Milkandhoney

I only tried on this bra in a local shop, but I did not buy it as it did not fit me AT ALL.

General comments:

I have only just hopped on the correct-size-bra-band-wagon and still very much in the process of figuring out what works for me. This is not made any easier by the fact that I am breastfeeding (10 months and counting) and still am not used to fact that I have BREASTS, as opposed to my pre-pregnancy 'breasts'. Also, because of breastfeeding, my size, shape and density isn't exactly constant. Anyway, I've so far found only two bra models in a size 60 band (both Freya) ... in local stores and this review is for one of them. I tried this bra on in 65E and 60F, neither of which fit even close.

Bra description:

A pretty bra made out of black mesh with pink polka dots and pink. It's quite cute, though it looked better on the hanger than on me, the fitting issues aside.

Fit:

The band felt very snug, but it was the first time ever I tried on a bra that didn't close completely at the tightest hook, a revelation! Also, the centre gore laid nice and flat, something I haven't seen too often before. I guess that after a lifetime of wearing over-large size 70 bands it just takes some getting used to wearing a band that is appropriately tight.

The cups were a decidedly less successful story, though. Honestly, I've never tried on a bra that was so incompatible with my shape as this Freya one. In this 60F the underwires did not encircle my breasts convincingly. I would have preferred them wider, but this bra wasn't available in a larger size. Also, the shape of the cups was ... odd, to say the least. My larger right breast ALMOST filled out the cup, but there was still a strange deep fold at the top of the cup. This was even worse on the other side. The strange thing was that despite what seemed excess space at the top of the cups, the front edge of the cups STILL cut into my breasts on BOTH sides. Loosening the straps didn't remedy this and only resulted in an even sadder look. The cups didn't feel supportive and the shape they gave me was just ugly. The fabric didn't feel that comfortable against my skin either.

Conclusion:

This bra simply isn't meant for me. The wires are too narrow and the cups too deep. What's going on with the front edge of the cups I don't know, but it clearly doesn't work for my wide-set, wide-based, and relatively less voluminous breasts.
Read more
331 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 17, 2012 Flag this

After the 70D - Chantelle » Rive Gauche T-back Spacer Bra (3282) had me fallen in love with 'spacer' knit, my quest led me to the 32D - Fantasie » Rebecca (2024) ...

General comments:

My previous experience with Fantasie wasn't that great: I felt the cups were too deep and the wires too narrow for my shape. However, I recently got a nice set of Fantasie swimwear and a quick in store try-on of a different model suggested not all might be lost. I read in reviews that this model is generally thought of as 'slightly minimising' which should work well for my shape so ... I decided to give it a shot ...

Bra description:

A simple, yet nice looking bra. The cups are completely plain and made out of moulded spacer knit of a slightly stiffer kind than the Chantelles I've come to love, yet nowhere near as stiff as 'regular' moulded foam. They come up quite high and are quite full coverage. The centre gore is also high, which I actually prefer in a bra. The cradle part of the band and front part of the straps are decorated with lace embroidered in a geometrical pattern, giving this otherwise plain bra a feminine yet modern touch. Small, 'straight' bows decorate the centre gore and the points where the cups connect to the straps. The wing parts of the band are made out of a completely opaque stretch material that looks a bit like swimwear lycra, but is much much firmer. The back closes with three sets of two hooks and eyes.

Bra fit:

Unfortunately this bra doesn't fit me. It almost fits my larger breast, but it is laughably big on my smaller breast. The cups of this model are clearly meant for someone with rounder, fuller breasts than I have. My breasts are conical and slightly shallow and just don't fill them out the way they should, especially towards the top. The wires are *spot on* which means I'd actually like them a touch wider as I'm oddly enough just not comfortable in wires that sit this close to my breast tissue.

The band on this bra is slightly odd on me. It feels firm enough (although I can easily close it at the tightest hooks, but as I can do this with all the bras I consider comfortable fits that doesn't really say anything), but no matter what I do to the straps, it keeps angling upwards. It's not the same as a band 'riding up' -- it's the shape and design of the band that makes it LOOK as if it's riding up on me. My conclusion is that this band is designed with a slightly 'straighter' or simply less conical torso in mind. My torso is very very conical and I have this same problem in a number of bras, including the 30DD - Masquerade » Rhea (6121) that I love. It makes the band feel weird and uncomfortable and somewhat throws off the fit of the entire bra.

Conclusions:

A nice, simple everyday bra that I really really wish would fit me. Alas, as it doesn't even come close to fitting it will be returned to Bravissimo ASAP.
Read more
426 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Mar 30, 2013 Flag this

This review is for the Chantelle Rive Gauche T-back Spacer Bra 70E, colour Black.

General comments:

I bought this bra because I felt the 70D really was too small, even though I still wouldn't consider this model my style: narrowly placed straps and racer backs make my already wide shoulders appear even wider. They're also not ideal for the wide-necked shirts I like to wear. Furthermore, higher centre gores and more horizontally cut cup edges (half cups) work better for my shape and give me a more fitting cleavage than deep plunges like this. However, this model is so ridiculously comfortable that I haven't been wearing anything else since I ... got my first two 70Ds.

Bra description:

A front closing plunging racer back design with plain and seamless, soft, very slightly stretchy cups made out of ultralight foam-like 'spacer' knit. The cups of the 70E differ from the 70D in that there is an additional non-stretch side support sling hidden inside. The back is made out of a super soft stretch lace backed with soft, sheer, stretch mesh. The thin, smooth straps are embellished with a contrasting running stitch detail. Silver coloured findings and front closing clasp with Chantelle logo. Small silver coloured tag on the right bottom side with Chantelle brand name. The whole appearance is simultaneously plain, somewhat utilitarian, yet somehow delicate, feminine and fresh as well -- in my opinion a successful yet difficult to describe blend, really.

I just love the spacer knit. It's really quite miraculous stuff: super soft, ultralight and slightly stretchy, but at the same remarkably supportive. It gives a flattering, smooth shape without feeling bulky or stiff. Nipples might show through very slightly. I'm quite smitten with the stuff and I'll definitely stay on the lookout for more in this material.

Bra fit:

I measure 27" underbust (tightly) so for all practical purposes I should have no business donning a 70 band. However, I've come to the conclusion that I'm one of those persons for whom the +0 method just doesn't work: I have a super conical torso, a somewhat muscular back, no squish and my breasts sit high on my chest: I just really need the looser band. Having said that, the band of this Chantelle Rive Gauche T-back Spacer Bra 70E fits really firmly. I'd say it feels firmer than the band of the 70D I also have and judging by the way the very flexible wires seem somewhat stretched it maybe even is a little bit too tight, although comfort- and support-wise it really is spot on. Any looser and I'm sure the band would start riding up.

As to the fit of the cups I'm a bit puzzled: from the front they clearly fit better than the 70D -- almost no sign of quadboob left. Looking closer however it is quite clear I'm totally not filling out the cups near the wires. Also, when I take the bra off the markings show I have A LOT of empty space at the sides. Strangely enough, compared to the 70D the wires in this 70D really aren't that much wider. The main difference is that they are A LOT longer. I'm thinking that the cups are simply so much roomier that they do not pull back on the wires and therefore allow the wires, which are indeed quite flexible, to become slightly overstretched, flattening the bottom of the cups in the process. What I don't quite understand is how the size difference between the 70D -- which clearly is too small in terms of cup colume -- and the 70E -- which then clearly is too large in terms of cup volume -- can be THIS big. It puzzles and frustrates me because it just seems to confirm my fear that no bra will ever fit me the way it should https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />

Anyway, the spacer material is so forgiving that it really doesn't bother me: the shape is great and support doesn't seem compromised. Also, I just love the longer wires and higher wings: they feel so much more supportive and comfortable!

Usually with cups that come up this high towards the straps I don't quite fill them out towards the top. However, this doesn't seem too much of an issue with this bra. IF there even is excess space there, thanks to the forgiving material it really is not noticeable. The armhole is slightly tight though -- it's simply cut too straight -- for my short upper torso and high-on-chest breasts, which is something I might try and change if I finds it bothers me more than it should.

As said, the shape this bra gives me is really quite good. It's nothing compared to the super rounded and lifted 'Regency' cleavage my beloved Rhea gives me but it's a separated, understated, and natural look that's perfect both for 'around the house' as well as underneath clothes. Even though it's ever so slightly East-West it's not unflattering on my frame. I would actually say that this is how I feel they look best. Instead of putting them 'up and out' this bra keeps my breasts close to my chest and therefore more how and where they are naturally. The best thing, however, is that it really makes my breasts appear nice and round and anything but pointy which is one of their natural features I'm none too keen on. And the cups are just so soft! I keep touching them, because they just feel yummy!

Conclusion:

For me this bra is a typical case of comfort over style -- or even fit. I scored a bunch more 70Es in both Black and Cappuccino on eBay and even though it's still far from the perfect fit, I'm perfectly happy wearing them.
Read more
848 more words

Updated on Mar 27, 2013 Flag this

Got this bra through a Bratabase listing in my continuing quest for the ideal bra shape for my breasts.

Bra description:

A pretty, sumptuous-looking bra made of deep magenta (I think it's called 'wine'?) 'satin' with a black lace overlay. The cups are edged with more black lace that has a satin ribbon in the same deep magenta colour threaded through. Three double bows -- each consisting of a large black one with a fine magenta one on top -- adorn the centre gore and places where the cups connect to the straps. The wings are made of fairly stretchy black mesh. The straps are surprisingly plain for such an ... intricate-looking bra. Also, the plain metal-coloured connectors and sliders in my opinion don't really seem to fit the bra's overall style.

The cups are shaped by two vertical seams. They are padded (a bit too thickly for my taste) and lined with the same or very similar deep magenta 'satin' that sits underneath the black lace on the outside of the cups (it actually looks more like a fine and shiny, jersey-type knit, so technically it isn't a satin). This lining certainly is pretty and smooth and LOOKS luxurious, but for me it is way too synthetic to be comfortable. I prefer my bras lined with something more coton-y. Since I purchased this bra off the Bratabase listing I've stumbled upon a bunch of other Curvy Kate bras in a local department store (of course they don't stock 28 bands there ... ) and I've noticed I really dislike the feel of the fabrics used on most of them. This may, of course, just be a personal quirk, as I don't think I've seen anybody else mention it.

Bra fit:

Now, I'm a bit baffled by the way this bra fits -- or rather NOT fits. As my larger breast is nearly falling out of the cup and bulging unattractively (though not quite quadboobing ... ), the simplest conclusion would be that this bra is too small, but I don't think a bigger cup size would fit me any better as my smaller left breast also has issues. The shape the cups give me is weird and angular on both my smaller and my larger breasts and for some reason my naturally outward facing breasts want to spill towards the centre, something they don't even really do in a serious plunge bra. The bra seem to want to shape my breasts into 'vertical ovals' -- 0 -- which doesn't really work very well. The lace sticks out oddly -- the thick padding prevents it from sitting flush with my skin -- and even though the wires don't seem to be sitting on breast tissue and come up high enough at the sides to keep everything in, I think they are still a bit too narrow: they really are incredibly painful at the sides.

The band feels too loose for me and is VERY stretchy, easily the stretchiest 28 band I've encountered so far. Part of it may be due to the fact this bra isn't brand new, although it's otherwise in excellent condition and looks practically unworn. As it is, I would have to wear it at the tightest hook -- it works sort of, but still isn't ideal.

Conclusion:

This bra definitely isn't for me. The shape just doesn't work for me AT ALL, and even though the design and colour scheme are gorgeous, the materials (lining and padding) are not my cup of tea. After having tried some unpadded Curvy Kates as well I think I can safely though somewhat sadly conclude I'm just not a Curvy Kate girl. I'm going to list this bra and hope it will find a better home with someone whom it actually suits ...
Read more
518 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Nov 09, 2012 Flag this

General comments:

I ordered this bra together with the CH Onyx and the PL Onyks -- all in the same size 65E -- on October 2nd. The package arrived on October 5th, which really is exceptionally fast, in my opinion. The three bras fitted me quite differently -- it goes to show that there is some size discrepancy between the different Ewa Michalak models. I will also review the other two bras.

Bra description:

A stunner of a bra, black with a fine gold thread outlining the sheer lace detail. Three pale gold bows with tiny pearl beads adorn the centre gore and places where the straps connect to the cups. ... In my opinion it would look much better with black bows, but it is okay the way it is. A fine scallop finishes the edges of the wings and lower front. The bra strap elastic is of the decorative kind, with alternating small and larger loops decorating its edges. The straps are fully adjustable and the adjusters stay well put.

Fit:

I liked the look of this bra on the website although the photos don't really show the detail very well. In reality it is even prettier, although I think the choice for pale gold bows isn't the best, but those can be changed if they really bother. Unfortunately, the fit of this bra is the least of the three bras I tried -- both the PL Onyx and the CH Onyx fit me better in parts -- although I think the fitting problems with this one are more easily fixed than with the other two bras.

The shape it give is just PERFECT, especially for such a delicate, sheer, next-to-nothing bra! Lifted, round, up front and centre, did I mention PERFECT? Really, it's unbelievable what this bra achieves even though this version is clearly too large in the cup for me. It fits my right, larger breast ALMOST, but I have to tighten the straps virtually all the way (which is not exactly comfortable) and there's still a bit of gaping. The fit on my smaller breast is worse, but again, I think I simply need to go down a cup size in this model.

The band on this 65E Unpadded Half Cup is somewhere in between the PL Onyks and the CH Onyx: definitely not as snug as the first, but snugger than the second. I CAN close it at the tightest hook, though not as comfortably as the CH Onyx. It actually feels quite fine at the loosest hook and doesn't seem to ride up, so I don't think I should go down a band size if I were to reorder this bra. The band feels slightly different and slightly less stretchy than the bands on the other two bras. Like the others this one also offers four hook positions.

The straps placement is wide. I can't quite account for the comfort of their position as I had to tighten them almost all the way to reduce the gaping, which isn't comfortable to begin with. However, I don't think they cut into my armpits the way the straps on many other bras do. I have wide and straight shoulders, so the straps stay very well put.

Conclusion:

At 65E this HM Gold runs significantly larger in the cup than both the CH Onyks and the PL Onyks of the same size. Its band is somewhere in between but quite fine for my 27"/69cm underbust. It's gorgeous (minus the pale golden bows) and the shape it gives is just to die for.

Edited To Add:
I've tried all the three bras on again this morning and for some reason MOST of the fitting issues I noted yesterday evening have disappeared. I think my breasts are fuller in the morning than in the evening (breastfeeding).

As to the band of the HM Gold: I think the 65 one really is fine after all. New out of the package it just does not feel not AS snug as the 65 band on the PL Onyks, but I think that one band size down will indeed be too tight. It DOES feel less stretchy than the band on the PL Onyks, so maybe that's the difference. I'm still going to order the HM Gold in a smaller cup size though (65DD) as I DO have a little bit of excess fabric at the top of the cups. I can tighten the straps, but that isn't the most comfortable solution, nor solves it all. I'm just hoping the wires on the 65DD won't be too narrow as those actually seem quite fine in this 65E size ... compared to the other two bras, the wires in this one are definitely the most comfortable for me, although when I compare them one by one there doesn't seem to be much difference except for their length ...
Read more
697 more words

Updated on Oct 14, 2012 Flag this

This review is for the Masquerade Rhea size 28E in the colour Antique.

Bra description:

(copied from my original review of the 28F version) A luxurious-looking bra out of matt satin and intricate detailed lace in a beautiful but difficult to describe colour. None of the images I've seen online does it justice. It's a kind of delicate greyish pinkish sandish slightly-darker-than-nude hue -- a light rose or mauve taupe comes to mind. Anyway, even though it's definitely not nude, it's an excellent and definitely more romantic alternative for a neutral-coloured bra, which is exactly what I was looking for. The centre gore is adorned with a bow and a ... tiny sparkly pendant. As said, the lace is intricate and expensive-looking. It's not entirely flat so it might show slightly under tight, thin, clingy clothes. The zigzag stitched seams are much less noticeable in real life than online images suggest although, again, they might show under tight, clingy clothes. The cups are only thinly padded, but the material feels quite sturdy, almost stiff. They are lined with soft and comfortable cotton. Straps are only partly adjustable. The non-adjustable part is completely non-stetchy and covered with the same satin the cups are made of, which feels quite comfortable. The wings are made out of two layers of a perfectly matching stretch satin. There is no boning in the wings.

Bra fit:

(partly copied from my original review of the 28F version) I must say, I am impressed. First of all, it kind of sort of fits!!! Secondly, this bra gives me the kind of shape I was expecting from Ewa Michalak's CHP, but that one didn't work for me AT ALL. The cup shaping keeps the breasts close to the chest, pushing them upwards for an uplifted, separated, and rounded 'Regency'-type cleavage. Compared to my Ewa Michalak CH there is a lot less projection and I first thought my breasts looked slightly flattened and almost 'minimised', (*) but it's actually really not a bad look bad at all. I do like the shape a lot: it's simply a bit more subtle than the shape I get in my CH and a bit more wearable for that reason as well. I know others consider this a look for 'special occasions', but I'm also happy with for a more everyday appearance. The cup height is quite perfect on me and there's only the slightest of gapping when I move my arms and shoulders, but as far as I know this is almost unavoidable with padded/molded cups, especially on smaller chests. The only real gripe I have with the cups is the slight irregularity at the bottom of the front most cup seam: for some reason there is a bit of diagonal pull in the cups that makes this part pucker. I'm very tempted to slip in a thin piece of boning to straighten it out as it's just such a shame in such an otherwise beautiful bra. (**)

The wires are quite fine for me in this size. Unlike the Curvy Kate Tease Me I tried several weeks ago I do not notice the wires in this Rhea at all: no poking or pinching anywhere. The centre gore lies nice and flat and exerts zero pressure on my sternum. The tight band stretches the wires somewhat (hence maybe also the diagonal pull in the cups?), but they do not seem to distort significantly and the bottom of the cups isn't noticeably flattened. My breasts fill out the bottom of the cups reasonably well and the cups do not slip down like they did in the Tease Me and the CHP I tried.

The strap placement is wide but not too wide in this size. The slight gapping of the cups when I move my arms is probably at least partly due to the wide strap placement, but then again, as far as I know this type of gapping happens in almost all padded/moulded cups, especially on smaller chests. The fact the straps are only partly adjustable is a bigger problem: as I have a very short upper torso I have to tighten them almost all the way to prevent them slipping off my shoulders.The material of the non adjustable part feels sturdy and comfortable. The zigzag stitching isn't the most aesthetically pleasing, but it doesn't bother as much as I thought it would.

The band is really a tad too snug for a 28 band, but it does work for me. I'd say it's about as tight the band on my 65E PL Onyks if not slightly tighter and it really is every bit as tight as I can take. I wouldn't want it any tighter, but one band size up will almost certainly be too loose. (***) I measure 69cm/27" underbust -- someone who measures in as a solid 28 I'd strongly advise sizing up. The band is shaped slightly funny in that it seems the wings to curve up rather than down. This makes it feel as if the band rides up in the back, even though it really doesn't. Simply takes some getting used to, I suppose. Apart from the fact I wouldn't have minded a cm or two more room, my only real issue with the band is the lack of side seam boning and/or the lack of a powernet lining in the wings: the tightness of the band of course doesn't help, but -- I think at least partly due to the fact that the satin the wings are made off is so much stretchier than the edging elastic -- the band wrinkles and causes slight discomfort. Side seam boning and a sturdier powernet lining would allow a more even distribution of the band tension along the entire height of the wings (not just along the elastic edges) and would almost certainly result in more comfort.

Conclusion:

(*) (**) After trying this bra in a 30 band as well, I have a strong suspicion that both the flattened shape and the puckering in the bottom of the cups are the result of diagonal tension in the cup caused by a 'too tight' band. Don't ask me why -- I'm almost thinking it is actually a design or construction flaw that has to do with fabric grain or something. It is also slightly funny, because the 28 band certainly doesn't FEEL too tight on my 69 ribcage (it feels tight, but not TOO tight) and the wires don't really seem as distorted as I've seen them in other bras with much looser bands (Bravissimo Mademoiselle ... ?).

(***) Surprisingly, a band size up seem to work just fine. The band is not very stretchy to begin with and I haven't notice the 30 riding up on me at all. At 27" I'm obviously just in between band sizes so maybe that's why it works for me, but for what it's worth, if you experience a flattened shape and/or pucker in the bottom of the cup, try going up a band size. I myself definitely got a better shape that way.

The Masquerade Rhea is a mysterious bra. I've now tried it on in four different sizes and for some odd reason they all seem to fit. My breast size and density fluctuates (due to breastfeeding), but even though there may be as much a three cups sizes difference between my 'smallest' and my 'biggest' shape, these changes are not very clearly reflected in my actual measurements. Believe me, I quadruple checked! True, these four bras may not all fit the same at the same moment, but for Bratabase recommendation purposes I cannot say of any one of them that it doesn't fit under the current measurements at all. For what it's worth though, I have decided I get a better shape in a 30 band, so this one is going to be returned to Large Cup Lingerie soon.

The Masquerade Rhea truly is an Almost Perfect Bra for me. I don't think the shape it gives is as glorious as what Ewa Michalak achieves -- I do prefer the slightly more projected shape I get from my HM Gold -- and I do have some issues with the fit and construction, but really, despite its minor imperfections it is an amazing piece! Anyway, I'm now sorely tempted to get it in all colours available plus, of course the matching knickers https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />
Read more
1289 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jan 02, 2013 Flag this

This review is for the Triumph Amourette 300 WHP underwired and padded Half Cup/Balconnette.

General comments:

Because this bra doesn't come in bandsizes smaller than 70 I stabilised the band to make it fit more snugly. I did this before measuring it, so any discrepancy in the unstretched band measurement I provided is due to this alteration. Obviously, I can no longer provide any accurate stretched band measurement either. I may go back to the store and correct this. I also altered the straps of this bra to include nursing clasps (which I bought from the following place, if anyone is interested in trying this alteration for themselves: ... rel="nofollow">http://www.assuntastore.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=17 or, for non-US customers: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251096222701?var=550149834607&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649). The scalloped lace straps are surprisingly well suited to this alteration -- I will upload a photo.

Bra description:

A handsome half cup/balconnette bra made out of black stretch lace over a padded, satin-faced underlay. The cups are shaped with one vertical seam roughly over the apex of the bust and are lined with cotton jersey. The scalloped lace continues halfway up the straps, very decorative (although for those who require fully adjustable straps maybe not that handy). The centre gore and parts of the wings before the side seam boning are the made of the same lace layered over black low-stretch (but not quite rigid) mesh. The back parts of the wings are made of some plain and opaque black stretch fabric.

Fit:

The Triumph Amourette half cup/balconnette used to be my go-to model before my pregnancy (and before I realised I SHOULD have been looking for bras with a band size as small as 60/28) as it literally was the only bra that fit me more or less comfortably and was reasonably flattering to my shape. Now I've been breastfeeding for 10 months and counting, of all the 'main stream' models I tried the other day it apparently still is one of the more acceptable despite its obviously too large band -- even stabilised with fairly firm piece of knit fabric (salvaged from the wings of my not so successful Bravado Body Silk nursing bra) stitched to its unstretched wings it closes snugly but easily at the tightest hook. Without stabilising, the band wasn't only too big, it also it rather was stretchy, which made it even looser feeling.

The underwires of this size JUST encircle my breasts -- I wouldn't mind them being wider -- but otherwise the cups are quite spot on. My breasts can't fluctuate too much in size though as my fuller right side already shows the slightest tendency to cutting in, but under normal circumstances (*) the fit, size-wise, really is not bad. I tried going up a cup size, but despite the wires fitting me better in my opinion, the cups became way too roomy. Another thing that made sizing up a less than fitting solution were the straps: on this 70E size the straps are already JUST a tiny bit too wide for comfort -- I have very broad shoulders in relation to my narrow ribcage, but due to my high bust point and the general width of this design the of the cups and straps slightly cut into my arms when I move them forward. Sizing up made this even worse. I wonder whether it would not be or be less of a problem if this bra came in my proper band size ... it doesn't come in anything lower than 70/32 so it is useless speculation, but still.

As to the shape of the cups, something odd is going on that I never noticed in my smaller, pre-pregnancy size (70A), so I am hoping that it is a simple matter of 'breaking in', or 'washing out'. The side and front view are okay, but from the top the shape becomes outright 'boxy' with the apex of the cups pointing a bit too East-West to be truly flattering. My breasts do this naturally and on my frame it isn't too disastrous a look, but I so wish I could get them a bit more 'up front and centre'. Also, I could do without the almost 90 degree angles I see at the bust points when looking down. As said, I don't recall it bothering me before, so it may just be a temporary quirk that disappears upon wearing this bra a couple of times.

Appearance:

Despite its shortcomings, I do like the look of this bra. On me it strikes the right balance of coverage and the way it slightly angles up from the centre gore is perfect for me (I'm not fond of too horizontal nor of too steep). The side and front profiles are okay. I'm not fond of the padding -- I really am looking for an unpadded bra -- and a tad more sheerness to show of the lace would be nice to. I like how the scalloped lace continues up the straps -- I myself have no problem with the reduced adjustability, but someone who needs their straps fully adjustable might not be thrilled.

Conclusion:

It's not perfect, but it's definitely wearable (especially if the cup shape 'softens up') and the best-looking bra I have at the moment. It actually looks really good as a nursing bra, but the somewhat limited flexibility it gives me in terms of sizing might render it less ideal ... we'll see.

Edited To Add:

I have now worn this bra enough times to give an update on the comfort. With the stabilised band and on the tightest hook it kind of works, but after a long day the wires start poking into my sternum a bit. Also, below each breast there is a spot on my 'non-padded rib' cage where the wires really start hurting after a while. This may have to do with the other strange thing I have noticed whilst wearing this bra: the cups seem to slip DOWN a little bit, with the underwires ending up a centimetre or so BELOW my breasts. I'm suspecting this is because the band still is too wide -- tightening the straps doesn't help, because it will make the bra band ride up in the back. Another thing may be that the cups are somehow too flat in the bottom and essentially too small for my wide-based breasts (big orange in a small glass effect?), but I'm purely speculating here. Anyone has a better idea?

Anyway, I will probably still continue to wear this bra on occasion even though it isn't the most comfortable or the best fit. It does give me a reasonably good shape -- a bit too wide spaced in my opinion, but on my broad shouldered narrow waisted frame not unflatteringly so -- and the addition of nursing clasps worked really well on this bra: I find it easier to breastfeed in this bra than in my Change Florence Nursing Bra!
Read more
1033 more words

Updated on Oct 02, 2012 Flag this

I bought this bra off a Bratabase listing, mostly out of curiosity following Vee's adventure with the Braology bra. The measurements seemed close enough that is might actually fit me.

Bra description:

First impression: a rather massive-looking contraption out of pale peach and ivory floral lace over a pale peach base. On closer inspection, however, the bra is actually quite a bit more delicate and interesting. As said, the whole bra is covered in soft, pale peach and ivory floral stretch lace. The cups are made of a thin but sturdy moulded foam, shiny pale peach knit on the outside, some soft, pale peach knit on the inside. Inside the ... cups side support slings made out of laminated tricot (soft pale peach tricot backed with non-stretch nylon mesh) are sewn. The cradle is made out of the same laminated tricot as the side support slings. The wings are super high and consist of a layer of powernet and have a grand total of 6 pieces of boning: two on either side seam, and one further towards the back, close to either strap. Three columns of four eyes make up the back. Findings are also pale peach. The overall effect is quite 'vintage'.

Bra fit:

This bra unfortunately does not fit me. The cups are quite shallow, especially near the wires, and clearly shaped to give a push up effect. It succeeds in achieving that goal admirably, but it also makes my bigger breast quadboob ever so slightly and whether by design or not, the centre gore does not even begin to touch my sternum. A bigger problem is that the bra comes up way too high under my arms. I have a short upper torso and my breasts are quite high set -- there is no way I can pull up the bra high enough for the wires to sit where they should, right in the crease underneath my breasts. It should be noted though that the wires remain several centimetres short of the underarm edge, so if desired the sides can be cut and altered to sit somewhat lower and potentially fit better.

But then the band ... Le Sigh! Seriously, why don't more companies make bras with such high and supportive bands?! This bra is labelled as D75/34 but it only stretches to 78 cm (applying a 'reasonable' amount of force, not trying to break it) so I personally find it both comfortable and supportive for my 27"/69cm underbust (measured tightly). Under normal circumstances I could easily go tighter, but a wider band doesn't have to be nearly as tight as a narrower band to provide the same level of support. As I'm going through a bad hypersensitivity episode that makes almost any bra highly uncomfortable to wear I'd rather not go much tighter anyway, and this kind of wide band seems to work just fine. It makes sense: the tension and pressure are distributed over a much larger surface resulting in much less tension/pressure per surface unit (think of the elephant footprint versus the woman on stiletto heels analogy). The boning is light and flexible and its purpose is to make sure the band keeps it shape so it can function as described -- the boning isn't really noticeable, but I personally love the sense of added structure and support its presence gives.

Conclusion:

I really think there really is a lot to learn from bras like these: they are obviously built to create cleavage (without adding loads of padding!), but boy do they deliver a lot of support along the way!
Read more
480 more words

Updated on Jan 31, 2013 Flag this

I only tried on this bra in a local shop, but I did not buy it as it did not fit me AT ALL.

General comments:

I have only just hopped on the correct-size-bra-band-wagon and still very much in the process of figuring out what works for me. This is not made any easier by the fact that I am breastfeeding (10 months and counting) and still am not used to fact that I have BREASTS, as opposed to my pre-pregnancy 'breasts'. Also, because of breastfeeding, my size, shape and density isn't exactly constant. Anyway, I've so far found only two bra models in a size 60 band (both Freya) ... in local stores and this review is for one of them. I tried this bra on in 65E, 60F, and 60FF, none of which fit even close.

Bra description:

A pretty bra made out of pale pink microfibre with multicolour floral print and black lace. Really, it's pretty. And cute. And although I'm normally not one for pink, pretty or cute, I wanted it. Badly.

Fit:

The band felt very snug, but it was the first time ever I tried on a bra that didn't close completely at the tightest hook, a revelation! Also, the centre gore laid nice and flat, something I haven't seen too often before. I guess that after a lifetime of wearing over-large size 70 bands it just takes some getting used to wearing a band that is appropriately tight.

The cups were a decidedly less successful story, though. Honestly, I've never tried on a bra that was so incompatible with my shape as this Freya one. In this 60FF the underwires only JUST encircled my breasts. I would have preferred them wider, but the cups were already so baggy that I didn't bother trying yet a larger size. The strange thing was that despite the obvious excess space and the MASSIVE folds and puckers at the top of the cups, the front edge of the cups STILL cut into my breasts. Loosening the straps didn't remedy this and only resulted in an even sadder look.

Conclusion:

This bra simply isn't meant for me. The wires are too narrow and the cups too deep. What's going on with the front edge of the cups I don't know, but it clearly doesn't work for my wide-set, wide-based, and relatively less voluminous breasts.
Read more
280 more words

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 17, 2012 Flag this

This bra model is one of my (few) long-lusted-after loves, although I held off getting myself one for many many months. I STILL absolutely adore it and I am therefore slightly gutted that it doesn't seem to work all that well for my shape ... I'm not giving up though https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

Bra description:

This is actually one of the more interesting bras I've encountered so far. The combination of the lovely and soft, partly floral lace, the 'pinstripe' centre gore bow and double straps just speaks to me: it's super feminine but with a business-like, tomboy sort of nod, if that makes any sense. ... Oh, and it is a half cup -- what is not to love?! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

Anyway, the cups and band are all made of the soft, floral lace. The cups are of the two-part, vertically seamed kind. The outer parts of the cups are backed with a fine, rigid, very sheer black mesh. The inner parts of the cups are not backed and therefore have a little 'give'. A narrow band of elastic very lightly 'gathers' the cup edge to make sure it stays flush with the skin. The band consists of a single layer of the same lace and is not backed by anything, but the result is less stretchy than it would seem. The closure is of the standard two hook, three position kind. The centre gore does not come up as high as the wires and cups, which gives it a somewhat 'lighter' appearance. A satin ribbon bow decorated along either edge with a running stitch in contrasting thread adorn the centre gore. The straps are not fully adjustable: a double strap consisting of two narrower bands of elastic adorned in a similar way as the centre gore bow, i.e. with a running stitch in contrasting thread, connects to the cups. The adjustable part in the back consists of a single width of plain black strap elastic. All findings on this bra, including the hooks and eyes, are silver-coloured metal. A silver-coloured metal tag with the brandname 'Chantelle' is sewed next to the closure.

Bra fit:

This bra is not a good fit on me. I'm not sure whether it's simply too big, or whether there's some sort of shape mismatch going on. Anyway, I'd say this bra runs generous in both the cups and band, compared, for example, to the 70D - Chantelle » Rive Gauche T-back Spacer Bra (3282) . I don't fill out the cups by any stretch of the imagination and they come up quite a bit higher on my chest than I expected. The wires are as good as perfect on me though and they seem a good deal sturdier (hurray!) than the wires in the T-back, which make me fear that the 70C I have ordered as comparison will not fit either, but we'll see. I'm not THAT easily defeated https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

The band fits reasonably well at the tightest hooks, but it definitely rides up on the loosest hooks. Compared to the T-back that fits me well band-wise, this band really runs almost a full size larger. Part of the reason for that may be that unlike the T-back the lace in this Demi isn't backed with anything, part that the band is really very narrow and part that unstretched the band actually DOES measure larger than the T-back. I'm not too bothered by it as it does fit me well enough on the tightest hooks (I don't like my bands tight) and it's an easy fix to shorten the band once it stretches, but still. Sizing inconsistency of any kind is just plain annoying.

Having said all that, I must say that this bra DOES deliver shape-wise: even though the cups are too roomy, the shape I get is lovely and round. Not as centred and projected as what I get, for example, in the 65DD - Ewa Michalak » Hm Gold (267) (which under my current measurement actually is about equally roomy in the cups), but therefore maybe more comfortable for me. It's the reason why I did decide to keep this bra: it's y comfortable and it looks reasonably good under clothing. And who knows, my size my fluctuate upwards again, at some point https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

Conclusion:

I decided to keep this bra, probably against my better judgement: it isn't nearly as good a fit as I would have hoped, but it's a lovely, comfortable, reasonably flattering, unpadded half cup and I don't really have many of those at the moment, so there you have it https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" /> I'm going to try it in a size down as well, so keep posted https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />
Read more
700 more words

Updated on Apr 16, 2013 Flag this