What I wore: Bravissimo review

Note: I've recently decided to remove the photograph I originally used on this post - of me wearing the underwear. I still think it's important that I included it (for reasons I wrote about here) but as a teacher of web-savvy teenagers, I have to be careful about what content I share online and after some reflection, the photo felt like a step too far.

Inside the new Leicester store, on Market Street

I wrote recently about how Bravissimo changed my life. It may have sounded hyperbolic, but having a company making well-structured, well-fitting, pretty underwear at a decent price point is genuinely a miracle for those of us with big boobs. I honestly don't think it's a coincidence that I began to feel a hell of a lot better about my chubby, huge-boobed body around the time I bought my first Bravissimo bra.

Go into a Bravissimo shop anywhere in the country and I guarantee the customer service you receive will be top-notch: I've visited stores from London to Glasgow, and everywhere in between, and never once felt let down. Their staff are knowledgeable, friendly and make shopping there an absolute pleasure. 

That's why, when I discovered that a new shop was opening in Leicester, I quite literally screamed with glee (it's true: you can ask The Boy). And when the Bravissimo press office offered to make me an appointment to visit the store, my joy was unbounded. My fitting was lots of fun, mainly because my fitter, Anna, was so great. All staff are trained to fit by sight and feel, rather than relying on a tape measure. This means you can be sure your chosen bra will fit perfectly, as each bra varies and what you think is 'your' size may not be the best fit in a different style. Standing around in your underwear could be an embarrassing experience but every fitting I've had at Bravissimo has been friendly and relaxed, and this one was no exception.

When it came time to choose just one set of underwear, I was torn. I loved the bright print of the Cherry Blossom bra but I have so many cheerful, fun bras (thanks, of course, to Bravissimo). What was really missing from my collection was a seriously sexy set. And so, after much deliberation, I plumped for the Mademoiselle half-cup bra set in navy.

The quality of all Bravissimo bras is excellent. The structure and engineering of the cups and straps takes into account the weight and size they'll need to support in a way which supermarket or high street +size bras just don't. But the Mademoiselle set is really something special. The dusky pink colour underlay feels silky against my skin and the navy lace is gorgeously soft. The detailing on the set is beautiful, with ribbing and detailed embroidery that is reminiscent of upmarket lingerie from Agent Provocateur or Rigby & Peller. My absolute favourite detail is the tiny pink ribbon rosebuds that decorate the bra straps and the back of the shorts.

I'm not at all used to wearing half-cup bras and suspect this one will be kept for special occasions rather than everyday wear, as I feel more exposed that I'm used to. But for the price -  £32 for the bra and £16 for the shorts - the Mademoiselle set is incredible value: high quality, beautifully designed lingerie with fantastic attention to detail, and all for a fraction of the price of an Agent Provocateur set. 

Bravissimo sell lingerie from D to L cups, and fittings are free (although you will need to make an appointment). 

I was gifted the bra and shorts set by Bravissimo in exchange for an honest review: all opinions are my own.