Author: Harriet
Blog: Where is Harriet?
Date: 3 April
While not exactly huge, I have always been on the larger side in the bust department, which combined with a smaller back has meant that finding nice bras that fit well is always tricky. Whatever cup size you are though, gorgeous underwear is a necessity and a right, and certainly not just for those who can afford Agent Provocateur (although if you can, their stuff is gorgeous!).
.Go to somewhere like Primark and buy yourself half a dozen of the frilliest, cutest knickers you can see! With everything between 98p and £2 you can't really go wrong!
.If you love to wear matching underwear but can't afford to splash out on the ridiculously overpriced knickers which match your bra, take the bra along with you and find a multipack of knickers in a coordinating colour. They're usually more comfy too!
.On the highstreet M&S' Ceriso range is wonderful – very reasonably priced and exactly the sort of slightly gaudy beauty I like in my underwear! La Senza woke up to the larger lady's needs a few years ago too, and a lot of their ranges are now available in DD+.
.If you're bust isn't as generously proportioned you often have a lot more options, my B and C cup friends swear by H&M, Primark and pretty much every women's highstreet store has a friendly priced underwear range.
.If there's never anything nice in your size try buying your bras online. This post was inspired by my latest order from brastop.com, which sells off excess stock in primarily larger sizes, but has some smaller choices too. And the delivery was really fast. Only downside is if you want to return anything you do have to pay postage.
.When you are ordering online get yourself to a shop first and get measured for goodness sake! Don't forget that all bras fit slightly differently even if they are the same size so send it back if it doesn't fit right – it's not a bargain (or bra-gain! Oh dear…) if you never wear it.
.Take care of the undies you do have. The thought of hand washing anything makes me quake with fear, but if you have a delicates setting on your washing machine use it! Or buy one of those zip-up string bags which you can put your delicates in to stop them getting caught up with everything else.
.Non-bio washing detergent is better if you have sensitive skin.
.Just because you're looking for something practical doesn't mean it can't be pretty too. Even if your breasts are on the larger side you can get a moulded cup which is slightly padded to protect against accidental nippleage (well it's better than a boring T-shirt bra, isn't it?).
.A slip is a great addition to any wardrobe, although often quite a granny-esque thing to try and buy (definitely not chic!). One option is to go vintage, and keep an eye out in charity shops for something pretty. Alternatively look for a long oversized strap top (I have one I got free with a magazine) or thin dress you can layer under see-through clothes or wear alone when it's hot.
.If you're prepared to spend a bit my favourite shop ever (If I had the money I would shop almost exclusively here, I swear) All Saints has some cute multicoloured slips for around £30 like this, this and this.
.I haven't actually tried this website, but a quick google pulled up glamorousbrastraps.co.uk which if the idea of a strapless bra isn't quite for you is an excellent alternative to a dull bra strap showing under a top or dress.
*eLLa*