THIS was an excellent bra. I got so much wear out of it, but then I lost 17 pounds!

I can see why people are Gaia fans *narrow and projected* I believe Gaia used to be sold on amazon, through the store Other Eden, but I got this through the Polish store Misterna.pl

For the money, this was excellent value.

Updated on Jun 23, 2024 Flag this

This bra is an epic fail lol. Honestly, this bra gives the strangest shape/silhouette I have ever seen.

Gaia is another new brand to me. I honestly don’t know much about how this brand is supposed to fit or anything. I believe this is either supposed to be a half cup or a balconette. It’s completely unlined and is a 3-part cup. There is no horizontal seam.

I love the design of the fabric, but that’s where the love for this bra ends. It’s oddly super deep, but not deep enough. The wires are wide, and the gore is either wide or the cups are too separate because it seems like everything pushes from the middle out. The gore does not tack at all. The tops of the cups are wrinkled, probably because the bra might be too big. It seems too large/wide but shallow at the same time.It is honestly an abomination of a fit. It’s too bad that it didn’t fit correctly because it is a really pretty bra!

Beige/Black colorway

Updated on Jan 07, 2024 Flag this

Oh my goodness, I'm finally getting around to writing a review for this bra I re/cd last winter! I purchased two Gaia bras, Samira Soft and Chantal Soft, in the same size, 70I (translated to 32G UK) however these are *small* in the band. The BAND on this particular bra measures the exact same as this Ewa Michalak BM Chili https://www.bratabase.com/bra/dngre/ So, I think this band is more like a tight 30 band (Ewa Michalak tight). I know it's black, and technically black bras are always tighter because of the dyeing process. But wow - these two Gaia bras are *tight* in the band (to be ... fair though, these are the only two solid black bras that I own r.n.)

The cup depth is about the same as my 70I (32G UK) Gorsenia bras.

Therefore I think this bra is about 30GG UK, *with a tight band. This Gaia bra has a 4-part cup. I actually went through my bra collection to see if I have any other 4-part cups and I only have one - a soft Comexim! The top part of the cup is lined with elastic, so it may not be suitable for someone with a lot of upper fullness.

I would compare the quality as similar to Gorsenia, which is more of a budget-friendly brand (see this article https://www.thebreastlife.com/blog/10-polish-lingerie-brands/), my Gorsenias are holding up quite well, actually! So, not at the level of quality as an Ewa Michalak or a Comexim bra, which both cost more, but I have found GAIA bras online on amazon for as low as $9 on sale. Granted this was like 32D, or something (so a common matrix size) - that bra was obviously on clearance.

I just checked the prices on amazon.com for these bras, and the average price is around $35 for a full-bust size; however it might be cheaper/easier to buy these directly from Other Eden in the U.K., since that is the amazon seller - they do have a local return address in either the U.S. or Canada if you're in N. America. Just FYI, but you might want to compare the cost of going through amazon, or going through the seller directly (Other Eden).

I actually bought this directly from Gaia's website https://www.gaia.com.pl/ but I used a packing forwarding service, because they only ship to the EU. The cost was 17.53 € (about $17.70 usd) plus the cost of the package forwarding service. Bummer I can't try it on! It's just too small. I don't want to stretch it out at all.

I compared this 70I to all the other Gaia 70I and the band is smaller! Although I don't stretch the bands out very much when I'm measuring them.

I know Gaia does have some die-hard fans in N. America and I think it is because of the SHAPE - narrow and projected cups. For what I paid for this, these are top of the line bras for this price point!! I looked at some popular molded bras and they were about this price, and they would not last as long as this one (I'm just guessing based on the construction, which is similar to Gorsenia).

Addendum: I just checked again Gaia's size chart https://www.gaia.com.pl/tabela/ (note: I use Google translate to read the website in English) and plugged that into the A Bra That Fits Calculator.

70I is for sizes 68cm -72cm in the band
101-102 cm in the bust
According the the ABTF calculator, if I plugged in the numbers correctly, it's closer to a 28HH UK (about). note: if one is switching back and forth between UK/EU, you can't exactly "sister size" between them. You can sister size in EU, and you can sister size in UK, but to go back and forth in both EU and UK...it's a little messy.
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Updated on Sep 13, 2022 Flag this

My shape: full on bottom, soft tissue, narrow shoulders/roots.
Special thanks to MamaPagan for sending me this bra (and many others!) to try on!
Appearance and Fit: This bra is pretty cute! It's a 3-part cup in a soft, cottony fabric. The color is a darker beigey/brown with little white polka dots, and white lace along the top edge. The straps are removeable, so it could technically be a strapless bra. (Though I personally wouldn't feel supported enough without the straps.)
I'm not a big fan of these types of cups; I don't feel covered up enough, and like I could pop out the top at any moment. The gore doesn't tack, and my larger breast has some quadding, but I think a larger cup in this style would just be wider than I like. The straps seem wider set on this style, as well.

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Updated on Jul 06, 2018 Flag this

Me: Narrow roots, narrow shoulders, evenly round, lots of immediate projection, slightly FoB, slightly centre full, splayed, never met a gore I didn't like, left-heavey by more than a cup size, 31" underbust, but prefer tight band with extender. Panache, Freya size 30GG

I band size up for Gaia just like for Comexim. Fit is comparable.

Major Shape Mismatch!

But I half expected that. Cups too wide and shallow, especially at centre gore - top doesn't tack for my slight centre fullness. The immediate projection is not bad, but only for the first inch or so as it then goes into a standard one seam/ 2-part ... half cup. Uniquely, this design only takes the seam up to the appex and then becomes one complete piece for the inch or so above the appex. Plus, straps way too wide!

Beautiful mesh cups with attractive, but very fine (so less itchy, noticeable) embroidery with elastic lining upper edge of cup. I really like the dark teal and black together, it gives an over all blue impression. Only two hooks, no side boning, it has a continuous band of elastic but it is very thin and really is more of a bandless style.
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Updated on Nov 17, 2016 Flag this

My shape: full on bottom, soft tissue, narrow shoulders/roots.
(Special thanks to MamaPagan for sending me this to try out!)
Appearance: This is a 3-part padded plunge style bra. The top of the cup is black, and the bottom has a striking black and white houndstooth pattern. The straps are black elastic with matching white houndstooth pattern about halfway up the strap.
Fit: The straps are quite wide-set on this particular Gaia bra; they, and the fabric of the cup, dig into my armpits. I have gaping at the top and the gore doesn't tack. The band seems a little on the stretchier side for a 70 cm.

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Updated on Jul 03, 2018 Flag this

My shape: full on bottom, soft tissue, narrow shoulders/roots.
Special thanks to MamaPagan for sending me this bra (and many others!) to try on!
Appearance and fit: I'm torn on whether or not I want to keep this bra. it fits everywhere except the top: I have some gaping on both sides.
The cups are nice and narrow and of three-part construction. The bottom is foam-padded, the top a thin black lace with a skinny piece of elastic to help hold it down. The design on the cups is a Victorian wallpaper looking design in dark blue over grayish blue. The band fits true to size.

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Updated on Jul 02, 2018 Flag this

Me: Narrow roots, narrow shoulders, evenly round, lots of immediate projection, slightly FoB, slightly centre full, splayed, never met a gore I didn't like, left-heavey by more than a cup size, 31" underbust, but prefer tight band with extender. Panache, Freya size 30GG

I am so disappointed. This is the band size up from my 65J- which was perfect except I couldn't close it without an extender. Now, the band is right, but the straps are too far apart, and the cup width is wider. I have a little quading so I might try the 65K - which bumps up into Gaia's Maxi category - three hooks plus thicker straps. I still love the design. Try again I guess.

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Updated on Nov 17, 2016 Flag this

Almost comfortable - hooks are poking my back, doesn't mattter how tight I fasten the bra.

Updated on Nov 29, 2012 Flag this

This is my second review of a Gaia bra; when I went to Gaia's website too look for their size chart (I know, a little late...) they put me into a completely different size! https://www.gaia.com.pl/tabela/ 80F

That makes so much sense!

I do measure 32GG UK (band - 31 inches and bust - 41 inches) which translates to 70K EU. (So two cups larger than I-cup, if you're keeping track.)

I -cup works okay in Gorsenia for me (although Gorsenia is know for running large in the cup -lesson learned, don't use your Gorsenia size). I remember reading a bratabase review where a woman in the ... UK measured as a 26 band UK, but said she wore 65 bands in Polish bras!! Yeah, I could see this now.

I surmise the more commonly known Polish brands, like Comexim and Ewa Michalak actually make larger bands now, more similar to UK/US sizes, whereas the Polish brands that export mostly to Europe stick with their traditional sizing (smaller bands compared to UK/US bands). This is my theory. When I lived in Eastern Europe, people were soooo thin. They also didn't have very many sizes in stores for clothing; you either were "at the norm," or you learned how to alter your clothing - or sew your own, I suppose!

I digress, looking at these in the light of day - these are really good quality for the price. I think this bra would last 3x or 4x longer than a Victoria's Secret bra at the same price, easily! Sometimes I'm glad that I'm full-bust size, and can't buy cheap bras at Victoria's Secret! It made me seek out all the good stuff!

The bands are lined on both sides with a durable elastic. I do surmise Gaia is popular for both it's affordability (can be bought on amazon for $35), and it's shape in a full-bust size range: narrow and projected.

I would like to compare these *actually in my size* so next time I purchase Gaia, I'm going to consult their size chart! Lesson learned! Unfortunately, I'm not even going to attempt to try these on, so I can not comment on their comfort level or wearability.

Addendum: I just checked again Gaia's size chart https://www.gaia.com.pl/tabela/ (note: I use Google translate to read the website in English) and plugged that into the A Bra That Fits Calculator.

70I is for sizes 68cm -72cm in the band
101-102 cm in the bust
According the the ABTF calculator if I plugged in the numbers correctly, it's anywhere from 28HH/J UK - 30H UK. FYI!

HOWEVER, if they actually gave me a 65 band, which I think they did (because I compared it to my Samira Soft, 70I), this would be for 26J/JJ UK, according to the A Bra that Fits Calculator!
Either way, it's going on the listings!

Interesting: I do compare 70I cup depth for this bra (Gaia Chantal) to 70I cup depth for Gosenia https://www.bratabase.com/bra/dnl4y/ Gorsenia does run small in the cup, so "size down in Gorsenia cups" is good advice.
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Updated on Sep 12, 2022 Flag this

This Bra is a good inexpensive basic quality bra.
It’s nice that it’s not made in China but still very affordable.
Unfortunately this bra is too big and the straps are too far apart. The cups are too big for me the wires are too wide and the cups come up too high, for being quite wide the cups are not shallow either. I would guess that this is maybe two cups bigger than a UK 32G and more of a 32/70:11. The band is stretchy but feels true to size so I would recommend just sizing down one or two cup sizes if you are interested in this bra.

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Updated on Oct 19, 2019 Flag this

Sienna in 70I
I am adding this bra for data/informational purposes only. This Bra is not owned by me at the time of addition to the database.

Sienna is a semi padded bra, with light foam lining on the bottom of the cups for support, and sheer lace tops. The pattern/color of Sienna is white with blackish-blue flowers and black lace upper cup. The pattern reminds me of the blue willow print found on China patterns from the pre 70s. My grandmother had this pattern on her dishes when I was a child, though it was bluer, while this is more of a very dark blue almost black.

The band ... measures 23” to a max of 32.5” with 2 hooks and 3 rows of eyes which is standard for Gaia’s 70I cup.

Cup Depth as measured by:
1 Hovering the cup between the knees, then placing the tape measure into the cups without any resistance.
This measurement is: 11”

2 Placing the cup over the knee and stretching it similar to what a breast would, to the maximum resistance.
This measurement is: 13”

I feel these two figures give you a general idea of the minimum and maximum depth that the cup can accommodate, just like the flat and stretched band measurements do with bands. Since Bratabase only has one cup field, I enter the larger of the two, as it’s this larger number that determines if a cup is going to fit me or not since I am on the max end of the cup scale, but do realize that some may need the lower number to determine fit for their needs, so I will always include both figures in the reviews for full disclosure.
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Updated on Jun 20, 2018 Flag this

Matilda in 70I
I am adding this bra for data/informational purposes only. This Bra is not owned by me at the time of addition to the database.

Matilda is a padded underwire bra with a smooth pattern of checked hounds-tooth in white and black on the bottom and solid black on top and at the center gore, with hounds-tooth pattern on the straps.

The band measures 24.5” to a max stretch of 33”, with 2 hooks and 3 rows of eyes.

Cup Depth as measured by:
1 Hovering the cup between the knees, then placing the tape measure into the cups without any resistance.
This measurement is: 10.5”

2 Placing ... the cup over the knee and stretching it similar to what a breast would, to the maximum resistance.
This measurement is: 12.5”

I feel these two figures give you a general idea of the minimum and maximum depth that the cup can accommodate, just like the flat and stretched band measurements do with bands. Since Bratabase only has one cup field, I enter the larger of the two, as it’s this larger number that determines if a cup is going to fit me or not since I am on the max end of the cup scale, but do realize that some may need the lower number to determine fit for their needs, so I will always include both figures in the reviews for full disclosure.

I do love the pattern and wish it had been available in a large enough size. I really like the lack of lace, as it doesn’t get hooked by other bras in my drawer like the lacey ones always do. The cut of the cup is more accommodating than most bras, so it would work for more shapes than the tight laced closed in on top bras.

I really loved the Gaia patterns and prints, as well as price. It’s such a disappointment that they don’t expand their size range, as I’d love to be able to wear dozens of their designs. ☹


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Updated on Jun 20, 2018 Flag this

Gina 555 in 70I
I am adding this bra for data/informational purposes only. This Bra is not owned by me at the time of addition to the database.

Gina is a padded demi bra with removable multiple straps. The padding is a light foam lining. The pattern is tan with micro white dots and white accents, same as Gaia’s Ginger. The cups are in 3 vertical sections.


The 70I was the first size I tried in Gina, because based on a looser underbust measurement, their chart recommended the 70 band, and the “I” cup was the largest available at the time. I should have done a firmer measurement, but I ... wasn’t familiar with Polish bras or sizing yet, and didn’t want it to be too tight, and really wanted to have this bra.

The band of the 70I measures 23” with a max stretch of 31”, and has 2 set of hooks with 3 rows of eyes. The straps are wide set, but can be cross backed to alleviate this some.

Cup Depth as measured by:
1 Hovering the cup between the knees, then placing the tape measure into the cups without any resistance.
This measurement is: 10.75”

2 Placing the cup over the knee and stretching it similar to what a breast would, to the maximum resistance.
This measurement is: 13”

I feel these two figures give you a general idea of the minimum and maximum depth that the cup can accommodate, just like the flat and stretched band measurements do with bands. Since Bratabase only has one cup field, I enter the larger of the two, as it’s this larger number that determines if a cup is going to fit me or not since I am on the max end of the cup scale, but do realize that some may need the lower number to determine fit for their needs, so I will always include both figures in the reviews for full disclosure.

The cups had a height of 6.5”.
I also tried Gina in 65K and 70J, and Ginger in 70J and Ginger Maxi in 70K which is similar except for the cups is in 2 vertical sections on bottom and 1 horizontal one on top.

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Updated on Jun 20, 2018 Flag this

Me: Narrow roots, narrow shoulders, evenly round, lots of immediate projection, slightly FoB, slightly centre full, splayed, never met a gore I didn't like, left-heavey by more than a cup size, 31" underbust, but prefer tight band with extender. Panache, Freya size 30GG

An unfortunate almost! cups a bit too wide, straps set too far apart, just, and not quite enough immediate projection. I also get some in cup quading. I think it is because the straps are almost too short - I have them extended all the way and the immediate projection wrinkles bring the appex lower on my breast than it needs ... to be. I would size up a cup, but the upper part of the cup is as loose as it could be.

For Gaia, I band size up like Comexims - they are pretty size equivalent

This is a really beautiful black and white bra! The front of the frame is a houndtooth pattern and with the checked and textured edge ribbon, it is really classy. I was expecting some problems with the ribbons at the top of the cup, but none at all! The mesh and ribbon top of the cup is not elastic but is fairly generous - accommodates my centre fullness and average to tall roots with a little room to spare. Really FoT probably can't manage though. For some reason, the wires feel narrower than they measure - I think it is because of the shape - it angles out half way up the wing.

It is a really really nice shape. Very round and very front and centre. Not quite Cleo Marcie, but really close.

I think I will sit on it for a bit and see if I can't alter it.

Edit:
Alteration: I put a half cm dart in the top edge of the cup just inside the strap attachment. Has brought straps a touch narrower, has caused no quading, resolved in cup quading. A little wrinkling in top cup mesh at dart, but not enough to bother stiching. Still not quite a perfect fit, but pretty darn close. And it's just so beautiful!!!

Side note: dart is almost invisible becayse of checked pattern on ribbon and while I was aware of it when I first put it on, I quickly stopped feeling it at all, even when moving around. Once the bra was on long enough to really settle into place, I could only feel it at all because I used waxed quilting thread, which is easy to work with and sufficiently strong, but ... waxed, stiff. The thread will relax with a little wear and I don't expect to be able to feel it at all. I'm really liking this strategy, this is my second attempt and having the extra room on top gives me just the room I need to pull the straps inward a touch.
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This bra's measurements have been altered

0.5 cm Dart in top edge of cup just inside straps

Updated on Nov 17, 2016 Flag this