Brastop.com - Blogging about Big Bras

One week left to enter - calling all DD+ girls!

2010-04-26T22:35:00.011+01:00

With only one week left for you to enter Star in a Bra, time is ticking away, but there is still time for you to get your entries in.

It's really very simple. All you have to do is go to the Star in a Bra website, register, upload some photos, enter some details and you're done! It's that simple.

We've had some fantastic entries this year, but don't let that stop you. We welcome girls of all shapes and sizes - and everything in-between; from a 28E to a 40DD, our entries span the entire spectrum of bra sizes!

We want this year's Star in a Bra to reflect Brastop.com's customers; the kind of girls you want to see wearing products that you want to buy. No-one wants to see a model they can't relate to, or worst still, who makes them feel bad about their own bodyshape.

All we ask for are some curves and some confidence - surely something every girl should have?

So don't worry, there's still time left to enter! You have until 2 May to enter so get going, and good luck!

NEW Curvy Kate - up to 54% OFF all styles! Grab sizes from DD - J cup today!

2010-04-23T08:03:00.002+01:00

My favourite bras are back in stock at Brastop.com!

The Curvy Kate Criss-Cross bra is available in DD-J cups with up to 54% off!

You better hurry if you want one though - they go quickly!

ALL Gossard bras £9.95 & Swimwear SALE - Further Reductions!

2010-04-21T22:44:00.003+01:00

Guess what girls? Gossard bras in D-K cups are back in stock at Brastop.com - and they're only £9.95!

Do I need to say any more?

What are you waiting for - go get one before they run out!!

DD+ Curvy Girls wanted - Submit YOUR photos today! No Experience needed

2010-04-19T08:49:00.003+01:00

Have you entered Star in a Bra 2010?

If not, there's plenty of time to get snapping some pics of you in your favourite bra set and upload them to our website.

You don't need any previous modelling experience - we're looking for natural, curvy, confident girls who don't mind falunting their figures.

It doesn't matter what dress size you are, what bra size you are or if you've ever modelled before - check out the samples above for some of the girls who've already applied.

We've got 30HH girls, a 30G, 32F - and loads of other girls ranging from 34J to 36HH.

If you've already entered and completed a profile application, but haven't uploaded any photos - why not go an do it now?

Go on - you could be the next face (and chest!) of Brastop.com!

Freya & Fantasie added to HALF PRICE sale - Grab your final markdowns!

2010-04-14T12:20:00.002+01:00

Spring time is finally here! Who would have thought that only two weeks ago we were still battling snow in some places?

To help you get buzzed up about summer coming, we've decided to reduce everything in our Spring Clearance section to HALF PRICE! Yes, you read that right - HALF PRICE!

So don't waste another minute, get along to the Spring Clearance section and pick yourself out something nice from the Freya or Fantasie ranges.

You could even pick yourself out somrthing nice to wear when you're snapping your pics for this year's Star in a Bra competition? The competition remains open for all entries until 4 May!

Star in a Bra goes Radio Ga Ga!

2010-04-10T13:35:00.000+01:00

If you live in the the Gloucestershire area, you may have heard Total Star Radio promoting our Star in a Bra competition and Radio Jackie in Surrey on Friday!

If you want to listen again, click here.

Come on girls it's time to show us how great your curves look - we want naturally curvy DD+ girls to show us how gorgeous real shapes look in lingerie.

Enter today at www.starinabra.com

Have you applied for Star in a Bra?

2010-04-07T12:00:00.003+01:00

Have you applied for Star in a Bra yet?

Go on - you know you want to.

We've had over 400 entries since we opened the competition just under a week ago on 1 April, and more are flooding in every day.

We'll start to showcase some of the gorgeous girls who have applied so far in the next few days - but we want you to keep on signing up, uploading your pics and showing us your curves.

If you've signed up, but haven't yet completed your application, please log back in and send us your photos - otherwise, you can't be included in the competition.

You have until 3 May before we select the 30 girls who will be shortlisted or the public vote.

So get snapping and uploading - and you too could be like last year's winner, Lauren Colfer!

Star in a Bra 2010 is here!

2010-04-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

The waiting is over girls - Star in a Bra 2010 is here and you can apply to enter the best lingerie competition in town right now!

Star in a Bra offers you the chance to become the face of Curvy Kate, as well as modelling for Brastop.com, a free set of lingerie every month and some lovely goodies from the sponsors.

Entries can be submitted from today, 1 of April, until midnight on the 2 May, however we do have a few simple rules:

- To enter the competition you must be 18 years old or over, with a natural bra size of at least a DD cup (no enhancements).

- You must submit at least five photos, including three full length lingerie and two head shots.

- Photos cannot be altered in anyway; we all have lumps and bumps, and want to see the real you.

- If you're a little confused as to what photos can be entered, visit our detailed guide.

All terms and conditions can be viewed here.

The competition is broken down over the course of the next few months, with the winner being revealed on July 17. The process can be viewed here, with all the important dates for you to remember!

We want to make this year's competition ever bigger and better than last year.

At Brastop we encourage beautiful women of all shapes and sizes to be proud of their bodies, so why not invite all your friends on Facebook to the fan page or to this event to help spread the word of Star in a Bra 2010?

You never know who might see it and decide to flaunt their curves.

So what are you waiting for? Enter today! We look forward to hearing back from as many of you as possible.

Good luck!

Star in a Bra interview: Lauren Colfer

2010-03-31T21:49:00.005+01:00

Star in a Bra 2010 is only a few hours away, and to mark the occasion, we caught up with last year's winner, Lauren Colfer, to get her thoughts on being the winner of the best lingerie competition in town and some tips for the girls applying this year.

Name: Lauren
Bra Size: 32F
Height: 171 cm
Waist: 73 cm
Hip: 86 cm
UK Dress size: 12
Eye Colour: Brown
Hair Colour: Brunette
Town, County: Catford, London

Brastop: Remind us how you got involved in Star in a Bra - what made you decide to post some pictures for the competition?
Lauren: I wanted to enter in 2008 but chickened out at the last minute. So in 2009 I decided I was going to give it a go and now... here I am!

Brastop: It's been almost a year since the 2009 Star in A Bra competition started, how has it been for you this past year being a lingerie model?
Lauren: It has been so much fun! I had been a Brastop customer since I was about 15, so to be part of something I had a lot of respect and support for has been fantastic. It's definitely an experience I can always look back on and smile on, a big highlight of my life so far!

Brastop: Has it given you a taste for modelling - do you think you would like to model full-time?
Lauren: Definitely! I have always been the first person to jump in any photo, but I really love modelling and I know I'm comfortable in lingerie. I don't belong to an agency as yet, I'd like to look into that very soon. It's not all glitz and glam, I know it's hard work, but probably the most fun you could have in a hard working day. I had so much fun working with Laura and Daisy for the Curvy Kate shoots, all the laughter you see is genuine.

Brastop: How have your friends and family been about you entering the competition?
Lauren: Some were great from the start, some were a bit worried about the sort of attention you can receive from being in lingerie, but once they saw how positive the campaign was, they were all for it.

Brastop: Have you been recognised in public yet?
Lauren: I don't think a total stranger has approached me and said "you were in the paper" or anything like that. I work in a big leisure centre though, and a lot of regular customers have said they saw the paper and thought "I know that girl!"

Brastop: What's it like on the photoshoots? Do you find it nerve-wracking, or do you just go with the flow?
Lauren: To be honest, I did feel quite awkward at first, on the first couple of shoots, it was just a very new experience. Once you warm up and relax though, it's easier to get going. There's a lot to do in one shoot, so you have to get upbeat and there are a lot of set changes so you learn to get on with it and laugh along the way.

Brastop: Of all the photos taken so far, which one do you feel captures you the best?
Lauren: Curvy Kate encourage lots of smiles and laughs in the shots and I have found myself being much more of a teethy smiler in snapshots when I'm out with friends, whereas I rarely ever showed teeth before! I love all the laughy ones, usually I have my mouth wide open! My favourite picture is one from the Autumn/Winter 2010 shoot where I'm wearing Portia in black and pink, holding a cupcake. We ate so many that day and my face is saying "I want another one!"

Brastop: What set has been your favourite to model so far and what brand has made it to the top of your favourites list?
Lauren: I've always been a big lover of Freya, Masquerade and Lepel, but since Curvy Kate came into my life, I am building up an impressive collection of that! I particularly love the Emily range, and all of the Show Girls and I can't wait to see what new styles come out over time.

Brastop: What advice do you have for any girls considering entering the competition this year?
Lauren: If you've got it, flaunt it! It's great seeing curvier girls in the fashion industry, there is no such thing as "normal" but it's great to have someone to relate to when you look at how clothing and lingerie fits. Also, make a Facebook group to get people in the know about you entering; when I did mine people were fantastic with joining and sending it on. Throw caution to the wind and go for it, I really wasn't sure about entering, but I'm so glad I did! Good luck ladies!

Spring Clearance SALE - All Bras HALF PRICE or less!

2010-03-30T13:06:00.005+01:00

Spring is here! (Well, not that you would notice).

Why not help us celebrate by treating yourself to something in the Brastop.com Spring Clearance section, with all bras half price or less!

STAR IN A BRA begins 1st April - Extra 10% OFF Everything!

2010-03-26T18:39:00.005Z

Star in a Bra 2010 is now only SIX days away, and to help you get into the mood, we've decided to offer 10% off everything at Brastop.com when you spend £40 or more.

Just use the code BRASTAR10 at the checkout.

Why not go right now, buy yourself a nice bra set and get some pics snapped for next week, before signing up to the competition and sending them in to us?

Go on, you know you want to!

Star in a Bra interview: Daisy Hill

2010-03-23T22:19:00.010Z

With just over a week until Star in a Bra competition starts, and here at Brastop we couldn't be more excited.

Now in our third year, Star in a Bra is dedicated to changing the way we look at models by encouraging members of the public to enter in hope of becoming the new face of Brastop. With an overwhelming amount of interest last year, we have high hopes for this year's competition.

Following on from our interview with Nadine Kennedy, next up is Daisy Hill, last year's runner up.

Name: Daisy Hill
Height: 5ft 4in
Bra size: 32f
Dress size: 10

Brastop: Remind us how you got involved in Star in a Bra - what made you decide to post some pictures for the competition?
Daisy: I got involved with Star in a Bra as I was always a fan of the Brastop website. I then saw the competition and wanted to enter but never did as I didn't realise I would get so far. My friend actually sent in the pictures and then I found out I had made the top 30 - it all went from there.

Brastop:It's been almost a year since the 2009 Star in a Bra competition started, how has it been for you this past year being a lingerie model?
Daisy:It's been so fun! The years has gone so quickly and I've had great fun working with the team and the other girls.

Brastop:Has it given you a taste for modelling - do you think you would like to model full-time?
Daisy:I would love to model full-time but other than working with Curvy Kate I haven't pursued it.

Brastop:How have your friends and family been about you entering the competition?
Daisy:They've been really supportive. My Mum is very proud of me, and my friends never fail to show encouragement.

Brastop:Have you been recognised in public yet?
Daisy:It's been strange because a few people have and that's always weird, but I do love it - it's great.

Brastop:What's it like on the photo shoots?
Daisy:Do you find it nerve-wracking or do you just go with the flow?
Daisy:I can remember my first couple of shoots and I was a little nervous, but as time has gone on, the nerves have gone and I just love doing it.

Brastop:Of all the photos so far, which one do you feel captures you the best?
Daisy:I like the one in the pink 'angel' bra, in the house, leaning by the doorway.

Brastop:What set has been your favourite to model so far, and what brand has made it to the top of your favourites list?
Daisy:I love all the Showgirl Curvy Kate underwear - it's a bit fun and younger, so it's always fun trying on new sets for that.

Brastop:What advice do you have for any girls considering entering the competition this year?
Daisy:I would just say go for it! It's definitely been worthwhile and an experience I won't forget.

Extra 10% OFF Everything - Hurry ends Sunday!

2010-03-19T14:58:00.002Z

How would you like 10% off absoluely everything at Brastop?

You would? Good! Well, get along to the Brastop website before midnight on Sunday 21 March and use the code LUCKY10 at the checkout and you'll get 10% offanything you buy!

20% OFF Today - See our Lucky Treats for St Patrick's Week!

2010-03-17T20:37:00.005Z

Happy St Patrick's Day!

If you want up to 20% off your order this week, just use the code PADDY at the checkout!

Star in a Bra interview: Nadine Kennedy

2010-03-15T10:00:00.005Z

The Star in a Bra 2010 competition is just 17 days away, and everyone here at Brastop.com is getting very excited about it.

Star in a Bra is the chance for curvy girls to make their mark on the lingerie scene by becoming a Brastop model for a year. Last year's competition was overwhelming, with coverage across the country on TV, newspapers and online - and we expect this year's competition to be even bigger.

In the build-up to 1 April, we thought it would be good to go back and revisit the entrants who came in first, second and third in last year's competition - starting with the fabulous Nadine Kennedy from Shotts in Scotland.

Name: Nadine Kennedy
Age: 26
Height: 5ft 10in
Vital stats: 34G bra, waist 32" and hips 38".
Dress size: 16

Brastop: Remind us how you got involved in Star in a Bra - what made you decide to post some pictures for the competition?
Nadine: I've been using Brastop for a few years now, I saw the competition in 2008 and thought it was a great idea, there were so many beautiful girls who entered. When the competition was being advertised again last year my partner David persuaded me to give it a go. We took some photos of me and sent them in. It was just a laugh at the time, I never told anyone else because I didn't think I would get very far in the competition, never mind third place!

Brastop: It's been almost a year since the 2009 Star in A Bra competition started, how has it been for you this past year being a lingerie model?
Nadine: The past year has been great, working in your underwear is the best. I have done some modelling for Brastop since the competition and I've enjoyed every minute of it. It's all been very surreal.

Brastop: Has it given you a taste for modelling - do you think you would like to model full-time?
Nadine: I would jump at the chance to model full-time, I just don't know if there is a huge market out there for curvy models. I think it is commendable that Brastop use curvy models on their website, and by doing this your average sized woman is able to see exactly what the bra looks like, and how it fits on an normal size person instead of the usual razor thin models used by most companies.

Brastop: How have your friends and family been about you entering the competition?
Nadine: My friends and family have been great, they are very supportive and proud of me. Although it has to be said that didn't stop them from taking the mick.

Brastop: Have you been recognised in public yet?
Nadine: Not yet, but if it does happen it'll probably be one of the most bizarre things to ever happen to me. It would be very weird.

Brastop: What's it like on the photoshoots? Do you find it nerve-wracking, or do you just go with the flow?
Nadine: I'm always nervous (and when I say "nervous" I mean terrified) to start with, but the people I'm working with are brilliant and soon put me at my ease. I just try to enjoy the whole experience, it's not every day I get to go to work and model underwear.

Brastop: Of all the photos taken so far, which one do you feel captures you the best?
Nadine: The Curvy Kate Portia Teal set that I was photographed in last year for the competition, and also the Ballet Eternal Support Body (Black), which is on the website now, are my favorite photos.

Brastop: What set has been your favourite to model so far and what brand has made it to the top of your favourites list?
Nadine: The Curvy Kate Showgirl set is one of my favorites because it was such a good fit, very supportive and comfortable. Also I recently modelled the Ballet Eternal Support and Bustier Basque range, I was very impressed with the shape it gives you and how it can make you look and feel very sexy. My favorite brands are Masquerade, Panache, Freya, Curvy Kate, Ballet and Gossard.

Brastop: What advice do you have for any girls considering entering the competition this year?
Nadine: Expect to be nervous but please don't hesitate to enter, just go for it! You will have a fantastic experience and you never know where it could lead to. Best of luck everyone!!

Win a hamper for Mother's Day - join our Facebook group!

2010-03-10T08:24:00.003Z

We're giving away another fantastic Devine Chocolate Hamper this week - all you need to do is sign up to our Facebook group and tell us why your mum is number 1. Simple!

£10 OFF all FREYA Lingerie!!

2010-03-10T08:14:00.005Z

Do you Love Freya bras? I know I do - along with Fantasie and Curvy Kate, they're one of my top brands.

Well, if you love Freya as much as I do, you'll be more than interested in this week's deal, where you can get up to £10 off all Freya lingerie in the Brastop.com range!

But you'll have to hurry and grab something while stocks last!

Welcome to the Brastop Blog Becky Mount!

2010-03-03T09:33:00.004Z

Remember last week we published an interview with Becky Mount, one of the co-founders of Busts4Justice?

Well, Becky impressed us so much with her enthusiasim for busts, boobs, bras and Brastop, that we asked her to come on board as a blogger here at the Brastop blog - and she jumped at the chance.

Becky is really keen to get started, and her first major task will be previewing the forthcoming Star in a Bra 2010 competition, in addition to catching up with the latest news on bras, reviewing items from the Brastop website and discussing the latest news from the world of bras.

So, give Becky a nice warm welcome - and give her as much feedback and encouragement as you can - you'll be hearing form her here on the blog in the coming days.

Welcome to the Brastop blog Becky!

Grab a £12 Bra! New styles added for last day - Hurry!

2010-03-03T00:38:00.004Z

There's less than 11 hours left to grab yourself one of our amazing £12 bras!

There can't be a single lingerie retailer on the web right now offering bras cheaper than Brastop.com - all you need to do is visit the link above and grab yourself a bargain - from Curvy Kate to Gossard, in D-K cups.

You can't lose!

And don't forget, we're also offering 10% off all shapewear for one week only! Just use the code 'SHAPE10' at the checkout when you make your purchase.

What hook are you on?

2010-02-26T12:12:00.003Z

You know the hooks-and-eyes at the back of your bra?

Those flimsy little metal things are probably among the most important components of you bra.

They take most of the strain in terms of your body twisting and stretching throughout the day and they hold absolutely everything in place - as many girls who have experienced a catastrophic failure of clips will testify to.

Well, contrary to popular belief, the clips are not purely designed to make your bra fit tighter or to fit people with rapidly-fluctuating back sizes - they're there to prolong the life of your bra.

When you buy a new bra, you should make sure you have the correct back size in the first place, and always start wearing it on the longest setting of hooks at the back. Most bras come with at least three settings, but some come with two - or just one.

As your bra starts getting older and undergoes regular laundering, the material will stretch and you'll find the back becoming more loose. When that starts to happen, you should move up a notch on the hooks.

Eventually, you'll have to move on to the third row of hooks, as the bra's life starts to come to an end.

When that happens, it's time to get a new bra.

But - the golden rule is: start on the longest setting and work your way in over the life of the bra.

FREE Delivery EVERYWHERE!

2010-02-25T23:44:00.003Z

Free delivery. EVERYWHERE.

Do I need to say any more?

Interview with Becky Mount from Busts4Justice

2010-02-23T20:06:00.002Z

You may remember back in May last year there was a high profile campaign to get the high street giant Marks & Spencer to drop the £2 surcharge on larger cup-size bras.

The campaign was established by Beckie Williams and Becky Mount, who both decided that M&S needed to be challenged on the unfair 'Bra Tax' and their cause quickly gathered momentum, featuring in all of the major newspapers, news websites, on television and radio.

In particular, the Facebook group, Busts4Justice gathered over 17,000 members, and a few weeks later, M&S backed down and decided to remove the surcharge, marking a big success for the group's two founders.

It's now been almost a year since the campaign kicked off, and I decided to catch up with one of the founders, Beckie Mount, to find out a bit more about what went on, and what she's up to now...

Brastop: Tell us a bit about yourself - what do you do for a living etc.
Becky Mount: My name is Becky, I turn 21 in a few months and am currently studying for an English degree with the Open University. Before Busts 4 Justice I had thought I'd try and find my feet in the world of journalism but now I'm not so sure!

Brastop: How did you get involved with Busts4Justice?
Becky Mount: Beckie (Williams) and I have known each other for years, and during the summer of 2008, she told me of her writing in vain to complain about the £2 surcharge. After racking our brains as to how we could reach the most amount of people in an easy, free manner we started the Facebook group and the rest was history. It's been a lot of hard work but we've known each for so long we work well together.

Brastop: It's been several months now since M&S backed down over the so-called 'bra tax' - do you feel it was all a ploy on their part, of were they genuinely trying to tax bigger cup sizes? They seem to have done okay out of it in terms of publicity, and they're still one of the most popular high street outlets for underwear, so it's not difficult to feel cynical about their whole campaign.
Becky Mount: I think from the beginning we both understood that logically, more materials and a more technical design is going to cost more as M&S so rightly defended their decision to include a surcharge, but that didn't make it fair. They have done well from the campaign, but we never intended to turn Busts 4 Justice into a hate campaign against M&S; we're both huge fans! We actually met with M&S on a couple of occasions to work with their design and lingerie department and they were willing to listen to our members. It's easy to see why people would assume that it was maybe a bit of clever PR, however I can hand-on-my-heart say that it was far from that. The surcharge had been in place for quite some time before we came along, it was just the overwhelming response of the group that made them realise that their customers were not happy and would not stand for such discrimination.

Brastop: What has busts4Justice being doing since the 'bra wars' campaign ended?
Becky Mount: We're currently developing our own website and looking into the issue of fitting, it's no secret that too many women wear the wrong bra size, and that's something we really want to tackle. We’ve also been looking into recycling old bras for charity. All of this will become apparent once we launch the website, hopefully very soon. Despite the fact we essentially won 'Bra Wars', I definitely don't want the campaign to end. It'd be a shame to see it end when there's so much more potential. What this might lead to I'm unsure of, but I'm very eager to keep the ball rolling and use the popularity and interest for the better. The campaign has really made me realise how passionate I am about not only underwear, but all that has been highlighted by the campaign and it's definitely something I'd consider doing for the rest of my life.

Brastop: Buying bras is an expensive business - not just for bigger women - so are there any other areas of expensive underwear you plan to target in future?
Becky Mount: At the moment, there's nothing definite planned however we really look forward to the future of Busts 4 Justice and wherever that may take us. It would be a dream to expand into our own underwear line that provides affordable, practical but stylish underwear, regardless of size but that's just a pipe dream for now, unless anyone wants to make us any offers! Seriously though, that would be fantastic; whilst I think it's brilliant that there are an increasing number of brands that focus on the needs of larger cup sizes, it'd be great if one day there was a brand that had no limitations on size, design or price.

Brastop: What are your favourite brands of bras? Do you stick with any specific makes, or do you vary it?
Becky Mount: My underwear drawer is like a pick and mix bag of sweets! I do have my firm favourites though; I absolutely adore brands specifically tailored for bigger sizes as I think they have a better understanding of what we want and need. As a 30F, it's not always easy to find comfortable bras that are both supportive and attractive. Freya and Panache have always served me well, but recently I've fallen head over heels for Gorgeous by Debenhams and of course Curvy Kate. Brands like these understand that their customers want affordable bras that they're not ashamed of, and I think that's very important. Women can benefit from owning underwear from all sorts of brands to tackle numerous boob-related problems, so it's great fun to shop around.

Brastop: Are you strictly a practical bra buyer, or do you like to buy yourself something nice?
Becky MountA mix of both really, however I don't think the two ideas should be too distant! I think it's very important for all my bras to fit correctly and give me the support I need, but there is definitely an aesthetic difference between my practical underwear and the kind I don't mind other people seeing. As wonderful as my multi-way Wonderbra is, it pales in comparison to something I picked up at Rigby & Peller.

Brastop: We're always on the lookout for advice and tips on buying bras, getting fitted and women's health - do you have any tips for our readers?
Becky Mount: I think all women should know how important it is to be fitted correctly. There are numerous health problems that can be caused by an ill fitting bra, and with a wealth of shops offering a good fitting service, it's vital that women get measured. My personal recommendation is Bravissimo; they offer a fantastic service and go above and beyond, however many other reputable shops have a similarly brilliant service. Another thing to remember is that your size does fluctuate for a number of reasons, and this needs to be taken into account. And if we didn't already have enough on our plates in the lingerie department, different brands do vary when it comes to sizes. I've recently learned the trick to try a couple of sizes either side of what you know is your own when considering buying any bra and you'd be surprised at the subtle differences between brands. We both feel that womens health is something that gets overlooked in the world of bras and it's something we'd like to help to tackle.

Brastop: What's your funniest bra story or your worst ever bra disaster story?
Becky Mount: Oh gosh, everyone has one of these, don't they? I think my worst ever has to be at a gig. I was at the barrier of a fairly small but packed out venue, getting absolutely crushed when all of a sudden I felt one of my straps tear at the back. It ripped completely off; it was a fairly old bra, and I knew I needed to get re-measured. I was wearing a fairly flimsy t-shirt because it was so hot in the venue, but there was nothing I could do. As the gig went on, the bra was practically in tatters half way down my rib cage and I was hoping and praying that because I was pressed so tightly to the barrier that no one would see. I was centimetres away from flashing the band when it was all over and I could hide under my jacket. Since then I've never gone to a gig without a good sturdy bra and checking my straps. I can't believe I actually admitted to that.

Brastop: How can people get involved with Busts4Justice?
Becky Mount: Until our website is up and running anyone who is interested in Busts4Justice should join the Facebook group – we have a fantastic community over there, we love our members! There are plenty of discussions to join in on, and we regularly post discounts from various companies which is always a bonus. Our members are very knowledgeable if you have a specific problem that needs tackling. We also have a twitter account: www.twitter.com/busts4justice. Our website is a way of developing the campaign with a lot more for the public to get involved with, so for now, watch this space!

£12 BRAS for one week only! PLUS new shapewear, strapless styles and new models!

2010-02-23T19:47:00.005Z

If there's two things I love, it's bargain bras - and new bras.

If you want a bargain bra, you need to get along to the Brastop website as quickly as possible and grab yourself one of our £12 bras.

Yes, you read that right - £12 bras - but hurry, it's for one week only!

And new styles too!

We've got new shapewear in - to give you that flattering shape - in all sizes!

And some really gorgeous new strapless bras.

But you really better hurry - they won't last!

Oh - and do you recognise that girl modelling our new range of shapewear? It's Nadine Kennedy - the girl who came third in last year's Star in a Bra compeition.

Look out for this year's competition - coming soon on 1 April!

Brastop seeks curvy girls for bra testing and fitting

2010-02-19T12:17:00.003Z

Calling all Curvy Girls - we're looking for some fit models.

Can you help?

We need girls with the following sizes: 36G, 38G, 36FF, 38FF and any J/K cup girls to help us with fitting our latest designs.

You'll be rewarded with some gorgeous lingerie but you'd need to be able to travel to our offices in Harrow easily.

Email glenda@brastop.com if you'd like to help!

Interview on Lingerie Buyer with Brastop model Laura Butler

2010-02-18T19:57:00.002Z

Do you remember Laura Butler, one of the finalists in our Star in a Bra 2008 competition?

She was so popular with our customers, she ended up one of the full-time models for Curvy Kate and still models for Brastop almost two years later.

Well, Laura has recently done an interview with Lingerie Buyer, one of the popular trade magazines in the lingerie world (if you're in the business of bras, you'll know Lingerie Buyer).

Laura epitomises the kind of model we love at Brastop - curvy and proud of her shape - and she's also a fantastic ambassador for Brastop and the Curvy Kate range - so go read what she has to say about what it's like being a curvy model!

Wow! £10 OFF all orders - Hurry - D-K cups in today!

2010-02-18T19:51:00.005Z

Do you fancy £5 off any order over £30?

How about £10 off any order over £60?

Sure you do. But you better hurry - the offer ends at midnight on Sunday 21 February!

Just use the codes "FEB5" and "FEB10" at the checkout when you make your order.

Star in a Bra Competition 2010 - coming April 1!!!

2010-02-16T13:00:00.000Z

No, it's not an April Fool come early - it's the genuine article - Star in a Bra is back!

Get your camera at the ready, dig out your favourite underwear set - and get ready to send us your photos - and you could be the new face (and bust) of Brastop!

It's your chance to prove to us you have the confidence and the curves to look gorgeous in lingerie.

We know better than anyone that women come in all shapes and sizes and we are committed to finding great fitting bras for naturally curvy women.

So, who better to model our stunning DD+ range of products than the women who buy them - you!

So if you are confident, gorgeous and naturally fuller-busted, enter the Star in a Bra modelling competition because we'd love you to represent our best assets!

Come back on 1 April for details on how to sign up, send in your pics and tell us about yourself.

We'll also have feature interviews with the three winning finalists from last year's competition - Nadine Kennedy, Daisy Hill and our winner, Lauren Colfer.

Stay tuned to the Brastop Blog for more!

New Freya and Fantasie styles just in - with 35% OFF!

2010-02-16T11:07:00.003Z

If you don't love Freya and Fantasie bras, you've either never tried one - or you've been hiding in a cupboard for the last 10 years.

Apart from Curvy Kate, Freay and Fantasie are just about my favourite brand of bras - quality, well-made, beautiful, well-fitting bras - even if they are slightly more expensive than other brands.

However, don't worry about the price - we've got a fantastic offer for you at Brastop - 35% off new styles now!

What are you waiting for? Go now! Quick! Before they run out!

Bratabase - a database of bra sizes compared

2010-02-15T12:03:00.003Z

A few days ago, I found a fascinating website called Bratabase, produced by a young South Amiercan chap, which seeks to help you find the right bra by comparing sizes among other brands or designs, giving you a better idea on what to get or what bra may fit you better.

The basic idea is that you measure your current bra (or bras) and add them to the database, and the bra can instantly be compared to several other bras that are already in the system - thereby providing you with a fairly accurate alternative to your current bra.

It's actually quite clever, and a very functional, well-designed website.

Hopefully, it'll take off and build as a useful resource for finding that perfect bra.

Win yourself a Curvy Kate bra set!

2010-02-12T10:07:00.005Z

Have you got a funny bra story to share? Sure you do - everyone does.

Well, if you join up to the Curvy Kate Facebook fan page and share your story, the funniest will win a FREE Curvy Kate Bra set.

Here's one from me...

About a year ago, I was sitting in the office at work chatting on the phone to a colleague when I dropped my pad on the floor. So, while still sitting in the chair, I tried to reach down and pick the pad up. However, during the process of reaching for it, my bra strap simply couldn't take the strain - and snapped. Of course, being very generous in the cup department, this was something of a disaster (put simply, my boob fell right out of the cup and my bra went south - I was wearing a blouse, so it was very noticable).

I had to quickly end my call, grab my bag and make for the loo. The only thing I could do until I could get out at lunchtime and buy a new bras was to put on my sports bra (which was in my bag, as I had been to the gym in the morning before going to work) - but, of course, it was soaking with sweat from my early morning run on the treadmill!

Tres embarassing!

So go on - tell us your stories, and the winner will be announced next week.

NEW Curvy Kate - FREE DELIVERY on all DD - J cup Spring ranges!

2010-02-12T10:01:00.002Z

Fancy getting your hands on some of the new Curvy Kate Spring Collection?

Why not try out one of our recommended sites, Lovebras.com, where you can get the latest Curvy Kate range before everyone else?

And, better still, we're giving you FREE DELIVERY with all orders - just use the code "freeuk" when you reach the checkout at the Lovebras.com website.

Star in a Bra 2010 coming soon....?

2010-02-12T09:10:00.003Z

Psst... guess what I overheard in the Brastop offices this morning?

It went something like this: "Star in a Bra... ...this year's competition... ....coming soon...."

Ooooh! Exciting!

Watch this space!

14% OFF + FREE Delivery until Friday only!

2010-02-10T08:29:00.004Z

Are you hoping your partner will pick out something nice for you as a Valentine's Day present?

Why not send them a link to our latest offer as a subtle hint, and you'll get 14% off everything AND free postage - but hurry, the offer ends on Friday 12 February at midnight!

Just use the code FEB14 when you get to the checkout.

(If you'ree in any doubt about what to buy, go look at our Brastop Valentine's Gift Guide for men)

Reader's tip: check your time of the month before remeasuring!

2010-02-08T12:50:00.002Z

As ever, we're on the case about getting properly measured for a bra - and there's a whole bunch of tricks and tips you can do to make sure your bra is suitable for your bodyshape.

Heree's another great suggestion from this month's reader's tip winner on how to make sure you get the correct measurement:

During that time of the month, breasts can sometimes swell and alter your true size. If you are bra shopping, try to hold off until later when your size will be more accurate.. Nicole Blondell.

Thank-you Nicole - you win a free lingerie set!

It's also a good idea to consider the effect of hormones, possible pregnancy and weight loss or gain at different times before checking your bra size. Sometimes, it takes one or two measurements to get it right.

Don't forget, if you have a tip or a suggestion, you can either post a comment below or you can fill out our suggestion form (if you fill out the form, you could be in with a chance of winning a free lingerie set!).

The Brastop Valentine's Gift Guide for men

2010-02-05T13:00:00.001Z

There's only a few days to go before that special romantic day of the year when women all over the country are showered with roses, chocolates and surprise packages containing underwear.

As I said in our Christmas gift guide, the Valentine's Day purchase tends to present problems for the anxious male buyer, from being embarassed to ask for assitance or just grabbing the first thing that might fit their partner. Worse, they often pick the item that they want to see their partner wearing, rather than something their partner might actually want to wear.

However, Valentine's Day is slightly different from Christmas, in the same way it's different from a birthday or any other special occassion - it's all about the romance, the surprise of a nice gift - and it's also about having a little bit of fun. So, the rules of Christmas gift-buying don't really apply in the same way, but they're worth noting.

So, here's some tips to make sure your partner is happy with any lingerie purchase you make for her before next Sunday...

As ever, start out by picking out the correct size and style in the first place.

There's really only one way to do this (unless you ask her and spoil the surprise) - and that's look in her underwear drawer and locate the items that she wears most often. But try not to get caught - and put things back the way you found them.

Take a note of the sizes you find on the labels - bra sizes are usually a number followed by a letter - such as 36D, 32FF, 40G and so on. Knickers are usually sized: small, medium, large etc. or are in dress sizes, like: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18.

Next, you have to think about style. The rules tend to go out the window for Valentine's Day, but don't take it as an excuse to buy a contraption that requires more instructions than an Ikea coffee table.

A nice red bra set is always a good bet, but make sure you get something that suits your partner's shape and style - but there are plenty of other colours to consider, or you go opt for something made from satin - or with in a nice pattern.

One of the really nice selections in our Valentine's offers is the Sienna basque in black/ruby by Panache - but you'll have to be quick, as they're running out of stock. It's quite sexy, but also has a shape-contouring effect. It's not something your partner is likely to wear to work but it might spice things up a little in the bedroom.

You could always go for a Gossard satin Superboost bra in black satin, available with matching suspender and thong for a total of just £16.15.

Or give your partner the Ultimo Duchess set a go, which features the bra, knickers (or thong) and a matching suspender - there's also the Gossard Superboost burgindy plunge bra set with matching suspender, available up to 38FF.

All of the above are not only really quite pretty, sexy and fun - but a few of them work just as well as bras for regular use - particularly to go with a special occasion outfit or a party dress.

If you're in any doubt, have a look at our lingerie buying guide for men.

Above all, remember that Valentine's Day is about having fun - a nice bottle of wine and a small box of chocolates tends to go down well with us women just as well as some nice-fitting, suitable underwear!

Good luck - and don't forget to email us at hannah@brastop.com to let us know what you bought, and if your partner appreciated your purchase.

WIN a Divine Chocolate Hamper at Brastop!

2010-02-05T11:23:00.004Z

Are we ever done giving you great gifts, competitions and offers here at Brastop.com?

Here's a chance for you to win a fantastic Devine Chocolate hamper, jam-packed full of more chocolate than you could ever want!

All you need to do is fill in the questionaire by Friday 19 February, and you'll be entered into the draw.

EXTRA 10% OFF plus FREE Divine Chocolate - Feel Fabulous this Valentine's!

2010-02-03T14:16:00.004Z

Valentine's Day is just over 10 days away, but if you want to make sure your partner gets the message early, forward him a link to our latest discount offer which includes 10% off our Valentine's range and free Devine Chocolate with every order over £20 while stocks last!

Look out for our Valentine's gift guide later this week for some top tips on what to get the one you love on the special day!

Postie swaps stamps for bras

2010-02-02T15:00:00.001Z

Who says a life in the lingerie business doesn't pay?

The Craven Herald and Pioneer reports on John Tidwell, a sub-postmaster from West Marton who has stepped down from his duties dishing out stamps and weighing parcels to sell underwear.

Just over two years ago, when his Post Office was threatened with closure, he started to sell lingerie and his business has become so successful that he is now training local woman Leah Booker to be the new sub-postmistress so he can concentrate on it full-time.

Good on John - I wonder if he stocks Curvy Kate...?

Brits spending more on lingerie than the French

2010-02-02T12:53:00.004Z

Would you say you're spending more money on lingerie these days?

I know I do - well, I certainly spend more money on bras than I used to, but I'm not so sure about 'lingerie' (as in sexy bedroom wear).

According to Mimi Spencer of The Times, British women are spending more money than our French counterparts, who traditionally love their lingerie.

UK underwear sales grew by 40 per cent in the decade to 2009, with British women spending an average £71 a year on news lingerie, compared to £70 per year in France.

There's also been an explosion of choice in thep ast 10 years, from brands like Bravissimo and La Senza to a massive increase in competition on the high street between the big stores like Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.

However, it's estimated that the UK women's underwear market, currently worth £3.4 billion a year, will decline by 1.2 per cent this year due to the recession, and not necessarily due to choice or availability.

So, do you reckon you're spending more on lingerie these days, or do you spend just about the same (or less) as before?

Let us know in the comments below.

What's your favourite fit and brand of bra?

2010-01-28T10:00:00.000Z

Following on from Monday's post about the poor quality of bra fitting in UK high street stores, we've had a bit of a brainwave at Brastop.com...

For more, here's a message from our marketing manager, Hannah Houston:

Hi,

I'm Hannah and I'm trying to find out a little bit about you and how we can make you even happier. We've set up this ideas page so you can tell us your thoughts, suggestions and general ponderings on Brastop.com and our services.

We're your one stop shop for gorgeous D to K cup lingerie and swimwear at the lowest prices, so if there is anything you think we could do better we'd love to find out!

So, we want to know this: what is your favourite brand of bra and what's the best fitting bra for you?

So, it's that simple folks. All you need to is either leave a comment below here on the blog, or, visit our feedback page - or, you can visit our Facebook fan page and leave your thoughts there.

New! Allegro and Wonderbra at Brastop

2010-01-28T08:00:00.000Z

You looking for something new to get your year kick-started?

Why not try the Miracle Dream Bra from Alegro?

It's a beautiful, soft caramel underwired mesh bra with contrasting navy blue floral embroidery - and it's only £14.95 at Brastop right now!

Or, why not try the Glamour Silk Bra by Wonderbra. It's a gorgeous soft, supportive underwired black bra with sleek plunging cups in a silky matt finish - and it has removable padded inserts to suit your style and fit.

FREE Delivery WORLDWIDE - Celebrate it's Payday!

2010-01-27T22:58:00.002Z

The end of the month is almost here - and that means PAY DAY for just about everyone!

So, why not whisk away the post-Christmas blues and treat yourself to something new at Brastop.com - with Free UK Delivery!

Just enter the code JAN10PAY at the checkout, and if you're outside of the UK, use the code JAN10WORLD if you spend £50 or more!

Bra fitters letting bigger women down

2010-01-25T15:00:00.000Z

According to a new report, published today in The Express, larger-breasted women are being squeezed into the wrong-sized bra because of high street stores' poor fitting services.

It's an all-too-familiar tale, women being given the wrong size of bra because the shop assistants aren't trained properly (or are not confident enough to do the job) and i really shouldn't be the case.

A group of undercover researchers for Which? Magazine with cup sizes of DD or bigger were offered such poor lingerie fittings that in many cases a cheap market-stall bra would have been better, often being given different bra sizes in different stores, with one woman told her bust size was 34FF in one shop but 40D in another.

John Lewis got the best score at 45 per cent, for overall service, closely followed by Bravissimo at 43%. Marks & Spencer scored 36% with Debenhams on 35%.

We've said it before, and we'll keep saying it - there's no excuse for a poorly-fitting bra.

Visit our bra fitting guide for some good advice on finding the right bra for you, and get remeasured regularly!

Curves are breaking in to high fashion

2010-01-25T11:28:00.005Z

Eleanor Mills of The Times writes today about the increasing presence of curvy models in fashion, which has slowly nudged designers and retailers to start stocking bigger sizes in everything from clothing to lingerie (and I mean lingerie, not just 'underwear').

From Karl Lagerfeld to Mark Fast - all the big name designers are moving away from skinny waifs and more towards women with shape - and it's all down to the availability of better fitting, better designed, cheaper and suitable lingerie for bigger women.

And she's right - not so long ago, bigger cup sizes were a nightmare to source, and generally consisted of designs that looked as though they had jumped off a bus from the 70s.

As Eleanor says, a decent fitting bra or basque is the cornerstone of a woman's foundation - of her shape and comfort. If you can get a bra to fit well - especially if you're big in the cup department, then finding clothes to suit is a breeze.

It's about time curves started coming to the forefront of modelling and fashion - after all, we make up the majority of the population.

WOW - £10 OFF the Gorgeous NEW Curvy Kate range in DD - J cups!

2010-01-20T22:15:00.003Z

They're here! It's the new range of Curvy Kate bras - with up to £10 off all bras in the range.

Get over to Brastop.com now and grab yourself a bargain on one of the best, newest, most exciting, stylish bras in big cup sizes on the market!

Up to 30% OFF NEW Panache! D-K cups available but be quick!

2010-01-14T15:00:00.000Z

Panache bras, D-K cups, 30% off.

Do I need to say any more???

FREE knickers with Facebook - help Brastop reach 1000 fans!

2010-01-14T11:40:00.005Z

We're approaching 1000 fans on our Brastop Facebook page!

Help us to reach the 1000 mark by inviting your friends and telling them about the fantastic deals on offer at Brastop.com, and we'll give away a FREE pair of knickers with every single purchase!

Visit the Brastop Facebook site to join up and share with all your friends!

Reader's tip: try on a tight t-shirt when fitting a bra

2010-01-14T10:22:00.004Z

We're always going on about getting properly measured for a bra here at Brastop and there's a whole bunch of tricks and tips you can do to make sure your bra is suitable for your bodyshape.

However, here's some advice from this month's reader's tip winner on how to go a little bit further to make sure your bra looks good on you:

Try on a tight fitting t-shirt to see how your new bra looks. Then reach up and bend down to see if the cup holds the breasts adequately.. Irene Geoghegan.

Thank-you Irene - you win a free lingerie set!

Don't forget, if you have a tip or a suggestion, you can either post a comment below or you can fill out our suggestion form (if you fill out the form, you could be in with a chance of winning a free lingerie set!).

30% OFF NEW Panache Cleo bras - HURRY these D-J cups sell quickly!

2010-01-13T10:02:00.003Z

I know what I'm doing when I get paid this month - I'm going straight to Brastop.com and nabbing one of the new Panache Cleo bras on sale.

I've got my eye on the George Balc set in teal!

Fancy a winter thrill? Get 30% of the new Masquerade range!

2010-01-12T13:00:00.000Z

Masquerade is the sub-brand of best-selling Panache label and is certainly the more seductive of the two lingerie ranges, with an amazing fit and great uplift a burlesque style - now available up to a GG cup at Brastop right now with up to 30% off the range!

VAT may have gone back up - but Brastop prices remain the same!

Can Facebook raise awareness?

2010-01-12T10:41:00.003Z

If you're a regular Facebook user (like me), you probably noticed a trend last week where girls mentioned a single colour and nothing else, much to the bafflement of the boys out there.

I think it's safe to say that the secret is out now, and if I'm blogging about it on here, you can be almost certain it was related to underwear.

In fact, it was part of a viral campaign (presumably a spontaneous one, but you never can tell), for girls to raise awareness of breast cancer issues by posting the colour of the bra they were wearing.

Now more than 30,000 people have joined the 'I updated my Status with my Bra colour' group and the word continues to spread (although, I didn't quite get the point of the subsequent craze of posting up the size of your feet).

The importance of such a seemingly trivial and mostly fun trend should never be underestimated - breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide every year, and one of the most important things we can do as people is talk about a subject that was taboo not so long ago - and still is to some people.

If that comes from Facebook, or Twitter or any other social networking website, so be it. As long as we're talking about it, people will be aware of it, and the word will spread that more research needs to be carried out to help find treatments and potentially a cure.

Okay, that's today's public service announcement over with!

Oh - and if you're wondering: red.

Review: Curvy Kate Criss-cross bra set in black

2010-01-09T14:25:00.006Z

Bra: Curvy Kate Criss-cross bra set in black.

Product description: a black balcony-style bra from Curvy Kate with contrasting criss-cross detail across the cups. Designed in supportive three-piece cups up to J cup.

My size: 32FF bra and 14 briefs.

Fit: As I've said in various reviews of the Curvy Kate range before, balconette/balcony bras are always my first choice and this is another bra from the Curvy Kate range that didn't disappoint. It feels much more tightly-constructed than the Portia and Princess bras, with less stretch in the cups. However, it's another perfect fit, both comfortable and snug. After the first try, it felt very like a familiar bra that I had been wearing for years.

Materials: as before, this bra is made of good, strong quality polyamide and Elastane. It feels very smooth and the design is very understated. The lower part of the cups are double-lined, but the remainder of the bra is relatively free from excessive details or designs. The top half of the cups features a tapered criss-cross pattern and plain mesh combination. The cups are cut very firmly, with thick wide shoulder straps that boast a decorative edge - which I found slightly irritating against my skin at first, but soon got used to. The remainder of the bra is made of a plain mesh material, with a wide back band featuring three rows of three hooks-and-eye fasteners.

Colour: black with a plain criss-cross pattern detail and bow motif to the straps.

Comfort: Of all the Curvy Kate bras I've tried so far, this is one of the most comfortable. It's a snug, well-fitting bra you can rely on.

Occasion: this bra has suited me both for nights out and everyday wear, but I would say it's more of a general purpose bra. Everyone needs a decent black bra in their drawer that can be replied on for comfort and durability, and this one meets both challenges.

The briefs: the entire brief is made of the plain mesh material found on the side panels of the bra, which makes them feel very light. The back section of the briefs is fully elasticated and quite a snug fit. However, the same criss-cross pattern and bow motif found on the bra can be seen at the front of the briefs, making the fit slightly more 'stiff' than most briefs. However, the briefs complete the set and I've had no complaints in wearing them.

Value: A thoroughly reliable, comfortable bra suited to everyday wear and stylish enough to wear under an outfit for a night out.

Price: Bra £17.95, shorts £6.95. Total: £24.90. Slightly more expensive than some of the other Curvy Kate bras in the range, but still worth it at the price.

This particular Curvy Kate Bra is available from Brastop.com now.

FREYA, FANTASIE + many more - Up to 40% OFF + FREE Delivery!

2010-01-07T12:30:00.003Z

Our New Year sale continues with Pour Moi, Freya and Fantasie added to the list of bras you can get up to 40% off!

Also, don't forget that our free postage on UK deliveries when you use the code "NY10FREE" at the checkout!

New Shcok absorber website explains all you need to know about Sports Bras

2010-01-06T12:00:00.001Z

I reviewed some sports bras a few months ago here on the blog, including the popular brand Shock Absorber, but I noticed today that the company behding Shock Absorber has revamped their website, with a lot more detail on the technology behind their bras.

It's worth a look, not only because it exaplian how the Shock Absorber bra works, but what all the different parts of the bra are designed to do, and why you should invest in a decent sports bra if you exercise regularly.

You can check out the full-range of sports bras on offer at Brastop, starting from as low as £19.95.

Unique advertising: sillhouetted woman reveals all

2010-01-06T09:44:00.004Z

Aubade www.frenchartofloving.com from Chainsaw Advertisement Company on Vimeo.

Here's an interesting way to advertise your new range of lingerie...

For 10 days, Aubade, along with a Parisian advertisement agency placed a woman behind a blind in a Paris apartment, teasing passers-by with glimpses of her life (mostly, her silhouetted figure undressing, drying her hair, etc.) at rue Montorgueil.

After having experienced all these moments with this young unknown woman, Aubade finally revealed its brand new website, the French Art of Loving.

I still can't figure out what the website is all about, and while Aubade's outfits and collections are very swish - they're definitely a bit too French for my liking.

Final Clearance! Up to 70% OFF + FREE UK delivery!

2010-01-05T13:47:00.002Z

What a way to start the New Year - up to 70% off and FREE UK DELIVERY at Brastop.com!

With bras as cheap as £9.95, there's never been a better time to give yourself a New Year treat!

Dear Chloe: What do I do about my fluctuating bra size?

2010-01-04T16:44:00.013Z

And we're back!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. I ate far too much turkey and drank too much wine and I'll spend eternity in the gym paying for it.

Ah well, never mind - back to business. Let's start with a Dear Chloe letter from Sandra Lee:

Dear Chloe,

I am a 38HH bra size, and no matter what brand of bras I purchase, I always need to make some sort of adjustment to it, be it trimming excess material from the band or making cuts and stitching up some alterations to make it looser on me.

I've been measured and re-measured, but as soon as I move brands, I end up with bras that are either too big or too small across my back.

The cups usually fit me without any problem and so do the shoulder straps but back sizes are not so reliable from brand to brand.

Can you recommend a permanent solution for me, aside from constantly being re-measured every time I purchase a new bra which isn't always possible, as I like ordering bargains online?

Yours faithfully,

Sandra Lee

Dear Sandra,

thank-you for your letter. This is a tricky one, because everyone's bra size changes naturally over the course of time - sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down. There's all sorts of factors that contribute to it, from hormones, the contraceptive pill, weight loss/gain, pregnancy, exercise and natural growth.

In addition to getting remeasured regularly (which is important not only because you change size naturally, but also because bra manufacturing varies from company to company), I would firstly recommend establishing yourself with a brand of bra that you find fits you well and try to stick with it. Of course, this isn't always possible - and you might want to try different styles and colours - but it will generally help you find bras that fit and work for you.

The other thing you could try is bra extenders - a quick Google search will find you them at all sorts of lingerie outlets, eBay and various clothing websites.

Bra extenders offer you anywhere between 2" and 4" inches of extension to the hook-and-eye fasteners at the back of your bra, providing you with some 'give' if the band is too small across your back. They also come in shorter widths, if you only need 1" or 2" of 'give' - and they're really cheap too, so it's an inexpensive way of modifying the size of a bra without trimming bits off or stitching parts on.

The final suggestion is to always buy a quality brand of bra - Fantasie, Freya, Curvy Kate, Lepel, Gossard and Panache are are all good suggestions - the materials tend to be better, less 'firm' and should provide a more comfortable fit in your size - and all are available at our website Brastop.com.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Chloe.

Don't forget, if you have a lingerie-related problem or question, send it to hannah@brastop.com and she'll forward it to me. The best ones get posted on the website - and the star question wins a free bra set from Brastop.com just like Sandra!

A Happy New Year from everyone at Brastop.com

2009-12-31T11:23:00.005Z

Everyone at Brastop.com would like to wish our customers and readers a very Happy New Year - and all the very best wishes for 2010.

Don't forget, out sale is still on with everything HALF PRICE or LESS - or you could try some of our Festive Favourites above with D-K cups from £12.95!

Everything HALF PRICE or LESS in D-K cups!

2009-12-29T14:09:00.004Z

The Brastop.com sale is still on - with everything HALF PRICE or LESS in D-K cups.

Quick - grab a bargain in your size now!

Merry Christmas from Brastop!

2009-12-24T22:09:00.003Z

To all our customers - we've had a fantastic year at Brastop, and we would like to thank you for your support.

We hope you have enjoyed shopping with us and we promise to make things even better in 2010!

Thanks again - and a very Merry Christmas to all!

Oh - and don't forget, our Christmas clearance sale started today with up to 70% off everything!

FREE UK Delivery on all Orders + £5 OFF orders over £30 - Be quick for Christmas!

2009-12-20T01:04:00.003Z

It's still not too late to treat yourself to something nice from Brastop.com for Christmas.

And, if you order before midday on Monday 21 December, you can get £5 off your order by using the code XMAS7 at the checkout when you spend £0 or more!

Go on - it's nearly Christmas!

Secret keeper - somewhere else to store your valuables

2009-12-16T08:30:00.001Z

Remember the Rack Trap? We ran an entry on it a few months ago - it's a little flat purse where you keep your cash, keys etc., and stuff into your bra for safekeeping.

Well, the video above demonstrates something almost identical, but in a really cheesy fashion.

It may seem funny, but it's not all that crazy an idea.

I was about to head out on my Christmas night out last Friday night, and remembered an article I spotted in the newspaper earlier in the week that suggested stuffing a £20 note into your bra in the event that your purse is stolen while you're out on your Christmas night out. So, I did.

However, when I got home late that night (a few glasses of Pinot Grigiot to the worse), I had completely forgotten all about it, and when I unburdeoned myself of my new Gossard Superboost bra, out popped a flat, crispy £20 note.

So much for that.

The limitless bra? Or too many choices?

2009-12-15T22:59:00.004Z

A lot of news outlets and lingerie blogs are commenting on the latest innovation from Michelle Mone, inventor of the Ultimo bra.

It's called the Limitless Bra from Diamond Boutique, and boasts "endless" combinations of wear, due to the numerous hooks and settings the straps and back can be positioned in (most of which are variations on strapless or backless).

I don't want to sound sceptical of it, but I honestly can't see the attraction in having a bra that's about 500 times more complicated than the average bra you can buy on the high street. I would have thought, by now, designers had realised that simplicity and comfort are the essence of an innovative bra.

However, I can't say it doesn't look interesting. The bra comes in several parts, including two cups and a selection of straps, giving the owner the ability to create their own combination of looks - from a single strap for wearing with a one-shoulder dress, or with a completely strapless top (or any combination thereof).

It's also only £16 (from Tesco), but doesn't seem to go any higher than a 36D, which rules me (and millions of other girls) out of trying one out.

10 Bras ALL £10 or less + See today's advent Christmas Treat!

2009-12-15T14:38:00.002Z

Seeing as how it's 10 days until Christmas, we've decided to give you two special Christmas treats.

The first is 10 bras under £10 each - have a look through some of the fantastic styles on offer in D-J cup sizes, including Kalyani, Curvy Kate, Ultimo and Wonderbra.

Also, if you place an order between 15th-18th December, we'll enter your name into a prize draw and 15 lucky customers will have their order value completely refunded!

What are you waiting for? Get along to the Brastop website and make your order before it's too late!

BraBaby review - the device that saves your bras

2009-12-11T09:12:00.008Z

A few weeks ago, the people who make the BraBaby sent me a unit to review for Brastop.

I reckon I must have lost at least half a dozen bras over the last two years to the washing machine. I can remember opening up the door of the machine after a spin only to find a scene from a clothing horror movie, where the underwire had broken on a bra and destroyed just about everything in the wash.

Well, the BraBaby puts an end to washing disasters like that, and extends the life of your bras considerably.

At first, the device looks like something a large hamster would run around in and the instructions that come with it are fairly brief - but you quickly discover that you don't need much in the way of instructions.

I simply followed the three simple steps on the back of the box and I was off and running. It really couldn't be simpler.

The device itself opens up via a little locking mechanism on one side of the ball (and the other side is held on with a hinge) with a smaller ball inside.

All you need to do is hook the back straps of your back together and place each cup inside each compartment of the bigger ball, making sure everything is neatly tucked in place.

After that, you tick the straps or anything else loose into the openings in the little inside ball, which you place inside the bigger ball.

Then, you lock it all in place with the little locking mechanism.

And pop it in the washing machine.

The device is sturdy enough to go into a wash on its own, but if you want to avoid an almighty racket as it rattles around your washing machine, it's probably best to put it into a wash with loads of other items - it'll be fine.

I tried out the BraBaby with a black Fantasie bra (32FF) and had no trouble with it at all. Everything stayed in place during a full wash and spin, and the bra was in the same condition that it went into the machine in - except it was much cleaner.

My order had two BraBabys in it - which I think is standard when you order at the moment - which makes it easy to wash two bras at a time, as both will fit comfortably in the washing machine.

I tried the BraBaby with a 32FF Freya bra, and it wouldn't fit - as the device is really only designed for up to D cup bras. However, the BraBaby people tell me they're currently testing a 'BraBaby D', which is designed for larger cup bras, and it should be available soon.

At present, you can only order the BraBaby from the USA, but at only $19.95 (about £13), it's well worth paying the price to get one sent over to the UK (although, I'm not sure what shipping is to Europe) - your bras will last longer and your other laundry items will be safe from dreaded underwire or bra hook disasters.

14% OFF everything until MONDAY only - Gorgeous Christmas lingerie in this week!

2009-12-10T15:13:00.005Z

Well now, where do I begin today with the incredible Christmas offers at Brastop?

First of all, we're offering a further 14% off everything, and half-price off our new Kris Line range of bras (seeing as how there's 14 days to go until Christmas). If you haven't tried Kris Line yet, I can thoroughly reccommend them - they're quality bras, well-made, with some really beautiful patterns and styles - and they come in D-K cups. Just use the code 'XMAS14' at the checkout before you pay for the 14% off.

We've also added stock of two new Kris Line bodies, the Etiuda Bodysuit with royal floral print and lightly ruffled bronze/golden edges to compliment the look and the Delacruz bodyshaper in red with floral and rose print throughout, supportive integrated bra and delicate black ruffled edges.

Not just that, but we're also giving away 100 boxes of Devine Chocolate to the best 100 Brastop customers as a little Christmas gift from us.

Now don't say we're not good to you at Brastop!

Reader's tip: pregnant girls, wait for the resizing!

2009-12-10T08:00:00.000Z

Being pregnant is one of those magical times in your life; in addition to getting a lovely bundle of joy to take home with you at the end of your endurance test, you swell up to the size of a house, your bum gets bigger, your waist gets bigger, your hands get bigger - and, yes, your boobs get bigger.

Here's some advice from this month's reader's tip winner on what do do about picking out a new bra when the expansion starts to take place:

When pregnant, wait until you are 37 weeks until you get fitted for a nursing bra - it will be much better fitting and more comfortable. Tanya Dracup.

Thank-you Tanya - you win a free lingerie set.

Don't forget, if you have a tip or a suggestion, you can either post a comment below or you can fill out our suggestion form (if you fill out the form, you could be in with a chance of winning a free lingerie set!).

Men's Lingerie Guide for Christmas - Part II

2009-12-09T09:00:00.000Z

I've received a few emails about my Man's Guide to shopping for Christmas lingerie posted yesterday (some from guys, some from girls), who said that they appreciated the splendid advice on style, size, colour and general usefulness of lingerie as a Christmas gift for their partner.

However, a few have asked me to recommend some items on the Brastop website that might go down well as something a little more special than a bra set that can double as practical daywear.

So, here goes...

In my own personal experience, Panache tends to make the best bras, knickers, basques and bodyshapers that generally don't make you feel like you're wearing something designed for Lady Gaga.

In particular, I can recommend the Panache Venus Bodyshaper in Pearl or black at only £18.95.

Panache also makes a really gorgeous Venus basque in white, also priced just £18.95.

If you want to be a little more daring, why not get the Panache Sienna basque in black/ruby, also £18.95 - and it's available up to a size 38E, which is quite extensive for a basque.

You could go for a Gossard satin Superboost bra in black satin, available with matching suspender and thong for a total of just £16.15.

Or give the Ultimo Duchess set a go, which features the bra, knickers (or thong) and a matching suspender - there's also the Gossard Superboost burgindy plunge bra set with matching suspender, available up to 38FF.

All of the above are not only really quite pretty, sexy and fun - but a few of them work just as well as bras for regular use - particularly to go with a special occasion outfit or party dress.

Now - if you can't find something out of that lot for your partner, you need better help than I can offer!

The Man's Guide to shopping for Christmas lingerie

2009-12-08T09:00:00.000Z

Right about now, there are thousands of men up and down the country, of all ages, contemplating a certain type of purchase as a nice little Christmas extra for their partner.

Inevitably, the dreaded 'Christmas lingerie purchase' tends to present several problems for the anxious male buyer, not least of which is the embarrassment of walking into a lingerie store (or the lingerie section of a department store) and hanging around the bras in the hope that inspiration (and not perspiration) will come their way.

I have personal experience of being on the receiving end of several lingerie Christmas gifts over the years, and they've not always been a success. The results tend to vary from ill-fitting bras to dental floss-like thongs, impractical lacy basques with suspenders - or worse, a contraption from Anne Summers that would generally only be worn on the late shift at a torture dungeon.

Of course, online shopping is much easier - which is why you should consider Brastop.com this year for your special purchase - not only will it be cheaper, but we're pretty much a contraption-free zone when it comes to lingerie. And, of course, we specialise in big cup sizes.

The secret to buying underwear for your partner is not to buy something for yourself (and I don't mean something you'll wear, I mean something you want to see your partner wearing), but to buy something for her.

This really isn't as difficult as it sounds - and a good compromise can often be found by making sure you startout by picking out the correct size and style in the first place.

The all-important rule to adhere to when buying lingerie for your partner is to get the correct size - not just her bra size, but her knicker size too. There's really only one way to do this (unless you ask her and spoil the surprise) - and that's look in her underwear drawer and locate the items that she wears most often. But try not to get caught - and put things back the way you found them.

Take a note of the sizes you find - bra sizes are usually a number followed by a letter - such as 36D, 32FF, 40G and so on. Knickers are usually sized: small, medium, large etc. or are in dress sizes, like: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18.

After that, make sure you get the right style. Some women prefer big pants, some prefer thongs - but most prefer something in-between.

In terms of bras, you need to make sure you get the right style - or it could drastically backfire on you. Some women prefer plunge bras, some prefer a full-cup, some like t-shirt bras, some like push-ups.

If you're in any doubt about what style of bra your partner likes to wear - check out our guide to bra styles and make a comparison. Usually, you can't go wrong with a full-cup bra.

The last thing to consider is colour. Most women tend to rely on white, black or nude bras for general everyday wear, so if your aim is to purchase something that might spice up your boudoir (that's French for 'bedroom' guys), consider something in a nice colour, or made from satin - or something in a nice pattern.

Whatever you do, resist the temptation to purchase the most elaborate contraption on the rack - basques, corsets and bodies have their place, but most women prefer a nice, well-fitting bra set or a comfy bodyshaper.

If you're in any doubt, have a look at our lingerie buying guide for men.

Good luck - and don't forget to email us at hannah@brastop.com to let us know what you bought, and if your partner appreciated your purchase.

Brastop featured in Star and More! Magazines

2009-12-07T20:03:00.009Z

If you're anything like me, you probably spend half your income on magazines that end up piled four feet high on your bedside table - from Vogue to Hello!, I'm a soft touch for a feature on Louis Vuitton bags or Prada boots.

Newspaper fashion pull-outs tend to get my attention too - from The Times fashion supplement to those "what to wear this winter" inserts in the Daily Mail. I've got enough of them in my bag to stop a bullet at 30 paces.

Well, I was almost agog when I quickly thumbed through a copy of Star Magazine recently, and found a little featurette on bra + thong sets at Brastop, and a really amazing feature on with a girl called Jessie Eleanor who tried out one of our sets recently in More! magazine.

The article says Jessie has "fake boobs" (presumably, they mean she's enhanced or has implants), which really doesn't make much difference when it all boils down - as she still needs a decent bra to hold them in place - but she really liked the Ultimo Seduction Polka Dot Bra in Purple Satin with matching thong.

I've yet to try the Ultimo range, but they're proving to be hugely popular with our customers (and from the More! article, I'm guessing they're popular with the men too).

FREE UK Delivery until Thursday! Hurry - grab your Christmas treat today!

2009-12-07T19:59:00.003Z

How's this for a Christmas cracker?

FREE DELIVERY ON ALL UK ORDERS - WITH NO MINIMUM SPEND!!!

But you better hurry - it only lasts until Thursday.

All you need to do is use the code 'XMASFREE' at the checkout before you compelte your purchase.

What you waiting for? Hurry - before the deal ends!

EXTRA 10% OFF everything until Midnight Monday + Half Price Swimwear!

2009-12-04T12:49:00.005Z

Here's an early Christmas treat for you this weekend: 10% OFF everything until midnight on monday and half-price swimwear!

Just use the code 'XMAS02' at the checkout.

Also, check out some of our festive curvy favourites in D-K cups from £12.95 - 'tis the season to be curvy!

Christmas Offer - £5 OFF for 3 days at Brastop!

2009-12-02T08:18:00.003Z

On the first Day of Christmas, Brastop gave to you...

£5 off when you spend £30!

Just use the code "XMAS01" when you reach the checkout!

World Domination! Free Worldwide Delivery from Brastop!

2009-11-26T08:53:00.003Z

Christmas is on the way, and here at Brastop, we've decided to give you an early treat - with FREE WORLDWIDE DELIVERY!

Yes, you read that right - FREE WORLDWIDE DELIVERY!

If you live in the UK, all you have to do is spend £30 or more (and we know you want to), or, if you live outside of the UK, spend £50 or more.

Some of the countries we deliver to include: Australia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States.

Any orders placed until 31 December can be returned unworn with labels attached up to 21 January 2010.

What you waiting for? Go treat yourself or someone you love for Christmas!

Dear Chloe: help me find the right shape of bra

2009-11-25T15:43:00.006Z

It's difficult enough to find a bra that fits you properly, but it's just as difficult sometimes to try and find the right bra that suits your bodyshape and style.

We all like to look curvy and shapely, but sometimes even a high quality bra might not do the trick for you. Here's a letter from Hollie that covers this very issue.

Dear Chloe,

I'm a 12G and I have trouble finding a bra that makes the perfect shape for me.

My boobs start low and sag (I'm only 23) and I want to be a bit rounder, but when I try to find a padded bra, none seem to fit me. Help!

Hollie (in Australia)

Dear Hollie,

thank-you for your email.

Unfortunately, the sizing in Australia is slightly different from Europe and the USA, but the principles of bra-fitting and choosing the correct style of bra remain the same.

Being busty myself, I know how difficult it is to find something that flatters your shape - especially if you sag a little. And, believe me, I sag a little at times (we're not all blessed with perfectly round boobs).

For girls with a big cup size, it's not always a good idea to go for a padded bra, as it'll only add another 10mm to your bust, but it's a good place to start.

You might want to try a push-up bra, or a plunge bra with slight padding.

The thing you want to try and avoid with a plunge or push-up bra is over-emphasising your chest, by projecting it outwards with too much lift. Try the Gossard lace push-up bra in black - it's a fantastic bra from a quality manufacturer - or you could opt for the Freya Eleanor plunge bra in white. I'm a big fan of the Freya Eleanor plunge bra (I'm a 32FF, and I tend to prefer something with a fuller cup - so this one might work better for you).

The Panache Tango II bra is also ideal for your type of shape where you require a lift, but not a boost.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Chloe

Don't forget, if you have a lingerie-related problem or question, send it to hannah@brastop.com and she'll forward it to me. The best ones get posted on the website - and the star question wins a free bra set from Brastop.com

All GOSSARD £12 or less + MORE Half Price FREYA added!

2009-11-24T10:25:00.005Z

Gossard is back in stock at Brastop.com - and every bra is only £12 or less!

We've also got new D-J cup lines added of Freya bras - with up to 50% off the original price - so hurry and grab them while the stocks last!

Reader's tip: use a pillowcase to wash your bras

2009-11-20T14:25:00.002Z

We're always on the lookout for new tips on how to take care of your bras, just like this one from Chloe (not me!)

Hand washing your bras makes sure they last a nice long time. But sometimes you are in a rush, so stick them in a pillow case, tie it up and stick them through the washing machine. When your in a rush this works really well! Chloe.

Don't forget, if you have a tip or a suggestion, you can either post a comment below or you can fill out our suggestion form (if you fill out the form, you could be in with a chance of winning a free lingerie set of your choice!).

NEW Today - Curvy Kate DD - J cups - All Bras £15!

2009-11-18T20:46:00.005Z

All bras: £15.

All briefs: £5.

One week only - so hurrry, while stocks last!

Dear Chloe: I spill out of every bra I own, please help!

2009-11-18T10:00:00.003Z

Do you sometimes find that even though you're wearing the correct size of bra, maybe the style of bra just doesn't do the job of holding you in properly?

Well, this 'Dear Chloe' letter below from Lisa addresses that very subject, with some advice from me on what she should do to avoid the dreaded 'spillage'...

Dear Chloe,

I'm a size 38F and I usually like to wear low cut tops and dresses. But I end up spilling out of everything I wear. Can you recommend a bra that would keep me fully supported all day and still be comfortable to wear?

Thanks,
Lisa

Dear Lisa,

thank-you for your email.

If you're spilling out over the top of your bra, there's a good chance that you could be wearing the wrong cup size, or - you may need to think about trying a more full cup bra.

I'm guessing that you possibly prefer balconette or plunge bras, which, if you're quite full in the cup, might cause the kind of spillage you're referring to.

Every woman differs from size to size, and while full cup bras don't always suit low cut tops or dresses, there's loads of new styles that you can make work with your outfit.

I would recommend any of the Curvy Kate bras on the Brastop website, as they're both stylish and comfortable. The Curvy Kate models go up to a J cup, and prove that you can be very full in the cup and still wear a balconette style of bra, letting you wear a low cut top or dress without showing your bra.

Freya bras are also good in balconette styles (and they're among the best quality bras you can buy), and I would personally recommend the Tango II plunge bra from Panache. It's very supportive - loads of curvy girls wear it, including me - and it really is an amazing, comfy and fashionable bra.

Kind regards,

Chloe.

Don't forget, if you have a lingerie-related problem or question, send it to hannah@brastop.com and she'll forward it to me. The best ones get posted on the website - and the star question wins a free bra set from Brastop.com - just like Lisa!

Women with big boobs are smarter

2009-11-12T08:20:00.005Z

A female researcher in Chigaco has confirmed what we all knew all along: women with bigger boobs are smarter than their less well endowed counterparts.

The study involved 1,200 women and divided the subjects into five groups, from extra small to extra big and discovered that bigger women were smarter due to a higher level of female hormones that could result in better development in the brain.

Also official: men stare at women's boobs more than any other part of their body, according to a study carried out by experts at the New Zealand-based University of Wellington.

Tomorrow: women with bigger boobs are more likely to win the lottery. If only.

NEW Freya & Fantasie D-J Bras - HALF PRICE !

2009-11-11T12:23:00.002Z

Triumph invent the golf bra?

2009-11-11T12:01:00.003Z

Following on from their 'Husband Hunter bra', Triumph International has now created a bra that can transform into a golf putting green.

The green corset-style garment can be removed and unrolled to create a 1.5m-long golf putting mat.

The owner can then putt a golf ball into one of the cups, and a built-in speaker plays out a voice saying "Nice shot!".

The bra also features pockets for extra golf balls and tees, and a detachable flag pin that serves as a score pencil, plus a skirt with the words "Be Quiet" printed on the rear, which doubles up as a flag for use on the course.

After my review of sports bras, I think this one has maybe gone a bit too far...

Review: Shock Absorber Sports Bras

2009-11-10T18:31:00.008Z

What kind of relationship do you have with your sports bra?

I've been attending the gym more frequently in recent years, and I purchased a sports bra when I started taking things more seriously and my regularly-fluctuating bra size had finally settled down.

However, my sports bra is now getting to be so old and battered that I can't even remember what brand it is; the label is long gone and I'm lucky that it somehow manages to stay in one piece as I run, row and cycle my way around the local gym.

Sports bras are like that; after making the initially expensive investment, you gradually bend them to your will following an indeterminate period of 'breaking in', and when they finally take on your bodyshape, you really don't want to let them go. (Somewhat like most bras, really, but particularly so with those of the sports variety).

So, when I decided to review some new sports bras, it was with some trepidation and sadness that I would need to set aside my trusty harness and try out something entirely new...

Bra: Black and white Shock Absorber Bras.

Product description: Maximum bra support (level 4) from a best-selling style for fuller busts. Coolmax fabric draws moisture away from the body.
My size: 32FF.

Review: I'm essentially reviewing two sports bras here, so I'll start with the white Shock Absorber.

When I first tried the white bra on, I thought I had made a mistake with the size. It was a real struggle to fasten it up at the back, and I felt like I was being choked. It was difficult to adjust, and I felt like I was wearing a really tight harness. I contemplated sending it back, but considered the idea that maybe I had grown too used to my trusty, battered bra, and perhaps this was how it was meant to feel. It has a single back-fastener with three hooks-and-eyes at the back, but the big advantage with this bra is the soft shoulder straps - they're double-lined, with no tapered edges, so when all the adjustments were made, it felt quite snug on my shoulders.

After a run-out at the gym, the material loosened up a bit, and it felt okay on. I guess the whole point of a sports bra is for it to be tight-fitting, and stop your boobs flailing about all over the place, which is especially important if you're quite big, like me.

This one certainly holds you in place, although, after an hour on the treadmill and the rowing machine, it was a relief to take it off. I had heavy track-marks across my back, under my boobs and at my armpits where the hard edges of the band had been digging in to my skin.

Obviously, there's no underwires in mosts sports bras, but I had no trouble with the cups - everything stayed firmly in place, with a comforting 'minimiser' effect.

I can't say it was completely uncomfortable - just very tight - so, with that in mind it might be a good idea to consider going up a band size from your normal size for a sports bra like this - if you want a little bit of comfort while you jog, that is.

The black Shock Absorber, on the other hand, was simply fantastic. It was easy to put on, easy to fasten, and it felt absolutely perfect. No discomfort, no pain, no choking sensation. The difference between this one and the white bra was the double set of back-fasteners (both with three sets of hooks-and-eyes) and the smoother edges on the band.

The black bra was much more comfortable on, even after an hour or so of heavy work-out - it felt natural, almost like wearing a tight vest - and had a much nicer look and feel to it, with the white piping tapered around the edges on the shoulder straps. If I was bold enough, I would wear it as my training top, but I might catch a few strange looks from my fellow gym-attendees.

I happily spent an hour in the gym - running, working weights, rowing and cycling - and I can honestly say it did the job it was designed for, although, I don't play any sports regularly, so I couldn't speak for high impact activity like netball, tennis, hockey or football. The real secret to any kind of bra is putting it on and forgetting all about it - and that's exactly how I felt with this one.

I'm quite happy with both bras, but the black one has now become a firm favourite - which means I'll need to take extra care with it when washing it, or it'll end up like my sad, yellowed, frayed and battered old one.

Value: both are quality bras and are absolutely essential if you're serious about sport or aerobic exercise. The materials feel strong, well-stitched and expertly designed. I would say there's slightly more 'give' in the black bra and it generally feels better in quality - but the white bra works well as a sturdy, tight and quality garment, perfectly-suited to the purpose.

Price: £26 each. Not cheap for a bra, but certainly cheap for a sports bra - and worth every penny if you exercise regularly and want to take proper care of your boobs.

Both bras are available at Brastop.com

Reader's tip winner for October: correct size = good posture = smile!

2009-11-10T10:23:00.006Z

Almost every girl I know can testify to the merits of finally trying on a decent, properly-fitting bra.

It makes you feel better all round, you look good - and it gives you something to be happy about.

Our winner of the Tip of the Month advises just that...

Remember that a properly fitted bra will improve your posture and can take pounds off your appearance. A really good bra boosts your confidence so you can flaunt your curves. You'll stand tall, with your shoulders back and down, tummy in, and boobs out! And don't forget to smile. Wendy Kennerley.

Thanks for the mammaries

2009-11-10T09:36:00.003Z

Half the world has them. Some of us have lost them. Some of us would like to. The rest of us can't stop looking at them!

Breasts unite women in a way few other things can, and a new book titled 'Thanks for the Mammaries' brings together some entertaining stories from some of the world's most popular female authors to celebrate bosoms great and small.

Explore the dark, sexy underbelly of Paris with Kate Holden, enjoy a fractured fairy tale from Meg Rosoff, let Jools Oliver (wife of chef Jamie) share her warm tales of breastfeeding and enjoy Kathy Lette's Ode to Barbie as well as Maggie Alderson's imaginings of walking a mile in another woman's bra.

With all royalties donated to breast cancer research, this could make a nice little stocking filler (pardon the pun) this Christmas.

Monday morning mayhem - Chinese 'inflatable' bra

2009-11-09T10:19:00.004Z

This should help brighten up your Monday morning...

I'm not entirely sure what's going on in this advertisement video from China, but I'm fairly sure it has something to do with a "miracle" bra that inflates at the pull of a lever (or press of a button, or pull of a string) causing your boobs to subsequently increase in size - somewhat dramatically, if the video is to be believed.

I can't even be sure if it's real or a spoof - but it certainly seems to be making headlines.

I not sure I even need something like this (I'm big enough, thank-you very much) - I've done the whole Wonderbra/Ultrabra/Ultimo thing, and it just doesn't look right on me.

Still, it would make for a good party piece....

FREE Delivery ALL Weekend - Celebrate the Strikes over + £12 Wonderbras!

2009-11-06T18:57:00.005Z

Fancy treating yourself this weekend?

Sure you do - go on, you know you want to.

And what with the postal strike still affecting just about everyone in the country, we've decided to offer free postage on all orders over £20 - all weekend! Just use the code 'NOSTRIKE' at the checkout before you pay.

Plus, you can get your hands on a Wonderbra for just £12 - but hurry, the offer is only available while stocks last.

Really, would you wear a pointy bra?

2009-11-05T20:04:00.002Z

Following up on yesterday's post about pointy bras making a comeback, the Daily Mail decided to try out a few of the conical contraptions and conduct a bit of a straw poll.

It has failed to do much to change my view of such a horrid line in undergarment fashion.

One man suggested that when men think about boobs, they think of them as "soft and round - it's the curves that are sexy. But this is a very aggressive look."

He's not wrong there - but I've got news for him: it's not just men who think about boobs - it's the women who have to carry them about, and who need to accommodate them in their everyday lives; from simple tasks like bending over, or being crushed up against other passengers on the tube - or trying to find a top that not only fits, but doesn't make you look like something from the cover of a 1950s science-fiction magazine.

I hate using this word, but I still say, when it comes to point bras: FAIL.

Are pointy bras really making a comeback?

2009-11-04T15:58:00.006Z

I saw this news item a few days ago n an Irish news website and ignored it, because I'm just not convinced that pointy bras are making the comeback that some claim.

Any time I read a story like this, it just makes me think "coy marketing ploy", and the numbers simply don't add up.

I don't have one female friend (under the age of 60, that is) who would happily wear a bra that makes them look like they have a couple of funnels stuffed under their top.

Maybe it's just me, but most girls I know prefer a natural, curvy look (and the really busty ones either wear minimisers, or go for the all-out-Pamela-Anderson-cleavage-exposed look).

How about it - would you wear a pointy bra, just because Jean-Paul Gaultier says they're cool?

Answers below...

ALL Wonderbras £12 - while stocks last!

2009-11-04T15:51:00.003Z

Fancy a Wonderbra at a wonderful price?

Well, now there's no need to pay high street prices for a one of the most popular bras on the market.

But hurry - stocks won't last long - and you can get up to 50% off the normal price, with all of our Wonderbras at just £12!

The Sun's big cup winners (and losers)

2009-11-03T11:14:00.003Z

The Sun has tested out some of the market leading 'big cup' bra sales outlets (including Brastop.com!) and posted the reviews in a photogallery on their website.

They asked 24-year-old London website worker Rebecca Brett, a size 34E, to try them out and give her views on size, look, fit and comfort.

Rebecca tried out the Curvy Kate Portia bra and commented:

"Gorgeous colour but poor fit. It feels big on me but tight at the bit around the ribbon."

Unfortunately, every bra suits a different person - and Rebecca is clearly not wearing the right size and should go for something in a smaller back.

Also different styles of bra suit different people - so, maybe you shouldn't opt for a slot ribbon style of bra if it doesn't suit your shape?

The Curvy Kate Princess is also available, which might have been more suited to her shape and style.

I have several of the Curvy Kate bras in my armoury, and I have to say they're among the best bras I've ever owned (and I'm not just saying it because I blog for Brastop - they're genuinely amazing bras). However, it's good to see The Sun giving us a review and not solely focusing on the often over-expensive high street brands.

On another note - she did comment on the Wonderbra Embrace, which she said was the prettiest - and Brastop will be announcing stock of that particular bra later today.

La Decollette - the anti-wrinkle bra?

2009-11-03T10:56:00.004Z

You've heard of anti-wrinkle cream, right? It's the sort of stuff cosmetics companies flog by the bucketload to women (and men) who desperately want to fight the effects of ageing.

Well, now a Dutch company called La Decollette has started marketing an anti-wrinkle bra called the Sleeping Beauty.

Even after reading all the publicity material on this revolutionary item, I'm still not totally sure of exactly what it's supposed to do.

Apparently, "during the night, the anti-wrinkle bra does a very effective job by keeping your cleavage smooth. After just 1 night you will be stunned by the amazing results, all without expensive creams or surgeries."

I'm not even sure what it looks like, but if the picture above is anything to go by, it looks like a flimsy racing top put on backwards. And it costs 50 Euro.

If you really want to hold back wrinkles, you would do well to live a reasonably healthy lifestyle - don't smoke, eat plenty of fruit and veg, drink loads of water - and use moisturiser if you feel you need to.

As for wearing a bra at night - sometimes it can help reduce sagging if you wear something light, like a non-underwired soft-material bra - but be wary of the associated risks of wearing a bra for too prolonged a time (especially when sleeping).

You'll end up with weal marks on your shoulders and back - and run the risk of restricting blood flow.

Do what I do - wear a snug vest-top to bed under your pyjamas. It's much more comfortable - and won't cost you 50 Euro.

Glow in the dark underwear

2009-10-29T13:13:00.002Z

I think I've seen it all now...

Australian Jan Hawley, 55, from Oxley Island in New South Wales has designed a bra set that glows in the dark.

Yes, you read that right - it actually glows in the dark.

For the life of me, I can't think why anyone would want their knickers to wander around the bedroom like they belonged to Sue Richards (she's Invisible Girl from the Fantastic Four, for the non-geeks out there).

According to Ms Hawley, the blokes love it - presumably as it means they don't have to fumble around in the dark any longer.

I guess it also makes your underwear easier to find if you have to make a quick exit in the dark too...

Whatever the case, they're apparently proving to be a big seller.

If you're out and about this Saturday Halloween night and encounter two large glowing headlights walking towards you, don't count on it being me...

The cheek of it!

2009-10-28T12:23:00.004Z

How would you like to open up your recent delivery of new underwear, only to find a cheeky note from someone at the lingerie company's warehouse offering you their number and asking for a "private show"?

Well, that's exactly what happened to Emily McNulty. She ordered a new bra by mail from Bravissimo, and it arrived with a note reading:

"Hey Georgeous, Nice stuff! If you fancy giving me a private show, call me on 07841 ******, Matthew J xx".

Emily dialled the number and spoke to a man who answered as Matthew Jones, but he hung up when she asked about the note.

A Bravissimo spokeswoman said: "We haven't received a complaint of this nature.

"Neither do we have, nor ever have had, anyone called Matthew Jones working for us. We don't have any Matthews working for us at all."

Half-term happiness - all bras half-price or less!

2009-10-27T13:11:00.001Z

Don't foget girls - all the bras in our half-term sale are HALF-PRICE or less, but it's for one week only!

Be quick - the sale ends on Monday 2 November - and don't forget, if you order before 12 noon and spend £40 or more, use the code 'NEXTDAY' and your items will be delivered the next day!

Reader's tip: mix and match the bikinis

2009-10-27T12:01:00.004Z

The summer may be well and truly over, but now is a good time to think about picking up your swimwear for next year.

Here's a great tip om how to go about selecting a cool look for the beach when the sun comes back out again...

Instead of worrying about looking chic on the beach in designer bikinis, be brave and create your own distinctive style by mixing and matching different bikini bottoms with different bikini tops to be your very own designer. You could mix it up with different colours, patterns and styles, adding a funky sarong and with some super big sunglasses you are ready to hit the beach in style! (Your very own style!). Kathryn Edwards.

10% OFF everything + FREE Delivery - Brastop strikes BACK!

2009-10-23T00:15:00.003+01:00

The $3million bra from Victoria's Secret

2009-10-21T11:01:00.003+01:00

Have you got $3million to spare?

If so, you might want to think about splashing out on the new bra designed for Victoria's Secret by Damiani.

It features a rare 16-carat heart-shaped, brown-yellow diamond pendant, and surrounding the jewel are cognac-colored diamonds.

The weight of the entire bra totals nearly 150 carats (although, I'm not sure what it weighs in pounds).

I wonder if it comes in 32FF...?

What's the oldest bra in your underwear drawer?

2009-10-20T14:51:00.003+01:00

I've been doing a bit of clearing out recently, and found bras made by companies that I don't think even exist any more.

It made me think - there must be loads of girls out there who have similar items in their underwear drawer that they just can't bear to part with.

So, comment below and tell us the make, size and condition of the oldest bra in your collection!

New ULTIMO - Up to 40% off DD - G cups for Ultimate Star Style!

2009-10-20T12:14:00.002+01:00

Fancy looking as good as Melinda Messenger in one of the Ultimo range of bra sets?

Sure you do - and now is the time to treat yourself, with sets starting as low as £19.95 - saving you a massive £16 on the RRP!