I’ve long suspected that I could probably do with upping my underwear game and several articles I’ve read recently only confirmed what I was already thinking.
One was called something like every type of bra you should own and listed ten different types of bra. The ten essentials, at least according to the article, are balconette, bandeau, bralet, contour, longline, plunge, push-up, t-shirt, sports and strapless. I think it’s safe to assume that the writer of the article didn’t imagine you only had one of each type either.
Obviously at this point, despite taking articles like these with a massive pinch of salt, I mentally totted up the bras I do own. I fell short. Very short. Turns out I have a total of 12 bras, which is more than I thought but when you consider that over half of them are sports bras is probably not quite normal (but then I do spend an awful lot of time doing sport and, consequently, wearing sports bras, and yes, if I start the day with a gentle yoga class, I’ll often wear a sports bra for the rest of the day).
Broken down my bra count is: one brightly-coloured bralet; one contouring bra; two pretty push-ups (one black, one white); one more, um, sexy push-up (half of a set), and seven sports bras. The only reason I own the contouring bra (see the Triumph Contouring Sensation Magic Wire bra above) is that I went to the launch and was lucky enough to be gifted one, after being measured to ensure it was the perfect fit. It does create a very nice shape. The sports bras range from an ultra-light-hold glittery yoga bra to a strap-em-down-they-aren’t-going-anywhere heavy-duty bra for running. The rest are somewhere in between.
The article didn’t mention knickers but I’m guessing that my mismatched collection from various high street shops wouldn’t pass muster either. Btw am I the only person who can’t stand the word panties? Just. No.
The funny thing is that I do like nice underwear, but it feels like a very indulgent (not to mention expensive) purchase and I can always think of something else I need more. However, I think it’s time to take a more thoughtful approach to buying underwear. While I’m not about to chuck out the entire contents of my underwear drawer and start again, I would like to start building something approaching a capsule underwear drawer, so that I always have the style and colour I need to work with whatever I’m wearing on top. A few pretty sets would be nice too.
The only thing is, not having bought anything except sports bras for some time, I’m not sure where to start. I need help! Where are your favourite places to shop for underwear? Should I have one big buying session or build my underwear drawer slowly and treat myself to a pretty set come pay day for the next couple of months? Ooh, and on that note when you buy a set, how many pairs of matching knickers do you tend to buy per bra? What are your underwear essentials? Anyone else got an underwear drawer that’s as skewed towards sportswear (or any other type of bra) as me? Do share below!
I know the feeling! Have recently had a good look at my bras and invested (yes, it feels expensive buying things that aren’t on show all the time!) in some new ones. John Lewis have a good range of brands, but I’ve picked up these from good old M&S in both colour ways as I love them (and I rarely find comfortable, good looking bras at a good price (these work out at £9 each):
http://www.marksandspencer.com/2-pair-pack-large-spotted-mesh-non-padded-balcony-bras-a-dd/p/p22354337
They also do this style in a larger fit:
http://www.marksandspencer.com/2-pair-pack-large-spotted-non-padded-balcony-bras-dd-gg/p/p22354339
And no, my knickers never match my bras! I prefer 100% cotton knickers rather than fancy things.
Wow, those M&S bras are a blimmin’ bargain Caroline! I especially love the lime and black pack, partial as I am to a brightly coloured bra. I think perhaps I need to hit Westfield first thing one weekday morning and have a good old trying on session!
I just recently bought those bras!! I got the sensible colours and then the lime green one!! They are soo comfy and give a lovely shape!
M&S Autograph range have some lovely bras too (a bit pricier but lovely) especially the Rosie range.
I also quite like H&Ms non padded wired bras, they are lace but soft and look lovely I have a burgundy one and a neon pink one!
Pants wise I’ve recently discovered Who Made Your Pants who make pants from ends of lines of lingerie fabric (i.e last seasons fabric.), they are made in southampton and most of the employees are women who otherwise wouldn’t be able to work. they are pretty and I feel good buying ‘ethical’ pants!!
Off to check out Who Made Your Pants now @Vicky!
Glad you also like the M&S bras 🙂 they sometimes do really nice in som, and yes,the autograph range sometimes do come up trumps with a great range.
I have seen a few of those articles too! I skew basically the opposite way to you – I have about 25 or so sets of very lovely (and expensive!) but rather impractical underwear (usually buy two pants per bra). And then for my usual everyday I have 2 black bras, one white, and a whole host of black and white M&S pants! Though actually their brazilian cut are so comfy and flattering, it’s no wonder I don’t wear anything else. But I definitely need to up my bra game, particularly to find suitable t-shirt ones and a push-up one…
I’m a big fan of Elle McPherson’s range (though is it now Heidi Klum’s range… I don’t know) but then that is what has gotten me to a whole separate drawer filled with pastel coloured underwear with bows and not much suitable for every day.
so yeah, interested to see where other people get their every day stuff from!
Jels of your underwear collection Anna! I had completely missed the news that Elle Macpherson’s range was now Heidi Klum’s range – how confusing. I just took a look at the line, so many pretty pieces and what lovely colours!
Ok,my first thought was “there are 10 different types of bra?!”
And then surely you don’t need them all (pretty sure I only knew what about half of the ones that you mentioned were anyway! )
I have 4…and I know that I need more but small boobs = no fun bra shopping. But also, different bra styles suit different boobies better – right?
Haha, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who thought, ten different types of bra, really?! Yes, different styles for different boobs, definitely! You might be able to find some pretty bralet-type tops Gemma, they only work with small boobs.
I’m a 36 chest and barely fill my A cup. I don’t think I’ve bought a bra in about 5 years. Bra shopping is definitely not fun! (Can’t wear bra-lets because I need the padding and shape from a padded bra…I am seriously that flat chested :p) Does anyone know anywhere for those on the smaller side where I can find a bra that fits????
I am blessed and cursed to only be able to shop in bravissimo and had to remortgage for the two bras I currently wear. Because I have so few I make sure I like them and they are pretty, but it does mean my bright coral plunge is somewhat unsubtle under a white shirt. If I win the lottery I may buy each of the different type of bras in different colours!
But I am open to any suggestions other ladies have!
It does amaze me how expensive something so small can cost so much Stef…
I feel your pain Stef. I too may as well have shares in Bravissimo. I have very few bras as I can’t justify the huge expense. I’m yet to find any ‘cheap’ bras that work on a G cup boob. Pretty much the only brand I’ll wear now is Freya. I have to think practically so I have a couple of sports bras and plain T-shirt bras. Then a few sexier items that never leave the house. I really don’t care about mis-matching knickers/bras though, that’s the beauty of a neutral bra.
I thought it might be helpful for the larger breasted lady to know that at Sheer Bliss Lingerie we think the best fitting bra is Prima Donna Deauville, take a look http://www.sheerblissuk.com/prima-donna-deauville-uw-bra
The comfort and fit of this bra is unparalleled
My undie draws need a makeover too, but as big boob girl bra shopping is no fun. For anything my granny wouldn’t wear your talking around £40 a pop!
Wow, that is a lot of money Amy and would quickly add up, how frustrating!
My underwear drawers are in an absolute state and although I haven’t gotten around to clearing them through yet, I did start buying some new underwear to refresh them with (I’m sure that was the wrong way round but any excuse for a shop hey!).
I have never had matching sets but decided I wanted to for a change – H&M is most definitely the way forward! So many cute sets, floral, flirty, everyday…whatever you’re looking for they have it and brilliant value 🙂 The best selection all in one place is online – unless you have a big H&M near you which stocks lingerie. xx
Haha, shopping for new things before I’ve sorted the old ones is exactly the approach I usually take Sarah! Just had a look at the lingerie section on H&M, so many pretty pieces, great colours and even better prices. My nearest store isn’t that big but I do have to be in central London a couple of times this week… x
I recently got some new bras from Victoria’s Secret and have been so impressed, definitely worth checking out. Firstly, they were great at fitting them correctly, really put a lot of attention in to it. Secondly, leaving aside the “occasion” type stuff in store, their more standard bras are great quality and loads of them can convert from traditional to racer back, which I love and are really comfy.
Ooh, there’s a VS in my Westfield Liz, I’ll add it to my list of places to try. And good to know that they have a great fitting service, so many of the high street stores don’t. I didn’t know that they had styles that convert from trad to racer, love that idea. Thanks for sharing!
I am in serious need of some major bra shopping. Since I stopped breastfeeding my baby my boobs have shrunk 🙁 So far I’ve bought three bras, that was nine months ago, but that is nowhere near enough! I don’t own any matching sets anymore and could really do with some nice pants too. Enough with the mumsy! My friend is having an Ann Summers party in June, but I think a good sesh in M&S, or apparently H&M, might do the trick. I know what you mean about the cost though, esp when you have to pay more for the matching pants! Need some pretty bras now. Amy x
Definitely sounds like you need an M&S or H&M sesh Amy – happy shopping! x
I need to declutter my underwear drawer it is overflowing but I only wear the same mismatched underwear all the time. I did recently buy a beautiful, olive green, with cream lace set of underwear from the Rosie Huntington-Whiteley range at M&S. The set is so comfortable and it makes me feel really classy and ladylike whenever I wear it. I bought it purposely for a burlesque photo shoot. Seeing as it was a bit pricey I’m glad I have photos of it ha ha. I would definitely go straight to the Rosie range again if I wanted to treat myself.
For the general day to day t-shirt bras and practical underwear I go to Debenhams as I find their own range to be the most comfortable and long lasting. T-shirt bras are what I wear most of the time, with a couple of push ups and a balcony bra in the mix with three sports bras.
Any idea why bras are so blooming expensive?!
Rosie for M&S got lots of love in the comments about a loungewear post I did last year Claire – the lingerie is so pretty but I’m yet to treat myself to any. I have bought underwear from Debenhams in the past but haven’t ventured in for sometime, perhaps now’s the time to revisit! It must be something to do with the construction and all the different components, it can’t be the amount of fabric!
I binned all of my bras when I was pregnant. I knew I wouldn’t go back to the size I was before and it seemed like a good time to start over!
My everyday bras are nude tshirt style numbers from Debenhams / John Lewis. My knickers are almost exclusively black so rarely match. Comfort is very much key these days. (I sound like a proper Bridgette Jones here!).
I have two very fancy (unworn as yet) Agent Provocateur sets and two bright sets from Victoria’s Secret. Rebuilding your underwear drawer from scratch is an expensive business!
Comfort is always key for me Lynsey! All those teeny tiny lacy bits and bobs really do add up. I fear how much I would spend in VS (especially as they have sports bras too!) or Agent Provocateur!
I too am rebuilding my bra draw post pregnancy/breast feeding.
After a particularly stressful day of shopping I returned home with a two pack of tshirt bras from debenhams. Strapless bras will have to wait till I can pluck up the energy for another shop!
I too cannot stand the P word!! Glad its not just me!
For preference I wold buy three pairs of knickers per bra but I have big boobs which means I’d need a second ruddy mortgage.
Haha, yay, a fellow p-word hater! Three knickers per bra sounds like a good amount but yes, that would come to a bank manager bothering sum!
For years I was wearing the wrong bra size and could therefore buy cheap & cute bras. And then I realised that my boobs were escaping on a regular basis so popped to Debenhams where the woman informed me of my correct size and handed me a £45 bra to try! I couldn’t believe how expensive they could be!
Like others, I too have to re-mortgage for bra shopping. I spent almost £100 on two bras in bravissimo having been measured again and going up 2 cup sizes. I’ve got a small back (30) and a lot of places don’t stock that small and I’m also now a FF which is again not common in places like M&S. So I’m stuck with Bravissimo and the like. Asos are good for all sizes I think and their sales normally included priced designers too which is good!
Also what’s with the non-cute designs when you go higher than DD?! Is it too much to ask for a lovely design and cut as well as a piece of structural engineering?!
Definitely a good shout to look out for ASOS sales Jo. It shouldn’t be too much to ask for lovely designs as well as structural engineering, no!
I recently had the same problem – my bra drawer contained a few boring worse for wear black and nude staples and a giant stack of Lululemon sports bras. I also had a problem spending lots of cash on something that was never really seen.
I decided that enough was enough and as I hadn’t bought any proper new underwear in at least 2 years I was going to do it properly – cue appointment at Rigby and Peller on my next trip to London. I bought 3 bras (2 with matching pants, although only one pair per bra as they cost almost as much as the bras!) and even though it made a big dint in the bank account I appreciate the expense every. single. day. The bras I chose fit so well and are so pretty (even for my unusual 30 E sizing) that I can’t imagine ever wearing anything else now. The staff at R&P are very helpful and give you pointers on how to care for your bras to get the most wear out of them – so hopefully the expense will even out in the log run compared to cheaper, less well made items. Proper undies are now something I consider saving up for and will definitely prioritise more in the future!
It’s a very good point that despite the expense you wear your R&P bras every day and that cost per wear over time they will even out in the end. I’d love to know how to care for my bras properly, after hand washing a couple of times I often throw them in a warm wash with everything else which I’m sure isn’t the best approach!
Amen to that Jo! I am also confined to shopping at bravissimo but all my bras are just so boring. Why can’t they do moulded bras in more exciting colours than tan, black and white?? My poor husband…the only sexy underwear I have is very impractical and so only comes out on special occasions.
Does anyone know of any good bras for the bigger bust that cost less than £40?
My sister loves Boux Avenue, they go up to a G cup in some styles (I’m also a G cup but have yet to try them). I also rate Figleaves for their sale.
For the larger busted ladies, debenhams ‘gorgeous’ range is pretty good and quite reasonably priced. I think m&s bigger sizes give you pointy boobs, but these debenhams ones are a good shape. Worth a try, especially for everyday staples, though they do have some pretty and colourful ones too.
I can only agree with Marks and Spencer’s – love love love their underwear! Great fit and good quality at fab prices. For indulgence definitely Victoria Secret! I’m one of those people who only wear matching underwear (religiously buy two bottoms for every top…) but I love shopping for it. Maybe because it feels like a treat but is still practical – after all I wear this every day so it should be comfortable and pretty! I could, however, really do with some suggestions for decent sports bras… I have two and they have both seen better times 🙁
For sports bras Maike I like Lululemon I have bras I wear for both low impact classes like yoga and high impact activities like running (if you have a trip planned to Canada or the States stock up there as they are much cheaper and the sales are really good). I like Nike Pro Classic bras for yoga, I’m yet to try their more heavy duty support styles but the Pro Rival gets pretty good reviews on the website. At the cheaper end of the market I just invested in a sports bra from H&M, I’ll let you know how I get on!
Ah great – thanks for the tips! Will definitely check them out and curious to hear how the H&M one measures up!
Does anyone else “cheat” at the matching like I do – any old black/white/nude bra with some black/white/nude knickers…..!!?
Yes, me Sarah!
My underwear game is a sham…I must admit! I love a brightly coloured bra (hence my most recent purchase of a neon pink bra and pants to match from Elle ‘The Body’ Macpherson (TK Maxx!)) however these are more impractical due to being able to see them through tops (I also own a La Senza black and white stripy number with pants to match which is also which is a nightmare!)
I rarely wear pants that match my bra due to the fact I also like 100% cotton pants and I can’t help myself in Primark etc when there are loads of pants with cute designs that dont. match. anything!
I think having a good black and a good white bra is a definite staple that I will strive for, and also a whole host of black and white pants to go with…just need to find a nicely fitting bra first…I’m between back sizes (30-32) so can find it difficult to get a snug fit 🙁
So annoying to be between sizes Annie! Yep, agree a good black and a good white bra are the staples and everything else is a bonus. Love the sound of your neon pink bra btw, I do like brightly coloured undies!
I just came back from our USA holiday where I spent over an hour in a Victoria Secrets store in Charleston. It was so nice shopping there, as I was nearly the only customer at the moment and it was so comfortable to browse without a lot of people around. I ended up with 2 rather basic bras (one white and one lilac with a small bow). I love the bras from VS as they have a really good fit and they feel good and they look good beneath a t-shirt or a dress. I also bougth some of the hip hugger lace panties which took me sooo long to decide which to take as there are so many nice colours.
That does indeed sound like a lovely shopping experience Mia! Off subject, but isn’t Charleston lovely? I was there for a work trip many years ago – good memories!
For fit and choice I go to Triumph. They measure really well – I haven’t had much luck in M&S as they don’t usually do a 32F. Their bras are about £30.00 – £35.00 so not cheap, but not horrendous (I do cheat on matching pants though, as they add up pretty quickly!)
They do pretty styles in nice colours, I had a lovely coral one last summer!
Love the sound of the coral one Kerri! I’m really happy with the bra in the picture above that I was measured for at a launch party for the Triumph Magic Wire range, it’s the perfect fit and creates a great shape.
Hi,
Please could I ask for some advise.
I have my school leavers ball soon and I really want to wear a strapless dress but I’m quite big in the boob department.
What kinda bra is best to wear with a strapless dress? I’ve found some sticky ones online ( i have added the website above) that seem good value but I’m not overly sure. This sucks I’m really getting worried.
Sorry to bother you.
Thanks