Okay, so I really needed a new sports bra, like, seriously needed one. My old ones were just done, you know? Flattened, stretched out, zero support left. Especially for my size, I gotta have that proper underwire and full coverage or it’s just a hot mess during workouts. Wacoal popped into my head ’cause I remembered they’re supposed to be good for bigger cups and actual support.
Getting Frustrated Looking Online
First thing, I hit up Google. Typed in “Wacoal women’s sport full figure underwire bra.” Boom, tons of results. But man, it got overwhelming fast. Big department store sites popped up, random bra specialty shops I’d never heard of, and of course, the brand’s own site. Prices were all over the dang place too.
My main worries? Getting the right size and making sure it wasn’t some knockoff. You drop decent cash on a bra like this, you don’t want it falling apart after two washes. Spent a good hour clicking around, comparing prices, checking sizing charts. Lots had my size, but weird shipping costs or bad return policies made me nervous.
Key things I learned searching:
- Brand site is safest, but pricey: They had the full range, colors, sizes. Guaranteed legit, but rarely the cheapest. Sales sometimes happen.
- Department stores are okay for basics: Places like Macy’s or Nordstrom online usually have some stock. Easier returns in-store if you got one nearby.
- Bra specialty sites exist: Found a couple dedicated lingerie sellers with deep stock. Felt sketchier though – checked reviews hard before considering.
- Marketplaces are risky: Found it way cheaper on some marketplace sites but nah. Too many horror stories about fakes or wrong items shipped.
Getting Fed Up and Trying In-Person
After the online confusion, I got fed up staring at screens. Grabbed my keys and hit actual stores near me. Figured I could try things on and end this madness.
Started at Nordstrom – they usually have a good bra section. Lo and behold, they actually had the darn thing! Sales lady measured me real quick just to confirm my usual size. Tried on the Wacoal Sport Full Figure with underwire in a few sizes near mine. The medium band/large cup combo felt weirdly tight first time on, but she told me to bend over, adjust myself in – that trick worked! Support was unreal. Zero bounce. Tried jumping jacks in the fitting room. Totally locked in. Price tag hurt though.
Checked Macy’s down the road too. Their stock was thinner. Had the bra but only in boring nude, no black. Passed. Hit a local lingerie boutique – super helpful, knew their stuff, but priced even higher than Nordstrom. Ouch.
Finally Pulling the Trigger
I knew it after trying it on at Nordstrom – this was the one. But that price… Went back home. Checked Nordstrom online again. Exact same price as store. No sale. Grumbled a bit. BUT! Remembered my old Nordy card got points or something. Dug it out. Logged in. Yeah, had a few bucks in notes! Plus, free shipping and free returns sealed it. Ordered the black one in the size I knew fit. Done.
Tips If You’re Hunting This Bra Down
Okay, after my little quest, here’s what I’d slap someone upside the head with if they’re looking:
- Try in-store FIRST if you can: Seriously. Sizing with sports bras, especially full figure underwire, is weird. What you think fits might not. Jump around in that fitting room.
- Buy from somewhere with hassle-free returns: This is non-negotiable online. Make sure you can send it back easily if the size is off.
- Stick to places you know: Brand site, major department stores, legit specialty stores. Don’t gamble on a no-name site just to save $10.
- Expect to pay more: Quality ain’t cheap. This bra costs, but wow, the support difference is wild.
- Check for sales/loyalty points: Might not get a huge discount, but every little bit helps on something pricey like this.