A question of fashion and fit
So, let's start with bras. Although, on a daily basis, few people will see your bra, a supportive, well fitting one is essential. A bad fit can bring on neck and backache, not to mention a fair bit of bouncing. Add to that 'the bulge', (the dubious effect achieved by too small a cup size cutting into your cleavage), and you start to appreciate the importance of this simple piece of clothing. 'Until recently all the bras in shops like Marks and Spencer and Debenhams looked like they were made for my Grandma,' complained one of my friends. 'Yeah, colours went as far as nasty shades of beige and peach, and the straps were positively industrial' chimed another. It's not just fit that matters, but also fashion. 'There are loads of attractive bras for smaller girls, with diamante detail or pretty patterns, but it seems like big means boring' was another friend's assessment. Well, step forward Bravissimo (www.bravissimo.com or call 01926 459859). With 8 stores across the UK and a comprehensive catalogue, they offer everything from maternity bras to strappy tops with built in support. However, anyone smaller than a D-cup need not apply. According to their catalogue, this is 'a celebration of your curves', so if you don't have any then don't bother. I visited the Manchester store with a friend, and she officially declared herself a convert. The assistants are helpful, and offer a bra fitting service, and the cubicles are roomy with a dressing gown and T-shirt provided, so you can check out the fit in a variety of different clothes. The bras go up to a J cup, and the bikinis stretch to a HH fitting.

Another excellent website to have a look at is figleaves.com. As well as bras they also do a cool range of bikinis and swimsuits. With summer now well upon us and the daunting prospect of the beach growing closer, fear not. Ladies with more up top can easily look as sassy as those with very little. Click onto to 'Footprints' brand and you'll find beachwear going up to an E cup in trendy prints, colours and styles. All you need now is a pair of large sunglasses so you can safely check out all those sexy Mediterranean types as they wander by...

Getting shirty
Finally, I couldn't end this article without a mention of another age old complaint of well-endowed women that is often forgotten amidst the discussion on well fitting underwear and beach wear. A common complaint from my well endowed chums is the inability to find a shirt that fits. They may well have size 14 boobs, but the rest of them is a size 10 or 12. This leads to either button-popping tightness across the chest (not a good look) or a shirt that fits across your boobs but swamps you everywhere else. It appears that there is still no miracle solution to this but Bravissimo have launched a new range of blouses designed for curvier girls. Just measure your bust and your waist, then order a dress size (12, 14 etc) but in either 'curvy', 'really curvy' or 'super curvy'. My petite tester still found them to be on the large side, but a definite improvement on past efforts.

A counter measure to the shirt problem could be the v-neck. This is a more flattering cut for larger busts, and if you can find one that uses a 'stretch' fabric (lycra, elastane or similar) then any hint of bagginess is avoided. Topshop currently have some good ones, up to a size 16, in a ¾ sleeve with a cute button detail on the arm.

Take down the scaffolding
So there you have it - a few essential tips when shopping for that perfect fit this summer, whether it be shopping for lingerie, beachwear or just a basic shirt. From my discussions with my friends, it seems to me that although the high street may have been a little slow to catch on that there are women out there who have busts larger than a D cup, the internet certainly hasn't.

As one of my friends says, 'it's just nice not to have to wear scaffolding under my shirt anymore'...

- Article by Jenna Sloan