Beware Marks and Spencer basques

Ellie2758

I have recently had surgery on my varicose veins and because my surgeon recommended that I wear support tights/stockings - I stand a lot in my job in a library - I purchased a basque from M&S on 11th November. I cannot wear tights or a suspender belt as I am unable to bear any kind of pressure around my waist. As this basque did not have the usual hook and eye arrangement but was made of stretchy material with the usual bra clasp at the top I thought it wuold be ideal for putting on in a hurry before work.

However, it took ages before I could find any support stockings. M&S Bluewater did not sell them. Couldnt find any in the whole of Bluewater or the dept stores of Canterbury. Finally found some in Beales of Tonbridge after a couple of weeks searching.

Wore basque to work, for the first and only time, on 1st December. Only work part time so when I arrived home i had been wearing it for only 6 hours tops. Took it off to find that the clasp that fits into the slot at the top of the bra cup on the right hand side had worn away the material that it slots into. Presumably because the clasp is metal, rather than the usual plastic. Didnt rush to take it back, thinking its M&S it wont be a problem.

Returned it today to a different store and was made to stand for ages (with my varicose veins!) whilst it was referred to a supervisor. Assistant then returned to say that they would send it off to their "technical dept" for testing. i said I wasnt happy, sale of goods act etc and could I speak to the supervisor. Supervisor arrives, very curtly says that all she will be doing is what assistant has already told me. NO explanation as to WHY I am not being offered a refund and an apology after purchasing such shoddy goods (it cost £35).

Rang Trading Standards, who say wait and see what they do.

SO, to summarise, dont buy lingerie from M&S and expect it to last longer than 6 hours. And if it doesnt dont expect to get your money back without a load of hassle even if it IS less than a month since you purchased it.

Incidentally I bought a £10 replacement from Peacocks (with the hooks and eyes unfortunately) and have been wearing it since without my boobs suffering any fall-out situations