When people find out what I do, they have one question: “Where can I buy bras?”
People ask this independent of venue, appropriateness, timing or awkwardness. I’ve had my mother’s friends ask me where to find sexy lingerie while sitting on my childhood sofa and had others talk to me about nipple coverage in elegant restaurants. I’ve been asked this by total strangers who I have known for less than 60 seconds. What it boils down to is that only a tiny subset of people know where to buy bras that they want to own.
Today, I’m culling my list of general responses into an actual blog post. Covering everything full-busted and full-figured will hopefully give you enough to find the bra of your dreams---without asking me awkward questions before I’ve had my coffee.
Best Budget Options
Figleaves:
No one talks about Figleaves, but we should all be talking about their house brands and their clearance sales. Figleaves have expanded their house brands dramatically and now make everything from mermaid/showgirl inspired bras to good solid basics. They are inexpensive, come in a huge range of sizes and make a great starting point if you want to try a new size or shape.
Antoinette B-G Cup Balcony Bra Available in 3 Colors Fitting Bands 30-38, Cups B-G via Figleaves Figleaves Curve Floral Tattoo Balcony Bra Available in 2 Colors Fitting Bands 36-46, Cups B-G via Figleaves Figleaves Curve The Wave Balcony Bra Available in 2 Colors Fitting Bands 36-46, Cups B-E via FigleavesBrastop:
Brastop carries past season colorways from Curvy Kate and the other big UK-based brands. But they are also starting to stock more Polish bra brands. They're a great place to try something new for cheap or just restock on your favorites in different colors.
Kris Line Cleopatra Padded Balconette Bra Available in Bands 32-46, Cups E-J via BrastopZulily:
Zulily is a flash sale site, but they frequently feature big brands like Panache, Fantasie, and Elomi. They also have lots of Polish bra flash sales, if that’s your thing. If you are after a certain brand, you can sign up for an alert, and the site will notify you the night before the sale opens.
Best Mid-Price Options:
Bravissimo:
Bravissimo has been around forever in the UK, but their US website launch means that we can all take advantage of their offerings with easy shipping and returns. Try their house brand half cup bras and the Satine bra if you are into plunges.
Etta Longline Plunge Bra Available in Bands 28-38, Cups D-J via Bravissimo Bryony Half-Cup Bra in Pale Pink Available in Bands 28-38, Cups D-J via Bravissimo Keira Half-Cup Bra Available in Bands 28-38, Cups DD-H via BravissimoPlayful Promises:
Playful Promises has expanded their range massively in the past year or so, launching both a full-bust and plus-size range. Their pieces are vintage influenced and fashion forward, which makes them somewhat unique in this sector of the lingerie market.
Peak & Beau - Major Velvet Full Bust Tassle Bra Available in Bands 32-36, Cups DD-G via Playful Promises Juliet Red Harness Curve Bra Available in Bands 38-42, Cups B-G via Playful Promises Emerald Strappy Curve Bra Available in Bands 38-42, Cups B-G via Playful PromisesLuxury Options
This category is the smallest on this list, which is a shame! I’d love to see more companies tackling luxury lingerie for larger sizes and curvier bodies, as well as more indie luxury companies jumping into the market. For now, these are the ones that are worth the (potentially) big bucks.
Harlow & Fox:
Pretty much any article like this features Harlow & Fox because they’re one of the few companies operating exclusively in this space. Luckily, they also make great lingerie! Prices are commensurate with quality and workmanship, but if I ever win the lottery, they will be my first stop. I’m a particular fan of their robes, which are both unusual and beautiful.
Octavia Bra Available in Bands 30-38, UK Cups DD-G via Harlow & Fox Eleanor Lilac Full Cup Bra Available in Bands 28-38, Cups DD-GG via Harlow & FoxAdina Reay:
These bras are luxurious and modern but still have a classic feel. Their collections contain both bridal and fashion bras in a range of vibrant colors and fabrics, which compete well with better known French brands when it comes to beauty and support. I just wish they had a wider size range!
Fran Orchid Balcony Bra Available in Bands 28-36, Cups DD-G via Adina Reay Pen Ocean Balcony Bra Available in Bands 28-36, Cups DD-G via Adina ReayScantilly:
Scantilly is technically somewhere in between luxury and mid-priced, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook them. Their pieces are racy, well made and feel way more expensive than they are. I know a lot of people who have fallen in love with this brand and wear them under low-cut dresses just to show them off.
Scantilly Unleash Black Half-Cup Bra Available in Bands 30-38, Cups DD-HH via Curvy Kate
Where do you buy bras? Do you shop online or in person? Do you have a hard time finding ones in your size?