I know a little bit about lingerie shopping for older breasts. I've stuffed and crammed my boobs into every bra size and style imaginable over the past 40+ years. But my single biggest challenge (including dressing unpredictable, lactating breasts) has been finding bras to fit and flatter my over 50 figure.

It's not easy to shop for bras when you are of a more mature age. Store mannequins look like teenagers, and the sales personnel are half my age. When I buy online I'm faced with a similar dilemma. The models' firm bodies don't appear to have my fit issues. There's no crinkly cleavage, loose skin, or softer flesh in sight. And then I see the matching panties; often just a sliver of string up the behind. It's hard to imagine how these lovely lingerie sets will look on my fab 50 plus figure.

I don't long for a more youthful figure, either. I'm happy with my body. But I don't see why I have to give up on wearing pretty, feminine underthings because I aged out of the intimate apparel industry's target market. An I'm more determined than ever to find for styles that offer me the best comfort and fashion.

These 12 fabulous styles are either (a) my personal favorites; (b) earned great reviews from others in my age group; or (c) address problems unique to older breasts. Some are made to do the heavy lifting, others offer narrow set straps for sloping shoulders, or have U-shaped backs that help reduce back fat. Despite being modeled by young things, they are all stylish and appropriate for uber young grandmothers. (And no worries. I've got your butt covered too. At the end of this post, I feature a few complimentary panty styles.)

The Empreinte brand gives you your money's worth when it comes to support, fit, and fashion. It's a favorite of bra fitting expert extraordinaire, Jenette Goldstein of Jenette Bras:

My favorite for une femme d’un certain age is the Empreinte Melody convertible plunge. Great for wide-set breasts AND sloping shoulders (the biggest problem with age imo) and plunges without giving (creased) cleavage. And so chic! It has two positions on the band, one at ‘normal’ width and the other closer set. It can be criss-crossed and haltered as well. Does not do your dishes.

 

Empreinte Melody Seamless Triangle Bra

Fits Band Sizes 30-40, Cups C-F

via HerRoom

 

Here are two other styles that lift and separate, without sacrificing style. My only complaint about this brand is their lack of style options when it comes to my wise and wonderful behind. (I have no regrets about aging out of thong underwear.)

 

 

 

Empreinte Kala Seamless Bra

Fits Band Sizes 30-38, Cups D-G

via Bare Necessities

 

 

Empreinte Mary Demi Bra

Fits Band Sizes 30-38, Cups D-G

via Bare Necessities

 

Prima Donna bras make my breasts happy for three reasons. First, their 3-part cup construction never lets me down; padded, shorter wires don't dig into my armpits, and stretch microfiber lace adjusts to my two differently shaped and sized breasts. What more could I want?

 

 

 

Prima Donna Deauville Bra

Fits Band Sizes 30-44, Cups C-E

Available in 3 colors

via Bare Necessities

 

 

Prima Donna Madison Bra

Fits Band Sizes 32-40, Cups D-E

Available in 4 colors

via Bare Necessities

 

The Chantelle Rive Gauche is available in multiple fun colors, offered in a t-shirt and lace style, and comes with lovely and practical bikini panties.

 

 

 

Chantelle Rive Gauche T-Shirt Bra

Fits Band Sizes 32-38, Cups B-F

Available in 6 colors

via Bare Necessities

 

 

 

 

Chantelle Rive Gauche Lace Bra

Fits Band sizes 32-44, Cups C-H

Available in 7 colors

via Bare Necessities

 

This Simone Perle vertical seamed demi (but still full) cup lifts my shallower wide-set breasts and brings them forward, where they belong. The arched center panel, like those on the above, helps with my higher tummy issues.

 

 

Simone Perele Revelation Demi Full Cup Bra

Fits Band Sizes 30-42, Cups D-G

via HerRoom

 

If your tastes run to vintage elegance, you'll want to check out Dita Von Teese's new line of lingerie. Not all styles are suitable for the over 50 figure, but there are plenty of demi bras that work for less full-on-top breasts. Retro high-waisted lace paneled panties are also perfect to cover extra bum and tummy needs.

 

 

Dita Von Teese Star Lift Full Figure Bra

Fits Band Sizes 38-44, Cups C-DD

Available in 3 colors

 via Bare Necessities

 

 

Dita Von Teese Star Lift Balconette Bra

Fits Band Sizes 32-36, Cups A-E

Available in 3 colors

via Bare Necessities

Tired of wires digging into your skin? Then wire free bras are the answer to your problems. These two from Wacoal prove that ditching the underwire doesn't mean you have to lose your fashion style.

 

 

b.tempt'd by Wacoal Full Bloom Wireless Bra

Fits Band Sizes 32-38, Cups A-D

via Nordstrom

 

 

Wacoal Wire-Free Contour Bra

Fits Band Sizes 30-38, B-DDD

via Nordstrom

Vintage inspired lingerie means the return of the high-waisted panty. But these are definitely not your granny's panties! Look for smooth, laser cut edges or stretch lace for greater fit and wear flexibility. Lots of brands still make colorful, flattering bikinis that are cut for comfort and coverage.

Wacoal B-Smooth Hi Cut Brief

Fits Sizes S-XXL

Available in 7 colors

via Bare Necessities

 

 

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Retro V-kini

Fits Sizes S-XL

Available in 7 colors

via Bare Necessities

 

 

Hanky Pank Signature Lace V-kini

Fits Sizes S-XL

Available in 8 colors

via Bare Necessities

 

Have you tried any of these bra or panty styles for over 50 figures? Are there any you would add or recommend? What are your biggest age-related bra and underwear buying challenges?