So why on earth would I dive into these dangerous waters and tell you what my favorite bra is? Because a bra is a girl's best friend? No! That's diamonds or your hubby or boyfriend if you're lucky! It's because those of us "of a certain age" can remember when "bra burning" was a sign of your liberation as a woman. My how far we've come! Now these "foundational" items are the focus of much style and design and beauty! And so it should be, dear ones!
So in celebration of our progress, I would like to share my favorite brand with you---Chantelle!
Chantelle, which is a French company, has been at this for more than 100 years. They started in corsetry and predecessors of the company were innovators in creating elasticized fabric, which truly was "liberating" for women since it removed the necessity of using whalebones and other medieval devices for accentuating feminine curves.
The name Chantelle was trademarked in the 1930's. This impressive company is always with or ahead of the trends and fashions as you might expect of a French lingerie company. Manufacturing a Chantelle bra can take up to 40 different steps and up to 30 minutes each. Their materials are sourced from the finest European producers of lace and embroidery. The fit, for me personally is perfect--though that's one of those things that can vary from woman to woman.
One of the things I appreciate about Chantelle, in that I have my share of plus-sized friends is that they do not discriminate against the larger woman. The best of their line is available in a huge (as it were) variety of cup and band sizes.
At the left above is Chantelle's C-Chic Underwire Bra in black. The top of the cup is sheer, stretch mesh with the signature logo in the pattern. The company's description also adds discreetly: "bottom of the cups are lightly lined for modesty." Well, I should hope so!
At the right above is their Africa Seamed Mesh Underwire bra. It is lovely! (I know because I bought it!) That's embroidery that you see on the cups in an African motif, that the company's description says "creates a tattoo-like effect." Actually, I could have done without that comment. But this bra IS very pretty, as you can see.
No, dahlings, they're not cheap, but as the boys used to tease in high school, you must "support the ones you love"! What I love is what these fine bras do for my figure and the way I feel about it. Now THAT'S liberation!
