My world changed the day I discovered Lively's Busty Bralette. That's not me being dramatic: With size 34DDD boobs, I had pretty much abandoned the idea of ever finding a supportive bralette that my nipples didn't pop out of every time I moved. Everything on the market that I'd tried was way too flimsy, and larger sizes left my torso swimming while my breasts were barely covered.
I'm certainly not the only person who's struggled with this sort of thing, which is why the "leisurée" (that's lingerie + leisure) brand Lively decided to launch a size expansion on their hit All Day Bralette. The Busty version comes in two sizes, which fit a range from 32D - 38DDD. Even though that still leaves out breasts size E or larger, a rep from Lively tells me the Busty had a waitlist of 3,000 people before it launched, and sold out in 48 hours after the initial launch. And on Nov. 5, after Lively received loads of requests from its Busty customers to turn the bralette into a swim top, the brand released a swim version of the Busty that's sure to make my fellow multi-Ders squeal with joy.
The waterproof version of the Busty will include all the same supportive features as the bralette, plus some bonuses that are optimized for swim. The same wide, adjustable straps and wide band are there, plus the cups are lightly lined with removable padding. It'll come in four classic colors (black, navy/white, white, and tomato red) plus a chic-yet-fun bird of paradise floral print.
Also like the bralette, the Busty Bralette Swim Top comes in Size 1 and Size 2. The brand recommends Size 1 for 34D, 32DD, 36D, 34DD, 32DDD, and Size 2 for 38D, 36DD, 34DDD, 38DD, 36DDD, 38DDD. I was wary of only having two sizes to choose from, but the Size 1 really does fit like it was made for me.
Of course, my boobs are only one set of boobs, and there's still plenty of room for further expansion on the range. This is something the brand acknowledges, and tells me is in the pipeline for the future. During a recent fireside chat with me in NYC, Founder Michelle Grant said, "[Expanding the sizes] is something that we're definitely working on. For me, it's really important that our products are beyond responsible." She explained that it took the brand 18 months to figure out how to expand their original size range to include triple Ds, and that the next phase is to add even more. "But what I never want to do is take on more than we can deliver," Grant continued. "So yes, it's definitely on our list of goals, but we're going to do it responsibly."
The very existence of the Busty Bralette and the entire swim line (which came to be because shoppers told Grant they were already wearing her bras to the pool, but would really prefer if she made a separate bathing suit line) proves that Lively is listening to their customer base, so hit 'em up if you're eager for even more sizes!
The Busty top is a part of Lively's second swim collection, which also includes five styles of bikini tops, three styles of bottoms, and four styles of one-pieces. The individual pieces are $45 each (or $80, if you buy two together) and one-pieces are $65. You can buy the entire collection now on wearlively.com.
The Busty Bralette (Swim), $45, Lively
While the Busty Bralette (both in swim and the classic version) is my personal favorite, it isn't the only bra offering Lively has for DD and DDDs. The lingerie below is perfect for throwing on after you get out of the pool!
The Palm Lace Busty Bralette
The Palm Lace Busty Bralette, $35, Lively
The Busty also comes in a lovely lace fabric.
The T-Shirt Bra
The T-Shirt Bra, $35, Lively
The T-Shirt Bra is most similar to your standard bra silhouette, and goes up to size 36DDD/38DD.
The Deep V No-Wire
The Deep V No-Wire, $35, Lively
If you're more of a no-wire type (*raises hand*), this is a good everyday option.
The Mesh Trim No Wire
The Mesh Trim No Wire, $35, Lively
This one's my second fave after the Busty: The bottom band is stiff enough to add support without all the stabbiness of a traditional wire. Lively really is quite good to us DDDs.
