Buying a bra for some isn't as simple as just walking into your local department store and picking the prettiest option off the rack. And for women with a larger bust, it's even harder. Lingerie is not a one-size-fits-all garment, but thankfully specialist boutiques are on the rise. Style director Louise Hilsz shares her picks from everyday underwear to swimwear.
Images: Freya, Fantasie and Elomi.
EVERYDAY
According to Michelle Saint, General Manager from Avokado in Auckland, having a fitting every time you purchase a new bra is essential, especially if you are buying a different style. We asked her where to start when bra shopping.
If your bra is not fully containing your bust, then you may need to go up in the cup size. Alternatively, you may need to try a bra that has a bit more coverage like a full-cup bra, or a balcony-style where the wires sit higher at the centre between the breasts. Saint says take notice of how tight the bra is around your back. "Make sure the hooks and eyes are comfortable. Aim to fit your bra on the last hook and eyes when buying a new bra. This means you can tighten (moving toward the end of the hooks on the band) in the future when the elastic and fabrics start to give, this keeps the bra supportive for longer."
Images left to right: Fantasie Lingerie, Elomi Lingerie, and Fantasie Lingerie.
Left to right: Sassy half cup bra, $80 and brief, $55, by Freya. Cate full branded bra, $95 and brief, $55, by Elomi. Jacqueline full cup side support bra, $95 and brief by Fantasie. Idol moulded balcony bra, $89 and hipster short, $35, by Freya.
STATEMENT COLOUR & PRINT
According to Clemency Lawn from The Fitting Room in Christchurch, there are advantages to choosing an underwire vs. no underwire.
"It comes to preference and comfort. There are now very supportive non-wired bras, where they have the structure to hold and lift the breasts in place. However, some will still feel more comfortable and supported in an underwire bra." Her advice is not to just go for a bra with hanger appeal. "We notice a lot of women come into the store wearing a bra that is too small, where the wire is sitting on part of the breast, and the bra is not sitting flush in the centre (against the breastbone). Wearing an ill-fitting bra will create spillage. It is also worth trying on different styles in the correct cup size, to find a style that works best for you." Here are our picks of pretty prints and statement colour.
Images left to right: Fantasie Lingerie, Fantasie Lingerie and Freya Lingerie.
Left to right: Matilda plunge bra, $95 and brief, $60, by Elomi. Eloise bra, $85 and brief, $60, by Fantasie. Francies Longline bra, $85 and thong, $35, by Freya. Lyndsey banded bra, $95 and brief, $60, by Elomi.
SWIM
For that mid-season getaway, buying swimwear in the dead of winter is tough. Teresa Waddingham, owner of Rich Lingerie in Auckland, believes when buying lingerie or swimwear, always take the time to have a fitting with an expert. "Not only can you change shape since your last fitting, different bras fit differently. It’s also well worth while having a bra fitting if at any point your bra feels uncomfortable". Her advice "When you take your purchase home always make sure to give them tender loving care by hand washing only. This way you will get the best from your shopping experience and a longer life from your garment". Here's our pick of swimwear on offer.
Images left to right: Freya Swim, Fantasie Swim and Elomi Swim.
Left to right: Storm landless halter bikini top, $85 and brief, $65, by Freya. Cubana moulded cup swimsuit, $160, by Elomi. Summer Tide soft triangle bikini top, $75, and brief, $55, by Freya. Zeta sweetheart bikini top, $80 and brief, $60, by Freya.