Small bust, big heart

The perfect solution for racerback tops, Wacoal's Convertible T-Back Bra

Last week I was mostly wearing summery tops.  The temperatures hovered around twenty degrees for a few days and it appeared as if Summer had arrived early (expect an an unseasonal snow deluge now I’ve said this).  This sudden burst of good weather necessitated a radical change of wardrobe — and lingerie.

When hidden under long-sleeved sweaters, bras are something for our own personal enjoyment.  If you choose to wear an aged chewing-gum grey number, it’s only you that will have to suffer it.  When it comes to Summer, our bras are at greater risk of being seen — and causing offence if they’re not up to scratch.

For me, the worst look to attempt is a racer-back vest.  I love the style but it causes a bra conundrum.  Either you have to find a fabulous racer-back or convertible bra — or you have to go loud and proud with your bra straps (and you’d better make sure they’re not grey).  A racer-back bra isn’t easy to find when you’re an AA-cup.  After A LOT of digging, I found a couple of nice options available to purchase online:

Wacoal Convertible Lace T-back Push-up Underwire Bra,$48, Bare Necessities:  Featuring push-up pads and a sexy lace T-back, both removable, this is a very versatile bra that converts from a traditional style to racer-back and strapless.  Available in sizes 32AA-36B.  Also available at Figleaves, £39.

Lula Lu Petites Convertible Racerback, $56, Lula Lu Petites:  This is an underwired, front-close design with removable cookies, for an extra  push-up effect if desired. The adjustable back straps can be worn as a regular bra or as a racerback.  Available in sizes 32AAA-36A.

If you can’t find a racer-back style, go strapless.  These are some good choices:

• Panache Atlantis Plunge Strapless Plunge, $44/£27.33, Freshpair
• After Eden Double Gel Strapless Gel Bra, £27, MaxCleavage
• Panache Atlantis Christy Plunge Strapless Bra, £22, Perfectly Petite Lingerie
• Strapless bra, $62.50, Itty Bitty Bra

Do you share my view that it’s ridiculous I couldn’t find a single racer-back bra in the three main hotspots for lingerie on the British high street: Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and House of Fraser? If so, perhaps you’d like to read about (& take part in) my Every Body Loves Lingerie campaign?

Tags: AA-cup bra, AAA-cup bra, convertible bra, racer-back bra, t-back bra

Sweetheart gel swimsuit, £59.99, MaxCleavage

I’ve recently written a round-up of AA-cup swimwear and, last year, I wrote a guide on bikinis and swimsuits to flatter small busts.  But with summer holidays on the horizon at last, I have another gem to share with you:  the gel bikinis and swimsuits now available at MaxCleavage.

Whether to boost or not to boost is completely a personal choice.  On my Miami holiday circa 2008, if you’d have asked me if I wanted a gel bikini I’d have snatched it off you in a heartbeat.

My boobs had just deflated after weaning my son and I was feeling a little bit low about being flat chested.  And Miami beach is not the place to be if you do not have total body confidence.

But now, my self-esteem has grown, even if my breasts have not.  I don’t feel the urge to hoist up and push out my little chest for the beach or pool. I’m happy to wear beautiful, well-fitting bikinis and swimsuits, either without padding, or with a little bit of moulding for a flattering shape.

If you DO want boost, MaxCleavage is the place to get it — and all the bra and swimwear styles are ranked for “Oomph!”.  Go check the swimwear range out if it sounds up your street.

For those who like to keep their tummy under wraps, I recommend the siren style of the Sweetheart Gel Swimsuit in red, £59.99.  For the bikini brave, the Classique Gel Bikini ,£55, looks stunning. Sizes range from 30AA-36C.

Tags: AA-cup bikinis, AA-cup swimwear, gel bikinis, gel swimsuits, small bust bikinis, small bust swimsuits, small bust swimwear