My shape: close set, center full, full on bottom, average/narrow width roots, tall shallow roots, soft tissue.
I ordered this from Bare Necessities partly for bra science and partly to see if it would win me over!
I absolutely love the green/pink print on it, it has some flecks of neon green color too which I love. I ordered this a size smaller than usual since it was all they had at the time, but it’s a decent fit/shape considering. I don’t feel like it’s too skimpy up top and on the sides, I do tend to tolerate “skimpier” style/type of coverage in swimsuits. The fabric is nice and soft ...and overall looks well made.
The cups are soft, there are no wires, and the center “gore” the fabric is sewn over itself a bit in a triangle. The soft cups have one vertical seam and one horizontal seam, they are not very deep and look very flat, but since they’re wireless they take more of your breast shape I believe. There is a very soft side boning on the sides of the cup, it’s flexible but still gives some structure which is nice. The top is adjustable as a halter and is comfortable on my neck.
The band is comfortable, albeit slightly loose. There’s only one plastic setting in the back, so I do wish it was a little bit tighter, I’m not sure how this would hold up when wet. Band is 27” in length and stretches to about 31.5” (I don’t usually pull a lot on the bands to get measurements because I don’t want to ruin a new bra/top, so it probably stretches a bit more than that). It is looser than my loose underbust measurement, so maybe that’s why it feels a little loose (?), not sure, but I don’t think I’d want to risk it.
I ordered the side tie bottoms in size M (which is the size I usually get in swim and regular underwear) and I absolutely hate them. First, they are too big, I couldn’t tighten the strings enough to get a snug fit around, and the back coverage is very full, a little more than what I like. (I will try to update the bottom pics with measurements). Plus it just sort of hangs since it’s so loose. I measure 39.5” (100cm) at the fullest part of my hips. Overall, it misses some marks for me in terms of fit, both top and bottom. Read more 304 more words
This bikini is adorable. It has a white background with various shades of bright green succulents, some with hot pink flowers. I don't usually go for white swimsuits because I don't tan much. This swimsuit however has lots of color on it, so it doesn't look strange against my pale skin, and isn't see-through.
The cups are underwired, but the cut of the cup gives the look of a triangle bikini top. The back is not adjustable, it has a single plastic clasp. This is a halter neck bikini with double strings and a big hot pink bead at the end of each strap. The ...gore is two small straps. The material is stretchy but not too stretchy. As with all all halter neck bras and swimsuits, if your breasts need a lot of support, your neck will be bearing that weight.
I got the matching ruffle edged bikini bottoms. The style on these are very flattering with elasticized ruffled waist and legs. They are great at not cutting in to create any bulges. I often wear medium bottoms, I have narrow hips that measure around 38 inches. I ordered a small and a medium. They both fit, but I prefered the small. They gave a bit more of a cheeky look, but still weren't super skimpy on me, I was comfortable wearing them swimming with my children.
The one problem that happened with this swimsuit is that the cute beads dangling of the halter strings transfer hot pink dye on to the suit. Which is very noticeable since a lot of the material is white. I don't see how to avoid it, other than maybe removing the beads before use.
Overall I give this bikini 2 thumbs up, I just wish the cups still fit! Read more 198 more words
This was very graciously donated to me by veggiechic ; thank you so much for sending me this to try on! Unfortunately, the cups aren't projected enough, and I get some major quadding at the top. The band isn't very stretchy, so it's a tad too tight for me to be comfortable. It's a shame, because this bikini is ADORABLE! I love the colors and the print; it's got a very 50's sailor-esque vibe going on. The top of the cups has a navy blue piping/line decoration that ends in a little bow on the right side cup only, which is a nice touch. The clasp is plastic, but seems heavy duty enough that it won't come undone while in the water. This bikini seems a bit smaller in the cups than other Freya 30GG's I've tried, probably due to the padding. It's not thick padding, but more of a foam lining.
My bra size is 30GG but the 30GG in this model was absolutely huge on me. Gape city! It might actually be the largest-running bra/bikini I’ve ever tried on. I followed my gut and ordered two cup sizes down, 30FF, and it thankfully turned out to be the right decision. While the gore does not quite tack on the 30FF, it’s close enough, and the cups are about right. A 30G would have been too big.
I don’t love this swimsuit, but I like it okay and will keep it even though it’s not my favorite. The first problem is that Freya bands run loose even in their ...swimwear line. This 30 band is not really snug at all. As someone who really needs a 28 band, it’s worrisome. I think if it stretches at all while wet, or from use, it will be a no go. Although I will say, this bikini top is one of the more comfortable ones I’ve tried, especially for a halter top, so the the band is probably doing an okay job.
I’m also not super impressed with the quality of Freya’s swimwear. The construction and materials are okay but not outstanding. I get a much better fit from Miss Mandalay swimwear or Panache swimwear, and I think those brands are both slightly better made.
The next problem is the padding. I don’t love it, it’s ever so slightly too thick and bulky. But I do appreciate the nipple coverage.
And finally, I think the cut of this bikini top is just not well thought out. The cups go up very high on the chest and the gore is fairly wide- expecting a very tall and narrow breast shape. A little weird on me because my breasts while fairly tall-rooted, are more round at the bottom and this bikini top does not accommodate roundness super well. I think maybe this cut was first designed for a non-halter bikini top and the halter straps added onto this cut just don’t quite suit it. That’s my theory anyway.
A personal quibble, I don’t actually really like the full-coverage look for bikini tops. I think it makes me look more disproportionate. Smaller cups with less fabric draws less attention to how much I’ve got up top. This is definitely a more full-coverage style, although going down two cups sizes helped a lot.
Overall it’s about a B/B-. Read more 290 more words
Shallow and too small even when I was that size, but the suit hid it well. I enjoyed having a top that stayed in place, didn't look like a bra, had support, didn't show cleavage/stayed in place with antics, and felt fashion forward. I'm really sad it is too small now!
I've seen this sweetheart cut fairly often in Freya Swim and I found it to be a very comfortable padded bikini top. I would call it a half cup bra/bikini top and it gives my FoB breasts an uplifted and round shape. This particular version comes in a quite bright red with a black pip print.
Personally I've don't worn that many Freya models (nor half cup bras for that matter) still construction and looks of this bikini top reminded me of the Freya Patsy Padded Half Cup Bra (1223) though I found the bikini top much more comfortable to wear. But notice I went up a band size and down two cup sizes here comparing to the Patsy that fit me in 28G.
I tried this bra in several sizes (30DD, 30E, 28DD, 28E, 28F). The 30 band definitely works better for me than this 28, but the color I wanted (ocean) wasn't available in 30, so I decided to try some 28 bands too. The F cup is too big and too tall. However, somehow the gore digs less with this 28F than with the 28E (or 30DD). If this would be a bra I might go with the larger cup size, but with a bikini I prefer a tighter fit. I'm thinking of getting this bra in 30DD (I can have it shipped from the UK) and then changing ...the wires, but I'll first try a 32D to see if a larger band helps reduce tension on the wires/gore.
The color "ocean" is much brighter than on the Freya pictures, maybe a little too much for my taste. The colored rim is cute (and very cute on the bikini panties), but shows under clothing. The pink bra didn't show under clothing at all, so I might exchange this for a solid black. Read more 72 more words
Center full, close set, immediately projected, even vertical distribution, omega shape, ...
This is a very colorful bikini which should effortlessly match with a myriad of bottoms. It reminds me of a beautiful sunset. The band is supportive, the fabrics smooth, and the lift impressive. However, there is a dramatic fit difference between this 30FF Penza and the 32F (sister size) Atlantis. Definitely, I need a 30G in Penza, but 32F Atlantis fits well. Atlantis provides more coverage in the center and more apex projection. Penza is very similar to Freya's Bamboo Island: http://www.bratabase.com/bra/diiiv/
Like all halters I've tried, I must sew the straps in a straight configuration (uncrossed straps) onto the band to reduce neck strain. I tried crossing the straps, and my omega-shaped breasts protested. Crossed straps shallow the outer portion of the cup which is very uncomfortable for me.
Overall, these bikini tops are fantastic for center-full, close-set breasts in that breast tissue is allowed to exist in the center rather than forced apart in an east/west arrangement. Additionally, I find them comfortable.
Considering this was made in 2009 and the elastic is firm, I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality. I appreciate Asian design and this fabric print caught my eye.
On me 32F Atlantis (2016 Freya Tirangle Bikini) is too much coverage for my short-waisted physique. 34E Bamboo Island is less coverage than I prefer, but it looks more like a typical bikini fit. It is important to note, this bikini top is significantly more shallow than 2016's Atlantis Triangle Bikini top. This 34E is a sister size to my 32F Atlantis: I quad significantly in Bamboo Island but not at all in Atlantis. Another difference is apparent in the ...seams. Atlantis's seams are very prominent whereas Bamboo Island's seams are more subtle. The band is twice as wide (.8") on Bamboo Island when compared to Atlantis's .4" band. I'll let you guess which band is more supportive https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> Finally, this 34E band stretches to just 32". 32F Atlantis stretches to 32", too. Bamboo Island, in this size range, is one full cup smaller and one band size smaller than Atlantis.
I've failed to find a lightweight, supportive bra for summer. And, I am resorting to Freya triangle, bikini tops for support and nipple armor; hoping they effectively manage perspiration. They are beautiful, comfortable, and supportive. I'll sew the halter straps to the band and merrily wear these as bras. The lift provided by these wireless triangle bikinis is significantly better than wired bras provide for my close-set, center-full breasts. And, there is no pain, heat, or swelling. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
EDIT: After an hour, it was too small, but 32F Atlantis fits well. Read more 182 more words
Funnily enough, this Freya bikini top runs rather tight (given how loose regular Freya bras tend to fit). There's no way I could be comfortable in a 30 band. Also, I found the cups rather stretchy. The fabric does have some give, and swimwear fabric tends to loosen up in water.
I ordered several sizes for comparison, and after figuring everything out, I went up 1 band size and down 1 cup size from my regular UK size (30E -> 32D). Couldn't be happier with the fit.
The 32D cups are just right, considering the stretchy fabric the bikini top is made of. The 32 band keeps me supported and contained while not cutting in or leaving red marks.
After all, there's no reason to stick with 'your size' just for the sake of it. To me, a bikini top (or a sports bra...) has different fit requirements than a regular bra. So, If I end up wearing a different size in them that's totally fine with me, as long as it feels comfortable and nice.
Fit: It is a one seam cup. The band is at least one size too small but I had to sister size down to get it in a fitting size. I'm not sure who this bikini would fit. Most of it seems to be cup rather than band (over 9 inches wide!!!) This causes the sides of the cups and straps to dig in. Because the cups are angled peculiarly, there is no pull from the top, which means my breasts just sit in the cup with no uplift. To fix these issues I'm going to have to take the strap extra support ...inner sling off on each side and add length to the band. Then I will add narrower wires which will pull me back to center. Finally I will pull the top of the cup down with the gore to angle the bikini cup up rather than out. Hopefully these changes will make the bikini fit comfortably and beautifully.
Comfort: the fabric is soft and smooth, obviously high quality. It is fully lined.
Style: I had to have this fabric the moment I saw it. It is so beautiful and ethereal. It looks beautiful on my pale skin, something I wasn't imagining as it is white. I wish the ruffle bandeau in this print fit as I would rather that style but they don't make my size. If only I could get a bra in this fabric. Read more 147 more words
This bra definitely runs small in the cup for a 30DD (and smaller than Freya's wired swimwear). If you're between sizes, definitely take the larger. The suit is made of absolutely lovely soft foam that is basically the most perfect bikini material on the planet. Covers the nips and provides support without adding bulk! I measured the cups at around 7.5 inches deep and 5.75 inches tall. Freya's soft styles will likely fit shallower breasts the best.
I adore the colors in this bikini top. It looks beautiful on you, despite the fit issues.
The colors are absolutely stunning. It's one of the prettiest patterns I've seen ever, and I've rarely seen anything comparable. I like how it takes inspiration from the surf style suits, but still looks original not like a copy. I just wish that I had ordered it in a larger size.
That pattern is amazing! Thanks for the review, I thought that the Freya soft tops are unlined. I prefer the foam as well!
I am shallow-ish, wide rooted and I think FoB. I think this bra wants a little more projection or upper fullness than I have. I feel inadequate at the top of the cups 😕 The wires are nice and wide, wide enough for me https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> but I wish they were a bit longer. I like the very low gore but the outer sides of the cups seem very low too. I would say this bra is pretty full coverage.
It did not provide much lift, but it may be because I got a 30dd instead of the 28e I should wear (sold out) or maybe I just have to do the halter straps tighter. I always feel like halter straps are suffocating me but maybe it's because I've never had a swim top that fit very well before.
The material is super soft and nice! I love the black and gold pattern. It feels very grown up and classy
I got it at a thrift store. I hoped the tag says 32FF, which could work, but it actually is a 34FF. The set is well loved, but still workable. I will list it and try to find a good home for it.
Bandeaus are generally not a good fit on my close set and evenly full boobs. I'm starting to realize there are very little exceptions to this rule (I've had some luck with Cleo bandeaus). Unfortunately, the Revival bandeau swim top is not a good fit on me. I bought the 30G after trying the 30FF and discovering that the cup volume was not enough. The cups on the 30G are rather shallow for my shape and while the band is comfortable, it is clearly too large. The resulting effect is that the gore doesn't tack and the band where the wires are encased also does not lay flat ...against my body. I don’t get an east west look, but my boobs are definitely not as close together as they normally would be sans bra.
List of bad fit issues: quad boob, loose band, inadequate projection, nothing tacks, resulting boob shape leaves something to be desired
I'm keeping this only because the colourway is so damn awesome. I'm a sucker for indigo. There are some colours and designs that just appeal to you. It’s impossible to describe the feeling you get when you see something that looks so good—something that just makes your inner want scream GIMME.
I'd recommend this if you have moderately spaced FOB boobs without needing a huge amount of projection. It's more lightweight than Cleo bandeaus if you're looking for something that is cute and adequately supportive without feeling like you're wearing plate armour. Read more 137 more words
This is the first Freya swim top I’ve tried. It’s lightweight with some side support and lightly lined foam cups. The coverage and stiffness is less than that of any Cleo bandeaus I’ve tried. The back closure looks cleaner and tidier than string tie closures, but lacks the adjustability. Cups are more shallow than not and lacks immediate projection. As a bandeau style, I think the idea is not projection, but a more flattened and close to the body shape.
I know I look best in plunge styles and any style that doesn’t restrict the tops and middle of my boobage, but years of having no options other than ...plunge bras have caused me to prefer the look of half cups and bandeaus.
So the top is a bit of a mini disaster for me—mostly from being too small. If I pull the wires right to my IFM and wiggle my boobs in to try and fill the bottom of the cup, I get the dreaded quad boob with the two upper boobs resembling pecs. The band is loose and after a few moments, the swim top begins to slip down and away from my body. At this point, the cups are no longer cutting my boob in half horizontally and it almost looks acceptable from most angles. But I will likely exchange it for a 30G simply because I know 30FF is definitely too small on me.
While it doesn't technically fit, it's so close! I need a H cup but it's only made up to a GG https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> It band is very stretchy, but it appears to have a decent elastic. It's the best fitting FoT bikini top I've tried so far!
I actually bought this one about a year ago, and I bought it with the knowledge that it was an imperfect fit. I was pretty desperate to get a swimsuit that didn't have me flopping about and falling out in the ocean waves, and it certainly serves that purpose well.
I find the quality to be excellent. A year on, there's no frayed seams or bits falling apart/off, and it's been in ocean, chlorine, and parasailing. It's still a very stark black and white with no noticeable fading, and I haven't noticed any stretching either, although that may be because it was a bit too big to begin with.
It's ...also pretty comfortable and supportive. The only issue I have is that my boobs' weight does put a lot of pressure on my neck because it's a halter top, but that's obviously not a fault on Freya's part as much as mine. I should've realised this and come to terms earlier with the fact that my boobs are simply too heavy for halter tops.
Finally, I adore the way it looks. I love the polka-dots and the little frill details and if I could stand to have the neck pulled tighter my boobs would look killer in it.
tl;dr - I love this swimsuit top and would definitely recommend it to others, with the caveat of being careful of how much weight you're putting on your neck. Read more 126 more words
I'm super pleased with this, frankly -- I have such mixed luck with bras that I was nervous about going into my first bra-in-a-swimsuit. Plus, I'd never actually worn a Freya bra before, so there were many new things happening here.
TL;DR: the minor fit issues I had feel like quibbles to me. I felt great in the swimsuit, which was my main goal. It was a bit snug in my mom-shaped midsection, but that's just life.
The band is too loose on me, so the halter part puts a bit more pressure on the back of my neck than I'd like, especially if I tie it too tightly. ...(I did the first time I tied it, then loosened it before actually swimming.) I'm a bit full-on-top, and I occasionally had minor cutting in at the top that varied depending on what I was doing. The gore is so close to tacking that I actually frowned when it didn't.
I did learn that I should look into more Freya bras because I loved the shape of it, and my nipples fell into a place where I prefer them. (I have very soft, pendulous breasts -- they can really end up pointing anywhere in a bra, which often bums me out.) That said, there is no padding in this swimsuit. The whole universe could see my nipples. Read more 118 more words
Very pleased with the fit and look of this bikini top! (Why can't I get a bra to fit like this?) As usual I'd be better off with a 28 band, but it wasn't available so I went with the sister size of 30D. The band on mine seems to be a little big -- it measures a full 32" stretched. However, I can easily take it in near the clasp. This top lifts and supports better than any bathing suit I've had in years.
The Freya Kansas is very well made, especially for a swimsuit. I was pleasantly surprised by the elastic ...inside the halter straps. I've never seen this done before, and I think it makes a huge difference as opposed to just having empty fabric ties -- it really adds comfortable support, but in a subtle way. The mesh fabric inside the entire top also adds some additional support. The clasp at the back is sturdy and easy to operate (unlike department store swimsuit hooks, which I've broken on one or two occasions).
The shape this top gives is very good -- not pointy at all as I feared it might be. Rather, it gives a very nice rounded shape, even for my small chest. The cups are two-part (meaning there is one angled seam near the center) and are free of all padding. They are lined with only the aforementioned lightweight mesh. I don't find them to be small -- I think the measurement is just what it should be for a plunge cup in this size.
Very happy with this purchase and would definitely buy Freya swimwear again!!
** UPDATE ** The band turned out to be too loose on this bikini top... However, swim tops are easily altered, so I've fixed it. It's the equivalent of a tight 28DD now, which is fine, because once in the water it loosens up noticeably). Read more 221 more words
That’s really cute!