Much like the Freya Offbeat I almost kept, this bra is pretty and comfortable, but the support is missing. The lift is there (I'm in 34H) but once I start moving around the girls are all over the place. The band on this bra is also very large as I have it on the tightest hook and still have some room to tighten further. Most other bras fit me perfectly on the loosest hook in this size, so it's definitely a stretchy band. The cups are wide, partially because of the hook I'm using, but I think they would be wide in the sister size down one band size, too. The cups are shallower than I need, which might be causing it to slip out of place as I move around. I read on ABTF that this bra is supposed to be more projected, but I'm thinking that description more fits the previous model which wasn't made completely of soft stretch lace. It's beautiful and soft, but not enough support for my size.
Freya bras are well made and this is no exception, but the bra cups are completely wrong for me. I think the whole cup comes too low on me so the fullness in the cup is mismatched to my body. From the front, you'd think this is like 2 cups sizes off...the underwire is shaped too narrowly and shallowly. This bra led me to realize I need a shallow and wide cup.
This bra was the first bra I ever kept that was in "my size." I think that it is very pretty in appearance! It has nice polka-dotted lace detailing up the cups, and I really enjoy wearing it. I have read reviews of the Freya Starlight (unlined) that say it is very itchy, which I agreed with when I wore it at first, but as I have broken it in and washed it, it has become more comfortable - definitely not a qualm or deterrent for me at all. The quality is amazing. I come from wearing Aerie bras and such, so putting on a real bra that ...felt very supportive was HUGE.
I have had this bra for 3/4 months and I am still on the loosest hook. Overall, I enjoy wearing this bra and I think it gives me a nice shape under my clothing. My only few issues are the immediate projection & the uncomfortability of the area that goes under my tail of spence. Immediate projection: I have pendulous breasts, so I need a DECENT amount of immediate projection. I prefer the projection on the Freya Daisy Lace balcony bra over this one (the daisy has more than the starlight), but the immediate projection of the starlight is not really a make-or-break for me since it doesn't really impede on the fit and comfort. Uncomfortability: the area underneath my tail of spence does get a bit irritated after wearing this bra for a few hours. This is the only discomfort I have dealt with while wearing this bra, and it is not as bothersome as it could be, but it is still uncomfortable. And, for reference, I do not have a very prominent tail of spence, so this is saying something lol. Read more 188 more words
Wine/ burgundy red. Sizing is accurate, not the usual confusing UK sizing so I have to buy one cup size smaller. I started with an UK 32E with perfect fit in cups but the band was too short. Cups on this sister size (?) was too wide and tall. I really like the expression demi so measurements for the 34D will be added in the future.
TLDR, cute high apex styled bra with wide straps. Fits FoB/FoT and round shapes. Similar to Freya Soiree Lace unlined bra.
QUALITY: Great quality as usual from Freya, though there's some loose strings around. The hooks on the outermost row have started to detach from their sewn in positions though, which hasn't happened to any of my other bras ever - not even the ones i wear the most.
FIT: Straps slide off shoulders because they're too wide set for my narrow shoulders. I'm about 170cm/5.5" but I have a long build, so I can't use a clip to make the straps closer at the back - because ...the straps are tightened to near-loosest. The cups are similar to the Freya Soiree Lace bra and High Apex styles are a new favorite of mine, so the fit is pretty good to begin with. I don't feel like I'm falling out or spilling from anywhere. It looks nice when I wear it and it's OK+ comfortable, so overall a decent bra. As i mentioned, the straps are too wide set, so they fall off and do compromise fit. The wires can be a little uncomfortable sometimes, but their placement on my chest and in the bra structure don't really feel off or bad, normally.
DESIGN: Since I bought this bra, there's been new colors like pink and blue and I'd honestly prefer it over grey. The color is nice though, it's grey but like blue-grey instead of white-gray. The overall visual design is quite nice actually, i really like the 2 layers of fabric with patterned/lacy fabric overlaid the "standard" bra cup mesh fabric. The straps are wide and look nice, and might be more comfortable to some - my issue is they keep slipping down when wearing the bra, because they're placed too wide on the bra for my shoulders. Like all the bras I have there's loops lining the edges of the straps and top/bottom of the bra. Cute, but isn't necessarily more comfortable. However there's 2 types of lacy decoration here along the band - there's bigger loops with many smaller loops inside of them. A very subtle detail that's actually quite nice. The lacy fabric over the mesh is really nice! It's lacy and has little flowers in the lace, as well as the cup edge being lined with 2 different kinds of edge lace. The only downsides visually are the color (not a big downside thought), and the bow at the gore. The bow is flat and square. It doesn't suit the overall style of the bra in my opinion, but I'm also just more fond of satin ribbon bows because they're cuter.
Last but not least, thank you to Calluna for alerting me to this bra! Read more 357 more words
Is the original one without alteration also suitable for shapes with more top fullness? In my sight many Freya bras are too shallow at top of the cups.
smjwzhan I'm not sure I understand - I haven't altered this bra. I wold absolutely say this suits full on top shapes, but it depends on your specific shape of course. It fits me pretty well and I have very round breasts - like FoT and FoB at the same time, the tissue is evenly distributed.
After trying a sister size that was too big (the band runs slightly large), I'm happy with this size. It has slightly scratchy lace, which could be remedied after a few wears & washes, and the stretch lace on the top of the cup isn't super supportive. After wearing around the house, I noticed it shifting down when I moved certain ways. It's a great looking bra, and I love the fun color differences between the bra and the straps.
Feels oddly stiff and giving me great discomfort under armpits, it's like the cups are reaching too high, or simply I'm too fat... my fat armpits are giving me pain. My boobs r filling the cups only when I straighten my back, when I become relaxed ( hunched) there's a slight gap. Maybe due to total sagginess and empty on top boobs.I may have to size down one more cup, idk, but I think I should look for a different bra. This one was not made for me.
My shape : pendulous, very projected, short roots, narrow roots but wide set, full on bottom, outer full. Freya Fancies is one of my best fitting bras. Expression has an unusual fit for Freya. No cups and band on the larger side this time, the band is now true to size with not much stretch, and the cups are slightly on the smaller side of true to size, with good immediate projection but pretty average apex projection. The cups are very closed on top, which is perfect for my short roots, but those with tall roots, full on top or center full will probably get major quad boob ...from this bra. Due to my need for a lot of projection, I get some in cup quad boob, but the general fit is good. The cups give a very rounded shape more typical of Cleo than Freya. This is a very comfortable and supportive bra. Materials are pretty soft, although lace on the bottom of the cups is a bit bumpy. The cups are fully lined with mesh, unlike many older Freya bras. The bra looks beautiful and classy with its wine red color. A bra that may fit the full on bottom, short roots or outer full, but if you're used to Freya's generous sizing, you may want to size up in the band, and maybe also in the cup. Read more 122 more words
The name of this bra ("Off Beat") suits it's personality. With Robin's Egg Blue (muted) fabric and Peach (bright) colored straps, it would not have been my first choice of color combinations.
* With 7.5" cups, this "Demi" Plunge bra is definitely not a demi on a short torso! * Straps are set too wide in the front. They roll and twist into my armpits whenever I move. SO annoying! * The wires are too long that they sit on my ribs. (And at 6.25", they're also wider than a perfect fit for me.) The wires cause the cups to do this funny little buckle above the wires. * The "Plunge" ...gore is still 2.75" tall and 1.2" wide. It's about the limit of available space I have.
Oh, if they could only make a scaled-down version of this for petites... All I would need is shorter and narrower wires, drop the height of the gore just a bit, and move the straps away from the armpits. But keep the depth in the cups the same. Then they'd have the perfect bra for me!
BTW, I love the fabric of the cups; a little like spacer cups but more "body" to the fabric. Smooth, thin and wrinkle-free. Would be great for traveling. Read more 103 more words
Initially I bought the 32F, which at first I loved and thought was very comfortable. But the longer I wore it the more I wanted to rip it off; like it was both squishing me flat and the wires were pushing in too hard.
* Just as a reminder, the cups are full coverage & definitely firm. Support comes collectively from all parts of the bra: the firm band (has silicone on the top of the back band), the firm wires, the tall gore, the cups and the restricted stretch straps (if used). It DOES NOT slide down when used as a strapless! The shape is projected & forward ...round with a very slight pointedness (but not a lot center-fullness). Since the gore is tall, it will interfere with a close-set or center-full shape. But like I said, the gore provides support too. * Personally, on me the gore "tries" to sit on my sternum, but doesn't quite make it. Hence, it flattens me out in the center and causes just a little quadding (but not enough to notice when wearing). * One complaint about the bra is the location of the front straps. There are two positions to choose from, in both front and back. The back ones are fine, but the front ones, even the ones closer to center are still hitting my armpits. So I added a third position, as you can see in the pictures. I couldn't find grosgrain ribbon to match the original, so I used bias tape instead. I "stitched in the ditch" to conceal the stitching, just as the original. The new loops do not show from the front and now it's much more comfortable when I want to use the straps. * A second complaint is the length of the panel for the hooks & eyes. When worn on the loosest set of hooks, there is barely enough fabric to cover the hooks. So they will rub into you if you're not careful about making sure that flap of material is laying completely flat. Read more 230 more words
A happy surprise! The gore tacks, which is unusual for my close set, center full breasts. It's fairly comfortable, but on the tight side - I might have done better with a 30DD. Over time this might get better as it stretches. The tissue is contained and the lift is pretty good. I have a hard time filling out the top of my breasts and getting any kind of rounded shape - this gives a subtle rounding and a pretty good lift.
Cup size was either too big, or the shape was not good for me. The band was also pretty stretched out, so it is hard to say how it would have fit me if it were new. Also, dug into my pits a bit.
Best fitting bra I've ever owned. Only complaint would be that the wires are too far under the arm, I'd like those a little closer in. Slightly tight on the loosest hooks, but feels like it will loosen perfectly with wear.
It's visible through thin shirts, due to embroidery. Looking down, the seam looks awkward but doesn't show straight on.
I'd call this lined, not padded. It's thick enough to cover my perma-perky nipples, but not thick enough to add "oomph", which is perfect for me.
I like this bra. Even though it is made of mesh and lace, the construction feels durable and not something you have to handle too delicately. The cup shape is good for my round, close-set, even-fullness boobs. This will work for FOB boobs as it has good immediate projection but I can't imagine this working well for FOT -- the top seam of the cup seems prone to cutting in. This band runs a little tight, especially compared to other Freya bras which I've heard run loose. It feels too tight after I eat a lot or when I'm walking intensely and my ribcage expands. Cup is also TTS, compared to the Freya Love Note which was too big on me. The blue color is not my favorite, nor is the lace pattern that reminds me of my childhood curtains, but it's a good functional bra so I'll keep it.
The band on this bra seemed much larger than expected. It fit more like a 34 than a 32. The cup is a close fit but not the right shape for me. It looks nice though I don't like the frills at the bottom.
This bras fabric on the cups is stiff and scratchy with no stretch. The straps are wide set which for me will not work. The wire width seems ok , again for me but the cup height is too high for my full on bottom shape. The band was comfortable and that smooth fabric is soft.
I tried on 8 bras from Amazon Prime Wardrobe on 3/8/21 and of all of them, this is the only one I would consider keeping. Size-wise, it’s pretty much spot on, maybe even still a tad too big in the band and the cups. It’s SUPER stretchy in the band and straps. I even almost had to adjust the straps all the way to the tightest level because they’re just so stretchy.
I still had a little wrinkling at the bottom, I think from extra space and not because of a shape issue. The gore tacks, but does that weird floppy thing that Freya gores tend to do. The wires might be slightly too wide, but it wasn’t that noticeable. The lace is comfortable and conforms to the breast shape well.
The Offbeat is a pretty nice bra! I might try a 32HH and see if it’s any better and maybe try a 34H, too.
I think I might have to give this one a try! I love how rounded it looks on you! Did you end up ordering a smaller sister size? And does the lace show through shirts?
PamelaBeesly thanks! I haven’t tried the smaller size yet, and in all honesty I didn’t try it on under a shirt this time. 😅 I’ll try to remember to tag you when I try the other sizes so you can see how they work out!
The band fit perfectly, fits like a 34 band as it’s quite stretchy. The cups were way to small for me even though technically it should have fit me according to measurements. Gore was perfectly narrow. Wires are firm but covered in super soft material. Very pretty and nice cup material and straps. Hoping the 32FF will work for me.
I don’t fill out the top of the cups at all, and the straps slide off. The gore is high and digs in painfully. And, though not a fit issue, the back where the hooks are sewn is so scratchy I can barely stand it. My boobs sit nicely in the bottoms of the cups, but it doesn’t really feel like the bra is doing anything support-wise. Since trying this bra, I think I've figured out that my breasts are projected and short rooted, and this bra's cups are much too full on the top for me.
Is the original one without alteration also suitable for shapes with more top fullness? In my sight many Freya bras are too shallow at top of the cups.