New Look vs. Bravissimo vs. intimissimi vs. Agent Provocateur vs. Figleaves

[SchtenGraby]

I've just bought some expensive (/quality?) Figleaves/AP lingerie for DW for her birthday and would like to get some more items for Xmas.

However, it seems that that end of the market seems to be incredibly pricey and so would like to supplement quality with a bit more quantity too. I was looking at the new Kelly Brook range for New Look (yes, that bit was more of a present for me), but wondered if New Look was considered down-market or chavvy and whether this would be a no-no?

Please can any responses be more about the merits of the various brands mentioned in the subject line rather than the merits of Ms. Brook who, despite seemingly having a very bad line in publicity agents, actually seems to know a thing or two about good lingerie and the need thereof, particularly for the larger lady upstairs.

:-)

what size is she? Bravissimo specialises in larger sizes...

New Look is ok... Intimissi I know my brother buys his wife.

Figleaves has a variety of brands - from Freya to Curvy Kate to I think Panache do larger. Figleaves however their phone sales people are GREAT when it comes to advice.

Also don't rule out M&S when it comes to pretty/sexy lingerie.

Well it definitely depends on size. If she's got a 28 back, you'll be won't find anything at all in most shops.

30DD

That may well still limit things to the pricier end of the market, as cheap bras usually start at a 32 back IME.

My AP underwear was my favourite present last year and I love wearing it, I would leave her to buy her own everyday new look underwear and treat her to the posh stuff as we would never buy it ourselves

Xxx

Should be plenty on figleaves to choose from.

I haven't seen the new look stuff but I am bravissimo sized and I wouldn't bother with a shop like new look or with cheap underwear.
There's some good stuff on figleaves and bravissimo is great. I'd rather one good expensive bra than three cheap ones for the same price.
I think people with smaller busts don't need to be so fussy.

Try TK Maxx for good brands at high street prices.

Does she actually like getting underwear for a present?

I have to say this as DH bought some for me and it felt more like he was getting a gift for himself as it certainly wasn't stuff I would wear on a day to day basis.

He also bought me a silk chemise, which I love and makes me think kindly (and romantic) thoughts towards him every time I wear it, something like this, only mine was nicer ! www.figleaves.com/uk/product/FIG-135510/figleaves-nightwear-Ava-Silk-Chemise/?size=&colour=Greys

If you think she will actually like underwear then I'd go upmarket rather than downmarket - John Lewis stock lots of decent ranges that aren't ridiculously pricey like Panache or Fantasie, and FGS make sure you get the right size (easily done by checking existing items) for both bra and pants.

I have already got her some good quality Figleaves stuff, but you don't get many sets for your money, so I wanted to get a few cheaper things (that were nice!) to add to the quantity. Perhaps this is a no-no...

Maybe OP you could get a camisole or something with gift receipt as your DW can then exchange etc if not suitable.

Also in sales prices come down on lingerie.

Haven't checked but how about Vero Moda lingerie or Janet reger for Debenhams or Myla? They may do 30DD. Or Boux Avenue?

Buy from somewhere with a good returns policy. Bras do not all fit exactly the same, even if you are buying her usual size.

The Kelly Brook range only goes down to 32 back and comes up large- I'm about the same size as your wife and could have fit another me in there.

Presence at Debenhams starts at 32 but is very small in the back so the 32D fits me perfectly. I noticed John Lewis bras now start at 30 back in some styles but I haven't tried them. Bravissimo gets great reviews too and should have plenty in 30 back, or brastop online.

You need to look at what shape/style she wears too to see if it will fit right. I can't wear anything with seams in the cup as I get really funny squashed pointy boobs in them. I need to wear lightly padded balconettes for the best shape. Definitely make sure she can return them if they just don't fit right (and since lots of places won't accept knickers back then order those once she has the perfect bra).

Boux Avenue do a 30 back and aren't crazy expensive.
m.bouxavenue.com/;next=12;paging=viewFour/lingerie/bras/bra-size,30dd/page,all