Once again, I can't write a full review on this yet because I just received it today and haven't worn it in the water, but here are some first impressions! First of all, I've been lusting over Miss Mandalay bikinis for several years now, but the price always deterred me from owning one. Then, when I was on the hunt for new bikinis again this year, I found this set on a whim at Breakout Bras, in the clearance section, for a total of $30 USD! For both pieces! There weren't many sizes left, so I was extremely lucky that I found the top in my most common ...UK size. I've read plenty of reviews saying to size up one cup in the top, but that wasn't possible for me due to the limited sizes available. Perhaps one cup up would've been a better fit, but perhaps not.
I'm even/FOT with firm tissue, but the top barely cuts into my tissue at all. Personally, I don't mind the extra rounding and cleavage. It gives a low, minimized teardrop shape. The wires are a good width, just a smidge wide, which would've been exacerbated if I had gone one cup up. The band is tight, and feels to me like it runs one band size small. I love the cutout detail of the gore, and this detail is copied in the halter straps and the tie side straps on the bikini bottoms. The halter and bottom straps are all just long cords that tie together. On the top, there is one cord going through the top of the left cup, and one on the right cup, so essentially the cords are doubled. So there are four loose ends to tie up at the neck. You could probably get pretty creative finding different ways to tie it up!
The bottoms I had to get in an XS, but they still fit due to the adjustable nature of the tie sides. This just means that the coverage on my butt is a little skimpy. Oh well!
Overall I think this is a really attractive set, and I'm super excited to wear this when summer arrives! Read more 252 more words
Notable: Runs a band size small. Rather closed top edge making it a short root/full on bottom bra. Very narrow, and quite deep. Currently has the biggest depth ratio of all bras in 32GG on Bratabase but numbers-wise fits more like a short-rooted 30H or an extremely deep 30GG.
Looks: Would work well as a darker nude. The eyelash lace used for the cups and the front of the bra is very classy. The narrow textured straps continue that. The straps have golden hardware, the hooks and eyes are a matching taupe. There is no branding on the outside of the bra, only on the rag. The overall impression ...is simple elegance which is only mildly ruined by the somewhat gaudy lopsided golden bow at the center gore, which is luckily easily removable.
Construction: It is a three part balconette with the bottom section connecting to the strap. Lace is non-stretch, without much give. Edge of the cup has a stabilizing strip of fabric sewn in. Bottom section of the cup has lace laminated to a sturdier fabric - this doesn't seem to be the case in smaller cup sizes, there's a switch at some point. The straps have relatively low stretchiness for how thin they are, I'd say objectively it's not quite nearing average stretch, but I can't confidently say it's low. From the side seam onward the band is a single layer of stretch powermesh. The closure has two hooks, wide spacing. Not giving full points for quality because I don't like how they have done the transition from cup to strap and the top edge of the band on the inside could be a touch neater.
Fit: I tried it on with an extender. I had clear quadboobing and the cups gave me a pointy shape - but clearly less on my smaller side, so this is a size related issue, not an inherent shape. The edging detail makes the cup quite closed. I'm terribly disappointed it doesn't work for me, it is very pretty and one of the narrowest + deepest combos out there. Read more 237 more words
Short roots, functionally full on bottom , center full Gore is always a problem for me. Ideal gore height no more than 2 inches. I need a ton of immediate projection. Initially I thought this might work . Wires were staying in my IMF( unusual for me) and center projection good so that I had no wires on either breast. The 5" wires are ideal for me. But, after having it on a while, I experienced real discomfort under my arms and when I took it off I had bright red marks where the top of the cup and where the strapswere attached to the cup was cutting into my underarms
The band runs small and is not that stretchy, so I sized up. In Cleos I wear a 28GG. Shape is not quite as rounded as a Cleo. Pretty smooth under a darker t-shirt. On a lighter one, lace and seams visible. My breast are dense and very heavy and this supported them well. For reference, I sag in a Freya plunge.
Profile: even-to-full on bottom breasts, splayed, narrow, projected, short roots.
This bra is gorgeous, although the cobalt colourway was not as saturated as I had expected it to be. I still love it very much and looks very good on my skintone as a muted royal blue. Construction feels sturdy and high quality. I have to say that the material doesn't feel as high quality as my older Paige bras, but it's better than most full-bust brands.
I agree that this bra fits a full cup bigger. All of the Miss Mandalay bras I've owned tend to be small in the band as well, so this fits more like a ...28F on me. The wires are one of the most narrow I've ever tried and at least in this colourway, I find that the cups of this are rather deep too. This bra fits narrower and deeper than my Paige bras do, although the Paiges are an older style. This bra is deeper and narrower than the Freya plunges. The ribbon cuts in a bit, so it's not for those who are fuller on top. The shape is naturally rounded. Read more 80 more words
I couldn't find any reviews anywhere of Miss Mandalay swim, at least not in this cut, so this was a total experiment for me! And for Bra Science! And for all the other people out there who desperately want a normal-looking, halter tie underwired bikini top! Bardot has average-to-narrow wire width and decently good immediate projection. I wish it was at least lightly padded for nipple coverage. I sister sized due to lack of availability of anything else. Despite all that, this was a surprise success for me, and the best fitting halter bikini I've tried to date. Full review (along with some Asos bottoms) on the blog!
What a great bikini top. I am always on the lookout for tops that are underwired and this top looks perfect. I also like my tops to have a bit more coverage. I am happy for you having some success finding a wonderful bikini. I like you like bottoms with a bit more coverage as well. These ones look almost like boy shorts. Not sure if the would suit me but nice anyway. Thank you for a great review.
Looks great!
Looks fantastic! I want your tummy, but four kids, including a set of twins at 4ft 10 has changed my tummy quite a bit 😃
At first glance, I would never have thought this bikini top was underwired! Thanks for the review.
Dvrgrl812 lol thanks! I did get lucky after 2 babies, but I am a photographer so I just try to pose in a very flattering way haha!
Don't be fooled by the obvious fit issues, this bra fits. It's just not meant for my boobs.
This bra is made with so little room for upper fullness only the FOBest of FOBs should consider it (also short rooted girls). The top panel has no give at all and so it cuts in fiercely into my tall, shallow roots. But otherwise, this is a perfect fit. It's heartbreaking because it reminds me of 32FF - Fantasie » Alex Side Support Bra (9152) -- thinking back to it, that bra also fit, it was just a little too closed on top for me.
What makes matters worse is that it's ...perfect otherwise.
The band is very tight for a 30, but it's somehow comfortable. I think in the photos it's pretty visible how much it cuts into my back 'fat' but at no point did it feel uncomfortable. I'd recommend this bra if someone is a 26 band... you can easily get away with a 28 because it runs very tight. Looking at the measurements, I'm unsure how I was even able to fasten it *but*, weirdly, I did so without much issue. The way I put on a bra is lean down at 90 degrees, put the wires in my imf (this is the only way I can put on a bra comfortably because otherwise the wires will press on my breast tissue while I try to do the hooks), then in that position reach back and do the hooks, and I will tell you, with tight bands I struggle, often. Not with this. Whoop whoop, in they go, easy.
The cups I really think are true to size, they're just not meant for me. Nice narrow wires (actually, same cup width as my best fitting EM wires), perfectly hug my boobs around. There is enough projection at the wire for me, which is also a rarity. The only issue, the top lace... just too closed.
The gore is narrower than most UK brands, and it tacks very firmly, but not uncomfortably.
And the weirdest part is, the straps are only partly adjustable, and when I loosened them before I tried it on I was 100% sure that there is no way they will be comfortable... but the elastic seems to be more elastic-y than most other bras I've tried and again, it's not at all uncomfortable, it doesn't pull on the band, the straps are just wonderful.
It is such a weird bra!
I think this is why this bra feels comfortable, because it technically fits, and the only actual discomfort I get from it is the cutting in. So I'm unsure if sometime in the future if I lose volume it will fit. Because the cups as they are right now are fine, it's just (I feel like I'm repeating myself lol), it's just too closed on top.
Now a couple of things: I wouldn't recommend this bra to petite women as the cups are extremely tall on the sides and the wires are filling the wire channels all the way. The straps are a little wider set, but not as much as say my 30GG - Curvy Kate » Dottie Balcony Bra (CK6201) or any of my EM bras. And finally, the shape is the Fantasie shape, so slightly east/west, and slightly minimised.
I got this bra at Brastop for GBP7 and thought it was a steal honestly. Couldn't resist getting it. And for that price it's okay that it doesn't fit, I've been wondering about Miss Mandalay bras for a while and now I know https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> I don't know if trying a 32GG or 30H would be better. The wires, as I said, are kinda perfect width. I really just think it's a shape mismatch. Read more 519 more words
If you feel like wrecking it, does that ribbon come off the top of the cup? That might fix it.
The ribbon does come off and I've considered it, however I don't think it would change much as the tulle has no stretch whatsoever so I think without the ribbon it would cut in AND do some weird curling thing because there's nothing to keep it stretched out.
This is s cute bra with a vintage look. The satin fabric and the lace are beautiful and the quality is excellent. For me, the shape of the cups was too projected leading to loose fabric in the cup. I read somewhere that this bra would work for shallow wide rooted breasts, but for me the wires sat on my breasts. The cups are very projected, in a vintage way, which gives a very different look under clothing, but this is not very practical for everyday use. Even though the bra didn't fit me it did feel quite comfortable.
Oops. It did feel comfortable. That is good to know :-)
Will you be adding measurements? :)
Love4Pollinators it gives awesome projection! A C cup would maybe have worked better for me, but the wires were not wide enough :( @letstalkaboutbras I'm out for memorial weekend, but I'll make sure to measure it before I return the bra
Ordered 30GG & 30H anticipating the possible need for a cup larger for a couple reasons.
Ok, so the design is absolutely beautiful. I chose to order it because it was made available in a range of sizes and I believed one would suit me! Purple/Orange/Red Zebra print sits on a bed of bed of mostly tan and some white. These colors are bright and I love it!
Material feels a bit strange maybe it is from the printing or is the type of polyamide swim fabric chosen. Perhaps I just need some time to adjust to quality swimwear designs and the corresponding fabrics! Inner cups are soft white mesh ...and very comfortable against the skin. Straps seem thin from a glance but they are the same width (a smidge over 1.8cm) as just about every other G-range cup bra or bikini top I've had the pleasure of owning or trying on. It is actually kind of a nice illusion the straps seem so "thin"--it must be thanks to the halter style because you see much more strap. Supportive yet looks delicate.
Pleased it gives a nice round cup shape even if the wires are slightly too low set for my shape (the dropped part of the 'U' shape). There is a bit of under-cup wrinkling on both GG and H but I suspect it is from the overall design and therefore how the wire frames each cup. It isn't so noticeable and I think it's worth it to overlook one minor detail for an otherwise supportive and outrageously cute bikini. Both band sizes measure identical which is a plus when comparing.
Size Comparison: First, I believed the GG was the right size one reason I thought "Oh, I couldn't possibly be an H" and the sides of each cup lay smooth. However, the GG gore does not sit as flat as the H. We all know when the gore sits at your sternum the cup is a better fit. If it is too small you should try a larger cup. Although the sides of the H cups wrinkles some, the wire does not poke and also I feel more comfortably covered on the top part of my breasts by the tiny extra bit of fabric. And thankfully due to the pattern the wrinkles are less noticeable. In the end, I settled on the H because I am more satisfied and comfortable with most aspects of this bikini. It will be my 1st under-wired halter ever and hopefully I'll be able to wear it besides just to the beach.
Purchased & Returned from Bravissimo late-July 2011. Measured unstretched immediately before wearing for Bratabase. Read more 330 more words
Ordered 30GG & 30H anticipating the possible need for a cup larger for a couple reasons.
Ok, so the design is absolutely beautiful. I chose to order it because it was made available in a range of sizes and I believed one would suit me! Purple/Orange/Red Zebra print sits on a bed of bed of mostly tan and some white. These colors are bright and I love it!
Material feels a bit strange maybe it is from the printing or is the type of polyamide swim fabric chosen. Perhaps I just need some time to adjust to quality swimwear designs and the corresponding fabrics! Inner cups are soft white mesh ...and very comfortable against the skin. Straps seem thin from a glance but they are the same width (a smidge over 1.8cm) as just about every other G-range cup bra or bikini top I've had the pleasure of owning or trying on. It is actually kind of a nice illusion the straps seem so "thin"--it must be thanks to the halter style because you see much more strap. Supportive yet looks delicate.
Pleased it gives a nice round cup shape even if the wires are slightly too low set for my shape (the dropped part of the 'U' shape). There is a bit of under-cup wrinkling on both GG and H but I suspect it is from the overall design and therefore how the wire frames each cup. It isn't so noticeable and I think it's worth it to overlook one minor detail for an otherwise supportive and outrageously cute bikini. Both band sizes measure identical which is a plus when comparing.
Size Comparison: First, I believed the GG was the right size one reason I thought "Oh, I couldn't possibly be an H" and the sides of each cup lay smooth. However, the GG gore does not sit as flat as the H. We all know when the gore sits at your sternum the cup is a better fit. If it is too small you should try a larger cup. Although the sides of the H cups wrinkles some, the wire does not poke and also I feel more comfortably covered on the top part of my breasts by the tiny extra bit of fabric. And thankfully due to the pattern the wrinkles are less noticeable. In the end, I settled on the H because I am more satisfied and comfortable with most aspects of this bikini. It will be my 1st under-wired halter ever and hopefully I'll be able to wear it besides just to the beach.
Purchased from Bravissimo late-July 2011. Read more 321 more words
I bought this bra because it was gorgeous and I wanted to own at least one "sexy" bra. Believe it or not this bra is AMAZINGLY comfortable. It surprised me because it really looks like a just-for-show bra. But NO! It's very soft, the lace is supremely non-irritating, and it feels like a gentle hug on your bosom. The cut is extremely flattering and easy to fit into because the stretch lace accommodates asymmetry well.
I'm very impressed with Miss Mandalay, I've also tried a lot of their bikini tops and they are very well made and fit the best out of all the bra-sized swimwear I've tried on. I think Miss Mandalay is becoming one of my favorite brands. I just wish they made 28 bands. However, this band feels fairly tight for a 30 band, so I can probably get away with wearing their 30 bands just fine.
Short roots, functually full on bottom , center full . Need a lot of immediate projection. The good----- stays in my IMF so good immediate projection. Accommodates my center fullness well, wires enclose each breast without pressing slightly on one side. Gore is a little shorter than many and that is always a plus for me since I have so little room for gore. The very narrow deep cups are great, no wrinkling at the side. The bad---- Straps are too wide and where they join the cup cut in under my arm. Cup is too high under my arm and cuts in as well. Shape is very natural in a t shirt. May be a slightly minimized look. I normally wear a 28GG in a Cleo. This 30G fits about the same. I can't imagine anyone who normally wears a 30 being able to fasten this bra.
Short roots, functionally full on bottom , very center full Gore is always a problem for me since I have touching breasts. Got this in the ultra violet which is a gorgeous very saturated color. The side slings are in a satin and are not attached to the lace cup towards the center. I think band is comparable in size to a Cleo. This bra has really good immediate projection and is quite good for for my center fullness. Wires barely on my breast tissue and not uncomfortable. Stayed in my IMF pretty well.
I quad in my larger breast, so ...I think I need one cup size up . I think in one cup larger wires would probably be outside my breast tissue. Unfortunately it doesn't come in a larger cup size in a 28. The 28 band is good on me and so debating whether to even try a 30GG. Measurements on this site for a 30GG seem a little off to me. Can hardly believe the 5" wires on this size jump up from 5 to 5.8 and I think based on these measurements the band in a 30 would be too big.
This is quite possibly one of my tightest bras in the band, which is perfect for me. My band measurement ranges from 26~27 inches. If you are a sub-28 band or "small 28" I highly recommend this. If you are a true 28, I advise you to go up to a 30 back as it is very firm. The underwires are definitely narrow which are perfect for me. I have two Paige bras- to me they almost fit exactly the same, but the material on the ivory/black colourway is definitely a bit stiffer, which I don't mind as it retains the shape better. Because of this, it almost feels ...like it is less roomy in the cup than the coral colourway. I have bottom-heavy breasts and this used to fit me when I was a 'true' 28F; nowadays I would fit in a 28FF or in this case, 30F in this bra because it is one full band size smaller. As you can see, it does cut me in a bit, but I don't get 'orange in the glass' at the bottom. It's a great bra if you're bottom-heavy. I would not particularly recommend it if you are full-on-top especially, and I would caution those who are more even too. The material of the bra is soft, but also has a stiffness to it. It definitely softens after washing, but it's not really a problem for me. Like others have stated, the mesh is not stretchy at all which prolongs the lifespan of the bra. This bra is on the more expensive side of full-bust brands, but you can really feel and see the quality. The shape this bra gives is slightly minimized, quite natural shape. The seams and ribbon does show under thinner and tighter shirts so I find it perfect for days when I can wear thicker sweaters and not have my breasts so showy. 'Subtle peaks' would be great words to describe it. I would also like the state that for my bony ribcage it has not caused any discomfort issues. Read more 231 more words
This bikini top runs small in both band and cup. I'd size up in the band atleast once, and maybe twice depending on how tight you like things to be. Mine runs about 2 sizes small in the band, and about 1 in the cups. The pattern is quite minimizing, and the wires are narrow. The bottoms run a bit small as well. I love the way this looks from the front (even with the quadding) but hate the way it looks from the side. Also, WHY DON'T FULL BUST COMPANIES LINE BIKINIS????
Anyways, full review on the blog https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Have you tried Curvy Kate? They have comparably narrow wires and lined cups in many of their styles. They have lots of halter styles too. And 28 bands. There's lots of cheap ones on eBay right now.
I tried the Curvy Kate Shockwave tankini (I had to wear modest swimwear at my previous job) but overall wasn't impressed. It came out super pointy on me, and it was also unlined. But that's an older style so they've probably updated their fit since then! Do you know which styles are lined? It's annoyingly hard to figure out on listings.
I ordered this in 30D even though I'm more of a 30DD and it was a mistake!! Definitely should have gone for 30DD or 30E... but the 30D just smooshes and gives lots of boobage so I'm living with it. The band does run quite tight, I'm regularly a 30 and find it bearable though, but it's definitely on the tight tight side. Haven't gotten it wet yet..will have to see what it does!
PetiteCollegiate I know all the swim models based on the Temptress Plunge are padded. They aren't halter but there's no reason you couldn't cut the straps off the back and tie them around your neck. I think this conversion would probably work well with the shape of the bra. I found the shape to be very round and uplifting with plenty of cakes on a plate. Too much so for my 40HHs but I need to feel more covered and secure because I swim laps.
At this point I have other bras that fit me better and that I like more. But, I still really like this. The band, straps, and wires are all comfortable for me. I have zero complaints about this bra except that it's more of a 30E than a DD.
I do have one rave though. The color! It's so pretty! I love blues and a cobalt blue is so fun. It's why I really want the Comexim Sapphire, but I've seen a few of those that are more purple. This isn't, it's electric.
I will say that the ribbon edge on the Paris doesn't seem like the best quality. It's fraying where it connects to the straps. It hasn't interfered with fit yet, more annoying to look at than anything else at this point. But, I feel like it shouldn't be happening. The bra isn't that old and it's well cared for, so what's up, Paris?
I pined after this bra for ages because it was everything I wanted: a deep enough color to be a nude for me, sheer all over, and still a bright color.
The Paris, much like the Miss Mandalay Paige , has a VERY firm band. It also feels less stretchy than the Paige. I'm a solid 30, and I can only fasten this bra on the loosest hooks. I definitely advocate going a size up in the band, maybe even two if you prefer looser bands. [Edit: After a few months, the band now fits me well.]
As other reviewers have noted, the Paris has an inflexible ribbon ...running across the tops of its cups. This can lead to cutting in at the tops of the cups, which makes this style a tricky one for everyone, but especially so for those with full-on-top breasts. I am full-on-bottom, but I'm still perilously close to getting noticeable cutting in. I chose to go up one cup size to try and get around this caveat, but I could have easily gone up two cup sizes.
(To summarize: My "standard" bra size is 30GG [for Freya and Cleo bras]. If I had chosen to go up only in the band, the sister size would have been 32G. Instead, I went up in the band /and/ cups, for a 32GG. This size has the same cup volume as a 30H. If this is still a bit confusing, feel free to message me!)
The shape this bra gives is so round I'd compare it to a Cleo, but is still somewhat natural-looking. It is a very comfortable bra.
As with my wonderfully fitting 32G - Miss Mandalay » Paige , I had to bend the underwires away from my armpits for optimal comfort. With that small adjustment, it seems that Miss Mandalay is the brand of my dreams as far as style and fit.
I got this in Paris Moulin 30FF version in red. I have always wanted a red sheer bra and this bra is just what I wanted. It has bows on each side of the strap and the centre gore in leopard print. The mesh on the lower part is stiff, but it will probably go away once I've washed it. It doesn't feel scratchy when I'm wearing it.
I have full on top boobs and although everyone and their grandma said this model is bad for FoT boobs, I just have to try it on myself to see if it's true. Well, it is true, but not as bad ...as I've thought. After swooping and scooping and then standing still, there is no cutting on top at all. However, if I pull my shoulders back, it cuts in. Nonetheless, it's nothing that by taking in the centre gore can't fix. Once I've taken in the centre gore, the top part opens more and there is less cutting in.
The band is really firm. Even though it's a 30-band, fully stretched it came up only to 28" and since I usually wear 28-band anyway, this is perfect for me. The shape it gives is excellent. Nice and lifted, though it's not as round as Cleo bras, it's still round enough and it is pretty seamless underneath clothes too.
The width of the cup is only 5" with 10" depth, so I would say they have narrow but deep cups. The perfect width for my roots is 5.5", so this is a tad too narrow for me. However, after putting it on, I think the wire gets distorted a little because it doesn't sit on the side of my breasts. I have some escaped tissue near the armpit, most probably because of the narrow cups, they don't have enough width to hold in all my tissues. However it doesn't bother me that much.
All in all it's a beautiful and comfortable bra and I am satisfied with it! Read more 224 more words
Amelie, why are you so raved about? I don't understand. You're not very supportive, you're even more stretchy than Andorra. I'd agree you're soft and pretty and that you do give me a very natural breast shape that actually do look very nice. And I agree you do give me comfort, and I do think your wires are stable.
I do agree that I absolutely love your high wires and wings, no doubt. But why would you on that perfect construction of yours only have 2 hooks?! Why do you have to have so thin straps? Why do I get the feeling you're more of a fashion ...statement than an actual bra?
The sad thing is I would probably even say you fit me, apart from the fact that my boobs does push your gore out of course. But fit isn't really that important. The only thing that matters is comfort and performance. After all you're supposed to be a bra and not a fashion statement.
Compared to my Andorra you do have better wires and wings. But compared to Andorra fabric and top lace, you're lace is very unsupportive. Also your lace curls on top of the bottom section even when you fit. You are so strange to me. Read more 104 more words
My shape: Projected, narrow, shorter roots, even/functionally full on bottom, soft tissue. Cleo Lily fits me best.
The bra fits like a 30G, so I would definitely recommend sister sizing up from your usual size.
This bra is nicely projected and has wonderfully narrow wires. I rarely see 5" in this size range, especially in non-Polish brands.
I get a slightly pointy/natural shape in this. The cups are rather tall near the straps, so I have quite a lot of strap gap there.
The fabric/mesh is quite rough and scratchy, although that may soften up with washing.
Unfortunately the straps/cups cut into my tail of spence really badly, and I'm not sure I want to keep the bra and hope that that gets better after washing it.
The bottom fabric/mesh is quite rough and scratchy, although that may soften up with washing. The top part of the cup is much softer.
Unfortunately the straps/cups cut into my tail of spence really badly, and I'm not sure I want to keep the bra and hope that that gets better after washing it. I'm really torn on this one. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />
Looks great on you, nice find!