And speaking of life-changing experiences, a great thing that's happened in the last few years is that there are a lot more lingerie brands offering pretty, sexy bras in bigger cup sizes. When I first found my true size, I actually wore these hideous Olga bras (it's amazing I attracted any male attention in those things, really), because there was so little available in my cup size. And while it's still a challenge to find DD+ cups at a lot of department stores and mass retailers (I'm looking at you, Victoria's Secret), I highly recommend seeking out smaller independent boutiques like Linda's, the excellent Journelle, and one of my all-time favorites, La Petite Coquette, as well as online shops Figleaves, Bare Necessities, and even ASOS. So here are six pretty, sexy bras, all of which are available in DD or larger (and smaller!) cups. Treat yourself (and your ta-tas)!
Top row, left to right:Parfait is Affinitas' line for the larger-busted lady, with most of its styles available in sizes up to G cups. (They have matching undies and negligees too!) What's really notable, other than the prices, which are very wallet-friendly, is that so many of their styles are pretty—no need to settle for a nude molded-cup bra, although they do carry those, if that's what you're into. Parfait by Affinitas Anna Demi Underwire Bra, $55
Elle MacPherson has made a nice post-modeling career for herself with a really successful line of lingerie. (She's also hosting Fashion Star on NBC, but let's skim over that for now.) And while you'd expect someone nicknamed "The Body" to come up with flimsy bralettes and such, MacPherson's lingerie is incredibly detailed and well structured, and many styles, such as this one, are available in up to F cups. Elle Macpherson Artistry Underwire Bra, $68
Panache has been one of my go-to brands for awhile, but they now have a more fashion-forward spinoff called Cleo, and there is nary a neutral bra in the bunch. This fun style comes in up to FF cups, with bands as small as 28.
Also a very affordable, durable line. Panache: Cleo Ellie Balconette Underwire Bra, $45
Bottom row, left to right:
For more of a splurge, I highly recommend Chantelle bras. They're French, and, really, the French know what they're doing when it comes to lingerie. This is definitely not for everyday wear, but when it comes to styles made for seduction, Chantelle is a sure thing. This style comes in B through F cups. Chantelle Tulleries Demi Bra, $105
Freya is another one of my go-to brands, because their styles are almost always fun, and they're rarely padded or molded (I'll save my rant against padded bras for another day). This lovely lady comes in D to GG cups! Freya Roxanne Underwire Balconette Bra, $62
As noted above, Journelle is one of my favorite lingerie stores in the city, and their website is pretty great too (they have some of the best customer service I've ever encountered). It's also a good place to find lesser-known brands, and so I discovered this well-priced Claudette Dessous style (again, the French!)—I love that it's both sheer (sexy!) and neon pink (superfun!). And bonus: bring an old bra into any Journelle store now through 3/31 and get 20% off a new one. I think this one has my name on it (and possibly yours, in cup sizes from A to F). Claudette Dessous Mesh Bra, $54
Elle MacPherson has made a nice post-modeling career for herself with a really successful line of lingerie. (She's also hosting Fashion Star on NBC, but let's skim over that for now.) And while you'd expect someone nicknamed "The Body" to come up with flimsy bralettes and such, MacPherson's lingerie is incredibly detailed and well structured, and many styles, such as this one, are available in up to F cups. Elle Macpherson Artistry Underwire Bra, $68
Panache has been one of my go-to brands for awhile, but they now have a more fashion-forward spinoff called Cleo, and there is nary a neutral bra in the bunch. This fun style comes in up to FF cups, with bands as small as 28.
Also a very affordable, durable line. Panache: Cleo Ellie Balconette Underwire Bra, $45
Bottom row, left to right:
For more of a splurge, I highly recommend Chantelle bras. They're French, and, really, the French know what they're doing when it comes to lingerie. This is definitely not for everyday wear, but when it comes to styles made for seduction, Chantelle is a sure thing. This style comes in B through F cups. Chantelle Tulleries Demi Bra, $105
Freya is another one of my go-to brands, because their styles are almost always fun, and they're rarely padded or molded (I'll save my rant against padded bras for another day). This lovely lady comes in D to GG cups! Freya Roxanne Underwire Balconette Bra, $62
As noted above, Journelle is one of my favorite lingerie stores in the city, and their website is pretty great too (they have some of the best customer service I've ever encountered). It's also a good place to find lesser-known brands, and so I discovered this well-priced Claudette Dessous style (again, the French!)—I love that it's both sheer (sexy!) and neon pink (superfun!). And bonus: bring an old bra into any Journelle store now through 3/31 and get 20% off a new one. I think this one has my name on it (and possibly yours, in cup sizes from A to F). Claudette Dessous Mesh Bra, $54
