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drmeow

(5,414 posts)

36. Why are they so expensive

Sat Dec 28, 2024, 10:48 PM

Dec 28

I've sewn quite a bit in my day - I've never tried to make a bra. Making a fancier bra (underwire, seamless, that doesn't show through your clothes) at home and getting it to fit well, right, and be supportive seems like it would be a lot of work. I don't know of any patterns for bras (although there used to be). However, once you got it right, making the additional ones probably would not be that hard. But that would only be one style. It is not something I'd want to try as a realistic practical way of supplying myself with bras. It might be interesting as a "I wonder if I could do this?" exercise.

That being said, what makes them so expensive is simply that companies can get away with making them so expensive.

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DU women: why are bras so expensive? $80 for my old favorite Mary of Sweden bras! [View all] CTyankee Dec 27 OP

Depends on what you are looking for in terms of style, features, fit... hlthe2b Dec 27 #1

I require a D cup so that is a bit more fabric, I guess. I just want a smooth look under clothes. I wear size 18 now. CTyankee Dec 27 #3

True. More supportive styles are more costly, I've found as well... hlthe2b Dec 27 #5

Women's clothes are always more expensive than men's. Ocelot II Dec 27 #2

You are singing my song, ladies. I have often wondered Polly Hennessey Dec 27 #7

Not to mention a bit uncomfortable if you're running braless. wnylib Dec 28 #25

Not only expensive, but most are made from fossil fuels. pandr32 Dec 27 #4

I know! When Macys offers a sale on "lingerie", no_hypocrisy Dec 27 #6

Try Kohls - they have great sales SheltieLover Dec 27 #8

I buy my bras at Aldi NJCher Dec 27 #9

We don't have Aldi stores out here... I thought they were grocery stores... hlthe2b Dec 27 #10

They are mostly a grocery store, but they do have a couple of aisles of... 3catwoman3 Dec 27 #13

I had no idea Aldi carries bras. Do they usually, or is it... 3catwoman3 Dec 27 #11

yes NJCher Dec 27 #15

I make mine from kale and asparagus. milestogo Dec 27 #21

Slightly off topic, but your post reminds me... 3catwoman3 Dec 28 #27

Yeah I saw that being discussed on Facebook by some young mothers milestogo Dec 28 #31

Non-female contributor here. Sticking my neck out... True Dough Dec 27 #12

This message was self-deleted by its author Nanuke Dec 27 #14

Women's underwear is insanely expensive. Diamond_Dog Dec 27 #16

I've never bought briefs at Walmart, but I have bought bras for my wife at Victoria Secret. They weren't dem4decades Dec 28 #29

It's about the same price for women. Basic cotton bikinis. LeftInTX Dec 30 #40

For years, I used to buy a Bali minimizer bra SharonClark Dec 27 #17

Those were my fave! I was so bummed when they phased out! It's so difficult to find Clouds Passing Dec 27 #19

I never heard of Mary of Sweden bras so I googled it. SharonClark Dec 27 #18

The price isn't important. Aristus Dec 27 #20

Mine are precious. Really. CTyankee Dec 27 #22

... Aristus Dec 27 #23

Well, that's so corny I had to laugh! Never saw that one before... CTyankee Dec 27 #24

Good news for Men! Jock straps & cups are still low priced!! Jacson6 Dec 28 #26

You have a nerve to complain,... magicarpet Dec 28 #28

No underwire for me after I had breast cancer KansasFreeState Dec 28 #30

I'm so sorry that you have endured breast cancer. I hope you are recovering and you have a good prognosis going forward. CTyankee Dec 28 #33

Costco has cheap bras (no underwire) and they're cute. fierywoman Dec 28 #32

I wish I could find one near me. That would help a lot! CTyankee Dec 28 #34

The same reason everything is expensive now. Groundhawg Dec 28 #35

Why are they so expensive drmeow Dec 28 #36

Thanks, that's helpful. Actually, I can get quite a bit of wear from my bras since I am retired and not too active... CTyankee Dec 29 #37

Because there are a whole lot of sizes of bras, and they sell at different velocities jmowreader Dec 30 #38

I've discovered that bra's are expensive due to several reasons Niagara Dec 30 #39

That seems about right for a good bra. I tend to buy a few dollars cheaper, but I buy mine at Walmart or Target. LeftInTX Dec 30 #41