Fantasie's Amber bra

Bigger bras are hard to find. There are a handful of brands that really “get”  larger-chested ladies, and the ones who do generally do it very well (shout out to Freya, Fantasie, and Cacique, just to name a few). But in general, women higher than a 38 band or above a DD cup can’t count on just walking into a store and finding a bra that fits. We have to special order, we have to blindly buy online, or we have to somehow find the holy grail: a tiny lingerie shop with a large size range. (I’m in the US, but I hear you UK ladies have an easier time finding big bras. I’m jealous!)

But why? As a country, US women are beginning to need bigger and bigger bras, a trend that is reflected through much of the world. (Some people blame breast augmentation, some people blame a rise in obesity, and some simply think more women are getting properly sized in the first place these days.) So you’d think that manufacturers would jump on this growing market and make larger bra sizes. But in general, they just don’t.

According to a recent article from New York Magazine, larger bras are more challenging to design and manufacture. That makes sense – bras are pretty incredible feats of engineering, and their task only gets harder as their load gets heavier. Not only that, but women don’t want bras to look utilitarian, we want them to seem like delicate wisps of gossamer and lace. But Jessica Pfister, design director for Le Mystere (a brand that goes to 44H and that makes 80% of sales from larger sizes), says that the idea of not developing these bras because it’s difficult is “totally crazy” and ”a lot of bra manufacturers make 32 to 38 — that leaves out two-thirds of the population.” Pfister’s three-person team spent nearly two years developing a bra to hold their maximum 44H chest. She says,

Cacique's pleated bandeau bra

“At 44H, the weight of each breast is about twelve pounds. It’s fourteen-and-a-half inches across on each cup. That’s a size 14 shoe, just kind of curved. So you need a garment that’s going to support you like nothing else. There are hundreds of components in a bra and each one needs to be perfect. If you’re an eighth of an inch off, you’re not going to get the right support.”

But that investment of time and money is one that many brands just do not want to make. Linda LoRe, president of Frederick’s of Hollywood (where 70% of styles come in plus-size options) says, ”If you don’t already have that customer coming to you, it could be a big risk to invest in that inventory unless you know it’s going to pay off.” Susan DeMusis, executive vice president of merchandising for Carole Hochman Design Group (intimates licensee for Betsey Johnson, a brand that goes to 36DD) says, “If our retailers said, ‘We think there’s a big opportunity to make a 38 band size,’ we would make it happen.”

Jezebel notes:

“But how much of a ‘risk’ is it to make and advertise a product you know many women are clamoring for, unless you know your company is only capable of making cheap, flimsy bras that would never support larger breasts? Is designing a bra that can do some heavy lifting really so complex that it’s more profitable to add a bow and some lace to last season’s 34Bs and shun millions of potential customers?”

It sounds to me like women in hard-to-find sizes need to be vocal! We need to make sure that manufacturers and retailers know the sizes we want, and how badly we want them. (I have emailed quite a few companies asking if they plan to expand their size ranges, with varying responses.) Then more companies will be like Le Mystere, which has developed a strapless 40G bra set to be available in stores in July.

La Senza’s Movable Gel Push Up Bra features customized gel pads that you can remove or move from one cup to the other. In solid colors and with smooth lines, it looks like a great everyday bra. It is available at LaSenza.com and select La Senza stores in Canada.

For something a bit prettier, the Jezebel Coco bra, Wacoal Petite Embrace Lace bra, and Chantelle Courtisane bra are so pretty and have removable push-up pads. All three are available at Bare Necessities.

For special occasions, Ultimo has a Miracle Solution Strapless Multiway Bra with removable gel cookies.

You can even find swimwear with removable padding, like these suits from Bond-Eye (both available at Figleaves).

If you want to find more, visit your favorite lingerie retailer’s website and search for “removable pad” – but be sure to read the description before buying to make sure your bra of choice has adjustable padding!

Jezebel brings Boho Chic into the Boudoir with the Rock Star Seamless Push-Up Plunge bra and matching Low-Rise G-String (left in photo). The label also unleashes your wild side with animal prints on the Animal Attraction set (right in photo).

Last but not least – Jezebel adds pretty petals for a flirty floral effect with the Cherished demi contour bra and matching garter skirt & boyshorts.

Not much more info available at the moment, but wanted to share these preview pics with you guys anyway. As soon as we have info on this Jezebel Fall ’09 line, we’ll obviously post about it as soon as possible!

1. Aubade Lingerie de Luxe Brumes Anges demi bra, thong, and garter belt
2. Lise Charmel Liaison Secrete Shelf Bra. The details are amazing, the velvet, the crystals, and lace.
3. Lejaby Elixir Empire bra and tanga.
4. Carol Malony Haute – Antoinette Camidoll with matching bloomers
5. Carnivale, ostrich feather thong skirt and triangle bra with crystals.
6. Jezebel Satin Doll in Tarten Red Bra, thong and flutter bikini

I am obsessed with the new Jezebel collection “Obsession!” With the first deliveries in February, this collection features the Jezebel name in the embroidery located on the scalloped cups (among other locations) of both the unlined and contour bras. Additionally, this collection includes a camisole, boyleg briefs, a low rise thong, and a sophisticated and sexy garter belt. Also new for spring is “Haley” collection. This collection features a spirograph embroidery in fun, spring colors such as the sunny “Bumblebee” and the punchy “Calypso.” Classic Jezebel collection “Desire” will welcome spring with color – cantaloupe and stonewashed! I am especially looking forward to stonewashed. The denim inspired pattern adds an additional punch of color with magenta trim and bows! Jezebel also adds a new forbidden fruit for spring with the introduction of apple green to the “Seduction” collection. Enjoy!

Supermodel Cinthia Moura who you might know as the Deer Woman from director John Landis’s series Master of Horror worked with me for a lingerie fashion story for Lucire magazine. Cinthia is wearing blue panties, garter and bra by Jezebel. ~ Lingerie Photographer Richard Warren

This is the first in a series in which we’re displaying the beautiful lingerie-photos by Richard Warren. Enjoy!

Out of your price range? Try the Eberjey Annalise chemise. Currently on sale at Figleaves for $55, light, mint and pink semisheer chemise will focus on all of her best assets. He will be left mesmerized as this piece hugs every curve. I love the simplicity of the cut with the ruffled bottom adding that something special.

I absolutely adore this cami and bikini set by Undrest! Made of the finest supima cotton this strapless cami (complete with ruffles and a satin ribbon detail) is constructed with a built in shelf bra for support. This set is available in mint with creme trim, crème with mint trim, and peach with mocha trim – flattering for a variety of skin tones. Casual, but sexy, the bride to be will be sure to grab her man’s attention in the thoughtfully designed Brazilian panty. Find this (and a fabulous treat for yourself) at Faire Frou Frou.

Keep things spicy with this set by Carol Malony available at Graffiti Pink. Made of soft, sensual eyelash lace this peek-a-boo bra and skirted thong makes a bold statement with the hot pink silk-satin trim. This set shows some skin, but leaves just enough to the imagination!

Being sassy is all about edge as seen in the Jezebel “Ruffles Galore” Bustier. The boning gives shape, structure, and support while the ruffles and bows give it pizzazz! Any bride to be can feel confident in this. Think runway show in the bedroom…Don’t forget the matching thong or boyshort. You can find this little number in precious pink, racy “Vampire” red, or bold “Icelandic” blue at Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie or Bare Necessities.

Not quite right? The series continues with more ideas suitable for your Bare it All Bachelorette!

“She blushes and replies as best she can under the circumstances (retail supervisors at department stores are notorious for watching staff at any given moment — do well, get a Frango; do poorly, get written up), “Well, it’s made for younger… er, smaller, um, like for Junior customers.” Junior my ass is what I am thinking. I know of no 16 year old who could fit in this stuff — big boobs or no. But I can’t terrify this poor clerk and say this to her. So I nod and go on my way. In my way out I pass through the children’s department. There on a 4-way is a collection of swimsuits (spring, remember?). I impulsively grab two bikinis, a size 7 and a size 12, and head back to intimates…

There I find the hidden corner of small smalls, and hold the size 7 child’s swimsuit up to the size Large women’s lingerie top, comparing (under) bustline to (under) bustline. Both garments have Lycra or other stretch so it’s a fair comparison. Held snugly, with enough tension to line the garments up and compare them I made my discovery: The size 7 is almost an inch and a half smaller. A full grown woman is supposed to be, at most, just 1 and 1/2 inches larger than a little girl who wears a size 7?

I swallow hard. I’m stunned. Hands shaking, I do the same with the size 12 … Holy crap, it’s one inch larger! The size 12 little girl’s swimsuit is one f****ng inch larger than a woman’s size Large.”

Read the full blog entry here!

I just had to feature this, even though (and I want to stress this) I’m going to try and find out first hand on the next occasion… Feel free to do the same!

This Jezebel bra features unlined cups that provides half cup coverage and uplift. Tiny bow details appear at the front of the adjustable straps and it has a two column, three row back closure.

Combined with the low-rise shorty (it features four rows of flirty back ruffles. The front is adorned with a satin centre ribbon. It has a high cut leg and Brazilian cut back) you’ll look STEAMING hot for any Valentine date.