Follow
Share

She shoos me away when I try to help. Any suggestions for an easy front closing bra for a large bust that might be easier for her to get on and off? There are so many brands and some bras are just awful. She’s always worn an underwire type bra, usually Bali. We’ve gotten some bras online through Amazon and Macy’s but they all seem to be knockoffs of the real brands and don’t fit. I’m trying to help her be as independent as possible for as long as she possibly can be. Thanks for any suggestions.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Does she really need to wear a bra? Can you get her some tank tops with the built in bra and see if that is sufficient for her?
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

There is a catalog from a company called Buck & Buck. They specialized in adaptive clothing. My mom has severe arthritis in her hands so she could no longer close a bra. Not wearing a bra - no way. Buck & Buck had a front closure bra with a loop. She simply slides her had under the loop and pulls the bra close. I am not sure what size they go up to, but definitely check them out. Their clothes are cute too!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

What about one of those sports type bras that are one piece and you pull them on like a shirt? My mom has a fairly large bust - and we found some that are very soft and pull on easily - but still give her enough support that she needs.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I would suggest your mother not wear a bra. My 98 year old mother stopped wearing her bra in her eighties on my suggestion. She is more comfortable and less back pain. She looks just fine in her clothes and really can't tell she is not using one.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Layne Bryant has front closure bras. (I started wearing them when arthritis makes it impossible to hook a bra in the back.)
I would encourage her to switch to a Camisole rather than continuing to fight with a bra. There are some with a "shelf bra" sort of like a double fabric that might "contain the girls" a bit better without the discomfort of a bra.
One other thought came to mind. Many swim suits are sold top and bottom separately maybe a swim top might work.
Have a Bra Burning Party and do away with them.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Kohls sells Bali on line. They have a front close bra.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I like the answers here. One person mentioned, "keeping the fold of skin under the bust scrupulously clean and dry is very difficult and the resulting problems are made much worse if the skin surfaces are continuously pressed together." I myself have had issues with irritation under my breasts especially if the weather is warm. Some people actually get pressure sores under their breasts which can be painful and dangerous. If this is the case I would recommend a cotton bra and replacing the front closure or just making it into a front closure with velcro. Another option is a cotton tank top just to give a bit of support. Good luck!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
Keeperofthegate Dec 2020
Leonisa front closure bra. Back Support Posture Corrector Wireless Bra - Multi/Functional
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
I wear camisoles with a bra in them. I step into them and pull them up instead of putting them on over my head. Much easier on the neck and shoulders.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

At age 95, why is she bothering with a bra? They are so uncomfortable. I know bras are very hard to get to fit properly. There is a "sports" bra which is made out of soft stretchable fabric. I am not sure but I think it is pulled over your head and is supposed to conform to the body and be very comfortable. I would forget the normal bras.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I put the bra at my waist with the front in back the the hooks in front of me.
I hook it up, turn the bra around my waist
and put my hands and arms in the straps and pull the bra up with my hands along my arms to my shoulders. Adjust as necessary to get al in it.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
Grandma1954 Feb 2021
I am 65+ years and I have never been able to put a bra on that way. It gets all twisted and trying to get my arms in and the bra up is next to impossible.
(0)
Report
Buck and Buck is the best!
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Without being too personal, is she large busted?  sometimes it can be tricky to find a good bra.  Even though I have NOT had a mastectomy (my mother had a partial), I have gotten some bras at a specialized place for that.  And they have front closing bras.  My mother (93) no longer wears a bra because I guess number one, its a hassle wearing the prosthesis (she says its heavy even though the newer models are great, plus she has an issue with her one arm not being able to bend back to hook).  She says at her age, who cares.  If she don't, I don't.    Would she be able to wear a sports bra, I think some of them you put on like a buttonless shirt.  Wishing you well.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Purchase her the bras that snap in the front. Stores Women Within online run specials on multiple purchases of bras.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Hi, all : ) I'm looking forward to reading answers to this Q... my mom (on her own, before she became unable to hook a back-hook bra, started using 'sports' bras--pullovers. But after a few years, as it became more difficult to do the over-the-head style, she gave up and stopped wearing at all. There's just no denying an 80 yr. old body, and perhaps it's time for us all to stop thinking of the bra as another nail in the coffin? I'm wondering if it's for 'our own' comfort that we rue the giving up of the bra? She's clean, well fed, and has access (by the grace of god) to good medical care. Just my thoughts, before I start reading others' responses : )
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

DW went bra-less after we could not find anything that fit right.
After she had the fungal infection I started looking for what at one time was called a slumber bra. I could not find one but, I did find the Lamaze bras. They kept her dry, provided some support and she loved them. The cups did not close quite right and Had to make some modifications. Safety pins to close the front a little higher and
a small horizontal elastic band in back to keep the straps on her shoulders.
Not bad for a man.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Switch to under shirts. Camisols
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Instead of wasting money trying to order online - take her to a store that can fit her properly. Call ahead of time and tell them you need front close bra and give size of what she wears now and ask if they have several to consider.

I've played the bra game with my mom for so long now and my stress goes from 0 to explode in a matter of seconds. Just try to get her to understand they won't feel quite the way the old standbys do and to give it a fair try. Once you know size and brand, online becomes easy.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

My granny always wore camisoles instead of bras. Could that be a solution?
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
Davenport Oct 2020
I like the camisole idea--they're nice-looking so give the important sense of pride in appearance. However/but--can your granny put them on by herself? As I said earlier, my mom started struggling with the over-the-head movement.
(1)
Report
Imho, try a simpler company like Blair.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
my2cents Oct 2020
LOL - Blair didn't help me at all. One bra after another. If you don't exchange it (return it only) you have to pay shipping to send it back. I dreaded the days mailman put a new Blair mag in the mail box. Here we go again!!!

Was kind of tickled when I saw this post because it made me realize others are playing the bra game. Never gave it a thought, that this was going on in households all over the world!! I do know, however, my bra game is small compared to bigger issues that other 24/7 caregivers have to deal with each day.
(3)
Report
See 4 more replies
Holy cow, if I make it to 95 there's no bra for me! No way! But yes on the waterproof eyeliner! Or better, my mom got tattoo'd eyeliner a few years ago. Dark teal, with the perfect flick at the end. At 84, her eyes are badass!
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

I bought one here but I got the wrong size. https://www.buckandbuck.com/arthritis-bra.html
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Visit buck and buck.com. They sell adaptive clothing items that are so much easier for the elderly. You can try googling adaptive wear, but buck and buck has nice items available especially for caregivers who assist love ones with dressing.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
Davenport Oct 2020
Wonderful, thank you so much, Love !
(0)
Report
This is no help, just a memory for me. My grandmother was born around 1890. She never wore a bra. She decided she needed to wear one when she went out. We measured her and she bought one. I was driving her to the doctor and I looked at her and realized the entire bra was bunched up on her chest and her boobs were hanging below the bra. I explained that wasn't the way you wear them and when we got home, I would help her again.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
NeedHelpWithMom Oct 2020
My grandma never ever wore one! She just wore a slip. She never wore pants or a bra her entire life!

She owned three dresses that she rotated. When they wore out, mom sewed her three new ones.

She lived very simply and was one of the happiest people that I have ever known.

She loved dots or small floral prints. Every time I see those patterns I think of my grandmother.
(3)
Report
See 1 more reply
That’s me at 95 plus waterproof eyeliner.
I’d suggest that you look beyond the usual lingerie brands and look instead at the yoga / running wear stores. They carry all sorts of open front. Although they are not quite what most of us think of as a “bra”.
The top of the line imho is Lululemons Elite front close, it’s abt $100 but, but, but actually has 2 fully designed and separate cages for your girls, which most other brands do not. Hence the price tag. It’s phenomenal, lots of support in front & to your back as well. It doesn’t compress your tits totally; you still have profile to your breasts. & you can sleep in it comfortably if need be.

There’s also Yvette and Spring Seaon, they are both yoga running wear and carry front closure bras for bigger sizes. Yvette has a double decker one that layers the fabric so it looks more traditional bra. Their prices are less than 1/2 of lululemons. I’ve had my Elite 3 yrs and she’s still good, while the Yvette ones have been replaced. The less expensive ones do compress more ime.

For more bra type, look at Glamorize, theirs have front side hook & eye & slide in synchers. I’ve never bought from them, but it’s very old school bra design. At 95 she might not be ok for switching to active wear type of design on her bra.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

My mother is also 95. We don't worry about her wearing a bra. If we go out, maybe put a bra on, but while relaxing at home-no bra.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

Bra cups can’t be expected to fit an elderly woman properly. Get a Bali front closure from Amazon and let her get used to it.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
Davenport Oct 2020
Or to reframe "buy a front closure and see if she can get used to it." As I learned as a caregiver, I have no right to expect for my own comfort that my mom will or should 'just get used to' anything; hopefully, naturally, she will. But it's my role and job right now to accept and adapt to my mom's unique experience with this phase of her life, and respect her long life, even though it may be inconvenient or frustrating for me; that's what I dare hope for myself 25 yrs. from now. Us caregivers know this sh** ain't for cissies : )
(1)
Report
Why does she have to wear a bra?
Why not just a camisole with soft bra built into it or tank top unde her blouseor shirts.
Im 77 and that what I do..and no one seems to know the difference...why
Force a 95 year old to do ...but what she wants...
Helpful Answer (6)
Report
Suetillman Oct 2020
Excellent idea. The camisole with the bra or just a camisole is the best solution. I’m 65 and wear them too because a bra is just uncomfortable.
(5)
Report
See 1 more reply
Try a bra that fastens in the front.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

https://www.leonisa.com/en/
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

No need to wear bra lo!
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter