Please help

Megan0164

Ok heres the situation. I am going to be a bridesmaid on sept 12th and the dress is strapless. I bought a spandex bra that has pockets. Thought it was gonna work but I'm too scared that it's gonna slip down. Has anyone tried the TLC reusable self adhesive silicone support strips? My other idea was to go buy a corset and sew in my forms with elastic bands. 

Lindaip

When I had a prothesis, I wanted to wear a swimsuit so I took a bra that fit well and sewed in a prothesis that I had purchased from TLC. It was stitched around the edges. The suit was a tankini and covered the bra well.

mthomp2020

That's sounds pretty tricky.  If you had a single mastectomy, then you'd at least have one breast to help keep the dress and bra up, but not sure how well that works when you've had a bi-lat.  The support strips would probably not be strong enough to hold a form, bra and a dress up.  They still recommend using a bra with them, it just allows you to use any unpocketed bra. 

The corset idea might not be a bad one, as it won't be prone to sliding down, since your waistline will hold it up in place.  Also, you could see if the bride would mind if you wore a stole to help conceal any issues.  If the dresses were ordered before you knew you were having a mastectomy, then she should be willing to be flexible with your gown. 

Good luck!  Hopefully someone else will pipe in with some ideas for you. 

LizFL

I wonder if it would be possible to have the bra you purchased sewn into the dress...like they are sewn into camisole tops?  As long as the dress fit well, I would think it would stay up.  Just an idea, don't really know if it would work as I guess a lot would depend on the style of the dress. 

Liz 

bennetts1

American Breast Cares has a strapless bra now.  Style 112...Maybe you can find a dealer that sells their bras!  Good luck!

Megan0164

Thanks Ladies for all your suggestions. I only 6 days left to figure this out. I am a very bad procrastinator! I tried on some strapless swimming suits that had inserts for pads the other day (not for ladies with mastectomies) and that wasn't working cause the pocket isn't big enough for my inserts. Did not look pretty. The dress also goes down to mid back so I don't think the ABC strapless bra would work. A friend and I are gonna get together tomorrow and try to figure out something. I might end up with duct tape around my chest to keep them where they are supposed to be. Told the bride I did not want to be a bridesmaid and now I'm wishing I would of stuck with it. Didn't want to hurt her feelings but still upset that they picked out strapless dress when they know my situation. Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself. Thanks for listening.. I'll try to get around to posting pics when I get it figured out.

Erica3681

Would you consider buying smaller, non-silicone inserts for the occasion? Maybe they could work with the strapless swimsuit, though with only six days left, it might be hard to find ones that would work just right.

Also, here's a link to a couple of bandeau bras. They might be worth a try, but I'm not sure you could get them soon enough--http://www.womanspersonalhealth.com/categories/364/1/Bandeau-Bras.htm

Edited to add: that does seem inconsiderate to choose a strapless design knowing your situation. I've seen weddings where everyone uses the same material for their dress but each woman wears a style that flatters them, some strapless, some not. Could you get a little extra dress material and have a seamstress fashion straps for you? I know you might feel a little self-conscious as the only woman with that style, but it might be better than worrying all night that your forms are going to fall out or drag the dress down. 

starzhere

I REALLY like Erica's idea.  You could surely find something that would make nice straps, so you could wear a bra, or how about a little shrug.

I don't think you're feeling sorry for yourself.  You're doing your best to solve a problem.

Good Luck!

~elaine~

mthomp2020

That was VERY inconsiderate for them to pick out strapless gowns knowing your situation.  What in the world was she/they thinking?  Sorry, I just had to say it!

Another thought - if the bride would go for it - would to be to make some sort of halter strap that could be attached to the center of the dress front or to either side and go around the neck to help hold it up.  You would make it with some sturdy cord with glass pearls strung on it.  It would depend on how the top of the dress is cut.  It could look quite pretty.

Megan0164

Well down to 2 days before the wedding. Excellent ideas, I wish I would of asked you all for help earlier. I did purchase 1 of the bandeau bras Erica suggested but my inserts are to heavy so gonna have to look into purchasing the light weight ones for future occasions (NEVER agreeing to be a bridesmaid again tho). Thanks Erica for the link. mthomp2020 - I'm 1 of 6 bridesmaids and don't want to be singled out, but you do have some great ideas + Thanks for supporting me. The bride and the rest of the bridesmaid were there for me when I was going thru it all, but now that it's been 2 yrs they seem to think I'm over it or should be over it by now. Well as only the ones that have experienced it know, it's not a forgetable experience. Think maybe I need to visit this site waay more often. Love the feeling knowing I'm not alone. Thanks again for all your suggestions.