Meet the lingerie brands prioritising comfort and style, as our expert explains the secret to finding the perfect fit
Underwear. It’s the area of a woman’s wardrobe that probably has the most ups and downs (excuse the pun…) in terms of the attention we pay to it. For every occasional spending flurry when things start to look a bit tired – or if we have a hot date – there are also those days when we reach for battered old familiar suspects simply because they’re so comfortable we just can’t seem to give them up. Sound familiar?
Get underwear right, however, and it can be transformative, changing not only your outfit but also how you carry yourself. Back problems, posture issues and various levels of discomfort can all stem from a poorly fitting bra. Seriously.
“We are already trusted for quality and value, but we also stock a broad size range from AA-KK across exciting brands, and our exclusive John Lewis own-brand lingerie. We offer solutions for all your lingerie needs – including multiway bras, shapewear and innovative stick-on styles,” says Jo McKee, our lingerie buyer.
“This summer, new-season lingerie takes on a soft colour palette, bringing softness, lightness and effortlessness to everyday dressing. Soft pastels include pretty pinks and lemon yellow, and we also have hot pinks and oranges for those wanting to embrace a pop of colour to brighten up their seasonal wardrobe. And don’t forget, the best-kept secret on the high street is our free bra fit service – we offer booked appointments and walk-ins every day of the week in all John Lewis stores. Plus, our inclusive mannequins are designed to showcase our most popular lingerie sizes.”
Read on to discover which brands might be the best fit for you, and find the styles you’ll actually want to wear every day.
Best for larger cup sizes
There was a time when having a larger cup or back size really limited the styles of underwear you could buy. Not any more. Our John Lewis range creates stylish and supportive styles for women with bigger cups, starting at a 32C and going up to a 38F. Our Giselle style is super soft and flattering, while brands such as Fantasie have a stunning range available from a D to a H cup. We love the Fantasie Lillia Underwired Side Support Bra, a beautiful design that comes with matching briefs, as well as the Fantasie Illusion Bra, which offers all-day comfort, great uplift and a natural rounded shape without padding.
Best for smaller cup sizes
Whether you like a push-up, light padding, seamless or underwire, we have the best bras for small cup sizes and your style preference. Our Cassie strapless bra is available in four colours and gives you a little lift, while the Isla non-wired T-shirt bra is crafted from breathable cotton and starts at a 28AA. Pretty or practical, you will find a style to flatter and support.
Best for everyday luxury
Not just for special occasions, romantic statement pieces are flattering and confidence-boosting every day – especially when lacy and beautiful doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. Look to our John Lewis range for intricate detail, and luxurious French brand Chantelle for seductive styles with savoir-faire.
Best for loungewear levels of comfort
Today, comfort and style go hand-in-hand. Working from home has influenced a more relaxed approach to dressing – and comfy bras, non-wired styles and Calvin Klein bralettes show no signs of slowing down. Loungewear, we love you.
Best for shapewear
For moments when you want extra support or smoothing (and yes, to still be comfortable), shapewear can make all the difference. From bum-lift shorts to strapless bras and pieces with seamless support, these styles flatter every silhouette.
Best for maternity
Stretchy, supportive and still stylish, our maternity and nursing bras offer all the comfort you want, in a variety of colours and with easily adjustable straps. And did you know, we offer a free nursing-bra fitting service from week 30-34 in your pregnancy? Fuss-free feeding is ready when you are.
Best for coordinating sets
Why is it that wearing a matching bra and underwear set makes us feel like we have our life together? Our sophisticated sets take the guesswork out of pairing pants and knickers, and make you feel polished and pretty in an instant. Because who doesn’t want to feel more put together?
Best for non-wired styles
Increasingly women are moving away from underwiring in favour of non-wired bras with modern allure. Calvin Klein, Sloggi and Evelyn & Bobbie all excel at comfort and shape. Triumph, one of Europe’s oldest lingerie brands, has also become known for a great fit across non-wired bras.
Best for sports
It is simply essential to own a well-fitted sports bra (it not only helps improve performance but also reduces the risk of breast damage). What’s more, a comfortable, supportive and stylish piece will motivate you to move more. You’ll reach for these hardworking staples for every workout – and face zero distractions while you’re training.
Free bra fitting
From maternity and nursing to first bras and post-surgery, each of our expert lingerie fitting services is free and available in all John Lewis stores. Pre-book online, or simply drop in to one of our stores, and our bra experts will help you find your perfect fit.
How to find the perfect fit
When was the last time you were properly measured for underwear? It really is the best way to find the right size – and style – for your shape and needs. For those who can’t make it into a store, there are also really useful buying guides and videos available online.
Read on to learn more from our lingerie buyer, Jo McKee.
What are the most common mistakes people make when it comes to fit?
Ensure you have regular fittings as, over the years, your body changes – for example through pregnancy, hormones or weight fluctuations. We recommend a fitting every six months, after a significant change in weight, or after a life change, such as pregnancy or menopause. The underband should always fit snugly against the body, and not from the straps being overly tight.
Can you outline how the service works and what makes it stand-out?
Our fit service is free of charge, and there is no obligation to buy during or after your appointment. Customers can book a fitting appointment online via the John Lewis website and, for customers who prefer more flexibility, our branches also accept walk-in appointments. Our experienced fitters will fit, not just measure, as brands can differ according to size. We are specialists in all aspects of bra fitting, whether first bra or maternity, post-mastectomy or breast enhancements. We offer a diverse service and have fitted a wide variety of customers. Finally, the customer doesn't need to fully undress in front of the fitter as they can leave their own bra on.
What are your top tips for finding the best fit?
Ensure the band sits horizontally all the way around the ribcage – front and back – when on. Ensure the wire sits further back than the breast tissue and there is no cup overhang. If you can’t wait to get your bra off at the end of the day then you are not wearing the right size.
What are the benefits of discovering the right fit for you?
First of all, comfort; wearing a badly fitting bra that doesn’t support the breasts properly can increase your chance of back problems and poor posture. Plus, your silhouette and shape can be transformed with the help of a well-fitting bra – which will make you feel fabulous!
