I have a slight amount of gaping near the centre, which I believe is due to the bra being too close-set for me, while the straps go out too far. Other than this, it is a very good fit for me and a comfortable bra.

Updated on Oct 30, 2020 Flag this

I purchased the Papaya in 2017 in both 38L and 40L I find the 38 bands are perfect, especially since the straps seem to barely need to contribute any support, a real shoulder saver and I definitely do not have to worry about the straps sliding off my shoulders. On this 40L, I am still on the middle hooks but the straps do tend to fall off. I get some quadding on the 38 band but essentially none with this 40. My perfect bra would seem to be an Alana in 38LL or mybe 38M.Maybe oneday they add this size to their line.
There seems to be nothing else ... in my range except the Ewa Michalak FB line. Although they have almost a dozen models, none currently appeal to me and at roughly twice the price or more, I simply cannot get interested in switching away from Bravissimo. My recent success with the Selina line pretty much locks me in with Bravissimo, perhaps forever.
This is by far my favorite colorway, with the mint a close second.

Oct 2020
I thought it would be interesting to compare my original measurement data for this bra to what they are today.

.......................................... original / current / difference
band length un-stretched... 32.00 / 33.00 / 1.00
band length stretched......... 39.25 / 41.00 / 0.75
cup depth.............................. 17.75 / 19.00 / 1.25
cup height............................. 14.50 / 15.00 / 0.50

The 1.00 inch increase in the un-stretched length is surprising. This should have shrunk by about 0.5 inches
The 0.75 inch increase in stretched band length is a little surprising. Most of my other Alana's have increased by over 1 inch
The 1.25 inch increase in cup depth is no longer very surprising since my other Alana's have increased by a similar length.
The 0.50 increase in cup height is no longer surprising.

These results lead me to wonder whether Bravissimo deserves its reputation of being small in the cup and a buyer thus needing to size up. Yes, a bra will initially feel small/tight but will it expand with break-in? I plan to explore this further.

Note: I do not use the cup over knee technique to measure cup depth as I think a more meaningful and relative data point is when a cup is occupied by ones breast. I think it makes sense that depending on bra style, bra cup dimensions can also vary during the life of a bra.
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papaya colorway

Updated on Oct 26, 2020 Flag this

The daffodil Alana is bright and cheery. It also has that Alana fundamental rightness for me, I can put it on, go about my day and not be in a rush to get it off at the end of the day. As usual, the fit and comfort are spot on for me with just a little cakes on a plate and no quadding. The band is starting to stretch out and I will likely be on the last set of hooks before long.

Oct 2020
I thought it would be interesting to compare my original measurement data for this bra to what they are today.

.......................................... original / current ... / difference
band length un-stretched... 32.75 / 32.50 / (0.25)
band length stretched......... 39.75 / 40.00 / 0.25
cup depth.............................. 17.75 / 19.00 / 1.25
cup height............................. 14.50 / 15.00 / 0.50

The (0.25) inch decrease in the un-stretched length was initially surprising but is likely the result of 50+ hand washings.
The 0.25 inch increase in stretched band length is a little surprising. Most of my other Alana's have increased by over 1 inch
The 1.25 inch increase in cup depth is no longer very surprising since my other Alana's have increased by a similar length.
The 0.50 increase in cup height is no longer surprising.

These results lead me to wonder whether Bravissimo deserves its reputation of being small in the cup and a buyer thus needing to size up. Yes, a bra will initially feel small/tight but will it expand with break-in? I plan to explore this further.

Note: I do not use the cup over knee technique to measure cup depth as I think a more meaningful and relative data point is when a cup is occupied by ones breast. I think it makes sense that depending on bra style, bra cup dimensions can also vary during the life of a bra.
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daffodil colorway

Updated on Oct 26, 2020 Flag this

I purchased this bra from Bravissimo in Jan of 2016, approximately 3 months after discovering this wonderful retailer. I had such great success with their Alana that I decided to spread my wings and try something a little more outside my comfort zone. The Nordic Rose was definitely outside but it did come in an L cup so I figured why not. I have since found out that this bra is based on Bravissimo's Darcy and my experience with the Nordic Rose has planted a seed of doubt as to whether the Darcy line will work as well for me as the Alana's do.
The Nordic Rose was comfortable ... although perhaps a smidge less supportive than the Alana. The straps were average with bounce not much of an issue but they were fairly wide set and were falling off my shoulders, even on the tightest hooks. My biggest complaint was the way my arms would brush against the side of the bra and I caught myself several times walking around with arms to the side walking like a biker This is certainly not a problem I have with my Alana's so the Nordic Rose never made it to full time use. I am not a true 40 band so I suspect this was a bit large for me.
The Nordic Rose was discontinued shortly thereafter.

Oct 2020
A recent bratabaser's review of the Bravissimo Allie reminded me of how soft the cups of the Nordic Rose were compared to my staple, the Alana. I sadly parted ways with this bra about 18 months ago so now I am eyeing the Allie as a replacement. I wish the leopard print Allie wasn't so dark, which is one of the reasons why I moved on from the Nordic Rose.
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Oct 25, 2020 Flag this

Nice firm band, excellent support and very comfortable. A little small in the cup

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Oct 18, 2020 Flag this

Very pretty and nice firm band, very supportive and comfortable.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Oct 18, 2020 Flag this

Straps have a glittery fabric which irritates the skin quite a bit. Little too close-set for me, but otherwise fits very comfortably. Band is comfortable as well for someone in between a 32 and 34 band.

Updated on Oct 02, 2020 Flag this

I love the style, color, and feel of this bra! It fit me for several months, but my larger side seems to have grown and now I'm getting a slight quad-boob effect.

Updated on Sep 30, 2020 Flag this

I have decided that I don't like longline bras, the squeezing feeling around my ribs. Maybe to some people, it would feel like a hug. I don't want to get hugged by a python.

I have also decided that most Bravissimo plunges are too high on top for me, because I am FOB.

On the plus side, this bra has a pretty, geometric pattern on the lace (enough flowers already) and understated threads decorating the edges.

pink colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 27, 2020 Flag this

I'm sure this bra would be quite comfortable to wear. If only it didn't wrinkle on top. I think if you are more FOT or even fullness, this will work better for you. Sadly, not for me...too many wrinkles on top.

Lilac colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 26, 2020 Flag this

The most important thing to know about my breasts is that they're very pendulous and the tissue is very soft. I have relatively narrow roots, medium height. They're also splayed and wide-set.

The four section construction of this bra makes the cups extremely shapely. The cups are very slightly too short for my roots, but the top section of lace has full stretch, making for a semi-custom fit, so there's no digging. For me the gore is too narrow, but gores on every bra are too narrow, so I refuse to count that against any bra! The wire height and firmness are both really comfortable too--not super soft like Freya, but not super firm like panache. I really, really like Millie--my only real complaint is that there is lace lining the bottom edge of the band that I know will inevitably roll up on me. That is such a minor complaint though.

Ginger colorway

Updated on Sep 26, 2020 Flag this

The most important thing to know about my breasts is that they're very pendulous and the tissue is very soft. I have relatively narrow roots, medium height. They're also splayed and wide-set.

I really like this bra! It's smooth and comfortable and gives a really good shape. The pattern is fun, too, though this definitely isn't the bra for those who want a smooth finish. The lining on the bra is velvet trim, so it stands out pretty clearly from the surface of the cup. I really like the shape and construction of the cups on this bra, especially that the cup travels up the strap to create a triangular shape. It's very flattering. There's also a side sling on the interior of the cup. My biggest issue with Lottie is the depth at the IMF, and the wires are a bit wide for me. For someone a little wider and shallower, this would be a great bra.

Black colorway

Updated on Sep 26, 2020 Flag this

The most important thing to know about my breasts is that they're very pendulous and the tissue is very soft. I have relatively narrow roots, medium height. They're also splayed and wide-set.

This is a beautiful bra. It's a great color and is quite comfortable. Good stretch, but not too stretchy. This bra has a 3 section cup, and the top section is stretch lace. In addition, there is a stretchy strip at the top of the cup, but that means it digs in ever so slightly because my tissue is taller than the cups are. Because of that, my primary problem with this bra is that the cups are just short enough to be unflattering. It's also a smidge too shallow at the IMF for me on both sides. Pretty, and the back is fun, but not quite for me.

Grey colorway

Updated on Sep 26, 2020 Flag this

This is a very pretty bra, with the cool magnet closure. Beware: straps do not adjust fully. I had them as tight as possible; if I kept it, when the bra stretched with age, it would be too long for me. And, it doesn't have enough immediate projection for me. Also, as with all these Bravissimo triangle bras, I get wrinkles on top because I am full on bottom. But if it fits you, go for it....it's a nice bra!

Black colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 23, 2020 Flag this

I believe this bra is now discontinued, possibly replaced with the Lexi bra? https://www.bratabase.com/browse/bravissimo/lexi-bra-ln682/


I bought this when I was a little smaller, so this did fit initially but I couldn't really scoop and swoop much as the wires are very short and it is a plunge cut, I'd spill out in the center then. But that's mostly because of the cut itself.

This was described as a sort of athleisure bra, and I wanted something that was just very comfortable and this was that. It never provided a ton of lift or support like a regular balcony bra would, but it served it's purpose for ... when I just wanted a bra to wear to go to the store in etc.

I wore it to work a few times but found that whenever i'd bend over, my boobs would pop out of the cup a fair amount, because the cup itself is very soft like a shirt, and doesn't really hold you in anything.

The band was bigger than other Bravissimo bras I've tried. It wasn't quite big enough to ride up but I could definitely feel it.


As I write this review now, this bra does not fit anymore, I think the cups have stretched out a bit aswell as me having grown in size. my boobs are too heavy for it, as you can see in the picture lol.

I bought it on sale for £16 so it definitely served it's purpose well for that price. I got the Teal version too a few months after, also on sale. I did enjoy these 2 bras overall as an alternative to a bralette/non wired bra.
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gray colorway

Updated on Sep 18, 2020 Flag this

I have to size up in a lot of Bravissimo bras, but this one seems to run more true to size.

I might reorder it in my regular size, 30FF, but I'm not in love with it. I don't really need a beige bra that I can't wear under a white shirt. But I never wear white anyway, because it looks terrible on me.

So this is just my rambling review.

Porcelain (beige) colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 17, 2020 Flag this

This tall of a cup is never going to work for my FOB breasts. Too many wrinkles (on the cup!!). It would work better for FOT or even fullness.

Good for close-set breasts.

Indigo (blue) colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 17, 2020 Flag this

Very comfortable, stretchy cup....with some quad for me. I already sized up one cup, so I will size up two and see if that works. The band also runs small. This 30 measures at 28" stretched.

There's only one thing I don't like about this bra: the color. Lilac, yuck. Looks terrible on me. But I like the bra so much, I will still try a bigger one.

Lilac colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 17, 2020 Flag this

I love this bra! It fit me perfectly for about 6 months. Unfortunately, my breast size changed, so now I'm popping out on one side. But it holds me well and makes me feel confident.

Updated on Sep 17, 2020 Flag this

Acquired in Dec 2016, this white Alana was my first ever free bra from Bravissimo and is the 2nd of 2 white Alana's that I own. At the time of the purchase of my first white Alana in 40L in late 2015, Bravissimo was enduring a controversy relating to wires popping out of their channels prematurely. I was so thrilled with the fit and comfort of my initial purchases that I decided to double up on my Alana orders with the expectation that I too would have to deal with the wire issue. I have never had a wire pop out on any of my Alana's. Or of ... any other Bravissimo bra I have. I hand wash all my bras regardless of brand so that may have contributed to my success with the Alana. The wires of all my Alana's end at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the top of the side channel while they do reach the top of the channel in the gore.
One inconsistency I have noticed between different colorways is the softness of the hook and eye materials. Some, like the Papaya's I purchased in 2017 are very soft and luxurious while others, like both of my white Alana's are also soft to the touch but a little less so than the papaya's but a lot softer than the rest of the colors I have.
If you don't mind a tendency to a cakes on a plate look, the Alana may become a staple for you as it is for me. Through the course of time, I have noticed that my Alana's tend to initially have the cakes on a plate look but will soften and become a rounder shape with frequent use. As good as that may sound, it's the result of s slight decrease in cup support which I do notice but doesn't bother me too much. This white Alana does not do a very good job of masking my nipples though so I tend to wear a camisole or add additional layers of clothing or if I have to, nipple covers, to compensate.
I recently purchased the lilac/lemon version which has different straps that tend to roll up and dig in. That feels like a step backwards for Bravissimo and I hope future white Alana's I buy retain the quality of the 2 I own so far.

Sep 2020
I thought it would be interesting to compare my original measurement data for this bra to what they are today.

.......................................... original / current / difference
band length un-stretched..... 33.50 / 33.50 / 0.00
band length stretched........... 41.00 / 42.00 / 1.00
cup depth.............................. 18.00 / 19.00 / 1.00
cup height............................. 14.50 / 16.00 / 1.50

The 0.00 inch change seems unusual as I would have expected some shrinkage with 50+ hand washings.
The 1.00 inch increase in stretched band length is not overly surprising.
The 1.00 inch increase in cup depth is very surprising.
The 1.50 increase in cup height is extremely surprising.

These results lead me to wonder whether Bravissimo deserves its reputation of being small in the cup and a buyer thus needing to size up. Yes, a bra will initially feel small/tight but will it expand with break-in? I plan to explore this further.

Note: I do not use the cup over knee technique to measure cup depth as I think a more meaningful and relative data point is when a cup is occupied by ones breast. I think it makes sense that depending on bra style, bra cup dimensions can also vary during the life of a bra. Also, the cup over knee technique does not take into account the distance and hence volume I gain from a floating gore. With this white Alana, I have 4 inches of floating gore today, I did not record this measurement in my original review.
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white colorway

Updated on Sep 11, 2020 Flag this