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A few weeks back, I decided it was time to update my lingerie collection after noticing how often I wore my Stella McCartney snakey-print bra. It’s a fantastic T-shirt bra, providing a nice shape and adding a cool, sexy vibe under sheer tops. Having a fun print beneath your clothes can be a nice touch, right? Let’s face it: with so many tops now being cropped, sheer, or racer-back, it’s practically impossible to keep your bra hidden!
I ended up buying the same style of bra but in a different pattern—the Tiger Print balconette. I went ahead and purchased the matching briefs too, which are designed with a clever laser-cut finish to avoid visible panty lines under tight jeans or skirts. I got mine from ASOS.
In addition, I picked up the Marguerite Riding set. This is a different line, as the balconette bra is part of the Stella by Stella McCartney range. The bra in this set is a plunge style, and the knickers are a bit more substantial, but both are excellent in terms of shape and quality.
Overall, I think I lean towards the Stella line as my favorite because of its gold strap detail and the bra’s flattering shape. However, the original line offers more variety, so it’s a win-win situation. My Marguerite set also came from ASOS.
As for practical tips, you can machine wash Stella lingerie, but I use the “hand wash” setting on my machine. I’ve lost quite a few good bras to the harsher settings of my Hotpoint, so now I make sure to properly shape the bra cups after washing and let them air dry. I never use a tumble dryer! In terms of sizing, the bras seem to fit true to size—I usually wear a 32DD, and that’s what I chose. The briefs might run a bit small, so I go for a medium to avoid any unwanted bulges. The bras are quite snug at first, especially around the chest, but they loosen with a couple of wears. My tip? Don’t wear new bras to work or dinners; break them in at home, just like you would with new shoes!