I never thought in a million years I would like Victoria's Secret, let alone have become slightly obsessed with their bras.
Let me set the scene. I live in the UK. I discovered my "true" size approx 3 years ago, going from a 34D to a 30DD. I now wear a 30E or F usually. My impression of VS up until the last month was solely based on other people's experiences from reading about bad fittings and company attitudes on online blogs and seeing their somewhat irresponsible advertising and imagery which very much does not appeal to me.
I went to Birmingham a couple of months ago where ... they had a VS store, and I figured I go in and have a look around, hoping to have a giggle at the nasty diamante encrusted push up tack and feel smug about how supportive the bra I was wearing was.
However, my plan failed when I saw a couple of unlined bras I really liked (basically the only two unpadded items in the shop!). I tried one style in a 32DDD (E UK) and the other style in 32DD. The fit was really pretty good...and those designs and materials were gorgeous. Anyway, I promptly left after deciding I couldn't let myself be sucked in and the fact they're like £40 a go meant this was not a decision I wanted to make quickly.
On my way back home to my home town of Bristol, I had a vague recollection a VS was opening...and googled it to find it had already opened, 5 mins walk from where I work! So anyway to cut a long story short I have been lurking in the shop more than it is healthy trying to find the two unlined bras in a 32DD as they NEVER have them in stock. Eventually gave in and ordered online (!!! madness) and then they stuffed up the order and sent me this bra instead of the other style I ordered (I also ordered this bra in light blue which actually fits slightly differently to this one!). BAH!!!
But - this bra is a great fit on me. I measure 30.5 underbust and was worried this may be too big as it is my first 32 bra. However I wore it comfortably on the loosest hook today although think I will definitely be utilising the others fairly shortly as fully stretched this does measure 32 so is true to size. There are 4 sets too which I'm pleased about. For me this design is KILLER! It reminds me very much of my Parfait Caroles except this guy has a gorgeous crochet over the lower boob part rather than lace. The upper cup is a thin mesh. The main difference between this and Carole (and what made me desperate to try this) is that this is a plunge - there is barely a gore in that it doesn't even really come up between my boobs. Sometimes the high gore on my Caroles irritates very very slightly, so to have such a similar design without that one teeny failing is AWESOME! The wires on this are slightly narrower I think, another slight reservation that I had, but I actually think this wire follows my natural breast root better than any other bra. It is very comfy and materials so soft. With no visible seams and no labels the band's interior and exterior are both completely smooth. For all VS's advertising bullshit, they seem to make some smart choices with the designs of their items. Another one is that although the straps are only half adjustable (as they get wider from the top of the shoulder down to the cups), you can detach them at the back and make them into a crossover back. I haven't tried this yet, but it's a great way to provide an alternative/racerback way to wear as well as making the half adjustable issue more wearable for more petite ladies.Smart, huh?
Time will tell with this one how good the quality is and how quickly the band stretches out. If these two factors hold up though, this might be a bra I basically buy in every colour.
Whilst VS have some clear failings, they've pleasantly surprised me in many ways so far. I must say I do feel slightly ashamed of this blossoming love but it's also pretty awesome to have a shop in my city that sells beautiful things that fit me well (albeit at a rather inflated price). Arghh I feel like I'm selling out the large cup community and am battling slightly with my initial judgements of the company and how I feel now.
But yeah, great bra if you fit in the size range! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
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Neon Coral colorway
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Updated on Apr 10, 2016 Flag this
I dont think you are the only one to find they actually like some VS bras. A lot of the venom towards VS comes from their awful sizing advice, esp for people who really are not in their size range. Its cute!