This is the first bra I've tried in out-of-matrix sizing. I've used a few reputable bra size calculators and they seem to think I'm a 28E/30DD. Well, I can say that the construction and detailing on the bra is very pretty, but does not fit. I fill out the bottom nicely, but there's major wrinkling near the straps, lots of gaping at the top of the cup.
This is the first bra I've tried since calculating my true bra size. After reading many reviews of this bra I decided to size up in the band and that was definitely a smart decision. I measure about 27.4 inches comfortably snug and I am positive that a 28 band would be too small in this particular model. I should also mention that the cups and band of the bra are overall larger in blue than in coral, though I'm not really sure why. The quality of the bra is ...good. After wearing it about every other day for a month, the band hasn't stretched out too much, and I am still wearing it on the loosest hook. I have however noticed that the gore has popped a stitch or two that I didn't notice after receiving the bra, but I'm not sure if that's necessarily from its quality or some strain my sternum is putting on it. I do have to note that the appearance of this bra is excellent, by itself and under tight clothing. I get almost no gaping lying down and none at all sitting or standing up straight, making this a really good choice for those looking for a sort of no show bra. The straps are wide set with very tiny polka dots that aren't noticeable from a distance and make no difference in its ability to be concealed under clothing. The gore sits quite low, which is really great for my close set breasts, but may offer some disadvantages to those with very soft breast tissue. The comfort level is okay. The top of the cup on my right side rubs the outer edge of my armpit slightly, leaving a mark for a while after taking the bra off. The underwire also sits a little bit under my IMF, making me think this bra a little bit too shallow for my slightly projected breasts. I would definitely recommend this bra to those with average/close set, slightly shallow to shallow breasts looking for a good t shirt bra. I probably wouldn't recommend this bra to someone who is very projected, has soft breast tissue, or is wide set.
So I'm about to file a return for a Cleo Maddie pop in 30DD and a cleo Maya in 30DD. I didn't list them because I need to decide quickly whether to send them back or not. Either way I figured id put it out there in case there was any interest. If anyone is looking I can list instead of returning to the uk. They ar both new with tags and I paid $30 for each and would be asking what I paid plus shipping. Or I would trade for other new Cleos in 30D unlined or 28e molded. Pictures are in my profile. My issue with the Maddie, to big and stretchy in the band and too shallow in the cups so my breasts push the gore away from my body. Too bad too because it is a really pretty bra!!
I think this bra may just be the wrong shape. Over projected maybe? Band is firm and fits great. Fabric is comfortable and I just adore the colors and print! The issue is the cups. I have wrinkling and extra space at the top where the lace is. It also forces my boobs within my frame and from the top looking down my cleavage is distorted and my breasts look long and pointed. It's not as noticeable from the front. If I pull the wires wider from under my arms (forcing the cup to become wider and more shallow) it looks great!! Smooth on top, rounded and no ...quading. So is the bra over projected and too narrow? Could bending the wires out help or should I return it? If I return it, would going down a cup size to a 30D possibly work? I really love this bra and want it to fit or would like to find it in a size that does. Or maybe another Cleo unpadded style. Would really like to find a non padded bra that works for my fob very deflated breasts. Read more 81 more words
I say bend them! I've tried it before and it works. I understand what you mean with the boobs in the frame looking longer and a bit pointy from the top. I have that too in some Cleos but I'm starting to love that look!
Thanks for the comment Charlotte! I'm going to try that first before attempting to ship it back to the UK. I did recently order a Natasha in a 30D. I've read that the Natasha cups run small but I got it for such a steal I figured I'd try it anyway just for a fit comparison. I'm really curious to see if the Cleo unlined cups are too big in a DD or just to narrow and projected. But yeah, I hope spreading the wire width a bit helps.
Cleos do run narrow and projected, thats what they are known for. I think kurvy kate runs wider - not sure they come that small tho
Thanks DB. I've been curious to try the curvy Kate's but they look so high in the wires and gore that I'm afraid to invest in one without being able to try it on first. My frame is very petite and my boobs USED to be quite large but after a 35 pound weight loss they are now deflated with a lot of soft tissue and extra skin. Trying to find a shape that works has been quite the challenge!
Makes sense. I hope to have a problem something like that some time! I'm so sick of the size of my boobs, and I know if I could lose 20 lb they'd get at least a bit smaller - but then the shape would probably change too.
Yeah I always imagined if I lost weight Id have these awesome smaller premier boobs but unfortunately at 35 it just doesn't work that way :-( I joke around with my girl friends in reference to my "sad puppy ears" Lol! But I am happy to be fit and feeling healthy so that's what really counts I suppose.
*perkier.
lol premier boobs are probably perky! I'm 15 years older than you are and spent a full decade nursing my 3 kids . . . and i dont think I've been perky since I was 16.
This bra is a great everyday t-shirt bra. The band is fairly snug (I am between a 28 and a 30 band, and the 30 fits fine), and I would also say to size up if you are in between cup sizes. Like any moulded bra, you can sort of see the edges under a shirt, but this isn't too bad. The shape is nice and round, and it works well for my semi-shallow shape because the cups seem to be fairly open at the top. The only thing is, it does dip pretty low in the centre, so avoid it if you have softer boobs. But for me, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's cute and colourful, and gives great lift and cleavage!
Best strapless bra! I want it in nude yesterday!!! I know Cleo has released a koko strapless in nude but I wasn't impressed with the koko plunge (cheaply made compared to the neve, the straps were useless) so am hesitant to order it.
I have gone up 2 cup sizes since becoming pregnant and this still fits because the wires are very wide and the cups are open on top. I would say it fits more like a 30E. I also find the neve plunge to fit large as well (30DD fits like a 30E).
Just got this bra, and it is probably the closest bra that I have to being one that fits. I love it. It's cute and playful, and this is coming from someone that really only wears solid color bras (from VS) The two issues I have with the fit, are: - the straps feel like they're digging in, and they're I the longest setting. -there is wrinkling at the top of the cup on the bigger breast. And I guess another issue is that the bra isn't rounded on the side, but that may be due to the shape of my breasts. My breasts don't look round when I'm braless
This bra is cute enough that I would definitely look for more colors and/or dye one black.
I wanted so much to love this bra. I just KNEW it was for me when I saw it. I'm still not entirely sure what size I am. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> This bra looks better on the tightest hook than it does on the loosest hook, but I think it makes my breasts look like torpedoes. I want a bra that makes my breast look rounded. There's space at the top on both cups, but for some reason it is more noticeable on my bigger breast. There is also some wrinkling on the band.
I was hoping this would work, but it is sadly too big. When the top lace part is stretched there's almost 1 1/2 inches of space between my breasts and the fabric. The band is snug. If I swoop & scoop there is wrinkling at the bottom of the cup, if I don't, then there's not. The gore seems kind of high, but it doesn't bother my skin. I will unfortunately have to return this.
This honestly is the most gorgeous bra ever. So much more opulent than in pictures!
This is actually my second round with the Ellis, after it being the first bra on my ABTF journey in 28DD.
I have wide, even breasts with tall roots.
The 30DD gaps slightly on top--may be best for FoT shapes. Considering I originally tried the 28DD, going down a cup size just makes it too small. However, the gapping is not enough to make me not wear the bra. Does prove an issue for very fitted shirts, however.
Typical round, Cleo shape. It's a shame this bra was discontinued--so, so gorgeous!
edit 2015 05 31: For some reason, I think this bra gives me a more projected shape than many of my other non moulded bras. It keeps the tissue very straight forward. Amazing!
The amount of gaping that I have in the top panel near the very narrow and high gore makes me think that even if I size down in this bra it still will not fit. The bottom 2 panels fit great (with a little gap at the center of the breast. The wires are also a little uncomfortable though I have no issue with poking. I think this might be becuase my sternum is not accomodating the hight of the wires in the middle, there is a bit of a gap at the top of the gore and the wires shift if pressed. The straps are barely long enough. The wires at the sides are a cm too wide.
I fill all of it out!! Especially when I stand straight up, even the lace at the top is filled, and it's an unlined bra! The band is snug, but not too tight in the 30. (I measure 28.5 underbust). The straps do not fall down, nor do they dig in. The gore tacks perfectly. The only fit issue really is that it gaps when I lean over. Otherwise it's actually perfect.
What a freaking adorable bra!! Seriously! It looks really cute on you too. As far as breast shape - having the bra measurements entered would help with that. But from what I understand about Cleo's Marcie, it's a rather narrow-wired bra that allows for natural projection. BUT, that's speaking from my size range of 28FF or so. In the smaller size ranges, the cups could be cut more shallow since smaller breasts *tend* to be more shallow. Again, having your specific bra's measurements entered would be helpful!
lcl0706 Thanks! I love it! :D Yeah, I haven't gotten around to measuring it yet but I definitely will. My other best fitting bras are Juna and Maddie so I feel like it's on the shallower side in this size range.
Yeah if it fits like the Juna/Maddie then it's shallower in that size range. I think that's fairly common. Very cute indeed. I love the looks of the Maddie but my Juna was too narrow so I haven't bothered with a Maddie. Sigh. Darn me and my seemingly-unusually wide roots.
First thing I noticed about this bra is how soft it is! Love the material it's made of. I can barely feel the straps on my shoulders! I do wish they were fully adjustable, though I may never even need it. Fits just like my Darcy: perfectly. Some people don't like the floppy Juna lace but it really does not bother me.
These are molded cups that feel like they were made with my boobs in mind. Band is firm but stretches out after a couple wears. This causes the wires to ride up onto breast tissue when I raise my arms. Washing the bra in warm water tightens the elastic back up, so this only happens on the 3rd or so wear after a wash. I've ordered the new colorway in 28E to see if this remedies the riding up issue. Straps are also a little wideset for my small frame. Overall I love this bra, especially the shape it gives me under shirts. Makes my boobs look very front and center and ROUND. Love it!
I say bend them! I've tried it before and it works. I understand what you mean with the boobs in the frame looking longer and a bit pointy from the top. I have that too in some Cleos but I'm starting to love that look!