It’s no secret that I love the Eveden group, especially Freya. I love the styles, the fit and the shape. My 28G underwired Freya Active – despite being imperfectly small in the cup – is still far and away the best sports bra I have ever had, my three Freya Jolies are my favourite everyday bras, and they consistently make swimwear that make me regret not living somewhere that isn’t so Amsterdam-cold. I love Freya, and Freya loves me… Or so I thought.
This weekend, I finally met fellow blogger and Invest In Your Chest powerhouse Cheryl in Selfridges for a brief trollydash in the lingerie department. In the frenzy, I grabbed 4 Eveden family bras to try: a Freya Taylor, a red Freya Deco, a gorgeous red Emmanuelle from Fauve, and a grown up, elegant Fantasie – all in my normal size.
With the exception of the Fantasie, which was big enough to house me and 4-6 Haribo mini-snack packs, all of them were a: gorgeous, and b: perfect in the cup. So why did I not leave London with a glossy yellow bag full of lingerie delights?
Because I think Eveden is dumping me.
She’s not said anything – yet. But things have definitely changed between us. We used to be so in sync. She knew what I wanted before I knew it, and I could count on her to always be there for me with – especially with Freya – 30G bras that fit perfectly right off the peg.
But now, things are different. Her 30Gs are now big on my back – all 3 of those perfectly fitting cupped bras were tried on on their tightest hook with room to spare. And as much as I was tempted I knew any purchase would soon have worn out beyond wearability. Not responsible lingerie shopping.
I know it’s not me. I have not shrunk, and my often worn 30G Jolies are still firmer than anything I tried this weekend. No, it is not me. For whatever reason, it seems Freya backs are getting bigger. So if I am sensible and am not to waste the £30 on a Freya, or the £50 on a Fauve that won’t last, I need a 28GG. And that bra size is the lipstick on the collar proving Eveden is trying to end our beautiful relationship. Because – to them – it barely exists. Fauve doesn’t go down to a 28, and Freya only has a handful of styles that go beyond a G in a 28 back. None of the three I’d tried and loved are available in my new, true Eveden size. Gloom.
I don’t know what I did wrong, but generous back sizes have pushed me out in to a wilderness I had got used to not being in. The brands that brought me in from the cold have pushed me back out again. And the worst thing is, I still love her. I love her so much I found myself genuinely trying to justify the expense of a bra that would soon wear out, or reasoning whether I could once more get used to a slight overspill and four boob being a daily fact of my lingerie life. You see, I am still hopelessly besotted, and I fear she’s moved on without a backward glance…
Eveden, darling: won’t you take me back?
The loves that will never be*…
Fauve Emmanuelle
Freya Taylor
Freya Deco in Red
…unless I take the hit on cost-per-wear, obvs… *puts on Working Girl and stuffs face with ice cream*
