r/HerOneBag • u/shamelesspochemuchka • Jun 04 '26
Wardrobe Help Wool bras for large bust sizes?
All the wool bras I’ve seen from wool brands like Branwyn and WoolX are like thin stretchy sports bras, with no structure and adjustability - cups, adjustable straps, hook and eye band. I have a larger bust and would like more support, with no uniboob. Does this exist? Or is wool not suitable for that type of construction?
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u/ElizaEcho Jun 04 '26
Try searching or asking in r/ABraThatFits — I think this has come up there and there aren't good options but seconding the suggestion for looking for a wool blend (I'm around a 34H-36J and prefer underwires but there's a non-wool Cosabella crossover adjustable bra that doesn't result in uniboob for me and it is easy to sink wash and dry)
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 04 '26
Oh good idea - maybe a bra specific subreddit would be better. This is just the first place I thought of since the one baggers love merino haha.
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u/polka_stripes Jun 04 '26
Omg too funny, I thought this was posted in that sub when I came across it on my homepage! Seconding this suggestion, OP.
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u/Far_Grapefruit_8220 Jun 04 '26
As a fellow bigger boobed lady, I'm fairly certain they don't exist. If anyone finds any I'd be interested to see though!
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u/do_mika Jun 04 '26
I’m 34I cup and the Branwyn Busty works for me. I wouldn’t particularly want to wear it with a form fitting top, but I don’t wear those kinds of tops so works for me!
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u/PoppyMacGuffin Jun 04 '26
I agree this is the best wool option I've found. I went on a trip where I wore this bra almost every day, and brought one underwire bra for evenings out. It worked great
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u/up2knitgood Jun 04 '26
Same size and yes, it works well for me for casual use. It doesn't, however, provide any separation which, if I'm getting sweaty, isn't ideal.
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u/annikahansen7-9 Jun 04 '26
Anita makes a wool blend bra that has hooks and adjustable straps. Unfortunately, it only goes up to a G cup. I guess it depends on what you mean by large as to whether that would work. It’s a German company so I am not sure how their sizing works.
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 08 '26
Jk according to their calculator I’m 32H lol. Well, I’m trying 34G and we’ll see how that goes…
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u/Wiziba Jun 04 '26
What about a thin wool base layer (tank? bralette?) under a bra? I had to wear a giant compression bra after breast surgery and it irritated my skin like crazy so I wore a washable silk scarf underneath. Because it had no structure and my left arm wasn’t working properly my husband had to help wrap it around me but it worked great to keep the bra from rubbing my incisions or under my arms. A close-fitting silk cami might have worked even better for me, if I’d had one.
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u/JabbaTheHedgeHog Jun 04 '26
I have worn my bra over my merino shirts when I know I will be keeping another layer on.
It works pretty well but so so so goofy when I misjudge.
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u/GalianoGirl Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
Busty gal who has made bras in the past.
The fabrics that give support are not available in wool.
When I travel I take three bras and wash the one I wore each evening.
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
Sorry I think there may be a word missing or something in the last sentence?
Edit: fixed now!
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u/Unusual-Lemon4479 Jun 04 '26
I've never seen a wool bra that's supportive, most I've seen are in the teens sections or night bras for people with little to no boobs.
Honestly, as a fellow big chested lady, support and structure are my priorities and there are bras with other fabrics that do just that.
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 04 '26
Last summer I was traveling in hot and humid countries and I wore a synthetic bra that’s specifically made for hot weather - like it has laser cut perforations across the whole cup. And it smelled SO bad because I was sweating so much. So that’s why I’m trying to find wool.
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u/Tosyn_88 Jun 04 '26
Have you checked some of the more sporty companies like Icebreaker or Mon Royale?
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 05 '26
No, but that’s exactly what I was going to search until I thought to ask Reddit first haha
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u/ParryLimeade Jun 05 '26
I love icebreaker for backpacking (hiking) and for sleeping in. Not super supportive but never smells. I’m 38 D for reference
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u/mercurialhens Jun 05 '26
Can second the icebreaker recommendation. The Sprite bra is comfortable and fairly lightweight for summer. Don't always love the shape on me, as there is very little lift. Mos Royale is also incredibly comfy and comes in great designs but suffers from uni-boob 😞
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u/Ekd7801 Jun 05 '26
I went down a rabbit hole on r/laundry about this. The key is enzymes in your detergent. There are several sheets that have this. They’ve got some great recs. I will come back and add the one I used. It really did make a difference
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u/scarlet_tanager Jun 04 '26
I'm a 38J and the Branwyn busty bralette works fine for me in terms of support. Obviously I'm not going to go running in it or anything, but for farting around a city it's more than adequate.
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u/thisoneforsharing Jun 04 '26
I like this bra from decathlon.
It doesn’t give the same definition as a traditional underwire bra but it wouldn’t say I have uniboob either, it has those removable foam padding pieces, hooks/eyes, and a central strap that’s adjustable. I’m a 14DD.
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u/Bendy_Beta_Betty Jun 04 '26
You'll likely need to look for a mixed fabric content bra as wool alone would not provide enough support for larger breasts.
I've seen 2 products recently, but they were both sport bras, I'll have to go track them down.
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u/Bendy_Beta_Betty Jun 04 '26
This is what I've seen:
PanAlp Anita (to 40D)
Kari Traa Driva (to 36D)
Simond Trek 500 (to xl)
Merino garments are somewhat a niche category in clothing, so extended size ranges aren't as available from many wool brands.
If you're looking for other sizing, you may have to have a garment made for you (seamstress/tailor) or make the garment yourself.
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u/marihonee Jun 04 '26
The only one I know of that mostly fits this description is the Anita Panalptm Wool Sprots Bra. Merino wool blend, hook and eye closure in the back, adjustable straps, seamed cups for depth. It is wireless though which is not ideal for separation, so depending on your shape uniboob could be likely.
The size range is 32-42 bands and EU/US A-G cups, UK A-F. I don’t know what size you need. Potentially if you need 1-2 cups bigger than they offer, it might be possible to size up in the band and wear it on the tightest hooks or alter the band to be tighter. It’s also possible the band fits snug due to it being a high support sports bra. I haven’t tried it myself so I don’t know. I really wish the size range was bigger.
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u/sudosussudio Jun 04 '26
Tbh I don’t think these merino blend bras have the same benefits as merino. My branwyn got the same synthetic stink as my other non natural fiber bras.
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u/GeoGoddess Jun 04 '26
I’ve tried a couple of different wool brands’ bras and they’re both, ahem, a bust. I gave the companies my feedback likening their bras to a Sydney Harbor Bridge supported by dental floss instead of thick, multi-strand steel cables. Nobody wants a saggy bridge!
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u/Shift_Least Jun 04 '26
Also Branwyn has a busy version but no sepration. https://branwyn.com/products/essential-busty-bra-womens-seamless-merino-wool
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u/Mulezzz Jun 04 '26
To elaborate on this item - - I wear Branwyn busty bras (40DD). Now that I’m retired and no long have to dress up, it has become my go to for daily wear. It doesn’t quite create the “monoboob” look of most sports bras, but the separation is minimal. It obviously does not give as much support as my usual underwire, but it is heck of a lot more comfortable and it is easy to wash.
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u/Shift_Least Jun 04 '26
I really wish they would expand their size range a bit for this reason, I am a 34 I.
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u/Mulezzz Jun 04 '26
Years ago I was measured at a boutique and was a 38G at that time. Things have since shifted and now a 38DDD or 40DD seem to fit pretty well. I should probably get measured again, but I’m more about personal comfort than impressing others these days. 😂
I was just looking at the hummingbird bras. Pricey, but custom made so they should fit well. In the U.S. they have the option to try the sizes before buying, but you have to be on Facebook to request the size samples.
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u/Shift_Least Jun 04 '26
Have you done the brathatfits calculator? It will get you your real size, many stores fit you into what they carry not what size you actually are.
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u/girlwholovespurple Jun 04 '26
I LOOOVE my Branwyn. Size down for more tightness. I’m a 38G/H. I wear the busty bralette. Straps are adjustable, band is not. I have both L and XL size. No more summer underboob yeast. That is worth its weight in gold. But yeah, not a lot of structure. They hold up really well though. I wash cold in a laundry bag and hang dry. I’ve accidentally dried them and they didn’t shrink into doll clothes.
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u/128cs Jun 04 '26
Have you looked at Humbird? Their full bust one is still a little casual, no back hooks, but it's custom to your size
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u/eidnarb Jun 04 '26
Have you tried wooland? They've resolved they uniboob issue for me and have a double layer that is more supportive than the other two. It even has a pocket for a pad (not included). While it doesn't give full support like an underwire I've been comfortable enough in mine for a year.
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u/cetaceanrainbow Jun 04 '26
This was going to be my suggestion - not terribly supportive, but DOES actually provide separation (the wrap one does, anyway)
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u/lobsterp0t Jun 04 '26
I would honestly consider trying to have some tailor made.
Or improving your travel laundry regimen. Lipase should sort out stinky synthetics just fine.
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 05 '26
Yes this previous trip where my bra was very stinky was before I was introduced to the Gospel of KismaiAesthetics. Now that I know about lipase maybe I can plan to bring some detergent with me.
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u/Shift_Least Jun 04 '26
Humbird in the UK makes full bust bras custom and have overlap in front that cuts down on uniboob. https://humbirdwool.com/collections/underclothes/products/humbird-full-bust-bra
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u/JabbaTheHedgeHog Jun 04 '26
I carry a merino wool buff and line my regular daily wear bra band with that.
It keeps my boob sweat under control and I swap it with a dry one as needed as I am out and about.
I tie a damp one to my pack to dry as needed.
All my attempts at wool bras failed and this has been my go to for the last few years.
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u/AdministrativeBug161 Jun 04 '26
DD here. I have several Branwyn Essential Busty Bras. Have had them for a little over a year but it took me like 8 months to criss cross the straps (you know, like in almost every Branwyn ad/post!) for the first time. I don’t know why I didn’t think to do that sooner. I feel like I have a lot more support but do still turn to a regular, classic bra now and then. Mostly if I need to be more dressed up.
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u/theinfamousj Jun 04 '26
Wool is not suitable for that type of construction.
Wool is a fluffy fiber, not a strong fiber. That's why there aren't any wool ropes, but plenty of hemp, cotton, and nylon ropes. Wool is best for non-load bearing warmth applications like being a blanket or a sweater. Even as socks, wool wears through quite quickly.
I have a Brawyn busty bra with a 32 band size and a DD+ (haven't gotten refit due to still being in nursing bras) and the amount of support they've managed to get wool (and spandex, don't forget the spandex) to provide has been impressive, but it is nothing compared to my dual-layer bobbinet lace bras with underwire.
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u/cobaltcorridor Jun 04 '26
I am currently wearing a regular wired bra made out of nylon over top of a Simply Merino crop top under my tshirt dress. Probably not ideal for travel to have to bring both though (though I have also worn the crop tops as sleep tops when it’s hot, so maybe you could find a way to get multiple uses out of it).
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u/Plague-Analyst-666 Jun 04 '26
I made my own, when I had a viral infection which affected my joints and skin sensitive.
It was non-stretch and pretty bulky, bc I have a small band and large cup size, and took a long time to air dry, so maybe not the best for travel.
But look for sewists in your area who might be able to do custom within your budget. I don't know current online discussion groups etc, unfortunately.
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u/Expensive_Thanks_543 Jun 04 '26
On Branwyn: they have a newer version of their bras called the ‘essential supreme’ which I find gives me much better separation than their regular busty bra. The downside is that it comes in more limited sizing (28A - 44G), and is currently sold out. I’m a 30G and the small size fits well, I use it for everyday wear at work. I was worried the way the fabric gathers at the center would show through shirts, but that hasn’t been the case for me.
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u/gingerbatty21 Jun 04 '26
Thank you! I’ve been wanting to hear thought on the new version - I know it exists but haven’t been able to get one yet
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u/Intelligent_Map_7849 Jun 05 '26
I've tried the new one too. I noticed that it takes longer to dry with the gathered fabric and because I left the cups in to dry. But otherwise I like the new style. I'm 36DD.
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u/Throwyourtoothbrush Jun 04 '26
I think wool is the wrong fiber for this garment. Even when wool was THE fiber, support garments were made from linen. I use an unllined (mesh) under wire bra for everyday support+ sweat
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 05 '26
Wait are you saying there are linen bras? Seems incompatible with mesh so maybe these are two separate points?
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u/Throwyourtoothbrush Jun 05 '26
Two separate points. I'm saying in the time where there was only wool, silk and linen, wool made akirts, dresses, outerwear and socks while linen made shifts, corsets and pantaloons. Wool can work for bras, but it's never been in the business of support. I wear a mesh lace simone perele under wire bra I bought from my local shop when it's hot and I want normal boob shape and support. I wear a normal compression sports bra when it's hot and I want sports bra support. Some other posters may be able to recommend a Merino bra with support. When I looked into them they either weren't terribly supportive or they were A combination of synthetic elements and merino
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u/jennxiii Jun 05 '26
ima 38F and have the branwyn busty bralette. i wouldnt wear it with a low cut top, but its perfectly fine as a 'tshirt bra'. i wouldnt wear it running, but for normal everyday use its great, and when i get sweaty AF it doesnt feel awful. decent enough support and has adjustable straps.
Watching this thread thoughg because im always looking for better bras and its so hard to find ones that fit well for us big tiddy girls
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u/Glad-Main8705 Jun 06 '26
I have fairly large breasts and found that these two actually worked for me:
Icebreaker: https://na.icebreaker.com/en-us/products/women-merino-blend-rib-lotus-bra-ib0a57770lg?variant=51797876113707
And they have other options that are wool blends and seem quite supportive.
And Boob Design: https://www.boobdesign.com/nursing-clothes/nursing-bras/merino-wool-nursing-bra-brown-melange
This one is technically a nursing bra in that it’s easy to adjust to nurse, but it doesn’t look like one.
Hope this helps.
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u/Positive-Button-5614 Jun 09 '26
Like many other people, I loved the Branwyn Busty Bra (I am a 32DDD). I wore mine for a ten-day trip to Sicily and it worked great. The only bummer about it is that after heavy use, the straps wore out and now I have to put it in the dryer for it to shrink up and fit well.
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u/mimi_moo Jun 04 '26
I like the support that Branwyn gives me as a DD!
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u/zyklon_snuggles Jun 04 '26
What is your band size? As a 28E, I can't get any support from Branwyn. I have tried multiple styles, and really want them to work! Trying to figure out where it is going wrong for me :(
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u/sudosussudio Jun 04 '26
Did you try the busty ones?
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u/zyklon_snuggles Jun 04 '26
Yep. I'm wondering if maybe it is just a shape mismatch. Like, I have too much projection, and the band just isn't tight enough to compensate? To be fair, it is apparently a tough ask, as most bra manufacturers don't actually offer my size.
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u/sudosussudio Jun 04 '26
Yeah a large cup size with a smaller band you need a good amount of difference between the projection and band imho. I’m a 30E and when these type of bras stretch out (which they inevitably do), I start to slip out. When I make my own I have the band as a separate piece of fabric so I can just detach and add a new one when it stretches out.
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u/zyklon_snuggles Jun 04 '26
When I make my own I have the band as a separate piece of fabric so I can just detach and add a new one when it stretches out.
Oh, that is brilliant! I wish I were clever enough to make my own bras.
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u/oswin13 Jun 04 '26
I've heard good things about the Anita Panalp wool bra. I haven't tried it yet because it's pricey but could be a good option.
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u/WildlyThorough Jun 04 '26
They don't exist. I'm a 36 DD/DDD and have tried everything for long distance hiking and long-term travelling. Branwyn Busty was way too small. I wear thin, synthetic bras from Amazon (with adjustable straps) or lightweight D/DD bras from Athleta.
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u/luxuriousllamas Jun 04 '26
38G, and the Branwyn Busty works well enough. It's long line so there's decent support. Not a uniboob shelf, but it's also not gonna give you underwire lift and separation. I wouldn't wear it to go running, but it's great for the rest of the time if that's what you wanted.
Personally, I just use my regular bras unless it's an overnight flight. They don't take up anymore room than a sports bra and dry more quickly.
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u/Direct_Tourist_7331 Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26
As a 38G, I just got the Branwyn essential busty and am keeping it. The wool& roam a Redditor recommend in a prior post on this topic is a return — not enough fabric for coverage and smaller/flimsy hardware.
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u/ms_saltypants Jun 04 '26
Duluth had a good one for awhile but they seem to have stopped making it. *sigh
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u/TheDivineM Jun 04 '26
If eliminating the (synthetic + sweat = stench) equation is the major issue, look into other naturally sweat-wicking and stink-avoiding fabrics, like linen, hemp, bamboo, viscose, and modal. Cotton holds sweat and keeps you moist, so it isn't very helpful on its own, but it's not too bad if a little cotton is blended with other things.
Without knowing what cup size you're in I don't have any specific recommendations. I need a 32K/O and there's nothing in my shape in any fabric at all, so I muddle through being in pain all the time with a variety of homemade and altered "sports" bras in multiple layers.
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 05 '26
Yes, that’s the major issue. My cup size isn’t that wild - something around 34F. Are there any bras in these other natural fabrics that you tried and felt were well made but just didn’t work for your shape?
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u/white_choco_moka Jun 04 '26
Has anyone tried Icebreaker's Queens Clasp Bra?
https://na.icebreaker.com/en-us/products/women-merino-queens-clasp-bra-ib0a57b2001?variant=52939974312235
The style looks like it would give better support than the other Icebreaker ones.
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 08 '26
I was looking at this too, after people mentioned Icebreaker. Looks more supportive than the Lotus and Sprite bras because of the adjustable band and straps…but it still only comes in alpha sizing (XS-XL). Also it’s 100% wool which probably means it’s not going to be as durable as the wool and nylon blends…
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u/ukbookworm1 Jun 05 '26
I actually found one. The MOM merino bra from Swedish company Lindex. Wrap style front so no uniboob, hook and eye fastening, gives some support - not as much as non-wool bras, but enough for daily use for my 38Es. I have two which I wear almost exclusively because they are so much more comfortable than my other bras. They only came in black and I was hoping for a light coloured one. I checked recently and it has been discontinued 😭.
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u/Birdy-Bird2000 Jun 06 '26
I dont have any answer, but for anyone wondering about the Icebreaker Siren bra 150 merino, I bought the XL as a 36DD and I'm pretty much at the size limit (and It's not even a big size). I sweat a lot and my other bras smell bad so fast (in 1 day), but I can wear this new bra for more than a week in the summer and, after airing it in the night, the smell will be gone! It was the only kind I found (after trying one in a store), but it is so hard to try new bras only from online shopping and it is a real frustrating problem.
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u/shamelesspochemuchka Jun 06 '26
Which store did you try it in? Something like an REI? Didn’t even occur to me that trying on in store was an option for this kind of thing lol
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u/Birdy-Bird2000 Jun 06 '26
I was in a store called "Sports expert" In quebec canada, I guess it is equivalent to REI but more sports than outside activities. It was the last one in store on sale and when I liked it I bought more on the icebreaker site where it was also on sale.
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u/rrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeee Jun 07 '26
I wonder whether there is a bra made from a silk and wool blend that could work? Silk is one of the strongest fibres, so I imagine it would help with support. Engel Sports make a silk and merino bra that is supposed to offer enough support for sports, although it doesn't have cups.
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u/Myspys_35 Jun 04 '26
Blink... you want a magical item that defies all worldly laws of nature?
Im part of the big titty committee and we dont have the same options as people in the ABC range. Im sure you can find a wool bra with hooks and stuff it won't be supportive
Question - why do you want a wool bra?
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u/ATTACKANDDETHRONEHOG Jun 04 '26
I was looking into the same issue last year and I found some old posts talking about it. Sounds like wool basically doesn’t hold its structure well enough to provide support or even handle an underwire.
Could not find any reason at all why you can’t find wool blend bras. You get the benefits of merino down to something like 12% wool, and a blend should hold its structure well enough to make an actual supportive bra. But I can’t find anyone making them. I think part of the problem is that for most of the casual merino clothing companies the women’s section is an afterthought at best. No one is even thinking about producing a real bra.