This bra is beautiful. It looks delicate and light, and the embroidery feels fancy without being TOO much, you know? The tulle is too dark for my skin tone, which wouldn’t be a deal breaker if the bra fit correctly, but do take note of that if you have fair skin. I don’t think I’d wear it under a thin/white top anyway, since the embroidery would show, but it’s worth noting that the tulle is probably best for medium skin tones if you want that top section to “disappear” on your skin. (The tulle is especially visible for me in the sling, where it looks darker due to ...the presence of multiple layers.)
Unfortunately, this is not a great fit for me. The gore is a little bit wide so it does sit on breast tissue toward my larger side. It’s not uncomfortable or irritating, but it’s technically a little too wide. The band is a little looser than it ideally should be. It’s not riding up, but I could easily fasten it on the middle row right out of the box. It seems less snug/stretchy than other 34 bands I’ve had, in general. Neither of those fit issues would cause me to give up on this bra, as it is still supportive/ pretty/ comfortable, but...
The cup just does not work on my larger breast. I had expected it to fit the larger side and be a little big on the smaller side, but it actually fits the smaller side nicely and is too small on the larger side. I am an experienced seamstress so I briefly debated releasing the stitching where the outer layer pulls against the inner tulle layer; however, I decided that given the cost of Katherine Hamilton, it’s better to return this one. (I did get this bra on sale, but it was still close to $60, and since PayPal will cover my return shipping, I’d rather have a refund.) Anyway... I’m not 100% sure if this is a manufacturing defect on one side or just that the cup is too small. You can clearly see a difference in fit from my larger breast to my smaller one in my pictures, but I don’t think my larger side is actually THAT much larger. If it really is that much larger, then I must have gotten away with it in the past because I tend to choose bras with stretch material in the top portion of the cup, which is more forgiving. I think if this one had a stretch material in that top section rather than the non-stretch tulle, it would probably fit well enough to keep.
Summary: Beautiful bra. Lightweight but still uplifting. Not great for asymmetrical breasts. If in doubt about your cup size, I’d definitely go up in the cup. If you’re between band sizes, I would size down. Read more 367 more words
What do I wish someone had told me about Sophia? That it's about as close to Cleo Kayla as I'll ever find, every bit as evenly and ultimately full projection as Empreinte Kate, and never to fear Sophias side support slings. Slings are probably fantastic things to find in a cup, but as long as I can remember they've been nothing but harbingers of Bad Times Coming Soon, To Any Outfit They're Invited Along To. LOTS OF BOOB-UNDER-THE-WIRES-NOW,THANKS-SUPER-HELPFUL REALLY-NEEDED-THAT-IN-MY-LIFE.
At least 2/3rds of my bizarre shape is 'outer limits' which take a hard turn from the front, and extend off on a merry little joyride around the sides ...of my ribcage up underneath my armpit. So naturally I have some strong feelings about any cup features that mean to shove all of that boobage ANYWHERE else. Mainly because there's precious little 'anywhere else' for them to be shoved off to. It's armpit, shoulder, neck or lower inner at my sternum, all very unfavorable and painful places for muffinfluff to occur. Already have those issues, really don't want a bra to create squishing out, ever.
My primary concern about breasts and cups are 'Can it? will it? fit? In THAT?' and far far less, 'What do they look like, does this make them sexy or shove them together into a sweaty heap in the center of my chest?' Maybe Sophia does push splayed breasts up front, I don't know and will never know because all Sophia does is hold my miserable achy tissue in the same place at all times, the place they grow directly outward from, in the shape that they form naturally, without squashing or shoving them vertically UP to my neck (where breasts go anyways when I lay down).
Anyway. As far as I've found Sophia is at least a full as Simone, with deeper projection which is nicely focused in the lower center quadrant without causing massive outer flattening. Love that about this style, you'd think it was more abundant but I've found no, not a common feature at all. I'd hoped for a similarly forgiving amount of inner ease in Ewa's SM and Gorsenia's Casablanca, and can get this at times in Empreinte but it tends to happen in many of their models at the cost of depth near the underwires. Read more 281 more words
I love these delicate perfectly formed wires, the breathable 'invisible' sturdy textiles, the attention to detail and grace, the solid soft straps placed just so, that fabulous armscye, and the look! Om my gaw I may never get used to fitting into something so chic. And this as we all know, is where the struggle between finding the frame matching my overall highset petite torso with a giant's arms and shoulder fit needs, vs finding a large and low cut enough cup for a similarly impossible shape, begins to complicate matters.
In this size range Mariella's shaping gives me more an impression of Empreintes 'low neckline, ...high projected' bulletlike styles than Ewa Michalaks SM cut; closer to the short than Gorsenia or Nessa overall projected fullness-alas not to be. None of those have side-support but all carry varying degrees of inner ease and outer-reigning in which is achieved in Mariella by way of attaching a single slice of lace along underwire with a set of darts to encourage a bit more uplift than their other models I suppose my brief experience with Ewa's HP halfcup, mixed with relative success of slumming about during off-hours in stretchy minimizing side-support styles from Prima Donna, Simone Perele and Empreinte gave unwarranted optimism about rocking another darted cup design clearly meant for more forgiving tissue than my own.
Suffice to say, I, me, personally... am not super in love with the weird tug of war my underboobs have done in this particular style (they'd never dream of pulling this stunt in a Jasmine despite all of her own UPLIFT TO THE GAWDS issues), thusly I chalk it up to a vertical shortness of the lower well-projected panels and that lovely open upper fullness in Mariella's cut. Given the regular colourway runs half a size larger in every way than the black, I don't think that sizing up in this particular style would resolve our shape difference there- if someone has compressible/malleable tissue with enough skin laxity to allow tissue displacement it probably wouldn't matter. But my lumps are hardened criminals, my skin equally resistant, therefore constantly on the prowl for the chance to jailbreak. So Mariella's lower cups both struggle to conform to my lower roundness, and also crease weirdly around the same tough bottom fullness similarly to the way I'd found Aubade half cups technically fit with tolerably comfortable qualities, but also want to crush and shove titty out of the top of the mid-cup. Both Mariella and Soft essence/Joyau achieve total buckling cup destruction and yet fail to crawl all the way out, which is my idea of a win... this bra is far too pretty to look like a busted can of biscuits so we get the 'dubiously sexy tussled bed mess' award, instead? Yay I guess???
My shallow, tall upper breast brings nothing but orange in a glass issues to the table but is never bisected or cut into in any of Katherine Hamilton's offerings, which is an amazing feat for a regular balconette facing an upside down 7 shape. But also, as usual with every other bra on the planet with the exception of a couple of wildly too small polish bras in the correct shape (comexim, ewa S/SM and CH/CHP, comexim and gaia halfcups), there's usually a crease of spare vertical height in the form of a narrow pointy corner/angle just above my nips that is unwanted, unsightly, and uncomfortably itchy and aggravating when in motion (chafe her? I barely know 'er!)... I barely get this in Katherine Hamiltons in general, but the occurrence of this in Mariella is a slight elongated divot rather than complete fold or duckbill as with most UK offerings, unsure if this is to to with the generous openness and depth of their cups in general or the strap placement? Both? What does it serve for other breast shapes? Does anyone actually want a dedicated, pointy nipple pocket??? At any rate, one will not be getting it here in this brand and certainly not from Mariella.
All in all a delicate balance rarely met. So we pretend this odd disparity of never-enough-bottom-depth is fine, for all of Mariella's prettily ruffled airy layers. Maybe I will resort to stuffing spare silken hankies in there like a wealthy clown. Read more 616 more words
Okay, I ordered this bra *years ago* NOT MY SIZE but I ordered it with another bra which was my size, because I was curious if these are really 26 bands! The band did measure (with just a gentle stretch) 25.6 inches. so, yes! Very much TTS. Plus, I did notice how *cute* the design is; I can see the hype around Katherine Hamiliton. And why 26-band-wearers are excited about this brand! (I get it...finally.) It's cute! I like the silk lining on the cups. It's adorable detail. This would be my colour, 100%, as a soft summer.
I really not one to evaluate for wear (OBVIOUSLY), but for appearance I give it 10/10.
Update: Since gaining weight, this bra is now technically too small in the cups because the top couple inches of the gore are lifted (but at least the wire width is better now!). It is still one of my most comfortable bras.
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This bra was a major splurge/risk, but thankfully it worked out. I'm kind of obsessed with how well it fits me and have had to stop myself over-wearing it. It's beautiful and creates a lovely shape. I can comfortably wear this bra for 12+ hours, which is a rare thing for me except among my other favorite, best-fitted bras (e.g., 28G - Cleo » ...Hettie Balconnet Bra (9011); 28G - Cleo » Marcie Balconnet Bra (6831) before it got too small :'); 28H - Katherine Hamilton » Abrielle). The cup sizing is a bit more generous than other KH bras I've tried with the mesh layer (e.g., the aforementioned Abrielle, Eden). I would normally never go for a bra with such full coverage or such a high gore (both aesthetically and physically usually not my thing), but it doesn't bother me here. I can see it becoming a little too big/tall, with a digging gore, if I lost any weight.
Minor issues (none of which cause any discomfort): The underwire is a tad too wide. Slightly floating gore at the top. The shoulder straps are set too wide (and I have *wide* shoulders). The seams/embroidery show through clothes more prominently than my other seamed bras, especially at the point where the three cup panels meet. Read more 155 more words
This bra fits me perfectly and looks fantastic. I've seen that others have had issues with the outer layer bubbling/lying flat on the mesh, but I haven't experienced that. The wires are ever so slightly wide on me and I'm not used to such a tall gore, but nevertheless the bra is comfy enough for a full day of wear, even at work where I'm moderately active. I feel lucky that Katherine Hamilton bras fit me so nicely as I often struggle to find bras with the appropriate balance of depth and wire width.
I'm surprised this size fits so well, actually, as 26HH - Katherine Hamilton ...» Abrielle + band extender--only purchased because it was on clearance--is a bit too small in the cup, though the wires are better; and 28H - Katherine Hamilton » Evelyn also fits me perfectly, though I've read that most folks have to size up in Abrielle compared to KH's other, fuller-cup styles. I am already sizing up from my usual UK size of 28G/28GG. Maybe it's a fluke of the particular Abrielle I got. Or maybe it's because I am slightly FOB, and if I were FOT, I'd have needed to size up in Abrielle. Read more 100 more words
B. perimeter 7 Stretched Band 37 Band Length 25 Stretch ratio 0.0 Cup width 5.5 Cup depth 11.0 Depth ratio 2.0 Wire length 10.5 Cup height 8.0 Cup separation 0.6 Gore height 3.8 Wing height 4.5 Strap width 0.8 Hooks 3
Fit is strongly projected, evenly full the entire length of cup, average wire width, somewhat tall U wires for size range, light side support, very rounded apex. both this bra and the Ellianna's wire have a slight flattened rise at the lower gore and an inward-facing omega root shaped tilt to wires at the very top.
Crazy this cup is probably 1.5" too tall for me at the gore yet has the best depth at wire I've found to date. Will be making myself a half or third cup version, being very short breasted and wildly wide/bottom projected (not to be mistaken for FOB, very miserably side & basically full with a side of upper angst for good measure)
Fits ribcage 0.0 B. perimeter 6 Stretched Band 36 Band Length 25.5 Stretch ratio 0.0 Cup width 5.3 Cup depth 10 Depth ratio 0.0 Wire length 12 Cup height 6.5 Cup separation 0.8 Gore height 3.5 Wing height 4.5 Strap width 0.45 Hooks 3
This style runs a bit narrower and taller than the Simone Rose with it's extra tall U wires, and even-but-shorter immediate depth zone.
both this bra and the simone rose have tall U wires with a slight flattened rise at the lower gore and an inward-facing omega root shaped tilt to wires at the very top
black lace over nude tulle colorway
This bra's measurements have been altered
Altered band,
Added another layer to the band, reduced cup height an inch
This bra is double layered lace and mesh and is very beautiful. The wires are very U-shaped and are too narrow for me. The cups are fairly deep and require more upper fullness than I have. The band is stretchy.
This bra is beautiful and I love the purple lace. It gives a nice round shape but the gore is a little tall and wide for my preference, since I am very close set and center full. The band does run pretty stretchy but all around it is very comfortable to wear and the button detailing is gorgeous.
This bra is too big for me so I can't comment on it, but it is said to run small, so it may fit like a 30C. I feel like it might work for someone who could use a 28" band, but as someone whose loose ribcage measures 26" it is still too big. In case this helps I measure at a 26D/DD and it looks like it might fit if you weren't paying attention.
So, I put the stretched band at 28" but I think it can easily stretch more? I just.. am too afraid to stretch it out because I need to return it.
The width of the bra from edge of wire to other edge of wire is about 10"
I was expecting a pale pink/peach, but it's actually a darker peach/coral. The cups are narrow and projected, the band is perfect, and I just really like it. It's not the best fit for my larger side, but good enough to keep if a 26FF doesn't work out.
This was a total impulse buy. And the fit is amazing. I was very lucky! I ordered 1 cup size larger than I usually am because it was the only size I could potentially fit in they had in their outlet. The reason it was discounted that much (35£ instead of 98£!!) is that it has a weird shape with the outer sling pressing too much on the breasts and giving a sort of quad boob but at the base of the breasts (see pictures). But if I am not wearing close fitting cloths it is not a problem. So for the confort and the quality of this bra it was well worth the impulse https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />
The fabric of this bra is beautiful and soft and it feels sturdy. The underwire is very stiff but does not dig into my sternum. The band is wide and not too stretchy, maybe a little too tight but wearable. The cup fit is difficult to assess because of the outer silk sling, but after wearing it a few times I think that the cups are too wide. My tissue is very soft and the side sling might just be pushing my breasts more towards the center. The gore is not narrow enough but better than most. The lace cups do not show any wrinkling or gaping but after wearing for an hour or so there is a small amount of empty space at the top, which I almost didn't notice.
Love this bra! Unfortunately I underestimated the cup size I would need, so I will be exchanging for the next cup size up (26E). The silk covered straps and lace is to die for and the color is such that I can wear it as a nude
Having tried the Abrielle a few months ago I bought two sets in 28H; the blue and black. I've found that the black is ever so slightly firmer/less give but both fit well. My favourite combination is with the high waist briefs because it looks like artwork on my body! I wanted these for a special date but after I tried them on I ended up wearing them for work. I actually forgot I was wearing the Abrielle which says a lot about the comfort and support!
With regards to sizing, I would say that I'm between sizes (28GG and 28H) and so suggest trying a cup size ...larger than usual in this range.
It has a shorter wire than Abbie and Sophia (the two styles I live in) but I don't notice any difference in fit or support. But this might be helpful for people who find Abbie and Sophia too deep/high at the sternum. It also has fully adjustable straps. I personally don't need this and like the silk covered straps an Abbie and Sophia but it does mean that those with a shorter or longer frame can get the length they need.
I have to say this is the most beautiful and special lingerie I have ever owned. I want to wear it every day but am trying to keep it for special occasions to give it the longest life possible. Read more 124 more words