makes me happy about my band-to-cup ratio, and I feel like myself in it, in no small part because of the fabric (a magical percentage of nylon and elastane) — it might be best described as inconspicuous. You’ll forget you’re wearing a bra at all.
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“High Standards” refers to the promise to lift your bustline up a single inch. I haven’t calculated if that’s true, but I can say that Ifeellifted in this thing. Everything’shigh but not tight. It helps me stand up straighter, knowing gravity is on my side — for now. Bonus: the little picotlike trim. Just adorable.
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My cups needn’t runneth over. They shouldn’t jiggle-wiggle like a panna cotta (at least when I’m wearing a bra). And they don’t have to thanks to theVisual Effects minimizer. AsBra Tenders’ Lori Kaplan previously told us, “It does what it says it’s going to do, and it’s got nice, wide sides, so it contains any side pooching.” It’s reassuring when your other bras make your bustline look downrightGaultier-ish. This is not one of those bras you rip off the minute you’re home either. It’s the most comfortable minimizer I’ve ever tried.
Other Wacoal bras I’m considering …
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Linda Becker (otherwise known as Linda the Bra Lady), founder of Linda’s, says this is the strapless bra that many of her customers who wear G and H cups are comfortable in. Our contributor Nora Wheelan —who’s a 38DD— writes that it “will take you from perpetually petrified of popping out to secure, spillage-free, and slumberous.” Full disclosure: I tried this for ourbra guide, and it was originally sent to me by the brand. When I need to wear a strapless bra, it’s the one I choose. But I’m thinking of getting another insandto have a nuder option for myself.
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I don’t have this one yet, but I’m thinking about it — it’s not a bad-looking bra. Not to be vain, but I’d feel pretty in it. Or better yet, inBlack Swan’s Nina Sayers’s (played by Natalie Portman) voice, “So pretty!” I’d want the matchingEmbrace Lace pantiestoo.
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I don’t have a Wacoalsports bra. This is marketed for “high-impact activities” — not that I do any, but I’d rather not be bouncing while trying to get the last of my daily steps in.
Some more bras we’ve written about
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Our best bra for small breasts is available in half-sizes A½ through E½.
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Cuup’s Plunge, a favorite of several Strategist staffers, even converted an “underwire cynic.”
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The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
