This Is the Prettiest, Least Maternity-ish Bra for Big Boobs We've Ever Tried

Drawing,

(Image credit: Design by Betsy Farrell)

published 9 November 16

Besides complaining, one of my secondary favorite pastimes is kvetching about the state of my boobs on the internet (opens in new tab). Of this category of whinging on, "why don't they make nice bras for women with larger busts?" tops the rest as Chief Grievance, because, really—why don't they?

After several professional fittings that ended with me being harnessed into no-flesh-left-bare, granny-ish Ace bandages with cups the size of boat sails, I did the unadvisable...and went right on wearing a mesh balconette bought before I discovered I am a freak of nature. (Nothing makes one feel more like a mutant than being made to try on *every* style a brand makes because "you're a unicorn.") I get the rational—more mammary, more tissue to keep caged in underwire—but holy hell: At this day and age, can't we do it in a way that's not so oppressive? Or disheartening?

Then Lonely Label's Cyd bra (opens in new tab) came across my desk. (You might know them as the New Zealand brand behind that genius unretouched campaign featuring Lena Dunham and Jemima Kirke (opens in new tab).) Hallelujah! Loopy, stretchy lace. A sizable gore that always lays flat, even with a body chain under it. Underwire that slopes high-ish up the sides for reining things in, shall we say. And the coverage level—just enough free-boob at the top for the psychologically comforting illusion of youth and glamour.

Style, Brassiere, Black, Undergarment, Black-and-white, Monochrome photography, Lingerie top, Lingerie, Shoulder bag,

Lonely Label Cyd bra, $84, lonelylabel.com (opens in new tab).

Took long enough. But some things—peace of mind included—are 10/10 worth waiting for.

Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.

Chelsea Peng

Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.