Five fantastic brands for full-bust bras

There was a time when finding gorgeous lingerie above a D cup was hard work. Designs were supportive but not stylish, and ranges were extremely limited. These days, however, as well as big names like Freya and Panache there are also a number of smaller brands that are catering for larger sizes. Here are a few that are on my radar.

Harlow & Fox
A new brand producing beautiful lingerie, designed for DD-G cup, Harlow and Fox really know the meaning of the word luxury. The website tells us that, “founder and creative director Leanna Williams began developing the brand from her own desire for elegant, captivating garments without a compromise on fit for a fuller bust, after finding a lack of lingerie available in her size which she felt truly embodied a luxury aesthetic. Using opulent silks, fine leavers laces and intricate detailing, the entire collection is designed and made in Great Britain, using materials sourced from all over Europe.”

All Undone
Their signature balcony bras are beautiful as well as supportive, and I’m looking forward to seeing more styles from them in the future. They say, “we’ve created a fresh, elegant and innovative range of underwear in sizes 28-34 and cups DD-GG that feels luxuriant and holds you right where you want to be held. Our latest fashion-led range is manufactured entirely in the UK using a blend of silk, mesh and lace materials. So whatever you’re wearing today, wear it well.”

Tutti Rouge
Acknowledging that many women with larger busts are young, this new brand has a cheery dedication to pretty prints and cute frills. Rather impressively producing their bras in band sizes 28-38 and cups DD-HH, Tutti Rouge was launched in May 2013 to bring a fun and sassy lingerie brand to the party. They’re doing a great job so far! “The Tutti Rouge ethos is to make girls feel good, giving them confidence – this is gained by great fit, fashion focus and design. The first time a girl buys a bra is because it looks pretty – the second time is because it fits.”

Curvy Kate
This list wouldn’t be complete without Curvy Kate, and I do wish that large stockists like Debenhams and Bravissimo would take more of their styles so that they’re easier to get hold of. “Launched in July 2009, Curvy Kate offers a gorgeous collection of D-K cup lingerie designed specifically for the fuller bust. We are passionate about fit and proving how incredible a shapely figure can look in a well made bra.”

Playful Promises
You might already know Playful Promises, but did you know that some of their new collection will be available in an increased number of cup sizes? The Lily range, arriving in January 2014, will have two bras available in sizes 32A-32F, 34A-34F and 36B-36DD, adding 4 new sizes. “Fans of the brand have continually voiced their desires for larger cup sizes, which is quite a financial undertaking for an independent company. Larger cup sizes require different and more expensive fabric and components in order to provide extra support. The new bra sizes also feature different patterns and garment construction, which is key when moving into a different size range.” There will be a review of the balcony bra on Rarely Wears Lipstick soon.

Images via Harlow & Fox, Tutti Rouge and Curvy Kate.