Why are bras - especially for the larger chested - so flaming expensive?

[CambridgeBlue]

I really need a new black bra as the wire has poked right through mine but I couldn't find anything in our local town this morning for under £20 in my size (34FF) and it's a similar story online. I resent paying so much for underwear, it's such a dull thing to spend money on!

eBay or amazon

Have a look at Brastop.com - can't post link from my phone but there's free shipping and it currently has a few bras in your size for under 15 quid.

Tesco? I have the same problem.

www.clothingattesco.com/bras/f+f-hannah-lace-plunge-bra/invt/ca413388

Asda! Get lots in the sale there too!

They're expensive because they're quite an intricate piece of clothing which requires a fair amount of work. Think of all the pieces of fabric, wiring, stitching etc that goes into them compared to a T-shirt.

DOn't buy from Tesco or Asda if you are a 34ff. They are no way the same as what you buy from brastop or bravissimo.

I got some from bravissimo fir about £30 each, yes expensive but omg they are amazing. I am a 32gg And having bras that fit and are comfortable is amazing so worth the money imo.

I think part of the problem is that the number of people wearing those size is relatively small compared to the number wearing, say, a 36C. Part of that of course is due to people wearing the wrong sizes! But, it means that the companies doing good quality bras for bigger busts (Freya, Fantasie, Panache, Cleo, Curvy Kate, Bravissimo, Ewa Michalak, Comexim, RIgby and Peller, etc etc) can't get the sort of economies of scale to make them cheaper. And they are, as a PP said, very intricate.

That said, there are bargains to be had if you don't mind getting out of season styles. Brastop, Mycurvesandme, Leia Lingerie (outlet section especially), bras and honey, ebay. Amazon often has amazing bargains especially on Curvy Kate and Panache/Cleo. Debenhams end of season sales (especially in store)...

I struggle buying bras too :( I have found some bargains on ebay if I look often enough. I agree that tesco bras etc are just nowhere near the same support as bravissimo brands etc.

I'm a 30GG and literally wear my bras until they fall apart because they are so bloody costly !

Statistically I was recently queuing in Sainsburys behind a slim young thing buying a multipack of 36C bras and the cashier (also slim) started chatting to her about how great they were, then inevitably the conversation moved on to 'if only they were comfortable'. It took all my self control not to march up and say 'I'd bet my bottom dollar you're a 32DD, maybe a 30E' but I knew I would sound like an arse. I so wanted to though, she had a fabulous figure, but a saggy bosom, and I could have had those girls hoiked up into the right place in no time.

Statistically I was recently queuing in Sainsburys behind a slim young thing buying a multipack of 36C bras and the cashier (also slim) started chatting to her about how great they were, then inevitably the conversation moved on to 'if only they were comfortable'. It took all my self control not to march up and say 'I'd bet my bottom dollar you're a 32DD, maybe a 30E' but I knew I would sound like an arse. I so wanted to though, she had a fabulous figure, but a saggy bosom, and I could have had those girls hoiked up into the right place in no time.

I'd have been biting my tongue too treaclesoda!

I've recently discovered the joy of a well fitted although expensive bra! Bravissimo are ace. My clothes look better and my waist has reappeared. I know they are expensive but worth every penny.

Try john Lewis clerance

I used to work for an underwear supplier and their stock answer was that bigger sizes are much better 'engineered' than small cups and that actually people buying small sizes are subsidising those buying DD+

At the time I was a B cup and was pissed off. Now an F and I'm happy to accept that

I bought a 34F from tescos not long ago. Out and about the strap detached the first time I wore it! Have vowed to spend a bit more on my next ones!

Definetly worth paying for a good quality supportive bra,makes all your clothes and figure look better.
Treaclesoda - I am always wanting to tell people they are wearing the wrong bra but bite my tongue. Wish someone would have told me years ago though wore a 34d for years and I'm a 30 back!

I think it just winds me up because it's one more thing women have to spend money on that men don't - and I have to buy them for my DD as well now!

Thanks for all the links though, lots of places to try.

I feel your pain however and ways tend to buy Freya or panache. Recently I thought I'd try next moulded cup bras. They seemed fine when tried on - within two hours they were uncomfy and I had overspill as everything had moved. With big bras buy cheap buy twice I have found. Back to branded for me

Yeah I know what you mean about the extra expense. When I'm short of cash I buy 2 white bras for washing and 1 black bra usually panache or bravissimo own brand and wear them to the death.

Because they are more technical to make well, less demand and therefore less economy of scale, people pay for what they need

It is again a case of conditioned for cheaper clothes again

I just bought a bra from Primark for a fiver and was amazed at how well made it was. I don't have a big chest, though (32DD or 34D).

i'm a 30F and find the tesco fuller bust range fine in terms of quality

go to a boundary mill if you have one nearby. their lingerie dept is discounted prices and they stock brands like panache, pour moi, lepel etc. i got a lepel bra last weekend for £13 and have just bought 2 bottoms to match in the sale for £5 each from figleaves.

Debenhams Gorgeous range have some at normal prices. £15 for a bra. After years of paying £30-40 for them I was very pleased. (30ff here) Still not the huge range smaller cups get but it's a start.

I agree, Debenhams is about the best of the bunch on the High St - so-called underwear experts M&S don't even do a FF cup size!