Another lovely swim top from Cleo for my collection. I have been having a lot of success with Cleo Swim tops in 28E, and have especially liked the padded styles compared to completely unpadded styles like Lucille. I bought this one on final sale from Breakout Bras, and I am happy it fits.
This is a very firm and TTS 28 band, but since it’s on the narrow side, it feels a little less comfortable than a bra band. If you are between sizes, you may prefer to size up because the wires are quite firm, and you can feel them if the band is very snug.
The cups are ... a 2HC construction and have quite a bit of projection, especially at the wire. The cup height is a bit taller than your standard open half cup. The shape of the cups suits me well, and it really fits my larger side. The taller cups mean that my smaller side gaps a little when moving. I think that these cups give really nice shape, but they don’t give me as much cleavage because of the cup height being more full coverage on me. The only thing I don’t like about the cup shape is that the vertical seam is quite prominent, kind of like I see on my B. Tempt’d Ciao Bella. The foam in the cups is quite firm and appears to be the same type used in the Cleo Matilda line. This foam really holds its shape and gives a defined look, which also accentuates the visible vertical seam. The shape of these cups remind me of a deeper/narrower and more projected version of the Ciao Bella, so it’s not surprising that this worked out for me. The wires are not particularly long especially given the increased cup height, so it’s comfortable under the arms.
The fabric of this bra is matte with a shiny chevron texture. The only thing I don’t like about this bra is that the color is a deep tangelo with a reddish undertone, which isn’t really flattering on my skin. The color and styling also don’t really go with my personal style, but I think this would look really nice on very pale skin, tan skin, or dark skin. My olive undertones look kind of greyish and dead next to this hue.
In terms of styling, this is a pretty simple style, with plain straps, dyed to match plastic hardware, and a floppy bow at the center gore, which I think helps it from looking too much like a bra (in comparison, my Hattie balconette top definitely looks quite bra-like as it has no additional trims). I bought the matching ruffle bottoms, which seem pretty much identical to my Hattie ruffle bottoms. Size XS is my normal bottom size and fits me, although it runs a half size large.
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Orange Print colorway
Updated on Apr 15, 2020 Flag this
Thank you so much for that profile shot you posted of this! That pretty much sold me on this bra. I didn't know much about this bra and suspected I'd hate the colour but took a risk in buying it simply because of how amazing it looked on you in profile!
I'm a 34J but bought a 36H based off you saying in your listing that the 32H runs like a 32HH (large in the cups) so I hoped a 36H would fit like a 36HH and therefore be a sister size for my 34J's. IT IS! :D I got it today and I love it. The shape is BEAUTIFUL- like EXACTLY what I want from a profile view.
BumbleBean also helped me with picking this bra. She thinks this bra might be based off the Cleo Juna. She noticed you've tried the Juna so thought it might be worth asking you how they compare. Do you find the Cleo Juna similar?
Thanks again for your (unknowing) help with this Rita swim bra! Look forward to hearing how your find the Juna compares :)