Reviewing bras is somewhat of a hobby over here at Brastop and when we see a new trend among new collections, we just love comparing them and picking the ultimate winner. It’s a bra battle and we love it!

First up…

Curvy Kate Dita Plunge Bra –

Pros:

• Breath taking looks – this bra is exquisite, it’s just the right amount of sheer, making it super sexy. The metallic embroidery much to-die-for.
• Support up to a J cup – one of the many reasons we love CK.
• Incredible lift & support – for a sheer bra, this one does not mess around when it comes to support.
• Super comfortable – Curvy Kate make me feel like I’m not wearing anything which is a total dream.

Cons:

• Didn’t give me a ‘knockout cleavage’ – didn’t give me an ‘in-your-face’ kind of cleavage, it’s much more of a subtle everyday plunge, which I am still a fan of.
• Doesn’t come with a matching suspender belt – although I could always opt for a plain black one however.
• The brief isn’t my favourite style – I love the thong, it’s sassy and cute, however I feel as though the brief needs to be a little sexier, to go with the overall look of the set.

Freya Siren Balconette Bra –

Pros:

• Beautiful design – the Freya Siren bra has such a feminine and subtle floral pattern through it.Support up to a K cup – sorry CK but Freya wins in this department!
• Matching suspender belt – hoooorayyyy! The matching suspender makes this set, stunning!

Cons: 

• Fit – although the lift on this beauty was fantastic, I did feel as though I could almost try the back size down.
• No metallic thread – this makes me really sad, the thread on the Curvy Kate Dita just takes it to a whole new level.
• Not as comfortable as Dita – the Siren bra is still extremely comfortable but due to the back not being quiet as firm, I preferred Dita.

My Preference?

If I was just looking for a bedroom set, for a particular occasion or anniversary then I would go for the Freya Siren bra, due to the saucy matching suspender belt. However, if I wanted something that is guaranteed to go down well on date night and can be worn over and over again then it would have to be the Curvy Kate Dita bra. The Dita bra felt like much of a more supportive and comfortable fit, on me personally. I am in love with this set!

Which set do you prefer? Let us know down below!

Last week, I focused solely on the best bridal lingerie for women on their big day, so I thought why not focus on the mother of the bride too! Seeing your daughter get married is almost as big a day for you as it is for the bride herself. You want to look and feel your absolute best because after all, wedding photos last a lifetime!

On such a big day, we look for sets that are all about comfort and performance; we want that set to do its job! Finding something that is classic and elegant looking is an absolute bonus, luckily we have loads of sets that tick all of those boxes!

Panache Clara Full Cup Bra (D-J) £32

The side support on this bra helps to push your breast tissue in from the sides, making you look much more rounded and neat in your wedding day outfit!

Fantasie Alex Balconette Bra (D-J) £30

The Fantasie Alex bra is perfect for any occasion, the wide straps, with the help of a supportive back, help to distribute the weight evenly, ensuring maximum comfort! The fuller style balconette cups offer the perfect amount of coverage for a bra that is going to be worn all day and night.

Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless bra (D-J) £32

The ultimate strapless bra on the market! The Curvy Kate Luxe (if bought in the correct size) is not going to budge. Period. This is the most comfortable strapless bra I have ever come across, so if you have your eye on a one shoulder or strapless dress, buy it, because Curvy Kate will save the day!

Freya Idol Moulded Balcony Bra (D-HH) £34

A moulded bra is perfect if you’re wearing a thinner material during your summer wedding. It doesn’t add anything to your size but helps to keep a smooth and rounded shape, in more clingy type materials.

Fantasie Lois Side Support Bra (D-J) £29

Another amazing side support bra is the Fantasie Lois bra. If you find your boobs quite side heavy then a bra like this really helps to nip everything in, it also helps to create a smaller waistline, bonus! Plus, this pink is such a lovely twist on a more practical colour.

Are you going to be a ‘mother of the bride’ this year? What are you planning on wearing?

We recently conducted a survey to find out whether or not women really do wear matching sets on an everyday basis. The results came back with a whopping 47% of women saying that they sometimes wear matching lingerie, but mainly find themselves mixing and matching most days.

The main reason for mixing and matching is due to the fact that most of just tend to grab the first bra and pair of knickers we see, which I will admit I do this myself!

So I had a great idea, why not start buying sets, that complement each other, this way when we grab the first thing we see, we are inconspicuously matching. Think of it as mixing and matching with more awareness.

Pour Moi St Tropez Full Cup Bra (D-J) – RRP £22 NOW £15.95

Pour Moi Imogen Full Cup bra (D-J) – RRP £23 NOW £16.95

The plum and rose pink in these two sets make them perfect for mixing and matching!

Curvy Kate Jewel Balcony bra (D-K) – £30

Curvy Kate Cascade Balcony Bra (D-K) £29

Looks like an unlikely pair, right? Wrong! The embroidery on the Jewel set is the same shade of blue on the Cascade set, two colours that look gorgeous together! This is perfect for the summer time!

Gossard Glossies Sheer Bra (D-G) – £26

Gossard Glossies Sheer Bra (D-G) – £26

Another amazing mix and matching idea is black with the boldest colour you can think of! I really love this combo!

Cleo by Panache Maddie Spot Bra (D-J)

Cle by Panche Maya Balconette Bra (D-J) £27

Matching a wild and vibrant print with another much more subtle print is such a girly and fun combination. A mix and match combination like this is absolutely guaranteed to put an extra spring in your step throughout the day!

This is such a fun way to mix up your lingerie drawer! What is your favourite mix and matching combo?

As you may already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and in my opinion one of the most important months in the Brastop calendar. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and affects up to 1 in 8 of us – which is scary to think! But with organisations such as CoppaFeel! in place to remind us to check our boobs regularly and notice the signs of abnormality, early prevention is on the rise. And it’s not just women who can get breast cancer – men are just as at risk as us ladies – the percentage is not as high but they can still develop it, so get your fellas involved in making sure he knows what’s normal and what’s not too. We’ve also teamed up with the organisation and are now including a boob checking leaflet with all our orders – so it’s impossible to forget!

The simple task of checking your boobs is so quick and easy and takes under 5 minutes to do, so why wouldn’t you? It could just save your life. Here are a few tips from the mega babes at CoppaFeel! on any abnormal signs to look out for…

As well as looking out for the signs, here are 5 facts you may or may not know about the disease:

1. Over 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year
2. A family history of the disease doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily develop it
3. There are over 4 main types of breast cancer, with more being less common
4. Living a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk
5. The majority of breast lumps women discover are not cancerous

So whether you’re having a bake sale at work like us to raise money for the cause (check out some of the awesome cakes and cookies baked by Brastop HQ on our Instagram @brastop), or just donning your pink ribbon badge, tweet us what you’re doing for Breast Cancer Awareness month @brastop and make sure you stay safe and keep checking your boobs regularly ladies.

Grace x

If you haven’t already heard of Scantilly by Curvy Kate then where have you been!? The new range of boudoir lingerie for a DD – HH cup IS #TheNewSexy.

Girls out there with a fuller bust have been crying out for a range like this – something super sexy and feminine and absolutely perfect for the fuller bust.

The range consists of three sets that are available now, the first being the Peek-A-Boo; a sultry, satin ensemble combining unapologetic cut-outs with sophisticated styling. This range is designed for vivid imaginations. Provocative briefs make this the perfect set for hidden sins – delectably naughty ladies. The Peek-A-Boo bra is a flattering balconette shape, as is the whole range and is available with matching brief, bare face brief, thong and suspender to suit everyone’s taste.

Peek – A – Boo Bra £45, Brief £20, Bare Face Brief £22, Thong £19, Suspender £25

Next up is Pounce. As the name would suggest, it’s for all of you out there ready to let temperatures soar. A ravaged leopard print adorns the cups, whilst a pretty frill teases you into a false sense of security. The killer waspie and briefs will unleash the inner animal in you– meoooowwww.

Pounce Bra £38, Brief £19, Thong £18, Waspie £29

And finally, my personal fave, All Wrapped Up. This naughty but nice set doesn’t shackle your wicked side, it celebrates it with a removable sash to be worn for play and punishment teamed with a decadent brief and thong.

All Wrapped Up Bra £42, Brief £20, Thong £19

Why are there only three sets I hear you cry! Never fear – There is more to look forward to VERY soon, so keep an eye on our website to make sure you don’t miss out! All bras are available in a 30 – 38 band and DD-HH cup and briefs in sizes S – XL.

I know you’re all dying to get your hands on this amazing range, check it out over on our website brastop.com and tweet us your thoughts @brastop

Grace x

All you big knicker fans out there rejoice! It’s out with thongs and a huge in for big knickers! After the rep Bridget Jones gave big pants, no one wanted to shout about the knickers that we all judged yet secretly owned. But now it seems the nation is on their side!

In the nineties, thongs rose to popularity due to the demand of hipster jeans and of course thanks to Sisqós very catchy tune Thong Song. Well we’re sorry to say Sisqó, but no one wants to let them see their thong any more. Big knicker sales are on the rise and not just in the UK – US retailers have seen a soar in their sales for larger knickers.

Who’s to say however that bigger knickers have to be horrid and unflattering? We have a range of high waisted knickers to briefs to Brazilians that showcase that a big knicker doesn’t have to mean unattractive.

Take the Curvy Kate Smoothie for example – not only is it in a gorgeous animal print, but it helps to shape too! (Also available in black and in a short style)

Curvy Kate Smoothie Shaper Brief Wild Blush Available in a size 8 – 22

The Curvy Kate Scarlet High Brief in black has a similar vibe in a luxurious satin fabric topped off with a cute star pedant.

Curvy Kate Scarlet High Brief Black Available in sizes 8 – 22

To add a dash of colour, the Pour Moi Imogen Rose Emb Brief is perfect for any occasion and the plum shade is so gorgeous and autumnal.

Pour Moi Imogen Rose Emb Brief Plum Available in sizes 8 – 18

It could be thanks to retro styling that is bang on trend right now or purely because we want comfort as well as style. For whatever reason it may be, big pants are here to stay! This isn’t to say people aren’t still buying thongs – I’m a thong girl through and through but after seeing this I’m definitely more open to trying some big knickers out for size. What is your view on the big knicker trend? Are you a firm lover or do you prefer your smalls…small? Tweet us @brastop or comment below with your thoughts.

Grace x

Have you ever reallllllllly wanted to wear that backless dress and just thought –no way, I definitely need a bra?

Well Brastop has the answer – Bye Bra! – Yes, literally.

Bye bra provides a range of products that can allow us bigger busted ladies to go braless. Its party proof, invisible and waterproof so almost too good to be true. The one that gets the highest rating from us is the Adhesive Breast Lift Tape with Silk and/or Silicone Nipple Covers. These are available in a D –F cup and F-H so specifically made for bigger boobs – amazing!

Just to show how incredible the products really are, it’s been tried and tested by the ladies at Brastop HQ and it gets a MASSIVE thumbs up! For those just wanting that extra bit of security in a low cut top, we also have Dress Tape in clear, which is completely undetectable when in place with its 3m adhesive, so it’s secure enough for day or night but easily removed when needed.

You can also buy the silicone and silk nipple covers separately or within the Breast Lift Tape packs. It doesn’t matter which one you go for as they’re both equally as great. If you want more coverage I’d go for the silicone covers, which are also reusable. The silk covers I’d say are perfect for everyday wear due to their silk-like feeling making them super comfortable to wear which is exactly what you want day to day.

Bye bra is perfect for the upcoming party season or all year round for nights out! So if you’ve ever wanted to bust out that backless, racer back or just any dress or top without a bra, Bye Bra is your pal!

Have you ever used anything like Bye Bra before and it’s not gone as planned? We challenge you to give Bye Bra a go and let us know how you get on via our Twitter or Facebook page as we’d love your feedback!

View the whole Bye Bra range

Grace x

We all know lingerie didn’t just appear out of thin air. Ladies undergarments have evolved crazy amounts over time and we just wanted to take a look back at some of lingerie’s blasts from the past. Ladies underwear back in the day had three main purposes – to preserve modesty, for hygiene and to create different shapes and silhouettes. While men had it easy, ladies in the Victoria era were wearing rib-crushing corsets to get that unachievable miniature waist and crinolines and petticoats that weighed down heavy on their hip bones. Ladies have been through the ringer when it comes to what’s worn underneath and we feel like we should give some love to what’s helped shape lingerie today. It’s also super interesting to see.

1920’s was the era of the flapper – it involved a lot of satin pieces, including slip dresses to long loose skirts. After the restricting Victorian period, ladies were allowed a bit of freedom in almost boyish loose fitting undergarments. New Zealand . However those with a larger bust found it hard to achieve this boyish look, so resorted to bandaging up their boobs!

1920’s Satin Ensembles 

1950’s – by this time we had the introduction of the more widely known bra shape. In keeping with the glamorous nature of the time, adverts started to appear more and more for underwear, showcasing the oh-so-trendy cone bra that we all refer to as the ‘Madonna bra.’

1950’s Cone Bras

The 1970’s saw the return of satins with long slip nighties with lace detailing. It’s not surprising to see these loose fitting shapes, especially after the bra-burning decade of the 60’s.

1970’s Slips & Bodies

I’ve included a fun little video from Mode that summarises the evolution of lingerie in less than 3 minutes! Take a look below:

It’s surprising to see what’s actually come back into fashion. The bras from the 1930’s make an uncanny resemblance to that of the noughties and what was worn in the 1915’s very much looks like a playsuit/jumpsuit which are all the rage now!

Looking back, we love seeing how we’ve come to the bra shapes and styles we have now. We celebrate these by having a diverse range of brands at Brastop, all with an individual style. We can only wonder what the next 100 years will bring to the industry! 3D printed bras could be as casual as waking up in the morning – who knows?

What’s your favourite underwear trend from the past? Or have you ever thought about how the bras of today evolved? Or what’s to come next for underwear in general? Drop us a Tweet or Facebook message with your thoughts!

If you’re a January baby, then you know the struggle. Having your birthday so close to Christmas just isn’t any good. From getting the Merry Christmas AND Happy Birthday cards to everyone being skint, I’m certain you’ll understand at least one of these:

No one has any money after Christmas so forget that big night out you had planned.

If you do go out, you’re outfit is more Ski Sunday than Strictly. 

Everyone’s trying to detox so that ‘cheap meal’ in replacement of the night out isn’t going to work either. 

Everyone’s all shopped out, so vouchers it is. 

You may have already had your birthday present. ‘It’s for Christmas AND your birthday’ is your all-time favourite phrase.. not.

People might forget it’s your birthday as they’re all sad about being back at work.

You’re either still surrounded by Christmas decorations or Valentines chocolates depending on which end of the month you are. Not cute.

You have nothing to look forward to in the middle of the year. All those July babies have it best.

All the good telly has started so when you hear ‘I’d rather stay in’ you know that they’re curled up on the sofa watching Netflix.

However… it’s a great excuse to still be eating cake after Christmas!

Are we missing any vital points off the list? Or are you a January baby and disagree? Give us a tweet to @brastop and tell us!

Grace x

Next in the spotlight we have Tara Brown! A 10 on the scale of lingerie addictiveness with over 20 Curvy Kate bras! Read what she has to say here:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself – where do you live, do you have kids, what age are you (not compulsory!)

Tara Brown, 09 Jan 1972. Live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Married 15 years in Feb to a wonderful husband, Jonathan. Have 1 son, Alexander, but he’s no longer on earth.  Alexander was almost 3 years old when he passed away in 2010 after a 10 month battle with brain cancer.  We started Alexander’s Quest to raise money for paediatric brain tumour research www.alexandersquest.ca

My full time paying job is an Avionics Engineer.

2. How long have you been shopping on Brastop/how did you hear about us?

I saw Brastop online during a search for Curvy Kate bras at a great price. I found Brastop a couple years ago now.

3. What’s your current size and how has it changed over the years? Have you found it’s varied at all?

My current size is 40J. My cup size over the years has only grown. When I was a teenager I used to squeeze into department store brand and wear a 42DD,  but once I got fitted I was wearing a 38H in Prima Donna. After my pregnancy my breast grew and I no longer fit into Prima Donna. I did an extensive search on what brand to try next, I was determined to find a good brand with pretty styles at a good price. Curvy Kate fit the bill. And Brastop with its constant sales and regular low prices seemed to be the perfect place to purchase from.

Tara breastfeeding her lovely son Alexander

4. Do you have any funny/embarrassing bra related stories you want to tell us?

I’ve turned into the bra police. I end up taking all my friends, and even work acquaintances to go get fitted. I have a rather large collection of Curvy Kate and I’ve only been buying Curvy Kate for just over a year now. Whenever I see a big breasted women in a bad bra I want to pull them aside and let them know they have options, they don’t have to wear that horrible bra. No really embarrassing stories, I’m very open about everything and not shy. I breastfed my son out in public till the day he passed away. I lived in nursing bras for 3 years with him and nursed him anywhere he asked for boob.

5. Where is your dream holiday location and what lingerie or swimwear would you pack for it?

Hawaii is our vacation spot. We took Alexander here for his wish trip and then we brought his ashes back here on his birthday. We come back to Hawaii every year in November. What I have with me right now are 2 bra options, my Curvy Kate Blue Cascade and my Curvy Kate Cherrie bra. I also have 2 Elomi Isis Bikinis, one in black and one in navy. I have the swim bra top and the high waisted bottoms. I wish Curvy Kate would come out with more high waisted swim options.

6. Would you class yourself as a lingerie addict/how many bras do you own? If so how would you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10?

The gorgeous Tara rocking the best hair we’ve ever seen!

10 …… The bras that fit me, Curvy Kate, I have 23 (although 2 have broken wires). I still have my nursing bras, Prima Donna’s and Elomi’s, I have around 20 of those in the house still. I have 4 Elomi Bikinis and 3 older Curvy Kate Bikini tops.

7. How do you store your lingerie? Do you have special storage or are you a bung-it-in-a-draw type of girl?

I store all my bras on a scarf type hook thing. It has 10 hooks on a hanger, I have 2 of them. I hang them behind my closet door. They are hung from the strap. I wash them in the washer machine on hand wash cycle. Each bra gets a wash bag (bought a couple from Brastop and had a couple before). I hang them in the living room staircase rail to dry (husband love it when I do that…. Have to make sure and take them down when company is coming over, ha ha)

8. What social media channels do you use? (Can share your twitter/Instagram username if you like)

I’m on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/girljettech and Twitter @girljettech

A masssssive thank you to Tara for taking us through her bra journey and sharing a rather touching story about her son.

Are you a Brastop lover and want to be featured on our blog??? Tweet or Facebook us @Brastop or drop us an email to social@brastop.com and we’ll be in touch!

Grace x

Your boobs can communicate a lot about what’s going on with your body. We can use these signs to learn what they’re telling us about our health – and they’re pretty interesting.

Under-boob irritation is a common thing. It can indicate that you’re allergic to something. The most common thing to sit that close under your boobs is the underwiring of your bra. Substitute a non-wired bra for a few days and see if it goes away. Left over soap residue can also cause this as well as?? a change in fabric conditioner. Be sure to de-soap after every wash

Image credit- Redbook Magazine

Boob pain can be caused for a number of reasons, one being too much salt in your diet. High salt intake causes water retention, which can lead to breast pain and swelling. So think twice before adding that extra pinch. An indication that you’re drinking too much coffee can also be breast pain. Funny, I know. Having never been a big coffee drinker myself, I’ve never experienced this but according to Dr Minkin, an ob-gyn and clinical professor at the Yale University School of Medicine, too much caffeine can sometimes aggravate breast soreness. If you cut the caffeine and the pain continues – of course get yourself down to the GP.

Visible stretch marks are no big deal. Skin elasticity is different from person to person meaning others are more prone to this happening during breast growth. It typically happens when you’re boobs are first growing during puberty but can also be down to gaining and then losing weight.

Another trait that could indicate you’re allergic to something is itchy nipples. Your nipples can itch for a number or reasons. A new bra can contain dye or other compounds that elicit a reaction — and the same goes for a woolly jumper.

Many women are able to see veins in their breasts. This could be down to having fair skin, meaning your breasts are more translucent than those of other women, and hence you can see veins through the skin. Colour changes can also happen during pregnancy. Nipples can also darken and/or get puffier as we get older.

All of the above are of course subject to a number of reasons and looking out of any abnormalities in your boobs is key to staying healthy. Check out https://coppafeel.org/boob-check/ to get the low down on how to check your boobs and spot anything that isn’t as harmless as these.

Grace x

January is known for resolutions, Blue Monday and of course, sales. We’ve all had that shameless Monica-from-friends-dress-shopping moment so it only seems right to confess the thoughts that run through our minds during this ‘stressful’ time that we know every girl can relate to:

People.   Everywhere.

I’ll just wait for you to finish looking *10 minutes later still waiting*

Time to get pushy

LOVE THAT… oh wait it’s two sizes too big/small.

I can’t leave empty handed after all this!

Do I really need it? RE: point above.

I’m so glad I don’t work in retail right now.

I’ve just knocked 4 things on the floor while attempting to get hold of 1 thing and I have no hands left to pick it up.

I may as well look at the full price stuff why I’m here *immediately likes everything but can’t afford it*

This queue is insanely long…

Get me out of here now… oh wait that shop has a sale too!

It’s a vicious cycle, we get sucked in every season… but we kind of love it! Lucky enough for you however, as you can shop our sale from the comfort of your own home or on the go! So hopefully we can counteract some of the above. Tell us some of your worst sale shopping experiences in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook!

Grace x

I think black, white and nude bras get a bad rep for being the boring bras of the lingerie world. But why? Practicality isn’t always a bad thing; we’ve learnt this from fashion so why not use the same logic with your underwear? We want to show you that our neutrals are pretty damn awesome so we’ve selected just a few of our faves to share with you, and there may be a cheeky offer in there too so carry on reading..

Charnos Betsy Balconette Bra Black

First of all, you just can’t hate a bra that’s called Betsy – it’s so cute! And secondly it’s got to be one of the softest bras in our collection. The lace top cup that graduates down the center gore and half way along the band is gorgeous along with the matching high waisted brief that brings a touch of old school glamour to the look. LOVE! (and it comes in nude)

Lepel Alexandra Balconette Bra White

The top cup detailing reminds me of the 1920’s and it’s finished off so beautifully with a candy stripe bow to the center. You definitely can’t call this bra boring.

Charnos Collete Full Cup Bra Nude

Incorporating a lace top cup with ribbon detailing, this bra exudes sophistication and it goes perfectly under any light coloured tops or dresses.

Charons Kate Padded Plunge Bra Black

Perfect for everyday, this plunge style bra instantly adds a touch of glam with it’s all over embroidered detailing with cute diamante to complete it. It’s also available in in Raspberry if you love it that much.

Charnos Cherub Non Wired Bra Blush

For those of you out there that are not a fan of underwired bras you have to try the Charnos Cherub. Known for its gorgeous cups, this style is the same but without the underwires and all the comfort.

Lepel Rita Balconette Bra Black

When this came in I can only describe the sound myself and our buyer Luella made as ‘ooooooaahhhhhhhhh’ –  so basically it’s pretty fab.

All of the above bras mean can no longer call our neutrals boring! We don’t know about you, but we want them all.. oops. There’s currently up to 60% off essentials so get yours in now!

Which one is your fave? Tell us in the comments below or tag us in a picture on Twitter or Instagram.

Grace x

Age, hormones, gravity – as we get older, our boobs change size, shape and become fattier and less glandular. This is why they appear softer and less pert, particularly after menopause. This can affect what type of bras work for you. Gone are the days of grabbing any old bra and making it work. Now, it requires thought and product testing.

Many women stick to the same bra they’ve always had, but as your body changes, so should your bra! Although we’re always trying to convince all generations that a good bra fitting is a must, as you get older this tends to resonate more and  women prefer to go for a proper fitting compared to when they were younger! We’d definitely recommend getting properly fitted not just as you get older but every 6 months due to the amount of change our boobs can experience.

Getting the girls in the right bra can also be a giant confidence boost. If you’re feeling lack lustre about the girls, a great bra that fits well can turn back the clock, and only you would know about it. That trusty bra you’ve had for years may be comfortable, but it’s not doing you any favours in terms of lift and support. You may think you don’t need the lift, but this will come naturally with a supporting back band and it’s great!

You may find that non padded bras don’t work for you anymore. Padded and side support bras are great for just that – support and creating a great shape. The Freya Rapture Side Support collection is great for providing both of those things as well as the Fantasie Rebecca Spacer. The soft moulded cup is also great for under any clothes due to its smooth surface and it looks good too. Ticking all the boxes here.

Freya Rapture Side Support Plunge Bra Bubblegum

Fantasie Rebecca Mirage Spacer Moulded Full Cup Bra Blush

But who’s to say you can’t wear the same colours and styles as everyone else! Finding a shape that works is the hard bit, but after that you can play around with colour and styles as much as you like! As long as you feel fabulous and comfortable in what you’re wearing then who’s to worry about anyone else?

Have you found what suits you has changed over the years? What do you look for in a bra as a more mature lady? Let us know in the comments below! If you need a helping hand with sizing and fitting don’t hesitate to drop us an email to support@brastop or ask us on Twitter or Facebook!

Grace x

Mother’s Day has crept up on us thick and fast this year and what better way to celebrate all the gorgeous mums out there than with some lovely new bras??  Whether you’re buying for your mum or a mum looking to treat herself we’ve got the set for you…

The Cool Mum

For all the not so regular mums, but the cool mums out there who love a bit of leopard print the Cleo by Panache Mimi Padded Balconette Bra Blue Animal is the one.

The Young at Heart Mum

The Curvy Kate Vixen Padded Balconette Bra Fuschia is new for SS16 and is perfect for all those young at heart mums! I know my mum would be a huge fan of this one.

The Flower Power Mum

When we think of Mother’s Day we immediately think the Fantasie Rebecca Mirage Spacer Moulded Full Cup Bra Blush because of the flowers, and the cute delicate blossom print of this bra is bang on point!

The Mum That Loves Her Basics

The Panache Superbra Tango Balconette Bra Black is a Superbra for a super mum!

Whichever mum you have, she’s pretty fab and deserves a treat this Sunday! Which set do you think your mum would love the most? Tweet us a picture or tag us it in over on our Instagram!

However you’re spending the day; have a very Happy Mother’s day love Brastop x

Christina Hendriks is known mainly for her role in the hit TV series, Mad Men. Set in the 1960s, Christina could not be more perfect for the role, due to her extremely curvy and pin up style figure. Christina has that classic, Marilyn Monroe figure that most women dream for, the perfect hourglass shape. As well as a small waist and fuller hips, Ms. Hendriks is also very busty, thus making her a great addition to our Curvy Idol feature.

Because of her style, I imagine that Christina would wear very classic lingerie with some vintage pieces that are very elegant. I picked out, from the Brastop website, which sets I think would go best with her style.

1. Gossard RetroLution Half Cup Bra (E-G Cup) – Was £36 Now £28.95

The ultimate vintage-esque bra! This Gossard piece is bound to make you feel elegant. The thick straps make this bra extremely comfortable to wear and the gorgeous blush colour is a very flattering shade.

2.Flirtelle Georgia Balconette Bra (DD-K Cup) – Was £27 Now £14.95

I will admit, I mainly chose this bra for the colour as I think it would go so well against Christina’s beautifully pale skin. However this bra is amazing quality also and is so well priced at 44% off. This would be a great everyday bra!

3. Curvy Kate Roxie Plunge Bra (D-J Cup) Was £30 Now £19.95

Christina wears a lot of plunging dresses and tops so this plunge bra from Curvy Kate is very well suited. The bra gives a very flattering shape and a great lift due to the lightly padded fabric.

4. Curvy Kate Gia Balconette Bra (D-K Cup) – £29

I knew I wanted to include the Gia bra in this list because it is such a great, everyday shape that would suit anyone. I did, however, specifically choose this colour to again, match her gorgeous, light skin. This colour would suit those with darker skin tones also, but I think it would be so pretty on those who are pale.

5. Fantasie Abigail Side Support Bra(E-J Cup) – £33

Fantasie always produce great quality bras and I specifically love the fit of their side support ones, especially for those who find their breasts very ‘side-heavy.’ This particular print is so classic and elegant that I thought it was perfect to match Christina’s style. This makes for the perfect evening bra to make you feel gorgeous and sophisticated!

6. Curvy Kate Ritzy Babydoll (D-J Cup) – £40

Now for something a little more on the sexy side. I thought that this stunning, ruby red babydoll would be perfect for that vintage pinup look. The satin finish makes this look exquisite on and the cup style is extremely flattering. The best thing about this babydoll is the size range which is from a D-J cup!

What do you think of Christina Hendriks and her famous hourglass figure?

Who are your Curvy Idols?

Plunge bras are designed to be worn with a lower than average neckline, with a deep ‘V’ middle to help maximise your cleavage. Perfect for low-cut dresses, tops and even your everyday v-neck t-shirt, the lower centre of the bra allows it to appear hidden, with more cleavage depending on depth.

Women of all different shapes can wear plunge bras, however I would suggest that those who have shallow breasts (heavier underneath) should try a plunge bra with push up pads, otherwise they may find that they struggle to fill the top of the bra.

I have chosen 5 great examples of plunge bras to share with you!

1. Freya Deco Vibe Moulded Plunge Bra (D-GG Cup) – £36

As a big Freya Deco fan, I got extremely excited to see the new Deco Vibe come into the warehouse yesterday. The bra has the original Deco shape with some new modernised features, like a little bit of lace here and there. This moulded plunge, creates an amazing cleavage! The smooth, moulded cups make it perfect for underneath t-shirts for everyday wear.

2. Curvy Kate Daisy Chain Bra (D-J Cup) – was £29 NOW £19.95

This gorgeous sherbet pink bra by Curvy Kate is more a subtle plunge, that can be worn everyday! The fit is great and the wider straps make it extra comfortable.

3. Wonderbra T-shirt Bra (D-G Cup) – £23

The perfect plunge t-shirt bra! This lightly moulded plunge is ideal for those who are looking for a completely smooth, seam-free finish. The slight mould will help create even more of a cleavage! This is a great stable piece for any lingerie drawer, especially in this colour.

4. Gossard Summer Print Plunge (D-G Cup) – was £34 NOW £24.95

The the print and the colours in this bra are so pretty and the material is a lovely silky, smooth finish, great for underneath more clingy clothes. This lightly padded bra is perfect for those who are more shallow breasted, as the light pads will help to push you up into place. This bra creates a great cleavage and is extremely flattering!

5. Curvy Kate Roxie Padded Plunge Bra (D-J Cup) – £30

This gorgeous Curvy Kate plunge has a very low centre so is a great evening bra. The lightly padded fabric will help give some extra boost, creating a more knockout cleavage. This bra is extremely comfortable and I absolutely love the colour, it is so timeless!

Do you wear plunge bras? Which is are your favourites?

Being a curvy girl is extremely fun and thanks to many curvy celebrities such as, Kelly Brook, The Kardashians & Christina Hendriks being shapely and voluptuous  is massively ‘in!’

So, although being a curvy girl has it’s great moments, like being able to have that extra piece of cake on a Sunday, it also has it’s challenges, which can be extremely tough on some. These challenges can really effect some women and their self esteem, making them avoid certain situations, so I thought I would do my best to find a few solutions to these challenges, in the hopes that it helps some of you to feel more confident when facing these dilemmas.

1. Inappropriate Office Cleavage.

For those who have a fuller bust, may tend to enjoy flaunting these curves on the weekend but not so much in office hours. It can make them feel uncomfortable when dealing in professional situations.

The first and best way to combat this situation (and this goes for all 5 challenges) is to make sure you are wearing the right size! You can take a look at our ‘Most Common Mistakes Made When Bra Shopping’ blog for some fitting advice. Wearing the right size can ensure that you are supported and well covered in your bra.

Next, I would go for more of a full cup style of bra or a fuller balcony. These styles tend to cover more of the breast and do not create a cleavage, so that your male co-workers can keep their eyes focused on your face, rather than elsewhere.

I would recommend…

A. Freya Rio Balcony Bra £28 – A Freya classic! A great supporting bra which fits like a dream, covers the tops of the breast to avoid too much of a cleavage. Comes in perfect classical, everyday colours. This is a must every day bra!

B. Fantasie Abigail Side Support Bra £33 – The side support on this bra helps to offer a great, rounded shape, which can make you appear smaller than a pointed shape. The high centre ensures a well covered and supported chest.

C. Charnos Sienna Full Cup Bra £28 – Very similar in shape to the Fantasie bra, Charnos bras are always made of a high quality material, meaning the support is always fantastic.

2. The Gym

Fuller busted ladies can really struggle when it comes to exercise, due to the fact that rapid bouncing around can cause a lot of pain to the breasts and a lot of embarrassment for some. This can discourage a lot of women from going to the gym, or doing any form of physical activity. The best solution is to invest in a good quality sports bra! A sports bra, unfortunately, is one of those items where it is best to spend to a bit more money as the quality and material tend to be much better, ensuring a much more supported fit. I would recommend…

 A. Shock Absorber Multi Sports Bra £31 – Shock Absorber have a great reputation when it comes to sports bra as the support is always fantastic, this non wired bra is designed in a smooth high-performance fabric.

B. Freya Active Underwired Sports Bra £28 – This sports bra by Freya is underwired, for those who prefer to have that extra support. The cups feature an inner sling design to help reduce bounce and movement when being active.

C. Panache Sports Bra Black £38 – Panache offer a lightly moulded cup with this particular bra to help reduce friction. The underwired are silicone wrapped to help make them much more comfortable.

3. Meeting Your Boyfriend’s Parents

Meeting your boyfriend’s parent for the first time can be a daunting enough experience, but when faced with the uncomfortable thought at exposing a little too much cleavage it can be even worse! Much like the ‘office appropriate’ bra styles I mentioned in the first challenge I would wear a similar style in this situation. Wearing a t-shirt bra can create a very smooth and rounded look, which appears very neat making you feel supported and well covered.

 A. Cleo by Panache Maddie Balconette Bra £25 – This lightly padded, smooth fabric offers a great lift and support without creating a big ‘in-your-face-cleavage.’ Cleo bras are very comfortable!

B. Curvy Kate Smoothie Bra was £19.95 now £15.96 – A great t-shirt bra by Curvy Kate that is perfect for every day and under tighter fitted clothes.

C. Freya Deco Bra £32 – This Freya t-shirt bra is a cult classic. It offers a great lift and shape and again, is perfect under tighter fitted tops. This is a great every day bra.

4. Family Holiday

There is nothing quite worse than going on holiday with your parents and older brothers and having men checking out your assets! The same goes for those who holiday with their husband and children. It is best to wear a very well fitted and supported bikini top to avoid this situation and more importantly, to avoid things… falling out! Try these or something similar…

A. Curvy Kate Marina Moulded Bikini Top was £35 now £18.95 – This gorgeous bikini top is a balconette shape, but does cover much of the breast offering great support and coverage.

B. Fantasie Dominca Asymmetric Swimsuit was £92 now £59.95 – One of the best styles to avoid a cleavage in swimwear is a bandeau style and this asymmetric swimsuit is perfect to help cover you up a little when holidaying with your family.

C. Freya Girl Friday Bandeau Bikini Top was £30 now £17.95 – Another Bandeau, with a little extra support coming from the halter style straps, which can obviously be taken down for perfect tanning purposes. This bandeau style covers the chest to ensure you don’t feel as though you are exposing too much!

5. Running for The Bus

And finally, we have a big dilemma, running for the bus. Now unfortunately, unless you decide to wear a sports bra everyday, you are going to get some degree of bounce when running in a normal, every day bra. If wearing a good supportive bra and the right fit, it will obviously cause a lot less movement but there is still going to be some. So please don’t expect to never have a little bit of a jiggle when running, but I would recommend these bras as excellent, every day pieces!

A. Curvy Kate Starlet Balconette Bra was £19.95 now £15.96 –  This lightly moulded bra gives a great shape and is extremely comfortable!

B. Pour Moi Promise Plunge Bra was £22 now £16.95 – This is a great bra which fits extremely well, it is a lovely balconette shape without being too low.

C. Curvy Kate Gia Balconette Bra was £29 now £22.95 – A classic Curvy Bra with excellent support. This bra fits fantastic and will make you feel the same!

What other challenges do you face every day with being a curvy girl?

A – Wide set straps to help expose the chest and cleavage. Thicker style for maximum comfort.

B – Medium coverage cups, perfect for wearing with lower cut tops or t-shirts.

C – 3 section cup for ample support. The seams helps to shape and lift the boobs up.

D – Deep bands and sturdy wires for ultimate support and lift.

E – This seam across the cup helps to shape and round the breast.

F – Side panel for forward facing projection.

Full cup bras will suit most shapes and sizes, but those who find themselves very full on top may want to avoid balconette bras on an everyday basis, as you may find that the cups don’t quite give enough coverage for you. For those who are not as full on top or are shallow breasted will love balconette bras for their everyday choice. They are supportive, comfortable and above all they give the perfect shape with just a hint of cleavage, what more could you ask for?

Shop our balconette bras now!

What’s the best balcony bra you’ve ever worn? Let us know on Twitter @brastop!

How many is too many? This can relate to any number of things but of course when we say it, we mean lingerie. According to a survey conducted by The Daily Mail, the average woman will spend up to £2,700 on lingerie in her lifetime. That’s a hella lot of bras and knickers and everything that comes with. I guess that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll still own every bra you’ve ever bought – but still, we want to know if our collection is too big, too small, or if it even matters!

Having come to Brastop, and found like a lot of women, I was wearing COMPLETELY the wrong size, I threw away what I thought was a great collection and now have to start from scratch. Having owned potentially 20+ bras, I’m now down to 8, which to me seems quite small. For some of you however, 8 may seem like a feat!

With fluctuating sizes as we mature, have kids etc., our sizes do change and as you probably already know, you should get measured every 6 months. If your size changes quite frequently, buying a lot of bras to build up a collection where they all actually fit might be quite a struggle. I wouldn’t be surprised if fewer than 10 is quite a regular occurrence with some of you.

I think the case may be that a lot of ladies have a load of knickers, but not necessarily a lot of bras. We did a post about to match or not to match your bras and knickers and found a lot of you have a trusty bra you wear over and over but not the matching knickers showing you potentially have a lot more knickers than bras.

There are also a lot of you out there that are lingerie addicts and have to have the latest styles, which is why we do such great prices and offers, to keep up with all of you! Your collections probably defeat the 20 I used to own, and we love that! However we’d recommend here at Brastop having between 8-9. This would have to include a t-shirt bra, strapless/multi-way bra, and at least a black and white and/or nude so you have all your bases covered for every occasion! Anything after that is just an added bonus for you!

T-Shirt Bra – Lepel Lexi Plunge T-Shirt Bra

Strapless & Multiway Bra – Curvy Late Luxe Strapless Bra

Nude Bra – Fantasie Salsa Balconette Bra Nude

As a little fun fact to finish off, we hear Dame Vivienne Westwood claims to never wash her bras, but only ‘dust them with talc now and again.’ That’s an interesting one Vivienne. I wonder how big her collection is…

So how many bras do you own? Do you consider it a lot, or not enough?! Let us know in the comments below or tag us in a tweet @brastop

Grace x