Bubblegum

Apparently I'd never written a review for this bra - but since it's one of my favorites, it totally deserves one!

This bra feels almost made to measure.
It fits super well and is so comfortable overall.

The wings are really low for an EM bra and for this size, which is *great* for me personally, but might be an issue for people that prefer more containment on the side.

I also love how it has the double V-attachment for the shoulder straps in the back, very similar to my Ewa Michalak Ja Wiem bra.
This feature, combined with the decorative straps in the front, helps ... 'center' the strap placement a little more - which is great as I always suffer from wide-set straps.

My most common size in Ewa Michalak is 70GG and for this bra, that size is definitely spot on. So I do feel it runs true to size.

Projection is good, quite different than my @Ja Wiem, that has more of an 'upward slope' in it's projection and less immediate projection like this Sieci.

The briefs (in my standard Ewa size 40) are comfy and cute as well, even though the added strap make them sliiightly less of a comfort choice, more of a 'making a point of wearing the full set' kind of style.

Quality is great - as I've had this set for 3+ years, wearing and washing it often, and honestly it seems almost as new!

Edit / PS: forgot to mention there's a removable criss-cross strap situation that connects to the bra + briefs, which is why there's loops on the bra band; but to be honest I'm too lazy to ever really add that haha.
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Updated on Jun 25, 2021 Flag this

I was quite surprised to have never seen the Red Panter reviewed on here!

No, a red leopard / panther print may not be everyone's cup of tea. Yes, it's a little gaudy.. Yes, it's a little 'in your face'..
But somehow I was expecting more love for this bra (; Was super happy to receive it in my Black Friday order.

Requested alterations:
- 3 hooks, 4 rows in the band
- straps moved in 3 cm
- lowered and narrower gore
- could the X-straps made to be detachable please?

Seems like these were all done!

Fit:
As far as I can tell this fits like a 'classic' Comexim plunge, but I've only started ... trying their plunges since Princess / Gloria / Andromeda.
I know recently there's been talk of older plunges fitting differently than newer? Did ask for a lowered gore and moved in straps, which may have altered the fit a little.
The 70K feels great, some very slight overflow on my larger breast - but I do tend to fit bras to my smaller breast, and prefer a mild bulge over gaping. For reference my usual UK size is a fuller 32G, bordering on 32GG. My shape could be described as taller roots, mostly FOT, average set, more projected and quite firm.

Comfort:
Red Panter fits me quite comfortably and as good as most of my bras get! However, as with the Yoko plunge, to be honest I could have used a little more depth at the wire. It slides down a little during the day, illustrating some lack of projection - and I keep wondering how I ever considered myself wide and shallow?

Look:
Like I said: I expected many more people to purchase this bra, as I think it's the perfect combination of fun, practicality and wearability - without losing a hint of edginess. Really love the vibrant red, the size of the leopard spots, the added straps and the overall appearance.

I asked for the X-straps to be detachable and yay, they made it happen!
Very excited about that, because with the straps being stuck in place and me mostly wearing low-ish necklines; it would have been more of a special occasion bra, or at least me having to somewhat consider which clothes to wear in what setting, whilst now I can wear this with anything, going anywhere.

The briefs were made to order in 'Princess' (tanga) style like I asked, and they're a great comfortable fit in my standard Comexim XL.
(43-ish inch hips /butt for reference)
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This bra's measurements have been altered

Altered straps,

Updated on Mar 31, 2021 Flag this

When I was in Kraków, Poland for work recently, I wanted to visit a store where I could try on some Polish bras 'in the flesh'. Didn't have much spare time so I could only visit 1 shop for max. 1 hour.. Some googling led me to *Brafitteria*.

I was somewhat disappointed when it turned out they mostly sold regular / UK brands like Freya, Gossard, Cleo and Panache.. No Avocado or other Polish brands. But luckily they did also have a small collection of Ewa Michalak! My experience with EM so far was limited to the two bras I already owned (70H - Ewa Michalak » ... S Turkusowe Kwiaty (703) and 70GG - Ewa Michalak » Pl Kicia Szałowa and I had never tried any unlined EM bras.

I was especially excited to try Czarna Mgielka, as I've coveted that bra for years but was never sure which size to order.. and semi-cautious because I'd read about scratchy fabric / tight band, high wings and possible stabby gore; making me want to try it on first. The Brafitteria store had Czarna in 70H (too big) and 70G (too small). So a classic Goldilocks moment 💁🏼 but very useful to determine my size and confirming that the rest of the issues I could deal with. So YES I still want Czarna and I'll probably order it soon in 70GG!

Anyway, back to (edit: not Ty Wiesz but) Ja Wiem..: I had _not_ expected to fall for this bra. I'd seen it around on EM's website but I dismissed it as too boudoir (and too expensive to justify buying just for occasional wear) - and I didn't like the rhinestones. But at the Brafitteria store it was one of few bras in my size, so I did try it on and... WOW, epic uplift! This bra felt great, almost like it was made to measure. No straps chafing my armpits (hallelujah!), no wrinkling, comfy band, wires pretty much perfectly matched my IMF.. And I actually really liked the design. Very pale powder pink with contrasting black seam finishing, like a ballerina gone bad girl 😉

So, because I had allowed myself to get one bra as a souvenir from Poland, I bought the set!

I've worn it frequently over the past few weeks, with good results. This bra is really well-constructed and very comfortable. The 70 band fits snugly on the second (out of 4) set of eyes. Same as my other EM's in a 70 back, that I've been wearing on the 2nd hook from the start and progressed to the 3rd hooks on thinner days or between washings. Fine by me and as I've found Ewa's bands to be pretty stretchy-but-sturdy, I wouldn't go for a 65.

So in this bra's shoulder/armpit area, I don't know what magic they used but the straps do not bother my armpits - at all. On my first EM (Kwiaty, S style) the straps were wayyy too wide set and I've altered them since. On Kicia, my second (PL style) it was better, but on this SM the strap placement is awesome. Hoping Ewa will apply this to more future bras! Also, the wires are nice and low under my armpits! Chafing straps and poking wires often bother me, but this really is a happy-armpit-bra 🙂 Yay!

However this bra is probably 95% but not 100% perfect, some small issues considering projection / size:
The wires are quite narrow (feels like a smidge too narrow, perhaps?). After wearing, the wire marks on the side do align well with my breast root / IMF but under my boobs, the marks are a bit too low. This is often an issue for me (and usually much worse), with buckling / folds & 'orange in a glass' in bras with insufficient projection. In this bra, the projection angle is a bit weird actually. It doesn't project forward (like a 90' angle) but more upward (like a 50' angle), if that makes sense? I believe this is also what makes the wire slide down a bit. I'd almost consider a 70H for projection - and because on my bigger side, there's some in-cup quadding next to the black seams, where the powder pink fabric has more 'give' than the seam. But the cups in this size are already quite tall on me (the straps will definitely show under anything other than high-necked shirts) and the 70H Czarna was definitely big, confirming that 70GG is probably the best size for me in unlined Ewa's.

Oh and I also bought the matching strappy briefs, which look amazing on (with many laces & straps, great design!) and fit very well in size 40. So far I've experienced Ewa's briefs and thongs to run pretty generous, as in other brands like C'Kate, Gossard etc. I normally wear 14 (42) and sometimes even upsize to 16 (44).

So all in all, some nitpicking issues aside, Ja Wiem is great and I'm very happy with this unexpected purchase from Poland!


P.S: Sadly the rhinestone adornments cannot be easily removed like I'd hoped, as they are actually part of the sliders to adjust the upper straps. Guess I'll have to get used to them or attach new sliders. Removing the straps is also an option but IMO this would make the bra less special?
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Updated on Oct 20, 2016 Flag this

This Tutti Rouge bralette caught my eye because of the color: I really like this deep 'classic' green!

Fit:
Tutti Rouge labels their bralettes in dual sizes, which can be kind of hit-or-miss - but they seem pretty true to size, with some 'give' due to the stretchy materials used. So the 32FF/G (sold as 32H/I through ASOS US) works out well for me. For reference I'm generally on the fuller end of a 32G UK size, and this bralette is borderline small but still keeps me feeling contained.

The band runs somewhat large, but because of its width I don't mind. Also since it's a bralette, I ... personally don't even want a super snug fitting band. Be aware that due to the strappy back, you do have to fasten this bra with your arms behind your back, which I've never been good at (but the stretchiness is actually helpful to me in this regard). I do prefer the self-fastener back over the pull-over-your-head back on Tutti's Hallie bralette though.

Support / comfort:
To me this is quite a comfortable bralette, the band hugs me gently and the cups 'hold me in' with a natural shape overall.
I generally don't require a ton of support and can happily wear this throughout a more 'casual' day.
When I'm being more active though I would reach for a different bra, this is not something I'd go hiking in.

Look:
Lovely! I like the swirly lace fabric, the awesome color, the 'simple' wide elastic band, the heart shaped sliders and the strappy back.
If you mind your bra straps showing under clothes, this may be an issue in warmer weather.

The briefs (not pictured sorry, forgot) are a nice match to the bralette; high waisted with a similar wide elastic band. Somewhat 'cheeky' in the back, which is not my favorite style. Got them in L and they're a firm fit on my 31"ish waist / 43"ish hips.

Quality:
I've worn this around 6 times and hand-washed it twice, so far it's still fine but I'm curious to see how much the band will stretch out over time. May have to take it in at some point, as I'm already on the tightest hooks (when I can find them during back contortions, haha). Also, the 'peephole' in the front seems to be really straining, and as this is just lace fabric sewn together I wonder how well it will hold up.

All in all a pretty bralette and I'm quite impressed by Tutti Rouge's bralette construction, size range and designs.
Hoping they'll expand to G+ in the future!
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Updated on Mar 13, 2021 Flag this

Got this through the Bratabase listings, could not resist the beautiful purple color!
Thank you damaries (:

My normal Ewa M. size is ~70GG but I was willing to try this 65H with an extender, as in the U.S. it doesn't happen too often that you find an affordable Ewa Michalak (good as new) close to your size, and in such a gorgeous style!

To my surprise, when it arrived it actually pretty much fits as-is..?
May still add an extender for comfort (I don't normally wear my bands super tight) but it's not far off. Does kinda make sense, as I normally switch to the second ... or third hooks on my 70 Ewa M. bands after a couple months (and tightest hook after a year or so).

Construction-wise, somehow this almost seems like a 'hybrid' between an SF and a BM to me?
It has similarities to both my 70GG - Ewa Michalak » Sf Zenith (1410) and my 70G - Ewa Michalak » Bm La Gloria (1173), in a good way.
Where Zenith feels quite tall and the gore bothers me after a couple hours, this Iris should technically be a sister size with similar volume, but it definitely fits me smaller and is more scaled down overall. And while Iris' gore doesn't measure any lower than Zenith's, visually it seems to 'dip' a little more in the front, reminding me more of my BM. Also the firmer fabric of the bottom cup, that SF is specifically known for, feels softer for Iris than for Zenith?

Anyhow, not sure if this makes any sense and I'm not an expert at all, only having tried 1 SF and 1 BM before this Iris - but for some reason this bra's construction seems to share characteristics of both!

Appearance-wise I really like the color, it's a deep purple with more red than blue. It's hard to capture in photos but very striking in real life. The upper lace is cute and the purple fabric has some floral print as well, giving it some depth. There's a cute embossed pattern on the straps too and overall the design and finishing is just well-done.

As for fit, I wouldn't switch to 65 bands when ordering directly, but overall this works okay! If we're being super picky there is some squish / smallness on my larger breast, due to asymmetry. This causes the stretchy upper cup portion to slightly flatten / push into my upper fullness, to the point where even my husband -(who unintentionally/vicariously became a bit of an expert on bra fitting, haha)- commented that it looked a bit strained.

Nothing major though and I'm very pleased with this purple gem!
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Updated on May 03, 2021 Flag this

This really looks like an Art Déco sister-style of @70K Comexim Yoko plunge!
My regular Comexim size (70K) was not available, and I had previously been wondering whether to size up to 70L in Comexims.
So I tried that, and despite some minor issues it seems to have worked out well!

FYI, *edit: at least for my size*; the conversion BreakOutBras uses basically means that their listed 'US size' is the Comexim direct order size.
So in this case, UK 32HH - US 32L means Comexim 70L.

Edit: *because this is unaltered, the strap placement does bother me*. Ideally I would do some sewing and move in the straps, we'll ... see - for they are currently too far apart for a day's wear / comfort.
One thing that's interesting about the fit: the immediate projection is still insufficient, despite sizing up. So I'm thinking in Comexim plunges I definitely need added projection at the wire? It's wearable like this for sure, but could be better.

I really do like this bra's aesthetics!
Some Comexims just speak to me and this one was definitely on the shortlist.
Sadly this Piume Blue had been sold out for a while at Comexim's - which is why I did cave and ordered this one from BoB, despite already owning Yoko that looks somewhat similar. On the plus side, my bra size has remained pretty stable over the years, so I'm hoping that luck will last for a while longer (hmm o_0 - don't jinx it!?) and I've found that having a larger rotation also helps to keep my bras in great shape for longer!

(yes yes, guilty as charged - #justifyingmypurchase #dontneedmorebras #braddict (; )
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Updated on Jul 23, 2021 Flag this

When I saw this bra reviewed by Sweetnothings and 2Cakesonaplate, I knew I could not resist.
The strappy bra hype is perhaps getting old, and I suspected Asteria would be an armpit attacker.. But look at that awesome back!

When Figleaves had a 30% discount on this style I just had to try my luck.
She arrived today and the sad news is, yes this is an unhappy armpit bra. Very wide in the front which makes the arm area chafey ☹️
The good news, the rest of the fit is pretty good - and I love the appearance.

Band: unlike 2Cakes I do think the band is pretty stretchy, I ... would have considered a 30 if the cupsizes went above G.
Cups: these are pretty deep, somewhat stretchy and thus quite forgiving for upper fullness. There is some bulging on my larger breast and some wrinkling on my smaller, so I think the cup size is spot on. Shape is natural, almost a bit pointy.
Gore: this is kind of low, good for me because tall gores always bother me!
Straps: things get tricky here. On the front, the area where the 4 straps attach to the cups is too wide for me. As mentioned, this really hurts my armpits (always a sensitive spot for me, so people with a better armpit tolerance may not mind as much). On the back, the wideness is also noticeable as the outermost straps on the 'wings' almost walk off my back and shoulders.
Fabrics: Bluebella seems to value their quality. Materials are comfy, feel sturdy and there's a sort of subtle pinstripe design going on, instead of using just plain black. For me personally, the meshy back band could be less stretchy.

Briefs: made from the same comfy materials. No pinstripe layer here though, which is a shame. Not sure if I love the way their straps are placed? I ordered a 16 for my generous butt. A 14 would have worked as well, the straps are almost too loose. Better than sausage straps though https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />


So, final verdict: Very pretty bra, natural shape, unusual design. The back is definitely the main attraction!
But please beware of sensitive armpits.

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Black colorway

Updated on May 18, 2016 Flag this

Oh dear, this would be my epic dream bra if only it was more comfortable and fit better!
The gorgeous rich colours, the stretch lace, nice rounded profile.. I absolutely love Clara's appearance!

Tried this bra in a couple sizes (30H, 30HH, 32GG, 32H) and actually they all 'kind of' fit.. No major jumps in band and cup between sizes, stretch lace makes for a forgiving fit. The 30 band made the hard wires + gore too stabby for me. The 30HH and 32H were too full coverage for my taste. In the end I went for 32GG as it had the least issues. Clara works much ... much better for me than Andorra, which I tried (but hated) in a 30H. They're supposed to be sister cuts but I found the Andorra's cups less flattering and too tall.

However, in Clara the fit is still not great and comfort-wise it could be better as well.

Gore: too wide and too tall for my fairly close set boobs. At first it tacked like a bench screw, but I used pliers to bend the upper gore outwards. Somewhat better now, but still pokes my tissue in certain poses (reclining, leaning).

Cups: too shallow at the bottom I guess? They tend to slide down from my IMF, leaving empty space at the bottom. Hoisting the cups up makes it better (should've added a picture), but this also causes the gore to be even taller.

Wires: quite firm and long, but most of the wire length is in the gore, not on the sides. For me I don't like (or need) much side coverage, but others may find the sides too low.

Straps: are mostly ok, but as usual they're too wide in my armpit area.

Band: went with a size bigger than usual (32 instead of 30) because in this style it feels more comfortable than the 30 band.

All in all this is a gorgeous bra IMO, and like I mentioned it is pretty forgiving size-wise.
If you don't like hard wires and stabby gores, sizing up in the band helps a bit.

Because of how much I like it, I'm willing to ignore some fit issues. And as for comfort, I can work a full day in Clara without it being too chafey. But because of the gore it is definitely not suitable for after-work relaxing on the couch in the evening. Matching panties are very pretty too and fit my bigger hips & bum well in UK size 14.


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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Feb 22, 2016 Flag this

*Warning, long review:
Ever since first seeing promo pics of this bikini, I've been drooling over it like crazy. I love the look of longlines!! However, longline bras normally don't tend to work on me, mostly because of bands flipping up. Furthermore there was hardly any review/measurement info available on Cassie. So I was a bit hesitant. Then Evadne wrote a review on it - around my size range - this was really helpful and made me want it even more..

Sadly this beautiful bikini was quite pricey, so I took some chances hunting down a cheaper one.
Having learned it ran small in the band ... but large-ish in the cups, I thought I would need a 32FF (normally I'm 30GG but I have a bigger band / smaller cup-tolerance policy for bikinis). As this size was already sold out, I tried a 20% discounted top from Bellelingerie in 32F. However that turned out to be waaayyy too small - 2 sizes at least.

Everything else seemed either sold out or full price https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> But then - miraculously - a 35% discounted 32G turned up on Amazon!! With matching bottoms, similarly reduced in price! Divine intervention? So anyway I couldn't resist ordering the full set: top, brief and high waist brief https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

*add drumroll.....*
This 32G works well on me and I'm REALLY pleased with it!!

Technically it's still slightly too small - some quadboob going on. But since Cassie is quite FoT friendly, it mostly looks cleavage-ey https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" /> Wires are perfect, they encase my tissue brilliantly. Surprisingly the band does not even flip up on me! (so far - walking around in it at home). However the band really is quite tight indeed; normally I mostly wear 30 bands but in this, sizing up to 32 was inevitable - and I would even consider a 34! Think this runs like a 30GG?

Slight point of (self)criticism, the chub on my tummy is not really flattered by the tight band. Pictures might look ok, but admittedly I didn't upload the least flattering ones. Still, the 32 feels extremely sturdy and not uncomfortable at all. Like something I could really splash around in! (*last time I went swimming in a Pour Moi bikini, I actually lost both my top & bottoms underwater, when diving off a 20ft / 6m diving board.. > embarrassing < So sturdy tops are VERY welcome https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" />*)

About the bottoms, I was unsure whether I would like the high- or lower waist ones better. Got both in size 14/L.
Turns out, even considering the belly issues I just mentioned, the low rise bikini bottoms are my preferred choice! In a weird way, the high raise ones seem to accentuate my hip/stomach area? Apparently I can't pull off the real pin up look. So anyway, I'll be keeping the low ones and reselling the high waist ones (UK size 14 / L - running kind of tight in the waist).


All in all, recap: I don't mind the quadboob. Band is tight, but feels fine. Tummy chub I'll just have to get rid of https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" /> - or if not, I think I'm still ok with the way this bikini looks. Fabrics are great, thick and seem to have long-lasting potential. Print and colours are everything I hoped for and more. Very vibrant and cheerful https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Wow, this bikini is SO pretty imo! Really lived up to my expectations. Love it <3

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Updated on Jul 29, 2015 Flag this

So; this bra I purchased second hand through the Bratabase listings, as an experiment / to narrow down my possible size in Avocado!
I'd been curious about trying Avocado ever since coming across the 'Missunderpinnings' blog (sadly, now closed down) that has been a major help in figuring out my size, some 8-ish years ago!

And when both Comicsgirlsneedbras and SweetnothingsNYC reviewed the 'Ce Soir' bra a couple years back on their blogs, I completely fell in love with the design (https://en.avocouture.eu/category/ce-soir/ce-soir-hct-02 / https://www.bratabase.com/browse/avocado/ce-soir-s204hct/) - but it's just too expensive to justify buying, especially considering the neckline is not very daily-wear-friendly. But to be honest, ... I've secretly been low-key mourning the day when they eventually decide to discontinue it.. So yeah, it's still on my bra-lottery-wishlist !

Anyhow, back to Greta: as I was looking for a pandemic-friendly (a.k.a. one size up from my regular rotation (; ) unlined black bra, this 70K - Avocado » Greta (S184A) seemed like a good 'diagnostic' / comfort / weight fluctuation bra. I like the fuss-free design with the diagonal stripey pattern and the 'chunky' lace.

As I was kind of expecting (from the measurements and communicating with the seller), both the band and the cups turned out to be too large for me.
The cups are mostly too wide and tall (as seen in pictures; one cup pinned at the seams to be lower / smaller, the other left as-is).

So in short, this will definitely take some frankenbra-ing for it to be wearable. Regardless, it was a useful trial, as I figured out that altering the cups (and shortening the band) would actually be super helpful in creating a better fit. In the pictures you can see the way I'd be sewing.

However, one major concern / issue that would not be remedied by this alteration in the cups, is the gore being too tall and wide.
I've actually considered removing the wires altogether and see where that leaves me - possibly with a bralette-kind of style?

Either way, trying this Greta bra helped me decide that if I ever >were< to win the lottery / get major tax returns / have money to spare, my wish-upon-a-star-bra Ce Soir would probably fit me in a 65J/65K or 70H/70J.
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Updated on Apr 14, 2021 Flag this