You’ve probably already read about Fraulein Annie. I’ve drooled over photos from this brand but never written about it because I didn’t think it was available stateside. That’s about to change. I learned yesterday that a few stores have been carrying it in the United States, and based on the attention it has received at Curve this week, I expect many more will soon.

The biggest appeal of Fraulein Annie is its aesthetics, but you may wonder what distinguishes it from other brands that offer pretty bras to women with large breasts. First, its designer, Frauke Nagel, believes in equal opportunities for all cup sizes. It’s one of the reasons she began her line. As a C cup, she would love to wear some of the Masquerade bras that are never made in her size, and as the faithful expert who accompanies her friends bra shopping, she sees their disappointment when they discover a dainty style that only goes up to D.

Instead of perpetuating the gulf between two levels of bustedness, Frauke chose to bridge it.  She offers each design in two size ranges: 32A-38D and 32D-38G.

A through G cup falling in love fraulein annie
Falling in Love is Fraulein Annie’s bestselling range. Here it is in pearl grey ivory. On the left is the A-D cup bra with padding at the base. On the right is the unpadded D-G version. This colorway, together with chestnut black, is always available.

 

D through G cup microfiber and grosgrain ribbon
See the unpadded full-busted version of the Bye Bye mine Herr bra in the foreground, and the padded smaller cup version in the background. Don’t you love this treatment of the simple black bra with grey grosgrain ribbon around the underwire? The rest of the fabric is a high quality microfiber. By the way, the straps can be crossed or made into a halter.

Another distinction from other pretty bras for big breasts is Frauke’s focus on the entire body.  On an online forum that I participate in, the administrator recently asked members if they buy matching panties for their bras. I was surprised that most women answered “no”. The two biggest reasons were fit and price.

Frauke addresses fit by offering bottoms that suit a variety of figures. Many have shapewear components.

for hourglass and pear shapes
Here are two Falling in Love waist cinchers. The one on the left is for more hourglass proportions, and the one on the right is for women with wider hips. The one on the right is in the cinnamon almond colorway, which arrives in March. AND HERE’S SOME GOOD NEWS: Falling in Love bras in cinnamon almond will come in 30 bands!

She addresses cost not by lowering it–her panties begin at $55–but by (a) ensuring that the bottoms will last for years and (b) since bras rarely last for years, continuing to offer the matching bra in standard colors.  For instance, the matching bra for this Bye Bye mein Heir underbust girdle (it scoops under your tush!) will always be available.

made out the new generation of shapewear fabrics
Again, there are a variety of bottoms in this style.

For the quality of the materials, level of workmanship and attention to details, I was shocked to find that Fraulein Annie bras retail for only $85-92.  The reason Frauke can offer them at this price is by maintaining an extremely low overhead–basically, she does everything herself (except the actual manufacturing). She creates the patterns and samples and oversees production. She doesn’t pay rent for an office, and she interacts directly with lingerie store owners, bloggers and customers.

I’m looking forward to being able to try this brand myself soon in a local boutique. If you try it, please share!

Finally, I must tell you about two more Fraulein Annie pieces that I am very excited about. The first is the Falling in Love garter belt that has boning and double power mesh for shaping at the stomach.

The second is the swimwear. Oh how I wish I wore a DD cup because her REVERSIBLE one-piece is currently only available in B-DD cups.

reversible swimsuit for b through dd cup
This is the Fraulein Annie signature print that Frauke designed herself (see what I mean about doing everything?) and that is handprinted by her supplier.

Her balcony bra bikini top for C-F cups (below left) and small cup halter (below right) are ALSO REVERSIBLE.

balconey fits c through f cup
Finally, true to form, she offers two bottom options–also reversible.

As you would expect, Fraulein Annie swimwear is not a bargain, but the versatility and the quality of the fabric and craftsmanship means it definitely has value.  The one-piece retails for $234, the balcony top for $145, the halter for $112, the shorts for $89 and the bikini bottoms for $84. Modcloth has sold out of Fraulein Annie swimwear several times already this year.