The quest for a new bra: Bravissimo and Curvy Kate

[RosinaAlmaviva]

The underwires popped out of several of my bras recently (can't complain, years of use and washed them in a machine which you're not supposed to do). Had been putting off buying new because I'm trying to lose weight and don't want to spend a lot on clothes, but having no choice, I went to be fitted at Bravissimo, where I've bought most of my bras for over 10 years.

They reckoned I was still a 36H and I came away very happy with what I thought were four Millie bras in that size, plus a Lacey. However, on getting them home, although the fit of the cup is very good with most of them, they feel too tight and uncomfortable after a few minutes. I have had this issue with Bravissimo before and have ended up ordering a band size up online which has been much better.

So I've ordered a 38H and 38GG online in both styles to compare. While in store I accidentally bought a 34GG Millie in the ivory and that is very definitely too small.

I am just venting really because I wanted that psychological boost you get from a great new bra and instead I have a pile of bras and matching knickers I can't wear as I'll probably have to return them. To top it off a wire popped out of my old faithful Dotty Spot while I was trying to watch The Crown last night. I am now left with one rather saggy Triumph Doreen and maybe an old Satine if I can find it!

Question: Did Curvy Kate discontinue Portia? I loved my Portias (found them via Bravissimo who used to stock CK) but can only find them in one colourway now.

If you liked Portia, what other styles would you recommend from Curvy Kate?

Also, if you liked Bravissimo Sophia, Melinda or Dotty Spot, have you found anything similar? My Sophia was my best ever bra and I was so sad when it got past mending.

You can return and exchange in bravissimo with the bras that don’t fit I have done this a couple of times.

Thank you Strong I'm hoping to exchange, as I do really like the Millie and it's a popular style so may be made available in more colours. I need a new go-to bra.

Weirdly, although I bought the 36H Millie in both red and black, the black feels tighter and there is a suspicion of quadboob, which there isn't with the red. I am wondering if some colours come up slightly differently than others even if it's the exact same size and style.

I have heard it said here that black bras are always tight (something to do with the dye). May be bollox, but IME does seem to hold true...

Tighter, that should say

Ok Uncle Matthew, maybe I'm not imagining it! The black felt tighter in other styles too. Thanks.

Try the Panache Tango. The style works for me (balconette also available) and a good range of colours; I won’t wear white or so called “nude”, the latter makes my boobs look cardboard. White reminds me of school.

The matching knix and thongs are good quality and comfortable too; most comfy thong I’ve ever worn. They change the colour range fairly regularly, so if you want the matching knix, strike while the iron’s hot. If you ho back for them at a later stage they’re gone.

Discontinued colours, if you can get your size (limited) are often substantially discounted too.

Thank you StarlightLady, I will give the Tango a try! Brastop are offering free delivery as well as returns this weekend. I feel a shopping binge coming on!

I wanted a nude bra mainly to match my numerous nude knickers from M&S. But it's so hard to match nudes. I should have taken the knickers with me to the shop because orange does not match caramel.

My white bras always seem sexier than the black, not sure why. Not the Doreen though! That does indeed remind me of school as I wore it for many years. It worked much better for me then but my cup size was smaller and also it was cotton, not polyester.

My online purchases arrived today and none of the 38s are right. They're all too loose at the back and baggy in the cup. Looks like the original size might have been the right one. I think I'll see how the red Millie wears and return/exchange the rest. Fortunately I did buy the matching knickers. You are so right about not waiting!

@RosinaAlmaviva -I have PM’d you.