Weaning is done, nursing bras are out, problem solved? It would be nice. I’m in this exact gap right now: I no longer need the breastfeeding function, but my old bras don’t fit reliably and my body isn’t back to where it used to be. Now please put on an outfit every morning and look like I have everything under control.
If there’s nothing underneath, nothing on top feels good. Not even the perfect blazer. That’s why beautiful, well-fitting underwear is so important.
So you don’t go through the same bra frustration marathon as me, here’s my transition plan. By the way: I deliberately looked for models that looked more like normal lingerie and not like breastfeeding. Among other things on the Website chantelle.comsimply because I want things that fit well, look nice and work with my outfits.
The fashion blog on andysparkles
Why suddenly nothing works anymore after weaning
The breasts can change quite a bit after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Size, firmness, shape, everything can be different than before, and that varies completely from person to person. That’s exactly why you’ll find so many testimonials online where some end up back at their old size and others don’t. I’m currently still a long way from my old size.
What this means in practice: You can’t assume that you can just slip back into your old bras and be fine. This is a kind of transitional period now. Just like with clothing for the transition.
The transition bra: What really matters now
I made a little checklist because I was tired of my bras being either too big or too small:
1) Support comes from the underbust band, not the straps
If the porters do all the work, everything will hurt by the afternoon at the latest. A good underbust band is worth its weight in gold, especially in this phase.
2) Material that participates
Your body is not the same every day. A little flex is good. But too thin isn’t ideal either because it’s just comfortable but doesn’t shape anything.
3) Cups in which you can also move easily
The breast may be softer, especially after breastfeeding. Rigid cups can then sit strangely. Models that adapt are often more grateful.
Bra after weaning? These guys make sense now
I keep it simple because otherwise everything will end up in a drawer.
1) Soft bra or bralette for everyday life and anything that needs to be comfortable
This is the most important transition type for me. It brings comfort and that’s why I wear a model like this almost every day. Pay attention to:
- wider underbust band
- enough material and structure
- Straps that don’t cut in
2) T-shirt bra for under shirts, blouses and thinner fabrics
If you often wear knits, shirts, or tighter tops, you want a sleek silhouette. A model that doesn’t show under clothing and doesn’t slip usually wins here.
3) Underwire bra, but only if it really fits
Underwire is not automatically uncomfortable. Poorly fitting underwire is uncomfortable. If you need more support, this can still make sense in transition. Only if it sits really comfortably, otherwise it won’t help.
Finding new bra sizes without making science out of it
You don’t have to write a doctoral thesis. But re-measuring once can save you a lot of money.
This is how I do it:
- Measure underbust tightly
- Measure your chest circumference loosely at the widest point
- If you are unsure, do it on two days (at different times).
Many guides emphasize that sizes vary from person to person and can change after breastfeeding. This is exactly why I wouldn’t buy five new bras right away.
My plan for myself right now is:
- Two bras that now fit
- A third as a nice bonus if I find something that feels really good
- More later when it seems more stable
How to build outfits when you’re not feeling like you used to
I don’t feel like stressing myself out. That’s why I’m not paying attention to losing weight as quickly as possible so that I can fit back into my old clothes. Instead, I buy a few new things and see how I can combine them with my old wardrobe.
The truth is, you can transition really well if you choose outfits that don’t require your body to prove itself. You need cuts that carry you, not the other way around.
Outfit formula 1: Blazer plus simple top plus jeans or trousers
That always works. In winter, wear a warmer shirt underneath instead of a top or take a wool blazer.
This is what makes it particularly good:
- Blazer more structured, not too soft
- Top or shirt with slightly firmer fabric
- Jeans straight or wide, depending on what you currently like
Outfit formula 2: Knitwear plus flowing skirt or wide trousers
Knitwear is nice, but it can be unforgiving if nothing sits underneath. That’s why the T-shirt bra or a smooth model is your best friend here.
In addition:
- Slip skirt or wide trousers
- Boots or sneakers
- Coat over it
Outfit Formula 3: Dress plus layering
Dresses are great for transitioning because they don’t pinch in one place. And you can style them in different ways:
- with cardigan and belt
- with a blazer over it
- with denim jacket and boots
Here you often need less structure underneath than with tight tops, which makes the transition easier.
Transition is not an intermediate state that has to go away quickly
You are not obliged to look the same again so that you can dress well. The trick is to build yourself a setup that works now: two bras that fit, a few outfit formulas that carry you, and the rest comes gradually.
What was it like for you after weaning? What helped you: transition bra, bralette or straight back underwire?