I read an article last year in Domino about finding the proper bra. It emphasized a supportive band v. supportive shoulder straps. I decided to have a fitting done at a lingerie boutique (not at Victoria’s Secret) and discovered that I was a cup size larger and a band size smaller than I had previously believed myself to be. I bought a Chantelle T-shirt bra, and tried on their Chantilly lace bras as well.
Things to love: Great support! The boning in the band of the T-shirt bra and the seaming in the cup of the lace bra both give great support–which is crucial to having a good “base” upon which to layer your clothing. My roommate wears them as well, because her physical therapist recommended them! If you’re a C cup or larger, I think you’ll be surprised at how much support your body hasn’t been getting once you try on one of these. It’s like a mini body makeover–you look taller and leaner and your back feels better. Both bras are very attractive and comfortable to wear–even the lace. And really, what woman doesn’t need black lacy undergarments?
Less than perfect: They’re not cheap. If you wash them weekly and rotate them daily, you can get away with only having a few bras and they will last, but the initial investment might be a barrier. I suggest waiting for sales at figleaves.com. Also, if you’re between cup sizes in the lace bra, go up a size–otherwise you’re likely to experience a little pinching. (Ouch) The T-shirt bra is not invisible under T-shirts, unfortunately. I’ve noticed that the rims of the cup do show under fitted tees.
Final Analysis: Owning a Chantelle bra has made me realize just how little support I was getting in my other bras. For an A or B cup, this isn’t really as much of an issue, so I’d say save your money and find something that looks and feels good, but don’t spend $80 on it. For those of you who don’t have the luxury, go get fitted at a proper lingerie store (and try on some of the Chantelle bras to double check your size) and wait for the sales to hit figleaves.com. While this isn’t my perfect bra, it’s world’s better than 75% of what I had in my lingerie drawer before (other than my Biofit, which I’ll blog about another day). If nothing else wins you over, know that it is so satisfying to have such lovely undergarments. It’s like having an empowering secret with you all day.
Posted by: Catie
thanks for the article. even if you’re A or B (I’m A cup) I think you still need high quality bras that are comfortable and last you a long time. I love push up bras and the best one that works for me is the distraction bras. they create such an incredible cleavage. I think every woman, regardless of size, should invest in a high quality bra. they also have free bra consultation if you’re not sure about your size. I actually found out I was wearing the wrong size after consulting with them. I think they also have AAA and AA cups, but their A works for me perfectly.
http://www.bitasaviss.com/bitasaviss/opener.php
I ONLY buy these bras. After trying one I couldn’t go back. I’m a bigger size and it’s hard to find pretty bras in my size, but Chantelle always carries them (although the pretty ones are $120!). They are worth every cent, though. I wash mine on delicate, with nothing else in the load and they usually last two years.