Bras can be tricky devils can’t they? As part of my styling course nearly six years ago now, we were taken to Selfridges in London to be fitted with a bra and you know, there wasn’t a single bra in there that fitted me. Although what I had been left with after having breast fed three children was pretty horrific, I’m not sure that the staff had to convey their horror to me too.
Somehow, and I can’t remember how, I was pointed in the direction of the Calvin Klein Customised Lift bra and then all was well with the world. I haven’t looked back since – well apart from once when I was invited to go to Rigby & Peller who fitted me with a Marie Jo bra but at £70 a go, they weren’t really a runner on a grand scale.
So what is it that works so well about this bra, when all others failed?
- The smooth cups mean that there are nice lines under your clothes. But that’s the easy bit. They’re pretty easy to find;
- There’s a small amount of padding at the base of each cup on the inside, which gives the necessary uplift, without being too much;
- The wiring is really comfortable. I’ve never had a problem with it digging in;
- Delicately put, the shape of the cups just means that this bra succeeds where others, which are quite possibly designed for a slightly (ahem) younger, fuller bust, don’t!
The Calvin Klein Customised Lift Bra is available from Figleaves (£35). Interestingly out of the 24 reviews, only 2 were slightly meh. One because the person didn’t like the colour and one because the fit didn’t suit. They are also stocked at John Lewis (£35) and House of Fraser (£35) has a great selection, with quite a few styles in the sale.
Lots of women find fitting bras quite a tricky business, more often than not buying a bra which is too big around the rib cage and too small in the cup, which can end up being uncomfortable and unflattering. So, to help when you’re out and about, in my latest vlog I show you what to look out for when fitting a bra yourself. I hope that my tips are practical and useful in your future bra buying expeditions!
Great post & vlog – you are brave but as you say it's the same as appearing in a bikini! I hate bra shopping – I'm a 34 D but one breast is a C so I really struggle to find decent fitting bras. Even the bra assistant at M&S acknowledged I was a tricky fit! I prefer smooth nude colour bras that cover the whole breast, and don't have any padding. Anything else just makes my bigger breast pop out at the side (those smooth lines you were talking about across the chest?) There is one bra at M&S that fits the criteria but I am so bored of them. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated (no balcony bras, not push ups, etc!)
Hi Carol, we could do with a little bra survey couldn't we to see what people come up with. Can you let me have a link to the one bra that you like – even if you're slightly bored with it – just so that I can take a look? x
I would like to correct one point you make on the vlog. A bra should be worn and fit on the slackest hook when new so that it can be tightened as it ages. You have a wonderful figure. How do you stay so slim?
Hi, yes you're so right – thank you for pointing that out. I think that I'm fairly lucky in that I love sport and healthy eating – but in particular I like running, HIIT (well I don't like it at the time!) and I also do the Kayla Istines work outs. They're hard core but pretty good! And thank you!
Would you think about doing a healthy eating and exercise motivation blog – I'd read it! You look great!
I've been road testing this bra and I like it a lot. It is a bit 'paddy' but I don't mind that especially with cold weather setting in! It does hold them in well and gives a good shape as you said. I hate bra shopping and normally can't wait to get out of mine at the end of the day.. but this one is really comfortable and covers the whole boob so no extra boobage in the arm pit area! The straps are also positioned quite well..more to the centre of the cup….not out on the edge. Much better for fuller bust and a more sloping shoulder. Won't win prizes for sultry sexiness but then I'm way past bothering about that! Functional wins all the way! Shame it doesn't come in white. House of Frazer doing 20% off when you buy 2 as well so makes a good priced bra even better. Phew. Hope that helps anyone reading…