If the revamped Victoria's Secret means big boobs in ill-fitting bras, I'm not interested

By Stephanie Sofokleous For You Magazine 15:59 17 Oct 2024, updated 15:59 17 Oct 2024

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As a teenager, I have very vivid memories of being dragged into Victoria’s Secret stores by my friends and standing outside the changing room as they tried on tiny bras in varying shades of neon. At the age of 13, I was the antithesis of the Victoria’s Secret customer.

To say I developed early would be an understatement. A humiliating first bra fitting at the hands of a stern woman who strapped me into beige doily-style bras, complete with cups big enough to double up as a hat, revealed that I was a size 28E. Any dreams I had of wearing the same pretty bras as my friends were dashed, since Victoria’s Secret (and so many other brands at the time) didn’t stock above a D cup.

Jump to 2018 and the brand cancelled its legendary runway show after criticism for being out of touch and lacking in diversity. At this time I was a 32G, a size 14 and working in fashion. My relationship with underwear had changed as I focused more on substance over style, developing an understanding of what boobs like mine actually needed (thick straps, a supportive band and a less-is-more approach to padding).

The Victoria’s Secret shows, with their size 0 ‘angels’ sporting washboard abs, were heralded as the ultimate display of beauty, and played a part in my own beauty standards and views about my own body.

After a six-year hiatus the brand announced the comeback of their shows, promising inclusivity and to ‘reflect who we are today’. Sure, the runway was more diverse, featuring models of different body types such as Ashley Graham, Devyn Garcia and Tyra Banks. But nothing says a brand doesn’t know how to cater to these bodies than stuffing their chests into bras that don’t fit - which was the case for all the larger busted models in the show.

Don’t get me wrong, the underwear was pretty – but that’s never been the problem. I watched Tyra’s walk with one eye shut expecting a Janet Jackson style wardrobe malfunction, and had a pang of sadness as one squashed, unsupported bosom after another walked alongside the perfectly scaffolded and contained breasts of the smaller models.

In 2024, surely it can’t be difficult to offer the same quality of fit and comfort across all sizing? I was surprised to see that despite the rebrand, Victoria’s Secret still don’t stock above a D cup. Model Ashley Graham posted on Instagram after the show to say that after sitting down with the leadership at Victoria’s Secret, she saw ‘real change’ and that Victoria’s Secret ‘shared her commitment to embracing body diversity in lasting, meaningful way.’

Maybe the best of what the Victoria’s Secret rebrand has to offer is yet to come, but sadly the show’s comeback was a missed opportunity to re-capture the hearts and minds of the big-boobed gals who have always wanted to feel part of the VS gang.

If like me, you want bras you can rely on to fit, support and deliver on style, these are the alternative brands that are worthy of your underwear drawer..

The Stretch Boss Full Cover Bra, £48, Nudea (Sizes D - GG)

Bonnie Balconette Bra, £45, Boux Avenue (Sizes B - G)

Sensu Lace Underwire Bra, £52, Wacoal (Sizes B - FF)

Corded Lace Padded Demi Bra, £60, Savage x Fenty (Sizes A - G)

Belle Balcony Bra, £36, Panache (Sizes B - J)

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