Cookies, I got this letter awhile back and promised to run it. Here ’tis:
I just found the best website, and wanted to share it with you (and, by extension, your readers).
http://www.bigbustsupport.com
I am an excessively busty gal myself (5’6″, 38 G or H, usually wear size 14 pants/skirts). I have an incredibly hard time finding appropriate clothing. (This problem is second only to problem of explaining to family members why they cannot be allowed to shop for me, ever, because they do not know how to shop for flattering looks for me. Oh the turtleneck sweaters and button-down shirts they buy–disastrous!)
It can be a lonely out there, especially as a busty clergy gal who can’t just talk with other women about where they go to find bras. I have almost stopped strangers in stores to desperately ask where they purchased their bras. I live just outside a mid-size city and I cannot find a single store in the region that carries bras larger than size DDD. I have talked with lactation consultants, doctors, retailers at Lane Bryant and other plus-sized stores, and post-mastectomy bra and prosthetic providers–no one knows of any place in [several surrounding cities]. I make sure to hit Lady Grace whenever I visit [big city far from her own state] to try things on and restock! In the meantime, I have to order online.
This site gives fantastic advice about how to find a bra that fits, even online; how to dress in ways that are modest, flattering and attractive (a whole page about jacket selection, filled with much wisdom); links to places that sell swimsuits and sports bras; even a great section on nursing with large breasts. This is the most thorough, detailed collection of wisdom for busty gals I’ve ever come across. Dressing for a plus-sized body and a plus-sized bosom require different strategies, and most advice columns throw them together. This site really explains how to dress if you have an enormous bust, but a more average-size waist.
Most of the tips and advice on the site were things I had long ago heard or figured out for myself, but it felt so exciting to discover someone out there talking about it. Someone else who knows that the “crisp white blouse” feels like an impossible dream! Someone who (unlike my mother) tells me it’s better to never, ever wear my jacket buttoned or my shirt tucked in! Validation! Solidarity! Mutual understanding! Hallelujah!
Much like BTFM, I felt better just by reading her encouraging words.
Please feel free to share with your readers, but please remove any identifying info about me, like my region/name/username. I’m happy to talk openly about bazooms with my girlfriends, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for any clergy gal to publish her bra size online, where Google might find it. 🙂
As always, I am appreciative of your ministry on this site.
Well there you have it, darlings! A stand up and wave your arm in the air TESTIMONY. Enjoy the site and thanks to our Busty Colleague for alerting us to it.
A shout for Bravissimo in the UK. Worth coming here for!
I don’t think it was until I started seminary and met women ministers before I actually considered the *difficulties* in self-presentation associated with having a large bosom. Mostly focused on the male nursing nostalgia that made it clear: “The bigger the better!”
two of my relatives have had breast reduction surgery with great results – free in Canada I think –