Bravissimo

While I still like Bravissimo for the product range it supplies, I feel that the service is not as good as it used to be. My most recent visit saw me wait about 10 minutes in a changing room (after flipping the «help please» switch) before anyone even came to enquire after me. Then, after the associate offered help and brought some other bras to try, I flipped the help switch again and waited AGAIN for a long time. When she did arrive (I was having trouble hooking a super stiff-​banded bra), she chastised me for not «taking some time» with it. Yeah. Because the 10ish minutes I waited wasn’t enough time to try to get the stupid think hooked umteen times…
There were other associates in the stock room/​waiting room area, but the gal who helped me in the fitting room seemed to be the only person working that area and it seemed mostly full. This was just the odd weekday afternoon. Not a crazy busy shopping time.
Everyone, apart from the rushed and short-​with-​me fitting room associate, was very friendly as I always have experienced staff at Bravissimo to be. However, for a store that has built its reputation on its fittings and personal touch, that was the aspect that seemed hugely lacking this time around.

Good bras can be ridiculously expensive but also, ahem, difficult to find… which is why, when heading to England, I informed my (male) traveling companion that we would be making a stop at Bravissimo. I grabbed a few bras in my size from the large selection on the ground floor and then headed into the basement to try them on. Whoops — «my size» was not even close. They kindly squeezed me in for a fitting appointment, which was immensely helpful as long as you’re fine with having a total stranger stand in the fitting room and help you try on bras. Meanwhile, my traveling companion sat on the comfy sofas outside the waiting room area, which seems to be where all the gentlemen are parked. Store advertisements played over the intercom discussing people’s «boobs» right and left which was nice because, honestly, who wants to take bra shopping too seriously? They carry their own line as well as several others and for good, well-​made bras in unusual sizes they are very, very reasonably priced.

I need a bra… Give me a bra!
— No i dont want a personal fitting,
— Yes i know my size,
— No, i dont want to make an appointment,
— Just check… please just check if you have my size in stock?
— Oh… really? I need a shopping assistent to help me shop?
…no thanks.

Though I’ve no doubt that the underwear sold in Bravissimo is indeed cracking stuff (I just giggled), I have an immense amount of love for the waiting area outside the changing rooms.
Yes, the waiting area. I can mention the extensive range of garments and underwear available. I could tell you about how chuffed my Ladyfriend is whenever she buys anything in Bravissimo and practically squeals with joy «it all fits! Perfect! It just fits and is actually comfortable!». I may even stretch to praising the staff and their (apparently) hands on, understanding and utterly informative approach to customer service.
But I won’t.
Instead I’ll just explain as to why the waiting area gets my 5 stars. Firstly, there are magazines, some for women, some for men or women. Including plenty of newspaper supplements. Ok, not necessarily 5 star but wait, there is also a chilled water dispenser! On top of this, there are comfy sofas and, get this, BEANBAGS! Yes, beanbags!
Already looking forward to the Ladyfriend needing some more bras.
TTFN,
Ian

Dislaimer I was invited here by the Bravissimo PR team, and didn’t pay for my purchases (because they were a gift, not because I stole them when no one was looking).
Wahoo! A whole review on Qype where I get to talk about tits. Namely, mine. Fab. I went to Bravissimo last week to be measured for the first time since school, and considering the whole ‘standing half naked talking to a stranger’ thing, it was fun. Turns out my not small chest is bigger, I was wearing the wrong size and all sorts of shenanigans were going on cleavage-​wise.
Now, my new undies have hoiked my breasts up a couple of inches, I have a waist again, and I left feeling pretty darn happy. My fitting lady was excellent and friendly too. I liked her. The only reason I don’t think five stars is right is because their choice won’t suit everyone. They’re one of the few shops who have to cater for women of every age, and it’s hard to get a wide range of underwear styles to suit such a mass market. Some of the bras will suit a 40 year old, some a 20 year old. But because of this, I only found myself really drawn to a few sets.
I’d go get measured here, and if I found something I liked I’d buy it (a set will cost you about £50), but it’s the measuring that’s the important bit. You can do anything with a pair of tits in a decent bra.

I’m actually going to get quite emotional writing this review. Sad but true that a good underwear shop can do that to you!
Any woman who has a large cup to small back ratio (sorry fellas you may have to tune out for this review!) will understand the frustration of a normal underwear fitting room where the bra fitter tuts at your tits and trys to squeeze them into a small triangle of fabric. This shop sticks a finger up and says «F You!» to all those shops, welcoming the big bosomed girl with open arms.
My mum has ordered me underwear from here online before and it’s expensive but to get the write size it’s totally worth it. Now I had never actually been in this shop until the dilemma of swimwear and a beach popped up. In a panic on the phone to my Mum she suggested I go to this shop and actually speak with them here to see what they could do to help. It was amazing! I gave them simple instructions, my size, I wanted to cover as much skin as possible and I wouldn’t wear black. So off my sales assistant trotted only to return with a selection, that’s right a SELECTION of costumes all in my size!
I was not made to feel awkward or uncomfortable, no one tutted at my boobs and they even truthfully told me which ones looked best. It was like shopping with a friend without the friend actually being there. I walked out £60 lighter but a hell of a lot more happier about myself.
Don’t let bra shopping be a trauma, don’t get upset and frustrated. If you have boobs, bring them here, they’ll be well looked after — I promise!

This is a great shop. The staff are so helpful and lovely. There is a wide range of stock including clothes as well as underwear. Plenty of room to move around and lots of changing rooms.
It’s so lovely to have a shop like this close by.

I love coming into this shop after walking down Oxford Street, it’s so calm and relaxed after being in the likes of Topshop and Primark. The staff are just so helpful and friendly and you feel so welcome, as if nothing is too much hassle and there’s no limit on how long you can spend in the changing room trying on 6 different sizes! I just wish the prices were a little bit more affordable, particularly for the clothing, although the sales are always good.

You need to make an appointment here — you just won’t get fitted otherwise. There is a serious lack of staff because it is just always full of women getting bras that actually fit. I think what this place is best for is getting fitted for each different style of bra and then using it to order from the catalogue.
Fantastic selection and the staff are helpfl even though they are streched to the limit,

Helpful and friendly staff make this a great shop. The staff really do know what they’re talking about and are happy to give advice on the clothes sizing as well as underwear. There is a great range and the clothing is fantastic. If they don’t have something in your size or you’ve seen something in the catalouge they are happy to order it in for you. It is a little expensive but you get what you pay for. Bravissimo is fab!
They have 2 other stores in London — Covent Garden and Ealing.

Can get very crowded at peak times, so definitely make an appointment!
An absolutely essential store for any woman who even THINKS they might wear a size D bra and up. 60% of women in the UK are wearing the wrong bra size, so you’re probably one of them. I had a life of shops telling me I could fit into their bras that only go up to a paltry D cup only to have Bravissimo liberate my boobs and promptly upgrade me to a more appropriate FF! They take the time to TEACH you how a bra SHOULD fit and then ensure you leave the shop with several that make you boobs stand high and proud.
The clothing range is to die for, full of shirts and jackets that ACTUALLY BUTTON over the chest. Probably a little pricey, they do offer a niche service that makes me willing to pay the price. The swimwear is also the only place you can buy a takini with a built-​in bra! Hurrah!

This two floor shop is a godsend for all larger breasted women. Oxford Street aficionados many not have realised that this gem of a shop was tucked away nearby. You may be familiar with Bravissimo’s mail order service, but nothing beats browsing the rails and trying clothing on before making your purchase. Not only do they sell beautifully made and pretty bras, sets, bustiers and swimwear, but also a smaller range of flattering tops. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and offer a bra fitting service too.