As someone with a 34I bra size, who was mistakenly walking around with a size 38DD bra for a good chunk of her life, I can definitively say that finding a well-fitting bra is a must. One of my absolute pet peeves with bras that aren’t fitted properly or simply aren’t designed with larger busts in mind, is when the cups literally runneth over.
But in my search for a bra that would help my set of twins live their best (and most elevated) lives, I was fortunate enough to come across the Matilda Underwire Plunge Bra by Elomi. Elomi is a U.K.-based brand that definitively gets it: Its bras are designed with large busts and curvier body types in mind (many of their bra options start at 34DD and extend to size 48H), which is why this full-figure bra fits me like a glove. I never thought I’d say that I had a holy-grail favourite bra, but after wearing this one my boobs officially have a comfortable place to call home—for eight hours a day, at least.
I had in-person assistance from an Elomi fitting expert, but if you’re unsure, Elomi has a handy sizing chart on its website that helps shoppers find their coordinating sizes. Although technically a 34G would typically be my U.K. size equivalent, I was told that a 34GG actually fit best (so you may want to size up).
Here are some initial thoughts after owning this bra for six months: The bra is made with an underwire that feels supportive, but not restrictively so. There’s no prodding or poking around my rib cage, and I can wear it all day long without wanting to rip it off for something more comfortable once I get home. Unlike other bras that squeeze or dig, I always feel confident while wearing this one with fitted tops and sweaters, particularly since I know I’ll be sitting at attention instead of unintentionally drooping (which is the absolute worst). The bra is also designed with a J-hook option—like my favourite sports bras—that allows me to switch up its fit according to my outfit needs (during the summer, this feature really comes in handy when I wear racer-back tops), or when I want extra security.
Experts usually recommend hand-washing bras to help them maintain their original shape, but I’ve found that the Matilda is durable enough for me to throw it in the washing machine, on a delicate cycle setting, without having to worry about it not fitting the same way. I’ve washed it probably 10 times at this point, and never run into any issues with stretching or shrinking. I love it so much that I went ahead and ordered it in almost every colour available—I own three at this point—and have been able to kiss the dreaded double-boob issues of the past goodbye.
I’m not suggesting that this is the only bra I’ll ever wear for the rest of my life, amen, but I am saying it’s giving a lot of others a run for their money. A word of caution to friends and family members: Don’t be surprised if you see the Matilda bra on my birthday list this year—I’m still missing one in the nude colour, “Cafe.”