https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 00:11:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59488 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:30:42 +0000 Rose 59488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HannahC-<br /> I'll definitely let you know about the PJ top! I got the rest of my order yesterday (blazer, cami, etc) and I loved everything. The cami actually works! I feel like it is very true to size (36D). I ordered the wrong size for the other items--ooops-- did not pay attention to the sizing instructions online, which sucks because I have to pay for the return since I am not in the UK.. but the blazer and top looked so great despite being slightly wrong size that I exchanged them for new sizes. They do seem well cut to my curves, which is totally new experience for me with tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59197 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:24:58 +0000 HannahC 59197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ele- hmmm ... maybe I should overcome my laziness and actually write to Bravissimo asking for more colors ... </p> <p>Asha - hello, fellow H-cup ! Yes, I usually feel like a circus freak if I try to buy a bra in an actual store. I also had this experience of salespeople trying to convince me that such a size just doesn't exist. Oh, and there is also the really embarrassing experience of one salesperson shouting to another across the store "This lady here claims that she is 32H! We don't carry it, right? I think nobody makes this size, right?" and all the other customers turn round and stare at me. Grrrr.... So I gave up a long time ago. I just order from figleaves.com or bravissimo.com . The brastop.co.uk also carries a lot of discounted bras in large cup sizes, but they recently are only willing to ship to Israel with DHL (or some other expensive carrier), so it is not worth it anymore. Bravissimo is the only store in which they just calmly discussed with me whether I should try the GG in Freya first.</p> <p>Rosemerin - I totally agree about the swimsuits, I also wear only the ones that I order from Bravissimo, and they are great. Please let us know your experience with the pj top! I am eyeing it for a long time, but since it is quite pricey, I couldn't justify the expense to myself yet. But if it is indeed as marvelous as it looks, I will probably give up and order one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59124 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:59:24 +0000 Rose 59124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this post! I would love to go to a Bravissimo store. I just placed my 2nd (online) order with them, for the blazer, cami, and one pj top, because being a 36D in size 6-8, I am totally sick of a lack of well-fitting tops and I am also in search of something soft with a little support to sleep in. Last year I ordered a bikini from Bravissimo and it was by far the best bikini ever for me, it actually fit me on top. FYI, I ordered a 36D bikini and I thought it was very true to size. I have been bra-fitted many times at several different stores and there has been 100% agreement that I am a 36D. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59102 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:29:21 +0000 Asha 59102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"It was indeed very interesting to enter a store, tell them my bra size, and not have the salesperson faint at that moment "</p> <p>Hannah, I chuckled at this - I'd love to have that experience too! Thanks for telling us about this. I have no one to talk to in real life about being a 30H. It is so nice to be here and get tips and advice, and learn from others' experiences. Also, quite honestly, it's nice to not be the only one with the small band/large cup combo. Sometimes, although I know I'm not, I feel like a bit of a freak when lingerie shops not only don't carry my size, but have never heard of it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59077 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:13:46 +0000 Ele 59077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Hannah, thanks for answering my question. It seems that I'd probably go down a cup size in Freya (already wear the smallest band size, so can't do much about that) if I decide to try them out. I am due for some new bras soon, and I do like the look of that Antoinette style you bought...</p> <p>In regards to the colours Bravissimo stocks, I think it actually would help to write them. I notice in the catalogue and on the website they're always saying things like "In response to your requests, we changed the trim on this style..." or "You told us last year that you'd love to see this in a print...". They give the impression of listening to their customers, at least. Having said that, I'm much too lazy for that kind of thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59075 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:12:10 +0000 HannahC 59075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ele - I had to go one band size up with Panache, compared to Freya, and stay in the same cup size (this basically means that both their band and cup sizes are smaller than Freya's). The thing is, Freya has GG size, while Panache doesn't. So I am 32H in Freya, and 34H in Panache. I also wear 32H in Fantasie, so I suspect the Panache bands are just tighter, and cups a bit smaller than Freya's and Fantasie's. The problem with making my breasts point downwards might be just my personal problem - I know Panache is very popular! Freya is known for giving an especially rounded and uplifted shape, though.</p> <p>Inge - yes, I am unhappy about the lack of variety in colors in Bravissimo in general, but I suspect that since they are niche retailer, they are trying to offer generic colors, to maximize the chance that people will buy. </p> <p>Kari - I find that Bravissimo runs pretty true to the measurements. For stretchy tops and dresses they usually have two variants of "curviness" - one is "curvy to really curvy", and the other is "really curvy to super curvy", so it sounds like 10 "really curvy to super curvy" should be perfect. For woven I'd say go with the "super curvy", because there is nothing worse than pulling buttons on a button-down, right :)? Oh, and also they usually do their jersey dresses longer than knee-length, while wovens are exactly below the knee (at least on me).</p> <p>Maya - you crack me up! Actually, this was quite an uplifting experience (also literally ), because this was a brick-and-mortar shop that actually carried bras in my size! </p> <p>Shana - no, they don't carry petites But Carissa finds them a little short (I usually find them just right, but I am only 5'3), so maybe it is worth a try? I would also love the shirtdress in plum... Maybe we should write them, asking for more variety in colors ...</p> <p>Carissa - yes, I also love their catalogues! All the pretty bras, and swimsuits, and clothes! The store is more like an extended fitting room.</p> <p>Angie - thanks! It was indeed very interesting to enter a store, tell them my bra size, and not have the salesperson faint at that moment </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59053 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:19:02 +0000 Angie 59053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you, Hannah! I'm glad you got sorted. :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-59052 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:18:26 +0000 carissa 59052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shana I find oftentimes Bravissimo runs a little short, so you may be in luck with the sizing.</p> <p>Their catalogues are always so pretty to look at, definite eye candy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-58981 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:26:19 +0000 shana 58981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a successful shopping venture! The top is really cute. I suppose they don't carry petites in their clothing line, do they? It's too bad about the shirt dress though - it really looks so pretty in the photo - although I agree the color selection is boring (I would love it in a plum!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-58952 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:32:00 +0000 Maya 58952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah I think the last thing I would want to do on a trip abroad is go bra shopping! Blech! It looks like you were successful in your shopping though. Bravissmo has some lovely stuff but I do not care much for it as far as my personal style though. It might be a good place for basics though, and I really like some of their woven tops. The twist top you got is lovely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-58950 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:27:36 +0000 Kari 58950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, awesome. I hope someday I'll be able to go in for a fitting. But it's good to know that they don't have she same inventory in stores as online. I love the top you ended up with, but I share your frustration that there should be more springy colors out at this time of year!</p> <p>Hannah, in your experience since you own several Bravissimo clothing items, are their clothes sizes pretty close to your actual measurements? (For example, I have a 29" natural waist, about 74 cm, and 38" bust = 96.5 cm, which would put me at the margins between size 10 Really Curvy or Super Curvy. Or I could go up to a 12. Do they run small/large/true to measurement, and are their sizes pretty consistent?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-58936 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:49:44 +0000 Inge 58936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That top is a gorgeous colour Hannah, and I'm glad to hear you found another perfect fitting bra.</p> <p>The shirtdress looks very promising in the picture, but I see your point about the restricted movement. And I couldn't agree more, can we please have some great fitting dresses in interesting colours!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-58932 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:29:07 +0000 Ele 58932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, I have a question for you. In the Panache bras you tried on, did you wear the same size as you do with Freya? Or did the fact that Panache doesn't really work for you mean that you didn't bother to find your best size in the brand? </p> <p>I ask because almost all of my bras are Panache (I really hope they aren't making me point downwards!), but I always see Freya styles on the Bravissimo website that I like, but hesitate to order them because I'm not sure how the sizes run. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-visit-to-the-brick-and-mortar-bravissimo-shop-for-the-busty-gals#post-58908 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:26:17 +0000 HannahC 58908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are several Bravissimo shops in London, and I went to one just off Regent street. Here is what I bought:</p> <p>1. Antoinette bra (Freya): <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/everyday-essentials/freya/balconette-bras/fyj5-details.aspx?colour=Barely+There" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....rely+There</a><br /> Since Freya has GG, the sales assistant first thought that I will need GG, and not my usual H size, but no - the 32H was still the right size. </p> <p>2. The front-twist top: <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/shirts-and-tops/bravissimo/bp19-details.aspx?colour=Raspberrywine" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....pberrywine</a><br /> It is very cheerful and fits well (I love the color!).</p> <p>Here is what I tried and didn't buy:</p> <p>1. A couple of Panache bras: only reinforced my experience that Panache gives me weird and unflattering shape - sort of pointing downwards.</p> <p>2. The shirtdress: <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/clothing/dresses-and-skirts/bravissimo/bc36-details.aspx?colour=Black" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....lour=Black</a><br /> As always with Bravissimo, their 14 Super-Curvy fits like it was made with my measurements in mind, even though it has almost no stretch. However, three things bothered me about this dress (in addition to the price): (1) it is hard to see on the site, but the buttons closure does not come all the way down to the hem - it stops at the hips level. This means that the movement in this dress will be a bit restricted, as it is quite narrow. I usually walk very fast, so I don't like clothes that restrict the movement; (2) it has a bit of a sheen - it is supposed to be an everyday dress, so why is it shiny??; and (3) the colors are boring - I mean, come on, it is spring! why only black and brown?</p> <p>In general, I think it is still better to order from the site, because the store does not carry the whole inventory. The idea of a store is more to have a fitting appointment once and to see what size you are in bras and clothing. Also, it might be because I came during the weekend, but the store was crowded, and there were not enough sales assistants. They do recommend to call ahead and to book a fitting if you are arriving during the weekend. I overheard a fitting session in an adjacent fitting room, and the sales assistant there sounded very knowledgeable about the way a bra should fit. </p>