I love fashion. I work in fashion. But there is something about lingerie fashion that leaves me in awe. I think it's because lingerie design is relatively new in the fashion world, compared to outerwear. 60 years ago, there were iconic fashion styles when it came to women's clothing. But lingerie? I daresay the only fashion trend for lingerie was the shape of the bust.
But now, we live in a time where the lingerie market is bigger and better, and ever-growing (hopefully it also grows cup-wise). As someone with a bust that was probably a 30F when I was 14 (I wore a 32DD) and grew into a 32GG/H while I was still in my teens, I used to think there was nothing out there past an E cup for me except "old lady bras" - conservative white/beige/blacks with a full cup and pointy shape. But now, at 25, I find lingerie shopping a treat. Granted, it's mostly done online, but I love it all the same and I can't wait for the new season to be released.
I've long been a fan of luxury lingerie. I love that something that is a necessity can also be what I consider a piece of art, and I can't wait for the larger-cup market to grow even bigger. Below I have posted and linked to several lingerie pieces I have fallen for (but have been sized out of). Why post bras that I can't wear, you may ask? Because you might be able to wear them, and even if you can't, designers won't make larger cups unless they feel they have the demand.
Pleasure State is one of my favourite growing brands. I used to wear their 34DD when I was 19/20. They now go up to a G cup in one of their collections and although the prices are steep, they are a great investment and lovely company to deal with. Last year, I sent an email about their bra fitting calculator (which was wrong), and the HR dept contacted me wishing to speak on the phone - what ensued was a really lovely hour-long chat about bras and fitting and their offer to send me a free bra for more feedback. I was also made aware by the company that larger cups are in the works! HOORAY!
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| Couture Liquid Rose Balconnet bra |
Unfortunately, this bra doesn't even go beyond a DD cup and only between a 32 and 36 band. It's a shame that such a lovely bra has such limited sizing.
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| VIP Deco Fan Underwire Bra |
This one has a better size range, with 30-38 band sizes and DD-G cups. Sometimes I can get away with a 34G on the tightest hook (I may have to invest in a rixie clip...), but I'm 99% sure the edge of the cups would cut into my boobs.
New Made by Niki:
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| Membranes Plunge Bra |
This one may look odd, but once there's boobs in this bra, I think it looks quite stunning. I like the juxtaposition of the feminine soft silk tulle and the buckles on the straps. I'm not as bothered that this bra doesn't come in my size, as I'm not really sure the tulle would add too much volume to work with bigger busts, but I think it is beautiful nonetheless.
Beaujaus. OH, BEAUJAIS. Please, just one more cup size! I understand that lace cups can only support so many cubic centimetres, but really - we are not looking for cleavage up to our chin nor enough support for a full day at work. As a bedroom piece, I wouldn't mind if it gave me a more relaxed, rounded shape, so please, please bring this out in larger cup sizes, even if the lace has to be reinforced...
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| Sweet Nothings balconnette bra in Teal |
This bra comes in a few other colours and is just absolutely stunning. It is available in these sizes: 28DD-H, 30D-GG, 32D-GG, 34D-G and 36D-FF. It offers a better size range than Pleasure State, but it still excludes anyone with more breast volume than a 32GG/34G/36FF (all sister sizes).
Oh, Gossard. I have been lusting after you for so long, but
you only go up to a G.
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| Gossard Ooh La La Corselette |
Size range: 30-38 bands, A-G cups.
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| Parfait by Affinitas Charlotte underwired padded bra |
For this bra, the size ranges from 30-40 bands D-G cups.
I adore the simple, classic styling of the Charlotte contour bra. It's pretty, also a bit sexy... but I would still wear this to work.
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| Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless |
Size range currently available: 32-38 bands, A-G cups.
Probably the most practical bra in this whole post. No matter what size I've been, I've always found that I haven't had the right support in a strapless bra, and I think it's because it needs to be akin to a longline bra to get the right stability. I think this bra is a fantastic and innovative piece - instead of padded or boned cups, it gets it shape and support from concealed polycarbonate hand-shaped structures within each cup. Brilliant.
Hopefully, with the success of this style, Wonderbra will incorporate smaller bands and larger cups.
My sister has ordered a 32F in this, so I eagerly await to hear what she thinks.
JM.x