The sizing advice on HerRoom for this bra states that you should order a band size larger than usual, but I don't necessarily agree with that, at least not for the smaller sizes. I normally would have started with a 28DD but on the sizing advice I chose 30D instead. The cups just fit but the band is definitely large -- I have to wear it on the tightest hook. (Incidentally my actual ribcage is 27.5" ). The 30D band measures 24" long, which is consistent with 30 band sizing. Maybe the bands only run small in the larger sizes? I don't ... know, but either way I will order my regular size next time.

As for the bra itself, I really like it. The seams lie flat and aren't particularly noticeable, even under t-shirts. You can see they are there, but barely. Someone would have to be on the lookout for bra seams! The overlay fabric, since it's not stretchy, ripples a tiny bit here and there because it's not perfectly fitted to the foam lining. This isn't a big deal to me because again, it's barely noticeable even when you're looking for it.

The foam lining is super thin (literally about 1/16" ) and soft. Contrary to other reviews I've seen about the Retro Basic, I find it gives a very nicely rounded shape, and it has great pushup with no padding -- a real feat. The wires are cleverly angled upwards on the sides for great cleavage.

The straps are non-stretch in the front. The gate back is really cool. I had a Wonderbra many years ago that was this exact same style (seamed, plunge cut), with a gate back. I loved that bra and it's the only other one I've seen with this back style.

*** Update ***
There are rumors on the web that Freya slightly changed the lining of this bra (apparently it used to be thicker, more like padding). So maybe they also fixed the band sizing issue?
This bra was purchased in the Spring of 2010 from Bare Necessities.
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Updated on Sep 09, 2011 Flag this

I have two bras of this model, the oldest of which was purchased in February, 2007. The bras are washed by hand and are worn infrequently.

This is not an everyday bra. The plunge is quite pronounced, and the padding and shape give you a lot of cleavage. It's a good bra to wear with a low-cut shirt, if you really want people to notice your breasts. It is by far the most supportive plunge that I have ever encountered, and the cups are quite comfortable. But because there is only one hook, it just doesn't support well enough to be a daily ... bra.

By now the cup is a bit too small for me, so I have to carefully adjust to prevent overspill. It fit perfectly well when I bought it, however, so this is just a case of my breasts having grown and the cut being especially unforgiving for that sort of thing.

I did notice that the bra has stretched considerably, and it is now a bit too loose even on the tightest hook. I have not yet seen the need to have it altered, however.
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Updated on Jul 13, 2012 Flag this

This bra is still new, just one day of wear. The bra is a bit unusual, with the back being perhaps the most apparent deviation from typical bra design. It has a single hook rear closure and a band design that leaves an almost-open back. The back have a couple of straps that come to this single hook closure. Where the back straps change back to a more typical "band", there is a bit of boning in the bra. It's not overly harsh or uncomfortable, it's just enough to keep the band upright. In the front, the straps have the typical Freya placement - closer to middle than ... on a Panache, perfect for me. In the rear, the straps are more wide-set than most.

This is a plunge design, and it's definitely plunging. Additionally, this unusual design to the back gives me the impression the bra is designed to work with some of those "open back" dresses, as well, which would require a lower bra in the back and straps that are wider in the rear. I don't own any dresses like this, so I can't test this theory myself, but it's something worth keeping in mind.

This different back design (both band and straps) are completely forgotten about as I go about my day. This bra is equally comfortable as my standard daily wear bra. The "flaw" that would keep this from being a daily bra for me is the seams - they're visible through some of my shirts.
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Updated on Jul 21, 2011 Flag this

Plunge: Freya Retro - Says its padded but its just a thick soft cupper in my opinion... Its nice and low cut with great support, comfortable but I think the band seem a little loose, (I throw it in the dryer to tighten it up when I wash it) its nice but not as super cleavagey as I would like..I mean whats the point of the big boobs if you can't show em off..maybe thats just me https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

Updated on May 25, 2011 Flag this

I get quadboob, and I couldn't adjust the straps short enough to not slip off.. Band is fine for a 28 though.

Please read my full review for more info!

http://petiteplentiful.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-freya-antoinette-lucy-joli...

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jul 09, 2013 Flag this

PetitePlentiful

1004 reputation

115 bras

The band is much firmer than other Freya bras. I would describe it as close to a plunge version of Cleo Lucy, between size 28D and 28DD (it was a long time ago when I tried on Lucy, so I cannot recall what the sizing felt like exactly, maybe closer to 28D; Edit: I tried on a 28DD Lucy recently and I think Retro 28DD is like Lucy 28D). So if you are full on bottom and not extremely shallow, it may work.

Updated on Jan 05, 2017 Flag this

This bra claims to be padded, but is NOT padded in the slightest. Its odd shape coupled with its lack of padding left it with no support. As far as I can tell, this bra might work for someone with torpedo boobs, but close-set round boobs had quad-boob on top and didn't fill the bottom of the cups. Had the bra actually been padded as the name implies, it might have worked.

Updated on Sep 09, 2011 Flag this

The description of this bra states that it is padded, it is not. The fit is ok, I would like the underwire to be a little wider. The band does not stretch out like a lot of Freya bras do, it stays fitting firm all day. Overall, a good bra. Not for T-shirt wear, but good for sweaters and other thicker clothing.

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Updated on Jun 15, 2011 Flag this

bybabysrules

839 reputation

96 bras

Lovely bra, well loved, but now a little too big. As the cups are a soft fabric, the slight gaping/wrinkling is quite noticeable.

Nude colorway

Updated on Mar 22, 2016 Flag this

This bra is cocoa colored. I want to alter the band so the bra will fit me better, like a 26 or 28 band. Other than that, I really like the plunge style gore and I think the straps aren't too wide either. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />

Updated on Mar 01, 2015 Flag this