You haven't experienced comfort until you have tried on this bra. Soft cotton jersey on the inside feels like your favourite lounge t-shirt, undyed cotton linen blend on the outside is soft and breathable. No more stickyness, sweating or itching. The natural fibers conform to your shape. Wearing this bra is like wearing your favourite pajamas, except with support for your boobs.
The band is nice and firm, the cups give a flattering natural rounded teardrop shape. The straps have the perfect amount of separation, and the underwires are a good medium-narrow width. The wires come up just high enough to enclose breast ...tissue without poking or digging in anywhere.
This bra isn't sexy or cute in the same way as most big-bust bras, but it looks VERY flattering in a relaxed, effortlessly sexy (maybe even a little androgynous) way that is nearly impossible to come by in my size. I think I'm in love.
Note that the sizing does NOT follow the standard EU size chart. I mostly wear 28GG/H bras, which would be a 60K/L in regular EU sizes. I got this bra in a 60J based on another user's tips and it fits perfectly. Read more 95 more words
Leedlebra - could you give me some guidance on sizing (I've been staring at their chart for an hour and it's still... not clear.) I wear a 34DD but my under bust measurement is 37 and my over bust is 44. Should I get a 95 or 85, or split the difference and go with a 90? I've gathered that based on the difference between my over and under bust I'd be a C, just not clear on the band size. Thanks!
As I understand, in your size range, many manufacturers (Freya, etc) make bras that stretch several inches past their band size, which explains how you usually fit into a 34. The other user who gave me tips is closer to your size, and she said that she went one band size up from her usual in Melissa Dessous (so 85, in your case).
What I did to get my cup size at Melissa Dessous was use my raw underbust and bust measurements to get my cup size, and then sister size down to the band size I chose to buy. Based on measurements only, I would probably put you in a 85E, but given that you wear a cup size smaller than your measurements, maybe an 85D.
Thanks for the quick response. I really love the look of your bra and I think it also looks like the shape I need so I am hoping to try one of them. My over bust measurement is a little wonky because I have "long" boobs so if I stand upright to measure, cups are too small, if I lean over to measure, cups are too big. The 44 in was reached by leaning over at a 45 degree angle, giving me roughly the projection I have in a properly fitted bra. Anyway, thanks for your help!
SunbathingJackdaw from /r/abtf here! This looks like it'll be my next bra, but I was hoping you could help me with sizing too. :) I'm 5'4", 120lbs; I measure 28" underbust loose, 26.75" BTT, 37" bust leaning, 35.5" bust standing. Also note that I have very soft breast tissue due to a 30lb weight loss, so my leaning measurement is a bit of an overindicator of my actual cup size. I'm a slightly FOB 5/6 shape.
I don't quite fill out the tops of the cups of my Freya Eloise 28G, and my best-fitting current bras are the Comexim Paradise and Basic, both in 65G, but I quadboob slightly when I swoop & scoop thoroughly and could definitely stand to go up to a 65H in Comexim.
I'd love to try this Melissa bra as none of my current ones are cotton, and I'm a real natural-fibers kind of girl. Your description of 'pajamas for your boobs' is exactly what I've been looking for. The only question is size!
knytta I have fairly similar measurements to yours except a couple cup sizes bigger, and I have a personal preference for super-snug bands. Melissa bands are definitely tighter than Freya, but due to being made of natural fibers, this bra stretches out a little bit more than some others. I find Cleo 28s and EM 60s quite tight on the largest hook- this bra is most comfortable for me on the middle hook in a 60 band (I mostly wear my Freyas on the smallest hook). Depending on how you find the tightness of your Freyas and Comexims, I would guess you would fit best into a 60H/65G at Melissa.
Leedlebra Actually, I found my Freya 28s to be snug on the loosest hook when I was around 130, but now that I'm around 120 they're sliding everywhere unless I use the middle or last hook (Freyas run loose anyway).
My Comexim 65Gs are pretty comfortable on the loosest hook, apart from the cups being slightly too small, but it feels like I'm going to have to move to the middle hook on them sometime soon. Considering the give of the natural fibers and my own preference for snug bands, I think I would probably be comfortable in the 60H. The only question is do Melissa Dessous cups run larger than Comexims... *quick comparison*
It looks like they do! Cup depth of this bra in a 60J you've marked as 11.0, cup depth of the Comexim Basic in 60J is 10.5. So I probably would do OK in the 60H. Thank you for your help. :)
p.s. Shame about Strapgate :( I've seen your Brzoskwinka and it looks fine to me! I don't know what all this "too much coverage" nonsense is about.
Yep, the size difference between cup sizes is larger at Melissa than the standard EU size chart that Comexim uses - so the Melissa 60H will be between a Comexim 60H and 60K.
Regarding Strapgate, while I can't say that EM handled that well (throwing a hissy fit and discontinuing problematic sizes when you get feedback is not a way to keep your customers happy) I do think that in general dialogue is good. The fact of the matter is that I wear my bands TIGHT, not just by Polish standards but also by English ones, and there were definitely people in that thread who were wearing bands even tighter, to the point where fit was definitely compromised. I still believe that the strap placement on EM bras is off in the small-band/big-cup sizes, not simply because of a difference in fitting practices (as EM stated, while this problem is uncommon in Poland, so are these sizes), but the discussion of bands and cups is still valuable irrespective of the straps fiasco.
As a textile snob I've long been baffled by the lack of bras in "crap you want touching your tenderest skin" material. I placed an (apparently misguided, size-wise) order directly through the Melissa Dessous site specifically because I was intrigued by their "eco" line, a viscose/linen/cotton blend that expertly balances comfort and support. The bra I received is somewhat forgiving due to this magical "eco" alchemy but still too small. The site correctly characterizes the fit as an "apple" shape -- that is, round, pert, and natural, I think? Upon receiving my order (this model along with a more traditional unlined balconette) I instantly re-ordered both models in larger sizes because I'm obsessed with the superior quality and comfort of this brand. I have close-set and FOT but pendulous breasts and I found the physical support more than adequate, but it's visually a more "relaxed" fit than some of the (IMO stuffy/minimized) UK large-cup bras I've tried.
Ahhh. This is my comfy weekend bra. From Melissa Dessous's "eco" line, the material is 60% viscose, 25% linen, 15% cotton. The material feels like soft jersey cotton, like T-shirt material. The interior is plain white, and the exterior has an oatmeal heather pattern. The cups are soft, unpadded cotton with middle and top seams. The cups end up being quite smooth and disappearing well under T-shirts.
I'm usually a 30FF in European sizes, and a 65G or 70FF in Ewa Michalak, which is usually my best brand. I have close-set, narrow root, projected breasts with relatively soft tissue. For this bra model, I initially tried the 65G, but the cups were a little big and the band was too tight, especially for a comfort bra. The band on this model is firm despite the jersey-ish feeling of the cup material. I really like the comfort of the 70F; the band seems perfect for me, though the cups are still a little big.
I admire a pretty frilly appliqued rose-drenched bra as much as the next girl, but given my druthers, I'm pretty no-nonsense when it comes to underwear. I just want something comfortable and supportive. I have a number of skin sensitivities, in particular to polyester, which means I'm uncomfortable in most bras by the end of the day. A basic, everyday bra in a breathable, natural fiber, like cotton or linen, has been my dream since I started my bra quest. When I discovered my true size, it looked like finding a natural fiber bra that actually fit was a pipe dream. But it looks like Melissa has me ...covered! I still have to pinpoint my EU/Melissa size, but I really like the design and construction of these simple, comfy bras.
Melissa were a dream to work with--great email customer service in English and suuuuper fast shipping. I received the bras within a week! The prices are also quite reasonable, with most bras running for between 60 and 100 zlotys (about $20-$35 USD). Shipping to the U.S. from Poland is always steep (about 50 zlotys, or $15, almost as much as one of the bras!) but even when you factor in shipping, it's quite inexpensive. They also do custom orders, although I have not partaken of that. I did return some parts of this order to exchange for another size, so I'll try to remember to update about that experience when it is complete.
Anyway, this bra. It's too big. I overestimated the size on this whole order--I'm usually a 30F UK in unpadded cups such as Freya Rio, and I probably should have gone with 65G or 70F. The band is nice and firm, maybe a little too much so (but that's a good starting place for cotton, which tends to stretch), but the cup is too large for me in basically every dimension: a little too wide, a little too deep, gore a little too tall. (Tall gore is good for me generally, because I have soft breasts that tend to spill toward the middle, but I could use it being about 10% shorter so it's not pressing against my sternum.) I'm optimistic that sizing down a cup would fix all my issues. But this particular model was on sale & discontinued, so I'm keeping it anyway! It's very comfortable, and having a slightly too large bra can be useful for Certain Days of the Month.
Material: 67% cotton, 30% linen, 3% polyester
T-shirt friendly: Yes, more or less. It's a smooth fabric cup with a small amount of lace along the upper part of the cup. Potential headlights because it's unlined. Read more 335 more words
I really like the idea of this bra, which is made of mostly natural fabrics. I've written about the bra in more detail in the 80J, so here I will only talk about fit and how the bra holds up over time.
The straps are a bit of a problem for me on this bra. I have them fully adjusted but I think I could benefit from having them a tiny bit shorter. I expect I will have to alter them soon.
The band was very firm when I first fastened it, but in the space of time that it took me to check the fit - ...mere minutes - the band had relaxed quite a bit and I was already thinking that I should try the second hook. I think this is due to the natural fabrics which are used. I will be interested in seeing how this develops over time as this is one of the first bras I've owned which was made of largely natural fabrics. I am hoping that this will be much more comfortable in the summer.
I found that the right size for me was a direct band conversion from my UK size. In Panache I wear a 36G, and this is an 80G. I've also tried this bra in 80J, which I expected would be my size, and 80H. The band runs true to size with the larger of my two measurements, although as I indicated, it may wind up being too loose for this particular model due to the fabrics used.
These are my initial thoughts without having worn the bra yet.
Update: After four wearings, I find that I do need the second hook from the start, and if I were to wear it again without washing I'd need the inner hook the second time, so this bra does relax when you're wearing it. However, after that initial stretch to get it to the second hook, it hasn't stretched further. After each wash it is returned to the second hook, and the band feels quite firm while you are wearing it. It doesn't *feel* loose. It's as if it sighs and relaxes as soon as you remove it, something that I at least won't be doing with this bra!
The straps are too long for me and this does affect comfort as I feel a bit unsupported toward the end of the day. I need to alter it, badly. Otherwise, I love the feel of this bra against my skin, and as it gets hotter I am really looking forward to the wicking abilities of natural fabric. Read more 339 more words
I liked how this bra looked. I think it is the right cup size and band size for me, which means that it was smaller in the cup and larger in the band than the Melissa0341 or Melissa0059 which I also tried. I would say the 80 band fits like a 34, which does make it a tighter band (since usually 34 is converted as 75) than most UK brands.
Sadly, the bra is not the right shape for me. The bottom slope is very steep. I think it might be a good bra for a woman with a lot of upper fullness. Given ...that it is a deep cup at the deepest part, it probably wouldn't work for shallow breasts, although it does have the effect of making my breasts look quite shallow in profile. I think it's designed to give a green shape.
It has fully adjustable straps but they are long straps, because I had the slider positioned on my shoulders, instead of at shoulderblade height as with most bras. If you normally can't get long enough straps, this might be a good bra for you!
The website offers an English translation but I arranged my order via email without difficulty. I placed the order on 22 February and paid by bank transfer. The package was delivered on 13 March (within Europe). The time includes the time for the payment to be received, so it was quite reasonable.
The bra itself has simple white embroidery, modest but pretty. Only worn for a few months. The cups were only a little bit too big in the beginning, I just had the baby so my milk flow hadn't really established yet (my boobs were way bigger then than now). But after it had, the cups ended up way too big for me so I just stopped wearing them.
The bra itself looks really pretty with the embellishments (although not really my type of bra though, I just got it anyway because I needed a nursing bra). Only worn for a few months. The cups were only a little bit too big in the beginning, I just had the baby so my milk flow hadn't really established yet (my boobs were way bigger then than now). But after it had, the cups ended up way too big for me so I just stopped wearing them.
Really stunning and well-made bra that I wish fit me. It's basically my platonic ideal of a bra but the cups are too small, which creates a bulgey silhouette. The construction is premium and the design is ADORABLE -- the hearts pop like neon confetti against the luxe, slightly iridescent burgundy cup fabric and it's just glam and cute and perf. Astonishing value and quality for the price. I had a weird Paypal processing issue when ordering directly from the Melissa Dessous site (my selected payment card had been blocked due to fraudulent activity) but the company was extremely communicative, friendly, and understanding. Highly recommend this model and the brand in general. Such a good value that, as far as I can tell, return shipping to Poland exceeds merchandise price, so I suggest doing your research before ordering.
How would you say this bra fits? I haven't looked at Melissa Dessous bras since I bought from them last year when I didn't really know my size. But this bra, and another one caught my eye.
I'd say it fits like what I'd hoped the Cleo bras that are supposedly ideal for close-set breasts/smaller frames would fit like, or, based on my very limited experience, a typical "Polish" fit. If the bra hadn't been too small, it would have created a remarkably round, high, and perky silhouette for an unpadded/unmolded bra. I'd say definitely more projected than any UK/US bras I've tried other than Bravissimo plunge styles. Both this and the other Melissa Dessous bra I ordered have a "light" feel -- like, despite obviously cutting into my breast tissue, these bras felt less detectable than other bras I own that actually fit, I'm guessing because of the slender, somewhat flexible wires that conform readily to my body contours and the narrower cups that seem ideally scaled to enclose my up-front breast tissue without wasting cup space/fabric on the bottom and sides where I don't have any.
It needs just another .2 inches in depth to really fit me, so the gore floats a bit, and the super sleek ultra soft fabric makes it feel like its slipping even when its not, but other than that I am once again THRILLED with the comfort and quality of Melissa bras. This one gives a much more vavaVOOM look by pushing all the boobage to the front, which with my inner fullness means a bit of a point to the front seam, but I imagine on someone with more even or outer fullness the pointy aspect will disappear. Its my new favorite comfort bra~
The most, hands-down, unbelievably comfortable bra I've ever owned or will ever own. Super soft cotton, flexible but durable wires, wide straps that ARENT wideset, immediate projection like WOAH, looks like a molded bra in a shirt, I;m so sad it finally broke https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> Too be fair, I wore it night-and-day, while working and sleeping for 3 YEARS and washed it in the washing machine, so actually its a miracle it lasted so long
This bra is too small in the cups; primarily, I think, there isn't quite enough center depth for my center fullness, so it cuts into my boobs and gives me some quadding. This was the most noticeable thing about it.
The band on this bra is very small. I can't close it without an extender. There's only two rows of hook and eye closures instead of three. I was really hoping this bra fit because I absolutely love the way it looks.
This bra only has two rows of hook & eye closures, instead of three. The and stretches to about 25.5, but the wires start stretching at that point. I can get this bra on, and it feels comfortable, but I really need a bigger size.
Ahhh. I just love the feel of Melissa cotton bras even though I have yet to find my size. The too-large cups on this model still feel good, the cozysoft unlined cotton fabric conforming to my natural shape. These are great casual, everyday bras.
Cups: I usually wear a 30F/FF but I thought I would have to size up the cups from my UK size because Melissa, like many EU brands, doesn't have any double-letter sizes, so I started with 65H. Big mistake. I sized down to this 65G, and it is still quite a bit too wide for me. I'll actually have to try a 65F! That ...being said, I'm trying this a week into my cycle, and in about two weeks I'll have swelled up a cup size and will probably fit into this better. A soft and undemanding bra will be good at that time, too.
Unlike a lot of Polish brands, Melissa doesn't seem to trend toward narrow cups, which is a shame, because you really can't go too narrow with me. The gore is quite high, which is the only part that is at all uncomfortable for me on the 65G. Sizing down could help with that, too. I just hope I don't lose too much depth.
Band: The Melissa 342 (the linen one) had a very firm band, so I was ready to feel the need to expand these with extenders. But the band is actually OK without an extender. The cotton is stretchier than the cotton/linen blend.
Materials: 95% cotton, 5% polyester
T-shirt friendly: Yes. Smooth without unnecessary embellishments. It's unlined, though, so headlights could be an issue.
UPDATE ONE YEAR LATER: I'm not sure if my boobs have grown or my bra has shrank, but the cups seem perfectly right-sized now. The gore floats a tiny bit, but that's sort of a blessing since otherwise it would be too high. Read more 208 more words
Hey there would be so kind and enter the measurements? this is a very close sister size to mine (70F) and I would be very happy to compare your bra to my other fitting bras. I want a Melissa bra in my life <3
This bra has a Cleo-ish constuction in terms of fabric and elasticity, but Curvy Kate-ish when it comes to construction of the cup. It has a band of Cleo Ellis (7211) or a Cleo Marcie Balconnet Bra (6831) in 30FF, but a cup of Curvy Kate Portia Balcony Bra (CK4001) in 32F, so I am a bit confused. I'm definitely not keeping it, as the band is at least a size too small and the cups are too big.
This bra has a Cleo-ish constuction in terms of fabric and elasticity, but Curvy Kate-ish when it comes to construction of the cup. It has a band of Cleo Ellis (7211) or a Cleo Marcie Balconnet Bra (6831) in 30FF, but a cup of Curvy Kate Portia Balcony Bra (CK4001) in 32F, so I am a bit confused. I'm definitely not keeping it, as the band is at least a size too small and the cups are too big.
Leedlebra - could you give me some guidance on sizing (I've been staring at their chart for an hour and it's still... not clear.) I wear a 34DD but my under bust measurement is 37 and my over bust is 44. Should I get a 95 or 85, or split the difference and go with a 90? I've gathered that based on the difference between my over and under bust I'd be a C, just not clear on the band size. Thanks!