Bubblegum

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

YES it arrived today: My very first Ewa bra!!

This bra made quite a journey to get to me: it was shipped from Poland to be stocked at Zathiya in the U.S., then I ordered it to be sent back overseas to the Netherlands.. Add stupid custom fees and you get the picture; I paid too much for this bra $:

Let's forget about that, because I'm so in love with the print & total look of this bra (: Colors, flowers, neon lace.. It's like a fairy floral funfair explosion! Very 'kitsch', which I adore.

The fit is pretty good, considering I didn't know my EM size. If ... available I would have gone for 70GG - but that was completely sold out. Luckily some nice Bratabaser had added the measurements for this 70H, they seemed within my margins so I went for it.. And it turned out pretty well, it looks and feels good I think!

Perhaps the cups are sliiightly too deep; my smaller breast has some gapping on top. Nothing major, but I personally prefer slightly small over slightly large bras (and I think EM bras are generally meant to be more of a 'compressed' fit in the cup?)

Cup width seems good, confirms my idea of needing narrower wires than Panache / Curvy Kate etc. (even if wider wires are not actually uncomfortable for me, so I'm not replacing my entire bra collection (; )
Funnily the gore is fine: I don't like high gores and the S style was said to have a raised gore, so I worried about that. But it's no problem at all!

Biggest issue is the straps being too wide set: no surprise because I had heard this could be an issue on EM bras. We'll see how it goes with daily wear, maybe I'll change the strap position. All in all size-wise, the 70GG would have been perfect I think. But this 70H is totally wearable and I'm very happy to have it!

Some minor nit-picking issues: I'm kind of a sucker for symmetry and this floral print is pretty different on the right versus left cup. Ewa does mention this when using printed fabric and it's completely understandable. Still I would have loved a bit more 'balance'. Next about the bright pink lace: that's not a perfect match to the fabric (as other reviewers have mentioned) but I think it's still fun looking. However, the lace is stitched over the outer edge of the white inner cup. So this white 'cup lining' is visible through the lace, which seems vaguely sloppy to me?

Lastly, I ordered both briefs and thong and they're very comfy + stretchy. My hips + bum need a large (UK 14 / EU 42-L) in briefs, and I usually tend to size up in thongs (e.g. in Curvy Kates I mostly get size 16). This thong was M / 40 - last size and I really wanted it - but BTB member Tanzi reassured me that they ran large. Aisha at the webshop confirmed this and it really fits! Size is in fact similar to the briefs which I got in a larger size, 42.

So in short: Love the set, both bra and briefs/thong are great. Symmetry of the print could be better and I have some very minor fit issues. I'll probably order my next Ewa S style (yes Kicia, I mean YOU!) in a 70GG. But all in all, my first EM is a success!
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Updated on Jan 29, 2021 Flag this

Why, whyyyyy, WHY do I want to keep this bra?! I really shouldn't - but I just fricking loooove this bright green color!!

It doesn't fit horribly, but to be honest the dimensions don't really agree with me. As it is now, it's uncomfortable to wear.

The good:
Projection is actually pretty decent?
This stretch lace is quite forgiving (ideally I'd go up a size, but Ivory Rose stops at G, at least in this style, on ASOS). Apart from some in-cup quadding the cups fit okay.

The longline band is surprisingly comfortable, considering I don't tend to do well in longlines.
FYI it does run a bit big for a 32, ... but in a longline that's okay with me because of the larger surface area tension.

The bad:
Mostly, the wires come up too high under my arms and poke uncomfortably - the added strip of boning in the wings is not helping with that.

I'm thinking the wires are too narrow, too, as they kind of stab my tissue on the sides.

Then, the straps are too wide-set (story of my life) so they end up in my armpits.

Also I would've -greatly- preferred a ballet back, instead of it going straight across - which somewhat unflatteringly cuts into my back fat.

So yeah, the reasons not to keep it do add up ):

Realistically I should send it back - still deciding.. - but THIS GREEN IS TOO GOOD!

Long story short, I'm actually considering some surgery on this glorious green longline - by lowering the wing area?


Oh and I couldn't find the model on here, and there's no name or serial number on the label? Even removed the quality control sticker to check. ASOS just listed it as 'fuller bust emerald lace longline bra' or something like that :/


* edited for better overview of pros and cons (trying to convince myself it's fine to keep haha?)
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Emerald colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jun 08, 2021 Flag this

Ok so I actually have many many bras still to add and measure, can't seem to find time for it as I've been too busy for months. But I hurried to add this specific bra for you all because it's on crazy sale right now!

Got it on Amazon (U.K.) for 12,90 five days ago - today I noticed it's down to 6,90 😯

*If you want to snatch one as well; the Alles brand size chart shown is sort of adequate, my overbust measures ~100 cm, underbust ~76 cm and the 70I fits me well (so I'd say size down in the band from the chart).*

May even ... try to return this and order another (or two!) for the crazy sale price, as it's a pretty awesome bra.

Construction / fit:
Narrow wires, pretty deep cups - somehow they feel deeper than they measure? It's a three part cup, lightly padded design with most projection at the apex. I haven't worn this out and about yet, but I'm not quite sure if the bottom of the cups is projected enough? Seems there could be some folding after multiple wears. After S&S the cups are filled well, and the set / placement of the straps does not bother my armpits as much as other (Polish or other) bras. Band fits me well in my standard Polish 70 (in UK brands I'm mostly a 30). Band material is a simple black mesh, this can dig in a bit so I prefer lined bands. But it's a pretty standard 3 hook band, nothing to complain about.

For reference, this 70I fits similar to an Ewa Michalak 70H I think. Or a Comexim 70J/K. And an average U.K. 30H I'd say.

(I actually ordered a 65J as well, to compare, fits equally well in the cups but the band is unnecessarily tight. May hold onto it for if this band stretches quickly, as mesh bands tend to do.)

Design:
I had never tried this brand but I'm definitely satisfied with their aesthetics and value for money! This bra is well made, even if the materials are not too luxurious - the satiny-shiny floral fabric feels slightly cheap. The added lace gives it more depth and richness imo. Personally I love the floral print, but it may be too granny-ish for some. For the price it is certainly a win!

Briefs:
Definitely run small. Ordered the high briefs in a 16/XL but they're t.i.g.h.t.! Just wearable but they feel like a 12 in other brands. For comparison, I comfortably wear a 14 in Panache/Cleo or Curvy Kate briefs, 40 in Ewa M.


I'll leave it at this for now, can definitely recommend this bra!

Edit: both bras and the brief arrived in cute individual powder pink 'Alles' boxes by the way 😊 A bit of a waste of packing material imo, but pretty cute and creates an extra 'gift-to-myself' effect (;
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Updated on Apr 06, 2017 Flag this

So I don't own this bra anymore - but for me this used to fit like a pretty 'typical' UK 32G. No very noticeable excesses in cup depth, width or height.

Fantasie bands do tend to run a tad large, like Freya's, so this 32 fit me on the tightest hook. The shape is somewhat vintage/pointy, but in a way that I don't mind.

There are some common fit issues for me, that apply to most of my 'off the rack' bras with no alterations:
- Strap placement (too wide)
- Gore (too high)
- Cup edge (too closed off)
- Projection (not quite enough)

Most of these issues just have to do with my ... build I guess: tall-ish roots, close set (when supported), more projection than I used to think, and apparently I have a sensitive armpit area? My FOT tissue makes me prefer a stretchy upper cup (which Alicia sadly doesn't have) - and often I lean towards too-small-ish rather than too-large-ish bras.

Some of these issues have actually eased a bit over time, with my breast size 'settling' over the past couple years, some aging / gravity and also losing a tiny bit of weight, my upper fullness has gone down a bit - which makes average cups cutting in slightly less of a problem. There's always a bright side, right? (;

Also, despite these (normal to me) minor fit issues, Alicia was actually very wearable, quite comfortable, the fit was pretty decent overall.
I did love the general black & pink 'blossomy' aesthetic of this bra!

However as I owned wayyyy too many not-quite-perfect bras; when I moved countries last year it didn't make the cut.
It ended up finding a good home with a friend's sister though!

Alicia -in different colorways- as well as her sister cuts are still pretty widely available (eBay, BareNecessities, Bravissimo) and I think they could work very well for many people. All in all it's a supportive yet 'dainty' looking bra, that is well suited to a variety of shapes I would think!
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Nov 19, 2020 Flag this

SO happy to have this - took me about a year to actually order it.. Almost missed out, seems like they're discontinuing Kicia?

Luckily Kaszka from EM agreed to have them make me a PL plunge style instead of the S, and it turned out great!
Decided on a 70GG and it fits well without the cookies.

The strap separation bothers me much less than in my 70H - Ewa Michalak » S Turkusowe Kwiaty (703) .
The gore is lower and very comfortable (with the Kwiaty S style, the gore tends to irritate slightly after a day of wear).
Perhaps the wires are sliiightly narrow, almost poking my breast ... tissue. No discomfort however.

Quality is great - soft cotton lining, sturdy straps, nice firm band.
Appearance wise this is probably a love / hate kind of bra - I happen to love it! Awesome leopard print that continues all the way into the band, the black lace part is lined with beige and there's beautiful red ribbon adornments.

Also the matching thong is adorable. I got 2 in size 40, which is fine on my generous hip / butt area.

All in all, probably my new favorite bra!
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Updated on Feb 03, 2016 Flag this

So while it's mid-summer, a belated review for my (heavily discounted) Comexim bikini via BreakOutBras!
Got it in early May, but only remembered to review it when I first wore it out to swim recently.
There's still quite a few sizes available, $18 for the top and $8 for the bottoms.

It is a final sale item; so kind of a gamble, but I actually really like this bikini!
The fit is firm, well-contained and yet comfortable, the cups are kind of stretchy (despite being lined), so they conform well to the breast shape.

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, both for this bikini and the 70L - Comexim » Piume Blu (CMPIUMEB), and 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.

Despite this being unaltered, the strap placement doesn't bother me as much as I feared.
The gore is too high for me though, and kind of pokes into breast tissue. It sort of tilts/flips between my cleavage, which is a common fit issue for me.
However, that would bother me more if it was a bra intended for daily wear, rather than a bikini.

The straps are pretty wide, which I like: they're 2 cm. and quite chunky.
The underband measures kind of short unstretched, but has a LOT of give.
Cups are deep and narrow-ish, but not too rigid; so they don't poke too badly on the sides.

Hmm what else...
Oh right: the matching briefs are cute too, I got the high-waisted in L and the shorts in XL - which was a case of availability but turned out to be a great choice. Be aware though that the high waist briefs are very full-coverage in the back! Might be a plus or downside, depending on your preference. For reference, my butt/hips measure 43/44 inch / 110 cm. and my waist is 31/32-ish.

All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase! It feels like good quality swimwear that should last, though I've currently only used it once.
Almost tempted to also try the Showcase, but I don't really need it.. Unless I start a daily swimming schedule haha.


Also, this bikini + Piume Blue were a good 'diagnostic' to confirm my suspicion that for Comexim I'm kind of in-between 70K and 70L - especially when ordered directly (with my preferred alteration of straps moved in), in plunges I'd either need a 70K with added projection, or a 70L. And *definitely* a 70L (or up) in 3HC styles! My 70K Wildcat and Miss Bee-have are definitely toooo small.
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Updated on Jul 20, 2021 Flag this

So I've had this bra for about 2 years already - and even though it is marked as 'didn't fit' because of some minor issues, this BM La Gloria actually works well on me. I wear it quite often!

Look:
Firstly, I .really. love this color. It's a foresty-green that leans towards dark teal - I think it's just Glorious (see what I did there? (; )
I like how the green color is matched with a green sewn-in ribbon running over the straps. The bra cups are constructed from floral stretch lace fabric, with a black stretchy mesh underlayer, creating some 'depth' and giving the lace a darker green ... hue than it actually is. Two years of wear < say, bi-weekly? I have a pretty large rotation > and bi-or tri-monthly-ish (?) handwashing sessions did cause some color leaking, so sadly it's currently a little less vibrant than when I first got it. As the lace fabric loses it's color more easily than the strap-ribbon and bra band material, there's some color discrepancy now. Also there's some minor snags/pulls on the lace, which makes sense as it's a delicate fabric.

Fit:
To me this feels very much like a 'standard' size 32G/70G, if that makes sense? No extremes or outlier-measurements across the board (depth, height, wings, band, gore, straps etc,). The band is snug but not tight on my 78cm. ribcage, and it has held up well over 2 yrs of wear. The cups are reasonably projected and narrow, the shape it gives is up and forward, but also somewhat 'held close to the body', almost minimizing? To illustrate; I often reach for La Gloria when wearing a dress that is snug in the bust area, this bra always feels like it -holds me in- a little.

Construction-wise, I specifically love how relatively low the gore is!
Wasn't sure what to expect of the gore height on a BM, but this is exactly where I prefer my gores to hit my sternum.
Also, unlike some other Ewa bras, the strap placement still feels wide-ish but not too bad! I can wear it a full day without major discomfort, and even though the straps are somewhat 'rough'/ firm, it doesn't chafe to the point where I have to move the straps inwards (like I really could not avoid doing in my S style). May have helped that I sized down to 70G from my usual 70GG >> more on that below.

Due to the stretch, the fit is quite forgiving and on most days, this bra fits me well. When I'm feeling a little 'fuller' there's definitely some bulging; but the stretch lace prevents any real quad or cutting in.

All in all a bra with great construction and support, up to Ewa M.'s technical standards for sure, holds up reasonably well over time - with a gorgeous color and a flexible fit.

Bra-ppendix haha -

General Ewa M. sizing analysis:
Ewa advises to size down in the BM, when in doubt / between sizes, like in the SF. This seems correct-ish I think, depending on your shape and preferences?
In most of Ewa's styles I do need a 70GG (70GG - Ewa Michalak » Smn W Sieci (1326) 70GG - Ewa Michalak » Sm Ja Wiem... (755) 70GG - Ewa Michalak » Pl Kicia Szałowa and 70H - Ewa Michalak » S Turkusowe Kwiaty (703) . For the BM and SF style, it seems like I could do either - and technically seem to be in between a 70G and GG. As wide-set straps are the bane of my existence, I generally prefer sizing down rather than up? The stretchiness of this BM definitely helps with fit forgiveness / size fluctuations and I prefer this fit over the 70GG - Ewa Michalak » Sf Zenith (1410) that I bought at the same time.

Keep in mind though that if you're evenly full / somewhat FOT like me and prefer a bit more coverage and support, just keeping your normal Ewa M. size for the BM bra style may be worth considering. Especially when strap placement doesn't bother you as much.
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Updated on Jan 29, 2021 Flag this

Here it is, my Voodoo bra!

Definitely runs big-ish, both in the back band (this is a stretchy 30, already closed on second hooks *and I know the middle hook isn't closed but I suck at closing bras behind my back (; if you do too, Voodoo does need back-closure-contortion!*) and partly the cups (I'm normally more of a 30GG or H). While the mesh under-cups are tight, borderline quadding, I wouldn't want to size up: read on..

This bra is pretty awesome - still loving the design! I actually prefer wearing the X-cross-straps on my back, instead of on the front as advertised, this way it actually seems quite ... wearable under modest necklines. Support and basic construction seem good (only tried it on and took pictures), shoulder straps are nice and wide, quality of hardware and materials appear to be at usual mid-range lingerie standards IMO.

However, I'm very glad I never bought it at full price.. Mainly because of one major design flaw that I had luckily been expecting from reviews I'd read: the puckering fabric overlay!

People (sweetnothingsnyc, Hcupchronicles, Figleaves etc. customer reviews) mention how it looks like there's an empty nipple pocket (?) that sort of folds and is hard to adjust. I was hoping this pucker might be avoided / minimized by sizing down. In the size I chose it's not too bad - but still noticeably there (more so in real life than visible in pictures).

So yeah, it really seems like a scaling / manufacturing flaw - the (rigid) mesh under-cups definitely fit a size smaller than the satiny-stretchy over-cup parts. As if they put the overlay of a 30H on a 30G under-bra? On a technical level, the darts in the satiny cup part seem wrongly sewn. Like their angle doesn't successfully match the desired cup shape. Also it's obviously difficult to match stretchy to non-stretchy materials? Still a shame though, and probably the reason for Voodoo being significantly discounted on Figleaves.

Anyhow, personally I hate the feel/look of visibly too-large bras, so any puckering or gaping annoys me. Because it was an expected flaw I can accept it. Still have to try it under clothes, it may be fine! If it does keep bothering me I'll consider attaching the satiny part to the outer wings/wires - pinning the fabric that way did seem to fix the issue.

All in all, if some pucker-annoyance is not your pet peeve, and strappy bras are your cup of tea, Voodoo is actually quite a good option in the fuller bust range!

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Updated on Apr 12, 2018 Flag this