For Great Bras, Lane Bryant Is A Sure Bet

As a curvy fashionista, one of my pet peeves is seeing an awesome outfit that is defeated and depleted because of bad undergarments. It’s such an offense to my sensibilities that I often want to hand out fashion violation citations. And a good bra is equally as important as great shape wear. An ill-fitted bra can ruin your whole life! It might not kill you, but it will definitely murder your look. If you are plus, then Lane Bryant is a perfect place to find a great bra.

Undergarments and shape wear are touchy situations in the plus size fashion community. I mean, I have seen the best of buddies get into heated discussions that turned into full blown arguments over the subject. Most people broach the topic with lots of caution. Personally, I’m am advocate for shape wear because it smooths out the lumps and bumps, and I am all the way here for that. Shape wear is for every body at every size as it does not discriminate. A post about my favorite shape wear and undergarments is forthcoming.

But first up? The Brassiere.

Growing Up Busty

I remember the day I got my very first bra. It was a BIG DEAL. I had discovered a knot in my “bird” chest and immediately informed my Mom. I was about 11 or 12 years old at the time. My Mom felt the knot too. She couldn’t make the doctor’s appointment fast enough. We received the all clear from my doctor, but he essentially told my Mom that her little girl was growing up and the bump was the first sign that my breasts were (finally) developing. Mom didn’t know what to say. I was thinking “But it’s only one. What about the other one?” I got my first training bra soon thereafter.

Once they (BOTH) started growing, it seemed they never stopped. By the time I was in 10th grade, I was wearing a 34DD. I was as slim as Wendy Williams with Wendy Williams-sized breasts, except mine were all natural. They continued to grow during and after college. The boys would tease me (“Here comes Nikki with those big hammer knockers”) and the girls would chastise me (“Maybe if you would sleep in your bra, they wouldn’t grow so much.” “You need bigger shirts.”) And grown men would damn near salivate when I was around. It was frustrating and annoying as hell, but I really didn’t let the constant reminders of how big my boobs were bother me. It was what it was.

However, finding bras that provided the right fit, lift and support without cutting into my skin was so difficult. I could never find one that I loved, and most fit like a harness. After having to purchase a size F cup maternity bra, I knew I needed a change. So in April 2006, at the age of 33, I decided to have breast reduction surgery. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have never had a single regret. And Lane Bryant has been my go-to place to buy bras since.

Lane Bryant To The Rescue

Lane Bryant is a top retailer of amazing bras for the curvy fashionista. Not only does the company offer beautiful bras for plus size women, most are as comfortable as they are stylish. Their selection is behemoth and the variety can be almost overwhelming. Take this Animal Lace Strappy Balconette Bra. If you don’t think this is a lovely looking bra, may I suggest you have your head examined. It’s  such a sexy and functional, two words you don’t always use together when describing plus size bras.

It’s also very comfortable. I wore if for upwards of 12 hours and didn’t have a single complaint. There is no cutting into my skin and shoulders, and I don’t fill constricted and constrained. The strappy harness cutouts and the eyelash lace at the cup and the band up the ante on sex appeal. While Lane Bryant advertises this as a medium coverage bra, I actually consider it to provide a full coverage fit. The lift is great too. Now, the bra does have underwire and I know that it a negative for many people. I don’t wear underwire bras everyday. But this one is really comfortable. This bra retails for $48.50 – $58.50 depending on size. Because it is such a great bra, I would recommend investing in it. You won’t be disappointed. I will be buying another one as backup real soon.

I’ve spent hours on end trying on up to as many as 25 bras in one day at Lane Bryant, no lie. It definitely helps me choose the most flattering ones and allows me to offer an educated opinion when friends and the #Freehive have questions. I get the most questions about my bras from my readers. Most ask about strapless bras and lift. I am planning a post specific to strapless bras in December. Those can be tricky so I need to dedicate a full post to that topic. In the meantime, RUN, don’t walk, to your nearest Lane Bryant to try this bra out. Or do what I do often, buy a few sizes online to try out at home and return the ones that don’t work. Either way, you need this bra in your life!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

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