These cups are not as projected as I require. The cups instantly collapse. However, adding a full extender dramatically minimizes the cup collapse and quad boob. Although I have a 28" underbust, this bra works well with an extender around my projected, short breasts. The extender also dramatically reduces the support. But, there is absolutely no pain. I'll happily wear it and consider purchasing one other.
In the winter, I will need the thin padding here. It is more supple padding than even Comexim uses. It subtly corrals tissue into round mounds. The fabric is delightfully soft, peached, and seems relatively easy to pill and snag. The design ...is minimalistic. This works for me.
The straps are half adjustable which meets with my approval. There may come a day when a StrapSaver is required: I'm armed. If you are high set or petite, you may find the straps too long. But, a StrapSaver will help you, also.
This does create a more east-west orientation. When I swoop and scoop, I fall into the center. A bit of tucking and I'm "good to go" for several hours. This is not the best bra for center full breasts, but the gore width will beckon those of us who can't tolerate gore wires.
Soft, comfortable, and pain-free. There is nothing more I require. Thank you, learningaboutbras for sharing your fit experience at Nordstrom's. You were right https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> Read more 133 more words
This looks super comfy and will be good to recommend for people looking for wire free bras. :) I'm going to keep my eyes open for one in 30DDD
Ebay.... :-) Very comfy....effortless to wear.
Lane Bryant makes something like this. I wonder if it would be similarly nice for me as this bra doesn't come in my size.
cupandahalf It would be interesting to compare the design and construction....
It just looks so soft and comfy. :)
Love4Pollinators , I'm glad the Wacoal wireless worked out for you! The softness is so cuddly, I feel like petting it sometimes, lol. I also really appreciate the center pull straps. I'm traveling with this bra this weekend, as a matter of fact. (The fact that I'm traveling with my bf to celebrate his birthday and yet am checking bratabase indicates...what?)
I'll have to check this one out! I've been wanting a wireless sleep bra and this looks perfect!
KBoo_21 You may also appreciate Bali Comfort Revolution #3488. If I were to pick a sleep bra or "most comfortable" it would be 3488. I tried resting in this Wacoal and my breasts fell out into the middle and the fabric tugs. But, pure bliss in 3488....unless it is warm. It will be my winter bra :-) http://www.bratabase.com/browse/bali-smart-sizes/comfort-revolution-shaping-wirefree-3488/
Short, projected, slightly narrow, close set, center full, even breasts....
First, I purchased this bra in 32. Whoa! Too small. Then, inspired by NotNorton 's experience in a Wacoal Embrace Lace Wire Free Bra, I ordered a 36. Swoon https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> I have been wearing this for 12 hours and not once felt pain. And, my breasts are not swelling. Over the past several months, I've noticed my breasts swell one cup size larger the day after wearing a wired bra. And, 150+ bras have not yet eliminated this phenomenon. So, it was time to try a style that doesn't hurt or ...compress...
The lace is soft, and the cup lining is softer. Although soft and thin, this lining will not shroud cold nipples. The bra closes with 3x3 fasteners in the back and includes hardware for an adjustable j-hook. The j-hook increases the support exponentially. In fact, I could wear it only with the j-hook fastened comfortably.
The shape is natural and subtly rounded. It does not move tissue out of armpits which is what I sincerely appreciate about underwire bras. The support is minimal largely because I'm wearing a 36 band on a 28" underbust. However, the back is not riding up. I recall the support in the 32 was moderate and the cup size minimal. Ideally, these 36 cups would attach to the 32's band.
If you have short roots, this bralette may work for you. Certainly, it is better for wide, shallow shapes, but the design allows some flexibility. My short projected, slightly narrow pair is happy and not swelling. That is all that matters https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> Read more 172 more words
I get that swelling with my wired bras , swelling one to two cup sizes by the end of the day even if it starts out looking empty the cup will be overspilling by the end of the day . It's annoying . I get stupid swelling other places too can't wear socks without cutting off my circulation .
I wonder why? It causes me a bit of anxiety....
It's puzzling I have never gotten any answers from my Dr other than some people swell here is a diuretic , which does help in general .
Doctors have suggested birth control, but those hormones are pandora's box to me.
yikes that's scary you guys! Do you actually measure your boob perimeter at the end of the day to see how much swelling there is? it can't be normal :-/
This looks super comfy Love4Pollinators I wonder if it would fit me. What is your lying down perimeter?
It is disconcerting and I'm not able to attribute it to dietary changes or weight fluctuations. At times, my weight will drop two pounds and my breasts are still swollen. Mine varies from .5"-.75" perimeter increase.
Honestly getting a breast perimeter is like herding cats my tissue is so fluid .. At least laying down . My thoughts are it's just fluid some people get very swollen feet, ankles , even have to take of rings . I have found its has gotten worse as I gotten older and in warm weather . I also think it might happen to people in ill fitting bras but they never notice just have the "I have to take this bra off " at the end of the day feeling . I also forgot to say I really like that bralette .. I wonder how hard it would be to take in the back to make it more supportive . Does it have hook and eyes or is it pull over ?
Der.. pictures show hook and eyes ..
The band is only a single layer of lace; not supportive for long. But, adding a band lining could really improve the support.
My guess is your lymph system is stressed by the pressures of the wires and it leads to fluid retention in that area, another option is that your hormones fluctuate through out the day but then it wouldn't matter wire or not. I have varicoses from pregnancies and my left leg is much more sensitive.. Neither the lymph system nor the curriculation is optimal in that leg. I have swelling in my breasts for the second half of my cycle but that is hormones
revisa Lymph system is what I'm leaning toward. And, because the lymph system moves toxins out of the body, I do not want to encumber it. With only 1 of 152 bras that doesn't sit on my breast tissue, I'm returning to bralettes.
@Ivp, lcl0706 makes very supportive, custom bralettes. I will be ordering a 30G for close set, shorties soon :-) :-)
My left leg also swells up lots more than the right one, I had a very big varicose vein removed from it in my 20s so that's why. I wonder if the swelling you ladies experience is more on the armpit side or just allover swelling? Have you ever noticed?
Woo hoo, I'm inspiring! I agree with basically everything you said about this bralette. I think it works a bit better on me because at the moment I'm measuring about 32/30 underbust. Also, the band on the Embrace Lace version is firmer elastic, instead of the soft longline.
I wish I had useful thoughts about the swelling/edema thing. I get weird size fluctuations that may or may not be due to my endometriosis, but they're monthly, not daily. I have nerve compression issues in my left shoulder, too, but that doesn't seem to affect size. Anything like that would probably be noticeable on MRI...if you can get one.
Within two days of not wearing a wired bra for even 5 minutes, the swelling has not recurred. For some reason, wires and I are incompatible. :-) All is well :-)
I went through several YEARS of not wearing wires. It is a pain, but it can be done. I'm glad you found a bralette that works! Hopefully you'll find more. (Let's keep each other posted on good finds.)
You should start a blog on the wireless life! That's one niche which has not been covered properly at all for your size range. Lots of small band, medium/small cup bloggers posted the occasional fashion bralette but not a full exploration of options in a small band size range at all.
This is by far the best unpadded racerback there is. I wear mine when working out, running and playing golf or tennis. It is also wonderful for regular wear, and looks good under anything. Stretchy band and cups make it easy to find the right fit. Half the time I forget that I have it on, it is sooo comfy. Typical Wacoal quality.
Found my t shirt bra! I was shopping Nordstrom's anniversary sale and I came across this. I thought at first it was a La Femme style 853117 which it basically is except Nordstrom had them change the embroidery and called it their exclusive. I honestly didn't expect much, but when I put it on it ticked all the right boxes. Do I fill the cups? Check. Do the wires stay in my imf? Check. Comfortable? Check. Supportive? Check. Does it look good? Oh heck yes!
I love that it's also a plunge, a plunge that's shaped more like my shape than others I've tried. Has enough projection at the bottom and center, and not a ton of room at the top. There is side support provided by denser foam in that area. The center pull straps stay on my narrow shoulders. And it was on sale!
Is it the best bra I own? No, but it's great for it's intended purpose of being invisible under knits and enhancing my look under a low neckline. I couldn't ask for more.
Thanks for this review! I've been looking for a similar bra and yay for the sale - makes it easy to try it out (just ordered). My last five bra attempts have been duds, but I'm hopeful...
This bra is so matronly and ugly on me... and I love it! I saw the set for $15 at Dillard's sale, and I've been wanting a seamless unlined bra for summer. This is it! It's so incredibly soft and comfortable.
The band fits a bit tighter, and the cups larger, so I ended up with it over the other 30E bras I was trying on. I do wish they made it in 30 bands, but I think this 32D will work for me for awhile.
It's really not the most sexy thing, but I always feel sexy in a nice unlined bra. I feel round under ...clothes but the cup shape also makes my boobs look long and flat on top without clothes. But overall I'm glad I found it https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
After measuring, the cups do measure pretty small for me, but the material is very stretchy and forgiving. The band doesn't quite stretch to 32". The straps don't adjust fully, which is okay on me, but could be a problem for other people. Read more 73 more words
Yay for finding the type of bra you've been wanting! And for $15, too!
"This bra is so matronly and ugly on me... and I love it!" <-- That made me smile. Love the sentiment, and I'm glad you love your bra!
As much as I love a bra that looks sexy without clothes, when it comes down to it all that really matters is how it feels and how it makes you look with clothes on. I don't know about you, but I almost never just hang around in my bra. I'm either wearing clothes or I'm naked. I appreciate an "ugly" bra that does what it's supposed to do.
Also, yay for inexpensive! That's a breath of fresh air in my book. Congrats!
This is great. Similar to the Panache sport, but in my opinion, this is more well-made than the Panache, so if you are within the size range for this one (the 32 goes one cup larger than this to 32G US size), I'd give this a go first. There is very firm cushion at the end of the underwires to prevent poking through. This works well for my shallow/short roots, whereas Panache left a lot of open space at the top of the cup. More than that, the Panache bended away at the top where the underwire was. It was sort of an odd boxy shape there (compare ...the white http://www.barenecessities.com/panache-ultimate-maximum-control-sports-bra-5021_product.htm?pf_id=Panache5021 to the beige http://www.barenecessities.com/wacoal-maximum-control-contour-sports-bra-853209_product.htm?pf_id=Wacoal853209). The gore does not tack (it is not meant to - this is an "encapsulation" style sports bra), but it definitively separates my breasts. My only quibble is that I am starting with the straps maximally tightened. I'm going to try it as-is for now but may take it to a tailor and shorten them an inch so that I can use the adjustable portion on the back when it stretches (I use my sports bras for like 8 years! haha). I got this bra for a steal of $23.80 at Dillard's last week. My girls are nice and perky and round in this. There is almost no bounce, but I don't feel strangled or squished. I much prefer this standard style rather than cross-back, because it puts less strain on my neck. The Panache was made as a convertible back, and I feel as I always do that when companies try to make convertible bras: they end up not quite right in either style. The straps do not dig in at my armpits. Read more 186 more words
When you have time and desire, I'd love to see the measurements. This looks lovely....for a sports bra ;-)
I just got this model in a 36G from Nordstrom Rack and I agree with your observations on the fit! This one is a keeper, which is shocking to me as I chose it online on a whim, unsure if the size would work. I'm still in the beginning stages of trying to find my proper bra size (I think I'm around a 34F), and so it was a lovely surprise when the package arrived and I found that this sports bra seemed to fit perfectly! At first I thought the band was too tight, but once I had it on and adjusted, it felt perfectly, comfortably snug on the largest hook. It is super comfortable, I feel very supported, absolutely no bounce, the fabric feels soft and cushy everywhere on my skin, and I get a nice round shape to boot! I'll get measurements uploaded soon, and work up courage to take pics, as it has been so helpful to me to read others' experiences and see pics to go with the data.
I really like Wacoal bras anyway, but this is my favorite because of its versatility. Also very comfy. Great under t's. Also doubles as a very good sports bra because of its racer back features and because it actually wicks away moisture. I really like it for golf. The moderate stretch in the cups accommodates differences in breast sizes. And the stretch in the band allows me to wear a 38C even though my actual size is closer to 40B. As a relatively athletic male, I need the larger band size, but really appreciate it when I can find stretchier 38's because of the greater selection. This bra is certainly not as confining as a regular sports bra, so might not be good for running. Slight nip protrusion.
I have never had a Wacoal. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks! I am male also. My usual size is 38B, depending on the particular bra, but often sister-size to 36C or D, with an extender. I like my bands snug though, so we may be about the same size.
My most comfortable bra is Wacoal, but it no longer fits. They seem very durable, too.
Me, too, FF. I have really good luck with Wacoal. Lots of variety, but all seem to be well made.
Edit: After a week a wrinkle is developing in the outer bottom edge of both cups. I believe it is a shape issue, not a volume issue. This bra would be better for someone with a bit more fullness on the bottom than the top. The cups fit perfectly and it sits seamlessly under a shirt, the band runs tight for a 30 but fits my 29" snugly at the outside hook. I feel very secure and non-bouncy when it is on, so it works well for when my breasts are feeling particularly sensitive. The lace band is unfortunately very scratchy, but I am hoping a few washes and time will soften that. The molded cup is very thin and subject to getting very easily misshapen and wrinkled, so it will need a lot of care with wash and storage.
This was my very first correctly fitted bra! I tried it on in the store and couldn't wait to get it home! The cups are very comfortable and the bra itself is very supportive. However, I still have some digging in the gore and under arm area. I believe this is not a size issue but I do think it has to do with the tall cups on my frame. My collarbone to nip measurement is 8 inches so I think I will have to look for shorter cups.
I have started replacing Wacoal wires with Bravo Bella wires (size 42 is very similar to what Wacoal uses in 32Gs). Bravo Bella wires are shorter at both the gore and wing plus they are flexible. What were my favorite, uncomfortable bras are now my favorite comfortable bras. Wire length makes a huge difference :-)
When I tried this on, I found that the cup was the correct volume. However I think the cups were a little tall for my shape, since the wires came up too high on the sides but the lowest part of the wires sat on my ribcage. However, the fabric is really soft (I am pretty sensitive to how certain fabrics feel on my skin) and it looked cute, so I'd recommend it if it fits your boob shape.
This is a very feminine bra. Cups are wide though and I will need a cup size down. Wires are high on the side too. Has a narrow gore that works great for me as I'm center full and close set. Straps are pretty wide too but don't feel uncomfortable. Also, it won't work under thinner shirts as the lace is bumpy and the back band is sorted of pleated/ruffled.
This bra was such a a let down. I didn't realize it has think padding like a push up bra. Does not work for my close set center full chests as I have lots of spillage. Cups are too wide and run small. Fabric is nice but just too much padding for me. Wires are a bit too high on the sides too.
Lace feels smooth and it's stretchy. Feels comfy but the cups are too big. Gore is narrower than most and works for my close set chest. I could possibly go down a band size since I'm on the middle hook. Def going to try in a 32D and a 30E. It's also double lined. Also, it looks smooth under a knit top! I could pull off this 32DD but I still want to try a cup down.
I bought online (used) because the cup was wide, but in reality, it's quite narrow. Just looks like a wide style. Much too narrow, and the cups slid quite far down my torso.
It seems like this bra is the correct fit for me when I put it on, yet I still have issues with it sliding down over time. I wear it on the tightest hooks, and it feels tight, but as I walk or dreadfully go down flights of stairs, it starts to migrate down closer to my waist. My guess is I need to size down to a 28 band for it to work better, but it doesn't seem worth it to me to invest $70 for a strapless bra that I will wear maybe 2 times a year max. I was able to get this bra for about ...$10 new secondhand. 28E or F strapless bras aren't quite as easy to come by for such a good price. My other thought is that maybe I would be better off trying a 30DD, which also seem to be abundant secondhand. It might give a quad-boob, but maybe the extra compression from the cups would help keep it up? I'd try fashion tape before I buy another bra. I'd be curious about other's experiences using that as reinforcement! Otherwise I'm this close to trying to make my own corset lol Read more 89 more words
Yeah, strapless bras are a challenge. I've tried *many*, including the Wacoal Red Carpet. My favorite is 32F - Wonderbra ยป Refined Glamour Ultimate Strapless Lace Bra (
I also have it in 32C (lower wings for certain tops). Ideally, a 28FF or 30F would be best for me, but these are the closest sizes I could find on eBay. I reached out directly to Wonderbra, but they don't ship to the US :(
Regardless, this bra (32F) has worked great for me (middle hook). I recently took it on a Caribbean trip & wore it with a silk, plunging V-neck, spaghetti strap dress dancing all night. Then wore it several times with various tank tops. I wore it when I played beach volleyball with my granddaughter & never once needed to adjust it.
My shape may be different from yours, but if you can find this bra secondhand, I'd recommend it! I have photos of my 32F on my bratabase.
It looks like the bra might be too closed on top for you, so it slides down as you move.
Loxus I'm pretty FOB so I was leaning towards thinking it was too open on top if anything. The cups fit fine when I have good posture but if I hunch over there is a small gap at the top of the cup. Im still pretty new to this so not sure if i'm thinking of the right terminology.
It's not the size! I have worn this model as an everyday bra for 10-15 years, it is one of my all time favorites so I can see the issue here. The silicone lining is dry and the bra will never be able to sit right for more than a few minutes.
I have purchased this model many times on ebay (cheap because of missing straps) over the years and only recently received bras with "dry" grip. I had a retired size to compare with so this problem is age related. If someone buys this in similar condition from ebay it would be possible to contact the seller for a return or open a case and request a refund. A strapless bra should not need straps to stay in place. Glad to see the band is wide. I'm a 34D in wacoal but the band to narrow for my liking so 32DD with an extender is a better fit. I paid $9.99 for mine so guess I have to replace the band with fresh silicone. If anyone is interested in buying this pre-owned online make sure the silicone looks glossy in pics!
Last advice to anyone who reads this. You don't need straps on a bra unless you happen to have very large breasts. (For reference, I'm currently a 34D but have been a 36D). A strapless bra just requires a perfect fit in cups + good grip + a wide band and the red carpet just happen to be right for me. And you have to use a microfiber cloth to wipe of any residue on the silicone between washes. This is all I had to add!
mabra omg!!! You're a genius!!! I checked the silicon and it is all dull and has almost no grip at all. I never even thought of that being an issue when I bought it used, but it's been too long now to dispute (whatever, just $10!) Still going to try and save the bra. My first thought to replace the silicon is to buy some silicon grippy tape and sew it onto the cups. The band is a lot harder to deal with because of the stretchiness. I may try using fashion tape for that.
I have a couple Ewa Michalak strapless bras that slid down the first times I wore them. I have many EM bras, and the fit of all of them, including the strapless ones, is excellent. Maybe they slid down over the course of a night because the silicone got less sticky? I'll try @mabra's advice and wipe down the silicone lining. I'll probably try the Wonderbra Refined Glamour Ultimate Strapless Lace Bra justapac recommended.
I think it might be a size too small given that I get a bit of quad-boob after swooping and scooping. Even so, it's so comfortable I've forgotten I was wearing it, and after a few minutes of settling the quad-boobing isn't noticeable, even under a tight shirt. I'm FOB and shallow with tall roots (I think? Shape is still a bit of a mystery to me, to be honest). Band feels good and supportive, underwire doesn't poke at the armpit or the gore, and it looks great on. As a bonus, it's thick enough it'll hide my perky nipples even when it gets cold out (which is always a challenge!). Altogether very happy with it, and will keep an eye out for discounts on a 30E to test my hypothesis re: sizing https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Very natural looking fit, cups fit great for an unlined bra. Ever so slightly pinching at the center of the cups, so they are slightly too wide I think. Band is a bit tight, but other reviews say it stretches out over time. Not too tight, just noticable. Worried about the underwire under my arm, it digs in a bit and rides a little high. Straps feel secure.
Main concern is the gap under and to the side of my boob at the underwire. The underwire fits at the outside edge, but it runs high and the curve is a bit too much for me to fill out. The center is close to perfect, I think.
This looks super comfy and will be good to recommend for people looking for wire free bras. :) I'm going to keep my eyes open for one in 30DDD