A Superior Bra — Rigby & Peller

Technically, I have no idea if Rigby & Peller’s product is actually superior. But, they have had HM the Queen’s Royal Warrant since 1960 and a wealthy woman like HM the Queen — with a net worth around $600-700mm excluding the Crown Jewels — likely purchases the finest quality undergarments. While not technically a billionaire, she’ll never hurt for cash like her former daughter-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, so often does. Therefore, by my grand powers of deduction, I conclude that Rigby & Peller bras must be superior. Also, Amanda Darrach Filippone — having grown up in the UK — told me that having custom from them is a milestone for the bustier members of the boarding school set.

When I visited their website, knowing that the Queen isn’t exactly small chested, I wasn’t surprised to see that most of their offerings are for fuller figured gals. There was only one half-cup bra, which is essentially for someone without need of support. The rest were full coverage or 3/4s coverage. All of their stuff is really pretty but definitely a bit demure. I love that they call underpants knickers. Plus they have corsets — meant to be worn as outerwear — as well as basques, which are bras/corsets meant to be worn as underwear for “special occasions” — nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more, say no more. They also have the first attractive nursing bras I’ve ever seen. (Although Katie swears her Le Mystere was pretty…what does she know?) Plus an entire page dedicated to helping men buy bras and lingerie for their significant others. Duh! They deliver to the States. $24, which frankly is what I pay to send a package to California from NYC so not bad in my view.

What they do not deliver to the States is their bespoke line — a.k.a. custom — that Amanda told me about. They design and make underwear and lingerie to your exact measurements and taste. I think I’ll know that I’ve officially made it when I travel to London and have to pop into R&P to get some new lingerie made. Oh and remember to get measured regularly or your bras will never properly fit.