This bra is very cute very cute. I really like the the way it looks because of the mesh cups with embroidery, and the straps are ruffled, but not too ruffled. It has the bedroom only look, but you could probably use it out and about.
I found the volume of the cups to be quite good and it gave a nice round natural shape. I did find the cups a bit narrow and the band is definately tight on me. I would say if you generally find Freya 28 band sizes too big, this one might work for you.
I will be returning this bra because the cups of the 30DD will probably be the same as the ones at this size, and a 30E will be too big.
This bra has a high cotton content (says 65% on the label), which should help to cool you off in the summer time. I actually think this bra is quite pretty. The cups are made of two layers, the mesh layer, and the cotton layer. The cotton layer has decorative holes with embroidered edging which I think looks really nice. The tops of the cups also have a nice trim. The bra is more of a balconnette style, so if you're full at the top or full at the bottom, this could work for either shape.
The band is made of a ...t-shirt type material and feels very soft. Because of that, I'm not really confident that the band will last a long time, even though the elastic feels quite firm when I'm wearing it. The band actually fit great when I tried it on.
The main problem I had with the bra was that the cups were too narrow for me. It dug a lot into the middle of my chest. Also, because of the all the holes and embroidery, I can't think of anything I have that I can wear the bra under; it's just too bumpy.
One last note. I ordered this in colour Honey which is not a nude, so it will show up under white shirts.
I read through your other reviews and I think this bra would be great for you if you somehow could get your hands on it in your real size 28/30 F/FF.
Also, have you tried the padded halfcups by Lepel/Audelle or bras by Masquerade (=Harlequin in the US?)
Yeah, I kind of wished I exchanged it for another size instead of just getting a refund.
I haven't tried any padded Lepel or Masquerade bras since I generally prefer non padded bras. :)
Well, most of the bras that I think will work well for your shape are lightly padded. I'm thinking for example about the Cleo Sadie/Rita/ Poppy/Martha/Juna etc cut. Their unpadded sibling is the Cleo Harry, but for finding that on ebay in your size you will need some serious luck.
Is there a particular reason you think lightly padded bras work for my shape? I'm not trying to be accusatory or anything (if it comes across that way), but I'd just like to know because I like knowing reasons to things. :)
No, it is not padded bras. But I think that halfcups in general and specifically from Panache and subbrands Cleo and Masquerade might fit you well. And almost all those are padded. It is really rare to find an unpadded halfcup.
I read through your other reviews and I think this bra would be great for you if you somehow could get your hands on it in your real size 28/30 F/FF.
Also, have you tried the padded halfcups by Lepel/Audelle or bras by Masquerade (=Harlequin in the US?)