This bra I bought from Hanes. It is a minimizer bra with a kind of tall center gore at 4.25". It has 2 part cut and sew, full coverage cups with the top section being made of stretchy lace. It is very comfortable and totally supportive. 3 hooks in the back and wide straps.
The cups aren't right for me, they're too small and I would need to go up at least one cup size. Like many bras at this size, the upper corner of the cup digs into my armpit. The underwire comes up too high under the arms and digs in, but it does encompass all my breast tissue. The center gore is far too high, which is disappointing because I was looking forward to a plunge in my size, but it seems as you go up in size, they always bring the gore up entirely too high and defeat the whole idea of a plunge.
Cup width 9" and depth 12" is a depth ratio 1.33, really shallow. Have you searched the Bratabase using depth ratio? It might give you some ideas. For instance, here are 40G (UK) sorted by depth ratio,
This is my first strapless! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> I really don't have a need for a strapless bra, but I picked it up with 2 other bras from another Bratabase user. And I am SO glad I did. I didn't realize what I was missing! I wore it the other day, with the straps, and I am SO impressed with the firmness and holding power of the band. The band is backed with separate pieces of very substantial elastic sewn in horizontally at the top and bottom, going all the way around from the hooks and loops up ...to a vertical reinforcement bar at the cups, I'm sure to hold it in place as a strapless. With the straps in place, it does an EXCELLENT job of holding everything in place. It feels very secure; like I'm wearing a big hug. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
It is a very plain white bra with no designs or detailing; no gore decoration. My breasts fill the cups with no bubbling, and the wires fit my breast perimeter and IMF, with good spacing for me between the cups.
I was wondering; what are the ribbon loops at the tops of the cups and the wings for. Are they to hang it, or what???? Read more 120 more words
This fit really well everywhere except the top, which was very loose and wrinkly. The top band fit perfectly, the lace part and seam across the center was too long, which is what caused all the extra room.The bottom cup shape and support seemed really nice. Will be returned to Amazon.
This is a shapewear corset with fully removable straps. Purchased in 2005, I can only remember wearing it once, but I'll say it was worn fewer than 4 times. The main material is thick Nylon/Lycra, like an Ace bandage at the back, somewhat thinner at the front. There are four very flexible boning pieces and a silky slip layer on the outside.
It is pretty substantial, I just realize now that it's totally the wrong size for me.
I want to note that I got these bras when I was a bit heavier. Enchantment adds +4 inches to the band so my 34 was really more of a 30 originally.
Since the this model didn't have anything below a 34 band or above a G cup, my options were very limited. I initially got 34DD(US), the size I used to get in any and every bra to stuff myself into, simply because I didn't know any better. Somehow I lucked out with this particular 34DD which had fit much better than any other I've tried. The wires were much wider than standard 34DD wires (being a ...minimizer) and it wasn't until I had it that I knew it was something I needed. The gore wasn't awkwardly floating, the straps didn't dig in and it fit perfectly snug on my then 31 inch under bust. Thinking this was THE one, I went to get another. The price of my beloved 34DD went up and the 34DDD went on clearance. The cheapskate within me gave into the temptation and got the larger size. To my surprise, it fit even better the the first! The gore tacked better, the wires are wider, finally I found a bra that contained ALL of my side issue. A true ABTF moment for me! This was marketed as a minimizer for larger busted women but for me it fit like a regular, well fitting bra. Instead of being flattened out, it was naturally lifted and projected forward. Don't let the intended function of a bra stop you from trying it, the results might surprise you!
Back to the present, Ms. Lilyette is still a very comfortable bra for me, though with the band being a looser fit it now functions as a sleep bra. A 32G Enchantment would likely fit me with my current measurements.
This is a well made bra that is easy to find and often discounted. I highly recommend this one to those with wider than average roots with average projection. I would avoid this for narrow roots, obviously, very shallow roots and extremely projected breasts unless you don't mind the flattening effect. Read more 252 more words
I feel like my boobs are on opposite sides of the globe in this bra. The cups are generous. By that I mean I have about an inch of space around the entire perimeter of my breasts-less at the sides-but at the bottom wire area there is a definite space that is visible. You can’t see it under the shirt, but when you’re just looking at the bra in the mirror, yeah. It’s obvious that the cups are spacious. The gore tacks, but only about 3/4 of the way up. Once it hits where my breasts are closest, the gore leans just ...a bit. Not much, but a little. Enough that it’s slightly tilted. The wires do not sit in my IMF, but barely rest on my ribs. Again, that extra space at the bottom allows the wire to slide down, ever so slightly. Between the far apart placement of my breasts and the floating wires this is not a good bra for me. These wide cups and forevermore long wires (which do not poke into my armpits, thankfully) I believe I will be selling this bra. It’s just a big too large for me. Read more 100 more words
This is a good bra for everyday use. It is quite comfortable, with soft fabric and wide straps. Sadly, it is the wrong size for me (34DD). After a check with Abrathatfits calculator, my real size goes from 30GG to 30H. I use it sometimes, when I do not need anything fancy.
Wider wires than most. Straps rest at a natural place on the mid-shoulder -- comfy and don't slide. The lace on the top half of the cup is lined against the breast -- reduces itch and see-through.
Strap fabric is a super smooth neoprene-like fabric making it super smooth against the skin (not the usual piece of stretchy fabric with elastic at the top & bottom edges). This would be a great choice for someone that finds most bands itchy.
Reasonably priced and easily available (Amazon).
Contrary to the name, I don't think it minimizes anything. However, with the wide cups, this isn't a push-up ...bra.
Haven't had it long enough to comment on durability.
UPDATE 10 months later: * Still looks brand new. Elastic parts still as tight as day one. * Have been wearing about once per week. Is washed after 3-4 wears (fewer in the summer). Machine washed, cold water, inside lingerie bag, normal cycle, hang dry. * The best bra I own for controlling contains that loose skin where the armpit meets the chest wall (a.k.a. armpit rolls, a.k.a. axillary skin spillage). Read more 77 more words
This bra was too big and too small at the same time. I typically do best with balconettes and this is a full coverage bra. Because of my short torso, the top of the cup nearly reached my shoulder. Yet it was too shallow at the wire and the gore didn't tack - in fact, with the soft wires it stuck out two inches from my sternum. That part was laughably bad. I found the band to be very nice, soft, and almost padded. It has three hooks but four position choices. Also, the top of the cup is more sheer than expected. I'd bought the ivory for wearing under white shirts, while giving a rounded shape. I knew the fit would be a little off, but the see-through cup defeated the purpose. On me, it had a matronly appearance.
This bra is just plain out not my size. I was desperate for a bra. Bought it on sale thinking it was my size when it was not. BUT.... It is super comfortable and the fabric is so soft. I wish it fit me!
finallygotboobs well, people with wide and shallow shapes certainly exist; a lot of bras are wider and shallower than I personally need, which suggests that I'm in the minority.
But also minimizers in general are wife and shallow -- that's how they minimize :)
This bra reminds me of a sports bra, without the support. However, it's very comfortable and stretchy, even though it has crazy wide wires. Because of the stretchiness, the soft wires distort and are pulled almost to my back, while the fabric of the cups compress the breast. It doesn't leave a very flattering look under clothes. I also didn't feel the wires were able to hold the breast tissue in place. Nothing moves but I have the sensation of breast tissue being pressed back into my armpit. The straps are not fully adjustable. This runs very high on the sides of the cups. It's great for FoB, but if you have tall roots it will probably cut in at the top. Also, I got this in two colors, Rum Raisin Jacquard and Black Jacquard. The black fit much much tighter in both band and cup.
I purchased this bra a couple years ago before I had been properly fitted. Like a lot of women, I thought my cup size was smaller and my band was bigger than it actually is. I wear 32G - 32GG now, but I can still make this bra work due to its wider band. The cup size is off but they are unpadded and unmolded so I still fit without discomfort. Like a lot of Lilyette bras, the underwire and sides ride high in the armpits, but less so than in the Enchantment style. Even so, I have noticed with frequent wear that this bra tends to adopt ...body odor that is tough to get out, even with multiple hand washes. The straps are some of the most comfortable ones I've worn on any bra, but they are hard to conceal if I wear anything with a neckline wider than a t-shirt. Quality-wise, this is still going strong after being my go-to for almost two years. There is nothing really stand-out special about it, but definitely a good option if your breasts are fuller on top and you want a little minimizing. Read more 84 more words
Great workhorse bra, fits like a glove and the elastic in the band is in between the two layers of fabric, so it's really soft. When on sale, I can get it at $15 in Amazon. The downside is that it's not pretty.
Thanks to Amazon's great return program I took a big desperate gamble and got a lilyette minimized strapless bra. I think it's staying up pretty well. It started raining on our dinning table outside and we ran out to move it under the deck and it stayed in place. Of course stayed in place is a good finger's width under my imf and the gores float. Though doesn't float as badly as it looks. I think the hidden underwires make it look considerably more misshaped than it truly is. I think pinching the bottom of the gore together might solve that. The ...bra is also 2-3 fingers' width too wide but it wasn't bothering me. I think because it's not padded in any way it actually makes those fitting issues less uncomfortable and less noticeable to me the wearer as well. This might be the best strapless option for me I've tried. The band can't loosen up anymore or I'll lose the bra but that can be altered. I sister sized up two bands but it's the smallest one they carry. Sorry for the poor picture quality. If I decide to keep it I'll update them. It's the most minimizing strapless I've ever tried and I love minimizing! Read more 112 more words
It is really really really hard to find a good strapless bra. Not gonna lie. 99.9999% of strapless bras out there were made for broad rooted, shallow, FOB, and short rooted types. It is especially hard to find a strapless bra that is narrow and projected.
This red bra I got on a bra transfer from another Bratabase user. 1st off it is a minimizer which I don't care for. Plus it would require a bra extender which I don't like either. But I can say is the cups are really close together. Too much for me. The cups have inner slings and 4 hooks in the back. A really soft and cushiony bra.Probably really comfortable if it fit.
Cup width 9" and depth 12" is a depth ratio 1.33, really shallow. Have you searched the Bratabase using depth ratio? It might give you some ideas. For instance, here are 40G (UK) sorted by depth ratio,
http://www.bratabase.com/browse/by-size/40:9/measurements/?direction=-&hide_discontinued=False&order_by=cup_depth_ratio&filter_by=cup_depth_ratio
and the there are a lot of relatively deep Elomi styles at the top of this chart, and shallow styles on page 4.