UPDATE: My boobs grew a little, so Alana now gives me quadraboob. And no 28JJ in sight. Sigh.
I think the straps might have stretched somewhat, because now I wear the straps as tight as possible.
I really like the design of the Alana and I'm thinking about writing a complaint to Bravissimo because they don't offer JJ+ cups in 28 bands and/or ordering it again in 30J.
Appearance: Unpadded, three-section-cup bra in Black. Striped bows whrere the straps meet the cups. On the center gore, there is one bigger bow made from the same see-through striped fabric and on top of it a smaller, thinner bow. Upper section is ... see-through and features different kinds of embroidery. The band and the straps are rimmed with, uhm, loops (I can't think of a better description, sorry.).
That sounds like a lot but it really works and doesn't look too busy at all.
This bra is simple but sophisticated and basic without being boring (Hooray for alliterations!).
Shape: Very, very uplifted and sadly, also pointy. Perfect example of Bras I Hate's green shape.
I tell myself that it looks a bit "retro". I found that I prefer tight-fitting tops with this bra. They show off the uplift und the rounded bottoms of the breasts. Wearing looser tops just makes my boobs look, well, pointy. I decided to keep the bra anyways but I'll have to see how I get on with that. I never liked pointy shapes and for me, this isn't a "your boobs, but better" shape because mine are naturally round. Yup, still a Cleo girl.
Also, I don't know how this is even possible, but while there is a lot of forward projection, this bra is still minimizing.
Band: It's wide, features a three hooks and eyes fastening and is very tight. I love that, as I need tight 28 bands (or 26 bands). Also, I was very impressed with the fastening: It is rather big and the sets of eyes are wide-spaced. One could probably put four closer-spaced sets on it but the way it is, I think I will get a lot of wear out of this band. Interesting Sidenote: This bra doesn't have a "wing" with boning. I have no idea if this affects the support or comfort of the band or if they decided to leave it it out because the band is so short in this size.
Cup Fit: Pretty much perfection but a little migration would make me quad-boob. My shape is balanced, I think, but my tissue is very soft (even though I'm in my early twenties and have never lost a lot of weight or breast-fed). This is probably the reason why the tight upper section works for me. If you have bottom-heavy, close-set boobs, this bra could work for you.
Wires: Compared to my usual Panache/Cleo bras I wear at the moment (especially Lucy & Marcie), the wires seem to be more narrow, which suits me much better. When the bras laid flat on a surface, that isn't visible, but the wires of the Alana are less flexible and therefore retain their UU shape better. Because I experienced some discomfort from the wires after wearing the bra for a long time, I'm considering trying to bend them.
The center gore comes up very high but, most surprisingly, it works for my close-set breasts.
Straps: Fully adjustable, wide and elastic. I could tighten the straps about 3/4 of the whole length. Meh. Better than the disaster I recently had with the Freya Ivy, at least. I really prefer having the plastic adjuster things on my back, where they belong!
Still, this means that the straps could work for a variety of people both taller and shorter than me (1,60m). Keep in mind, though, that it is a high-cut bra. The fabric between the straps and the outside edge of the wires comes up to my armpits. It's not really uncomfortable but I do notice it. This is probably due to strap placement. I feel that my shoulders are rather broad for my frame but women with narrow shoulders might face bigger issues.
Overall, the Alana is pretty basic bra and feels very supportive.
I think getting used to the shape will take some time, right now I like the look of the bra better with my clothes off.
Also, I wear a lot of low-cut tops, but that won't be possible with the Alana. Both the cups and the center gore come up high on my chest and peek out of my v-necks.
Even though the bra itself is beautiful in my opinion, I will have to use it as a "practical" bra.
I did try the Bravissimo Thea, the plunge version of this bra, but unfortunately I would have needed a 28JJ which never existed and will never be made because the Thea is discontinued.
I want a plunge bra, NOW!
Something strange on sizing:
I chose my usual starting point size 28J.
I ordered a bunch of Bravissimo wardrobe staples together with the Alana and none of the other bras fit, they all were at least one cup size too small. Might be shape-mismatches though.
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Updated on Sep 20, 2013 Flag this
