This bralette looks comfortable, but is not supportive at all. This is the first bralette that I have tried and it feels like a tight shirt. The lace band is just not substantial enough to do anything so the straps dig into my shoulders if they are tightened. I ordered the size that corresponded to my usual bra size but the band is not snug and the main section creates a monoboob. The buttery yellow is pretty though.
This has less stretch than some other sports bras, so you may struggle with getting it over your head if you have wide shoulders. (You may want to size up.) I have narrow shoulders and don’t have too much trouble getting this Medium bralette on and off. I was right on the border of M/L on the size chart and went down to M, hoping for more support and a snug band.
This bralette is a great choice if you have a small band/large cup combo. (I’m 34FF/G.) The front comes up high enough that it’s smooth across the top of the breasts. The lace under the band ...does not roll up, unlike the lace on the stretchier Cosabella bralette, which tends to roll for me. The lace and mesh on this Freya bralette aren’t as soft and stretchy as the lace on the Cosabella; however, they are lightweight, not itchy, and do have decent stretch.
The bralette provides great light support. I’ve only worn it around the house and briefly outside (like taking out the trash), but I think it would be fine for running a quick errand (probably under a hoodie). Because it’s lightly supportive and doesn’t have back closures, this also works well as a sleep bra if I choose to wear it to bed.
This is an awesome bralette. The only thing I really hated was the tag — it was so itchy! So it’s gone now. Sorry I threw it away before taking a photo for Bratabase. Whoops. Read more 147 more words
This is a really cute bra, but 30G is too small for me in the band and the cups. I might try a 32G to see if that is any better. I'm actually surprised that the G cup was too small, because I typically wear a 32-34FF. The material is really nice, though, and the bra feels sturdy and supportive.
This is a pretty bra, and I like the cup construction because I feel like it gives a push-up effect, or like a cakes-on-a-plate look, but the cups are just a little bit too wide for me, as is the gore. I have really close set breasts, and if I want a cakes-on-a-plate look, I really need a narrow gore; otherwise, I'll have little indentations in the middle of my cleavage from the wires. If you are more wide set, this bra is going to be amazing on you.
Seriously, such a cute pattern. It gives me a tattoo vibe. It's pretty much a classic Freya balcony bra that gives a great teardrop shape and looks adorable. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit me anymore after my reduction.
This Freya bra is so freaking cute. I love the adorable floral pattern and the rosettes at the gore, which feels really unique. It has a vintage vibe to it that I just love. Even though I got it from another Bratabase user who sold this used, it is still incredibly sturdy and supportive, so I feel like it is a really quality construction.
I really love Freya bras, and this one was no exception. I purchased it new at Nordstrom department store. The bright blue with the silver really popped, and the bra was super comfortable. I would say it's true to size; I can no longer wear it due to my reduction.
This bra is really comfy. Straps are wide and soft. It makes a bit of rockety boob shape. Cups could be a bit narrower, but I don't find it to be a big problem with this bra. During the day I can forget that I am wearing this bra. I am not a big fan of this pattern though, but I got it with really big discount and this is my workhorse bra, so I am not complaining - it just does it's job well.
(This is the first of two for the same bra size and color combo)
I own the Summer Haze Padded Half Cup in a number of sizes, and I ordered this color in my current sister size of 30DD because it was far cheaper than in 28E, and I figured I'd alter down the band if needed to fit. The band is not too loose (it stays in place and doesn't ride up, but it's far from snug), so it fits pretty comfortably, and I think I may just leave it. I ended up getting two because the price was so amazing.
Now, I am currently between sizes ...28E and 28F due to an increase in upper fullness, so every single 28E/30DD bra tends to show some overflow at the upper cup due to my tall roots. The cup width and overall volume seems fine, however, and I tried a similar 3HC style in 30E that is a bit too tall and wide, so I think I'll stick with this size for now. Because the cup is still a relatively open style compared to the 4 piece padded cup and unlined side support cup, it seems to work best for me right now in this in-between size. However, it may be time to switch to 28F soon.
One awesome thing about Summer Haze that I want to note: this bra is remarkably consistent. I own this in 28E, 30DD, and 32D, so they are all sister sizes and should be the same volume. All the cups are pretty much spot on, and bands between individual bras of the same size are very similar. I am used to getting cut and sew bras with some significant variation between individual bras (I'm looking at you, Curvy Kate!), so to have consistency in the bras is fantastic https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Read more 208 more words
(This is the second of two for the same bra size and color combo)
I own the Summer Haze Padded Half Cup in a number of sizes, and I ordered this color in my current sister size of 30DD because it was far cheaper than in 28E, and I figured I'd alter down the band if needed to fit. The band is not too loose (it stays in place and doesn't ride up, but it's far from snug), so it fits pretty comfortably, and I think I may just leave it. I ended up getting two because the price was so amazing.
Now, I am currently between sizes ...28E and 28F due to an increase in upper fullness, so every single 28E/30DD bra tends to show some overflow at the upper cup due to my tall roots. The cup width and overall volume seems fine, however, and I tried a similar 3HC style in 30E that is a bit too tall and wide, so I think I'll stick with this size for now. Because the cup is still a relatively open style compared to the 4 piece padded cup and unlined side support cup, it seems to work best for me right now in this in-between size. However, it may be time to switch to 28F soon.
One awesome thing about Summer Haze that I want to note: this bra is remarkably consistent. I own this in 28E, 30DD, and 32D, so they are all sister sizes and should be the same volume. All the cups are pretty much spot on, and bands between individual bras of the same size are very similar. I am used to getting cut and sew bras with some significant variation between individual bras (I'm looking at you, Curvy Kate!), so to have consistency in the bras is fantastic https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Read more 208 more words
Viva is a newer side support style from Freya. I've only tried the Starlight Hero Side Support and the Rose Tapestry Side Support, but didn't end up keeping either of them. I bought Viva about a month ago and at the time was very pleased with the fit. However, since then I've experienced even more cup size increase with more upper fullness, so this is definitely a bit small for me now, and I've reordered 28F. This review will be commenting on the fit from when I received the bra and it was the correct size, not at my current size.
Freya's side support styles ...are very similar to the Fantasie ones, but they are available in a 28 band. I've noticed that newer Freya styles are much more TTS in the band, as many older Freya 28s basically fit like 30s. This is a true 28E, so I am very pleased with the band. It is made from firm printed powermesh and has a gentle leotard back. The wings are rather short, but I didn't find the band to be uncomfortable at all.
The cups are made from lightweight silky printed fabric, basically the same fabric that Freya uses on most of their printed bras, and basically the same fabric on Fantasie's printed bras as well. This lightweight fabric gives pretty good shaping and support while remaining lightweight. The cups of this bra are unlined, but they still give me a great rounded shape. The side support panel is lined with nonstretch tricot, but I didn't have any issues with it cutting into tissue and creating a horrible vertical line like these panels sometimes do. Most of the upper cup is made from mesh elastic with shadow stripes. Side support styles are typically pretty closed off at the top, and this is no exception, but the fact that it is mostly elastic helps it stretch better. Thus, this will accommodate tall roots better than most side support styles out there.
I have noticed that Freya's side support styles tend to run a little small in the cup, however, as that was part of the reason why I didn't keep any of the other styles I tried on previously. When I got this, it was the right size, but I did feel that it was a little small in the cup. Now that I am almost a cup size bigger, it's visibly too small, because the proportions are not quite right, and the upper cup cuts in terribly. If you are on the larger end of your size, I'd recommend ordering a size up in this silhouette.
The styling of this bra is super cute. I bought the Black colorway, which has fun geometric pink, blue, and coral flowers on a polka-dotted black base. The print is whimsical without looking too young. Trims are super simple, with medium width plain straps, and two tone skinny pink and hot coral bows at the center gore and strap attachments. Best of all, no metal center gore charm! Crossing my fingers that sizing up works for me as I'd like to keep Viva in my collection. Read more 433 more words
Last summer, I tried the Freya Escape Lace Unlined Plunge in 28DD, and absolutely hated the fit, though I liked the styling of it a lot. I was able to find this in the Padded Half Cup silhouette recently and gave it a try, although it wasn't available in my normal 28E, so I picked up the sister size of 30DD. It's not a perfect fit, but I really like this bra and will be keeping it anyway.
The 28DD Unlined ran a bit large in the band, and this one does as well. It's not as huge on me as a Fantasie 30DD band, but ...is definitely not snug. Without adjusting the bra, this seems to fit quite well. However, if I adjust the band to be snug and fit properly, then it becomes obvious that the cups are currently at least a half size too small, as I end up with major overflow at the top and center. Typically this would be a sign that you need a smaller band and larger cup (probably a 28F), however I find that it's not a bad thing to have a few bras with slightly looser bands that stay in place, even if the fit isn't technically perfect. Sometimes, comfort takes priority over fit. Also, I am unable to find this in a size up--ideally I'd have the same wires and cup width, but with a half size larger in depth, with more room at the top.
This is a 4 piece cup style, with a 3 piece bottom cup and a horizontal upper. It's basically the same cup construction as the Unchained Padded Half Cup that I just reviewed, as well as the Fearne Padded Half Cup. The one major exception is that unlike those styles, the wires on Escape are flexible! That's the main reason why this bra is wearable for me, while I didn't end up keeping the other two though I liked the fit of the actual cups. So, if this style of 4 piece cup typically works for you but you have trouble with the hard wires, look for Escape. The fact that it is a little bit too small for me is because I am currently between sizes 28E/28F, not because of the bra. The cups here run TTS, and should fit most shapes except ones with a lot of upper fullness. This cut gives a nice rounded shape with more projection than their 3HC cut.
The design of this bra is definitely to my taste, as it reminds me of Agent Provocateur circa 2011, when I bought virtually everything from their line. It is mostly black chevron lace overlaid over shell pink. The band is sheer black fishnet mesh over pink powermesh. Both the upper cup edge and bottom of the cradle are finished with scalloped lace edging, which looks very nice. The front of the strap is twinned rouleau satin, while the majority of the strap is medium width plain black elastic, so it is 90% adjustable. I'm glad that they kept the adjustable portion as long as possible while adding a decorative strap element! Instead of a bow, the center gore has a folded black ribbon with a rose gold triangle metal charm. A bit weird, but I think that at this point, I am rather immune to Freya's metal charms, and they don't bother me much anymore.
I love this design, and I really hope I can find it in a larger size. Also, I hope Freya keeps releasing these 4 piece cups with FLEXIBLE wires! Read more 506 more words
I love Urban Echo so much that I've tried to collect it in all the silhouettes--padded plunge (I have 3!), unlined plunge (didn't get this, shipping mistake), and now the longline. However, so far only the Padded Plunge has worked out. I had to try this longline in my sister size of 30DD, and unfortunately this is one situation where the 30 Freya band didn't fit me at all.
Compared to the 28E Freya Longlines that fit me (Fancies, Summer Haze, Floral Bonanza), this band is about 4-5 cm larger. In theory, I thought that if the band was a little loose, I could alter it ...to fit, since I'm pretty adept at altering bands now by hand. However, I'd need to take out so much fabric that this isn't really possible due to the tapering of the band. In order to preserve the stretch and comfort, I would not want to reduce the stretch powermesh portion of the wing, which is only at the center back of the band. About half of the wing is constructed from nonstretch body fabric. For this reason, I think you could reduce the band by up to 1"/2 cm or so, but no more. You'd really need to get your correct size in this style, since it only has two rows of hooks like most Freya longlines. Note that this style has no boning at the front or sides.
It's really a bummer, because other than the band being too large, the rest of the bra is fantastic. The cups are different from the Padded Plunge as they are actually a 3HC construction, same as the Jewel Garden Padded Half Cup, or the new Patsy fit, which is rounded and slightly closed off at the top. If either of these work for you, Urban Echo is a great option. This fits me much better than the Floral Bonanza, which is more open at the top.
Other than the differences in cut, the styling and trims are identical to the Urban Echo Padded Plunge. The print of this bra is white-based with graphite grey and soft pink florals and swirls, similar to a coloring book page. The band is made of very firm printed powermesh, so the print goes throughout the entire bra. The trim is graphite grey crochet lace at the upper cup, and straps are also graphite grey textured satin with picot edges, with topped on fabric at the front. Instead of bows, the strap attachment and gore have folded pink grosgrain ribbon, and the gore has a small metal upside down triangle charm.
I love this style . . . too bad it didn't work out! Read more 350 more words
Jewel Garden is one of my favorite Freya prints. I love that the watercolor petals are both soft and vibrant at the same time. I had tried this in my normal size of 28E in the Unlined Plunge, but unfortunately the shape didn't work for me. I discovered the Padded Half Cup and was able to find it in 30D (one size down) and 30E (one size up); I ordered both, but the 30D was cancelled, so I ended up with just this 30E.
This is a 3HC style and is basically the same cut as the new Patsy, or the cups of the Urban Echo ...Longline. It is slightly closed off, but not as closed off as as the Summer Haze, and the cup height is a little bit taller. Being one band size up, the band is a little loose on me, but not too bad. It stays in place without riding up, but isn't snug. Sometimes Freya 30 bands are like this on me, and sometimes they are ridiculously large. This one is on the firmer side. The band is made from printed powermesh with a gentle leotard back.
Currently, I have gained some additional upper fullness, and I am now in between sizes 28E and 28F. My leaning measurement is 28F, but it is all coming from increased upper fullness, so the width of 28E is still mostly the right size for me. This is just a bit too wide for me, about 1 cm, and a bit too tall in the cup, also about 1 cm. When I move, there is visible gapping at the upper cup. If the cup height were lowered to about 13 cm and the cup reduced in width slightly, the fit would be pretty good. I have a feeling that 28E/30DD in this style would run a bit small, as similar styles for me right now fit but have a bit of overflow from upper fullness if the cup is closed off. It's a good thing that the 30D didn't work out! I'll be keeping this as I really want Jewel Garden in my collection, and it was a great price. At this rate, I may end up fitting into this in a few months anyway.
Aesthetically, this is a simple and lovely rendition of a printed bra. The fabric is thin and silky, and the cups are lightly lined with thin foam batting. Both upper cup and lower cradle are trimmed with white eyelet lace. The print runs throughout the bra and topped on fabric decorates the straps. The rest of the bra is plain white. Straps are wide satin elastic with a picot edge, with small folded white bows at the strap attachment. The center gore decoration is a folded white bow with a small diamond shaped metal charm. If you like soft colors, give Jewel Garden a try! Read more 394 more words
This is my second Urban Echo in 28E, I had originally ordered this as the unlined version but Amazon sent me the padded again by mistake. I decided to keep it since I like this bra a lot and can't find this cut in any other style. See my review on the original!
So close! This is my third attempt at narrowing in the cup size, but there's still too much room at the top of the cups. The fabric is soft and the straps adjust far enough for me, so I should try one more time to get a better cup size, but I'm afraid they'll start cutting in on the sides if I go down one more to see if I can fill up the upper portion. I'm finding that the cups are roomier in the nursing stiles than they are in the traditional bras.
