What bras will give me a rack like Joan from Mad Men?

[Lottapianos]

I'm a 32 H so the size is not a problem but the bras I'm currently wearing still leave everything looking a bit droopy. I would like my bras to move everything a bit more front and centre so I look really well supported. I'm not looking for anything terribly sexy just well engineered I guess!

All advice welcome

It depends as much on the shape of your boobs as the size of them.

I'm a 32GG and mine are very 'full at the top' apparently (according to the nice Bravissimo lady). I've recently bought this one and some other MNetters who saw me at the weekend can testify to its hoikage .

Sounds like the Bravissimo Alana would be a good option. You will need to go up a cup from your regular size.

Sorry but you are all wrong I'm a 36HH and have found Cleo range by Panache lifts even my milk heavy boobs under my chin. I've bought a couple of balconnet ones from Amazon ( half price at the time), available in other shops, Debenhams is another, but as usual for me and Panache I need the next cup size up.

Don't say "rack" it's horrid.

Sorry took me so long to post that, LadyFelicity isn't wrong, Bravissimo fitted me in the same bra. It is the fab also, not quite as uplifting, so much more wearable day to day.

I'm talking about my rack, no-one else's so I can call it what I like

Loads of suggestions, thanks everyone. Very interested in Ewa Michalak and R&P. Looks like I need to re-think the laziness washing machine strategy

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?start=141&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=677&tbm=isch&tbnid=8vgvg6kaZQMQYM:&imgrefurl=www.bbc.co.uk/food/lamb_rack&docid=ijaVjpxt_Ot-PM&imgurl=ichef.bbci.co.uk/food/ic/food_16x9_608/foods/l/lamb_rack_16x9.jpg&w=608&h=344&ei=FqmSUNucHuqk0QWy44GACg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=188&vpy=395&dur=3&hovh=169&hovw=299&tx=163&ty=93&sig=104970589120948811459&page=6&tbnh=141&tbnw=234&ndsp=31&ved=1t:429,i:199" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rack

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how are any of those like breasts?

I try and hand wash them but if I'm feeling lazy I machine wash on 30 on the gentlish wash cycle in a net laundry bag. So far so good.

Just another vote for R and P - not cheap, but make everything you wear look better..

Ahem, gentlest

fantasie I think are best for larger sizes machine washing is bad for elastane and tumble drying worse

I've read the article SorrelForbes linked to before and this There's no way she's a 38DD! I'm bigger than her and I'm a 32/4.... In the same way Lindsay Lohan is not a 36D, Salma Hayek is not a 36C etc. Wearing a bra that is too small will give you Hendrick/Hayek cleavage.

...and will also give you back fat, under arm bulge and quadraboob

Hey nbf (aka Queen of Everything ). Have you tried Bravissimo Boudoir bra?
Last week in Bravissimo, they explained to me that some of the styles just don't work in a larger cup eg the Alana, which they could not make the wires sit flat against my ribs whatever size they tried. The boudoir works for me as it is a narrow back (comes up tight in black, great for me as I find bras stretch so quickly) and a lovely deep cup which pushes me in at the sides. Best shape I have found so far. I hate R&P, hated the smug fitters and rubbish range of bras for bigger cup sizes.

For the last couple of years I have had the bravissimo Alana in a range of colours (wearing one now!). They don't hoik my boobs up to my chin (my dream) but they are pretty comfy for day to day wear and wash well in the machine. I had it checked a couple of weeks ago and bravissimo said it was still a good fit after 6 months of wear and being chucked in the washing machine.

Before pregnancy and bf-ing the panache tango fitted my shape better. Also had R&P which was very good (although I turned it grey on its second wash - grr!)

At different stages in my life I have varied between plunges and balcony and full cup, just depends on what style suits my boobs at the time iyswim?

I really recommend trying on as many as possible. Oh and I'm a 34HH bottom heavy boob (ie not round and plump in a balcony bra at the moment - sob)

petty. Try Ewa Michalak CH style bras. They will lift your boobs up up up

Agree that a foray into Rigby & Peller is the best bet... not all their bras are £££, and the Primadonna 'Spacer' range are the best. thing. ever. Changed m'life, I swear.

Hey Dollydowser - loving the curtsey!

The Bravissimo Boudoir bra is getting lots of love on here so reckon that will be my next stop. May try a Ewa Michalak bra too. Thanks again for all the advice, looks like lots of us have the same issue!

Rigby and peller

R&P had 2 bras in H cup when I went there last month- keep that in mind.

I have two of these which give a lovely high but rounded shape, have been in the normal wash loads and still look brand new. I am only a 36D but definitely think the Gorgeous range is worth a try.

Panache Tango Balconette, Alana & Boudoir Beau are my all time faves. I am a 32 J or JJ depending on the style & fabric (36C according to M&S & Debenhams lol). Its weird but the black Tango is a 32JJ but i have a jade one that is a J. It's to do with the effect of the dye on the fabric apparantly. I also notice that some lose their elasticity & support sooner than others & again to do with the colour. I machine wash all mine which I know you shouldn't but most survive ok. I was once told by Bravissimo that average shelf life of a bra was 3months. I would be bankrupt if I followed that advice but in all other areas I am their dutiful customer

How are the Ewa Michalak finding the fit?

If they're still looking a bit droopy, you're probably not wearing the correct bra, so I'd definitely recommend getting refitted - different makes/bras fit differently, so it's not always the case that you'll be the same size in everything. In addition, I find Freya very good for giving me the type of boobs you want, although it's always down to the style of bra. Your best bet is to go see an experienced fitter and try on lots of bras until you find the one that gives you the breasts you want