Aerie is a store that carries apparel and intimates collections including bras, undies, apparel and more. I typically see them located right next to American Eagle stores, which is where my favorite jeans are from. (I kind of think of Aerie being like PINK from Victoria’s Secret.) Honestly, I thought they only carried sizes for preteens and smaller chested women, but much to my surprise, they have extended bra sizes from 30A to 40DD!
When I got the chance to review some of their products, I was curious to see if their bras would “do the job.” But in all honesty, I hate bra shopping. It’s so frustrating when I take in what seems like 50 bras into the dressing room, and none of them fit right, or I have to run out and get additional sizes…or the fitting room attendant wants to see how it fits (ummm no thank you!)
Enter the Aerie Bra Fitting Guide, which encourages you to buy your bras online. It helps you use your measurements to see bras in your proper cup size on models with similar body types and sizes as you, although it doesn’t include models in the band size. You can order a bunch of bras and try them on in the comfort of your own bedroom, try them on over shirts, etc. and take your time seeing if it is a good fit. Plus, they offer free shipping and free returns on all their bras so there’s really no harm done!
Source: blog.ae.com
I thought the bra guide was fairly easy to navigate- just pick your size and see bras on a real, unretouched model in your cup size in a variety of categories like lightly lined, pushup, strapless & multi-way and layering bras. I love that Aerie does this and promotes healthy women, not runway models the size of my thigh like some brands out there. Hats off to you, Aerie. Bravo!
I ended up getting the Daisy Hidden Wire Bandeau Bra, Aerie Lace Racerback Bralette and Hailey Signature Lace Lightly Lined Bra. When I clicked through to the actual bra offerings available in my size (36C) and clicked on these actual products, I didn’t think these ladies were a C cup…just sayin.
(I paid a few bucks out of pocket after my $50 gift card, but I got THREE bras for the amount I would pay for one at Victoria’s Secret! Love it.)
I got a variety of bras to see how they would fit. First up was the strapless bandeau bra. Strapless bras are the hardest thing to find. Either they squeeze too tight around me, or they are too loose and aren’t supportive enough. Much to my surprise (and extreme delight)- this bra fit! The fit was snug, but comfortable and had several closures on the back, which helped smooth everything out. Plus, it just looks super cute on with that extra lace below the band. And there are optional straps so I can wear it a variety of ways! The cup size was a little big on me, so I am exchanging it for one size smaller (for free), but I absolutely LOVE it. This will be perfect to wear under the two bridesmaids dresses I will be in this summer! Who would have known that buying a bra, let alone a strapless one—one of the hardest bras to get fitted right, would be perfect when done online- crazy!
Next up was the lace racerback bralette. Not only was the lace super cute, but I loved the racerback style! It was lightly lined and it fit like a glove (I got a Large.) And it was SO comfortable. Like seriously. SO comfortable. (Funny thing is, I have a bralette from VS and I tried it on to compare, and it is so scratchy and cuts into me.) But this one from Aerie? Amazing. Perfect to wear after work under a tee when you just want to get out of your regular bra but still want some support. I plan to get more of these for sure instead of wearing sport bras as my lounge bra. Hands down.
Last was the Hailey Signature Lace Lightly Lined Bra. It was a beautiful blue color with lace and had a deep plunge. The fit was pretty good (cup size again was a little on the big side). That said, since I loved the black bandeau bra and I could convert it to a regular bra, I decided to return this one and opt for another racerback bralette to add to my wardrobe because I loved them so much!
Overall, I was pleased with the price, quality and convenience of Aerie. And I am loving saving the time in lines, finding parking spots at the mall, etc. to deal with the bra buying saga in fitting rooms. Online is definitely the way to go, and trying them on at home is so nice!
Want to try out Aerie for yourself? They have free shipping & returns so go crazy! And if you post a photo of yourself or any Aerie products using #aeriereal on Instagram or Twitter, your photo will appear on the Aerie website! (I’m not brave enough to post a photo of myself in a bra for all the world to see, but I admire those women that are!)
Disclosure: I received an Aerie gift card as part of my relationship with the Quality Blue Community. All opinions expressed are my own.
Linking up with:
Because Shanna Said So | The Pleated Poppy | Get Your Pretty On | Tucker Up
I like that strapless bra! It really looks like it would stay up and eliminate some of those weird lumps you get from some strapless bras. And I like the idea of ordering them because I always have trouble finding my size (especially without all the extra and unnecessary padding)!
It’s SO nice…love that it is functional AND pretty! Totally eliminates the back rolls since the band is so wide!
OH I LOVE these lace bras… they look comfy and cute! Thanks for the review!
They are SO comfy and look a heck of a lot better than my old sports bras :-)
Wow, how cool that they have larger sizes! I have worn Aerie’s loungewear and underwear before, but I just assumed they wouldn’t have bras for me. Apparently, they do carry bras in my size! I’m going to have to try them out – I desperately need another bra or two…