I’ve always had a large bust. Even when i was younger. So I’ve always worn large bras.
When I was younger, there used to be one shop in Cambridge that did them, Bravissima. We had to go especially, and the bras were usually made for women three or four times my age. Usually frumpy fits and plain patterns, no colour in sight, when smaller sizes had spots and stripes and vivid vibrancy. I often dreamed of being smaller, just to wear something nice.
John Lewis did some, but my sizes never really came in nice colours, usually white or beige or black, nothing that made me feel good. And sometimes, my size didn’t exist at all, in places like Marks and Spencer or local retialers, too big to fit on their shelf, no demand for it. And websites were the same, often not having my size in stock, letters running out, or again, in odd colours like neon green or bright yellow.
But these days, there are so many more options. Larger sizes have become more common on websites, and in stores. And not only that, but places like Simply Be or Curvy Kate do them in pretty colours, pinks and purples and blues and greens, often with flowers or patterns on them. No more dull colours and plain white. In fact, I just bought a set of red and black lacy ones, in my size, which feel super comfortable and look pretty too. And they make me feel good, mentally, to have a nice bra to wear. And it’s rare these days, when I don’t find my size in a drop down menu. And that’s wonderful in itself. For perhaps we do come in larger sizes. But we still want to look and feel beautiful.
And not only that, the sites like Curvy Kate or Brastop are some of the most accessible to use, with large fonts and places where accessibility features are no issue.
I’m really happy that the world is more open to larger sized bras. It’s wonderful.