Very short, projected, slightly narrow, close set, center full, even breasts....

The color.... https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> I couldn't resist photographing it near verdant green. This is a deep, saturated cobalt blue. Maison Lejaby alternated tonal striped fabric with tonal lace along the top third of the cup: subtle elegance.

I've narrowed gores on three bras. Post-alteration, more of my short breasts are able to sit in the cup. Then, the cups are too small. So, I decided to purchase larger bras; hoping for different results. This led me to a 90F ... Maison Lejaby. This is one cup volume larger than I wear in Curvy Kate (30G). It seemed logical that purchasing a bra with both a larger band and larger cup volume would remedy the "too small" post-alteration trend I had experienced. Additionally, as band sizes increase, wire width often increase. When you are slightly narrow and projected, you may find sizing up a band, as I did here, and altering helpful.

The band did not ride up despite my 28" ribcage measurement!! 32" Curvy Kates ride up instantly, but this 34" Maison Lejaby does not. Wow! I knew I would not need to shorten the band in addition to overlapping the gore. There is something different about the elastic. The elastic is not only supremely comfortable, but also remarkably supportive. Never did I anticipate feeling comfortable in a two row fastener, but here I am. The band is comfortable despite its narrow, relative to the bras I usually prefer, width. No band alteration required!

The gore was too wide, but armed with a seam ripper, needle, and thread, it is now 1.5 cm (.5") wide. This gore alteration combined with a 6.1" cup has created space for all of my breast to sit near the wire. I anticipated the cup would be too wide, but post-alteration the cup width dimension is perfect for me.

Cup height is a challenge....always. And, this bra is no exception. I fill the apex, and then, there is nothing. If my comfort continues, I'll add a cookie to the top and feel delighted that my shorties are thrilled with the space in the bottom!

I've experienced frustration with Comexim regarding lack of immediate projection. This 90F (34F) Maison Lejaby has significantly more immediate projection than its sister size Comexim 70HH (32G) plunge. My breasts hovered .5" above the wire in the 70HH Comexim, but I sit at the wire in this Maison Lejaby. Maison Lejaby has my full attention now https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> In addition to immediate projection, this bra has great apex projection, too. If you find Comexim a bit constraining, you may feel significantly more comfortable in a Maison Lejaby, wider wires and more projection.

Thank you, Doodlebug ! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />


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Updated on Oct 17, 2017 Flag this

Normally I would take studio pics and write a blog post, but I just can't. I can't even earnestly review this bra... so I made it a project. I found this size FR 80F/UK 30F beauty on eBay for a $10 incl international shipping and thought I got a steal. See? http://i.imgur.com/AaxDsgj.jpg I was excited about a 3 part seamed strapless design. It got here today, and as soon as I opened the package I realized it was going to be The Most Un-useful Bra Ever. It's unlined. I never would have gathered that from the stock pic, ... and the description simply said "outgrown but in good condition." I also immediately measured the wires at... 6.0" wide!! The lady who sold it to me probably laughed her way to the post office.

Regardless, I tried it on, hoping for the best. It does come with convertible straps that are set so far widely apart they're useless as well. I think someone at Lejaby caught wind that EM straps are wide set and decided to make it a competition. Without the straps, it was the biggest hot mess ever. Who makes an unlined unpadded basically unstructured strapless bra? Somebody along the design and QC line had to try this on and think "yup, that'll work!" Clearly: http://i.imgur.com/FkUtIZX.jpg - it did not work. The wires distort as soon as you breathe on the band, and distorted up to about 7" wide on my body. I couldn't stretch the band AT ALL without distorting the wires. Really, a wire coat hanger would have done a better job.

The band is too big - I had room to spare closed on the tightest hooks. I folded the bottom of the cups in half because a funny thing happens when you take flimsy lace and don't attach straps to it - it falls down! Meanwhile, I could have fit a family of 4 in the tops of the 9.8" deep cups. I probably could have used a 30DD, a size I don't think I've ever worn.

The biggest positive to this bra is it cost me only $10. Oh, and the lace is soft. I knew there's no way I could ever re-sell it so my designer's brain started turning and it dawned on me. First thing I did was replace the awful wires with wires from a Claudette Dessous I scrapped for parts. Then, I took 2 sets of CHP pads (I knew I kept them around for a reason!!!) and laid them into the cups facing opposite directions, like this: http://i.imgur.com/kH6ii9M.jpg. Then I stitched everything down.

End result? http://i.imgur.com/obNBcY8.jpg. I might actually wear this under shirts in places that are not my house. The upper pads help fill out the tops of the cups and maintain shape. The lower pads do the lifting. I'm now the official owner of a Maison Lejaby concept with Claudette-wires and Ewa Michalak padding Frankenbra.
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This bra's measurements have been altered

added padding, replaced wires

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jun 04, 2016 Flag this

lcl0706

6302 reputation

165 bras

OH HOW I WANTED THIS BRA TO FIT!

I ordered it a while ago after a lot of deliberating on whether or not to do it. Lingerie outlet store was having that 30% off sale, so I figured... eeeeeh, why not?

From my limited French brand knowledge I figured cups run a little larger.
Unfortunately, by the time I got this bra my boobs started running a little larger too.

Cups do seem to run large. I'm more a 30GG (30:10) now, and looking at ML Elixir size range this is a 30:8. I think a cup size up would have fit wonderfully.
They are very sheer three part ... cups, made of non-stretch tulle, and the seams are hidden by the little stretch of lycra around the heart -- I guess for some modesty. I will say the hearts are very visible under anything but sweatshirts, sweaters or thick shirts.
I get some serious quadding on my larger side, and some minor one on my smaller.
The detailing on the cups though, it's wonderful. The bra screams quality. I like it very much.

The band is a little stretchy but I think it wouldn't be such a problem for me if not for the short straps. They don't adjust long enough, and they are only partially adjustable, not all the way. They are very thick, though and I was super surprised by this. I love thick straps. Unfortunately, they pull the band up from behind and overall it's a very uncomfortable situation.

The wires are very sturdy, when I was doing measurements I couldn't get them to budge without using some force. They are narrow! The gore is on the narrow side too, and pretty short. I will say that this bra seems like it's made for short women because the wires are a little shorter (also the strap situation). The wings are not tall enough on the sides for me so I get some spillage on my larger side.

I wish this fit though! I really really do. The colour is a wonderful grey blue and the bra overall feels and looks great. I love the subtle, minimising shape it gives. I'm still not sure whether or not to keep it.

edit: and you know, I recently saw Wen of Comicsgirlsneedbras also reviewed this bra and I thought YAAAAASSSS. Cause she *looks* to be smaller in band, and larger in cup than me. But I guess not cause the bra seems to fit her perfectly. On me it's just too large in the band and too small in the cup.
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Updated on Dec 27, 2018 Flag this

This bra is absolutely gorgeous and so high quality! I didn't expect it from the pictures online (especially the colour and shiny material didn't look too promising), but the quality of the materials and of the sewing is just amazing. It's the first time I try Maison Lejaby, but definitely not the last.
First, the construction - this is a three-part cup, with the top part being non-stretch lace. On the inside, the outer half of the top lace is doubled with an additional thin layer of mesh. The band is made of a thick one-layer knit fabric. The straps are only half adjustable. The materials are all ... soft, the lace is not at all scratchy.
The details of the construction look great and make the bra look very high quality - the lacy detail on the straps is very unusual, and the two fabric parts of the cup are not just sewn together, but they are connected with a sturdy lace material.
The fit is also very good, although the size is a bit too big for me. The cup width is average/narrow, the wings and the gore are relatively low. The wire is quite flexible - not Panache level hard, but also not Elomi level soft. There is absolutely enough bottom projection. Overall, the bra feels sturdy and stable. The shape it gives also looks very good despite the too big size, it's round but not completely half-sphere. I have short roots so there is empty space at the top near the strap, so I think this could easily accommodate also taller roots or more top fullness.
When it comes to sizing, definitely size down! Since this bra is a EU 85G, and my go-to size is UK 36GG, I expected this to be too small, but it's actually too big, so sadly it's going back.
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Saphir bleu colorway

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Updated on Sep 21, 2017 Flag this

I thought I was getting a gray bra which I really wanted but it's more slate to cornflower blue in real life. I dislike the embroidery a lot less than I was expecting. I got a great deal so I'm not disappointed. But I might try dyeing it in the end. The embroidery that looks almost white in the pictures is actually a very pale lavender blue ... The embroidery only shows under lighter shirts from the color, not the texture. If that makes any sense. Good lift, low gore, very narrow wires (love them!) 4.5". Nice details on the straps. ... Cup has a ribbon across the top that could be taken off if it cut in on a person. I don't personally have an issue. Both of the plunges I have tried from this brand remind me of Ewa SM cuts when I see them on me. I haven't more than tried it on so I will edit my review after I've wore it for a few hours. First impression is that it is a good fitting model for me even if it's not my favorite esthetically.
Edited: I wore the bra for a couple hours yesterday. I didn't have any issue with it migrating out of my imf. The wires ends right at my tail of spence which is a strange feeling for me. I keep feeling like I might be failing out of the bra but I wasn't. It looks like the smallest bra I've owned (in the right size) that actually fits. I'm so used to wires being soundly wider than I am and the wires feeling somewhat firm where they end this was such a different feeling that I don't know if I can get used to it lol. Also the cups are shorter than many of my others but I didn't get any quadding, jiggling or falling as I wore it. After shark week I'll have to revisit the wire width... Might be my first time in a bra whose wires are a little too narrow.

ETA: my most comfortable bra in the heat. I've found myself wearing it more and more
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Updated on Mar 28, 2017 Flag this

Short, projected, omega shape, slightly narrow, close set, center full, even breasts....

If bras were fashion models, this bra would have the highest paid contract. Absynthe photographs effortlessly. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> Seriously, I deleted six photos and still have ten displaying. The details throughout the construction are amazing. The lace and flowers are feminine and tasteful. The color....the color....luminous and unique.

The straps are half adjustable and half stretchy. So, half of the straps are the most supportive, soft, non-stretch fabric. If Cleo used fabric like this, I would hold their straps in high regard. The quality here in Absynthe is significantly higher....as is the ... price. I will pay for this level.of comfort and durability. There is no doubt these bras are good investments. The Cleo Skye I just purchased arrived with fraying at the gore and wings. wendybien had previously owned this bra and there is no sign of wear or aging. I dont know how long Absynthe lived in your closet, but she aged well https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" />

The mesh cup lining is the finest mesh I have encountered. The stretch satin band is supple, soft, and retains its shape well. The wires are low under the arm and at the gore. And, consistent with @wendybien's recommendation, Absynthe has good center and immediate projection. This is a well-engineered bra.

Without an extender, the cup was too shallow. Again, my 28" underbust needs a longer band. A bit of research has led me to believe I may have a slight omega-shaped breast. This explains why a longer band helps and why I require 5.5" wire width in addition to a narrow gore. Sigh. Chasing a narrow-enough-gore with closed, short, slightly narrow cups is like chasing rainbows--seemingly unending. This bra, despite the too wide gore, almost fits.

Exceptional.

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Updated on Aug 22, 2016 Flag this

I am currently in a Lejaby craze, as you can tell from my recent entries. This is a plunge cut of Lejaby's Elixir Melusine line that so far exists in tatto-white, violet-plum, frisson-blue and purple-brown. This cut has been advertised as full cup, 3/4 - plunge, halfcup, balconette, etc... depending on how the individual seller deems fit. Given the low gore I would definitely go for the "plunge" description. To avoid any misunderstandings and mixing it with its full coverage sister - the code is: G40931.
I have mixed emotions about this bra: it gives a better, rounder shape to my larger breast, but would ... like taller wings. It is a technical fit, I think, but I wouldn't say it's a perfect one visually. I am getting more of the armpit fat look than with some other bras. Comfort feel is very high, I love the band that is on the tighter side of TTS for a 30, that is a French 80, but flexible. Narrow wires, good depth and projection and I don't fall out in the middle, as it happens with some plunges. And hey, it's blue! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> I might try a cup size up to see if I get a better fit.
No idea how - I lost one of the rosette strap decorations, so will need to get rid of the other one, too.
Update: I wore it for a full day and the fit improved on my smaller breast, there was less empty space at the top when I took the bra off this evening. However, the inside rim of the cup cut in slightly on my bigger breast, so I don't know if I can really call it a fit. It's almost like one cup is a little too big while the other a little too small. And the wings are definitely too short for my taste, hate the damn armpit-boob!

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Sky Blue (Frisson) colorway

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Updated on Apr 12, 2016 Flag this

I love this bra. It reminds me a bit of the SM Ewa that I tried as far as the shape it gives me but it fits me better. The cups are narrower and I get better lift. The embroidery lays flat under my t-shirt. I love the detailing... I'll probably take off the rosette on the gore but just because I don't usually love stuff tacked on the gore... But pretty much every bra comes that way. I do love the additions to the band. And the scallops where the cups attach to the band and at the top of the cup. ... I like how there is a ribbon added underneath them for stability but not elastic to close off the top of the cup. It does fit large imo for a 30E but I compare all other bras to Cleo unlined bras because they been the most consistent in sizing for me and I've tried a dozen of them probably. I have a little issue with the strap cutting in at the armpit if I'm moving around a lot
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Updated on Jul 26, 2016 Flag this

Thanks to eBay I found another great deal on a Lejaby. I understand why most of us don't buy these at retail but I highly suggest this brand to people searching for narrow cups and projection when they can find past seasons at a discount. These bras have all had great detailing that is mostly unnoticeable under t-shirts. This one is cut very similar to the 65E Melusine I have but unfortunately the way the strap is angled it's cutting into my arm/upper arm pit a bit. I think I get a less rounded shape in this bra that I notice more without a ... shirt on but with a shirt I end up liking the shape quite a bit. If the bra were any less open at the top it would cut in on me but thankfully that only happens if I position my arms strangely the way it is. The tulle goes all the way around the bottom of the band but it's a very soft tulle and not scratchy at all. The band feels looser than its measures so I feel more comfortable starting on the second hooks. I'd say the bra is a relatively true coral or possibly salmon. The embroidery is shiny enough it doesn't work as a nude for me but I think it could for a person with paler skin. Black is a closer to disappearing under a shirt for me than a white bra. Love the tassel instead of bow at the gore. Gore is low but not stabby... just right. This doesn't seem like a full cut bra or a balconette exactly. This might be a plunge shape for this company but I'm not sure. I hope I can alter the straps in a bit to make it more comfortable.

ETA: still wearing this bra and it’s making more appearances in my rotation. In the end the straps don’t bother my arm during the day
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Updated on Apr 19, 2018 Flag this

Thanks to erispe for this beautifully made, high quality, deep-cupped bra. Very delicate lace detail, amazing jewel-tone purple color, pretty ribbon bow. It fits my immediately projected, narrow, close-set, full-in-the-center 30FF boobs pretty perfectly and due to the soft band materials and low wings, is so comfortable to wear. The shape is a little pointier and perkier than is normally my preference, but this bra makes me feel like an elegant European lady so I can overlook that https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Apr 20, 2017 Flag this

This will be the second glowing review I post of a Maison Lejaby bra this week! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> The quality of the materials and of the construction are again amazing.
After wearing it for the past three days I can say that the band is the most comfortable I've ever worn! Usually, most bra bands seem to have a somewhat uneven tension between the fabric of the band itself (which is usually a more stretchy material), and that of the elastics on the upper and lower edge (which are usually firmer). That makes the elastics cut in uncomfortably (I'm looking at you, Freya ... Deco!). Somehow, for this bra it's not the case, and the band feels smooth and comfortable the whole day.
Regarding the design, this bra looks absolutely beautiful. I like the rose decoration on the cup, and the fact that there isn't any charm on the gore. The colour didn't really come across in the pictures I took, it's not as pinkish in real life - it's a more deep shade of red, like a deep berry colour, a bit lighter than burgundy. The decorative lace on the straps is quite uncommon and gives a unique look.
The straps are the only minor comfort complaint that I have. They're only half adjustable, with the top part not stretchy at all. Somehow, the non-stretch straps are not as comfortable as the usual stretch ones. However, a plus side for a lot of people will be that the straps seem to be less wide set than usual, and they don't tend to sit so wide set on the shoulders.
The fabric looks very delicate, but in fact the fit is very stable and secure. The profile I get from it is quite minimized, despite the shape being between round and pointy - so definitely not flattened. Maybe it's because it doesn't bring the bust completely to the front.
The wires are also surprisingly comfortable. They are very low under the arms (great for us with short roots!) and the gore is also not too tall. There is a lot of bottom projection, and this is the first time in an unlined bra that I get an extremely smooth fit of the fabric on the whole lower cup. What I personally like is that this really doesn't feel like a "lot of" bra. It's quite low coverage overall.
Unlike the EU 85G @Enlace Moi bra, this one is is one band and one cup smaller. But the sizing definitely runs large! My usual size is UK 36GG (depends a bit from brand to brand).
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Tango colorway

Updated on Sep 23, 2017 Flag this

Runs very big in the cup... this 32DD fits similar to many UK 32Fs. Beautiful fabrics and super comfortable. Traditional full cup look under clothes, i.e. a very defined apex without actually being pointy, but suitable for somewhat low-cut tops as the gore is not too tall. Band is true to size--not nearly as snug as older (2015 and prior) Lejaby Elixir bras but not as stretchy as current main collection Maison Lejaby bands.

Updated on Sep 21, 2017 Flag this

Tulle and lace - what more could a girl want! Lovely and soft as always. I actually like that there is no bow or jewel or anything from the gore. This French bra company doesn't tend to disappoint in details. The cup does run large for me. I'm pretty confident I'd get a nicer profile shape going a cup down. It's been my experience at least. Straps are semi adjustable. They have tulle detailing on the front sides. Three part plunging balconette, soft straps, more strawberry koolaid colored than strawberry red.

Happy that new models keep becoming available at my price point on eBay. One day I hope I'll figure out which sizes I need for which cuts but in the meantime I like the bras enough I just keep trying them. Unfortunately they are expensive unless you wait patiently on eBay, hard to return from the US and don't have a large size range but they've been good to me.

Strawberry colorway

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Updated on Jul 24, 2017 Flag this

This bra is a half cup bra, but I'd say the cups cut lower than that (it's low enough to see the tops of the aereola). Very sexy, although you can see where the cups cut off through t-shirts. Might be better under a looser blouse or anything non clingy.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 03, 2011 Flag this

I like this bra, it’s just a smidge away from being too small so I can’t wear it all month. Seams disappear well. I’d love to get this in a couple more of the colors. I can get a little quading near the gore if I’m more active but not a noticeable amount under a tee.

Updated on May 03, 2018 Flag this

I might get a slight "orange in a glass" effect with this. The flower lace doesn't like to lay flat so a cami or thick top would be best. The fabric is non-stretch. Very beautiful spring looking bra.

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Updated on Feb 23, 2018 Flag this

The quality of the materials is, as on all Lejaby bras, excellent. The cup is made of four parts, and the inside of the cup is lined with a thin mesh. The top lace part is unlined. The materials on the cup are not stretchy. The band is made of one layer of thick jersey fabric. The straps are half adjustable, and the top half is decorated with a thin strip of faux leather. The gore charm is a small tassle. The point where the left strap connects to the band in the back is decorated with a small metal charm.
Regarding the fit, the band is very supportive, the cups are deep and despite the thin lace they feel very supportive. The band runs true to size and the cups run large. One thing I don't like is the not adjustable part of the strap. The material is not stretchy at all and it's not comfortable on me.

White colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jan 10, 2018 Flag this

In short, gorgeous bra, terrible fit.

As all Lejaby bras, the quality is amazing and both the design and materials are truly luxurious. The cups are three part half cups, made of one layer of non-stretch lace. The band is made of one layer of mesh and it's not very thick. The straps are only half adjustable, and the last part of the strap in the back is made from lace. They also have a j-hook to be able to wear the bra as a racerback. On the gore, the bra has a large tulle bow, and on the straps there is a small embroidery - I like ... designs which choose something different than the overused bows on gore and straps.

The fit unfortunately is a different story.. I was very happy to find it in my sister size, but unfortunately it does not work for me at all. The cups are more shallow than the other Elixir bras I've tried, they also run smaller. In the Roxanne and Rosae I wear the same cup size and it fits very well, whereas this one is too small and too shallow. Comfort wise, the lace on the bottom of the band feels very scratchy under the cups. The straps attach in the back much closer to the end of the band, so they sit much closer to the middle of the shoulder. This could work very well for someone with narrow shoulders. On me the straps are just sitting in the wrong position and they're cutting into my traps, especially as the top part of the straps is not stretchy at all and quite thin, which I don't find comfortable. This might be a bit less extreme when the bra is not worn on the tightest hook. Even the band does not feel supportive - however it's true that I usually wear a 34/36 not a 38, but in the other Lejaby which I've tried in band size 38 (Roxanne) the band felt supportive despite being technically too loose. All in all, this one is definitely going back.
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jan 10, 2018 Flag this

Lejaby size big in cup compare to Passionata, Chantelle or Rouge-Gorge Limgerie

Updated on Nov 03, 2017 Flag this

This bra is absolutely stunning - soft black mesh with dark blue leaf and flower details. Band TTS, also in mesh, even softer than the cup fabric. Cups are a generous fit, roomy for me, about half a cup to a cup too big, narrow wires, deep cups and low wings. Thick straps half adjustable, front part non-flexible, only the back.
It gives a great round shape despite the cups being too big.

Updated on Apr 15, 2017 Flag this