My search of a comfortable lounge bra brought me to try the full cup option of Bravado Bodysilk. I don't mind the clips and I like the color. I think the bra looks surprisingly nice for a non-wired bra. The fabric is soft.
However the double layer fabric the shaped cups are made of give a double squeeze for my boobs. It feels like wearing a double layer of cheap sports bra, minimizing and uncomfortable. The knit shape does not offer quite enough projection. Having the sponge cups in helps a little to lessen the squeeze, but the cup inserts should be larger. I guess I'm just too ...sensitive, but this does not work for me for the use I intended it for, to provide comfort and a bit of lift and separation when watching TV, and to prevent boob sweat (would work for that though). Might be a good option for a sports bra or regular wireless bra for people who don't mind the squeeze. I tried it on for a short while and felt sore.
I have not tried the regular cup option and due to the high price of the bra I did not order L-FC to compare. Probably that would be super wide and tall for me, and what I really want is depth and lift. They offer regular small discount events (the code did not work on the first try, worked after I contacted CS), but if you take up the discount you lose the free shipping. No free exchange option. No stores nearby carry the FC cut. Took two weeks to receive the bra with local mail. Ordering bras from UK is faster than that.
The band keeps curling up in the front as soon as I move a little. Straps are too tight even when maxed out, which is really rare. Why not have normal length straps to allow adjusting, though I understand that without wires the lift comes from the straps. My husband's first comment was that it looks tight on my shoulders. Band length feels good for my size. Bit tall for me, but that is because I don't have much upper fullness. The side slings are probably for the clip function but they provide nice side support. Certainly gives more of a uniboob than separation.
I'm 32G, narrow/short, projected. I mostly like wired Ewa Michalak or Comexim bras. Read more 290 more words
I’m 30FF/32F and love my Bali bras for sleeping. For lounge I wear Bravissimo Zara. Check these out!
I just got the Sugar Candy bra from Cake Lingerie and it seems fine for home use. I will take note to consider those bras for later!
Ouch, sorry, it sounds less than comfortable...! The straps shouldn't be doing THAT much lifting even in a nonwired bra so I agree this was just a poor choice on their part to make them so short. It makes sense that a seamless nursing design in this size range would be quite, er, robust in its compression though... without seams or other shaping elements, compression is the only way to make it immobilize the breasts. Lactation can make them so much more sensitive to movement and many people prefer bras that lock everything in place FIRMLY very much as you describe! It also looks like this particular design may be cut a bit too small/shallow for you overall though, as suggested by the squished-together effect.
It is not actually ouch-level bad. I was debating if I should keep it. I'm usually comfortable with wired bras for day wear so had no reason to keep it. Sugar Candy was quite similar, but with one layer of fabric at the top and extra layers underneath for more lift and firmer band, so I I sided with that one for lounging and maybe sleeping too.
Wow, really? I imagined the strap issue to be so uncomfortable... My shoulders must be very sensitive--a bra strap cutting in or bearing a meaningful amount of weight absolutely kills me! Sugar Candy is likely to be more durable if the ones I've seen are anything to go by. I was always unimpressed by the lifespan of unstructured maternity/nursing bras and I remember the Bravados I had were pilling and losing shape after a couple months. Oh, I forgot to say the other day though--the reason those cup inserts were so small (and round, which is somewhat unusual compared to other bralettes, etc. of this cut) is probably because they were intended for nipple coverage rather than conventional shaping!
Short, projected, omega shaped, close set, center full, slightly narrow, even breasts....
Eight years ago, I lived in an S++ Bravado Designs Original Nursing Bra. And, I wore it religiously for four years. I produced enough milk for two children with only one breast. You may imagine the frequent washings this bra required. It washed beautifully. And, after four years of regular use, I gave it to a dear friend. She wore it for at least two more years. This bra is a work horse.
This bra is a comfortable sleep bra, easy-access nursing bra, and gentle support bra during the day. Bravado does not recommend this as an ...out-of-the-house bra, but that is precisely where I will wear it https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> Although the S++ has dual-layer cups, the S+ model remains supportive with single-layer cups. The straps adjust in the front: YES! Cup seams are thoughfully placed two inches away from each nipple. And, the bra arrives with a kit allowing the customer to effortlessly convert the nursing bra into a regular bra.
If you have tall roots, you may prefer to size up into the S++. I recall the S++ provided significantly more coverage. Although I have shallow upper roots, the S+ works well with my shorties. The ruched gore allows for significantly more center fullness which may be a huge asset for nursing mothers. The cotton fabric stretches easily to accommodate changing sizes and shapes. While lactating, my breasts expanded significantly under my arms. And, this bra has seams two inches in front of my scapulas. This was the one nursing bra that had enough cup width to prevent chafing and compression of my underarm tissue. Additionally, the side of the cup is dual layer and the inside of the cup is single layer.
The band is comfortable on my 28" ribcage. It will be more supportive on 32"-34" ribcages. The back of the bra is like a wall of fabric. This may be why the bra feels so supportive. It would show under tank tops and camisoles. This is not a problem for me, but it may cause alarm for others.
And, this simple triangle-like bra does for my breasts what no unlined bra before has done--even distribution, rounded, lifted with NO pain. When my breasts are happy, I am happy. Seriously, ditching wires has improved my quality of life. Read more 290 more words
I'm stunned at the shape and support you get from this bra, Love4Pollinators ! Thanks for the thorough review. Recently I found a surprisingly good shape from a wireless Panache Sport and a wireless Wacoal bra. It's good to know I'm not the only one who enjoys the wireless ones.
I'm off to read your reviews. :-) :-) Seriously, my breasts are this shape naturally. And, I think this is why unlined bras were NOT working for me: they aren't designed for omega-shaped, short roots.
Ok, learningaboutbras which Wacoal? I'm very impressed with their construction and comfort, but I've not yet sampled their wireless offerings.
The How Perfect 34DD fits okay on the tightest hooks. Someday I'll try the 32DDD to compare. The shape is much better than I get in the 34DD Natori Yogi Wireless Convertible Bra's. The Wacoal How Perfect gives a much more lifted profile with greater upper fullness.
I have photos and measurements for the Wacoal but need to edit and upload. I'll let you know when that's done.
I was just eyeing a different bravado one! Have you ever tried the Bliss? My issue with many bras with this construction is they cut in a bit at the upper, inner quadrant (even though I don't have super tall roots nor super full upper shape). But yes they really do give great lift and shape, you would never know there was no wire just from seeing it under a shirt.
The top edge in this design stretches effortlessly. It may cut in initkally, but I'd bet it would ease quickly.
Haven't tried Bliss, but it looks comfortable. :-)
This bra fits perfectly for my late pregnancy size (approx. 32GG) The medium band has 4x4 hooks. I think it could fit well for 30 to 34 band sizes. I now wear this bra to the loosest set of hooks because my ribs are sensitive with the growing belly. Medium is the smallest available band sized in 'full cups'. The cups contain all my breast tissue, no spilling on top! The bra comes with removable padding that is quite thick. I prefer to weai it without the padding. Still, it provides an amazing rounded shape! The fabric of the bra is stretchy yet stiff. It was rubbing under my arms at firt, but I'm confident it will soften with a couple more washes. Like another user mentionned, it is not very soft nor silky. Bravado made a weird name choice for this bra! I think this bra would be great for medium/low impact sports too like hiking, yoga, etc.
I really love wireless bras. I squish out the middle a bit when I've been moving around a lot, I guess from the lack of wires, or maybe as the volume is too small for me. It doesn't separate my boobs and cover my sternum so I can wear lower cut shirts with nothing under them (FREEDOM!), and I can sleep in it, which is really nice. The shape obviously isn't ideal, and I'm not a fan of the aesthetic, but it's a great bra.
I'm not nursing, but I've turned to the world of nursing bras to try to find a comfortable wire-free cotton house bra that accommodates a small band and large cup. I have a 30.5" ribcage and a 37"-ish overbust and usually wear a 32F, and I think Small Double Plus was the correct size for me, but it's predictably not very supportive. This is a uniboob bralette style, with a vague attempt at structure in the form of a couple of U-shaped holes in an inner lining. Whatever support it does have comes more from compression than encapsulation, as the fabric is a stretchy cotton knit. Definitely not the best look for my soft tissue; it made my boobs look weirdly small and droopy. On the plus side, it's VERY comfortable. Still, as comfy as this is, I think I'll hold out for something a little more structured.
Great nursing bra- held up well to the changes the girls go through with the fluctuations of milk amounts. I've owned 6 in 2 different sizes. I love that they cone with matching extenders & clips to convert to normal bras. If @bravado designs made this in a 30 inch band, is keep wearing it despite being done breastfeeding
So, I'm still trying to find a lightly padded, wireless bra with a supportive band on a 28" underbust, and a cup that tolerates projected, center-full, close-set breasts. Nursing bras seemed a rational option. Not this one.... https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" />
Pros: 1. Fabric is smooth and soft 2. Padding is light and insufficient for prominent nipples. However, the protrusion is minimized. 3. Band is true to size and offers support for 32" underbusts 3. Arrives with an extender and a conversion kit 4. Cup is 8.6" tall and can accommodate taller roots 5. 4x2 fasteners 6. Supportive straps
Cons: 1. The cup is designed for shallow breasts. Although, this is a strong positive if ...you are shallow. 2. This bra causes flashbacks to the shallow nursing bras I wore for years. I didn't know any better and suffered collapsing cups daily. 3. The cup prefers less center-full, less close-set breasts. The apex is located further from the center than I can tolerate.
Previously, I tried this one size smaller. It was a similar fail. This bra is just not designed for center-full, close-set breasts. However, it is a comfortable option for the wide, shallow market.
This bra is manufactured to Oeko-Tex 100 standards and is guaranteed free of several harmful substances. Because this bra is manufactured in China and used while nursing our tiniest members of society, Oeko-Tex 100 certification is important to me.
I wanted a supportive band with enough room for my 30FF breasts. I instantly collapsed the cup and spilled into the center. Sigh. Bliss was too small.
The band is supportive and substantial enough to provide support. The materials are soft and comfortable. The straps are both somewhat elastic and supportive. Over all, this is a great bra for nursing comfort and support.
However, this isn't the best choice for projected breasts. Shallow breasts will be happy with this model.
I own two of this bra in the XL ++ style. These have been my go to nursing bras from the birth of my daughter and they're still going strong and in great shape more than seven months on. They're comfortable enough to sleep in but substantial enough that I feel confident going out into public wearing one. The cups are roomy and the band, while a little loose at this point, is still very functional and supportive.
I ordered this bra for $15 with free shipping from eBay. I measure as a 34 GG UK and ordered this as a 34 J/K US. I love my Bravado Double Plus nursing bras so felt like giving a more structured one a try.
Initial impressions: I don't love the lace-it's a bit itchy. The color is a touch matronly but at least it isn't a member of the ubiquitous black/nude/white triad. The band fits but is quite tight. The cups aren't quite big enough for my nursing breasts-the side last fed from fit better in the cup than my fuller breast. My tissue encroaches into and under the gore.
Overall, if I could go back and reorder, I'd try a cup size larger but keep the 34 band.
I tried this bra on at a store that sold nursing supplies. I already knew from reviews on the internet that it was popular, and the two girls who worked in the store (both nursing mothers themselves) said it was their favorite nursing bra. With a name like "Body Silk" it's got to be some kind of super-soft, silky microfiber, right? I was sure this would be a winner. And it even comes with removable (thin) pads to help keep your nipples covered, or disguise any nursing pads. Or so they said.
Unfortunately, when I took it out of the packaging, I was not greeted by silky soft microfiber. ...Instead it was made of some kind of horrible, rough polyester. It's hard to even come up with something to compare the fabric to, since nowadays you don't usually encounter fabrics like this. It was wrinkly, rough, and sort of crunchy, like a pair of dollar store pantyhose, or a leotard from the 1970's. I put it on anyway, to try it out, and it was extremely itchy. I couldn't imagine wearing it for an hour, much less all day. It's so popular though, maybe it would soften up after some washings?
Some objective facts about this bra: -No underwires -comes sized as S, M, L, XL -Though it looks like a "sports bra" style, it has hooks in the back and is not a "pull over the head" model -drop down cup is the Side Sling style, not an A-frame. -has removable pads that you can put into the bra to cover nipples or nursing pads
When I tried this bra on, the removable pad that came with the bra was extremely disappointing. It was very, very thin, and it was circular, but perfectly flat. That means that when I put it inside the bra, and it molded to the round shape of by boob, the edges of the pad ruffled, and the pad was very visible through the bra. I put a shirt overtop and the pad was still visible. Like two targets right around my nipples. I also tried just a disposable Lansinnoh brand pad inside the bra (those are at least a little bit rounded) and due to the fabric of the bra, that was very visible through both the bra and the shirt too.
When it comes to the pad, I will say that when I look at Bravado's site now, the pad that they show is thicker and molded into a rounded shape. Hopefully when they improved the pad, they improved the rest of the bra too, because I couldn't find a single thing to like about this bra.
To add insult to injury, this bra retails for an average of $50, which is way too much for a bra constructed out of such cheap feeling materials. The $20 bras at Target are made of materials that feel nicer than this. I honestly left the store wondering if they hadn't gotten some shipment of cheap, Chinese knock-offs, but all the packaging looked legitimate, and the girls in the store didn't think anything was amiss. Bravado now has a new microfiber bra called the Essential Embrace. I haven't tried it yet, but if you're looking for a bra in this style, you might consider that one too.
If you're looking for an around-the-house or sleep bra for nursing, I would instead recommend Bravado's "Original Nursing Bra" which comes in the Original, Plus or Double Plus, depending upon your cup size range. The Original is cotton, costs less and is all around better.
The band fits well but the top of the cup digs into my breast, and yet I don't fill the whole cup. I also don't like how it doesn't stretch for fluctuating fullness during nursing.
I’m 30FF/32F and love my Bali bras for sleeping. For lounge I wear Bravissimo Zara. Check these out!