I wish this bra came in a 28C. Actually, if there was a half cup size inbetween C and D, I'd probably take that. The wires sit about a quarter inch too wide on the outsides for me, and I have a significant amount of wrinkling/gapping on my smaller side. On my larger side, it appears to fit well depth-wise, but the cup could be a slight bit tighter before giving me any quad-boob.

The gore is quite wide on this one, so I would only recommend it to those who are particularly wide-set. This is the closest I've ever come to finding a perfectly wide-enough gore, but it ... actually goes about an eighth of an inch too wide if I'm being nit-picky.

The lace on this bra is just gorgeous. It is just so pretty I want to keep it just to look at it sometimes. It is very delicate, but seems fairly high-quality at the same time. Unfortunately, I found this bra to feel uncomfortably tight and somewhat rib-squeezing (something to do with the wires, but I can't put my finger on it - I just know my breathing is constricted a little, but when I flip the bra around, the band doesn't feel too tight), so it's hard to justify keeping it. For the record, I do have a strange and flare-y ribcage, so this may not be an issue for you.

I have somewhat broad shoulders for my size, but I also found the straps to be just a bit too far apart. They dig into my armpits, and are also not long enough for me. I have them let all the way out, and I wish I could loosen them a half inch more or so.
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cashmere/blush colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jun 20, 2016 Flag this

This is my second experience with the Skarlett Blue Minx, one of their supposed topsellers. I hated the original Minx I tried in my original size of 28DD and found it to run super small, acting like a chest binder instead of a bra. However, I spotted this at Nordstrom Rack in person and loved the appearance of this colorway, Meringue/Brick, which is soft pink with burgundy crossdye lace and details. Due to COVID restrictions, their fitting rooms were closed and this item was final sale since it was on clearance, so I took a chance even though I suspected that the cups were a ... bit too wide as it is one size up from my normal sister size of 30DD. It turns out that my suspicions were true and the fit is a bit off for me, but with some adjustments, it is still wearable, so all is not lost.

The biggest surprise for me is that the 30DDD (30:6) is so much larger than the 28DD (28:5), since it is one band size larger and 2 cups larger in volume. However, I found that the band is 7 cm/2 3/4" longer in the 30DDD, which is kind of insane. The 28DD was so tight on me that hooking the band distorted the wires completely, but keep in mind that this was my actual size at the time, and my ribcage is close to 26". I have gone up one cup size since then, but my band measurement hasn't changed at all. Going up one band size in this bra somehow feels like a 2 band size increase. I have found massive inconsistencies with Skarlett Blue's bands before, since I have ordered 30DD styles that could barely hook closed, and 30DD styles that feel like 32s. Thus, quality and consistency is a big problem with this brand, and I think overall they struggle with proper grading between sizes.

The other weird thing about this bra is that it is designed to be wide and flat in the cups. I'm not sure why this is supposedly a bestseller, because reviewing the photos on the brand's official website from "real customers" on social media, it doesn't look good on anyone in that it doesn't do anything--it doesn't lift, shape, or provide support. The cup measurement isn't actually that wide, but the proportions are super wide because the wires are a rather flat shape with a very flat bottom. I think this would end up fitting better if the wires are bent to be more curved, thus reducing the cup width and giving it more projection. The cup construction is not even a true 2HC or vertical seam bra. Rather, it is one piece of double layered mesh with a long vertical dart at the center of the cup extends up about 3/4 of the way up the cup. I also own the Skarlett Blue Condesa, which is at least a full seamed 2HC. It seems this brand doesn't know much about how to create shape through seaming, since their assortment skews towards molded cup bras and these cups with very little construction.

Because of this weird cup construction, you can effectively think of the Minx as an underwired bralette, suited for bedroom wear rather than functional wear. The cups create no shape whatsoever, and since they do not have adequate depth built into the cup shape, they do a great job of minimizing. I said in my original review of the 28DD that this felt like a chest binder, and I still think that it does, though this bra is technically one cup size large on me and therefore doesn't smush everything together, thankfully. I found after trying both sizes that this bra runs about half a cup size small, so while 30DDD/E would normally be pretty huge on me, this is only slightly large on me, and I am unsure if 30DD would be a good fit or if it would be too shallow and small. Still, to make this bra wearable, I plan to bend the wires for better shape and wear it with foam liners to give it some shape.

Given my past experiences with this style and with this brand, you might be wondering why I blindly bought this bra in the first place, knowing it was unreturnable and unlikely to fit? Well, the reason is that it is really pretty, and I just wanted to have it! The main thing that this bra has going for it is a pretty appearance. The Minx comes in a lot of colorways, but I think the crossdye ones are the nicest. The materials of this bra are also soft, good quality, and feel excellent for summer wear. The entire cup is made from double layer mesh, and the outer cup and cradle are topped with floral lace, leaving the upper edge of the cup as smooth mesh. The crossdye lace looks like an embroidered outline of the lace pattern, and the resulting appearance is really beautiful. The wings are made from soft and silky microfiber with a cool feeling, and the band is constructed with fully enclosed elastic for a smooth feel. Hardware throughout is rose gold and looks good quality. Straps are narrow plain elastic, with no texture, so they are not suitable for heavier breasts, though it's clear that the cup construction is not suitable for heavier breasts anyway. The center gore has a delicate long thin ribbon bow with little crystal beads at the end. So much nicer than the similar decoration on Masquerade's Antoinette, which tries to do the same thing but has big clunky beads!

Skarlett Blue does a good job creating lovely bras with an expanded size range compared to many US department store brands, specifically with more options for small band, medium cup wearers, but unfortunately their bras suffer from inconsistencies in sizing and a poor understanding of fit and construction. If you find bras in their range that work for you, they have many attractive options. Unfortunately, for those who already fit well in UK and Polish brands, there is nothing impressive about the brand that would make you want to switch. I don't mind giving this bra another try since I think I can make it wearable, but I don't have much interest in Skarlett Blue as a brand anymore unless I find a style on deep discount and I can try it risk-free.
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Meringue / Brick colorway

Updated on Jun 27, 2020 Flag this

This bra is awesome for lifting and shaping without padding or thicker lining. The mesh lining helps keep my nipples in check, though I still need a pastie under if I'm going to wear a tight shirt. Flattering look, lovely color. Lace is a little itchy.

Rose Dawn colorway

Updated on Mar 18, 2024 Flag this

Ah the classic minx unlined balconette. 32B feels good in the band, but cups are too small. Perhaps try a 32C. (I tried a 30C pre-joining bratabase and it seemed close but not flattering. I think they might be discontinuing 30C and below, based on availability)

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 09, 2023 Flag this

Really nice fabric and fit is comfy just too big for me

Pale blue/orchid colorway

Updated on Jul 11, 2023 Flag this

I love the material and look of this bra. However much I like it, I still have some fit issues. The gore tented in the middle at the top while I was wearing this, and the cups were too wide. The underwire is closer to the correct shape on me, but too wide. Maybe that contributed to the center gore tenting? I'll be reviewing a 30E as well, but I doubt that the wire will fit any better. The straps are, as usual, too short. The sides of the cup are pulled tight and causing some puckering. Projection is okay: slightly compressed at the bottom of the cups, but the middle and upper part of the cups are good. The band is perfectly tight now, so the stretch will be a bit too much after the first few wears. I'll be trying a 28 in the future, maybe an F if the 30E has similar fit issues.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Mar 30, 2023 Flag this

The first encouraging bra of my journey to find a bra that fits!
For reference my boobs are a 34DD/E, short, shallow, even vertical fullness and outer horizontal fullness, slightly conical and I'm pretty sure I have splayed roots. Short, shallow and wide seems to be best for me so far.

Onto the bra - the Minx balconette is a very pretty bra, although I can't say that I felt particularly sexy in it. I ordered it from John Lewis in the UK, in the colour gleam. The colour is to die for, a beautiful bronze-toned nude and I especially liked the little beads on the bow in the centre ... of the gore (If brands are going to insist on giving us bows they may as well make them extra nice - am I right?!). It has a 3-hook fastening and adjustable straps with rose gold hardware and the lace of the cups is brought up the bottom portion of the straps slightly. The unlined stretch lace cups have a small amount of illusion mesh at the tops which gives them an extra little something. Overall a very pretty appearance.

Quality: The quality was excellent. Lovely construction and great attention to detail. I did notice a few little loose threads, but nothing overly concerning.

Pros:
- Attention to detail is off the scale - The band and straps are both made from incredibly comfortable materials, with the band being akin to "seamless" style underwear fabric and the straps being constructed from a microfibre/modal soft touch feel fabric, that is buttery smooth and velvety. The mesh-edged, stretch lace cups are also barely noticeable when wearing, yet somehow provide a gorgeous, naturally rounded shape. It's abundantly clear that Scarlett Blue have considered the wearer's comfort in the construction of this bra.

- The STRETCH in this bra is unreal. The cups are fantastic, yes, but the real star of the show is the band! It appears worryingly small on first glance at only 28" but stretches out to an astonishing 37". The result is a band that moves with you and somehow sucks everything in for a smooth finish, without cutting off your circulation.

- It's short & shallow - my fellow shorties, if this is your style I really recommend giving it a go. I felt supported without being stabbed in the armpit and I also didn't get any gaping at the top of the cup once I'd scooped and swooped everything into position; it's pretty much a dream fit if you fall into this camp with me. I also found that the cups sat at about the right height on me too, which is a bit of a miracle (I'm only 5'3").


Neutral:
- The aesthetics - while I really do appreciate the effort Scarlett Blue has put into this bra, the aesthetics just didn't do it for me. It is very pretty and I'm sure for the right person it would be perfect; that person just isn't me. If I'm going to the expense of spending around £50 on a bra, I want to feel like the sexiest woman alive and I just didn't.


Cons:
- The elastic on the cups - the stretch lace is fantastic, however, the minx has a piece of elastic on the underarm side/outer edge of the cups, leading into the strap. After all of the care that had gone into the comfort of the rest of the bra, this elastic felt decidedly scratchy. It doesn't have the same soft-touch edge as the strap elastic and as a result, I could tell that it would chafe over the course of the day. This is ultimately why I'm going to be returning this bra.

- Strap width - As comfortable as they are, the straps are quite wide on this bra. If you're smaller framed, I think you'll find it difficult to get them in a comfortable position. Combined with the slightly scratchy edge on the elastic, this posed enough of an issue for me to return this bra, so I feel it relevant to mention here.

- The stretch - I know, I said this was a pro, but I do see that this could also be a major con for you if you're "a small 34" so to speak. I am a true 34 back and I genuinely felt as though this bra wouldn't be all that supportive for long. If you fluctuate in size over the month or you're between back sizes, I highly recommend going for the SMALLER back size. I won't be keeping this bra, so I can't comment on longevity, but it is one that I would expect to lose its elasticity fairly quickly.

- The bow - I'm a bow hater. I will never understand why every brand feels the need to put a satin bow in the middle of the gore on bras (or on the front of the matching bottoms but that's another topic). This bow is very pretty as bows go, with it's very delicate look and clear beads, but it's never going to convince me to embrace the bow, sorry!

Overall, the Minx unlined balconette is a great bra for anyone with short, shallow and wide boobs, who wants something pretty and comfortable. The quality is great, but a few key issues I found mean that I've decided to return this and try something else. I'd absolutely recommend to anyone unsure to give it a go!
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Gleam colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Nov 30, 2022 Flag this

Comfortable. Fits well. I just wish this came in a non lace style as I'm not keen on lace for every day wear.

Updated on Sep 25, 2022 Flag this

Very nice bra - I wish they had this in a lightly lined bra or even better in a push-up!

Antique colorway

Updated on Sep 22, 2022 Flag this

Pros:
-Underwire is the perfect shape for me (I’m center full, average roots).
-Pretty, sexy
-Fast break in period
-Space for projection
-Extremely comfortable (forget you’re wearing it kind of bra)
-Inner lining is a tulle

Cons:
-Doesn’t come in anything other than lace, which I can see through some shirts
-Not all of the color ways are available in the larger sizes
-Cute matching underwear, but only available in a thong cut

Side note:
-The salesperson hat recommended this bra mentioned that Skarlett Blue is a sister company to Natori, and that if a client fits one, she recommends the other. I have struggled with how robust the underwires are in Wacoal bras, and comparatively speaking, the wires in both Skarlett Blue and Natori are a lot gentler.
-I use my Nippies (I have the ones without adhesive) with this bra when it’s cold.

Updated on Feb 14, 2022 Flag this