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Help Suggesting Cleo Models in Large Sizes?
Bit of ramblings here.
I'm going through some kind of giant bra haul where I am buying a ton of bras and going to try them on and review them (as many as I can). My husband's not particularly happy with it, but I know 90% will go back anyway. I just like trying on different ones to learn about how bras work and bra construction and it can be pretty fun.
So I have a bunch of things from Bravissimo and Panache coming but I keep thinking about Cleo. I know they do not technically go up to my size, but I am still interested in trying out some 38Js since I can alter the band if I feel that I can get a good fit with them. But Cleo is pretty much confusing for me. There's a ton of models and I know nothing about them other than that the Marcie is good for FoT women and the Meg is allegedly good for FoB and the Lucy is...popular? That's literally it.
I am aware they only have two hooks too, but when I tried the only Cleo bra I did (the Marcie, in two cup sizes too small) even with all the quadboob I was impressed and intrigued by the shape and support it gave. Then someone told me they didn't think the Cleo Marcie was good in bigger cup sizes and now I'm all confused.
Does anyone know anything about Cleo in the H+ cup territory? Any recommendations for my shape? I'd at least like to try one that should fit in the cups before I rule them out.
My shape: My breasts are narrow rooted, deep, full on top, very "soft", close together, high set, heavy.
Thanks!
Filed under Bra sizing and fit
18 comments
We've got very similar boobs, only mine are less fabulous (smaller). I'm also more full-on-bottom, probably balanced now. I live in their balconnettes.
Meg: runs about a cup-size large. The fabric is very firm, very utilitarian, and so works quite well under strain. The top of the cups can be finicky because they turn in quite sharply - I tolerate a bit of looseness in the top of the cup on my smaller breast. The straps can be a bit wide on some people. Overall a GREAT bra though.
Lily: Allegedly the same as Meg but seems to be true to size. Fabric is much softer and more delicate, and as a result does not offer the same support. I'd give this one a miss unless you absolutely love the pattern. I get a lot of jiggle and a weird shape at the side where the fabric warps under strain.
Bella/Melissa: firm fabric, but less strong than Meg. Still good. Also a bit of a tricky fit at the top - I'd size up to be safe, as I prefer a bit of wrinkling at the top to quadboob. The wrinkling doesn't show under clothing as the cup curves in very sharply. The straps are really short so bear in mind if you are low-set (might be different in larger band sizes).
Lana: this is the same cut as above, but a different fabric. It's more open on top so more forgiving, but the fabric is softer and less supportive. I can still wear my old 30GG in this one, but I jiggle like crazy.
I've never tried Marcie or Lucy. The padded styles have not worked for me at all, as they are wider and shallower in shape.
With the balconnettes, as you can see, the fit does differ a lot based on the fabric used. I'd personally steer clear of the thinner/softer fabrics as they just do not work in the larger cup sizes.
Ah, I think I just responded to you on my blog! I'm so glad you saw this, as you've got a lot of experience with Cleo. I actually am beginning to see that cup construction is very vital, right down to the materials used, so I'm so glad you talked about that here.
The Marcie isn't padded? Or were you just saying the padded styles don't work for you? I didn't even know there were padded Cleo bras.
I think as much as the Meg is a temptation, that it won't be a good fit for me because of how full on top and soft I am, I'll probably just gradually come out over the course of the day. Well, if I find it I'll probably try it just for bra science anyway, knowing me. The fabric does look really heavy duty.
The Bella looks the most forgiving? The Melissa looks closer to the Meg. I'm already going to be sized to the max at first so I can't go a cup up unfortunately.
Doesn't sound like the Lana is a safe bet or the Lily. There's still a billion other Cleo models to go through, but I do appreciate the info! I think I'll be looking into the Marcie (again), Bella, and possibly if I see the Meg just to experiment with I may try it. Thanks. I'll continue researching.
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