A fascinating thread about knickers and bras

[LunaNorth]

I need some new everyday knickers and bras, and I’m stuck for where to look.

I’ve been underwhelmed with the last few times I’ve bought bras from M&S - I don’t find them comfortable, really.

I tried Stripe and Stare for knickers, and they were really comfy and funky designs, but the lace went grey very quickly.

Where do you go for nice everyday stuff? Neutral bras and pretty pants, rather than sexy lingerie?

All recommendations welcome!

@Ellllle

Fantasie for bras (I'm a 32E (or10E) though so will depend on size).

Bonds for everyday undies/knickers/pants.

Where do you buy them in the UK though?

...Bonds, that is.

Don't forget Damart for pants, DW buys there. The whites stay white.

I branched out and went to Next.

My knickers have been up my bum all day, and my rib cage has being garrotted.

The search continues…

Hi , i used to rely on m& s for my ‘basics’, but it’s a bit hit n miss now. Id like to know where to get pants with a decent gusset that aren’t ‘old lady’ pants. I need to keep my lady bits nice n covered the tiny gussets in most cut in and squeeze me painfully!

Superdry, Hollister and Victoria's Secret.
I like nice underwear.

@IHaveBrilloHair

Superdry, Hollister and Victoria's Secret. I like nice underwear.

I'm so old that I can remember when Victoria' Secret mainly did sensible basics (in the US, where I lived at the time), instead of pimping teenage models to billionaires. I had no idea that they still sold anything that wasn't a fluorescent polyester thong. Having looked on the UK website, there's some good stuff, albeit with all the cotton stuff in my size currently out of stock. Thanks @IHaveBrilloHair

@maybloss2

Hi , i used to rely on m& s for my ‘basics’, but it’s a bit hit n miss now. Id like to know where to get pants with a decent gusset that aren’t ‘old lady’ pants. I need to keep my lady bits nice n covered the tiny gussets in most cut in and squeeze me painfully!

The best I’ve tried for gusset width are Stripe and Stare. Really comfy too. But the quality just isn’t there for the price. It’s a shame, because they’re sustainable and look fab for the first two or three washes.

Thanks for the tips!

40 DD full cup underwired from Sainsbury (when they stock them online for collection, , no longer go that large in local store, sadly)
Very good fit.

Cotton (95%) full briefs (5 pack) from Sainsbury, size 12/14/16, strangely the same size in different colour packs doesn't always seem to be the same size?. I now try out a new one holding it against one I know fits me, before actually putting it on. And return the pack if it is not the same.

I'm a very curvy 12/14, well endowed, small waist, wide hips and with a big rib cage. (was a size 12 blouse size even when I was a teen, not so much bosom, weighed 8 stone, at 5'5", but big hips and ribcage, former county level swimmer and rider, then had several children if that has any significance! )

The best everyday knickers I have found are Wirapa (Amazon). I’ve been wearing them for several years now. They never seem to age. They was and wear amazingly. I can’t remember how I came across them, because who looks at Amazon for knickers? I have recommended them to a couple of friends and they find them great too. Here’s a link. Bear in mind, there are several styles.
www.amazon.co.uk/wirarpa-Underwear-Knickers-Stretch-Multicolor/dp/B08LPML6P4/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?dchild=1&psc=1&crid=310ARZS2VR2O8&keywords=wirarpa+ladies+knickers&sprefix=Wira%2Caps%2C262&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTjdWSVFZVDJQTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRJZD1BMDQ0NDk1OTFVQUxQT1RHQ1pES0EmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDI0OTM1OUFVNFpNODBHS0dWUiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1626986207&sr=8-4-spons

Bravissimo, Bra Stop or JL

Right, I’ve ordered those Amazon knickers and some Bravissimo bras.

Thank you all! Fingers crossed…

Have you read the www.booborbust.com/ website? it will blow your mind but hopefully you'll find your correct bra size.

@AnnieSnap I like the look of those knickers. I am borderline between s and m. Should I size up or down please?

[quote Futureself]@AnnieSnap I like the look of those knickers. I am borderline between s and m. Should I size up or down please?[/quote]
I find the sizing accurate, but because I have lumpy bits, I size up to keep a smooth line across my tummy.

Thanks

It just shows how different sizes/shapes react differently.
For knickers, I don’t get on with a significant percentage of cotton because of the lack of stretch. I’ve tried Sloggi (part of the Triumph group) knickers and l felt as if l was wearing a nappy! Very limited colour choice too.

Stretch lace works best for me.

John Lewis for bras. I used to be a very loyal Bravissimo customer but my local one never carried my size in stock (34G so not an unusual one for them). I also found that they were stocking less and less larger sized (and full coverage!) pants. I just felt ridiculously uncomfortable, like I was shopping somewhere aimed at 20 year olds. Anyway JL do loads of the same brands in larger cup sizes (and larger arse sizes), carry far more stock and don’t sneer or raise an eyebrow if you’re closer to 50 than 20!

And for everyday pants I am evangelical about fatface. I had to buy a pair in an emergency and was astounded at the fit and quality. It would have been my last choice for pants, but now I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Don’t forget if you are a fan of a certain bra size snd style by a major bra manufacturer eg panache / fantasy etc you may be able to get last years colours of exactly the same style cheap on eBay new as long as you don’t want black/ white / nude ( so I used to buy these basics full price from bravissimo snd then seek out shocking pink or what ever in line 😂)

If you are near there is a factory secondary bra shop in desborough northants that is amazing especially if you are a non standard size. Not do good if you are a 34-36 D or similar but more random sizes are often really good value. Swimwear too

@Ratonastick

Thank you!!! My exact problem with Bravissimo… the skimpy knickers on their own range. I’m a 16 and the XL was too skimpy and the dreaded Brazilian cut. I even wrote to their customer services to complain about them and got some bland response… “ please let us know what you’re after and we’ll try and help”. I did read an article about Victoria’s Secret having a re-vamp and trying to be more size inclusive ( might be bullshit) so I shall keep an eye out for them. Haven’t shopped there for 25 years.

I wore Bravissimo undies on my wedding day. The knickers nearly cut my nethers in half. Never been so uncomfortable in my life.

Ella and me for knickers, absolutely gorgeous but I’ve found I need to size up.
Bravissimo or online/eBay for 32f bras- combo of fantasie, Freya, panache, cleo and pour moi x

@Jemimapuddleduk - you hero! I loved Kinky Knickers, and knew they’d changed their name but I couldn’t remember to what - and it’s Ella and Me!

Thank you!

This thread encouraged me to buy some new full briefs, Wild Bloom, from M&S. Should have been buy three and get fourth free. No fourth with order and the quality is much poorer than older pairs