I was already ordering an original bra and a swim top from Molke, so I figured I might as well add this on. It looks very similar in design to the Molke swim top, but the fit isn't exactly the same.
This is called a flexi-size bra, which means that instead of using Molke's unique sizing system like their original bras do, it instead has enough stretch and adjustability (6 columns of hook&eyes!) in the band to accommodate a few different sizes. The 28H/HH supposedly fits 26HH/J, 28H/HH, and 30 GG/H. Unlike the swim bra, though, I don't think that's actually going to work for this bra. The cups ... are fine for the size range. The band, however, is both loose and stretchy, as you can see from the measurements, stretching up to 40 inches. I'm wearing it on the tightest hooks right now, and it kind of reminds me of the Bravissimo Zara - it's not so loose that it doesn't fit, but it would be much more supportive if it were tighter. I can get my whole hand under the band comfortably, but it doesn't ride up. The loose band puts this solidly in lounge bra territory. I might wear it out on errands, but I don't think I'd wear it to work. I cannot imagine how this band would work for someone who's a 26 when it's 27 inches unstretched.
Another difference from the similarly designed swim top is the cup design. The swim top has a total of 3 parts to the cup, while this one has only 2: a bottom cup lined with mesh and a slightly stretchier top cup, with a curved seam between the two. I think the lack of that 3rd piece, which went along the side and bottom of the swim top's cups almost like a side support panel, takes away from the support. Maybe the mesh lining is supposed to make up for that? I don't know, but I don't think it works the same.
Like the swim top, this bra has a drawstring to adjust the neckline. When it's tightened, it pulls the center of the neckline down, simultaneously creating some separation between the cups. It's a nice feature, but it doesn't work well for my 28HH breasts. When I tighten it more than a tiny bit, the top of the cup starts cutting into my breasts. It might work better if I were a 28H. It does seem like the fabric is stretching a bit with wear, so maybe it will work for me eventually. With the neckline left straight across, it's a crop top style bra with no separation between the breasts.
While it's not a perfect bra, it does have a couple features I'm fond of. The material is very soft and comfortable, and it feels lightweight enough that it should be good in hot weather. The bottom band is a nice thick elastic that stays in place and doesn't roll up. I would like to take that band and put it on every bra. The straps are also nice. They're not any wider than the usual bra straps, but they're a different elastic that feels softer, maybe a little bit stretchier. They have to be taking a fair amount of breast weight since the band is looser, but they don't feel like they're digging into my shoulders at all.
It really is too bad about the loose band, because a solid black crop top bra would actually be great under a lot of clothes if it were more supportive. With a lower neckline, it's just going to look like a camisole, no need to worry about it showing a bit. I may just try some alterations to tighten up the band and maybe make the straps convertible to crossback, see if that improves the support.
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Updated on Jun 23, 2021 Flag this