I’ve been a long-standing fan of Busts 4 Justice since their epic battle against tit-tax back in 2007, and the fabulous Busts 4 Justice blog has kept me hooked ever since. Author Beckie Williams writes topical,interesting (and sometimes controversial!) posts about the joys and faux pas’ of The Lingerie World. Her sparkling wit and talent to spot a great story has often engaged me and left me thinking, her charming way with words and delightful anecdotes (anyone else fancy a ride on Cecil?!) has kept me going back to the ‘B4J’ blog time and time again, but recently, I left feeling dismayed.
Beckie and I recently met (at the Freya Selfridges fitting event no less!) and she had a bit of a tough time in the changing rooms. As she currently lives n Amsterdam, she has been separated from department stores stocking Freya at UK prices by the small issue that is the English Channel and was so looking forward to getting herself some pre-Christmas Freya goodies.
Beckie voiced her concerns regarding her shopping trip via this blog post, an issue that we found ourselves discussing at length, a problem that I have come across on quite a few blogs and forums since the rise (and rise) of the small bust, big cup brigade..
So what is the problem?
Essentially, the fact that some Freya styles have size restrictions – namely the fairly large array of styles not available in a 28 band of GG+ – has left some people disgruntled. Myself included – I’ve been left wincing at the sight of Invest In Your Chest blogger Becky Mount’s Freya Neive long-line, I’ve been jealous of anyone able to get the Freya Ingrid in the half-cup balconette, but Beckie has found herself in the ‘Freya blackspot’ of a 28GG. I spoke to her about her love/hate relationship with Freya…
Hi Beckie, we’re read all about your recent Freya woes. Please could you tell us a bit more about your disappointment with Freya’s sizing and size range?
Beckie: As you witnessed, I tried on two Freya bras (and one Fauve) that all fitted beautifully and I wanted to buy, but they were all fitted on the tightest hook at my normal size of 30G. I could have bought them, but that perfect fit would have been short lived and the bras soon made redundant. Most people could size down in the back and up in the cup, but that pushes me in to the 28GG territory and none of the styles I was looking to purchase were available to me. It didn’t feel great to be back in the abyss of under-catered bra sizes again…
How long have you been a Freya fan?
Beckie: I’ve been a fairly hardcore Freya fan for about three years. My first Freya – a black Arabella with orange and pink trim – is still one of my favourite bras, although I’ve worn it all the way through the hooks and it’s beyond its way out. It only really gets worn on special occasions these days…
Which is your favourite Freya bra fit wise?
Beckie: I always say Freya and I were made for each other: her bras just fit my shape. I wear a lot of the lace-top balconettes like Trudie, Edith and Loretta – they’re great day bras for me – and my Alexa and Arabella’s give a great rounded silhouette when I want it. I love Jolie like a sister, and Deco is – of course – always my wingman for when I need some extra up front…
You’re quite a fan of the Freya Active range, how do you find the sizing and what makes it better than the rest?
Beckie: So many things. The fabric and style are perfect for keeping you dry and cool while you’re working up a sweat, and the ladies are always perfectly supported and comfortable when running – which is what I do the most. And better still, unlike a lot of bras I’ve tried, it also separates and uplifts whilst managing to minimise their – I can’t think of a better word – girth… so essential when you’re doing something like Pilates or Yoga, or just working with weights. The sizing is great – the bands are snug, although I do size down to a 28 because I think when you’re running you need as much support there as you can get. I always go as tight as I physically can stand… as long as I can still breathe, obviously!
Which Freya bra do you wish you could wear but can’t due to size restrictions?
Beckie: At the moment, it seems a hell of a lot. Sigh.
Beckie’s blog image: two lust-worthy Freya sets, neither available in a 28GG
What’s on your Freya Christmas wish list?
Beckie: Mmmmm. Definitely the Ingrid sleepwear, and the new Active swimsuit too. I have a huge crush on the red Deco, the purple Lauren, and the Nieve long-line too… And all of the sheer ones are beautiful. I’m not sure I’ve been good enough this year to warrant such a full stocking…
What will Freya have to do to win you back?
Beckie:
Freya have promised me they’ll look in to the sizing issue as well as expanding their 28GG lines, and I have to trust that they mean it. We’ll just have to see what happens next…
Are there any Freya styles that aren’t available in your size? Would you like to see Freya improve their sizes range or do you think this is a case of small groups shouting the loudest?
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