This bra is sooo beautiful. I have always preferred Freya's aesthetic but sadly there hasn't been a lot of top fullness friendly style. But this bra is close!
This is my first 28G bra. I had been wearing 28FF's but noticed minor quad boobs so decided to size up a cup on this one. My shape is projected, very full on top, full on centre, tall and narrow roots, extremely close-set, soft tissue and self-supporting.
The band initially feels very tight when I first tried it on (after dinner). But I think it runs true to size.
The cups have the top section made with stretch lace (without the annoying elastic ...on the edge) and bottom with mesh. I would say it is pretty top fullness friendly considering I'm not getting any quad boobs. The cups are projected, but not very narrow. So the wires are too wide on both sides, and I'm not filling out the right cup as my right boob is smaller.
I love this color combination and how pretty the lace is.
Overall it's an OK fit for me but I'm worried that I will get picky about it with time (like I did with so many of my other bras, so I have excuses to buy more). But I may very likely keep it because of the appearance. Read more 110 more words
Wow! This bra looks so pretty on you! The colour is stunning!
alisa Thank you! I love the color as well! And surprised the combination works. If this fits better I would definitely get it in the pink cups/ grey dress combination.
I looooove Offbeat in both colors that it comes in, but I haven’t quite figured out the right size for me (yet).
It looks like it fits you pretty well!
pretty_promise Thank you! It is such a pretty bra. I think it's true to size in the band and cups, but folks with less projection and top fullness may choose to size down.
I’ve seen a couple reviews of the Offbeat on here and it always looks very pretty! Convinced me to order one myself :) It looks lovely on you.
I also love this bra. The pink / grey is gorgeous too. I'd like to try it, but I'm a bit scared since Freya bras are hit or miss on me. Are the wires firm and supportive or more flimsy?
alisa From the perspective of a smaller band and medium cup (hence not as much volume), I would say the wires are not filmy at all, maybe average to somewhat firm? I don't think it's super firm, but I do feel slightly more pressure from the wires at the bottom of the cups than I'm used to. That may be better after the band is broken in though. I don't need a loooot of support being my size so I've never encountered wires that aren't firm enough.
Wondering if the straps bother you? I'm pretty new to the Bra-o-sphere/ABTF community, so I'm still investigating proper fit and styles, but the straps look like they're almost coming off of your shoulders? Yes? No?
BraOdyssey Welcome! The straps are fine for me. Maybe I have wider shoulders (?) so I’ve never had straps falling off in my correct size.
The Her Room "Fitter's Comments" said that this bra's band runs large (and it does), and their advice was to go down a band size and up a cup size. On the other hand, Breakout Bras said to go down a band size but keep the cup size the same, and I think theirs is the correct way.
I followed the Her Room guidelines, and ordered a 28DD... then had to return it. The stiff cups were too tall and came up too high, and so with the slightest movement, the upper rim of the cup would stand out and show under my shirt... Not ...a good look. Gave amazing push-up and cleavage though. The 28D probably would fit, but I'm already backed up on exchanges as it is, so I just returned it. Too bad!
This is a newer model of Freya's, following the strappy trend or whatever. I like this bra. As a matter of fact, I like Freya bras in general, and if they didn't give me this weird pointing downwards shape, I'd only wear Freya bras. I think I've only ever tried one Freya bra that gave me a nice rounded shape, it was a very old model (Freya Marvel Side Panel Bra (1501) but I tried it in 36F or some similarily completely wrong size for me, and it just didn't feel supportive. If I could find it in 30GG now, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
But anyway.
Taboo ...is marked as both a plunge and a balcony, and I'll admit I have no idea where the line is for plunge vs. balcony but this bra is less plunge and more balcony. That sentence sounds dumb, but it is what it is. It's a soft cup bra, and the cups are a little sheer, with no stretch to them at all. Weirdly enough, even though it's sheer, the nipples barely show through. I don't know why. So anyway, these cups fit me perfectly, it's just that the shape is god awful and I guess I just don't like it. Maybe I'm a little too FOB? Who knows. I can't quite tell which bras are made for FOB/FOT so it's all the same to me.
The wires are extremely stiff and hard (and now I feel like I'm writing an erotic story lol) but not so much uncomfortable. My main issue is that they are a little too flat, and I don't have the strength to bend them to wrap around my torso right now. Maybe later. The gore tacks, but is the stuff of nightmares. Again, I don't find it uncomfortable. I do think I'm a little closer set than this and there might be some poking into my breast tissue where the gore ends. I'm trying to figure out a way to make the gore narrower but I don't think a simple stitch in the middle to bring them wires closer will do...
Band is a little stretchier for a 30, as Freya's usual.
THE STRAPS. They are heavenly thick. Like almost 2.5cm thick. I love them. And they adjust long enough (another reason I like Freya bras, I never have the too short straps issue with them).
I tried to model it with a deeper v-neck sweater (that's the deepest one I have, lol) to show the straps don't really show unless you're wearing a really low cut shirt (like the tank top I'm wearing in the other photos). I don't think I would leave the house with the straps showing as I live in a pretty conservative country and I don't think that would be very appropriate. The straps are very soft and don't cut in at all (they're the same as in 34E - Bravissimo » Dina Bra (LN578) )
I got this bra for a couple of reasons-- it's only GBP18 on Figleaves right now, and I haven't tried a newer Freya bra in a while now and wanted to see if anything changed. Cups seem to run tts now, the band a little looser. Still tho, bra science and all. I think I will keep this bra because I like the way it looks and idk, I'll try get over the shape. Also, hate returning stuff. Read more 459 more words
That is a really cool looking bra. "Gore is the stuff of nightmares"... yikes. My sternum hurts just reading that.
Yea I'll say they really went a little too far with this gore...
I like this on you...but I tend to look a more natural shape than round. It's pretty:)
Looks very nice on you! In the end it's just a matter of preference, but when I saw the pictures before reading the review, my first thought was that I really like the shape :-)
It might take some getting used to. I think mostly I've been spoiled by my EMs but even those in the right size aren't exactly round and have a slight peak so not much difference. With a shirt on I don't hate it nearly as much either.
I agree it looks good on you! The detailing on the cups is quite nice. It reminds me of the 60s beaded curtains for some reason, haha. I like it! And if you ever figure out the plunge vs balcony cut off let me know! Gore height vs center cup seam maybe??
Yes I was surprised by how nice this bra actually looks. I've always been a fan of Freya aesthetics though.
To me, all EM Bms are more plunges as they kinda give really nice cleavage (depending on the bra he he) which in my mind is what plunge does. Like I said, I really can never tell the difference. This bra seems to have at least as high gore, if not even taller, as most my Bms.
I know when I got my first Comexim Plunges I laughed since a 3.25"+ is not plungey by any means, haha. I like Freya designs as well, but they just don't work for me. (The fact that they only going to a J cup in the 28 band being a big factor...)
Unfortunately their size range doesn't seem good foe you lot. The fact I fit into a 30GG is worrisome cause what if the cup does run large, I'm just a 30H?! I hope not.
brasaremean The last Freya I tried was for FOT and I can't fill it, so it was a combo of too big and just fine on the bottom. I'm pretty sure if I tried a 28J that it'd "fit" just not be comfortable.
The gore width alone would be a deal breaker for you Sovavosi.
Very true. I'd say the gore is suitable for AprilGoulding cause she's pretty wide set though! For me it's neither here nor there. It's not uncomfortable, but it leaves a mark on my breast tissue which is mainly why I'm concerned about it and also, tf I didn't I look at the gore before I bought the bra lol!
I think it’s giving you this pointy shape because it’s too big in the cup. You can seem to “fillout” the cups without it fitting well. The bra fits like a full cup bra even without the strappy bits it’s too far up into your armpits and might be uncomfortable after a few wears when it gives a bit. It has a granny bra shape and you are not getting any uplift. It is pretty though:( .
Oh I definitely don't think I'd fit into a 30G.
I know what you mean I have had a similar fit issue. I was filling the cups but getting no uplift but the size down was just too small I kept the larger size but ending up not wearing it because it was digging into my armpits and leaving red marks. I don’t think you are particularly fob you look even but the bra is giving you a bit of a pressed down pointed look (as you have said). I don’t like those extra straps they look good but I don’t like the feel of them on the top of my breasts. You know best how the bra feels on you. You never know it may soften with washing and become a bit more rounded.
Unfortunately I think the shape is here to stay. I imagine maybe some reconstructive surgery would do wonders on it, but I'm not very good at sewing so I don't dare try (on a new bra especially). Yes the issue is I'm more between 30G and GG and so the smaller one is small, the larger one a little loose in the cup. Can't win!
Yeah, you’ve hit the nail on the head “in between sizes” that’s me too 🙂. Well good luck anyway 🌸.
I bought this bra for one reason. It's yellow. Not neon yellow... a nice, soft, lemon yellow, and there is a serious lack of yellow bras on the market that might fit someone with projection. I intentionally picked a 30 band because gateway backs tend to make me look like the Michelin man. I was hoping to avoid having 4 back rolls and this band accomplishes that while still staying secure on the middle hooks.
I've gathered from reviews of the Fancies padded half cup longline that it's a generally terrible bra with very flexible wires and zero projection. Thankfully I can report the ...unlined plunge version is much sturdier. I'm aware a lot of Freya plunges require a very specific shape and I expected this to wrinkle at the apex while cutting into my upper root but it really doesn't do that. In all honesty, this is one of my better technical fits which was a sweet surprise. It's not as comfortable as an Ewa or even a CK, but it is Freya and I didn't expect the world here. Very narrow wires, very good immediate depth. Very wide gore. I'm splayed and it's short so it doesn't bother me although if it was any taller it would and it would bother a lot of people who are close-set all the way to the IMF. The gateway back is fun and a little more delicate to look at so I've let it show with strappy back shirts without feeling like I'm telling the world HEY, HERE'S MY BRA BAND.
I know this bra, with its wide keyhole gore and single hook band, isn't gonna be everyone's cup of tea. But it satisfied my craving for a pastel yellow summery bra on the cheap via Amazon so I'll keep it around. Read more 204 more words
Looks great on you! It is indeed a nice soft yellow for summertime too.
That is very cute!
What is a gateway back?
Thank you! I feel like my pics don’t do the color justice, the light in my room kinda sucked lol
Sovavosi its a bra band with a split back... hard to explain. Others may have posted pics of the back of this bra, I did not because I have a good size identifiable tattoo on my back I can’t really edit out. Gossard did a lot of bras this style, the Phoebe comes to mind and I know there’s pics of its back on here
Thank you, I found a picture. I was having trouble trying to Google this term :)
It's lovely on you!
This makes me want to try this bra again in 30E. It's so pretty.
Gorgeous! I like several of the colors Freya offers in this style, but the gore and narrow wires....ouch. Thrilled this beauty works for you!
Just tried this on in black in a sister size... I really like it, but doesn't quite fit my FOT shape! Glad it worked for you, I love the fabrics. :)
Fancies comes in so many cute colors, but I think this is one of my favorites! Sadly it didn't work for me - gore was much too wide and the elastic at the top of the cups cut in.
I am used to push-up style bras. I do not have much mass at the top of my breasts, and if I don't have any padding, the bottom of the cups wrinkle (they can be pushed in and flattened and it is obvious there is no breast in the bottom of the cups). My breasts don't fill out the bottoms of most non-padded bras. This style does not have push-up padding in the cup bottoms but was said to give nice cleavage anyway, which it does without pushing you up high.
I needed a seamless, cream-colored bra that wouldn't be obvious under my clothing (you know how thin ...everything is these days). When I bought this style in a 28E, there were obvious problems: the cups wrinkled/gaped at the bottom, especially on my smaller boob's cup; the top of the cups would gape open if I moved my arms up and around; and, oddly, the band seemed to slide up in the front, I think because the cup bottoms were not weighed down by any breast tissue, so they crept upward to find some!
I thought a cup size down may be the correct fit and purchased a 28DD. This size is great. I still don't entirely fill out the bottom of the cups but there is no visible wrinkling or flattening. The top of the cups are fine if I keep the straps super tight, but that leaves red marks on my shoulders and gets irritating. After prolonged wear, I have noticed the bra still is not perfect for me. I think the cups are too narrow on bottom and also not filled, so the bra rides up and makes gaps at the top. I think the side underwire could be higher and the cups a tad wider on top (covering more toward the armpit), but that is the case with most bras.
In general, the Freya Deco Moulded Plunge bra gives nice cleavage but (at least with the sizes I tried and from what most of the model photos show) the cups cover a lot of boob so you can't show the cleavage in an average low-cut top without the bra showing. The straps are very wide (5/8 inches) and this is annoying because they absolutely don't need to be so thick (especially on petite people such as myself) and it makes most of my clothes incompatible with this bra. On the bright side, the straps are super adjustable and not hard or itchy.
I personally would have liked a little padding in the bottom, but otherwise it is a nice, cushioned, very rounded cup that is thick enough to keep you from distracting people on cold days, if you know what I mean. Good for under t-shirts and other smooth tops.
The band is not very stretchy, which I like. Very tight! There are three sets of two hooks on my bra. Read more 373 more words
I just don't know what it is with this bra. When I got it, I was surprised that it was kinda decent fit. (I had no luck with Freya in the past) So I assumed they stepped up their game and improved bras in GG+ range. I have now worn this bra now a few times and it gets worse and worse.
So first few words on when it was decent: so wires are right in the middle or very sturdy and very flexible, average and supportive enough for large size. The cups are rather tall and roomy on top. The lace band at the edge of the ...cups is stretchy so they won't cut in. The band is rather stretchy but did fit me well at first and felt true to size for a 32 band.
What has changed: recently the band felt just a bit loose and the bra felt less supportive. Keep in mind I only worn it like 5 times since I got it in January 2021. So I doubt it has already stretched out. The cups feel okay when I put it on. But after like 4-5 hours of wear the bra get more and more unspportive, there is strain on shoulder straps and the cup shape starts to look droppy. I don't understand this. I did not do anything --- not as if my boobs shrinked in few hours. So the top section kinda looks like it's too tall and not entierly filled which I cannot understan as I have very full on top boobs. Bras cut in on my boobs I don't get gaping! So I wonder if the materials of this bra are just weak and wear out very quickly? I don't really want to trash it here, keep try it for yourself, it's definitely better than Freyas GG+ offers in the past. Maybe it's just not suited to my shape??? At first I was so impressed and it felt good. Quality felt okay. That bra has deceived me big time. Read more 227 more words
It's a pretty bra, but yeah...it's not giving you the support as much as your others. Too bad...
Wilderness1 yes it's kinda unsupportive. I try to figure out why, bc I'm not sure I need another size?
Interesting because I’m FOB and I have the same issue with this bra, just a saggy look. I thought it was because the straps were too long or stretchy. I still haven’t figured it out
margesimpson Interesting, so it's not a FOB or FOT issue so general issue with the bra? I wonder if the materials are too weak and stretch out over the day? Does it happen when you put it on or you notice it a few hours in? For me it's the later as I put it on it looks ok, not super uplifted but after few hours the top gets dragged down.
alisa for me it’s not great when I put it on and it gets worse throughout the day too!
Honestly, I’m surprised this bra didn’t fit me. I really thought it would based on its shape and how it fit others. I’ve had my eye on it for a hot minute, and finally decided (thank you Pay Day) to scoop one up.
It’s gorgeous. Sooo pretty, looks nice and delicate/feminine yet feels supportive. It has a lovely appearance on. But it’s sadly too small for my bigger boob. It’s quad-boobing quite noticeably.
Positives: • A true to size 28 band from Freya, what a surprise!! 😂 love the fit of the band, perfectly snug. • IMMEDIATE PROJECTION!! Look guys, there’s no wrinkling at the bottom of the cup! I’m so ...happy because this hardly ever happens for me (especially in a UK bra!) but it makes it even sadder that the rest of the bra doesn’t fit lol.
Negatives: • Only that the wires are slightly wide, but I would happily ignore this if the rest of the bra fit. But I think the wires would be significantly too wide in a 28J, however, I might still give it a try.
P.S. Some people might find the wires on this bra a bit firm but they’re fine for me. Read more 87 more words
Because Freya bands stretch out so quickly, I decided to try a 30 band. Right away the support was noticeably different. The gore tacked firmly, and suddenly I could barely feel the weight of my breasts, which is wild. I noticed as I was putting it on that the wires felt narrower than the black 32J, but I do think they got distorted slightly from stretching. When I wore it with an extender, the wires felt like they sat closer behind my breast tissue. So I think I'll need to wear it with an extender to break it in, but I also suspect that it may not stretch ...out as badly as the 34 and 32 simply because there's so much less band to stretch. Despite the tightness, it didn't hurt. It felt reasonably comfortable. This was for about ten minutes, so that could change after a few hours, but my main discomfort with bra bands tends to be when they stretch after a few hours of wear and the weight of my breasts starts to push the wire down into my ribs. I think this band might stretch out less, hopefully.
The cups don't really have any more depth than the 32J, technically, but there was slightly more immediate projection and more height, so the shape better accommodated my breasts without squishing them painfully or pushing them to the side. I was able to tighten the straps without squishing them unreasonably. The straps are on the wide side, but they don't really dig in. So it's not bigger, but the projection does feel better. I think I got a more flattering shape, high and round without being under my chin, very much firmly in place and not moving around. It did make my breasts look kind of huge, but they were comfortable, which is what matters. It feels very forward-facing, with a lot of open room on top for upper fullness, but I wasn't in danger of falling out when I leaned over. The gore was able to sit slightly lower, so it was more comfortable for my close-set breasts.
The material is light, but it feels strong. It's a very breathable lace. I can't really see the seams under a shirt, but the scalloped pattern on the edges of the cups does peek out unless I pull my collar up higher. Read more 284 more words
Great review! I think I'm gonna get a Fancies too. It sounds so good from your review. Lots of projection and lots of room for upper fullness. It's a shame about the bands, I had from Fantasie one that stretched out very badly in only 4 months.. at least in Freya we have the option to size down to 30 bands.
alisa, thank you! Yeah, I've been pretty happy with the Fancies except for the band issue. The cups are on the wide side for me (the end of the wire is on my side), but that doesn't seem to affect the support. But those bands! After a few hours with the 32, it feels like a 34 and can't handle the weight anymore. So hopefully sizing down will counteract that issue. I bent the wires on the 30JJ quite a bit (after measuring) to suit my ribs better, so hopefully that will also help with the wire distortion and keep things comfortable.
What I'm noticing with the Fancies (having tried about four now, I think) is that the depth really starts to increase as the band goes down and the cup goes up. So having to size down in the band might work in favor of people who really need that projection and room for upper fullness, since those cups are going to have more outward room than the sister size with the bigger band. It's the closest I've been able to get to my natural shape (which is very projected and very full on top and really does not like to be squished). I've actually been able to tighten the straps on it without squishing anything too much (which is what normally happens once I tighten straps, so I end up having to leave them loose and they fall constantly). So for that, I'm okay with the wires being too wide. And I've been able to find them for decent prices, so it's a reasonably affordable option that's also just more available and easier to find than some of the suggestions I keep seeing for that breast shape. Not perfect, but definitely wearable.
One thing to note is that the lace cup isn't stretchy at all. If it's just a bit too small, the little elastic strip at the top kind of cuts in and leaves a bit of a groove and quads slightly, and if it's definitely too small, that can kind of hurt. So it's mostly very open and good for full on top, but not that forgiving if the cup is too small.
Anyway, if you try it, I hope it works for you!
I actually need lots of projection + upper room. It sound good. I have Freya Viva in 32JJ which almost feels a bit big after one day wear. I guess it is the band stretching out so much which you also experienced? Also there is sligh room in cups as viva has stretch lace. So looking at your measurements both 32J and 30JJ Fancies have exactly the cup depth I need... but I'm really not that size I'm usually 32JJ or 32K so you say they run big in cups too?
alisa Yeah, it could definitely be the band, but I haven't tried the Viva or any stretch lace styles so I can't say for sure. The Fancies cups have no stretch in them whatsoever, though. The cups don't stretch by the end of the day, just the band. The 32J is good for me, but I think I could be comfortable in the 32JJ. I sometimes get very slight but tolerable quadding in the 32J (though that could be from the band slipping down slightly or just the size fluctuation I get). And I might try the 30K, as the 30JJ is comfortable and feels stable but makes my boobs look huge, which I think wouldn't happen if the cups were just a bit bigger. Generally for other bras, 32J is definitely a little small for me, and the gore wouldn't come close to tacking, though, so I'd say the Fancies do run bigger, since it does tack before the band stretches. The comparison for the Viva 32JJ and the Fancies 32J certainly seems to bear that out. I did try a 32K, though (but didn't get the chance to measure it, sorry), and I got some wrinkling on the top.
Every time I sort bras by depth, Fancies comes up right at the top, so hopefully you'll get the depth you need. It's such a balancing act finding enough projection and room for upper fullness in a large cup without ending up with wires wrapping around to your back.
I have ordered 2 Freya bras thanks to your review. I got my first one, Freya Florri in 30K and the fit is spot on and it's very supportive. Thanks for letting us know that the bras are actually supportive in large sizes! (I have tried Freya bras years ago and found them very weak and unsupportive in large sizes which kept me from every trying one again - but it looks like they totally stepped up their game!)
When I first tried out 28D bras, I started with the Freya Deco half cup. That really did not fit, so I sent it back and shied away from bras for a while, thinking I was somehow too small for my sister size in a smaller band. Later, I learned that the Deco tends to run large in the cup, by almost a full cup size, but that certain models - Taylor, Carly, etc., - came closer to normal. I love molded cup bras, so I decided to give the Taylor a go.
Well, the cups are smaller. I'll give it that. The band is still somewhat large ...for a 28, as expected of Freya. The pattern is pretty, the bra is classy - it's certainly not the best quality thing I've ever owned, but I've learned not to expect much compared to my 32B days. I do find the strip of brown velvet kind of tacky, but it's really not a big deal.
My actual complaint should be well illustrated in the pictures. The edge of the bra's cups pull away! It's absurd, really, because the cup fits perfectly until that last centimeter. After the velvet ends, there's a lace edging on the cup, and at this point, the molded cup actually bends away from my body. With the bra off, you can see (or I hope you can, sorry for the webcam pictures!) that this is just how the bra was constructed. I'm not sure how to handle this. No amount of adjusting the straps or back or swooping and scooping can change the fact that the cup just is not shaped like a boob. I mean, the top of the cups is a bit too deep for my small boobs, but that's nothing compared to the awkwardness of my cups showing through all my shirts.
I'm just... disappointed, really. My experience with Freya made me expect that the cups would be deep at the top and the band would be bigger. I can live with both of those, because the band just wears a little faster, and the cup thing only bothers me when I lay down. But this bra is now firmly relegated to housewear due to its construction. I would definitely not buy again. Read more 269 more words
This bra runs big in the band. With such a stretchy band, you might want to consider going down a band/up a cup to make sure your bra will last a long time. Or, if you're not bad at sewing (or have a good seamstress/know someone who's good at sewing), the side wings are the same height all the way to the place where the shoulder strap meets the wing at the back, so it'd not take much to alter it to fit after the bra stretches out to the point where it's no longer supportive.
This is a great plunge neckline, good under v-necks, square necks, and scoop ...necks, though the very top corner might show on some very wide square-necked shirts. It's very comfortable as an all-day bra, and helps to keep everything lifted and separated (not out-to-the side, but not an ugly mashed-together look either).
As a nursing mom, I'd say that unless your breasts are firm, you may find yourself falling out the center due to the style. Despite that, it's still a go-to bra for me, and one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a molded plunge. If you want something more interesting, they're putting out various prints and colors for this style all the time now, but the basic nude is a favorite for me! Read more 112 more words
This is one of the cheaper bras in my general size range at Bravissimo. It is sort of pretty, ut not exactly my style. I bought this bra for fitting purposes so I could discover my true size. I was impressed by the bra's quality and construction--much, much better than the American ras that I am used to. No stray threads, no flimsy seams, and no incredibly itchy material. It did surprise me a bit because it is much bulkier than the average American bra, but it doesn't particularly bother me.
The band fits me perfectly. I can easily run two fingers underneath ...it and I can pull it out far enough to just get my fist between myself and the strap. It is made out of a silky-textured material that doesn't itch at all.
The straps are just right for me; they aren't too long and they aren't too short. I found them to be quite easy to adjust. They are made of the similar/the same silky-feeling material as the band, so I didn't experience any chafing.
The cups were my primary problem with this bra. The underwires poked my breast tissue really badly and left deep red marks. It was particularly bad at the center gore. The cups themselves were too tight against my breasts as well. So tight, in fact, that they constricted my breathing because there wasn't enough room for my breasts. My breasts actually pushed the cups' material away from them, creating distinct wrinkles at the top of the cup where it meets the shoulder strap. The inner edge of the cups would also dig into my breast tissue when I inhaled.
Despite the fact that this is a balconette style, I found that it came up too high for even my only mildly low-cut tops. When I would put one on, about 1/2 inch of the top of the cups was showing.
So this bra was way too small for me in the cup. I discovered that I am not an F cup as I had previously deducted (I wore a 32C from Victoria's Secret for years). I am closer in range to a G.
I would also like to note that some may find the mesh material that the cups are made out of to be a bit itchy. This might be due to the wrinkling, however. Read more 299 more words
My shape: full on top, short roots, high set, very narrow/borderline Omega shaped, space between breasts, very soft breast tissue, pendulous, evenish to somewhat center fullness (5'1, short torso, store a lot of fat in my ribcage)
I've heard a lot of conflicting reports on this bra, so here I am to add more onto that.
I like the Offbeat a lot, actually! Firstly because its material is just so, so soft. It also has a lot of immediate projection, really thick and sturdy straps, and oh my gosh, isn't this colorway just so cute? Matching outfits with pink straps is such a dream!
Most of the conflicting comments about this ...bra I've heard have been regarding the band and the wires. I actually got a 30H and a 28HH to compare, you can see my measurements for the 30H on my page. I liked the 28HH better, and I'd say I agree with the take that this is 'a true to size Freya band!' but I guess kind of with an asterisk? I'm used to 'true to size' meaning more like a half an inch to an inch smaller than whatever the band size is, and this 28HH stretches to 28 inches. Good for me who measures exactly 28 inches around snug, but keep an eye on that regarding where you fall in your band size if you wanna give this bra a try.
The wires on this bra are way, way wide and also really firm. Neither of these things bother me except for some reason the gore was hurting me the first time I wore this bra? I've seen the gore on this bra twist on people with less space between their boobs, so maybe that has something to do with it, but I had to wear it with a bra liner kind of shoved upside down the first time I wore it. After that, it wasn't so bad. I guess the bra just molded to my shape better? I had a similar issue with the sides on my 30H - Panache » Olivia Balconnet Bra (7751) but that took a few wears before it stopped hurting.
Overall, the Offbeat reminds me a lot of a softer, shorter Envy. Read more 262 more words
wow, thick band and thick straps! Like, kind of surprising for a 28 band!
I've been interested in this one for a while, and "softer, shorter Envy" sold me on it lol. I had an Envy a long time ago, and while it fit well, it was pretty scratchy.
But, after reading a review from a fellow bratabaser, I saw how tall the wings were, it looked totally different from the backside photo in the above link. For bigger cups, the wings struck me as matronly. I am sure there is a logical explanation for this but regardless, my enthusiasm dropped off a cliff.
This is cute and comfortable. As usual, the gore is too high for me but it’s manageable. I wish this was a two hook bra, as one cup size smaller only has two hooks. Sometimes I find the three hook band to feel cumbersome. I enjoy the pop of color on the straps. The cups for quite well.
About me: FOB, short roots, narrowish roots, centre full close set, somewhat splayed, pendulous yet high set.
This technically fits me, one of the few bras with little to no gaping at the tops of the cups for me. The gore is a tad too wide and this becomes uncomfortable after a few hours. I also found the straps way too long and had to tighten them quite a bit. The shape isn’t my favourite, I feel like there isn’t enough lift and it minimizes. but it does work well under shirts that aren’t very tight.
I’ve read that older Freyas have large bands but not this one, it is TTS. Material is firm but comfortable. I do like the pattern it’s quite pretty. I will say that when I wear this one my boobs don’t move at all!
This was my first attempt at this beautiful lace longline bra. Both the cups and band were too big for me. The band runs true to size for a 30, but the cups run at least half a size to a full size big. The wires are much wider than my Freya padded half cups in this size. The gore is also taller and quite wide, which did not work for my close-set boobs. The 4-part cups are fairly closed on top and projected, so good for full on bottom shapes, but probably would cup in if you're full on top. Other notable features of this bra are really soft and stretchy straps and only 2 columns of 5 hooks. The materials are soft and supremely comfortable, except, in my case, for the wide and tall gore. I loved how it looked so much that I ordered it again in 28FF - Freya » Fancies Longline Bra (1014). I've written up a full review of that bra on my blog.
I'm in love with so much about this bra: the fire engine red, all-over lace is stunning. The materials are lovely and soft. There is ample projection, but the cups also run at least half a size large and somewhat wider than I expected. Unfortunately, it's an incompatible shape for me https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> That red, though! A full review can be found on my blog.
The 30FF dimensions are larger than I anticipated, too. The color is gorgeous!! Thanks for your thorough review, beautiful photos, and measurements :-)
I hate the Freya Deco. This bra is so tall and shallow. It's ridiculous. Why is it so shallow? The straps are also super thick (which is hard to hide). But most of all it's just weirdly shaped. Oh and the band is soooo stretchy. This one stretches to 32 inches. Is there anyone in this size range that Deco actually works for? Is it just a me issue? I don't understand how something so innocent looking can be so evil.
I sleep in my 28F Deco Honey. The cups give me megaquad, but the rest of the bra is really comfy for me. Can't wear it out of the house, though.
I also have a 28G Deco with lots of unusable cup space on the sides. Its worked pretty well since I reduced the height of the outer cups and moved the strap in to stop its pit scraping habits.
To complete the experiment, I bought a 28FF in Lagoon hoping it would solve the quad AND cup height problem. Instead it had both, so I traded it. I hope it worked for her.
I just don't understand who the pattern fits! Why is the Deco so popular as to have so many incarnations? Is it better at bigger sizes?
I have a private theory that it works well with implants. I may be wrong, though. Maybe wideset, cleavage resistant boobs also.
But cup height is a problem for me in most bras in my cup size, so I can't really single out the Deco.
It's cause it has tall cups and a lot of people have tall roots (including me). I love bras that can accommodate tall roots. In my size, it fits tall rooted, narrow rooted, close together spaced breasts and can accommodate people in the central part of the projection scale. If you're looking for a 28F bra specifically made for short roots, try the Cleo Lily.
Thank you Saskia_C! I've found unlined bras that work, I just want a seamless t-shirt bra that isn't ridiculous on me. I don't really think such a thing exists at the moment (Comexim the seams show through some things). I would like to try Cleo Lily, but it's a bit hard to find, and I think the gore would probably be painful on me.
Ironically, I traded my Deco for a Meg. A win all around!
I wish the manufacturers could just say who a bra will work for instead of us having to find out the hard way.
The real problem is that our size range isn't stocked, so cannot be tried on prior to purchase.
Yeah that would be so much nicer. Or if they could make multiple cuts of it. If Freya could cut a Deco like they cut their unlined plunges I'd buy it in a heartbeat, stretchy band and all. I just want a nude, seamless, t-shirt bra for work. Everything I have that fits shows through clothes.
I actually found the Deco works for me. But it's not perfect, at all. It could be much better, but it's the best fit I've come across. Imagine I'm quite on the tiny side, almost bony, and a chest that almost seems glued on my frame (thanks genetics). Most moulded bras were overwhelming and felt constricting. I just wanted a bra that doesn't flatten my boobs, brings them more forward so that when I move my arms I don't bump into them, and gives a good overall shape. The Deco does it - but not perfectly. It gaps. But it's the only one that doesn't spill when I take a deep breath. And it is tall indeed, it's limit on me. Were I any shorter it would not work at all.
Anyways, hope it gives you an idea of who it would fit. I got it in 30E and I feel it kinda stretches out, so if you ever need to get rid of that 28F you're wearing (I only got black bras, would love nude), you can send me a message haha :)
I'd just like to see patterns used in more styles since we're all in so many shapes. I don't know why there aren't any UK manufacturers who do moulded bras for narrow/projected in a 28. I mean it can't be THAT rare or Polish bras wouldn't be so popular.
I can wear it well in 30FF, but then again I'm implanted. It doesn't tack but it still looks good. However, I've since broken up with Freya and have turned strictly to Polish bras now.
you guys are making me want to try polish bras now. have to learn the sizing though :o
Once you go polish you can't go back! There's nothing like it really.
Its totally worth taking the time to figure out sizing. I'm sure we can help you!
I do wonder why its apparently so tough to make molded bras for narrow/projected shapes. I keep looking at the Maddie and thinking "But its a Cleo...but I'll probably have to size up to a G and then it'll scrape my pits...but it's a Cleo...."
Since Cleo has discontinued the 28 for several models (including the Lily/Erin) I suspect that they feel its not a very big part of the market.
Regarding Polish bras, Comexim doesn't make a molded cup either (not sure about EM) and they have their own sizing problems. And had you heard of them before you came to this site? (I hadn't.)
I have a love/hate relationship with Deco in general. My Honey is a disaster. I seriously only keep it because of the color.. cups make me quad in the center, and they're too tall/round on top for me to ever fill.
My Charm and Vibe fit better. Still have somewhat of an issue with Vibe's upper cups, but luckily the racerback option makes it less. Charm is much better.. I totally agree that this would probably work best for implants acee
I heard about Comexim and Ewa Michalak through message boards on an implant site. There are no seamless bras through either company (unless you count EM's strapless), but even with my impants, Deco was never flawlessly perfect. You could always see the edge of the cup through a thin shirt, even on the original deco which didn't have edging. The Delight and Vibe models have horrible thick piped cup edges and frankly I would rather have seams than that anyway!
Just curious here (and you definitely don't have to answer), but with implants do you have to wear a bra? Or do they just sort of stay up?
^^^ I always wondered that too. I'd like small implants, someday. I've never gone a day without a bra since I grew boobs. But if I could, I so would. :p
It mostly works for me. I have implants that make up about 60% of my breast volume. So I do have natural breast tissue that can conform to the bra cup. For a long time it was a staple in my bra wardrobe and my go to everyday bra. It worked well for me because of the narrower wires and it allowed for my projected center heavy breast. But since I've switched to EM I just can't get back into the Deco. I feel the original is very stiff and rigid, where as the other models like my yellow Deco are made of softer material and softer straps so I prefer them to the original. I wear them, but not nearly as much as my Ewa Michalak. By far the EMs fit me the best. Deco is like wearing a bulletproof chest plate. Lol
I think everyone is different but in general yes, you need to wear a bra with implants, to protect your investment. They still look very perky without a bra, but gravity will eventually take its toll. I was sagged pre-op and I definitely don't want to get back to that any time soon. I do hear of lots of ladies who were NOT sagged and are implanted who go braless quite a bit though so I'm sure it depends on individual circumstance.
For me, I wear a really good underwire bra. I've seen where some people have an issue with their implants bottoming out and it's surgery to fix it. So I think of it as preventative maintenance. Keep 'em high n tight. I do go braless at time during the summer and wear pasties. Now a days I just wear a stretchy bando if I want a little more than pasties. But it's maybe once a week when it's super hot when I go braless.
I have Freya Deco Honey (x 3) and the fit is not ideal. I have actually just recently found out how bad it is. But I don´t have problems with cup hight, I have tall roots. But the cups/wires are too narrow for me :( Also straps are too far apart, they painfully dig in the armpits after a day´s wear. I think I bought 28F, 30E and 32DD. That 28 was snug on me, so there are variations due to colour or maybe Deco Honey is tighter?
I also wish they would make Deco in different cuts...
I have a 28F Deco strapless and I hate it. It doesn't really support anything, just sort of pushes it all to the sides and up because it's so shallow. The band is surprisingly tight for Freya though. I suck it up and wear it when I need to. I highly doubt there's any projected strapless in my size range, and I wear it so little that it doesn't really matter.
I thought curvy kate had one slightly more projected?
I have a theory supported by conversation with the ladies at a few respected local lingerie shops: the Deco gives the preferred American "look". Which is that elongated pancake breast thing, as opposed to "I have 2 proud breasts". The other thing Deco does is give that strong horizontal - as opposed to natural - cleavage line, also supported by programming (VS? celebrities?). Where the preference comes from is a combination of culture & marketing (all those flat chested models? feminism (sic)? clothes? the sizing system pushing you flat?) but the Deco caters to it by fitting the way it does and people are subliminally swayed by the look. I hate Deco and I can't imagine shoving my girls into it on a daily basis. Feels like punishment. Yet every time I go for a fitting or shop, it's what they bring out first...or clones just like it.
Whoops mean Vertical cleavage thing, not horizontal. That would be weird.
dbmamaz I don't know. I've never tried a CK. I've always read that they're very wide. Ewa has some strapless, and I almost got a Lilia on reddit, but it appears to a pretty Easy-West look that I don't like. At least my Deco isn't quite that bad. If Comexim did a strapless or multiway, I'd be all over that.
Ha! East-West*, though I don't think I'd like an easy West look much either.
Most CKs are very wide but some of their newer stuff is less so. Still wider than EM for sure. but not half-way around the back lol. ofcourse, i'm 32J so things tend to fit totally differently at that range anyways
I was shocked when my best friend (who, btw, opened my eyes to the world of online bra hunting) told me that her favourite bra was the Deco. I hardly ever wear mine and actually have no idea how it should fit. Pretty sure it doesn't fit me too well, but I have one anyway.
jennyanni Totally agree with you. I wear my Deco Vibe for my nude bra now (it is, literally, now that I've sold my Aerie-my only beige bra), and I'm actually really ashamed every time I walk out of the house with it on. I used to enjoy the "downward V" look I got from it, but now every time I see old guys just staring at my tits. And my bf doesn't notice a thing so he's just walking ahead like ":D *(^-^)/ *°♡ ~*" while I'm just feeling like a giant, grumpy boob - and uncomfortable all day xD
@dbmamaz jlcl119 My first "maybe this fits" bra was an unlined CK. I realized recently that it looked so weird because the wires were a bit too wide. It had enough projection for me, but I really think it was meant for wider rooted, slightly shallow. That bra turned me off CK forever though.
I mean "downward V" body shape..not boob shape xp
yeah, i have 1 ck, the Lola, and its definitely too wide - but its a good shark week bra for me atm.
It does have a seem but is great for shorter roots, have you tried cleo Juna at all?
Isn't Juna supposed to be super shallow?
Isn't Juna supposed to be super shallow?
not shallow in the larger sizes, I used to think that too, ( Maddie is shallow) My 33GG Juna has re same wires as the 32GG unpadded Cleos, is one of the deeper of this type of bra, and is quite short. Just thought it might be worth a try for you
I joined Bratabase to spread the word about this bra, as it's AMAZING and the answer to many a bra-wish I've had over the years. I've never felt more secure in anything that wasn't a sports bra, and still the shape is super hot. The girls are up, in from the sides (side support!!! SO slimming!) and perfectly rounded, with a slight upward angling and a subtler version of the super-cleavage that I get from the Deco (my boobs tend to roll into each other a little with Deco, and Marvel will have none of that). I could slay a dragon in this thing and look good doing ...it.
It's odd to compare a 3-piece bra (which Marvel technically is) to a moulded cup like Deco, yes, but this is all I wish the Deco were in shaping and support, oddly enough. The uplift effect is similar, but Marvel is more "in" than "out," and frankly, I feel classier in the Marvel. The Deco can be a bit much for work, ya know? Marvel is nothing like the sometimes-pointy 3-pieces in Freya's other offerings. And I don't see the seam under t-shirts at all, somehow. I'm just giddy over this thing. Thanks, Freya!!!!
Now to fit, which is a bit surprising: First off, the band is FIRM and SHORT. My 30GG Marvel is a full 2 inches shorter than my (slightly small in the cups) 28G Deco overall. The elastic stretches plenty, but snugly and with resistance. If you're a 28 who can wear the occasional tight 30 in one brand or style, do yourself a favor and size up in this one. And of you're a 26 band, this might be a great option in 28. Similarly, the cups run a touch small for Freya, though the underwire is quite high on the sides and moderate in the gore. I'd recommend trying a cup size larger than what you wear in Deco, after adjusting for band size. (I expected to be a 28GG in this, guys.) I'm wearing my 30GG Marvel on the loosest hook to start, which has never happened in a 30 for me before, in any brand. Feels like a good strong hug.
For me, this ones's a game-changer. Read more 268 more words
That sounds really awesome. How would you describe your shape? I require ridiculously narrow wires, would this be good for that.
The wires aren't narrow--they're broad--but the fit of this bra is so unique that it might be worth a shot anyway. I'm slightly full on top, with a moderate root and some underarm tissue. The wires broaden under the arms and go up high, but the effect is forward-lifting and slimming, with no east-west action. The wires encase everything under the arms, but rather than broaden my figure, they hold that tissue firmly to my ribcage and move it forward. It slims me as much as bras with narrower cups, and I feel more secure in this one. I hope that makes sense.
Okay, that mostly makes sense. What's confused by is the moderate root with underarm tissue. Moderate roots have slight underarm tissue (at least that's what I consider to be a moderate root). I have an extremely narrow root but with fat under my arm that's not breast tissue (I can see a demarcation where my breast tissue is when I life my arms, but when they're down, the root looks much wider due to this fat), is it more like that?
If you wouldn't mind, could you at least post a 45 degree shot? I've been trying to decide whether I want this bra, and I have yet to see it on anyone other than a model (which I don't trust, I'm pretty sure most brands photoshop).
I got this bra as a sleep bra. My usual UK size is 28FF/G, and my shape is projected, FOT, narrow and tall roots, super close-set, soft and self-supporting.
According to Freya' size chart, a 28FF would be a size S and 28G a size M. I looked at reviews on here and chose the S because a common complaint seems to be the band being too loose. It turns out that the band is indeed too loose, and the cups are fine, so a M would've been too big. If I adjust the straps long enough that the band doesn't ride up much, I don't get quad boobs.
I ...don't know why I assumed the bra is made of cotton when it's mesh. It's very see through. Not a problem as I intended to use it as a sleep bra, but I was worried that the mesh would be uncomfortable. But after a night of sleep I can say that it's not.
I didn't have much expectations with a SML-sized bralette so I'm not disappointed. I wouldn't buy it at full price (£27) though. You might want to avoid this style if you have a very large cup size. The band would likely be too loose and the cups too small. Read more 101 more words
Thank you for the review! I have been thinking about a sleep bra too.. Sometimes I use sports bras without an underwire, but I like the idea of this Freya bralette. Plus, its way cuter than a sports bra! i may give one a try.
I *think* bought this bra about 10 years ago, maybe a bit sooner. Honestly at the time it barely fit. I think I was well on my way to being a 34H at that point. But it was so cute I couldn't resist! And it fit well enough, but definitely wasn't perfect. My breasts were soft, heavy, pendulous, with average-to-narrow roots and center-to-top fullness. They sat comfortably in the cups and didn't *quite* spill over, instead kind-of freely wobbling up top, but staying nice and secure along the bottom and sides. The underwire was generally fine, but both it and the straps dug in a bit if I ...wore it all day. It was thus a "special occasions" bra. Then I gained some weight and my cup size grew exponentially, and this bra vanished into a drawer with a thought that maybe if I lost the weight my boobs would come along for the ride and I could wear it again.
I was a 34J when I got my breast reduction earlier this year. My breasts changed dramatically in shape as well as size. They're now semi-shallow, a tiny bit firmer than before, with wide roots and bottom fullness. I'm just now in the phase of my recovery when I can start exploring my new breast size, and after getting a new starter size of 34F from A Bra That Fits, this bra immediately sprang to mind. Lo and behold, it actually fits quite well! On the center hook the band is snug without cutting into the skin (coincidentally, I'm now approximately the same weight I was when I bought it), and the straps sit comfortably & securely on my shoulders. The cups are just a tiny bit too big, but not in a way that bothers me. When standing, I notice a small wrinkle along the outside bottom of the cups, but it doesn't feel loose at all. When sitting down, the tops of the cups billow a bit, but not so much that it feels like I'm swimming in it. The side support, which I definitely still need, is excellent either way, and the underwire feels almost molded to my exact root shape and width! My breast reduction has promoted this bra from "special occasions" to "everyday wear"!
So in conclusion, I wouldn't recommend this bra for my former breast shape, but highly recommend it for my current one! Read more 291 more words
Congrats on re-discovering this bra; happy it works out for you in your new shape and size!!
What a great bra adventure! I know you said the cups seem a little loose at the top but it look sto me like they fit your breasts pretty darn well. Happy for you.
billi09 Thank you! Yeah it's pretty odd, when I'm standing (and I am in the pictures) the tops of the cups sit perfectly flush, but I must slouch when I sit, because as soon as I sit down they get decently big gaps up top. So it's altogether possible that it's a "me" problem rather than a "bra" problem, lol
Wow! This bra looks so pretty on you! The colour is stunning!