Victoria's Secret Review: From The Bras, To The In-store Experience And Everything In Between
It’s undeniable the impact that Victoria’s Secret has had in the world of underwear, from its iconic Bombshell bras and silky robes, to its expansion into activewear and not forgetting those sweet-smelling body mists *smiles in nostalgia*. Victoria’s Secret also prides itself on the changes it has made to create a brand that uplifts women of all shapes and sizes, at different stages of their life, whether it’s their teen years, post-partum, menopause, you name it, all with a focus to make us – the consumers – feel unapologetically good about our bodies.
The bra collections at Victoria’s Secret are impressively extensive, from the Very Sexy logomania bras for the OG fans, to the Body By Victoria maternity and mastectomy bras, to the Dream Angels collection, which comes in lace galore, to the super-comfy wireless T-shirt Bras, which are available every colour of the rainbow, not forgetting the sports selection… the list goes on. They have it all and have even expanded the range with a new Love Cloud collection, which features a cloud-like pad and soft-to-the-touch fabric, launching in five silhouettes. *Insert heart eyes emoji*
For Victoria’s Secret, customer experience is everything and although we’ve all been used to getting everything with one click of a button by shopping online, it’s important to note that when it comes to underwear, an in-person experience is important.
Victoria’s Secret has reported that 70% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, and this statistic aligns with many more studies conducted by other brands. So, we’re all out there wearing the wrong bra and doing nothing about it? Well, apparently that can be fixed quickly by a trip to a VS store. We decided to put the experience to the test. Five GLAMOUR staffers with five different bra sizes (or so we thought) headed over to the Victoria’s Secret Flagship Store in New Bond Street, London for a complimentary bra fitting service (available for all customers). This is what they thought of their experience and the bras they picked up.
The Products:The GLAMOUR Edit, from £14
The Reviews:Louisa Bryant, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor
Product: Dream Angels Wicked Unlined Balconette Bra, £19
I didn’t expect the Victoria’s Secret fitting to go so well. I realised, after years of not having a bra fitting (the last time I did was when I was a teenager), I wasn’t the size I thought I was. And every bra I had pre-lockdown, I threw away, thinking I wouldn’t be going back to the office (how wrong I was).
Anne-Marie, who measured me, gave me lots of different options of bras to try on. The variety is so impressive and for every occasion, size, and shape – from sports, push up, wired, non-wired and strapless. You’ll definitely be able to find the bra you’re looking for.
I instantly went for the Wicked Unlined Balconette Bra from the Dream Angels collection. It feels so luxurious and the colour, Jade, is beautiful. I haven’t worn an underwired bra in years and I’m surprised with how comfortable it is. I also matched it with the Satin Short PJ set because, why not?
Getting your bras fitted at Victoria’s Secret is free, quick and very comfortable. Plus, you don’t have to take your top off to get measured! It’s a truly empowering experience. My bra isn’t just the perfect fit, it’s a fab, new, post-lockdown treat.
Rating: 9/10
Luca Wetherby-Matthews, GLAMOUR's Associate Social Media Manager
Product: Luxe Lingerie Floral Embroidered Balconette Bra, £59
I’ve had a bit of a complicated relationship with my boobs over the years. Having started growing them earlier than my friends, way back in primary school, I was always *very* aware that I was bigger in the chest than all of my friends – even into young adulthood. As a result, I’ve always wanted to make them smaller, opting for non-padded bras, minimising bras, and everything in between to take the attention off them.
Because of my relationship with my boobs, walking into the fitting at Victoria’s Secret was a little daunting, and I knew I was probably wearing a cup size too small – especially after not buying many new bras over lockdown. I was, in fact, a size bigger than I had thought – a 34DDD. My other concern was that I wouldn’t be able to get a bra I felt comfortable in with a bigger cup size. But I was so wrong. The fitting itself was super easy, and I felt really confident choosing my bra, knowing Victoria’s Secret would have something I felt comfortable and sexy in. After being a little too spoilt for choice, I chose the Luxe Lingerie Floral Embroidered Balconette Bra in Lipstick red with a matching Modal Lace Trim Robe and was happy to find that it fit perfectly. It gives me a subtle boost without making me feel self-conscious about my size. Whatever Victoria’s secret is… I’m in on it.
Rating: 10/10
Chloe Laws, GLAMOUR's Social Media Director
Product: Dream Angels Lace Corset Bra Top, £59
Victoria’s Secret as a brand holds a lot of nostalgia for me – I remember going into the stores and spraying the sweet perfumes and buying my first bras there. As I got older, the brand was one I stopped seeing myself represented by (as a curvier woman), but now, in its new era, I’m back as a fan.
I tried the Dream Angels Lace Corset Bra Top in a size L, and the Lace Inset Kimono Dressing Gown in a M/L – both fitted perfectly and felt silky on my skin. The best part is the corset bra doubles up as a top that I wear layered with an oversized shirt and jeans. The whole process, from getting fitted in-store to opening the lingerie parcel was a premium and fun experience that made me feel confident.
Rating: 8/10
Grace Barnes, GLAMOUR's Creative Production Director
Product: Love Cloud Lace Half Pad Plunge Bra, £45
After a super-thorough fitting process in the VIP fitting room in the huge New Bond Street store, I selected the Love Cloud Lace Half Pad Plunge Bra in black from a brand-new range for Victoria’s Secret. I tried a few different styles – there are, what feels like, hundreds to choose from – and this was my favourite. I am usually a 34C, but had to go up to a 34D with this bra. It has surprisingly soft lacy edges, gives me perfect support and shape – and feels a bit special. I am a real take-my-bra-off-as-soon-as-I-get-through-the-front-door woman, so to find an underwired bra that feels like it’s barely there seems like a miracle. The matching Modal Ballerina Robe was a nice addition to this set and doubles up as a cute summer dress.
Visiting the store was a real eye-opener, too – there is literally a style and colour for every step of a woman’s journey. I was really impressed. It’s a good idea to ask for a little help because it can be overwhelming, but the VS floor staff are on hand to navigate the different styles, shapes and functions of each bra, making the whole experience really fun.
Rating: 9/10
Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty & Entertainment Assistant
Product: Knockout Knockout Maximum Support Colorblock Front Close Sport Bra, £45
Growing up in a small town, I only knew one place I could go to revamp my underwear drawer – Victoria’s Secret. Then, when I discovered Victoria’s Secret PINK, the majority of my activewear started to feature a pink polka-dotted dog [the logo at the time]. I’ve always been an athlete and sports have played a huge part in my life, so my wardrobe is 90% sportswear. Usually, I would opt for sports bras from a sports brand, but I am happy to step away from that every once in a while, in order to seek something that not only feels good but looks good, too. I decided on the Knockout Knockout Maximum Support Colorblock Front Close Sport Bra. I was looking for a bra that made me feel confident and supported, that was also comfortable – and where the price tag aligns with the quality; I think I found it.
I’m obsessed with the front zipper of this bra – it’s giving high-track fashion and I’m here for it. The breathable spacer fabric technology also means that it’s quick-drying so it’s easy to forget that you’re breaking a sweat. It kept my boobs in place during the box jumps I incorporate into my plyometrics training and allowed maximum movement without restriction or tightness. The bra is durable, comfortable and reliable, and the fact it looks fresh and slick is a bonus. As far as sports bras go, I’d say we’re onto something. I matched it to the Incredible Essential Leggings and I feel ca-yu-te.
Rating: 8/10
For more from GLAMOUR UK Beauty & Entertainment Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
Book a free bra fitting appointment at one of Victoria's Secrets UK stores.
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