Pinniped

Wow, the first review for the Alissa! Full busts represent! Actually this was a cup size or two too small for me, but it was what was available on Amazon, so here we go!

The review on Breakout Bras says the Alissa would be good for soft tissue. I absolutely concur! The first adjective I would use for this bra is "sturdy." It has a four-part cup construction with a side-support panel, all 2-ply, non-stretch powermesh throughout with a small, subtle polka dot pattern. The top cups are embellished with a floral embroidery pattern and there is a very thin band of elastic topping the edge. Containment is the ... name of the game with this one: tall wires and high wings keep everything battened down on the sides. If you find Jasmine's stretch lace doesn't keep your boobs still enough in the cups, this one is for you! If you're looking for something to luxuriate in, move along.

Alissa gives a very pleasing shape - good projection, but rounder and wider than Jasmine, while still not being east-west. More like the Tango, I think, and deeper with more forward projection than the Clara.

Downsides: Short ladies, beware! These wires gonna poke you! These are longer than even other long Panache wires. These wires hit my armpits before I can even get the bottoms up into my IMF. With that and the high wings, it's a no for me, even in the 34J and 34JJ. But if you have a lengthier torso and are looking for great support, check this one out!
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Black colorway

Updated on Jul 20, 2019 Flag this

A Strange Thing Happened on the Way to the Fitting Room

I previously tried the Alex in 36HH and was impressed with the comfort, but not the shape or fit. It was a little wide-set and the gore didn't quite tack. I wasn't really planning on trying another size, but it was available on Prime, so I tried this 36J and a 34J. I was in a hurry when I first put them on and just noticed that this one was a bit wrinkly and saggy in the cups and the other was a bit tight, so I re-bagged them and set them aside in the return pile. But ... I wanted to take pictures and enter the measurements here, so I got them out again today. And something strange happened.

The cups were still wrinkly on the tops near the strap and on the sides and the bottoms had major creasing due to too little projection. But then I walked into the other room and noticed it... no jiggling! I thought I was imagining it, but no! I put my Elomi back on, and it was still allowing all the movement that is part of my daily existence. So I had a mystery: why was this seemingly poor fitting bra holding the girls so steady?

Turns out there are probably a few things. First, I had accidentally fastened the bottom hook onto the middle loop. This seems to have changed the angle of pull, allowing the wire to anchor more firmly against my bottom rib. But my bottom rib is not in my IMF, so that's not necessarily a good thing. But weirdly, the folding of the cup bottoms does fit in my IMF, and so snugly and with such faithful contour, and the fabric of the cups is so sturdy, that it seems to be functioning as a second underwire of sorts! This is somehow the first bra I have tried that fits and stays tucked in my IMF! Just not the wire.

Another thing is that the wires are wider. But I'm not sure why that is helpful here, because they are definitely wider than my root on the outer bottom cups where there is some empty space, even on the larger side. So,???

Regardless, the feeling of support is an amazing, rare sensation for me, and I put this bra back on and just walked around for 10 minutes enjoying the stillness. Other bonus: the Alex is still quite comfortable. The shape is still not my favorite, but it's a little better and more projected than the 36HH was, despite the wrinkling, and the gore tacks, so I think I'm moving this puppy into the keep pile!

The construction feels really solid, and the fabric is thick, sturdy and soft, if somewhat utilitarian in appearance. The upper cups are a two-layer, non-stretch mesh with an attractive but simple lace pattern embroidered on the front. The bottoms have vertical seams and a side-support panel.The straps are subtly decorated and fully adjustable. This one is the Sand colorway, which is a bit bland, but a necessary staple in the wardrobe, and it will make a very good everyday and work bra. Like an ugly duckling, this little bra that seems quite boring and fits all wrong turns out to be the most supportive "fit" I've found so far!
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Sand colorway

Updated on Jun 24, 2019 Flag this

I had bought a Panache Envy, but it was jabbing me badly in the armpits, so I tried out this Elomi Morgan instead. Sooo much more comfortable. First, the wire is shorter, so even when swooped and scooped it doesn't poke up into the tender zone. I measured the wire length at 13.8 inches, while the Envy is 15.5 inches, so, there's your problem! The cup width is 7.3, same as the Envy, so still wide enough to cover my root. Also, the (somewhat stretchy) band and the bottom of the cup on the Morgan is made of a very smooth non-stretch fabric, with stretch lace along the ... top. For those full-on-top ladies, be aware that there is an elastic band running on the top edge of the lace. There is a soft, felt-like material lining the inside of the band, wire, and straps, which feels nice. The strap is pretty average in width, but wider than the Envy's, which I also find more comfortable. I am very projected, and the Morgan seems to handle that with aplomb with a 14 inch deep cup.

As far as looks go, it does have the pretty stretch lace on the top of the cups that dresses it up, but overall I think this one is more serviceable than sexy. Fine by me! This colorway is just called "white," but the solid fabric on the cups is speckled with light blue.

The one thing I'm not crazy about is the side support. I feel like my heavy breasts tend to sag towards the outer bottom of the cup, and it pulls on the side of the band, causing some wrinkling. I'm pretty sure this is the right size, so there may be a shape issue. I notice if I pull the straps inward (as if they had a racerback) this improves the side lift a bit. I'm quite new to the bra-that-fits world, so I'm not sure of the cause or the fix beyond that. Still, I'm very happy overall!

Update: I tried the strap on the tightest hook, and it helped smooth out the edges of the cups by the wings and improved the shape a wee bit. I still feel it's a little slacker on the side support than I'd hoped for. Now, though, I'm wondering if I could have managed a 34 band!

Update 2: As I wore this bra more, the more I could see problems with the fit. The cups are just a little too small and the gore tacks only with effort and doesn't stay. I have since tried a 34JJ, and the fit is better.
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White colorway

Updated on Jun 07, 2019 Flag this

I think I will share this on the front page because Mariella is not one you hear about as much as other Elomis - only one review on Bratabase! - but it's a very nice bra and deserves more attention.

First the basics of its construction: The lower cups are made of a non-stretch silky fabric, while the top cups are of stretch lace with an upper band of elastic that might cut in for FOT ladies. The patterned fabric of the cup continues up the straps and across the bands, where it is lined with a soft elastic fabric to allow stretching. The wires are relatively flexible ... and on the outer side are about 1/2 inch shorter than the fabric of the wings, allowing for some cushion.

The Mariella is supposed to be based on the Elomi Morgan, and it has a lot of similarities. Someone I read, though, compared it to a cross between the Morgan and the Kim, and I'd say that's about spot on. The bottom cup is like Morgan's - deeper and rounder than Kim's - but with more projection than the Morgan. The result is a nice "green" shape - pointier than Morgan, rounder than Kim, and less extreme than Panache Jasmine.

To top it off, Mariella is both pretty and very comfortable.

I may try this in a 34J to compare, but I'm afraid I'll lose my tack. I'm technically a 36 band, but I noticed with other Elomis that the bands are pretty stretchy. I have to wear my 36HH Morgan on the tightest hooks and the band still rides up. I'm using an extender with this Mariella and it seems to be about right.

I think the fit and shape on this one look pretty good compared to what I've tried so far, but I'm still trying to figure this all out. Would a 34J be better? Do the wires look too wide or narrow? Right now I think I'm FOB/even and especially outer full; I think wide roots, but hard to tell. There is no doubt about being super projected and pendulous. Gravity pulls the whole structure down and out, but there is tissue on the top that is very happy to fill out when the bottom is supported. Does anything about how the Mariella fits give clues about my shape to the educated eye?

Are the cups projected enough for me? Heck no! Nothing is. There's a little folding over of the fabric at the wire. But it's not bad.

Is there some wrinkling at the side of the cups, especially on my smaller breast? Of course! But I can live with that.

Does it stay tight in my IMF? Don't be silly, why would it do that? Nothing does. *Every* bra I've tried eventually settles down about an inch or so, all landing in roughly the same place. Straps and band tighter or looser, it doesn't seem to make much difference. I guess that's just my anatomy?

Maybe someday I'll find the true unicorn, but until then, this Mariella seems pretty close.
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Blue Bird colorway

Updated on Jun 20, 2019 Flag this

Props to cupandahalf! On the strength of her fantastic review, I added Poppy on an impulse to my order, and I'm so glad I did! It comes very, very close to what I was seeking: a bra with the same shape as CK Ellace, but more supportive. Poppy is just about there, and is so beautiful, to boot!

The fabric is what gives Poppy the edge over Ellace, I believe. The bottom cups, with a truly stunning deep, rich red and black pattern, are a firm, smooth fabric that doesn't have too much give. The uppers are well-matched black floral non-stretch lace that, unlike Ellace's, ... is not prone to causing in-cup quadding.

As a short woman with a short waist and short breast root, I have had difficulty finding underwires that match my IMF. Most are an inch or more too high, contributing to the challenge of keeping bras from sliding down. So I highly appreciate the low height of many Curvy Kate wires! Poppy's wires are 4.5" tall, about 1/2" more than my ideal, but a great improvement over, say, the 5.25" height of my 34J Elomi Morgan wires. Not surprisingly then, Poppy does a much better, albeit not perfect, job of staying up in place.

If the bras I have tested are true to form, it seems that Curvy Kate's weakness is... well... weakness. The bras just aren't that strong. I find the wires on Poppy to be a little too light-weight. They're comfortable, but a bit over-flexible for my heavy breasts. Wearing over the course of a day, I do have to occasionally adjust the wires, cups, or band, but it stays nice and comfortable throughout. Poppy has a lovely shape under light-weight fabrics, but it seems heavy fabrics tend to push it down a bit, flattening out the perky little curve it produces when unfettered. This is also evident in the support department. Although it is definitely more supportive than Ellace, it is still bouncier than my Elomis or Panaches. But overall its charms well outweigh any deficits, and it will find a happy home in my daily rotation.
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Updated on Aug 01, 2019 Flag this

The emerald green colorway is quite beautiful, although there is more lace than I prefer. The fabric is different from other Panache bras I have tried. While the others have had varying degrees of roughness and stiffness, the Clara is supple and stretchy, making it refreshingly comfortable. The wires seem softer as well, really hugging my body as I move, rather than clamping down. Finally, the wires are not as long - athough I still get some discomfort from the awkward cut of the armholes, the wing is set lower or something, making it more roomy. As poking and aggravating armholes are my biggest complaint about Panaches, this ... is a surprising and welcome turn with the Clara. I feel like I could lounge all day in this bra.

Of course, all that luxury comes with a price, and with the Clara, it seems to be support. The softness and stretchiness of the fabrics and wires, along with the lower coverage of the cups make the Clara a more bouncy bra than others.

Another difference with the Clara is the presence of a side sing inside the cup. It barely reaches any distance on my breast, so I'm not sure it's doing any good. In general this bra does not have as much side-support as, say, the Jasmine or Envy or Thea, resulting in, not an east-west appearance, but nevertheless a wider, rounder shape rather than decidedly front-and-center. Like the Envy, the Clara has a band that is not one solid strip, but two pieces that criss-cross at the gore and attach on the opposite cup.

Lastly, projection. The Clara is shallower than the above-mentioned Panaches. Too much so for me, although it was so comfy I was tempted to keep it anyway. (Well, this one was too big, but if I sized down a cup or so.) I really wish Panache would make a hybrid of this bra and, say, the Envy: lower wings/shorter wires with deep bottom cups.
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Emerald colorway

Updated on Jul 19, 2019 Flag this

I followed the advice from cupandahalf half and tried sizing down a cup. I also sized down a band and fastened it with an extender, as I seem to fall pretty consistently between a 34 and 36 band. I think cupandahalf is right - this is a better fit! There is much less loose material in the tops of the cups while still tacking at the gore. The shape has a smaller, tidier profile - I have gone from a kidney bean to a cannellini. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> The smaller cups still seem wide enough, and the wire so far ... only threatens to poke under the arms. I'll have to wear it a little longer to see if it actually makes good on it.

So this bra gave me a unique problem I have never contemplated before: my gore tacks, but my shirts do not. :/ Both the tank top and the shirt I tied on are stretched out away from my chest at the collar! This gives me some pause, as I am not keen to replace my wardrobe along with my bras.

I find this bra very cute, but a little scratchy. I think a few washes would help with that. It delivers more uplift than most other bras have managed and a nice rounded shape. I like the polka dots, but I wish they had some more colors to choose from in my size.

@cupandahalf, thank you for your good advice!
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"Nude" colorway

Updated on Jun 10, 2019 Flag this

I had put this bra in the return pile after initially trying it on. I put it on again to measure and take photos, and I developed a better appreciation. It's not the most comfortable of bras, but man, does it support my boobs! They have never been so still while I am walking around. The bottom cups are solid beige material with a black lace overlay with a pretty pattern. The tops of the cups are non-stretch sheer mesh, which also extends down in an arc to the gore. The wires on this one are much wider than the other Elomis I have tried (Morgan and Matilda), going beyond my tissue, and it gives a wider, less forward-facing shape. Great uplift, though! It stayed almost put in the 34 inch band, but it was just a little too tight for me and got to digging in after a few minutes. An extender might improve things.

Black colorway

Updated on Jun 07, 2019 Flag this

Guys. This one seems like it fits. Most bras look like a droopy Snoopy nose on me from the front. This one seems to be shaped more like it's "supposed" to. My boobs are facing forward, not down. Sweet!

This was a surprise fit. I just added Thea to my order because it was available for Prime Wardrobe, but it's listed on ABTF as good for FOT, so I wasn't too excited as I am functionally FOB. Maybe the stretch lace/mesh panel opens up for FOT ladies, but on me it encloses the tops and inner sides very nicely. It's a two-ply mesh with an embroidered flowery pattern ... along the top and a thin elastic strip along the top border. Unlike Jasmine's lace, which is the same width for the length of the whole cup, Thea's lace is narrower on top by the straps and widens as it approaches the gore. The bottom cups are a smooth, satiny fabric with a mesh lining. The structure is a three-part cup with the straps attached to the wide panel that wraps down the side and along the outer bottom. That structure seems to work well for me with my very heavy outer fullness, as it helps give some outer lift.

The cups seem to fit well, very little wrinkling on the sides, and the elastic rests smoothly across the tops. The only issue is, as ever, the Panache wires that are always right at my armpits. Sometimes I have to re-scoop and swoop to keep it off my breast tissue right there. I wish Panache could shorten their wires by even 1/4". https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_razz.gif" alt=":P" />

Thea has a lot of projection in the apex, and also more than Hettie at the wire, with a rounder, deeper cup than Hettie. The result is a shape that's a little pointy, but like a rounded point, and angled up a bit. I believe I saw cupandahalf label this "rocket boob." lol.

The 34 inch band is a little tight on me. I'm wearing it with an extender that allows the bottom hook to fasten at the level of the loosest hook and the middle and top hooks to fasten one row looser.
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Black colorway

Updated on Jun 28, 2019 Flag this

This bra is so comfortable. The fabric is satiny and the bands and straps are lined with a felt-like material. It doesn't dig or poke anywhere. However, I have a problem with just about all the bras I have tried with them slipping down out of the IMF, and this one is no exception. The band is pretty stretchy. In fact, I started with a 36 inch band Morgan, but I have to wear it on the tightest hooks right out of the gate. This one I wear with an extender. The cups of the 34JJ fit much better and the gore tacks comfortably.

It makes a nice shape, not as east-west as some other Elomis, and pretty round. The stretch lace on top of the cup has a rim of elastic, which sits fine across the top of my breasts, but might cut in for someone fuller on top. I would like a little more uplift, especially on the sides - perhaps if it were a perfect fit. The seams show only slightly through t-shirts.

White colorway

Updated on Jun 07, 2019 Flag this