Our 2014 DD+ Bikini Reviews

12 days in Thailand meant 12 days in bikinis! Just like every other DD+ girl, we find bikini shopping a nightmare. With the extra baggage of DD+ boobage comes one major question: Will this hold them in!? Next question: Will they look as blooming gorgeous as I know they can?

After scouring the web and many stores, in the hopes of finding one perfect bikini, we’ve made a shortlist to help you choose yours! All boobs are different, and everyone has different preferences, but we think we’ve got one for everyone like us, on a student budget, with lots of boobage…!

So....here are the reviews of our shortlist of bikinis which provided the basis of our Thailand wardrobes...

Fleurette's classic black number 

This one is a Topshop mix and match Plunge bikini. There are many different bottom to choose from; I chose the tie side as you can tailor the size to you.

If you’re DD+, run away from Topshop’s single size bikini set- it’s not your friend (unless you can afford 2 different sizes)!! Topshop’s clothing sized bikini tops are mostly an option for those with a small back (28-30) and a big bust as if you’re anywhere above an F cup, like me, you’ll likely need the 14 or 16.  You can wear it as tight or loose as you want to- the only downside is that the thin straps can really dig on the neck- so painful with sunburn! But I love the youthful shape, so no pain, no gain!

                      

Alice's 'Special K' red one 

This has been my trusty red bikini for the past 4 years (albeit it’s got a little smaller since it was first purchased). It’s by O Beach, purchased from ASOS. Although flattering and giving great shape, it is less supportive than the pour moi bikini below, so perhaps not the option for a game of beach volleyball!

Bottom option 1 (the matching tie side); 2 (the cheeky Asos perfect match brazilian micro bottom).

Fleurette's neon pink bikini 

Those of you paying attention will notice this is the same bikini as my first choice! I love it so much I bought the pink too- it looks amazing later in the holiday set off with a tan. Got my eye on the mint green and purple ones for next year- keep your eyes open for these, they can sell out fast!

Alice's purple halter 

     This was an absolute steal…£10 for a bikini that gives shape and uplift AND supports my GG's……say what??!! The bottoms are cuter than they look online too!

   

  

Fleurette's trusty blue one 

In terms of support, I swear by this bikini. It runs between sizes 32B- 38F and in a range of gorgeous colours. It gives the perfect amount of support, as you can tie it as tight or loose as you want it and the straps can be crossed at the front for a fresh look and extra support. Guilty of having multiple colours, this cannot be recommended enough! Play beach volleyball, swim, heck- go for a beach jog! You'll never have to worry about popping out.  The larger straps are super comfy and you're in for compliments all day with this one. This colour is currently on sale- go grab it!!

Alice's floral combo 

     Its no secret that DD+ swimwear aimed directly at young, boobilicious women is in short supply, so its no surprise that both of our bikini wardrobes are completely colour blocked – no patterns, no florals and no exciting prints. Although yellow can be a dodgy colour, this ASOS Marilyn bikini is sunflower shade, and has such a pretty print Alice couldn't resist purchasing. 

       There are also a variety of different style bottoms to suit everyone: brazilian, high waist, loop tie

We hope that makes your next bikini hunt a little easier! What's your favourite bikini brand? 

We've taken the plunge

The MailOnline wrote an article yesterday titled "Is this the end of big, ugly bras? High street shops finally launch stylish underwear for bigger breasts". 

They believe yes. We believe no.

The comments section went crazy almost instantaneously. What we were so glad to read was that so many women had the same response as us, "no". 

We have found in the last two years that the high street is providing more and more 'pretty' bras for DD+ women. More lace details, band details, colourful combinations and girly prints are appearing all over the high street. Ranges are expanding and more and more options are now available for DD+ women. 

However, still, these bras come with a compromise in our opinion. If you can find a DD+ that's pretty, it will either not come in our small band, large cup sizes (28FF, Fleurette; 30GG, Alice) or it will not be shapely. In addition, the prints are normally visible under clothing and the detailing either reveals your nipples or the boning shows through - greattttt!

Despite this expansion of DD+ bras, we have noticed that these bras do not have young girls in mind. We struggle to actually find the 'pretty' DD+ bras pretty. The grading is incorrect and ratios of material, print and lace is just not right. The prints are outdated and the shape that the cup gives you from the front and in profile is is just not youthful or flattering. 

These are the photos used in the article:

How unexciting are these?! Although the pricing isn't bad, the lack of shape is outstanding. Not one of these bras will be subtle under clothes, either revealing nipples, colour or seams from the design. Plus the shape is so saggy... not a bra that as a young woman you'd want to wear!

In addition, DD to G or GG is offered. This is better than it used to be however the high street either starts at 32, going up to bigger sizes, or if you're lucky starts at 30, up to a G. Where is the 28 band size? Where are the bigger cup sizes for 30 and 32?

Great - this one has no underwire, but why must it look like so bulky and material heavy?! 

This bra is 'pretty' but where is the shape and lift? We are young and want to feel celebrated, not dowdy and saggy!! 

We have both been DD+ since we were 14. At 21 & 22 we are beyond fed up. We can't escape the fact that we have to wear bras everyday. Being frustrated, annoyed, and disappointed that everyday the high street forces us to wear bras that we did not want to buy and do not want to wear is simply horrible. This is why we are putting our heart and souls into creating Attollo. 

We are a brand designed by DD+ women, for DD+ women. We are the people behind the bras, therefore every detail, strap placement, pattern, shape and design has been created by the people who are trying to solve what the market is missing. We are designing for ourselves, for our friends, family and for you all - for you lovely lovely, booby ladies who have been unrepresented in the market place until now. 

We have two aims; remove the shape/ aesthetic compromise faced by small back, large cup sized DD+ women and celebrate the fact that you have tremendously wonderful boobs. We are not designers, business women or manufacturing experts; we are two recent geography graduates trying to change the market place so that all you lovely women out there can finally say "Yes, this is the end to big, ugly bras, finally the high street is allowing me to enjoy my big boobs and I love the bras I now own". 

One year from now we hope this is the case. Everyday we are working tirelessly round the clock trying to bring beautiful, aesthetic, girly, feminine and well-made bras that shape, flatter and uplift young girls DD+ breasts. 

A little piece of paradise - Koh Phi Phi

After a 'not-so-safe-feeling' journey from Chiang Mai, via a night in Phuket, we landed on the magnificent island of Koh Phi Phi.

The ferry crossing not only nearly drowned us, but also left its mark for the remainder of the holiday- sun burn.

Nevertheless, we had arrived and it was spectacular.....postcard territory.

After some swimming and relaxing, we were keen to get cracking with our big to do list for this beautiful island.

The adventures began:

Kayaking

         

Snorkeling

Visiting Maya Beach

Feeding super cute wild monkeys

Visit 'the viewpoint'

Watching the sunset over the bay

We even watched England lose the football at 4am

Finally, a Thai oil massage....

Our week on Koh Phi Phi very quickly came to an end.

One of the best and most beautiful weeks ever.

Afternoon tea for two in Chiang Mai

Hearing the news about the Santander competition, we felt the need to mark the occasion with a mini celebration. 

Afternoon tea at the 5* Chedi Hotel was our answer. 

We put on our dresses and necklaces, and hopped into Thailand's version of London's route master - a red taxi where you hop in and out.

On arrival we were stunned by the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere of the hotel. 

The very kind concierge were on hand to photograph our arrival. 

                     

   

            

                   

Once we were seated we were practically drooling at the menu. We shared teapots of jasmine tea and peach tea, both absolutely delicious. 

Then the food arrived. A mountain of food that is. 

First we started off savoury, with quiches, egg brioche rolls and smoke salmon caviar.

Then we hit the scone tier, where we slathered on the most delicious passionfruit jam

Then the sweet tier: chocolate ganache, fruit cake and passion fruit mouse cups.

And finally raspberry macaroons....nom.

We left feeling relaxed, and stuffed full of food. Not only that, we only left £11 lighter each!

 We raved and raved about the Chedi for the remainder of the holiday!