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This review is for the Ewa Michalak SF Czarny Gładzioch in RED (which makes it a Czerwony Gładzioch) in 80F EU (36F UK). My ABTF size is 32FF/34F UK. Ewa doesn't offer this bra on the website but I asked if they could make the Czarny Gładzioch in Red and they agreed for only $10 more.

Band:
* Very tight. This fits like a 32 or 34, which I knew. Has 3 hooks by 4 columns.

Wires:
* Very narrow at 5.5 inches wide in the 80F.

Cups:
* 4 part cup, with 2 vertical seams. The bottom is standard knitwear. The top is elastic tulle.

Straps:
* The straps are fully adjustable and nice and ... stretchy.

Fabric:
* The fabric is very comfortable, no chafing at all.

Hardware:
* The hardware is matching red and it has clear button details.

About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very projected at the wire, full on bottom, short roots, soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.

FIT

* The band is smaller than you'd think.
* The wires are wonderfully narrow at this size.
* The gore tacks well for me.
* The cups are great for my short roots, full on bottom. I do have some wrinkling at the wire, but I can't blame it on projection since this is a Ewa. I do have "flatt-ish" roots so I think the wire is just too much of a capital U shape for me. Again, I knew this before I ordered it.
* The straps are plenty long enough and fully adjustable. Like all the Ewa's I've tried they do cut into my ToS much more than I'd like.
* The sides are a comfortable height for me.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
* I love it! Classic.
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Red colorway

Updated on May 29, 2021 Flag this

BUTTONS! The detail on this is BUTTONS and I love it! Not too feminine for me, nice and narrow, lifts!

This review is for the Ewa Michalak SF Czarny Gładzioch in 70G EU (32G UK), color Black. My ABTF size is 34FF/32G UK.

Band:
* Very tight. This fits like a 30. Has 3 hooks by 4 columns.

Wires:
* Very narrow at 5.5 inches wide in the 70G.

Cups:
* 4 part cup, with 2 vertical seams. The bottom is standard knitwear. The top is elastic tulle.

Straps:
* The straps are fully adjustable and have a nice embroidery pattern on them in black on black.

Fabric:
* The fabric is very comfortable, ... no chafing at all.

Hardware:
* The hardware is matching black and it has button details.

About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very projected at the wire, full on bottom, short roots, soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.

FIT

* The band is VERY small. I had to wear an extender. I think this 70 fits like a 30 (the stretched length is 31).
* The wires are wonderfully narrow at this size.
* The gore tacks hard for me due to being the wrong band size for me. I can wear it but it's never going to let me forget it's there. (SOLVED by wearing 2 extenders.) The wires are as narrow as could be at .75 inches. I really need to overlap the wires but I can't bear to wreck the button detail!
* The cups are GREAT for my short roots, full on bottom. I do have some wrinkling at the wire, but I can't blame it on projection since this is a Ewa. I do have "flatt-ish" roots so I think the wire is just too much of a capital U shape for me. I need to look into swapping the wires for an Emerald Erin in Carmen if I can get the right height.
* The straps are plenty long enough and fully adjustable.
* The sides are a comfortable height for me.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
* I'm counting this as a win! I'll try to get it in a 75FF or 80F/80FF for an even better fit, but with extenders this is a keeper for me. And my first 'bra that fits.'

P.S. I totally lied on the "set a fit" because I need to show this as "it fits." The truth is the issues are: band too small, gore too wide, can't fill bottom of cups.
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Black colorway

Updated on Apr 23, 2021 Flag this

This review is for the Katherine Hamilton Sophia Lace Balconette bra in 32GG, color Ginger. My ABTF size is 32G/GG UK (or more) depending on projection.

Band:
* Stretchy. Has 3 hooks by 3 columns.

Wires:
* Very comfortable; very narrow at 5.75 inches wide in the 32GG.

Cups:
* 3 part cup, balconette. The bottom has an inner mesh lining and one vertical seam. The top is a continuation of the lace layer that's over the whole cup. The lace has a seamless edge at the neckline which should lay flat (no elastic). There is a stretch silk quarter cup sling on the outside that is decorative (not intended to ... support).

Straps:
* The straps are half adjustable. The front half of the straps are the same silk as the sling.

Fabric:
* The Ginger color is rich. The lace and the silk are both soft; very nice. This is the most beautiful bra I've seen in person and I attribute it to the silk.

Hardware:
* The hardware is gold, which I normally never go for but with the Ginger fabric it's perfect.

About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very projected at the wire, full on bottom, short roots, soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.

FIT

* The band length was fine but quite stretchy. While I did measure it stretched to 32 before wire distortion, it could easily go further with some wire distortion. I agree with others that it's very stretchy.
* The wires are comfortable when standing but I have rib flares and they dug in quite a bit when I sat. I think it's a projection issue, not a wire issue.
* The gore tacked nicely. It was narrow enough for me at .75 inches, but I still might prefer to overlay the wires.
* The cups were a bit confusing to evaluate. (See my pics to understand.)The bra is meant for someone more full on top than I am, but it also had a bit of an indentation above the horizontal seam. Perhaps it's for someone less conical than me. It also didn't have enough immediate projection for me. (I think I'll need custom wires.)
* The straps are long enough but barely, and I'm quite short at 5'4".
* The sides are a comfortable height for me.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
* What a beautiful bra! I loved it from the moment I opened the box. If only it fit my projection needs I would order so many of them!

From the KH website:

Vintage charm meets modern wearability in our signature Sophia collection. This luxurious balconette bra is made from delicate French lace with overlaid pure silk cups. Bespoke underwires and a mesh lining help to enhance lift and comfort. Timelessly elegant, it’s a style that will endure seasons to come. Pair with the matching high-waisted knickers and suspender belt for all-out glamour.

• French lace
• Stretch silk quarter cup
• Made in Latvia
• Designed in the UK
• Non padded
• Metal ring detail
• Hook fastenings
• Delicate wash in lingerie wash bag, flat dry
• Available in Black, Ivory, Blush, Ginger or Red
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Ginger colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Feb 13, 2021 Flag this

This review is for the Ewa Michalak S Queen in 80F EU (36F UK), color Black. My ABTF size is 32FF/34F UK.

*Note: this bra is not on the Ewa site. I think it was a special commission. I bought it used in excellent condition.

Band:
* Very tight. This fits like a 32 or maybe a tight 34. Has 3 hooks by 4 columns. (I knew this when I bought it.)

Wires:
* Very narrow at 5.5 inches wide in the 80F.

Cups:
* 3 part cup, with 1 vertical seam and one horizontal. The cups are PADDED and do come with removable cookies. (Pics are without cookies.)

Straps:
* The straps are fully adjustable ... and comfortably stretchy. Like all EM bras like this, the straps definitely cut in to my TOS.

Fabric:
* The fabric is embroidered and very comfortable, no chafing at all.

Hardware:
* The hardware is black. The gore has a little crown for jewelry as well as a bow.

About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very projected at the wire, full on bottom, short roots, soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.

FIT

* The band is very small. I'm a 32 but prefer a 34 for my rib flares, this should be a 36 but at 32 the wires start to distort, so I think it fits like a 32 or 34.
* The wires are wonderfully narrow at this size.
* The gore tacks hard for me. The wire casings are slightly overlapped providing .625 (5/8") for a gore width.
* The cups are an interesting shape; I've since learned this is normal for the S style. They come up sharply from the bottom wire to provide a lot of lift. I do get insane cleavage with this.
* The straps are plenty long enough and fully adjustable.
* The sides are a comfortable height for me.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
* This bra is beautiful. It definitely fits. I just have to decide if I want that much cleavage. If I take both thin cookies an put them in my smaller side the fit is great. I've only worn it to measure so I don't know about comfort over time. The wires are a deep U and will definitely bother my rib flares over time, but all bras do.
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Updated on May 29, 2021 Flag this

This review is for the Q-T Intimates "Sexy Soft Bralette - Full Bust" in Medium, color Black/Nude. My ABTF size is 32FF UK at time of writing. I chose this based on their sizing info online suggesting a Medium for a 32/34 DD/DDD/G US sizing (knowing I might be pushing it). They also make a version that's not "full bust."

Band:
* Runs TTS, maybe a little loose.

Wires:
* None.

Cups:
* Full coverage.

Straps:
* The straps are NOT adjustable.

Fabric:
* The cotton lining is lovely. The fabric around the hooks is a little scratchy to me, but not bad. And it's new.

Hardware:
* Black hooks.

About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very ... projected at the wire, full on bottom, short roots, soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.

FIT

* The band length is super great for me. But it does stretch to 37 inches so it may ride up a bit, we'll see.
* With no wires, there is no gore so it's definitely a uniboob bra. My soft tissue does quad a bit on my larger side.
* The cups are really comfortable and somehow feel like a hug. {Edited to add: after wearing it a few hours, it's too small for me. Still a fantastic bra.}
* The straps are NOT adjustable but were a good length for me. They're wide and even the back of the straps feel like a hug.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
* This is a wonderful option for small band, large-ish cup. It's not a huge size range, but it's slim pickings out there. I'd say their sizing guide of M for 32/34 DD-F (UK) is accurate.

FROM THE WEBISTE:
https://levanabratique.com/floral-lace-bralette/
* Wireless cup with angled seam has a cotton blend lining, with pocket for removable padding, included.
* Cup overlay with darts for shape features embroidered floral lace.
* Wide, sheer mesh band along front neckline.
* Center panel - tall and wide.
* Wide, covered elastic underband provides additional support.
* Tall, lined, smoothing sides and back of sheer mesh have sewn-on elastic at edges for fit.
* Wide, non-adjustable, center-pull straps are lace at front with wide sewn-on elastic on underside of shoulder for hold. {NOTE: I have no idea what this means; I see nothing like this.}
* Hook-and-eye closure with soft underside and coated metal hardware at back.
* Available in regular (fits B-D cups) and full bust (fits DD-G) versions. {NOTE: US sizing}

* S-Full Bust M-Full Bust L-Full Bust XL-Full Bust (fits DD/DDD/G cups) {NOTE: US sizing}
* SV(30/32) MV(32/34) LV(34/36) XLV(36/38)
* Fabric: 88% Nylon, 12% Spandex
* Cup Lining: 95% Cotton, 5% spandex
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Black/Nude colorway

Updated on May 02, 2021 Flag this

The Cleo Hettie in 34GG is the closest I've found yet to a bra that fits, but it's not quite perfect for me.

The band is perfectly snug on the loosest hooks (only 2 x 3 rows, but felt fine).

The straps are long enough for me (but I'm pretty short at 5'4 so check the photo of the back to see how much adjustment you may get). However the straps are set too wide for me (as always with my 11.5" frame width) and they cut into my TOS/tissue too much unless I'm only standing with my shoulders back and not moving at all. I ... could see about getting them moved in; I think I'd want to also reduce the height of the side panels. (Correction: it's not really the side height that's an issue Upon closer look it's only where the strap meets the wing that digs in.)

The gore tacks great! It's significantly taller than what I'm used to (been wearing plunges) so that would take some getting used to.

The cups are ACTUALLY NARROW enough for me. (A first after trying about 12 "narrow" bras!)

The cup tops fit my larger breast pretty well (but over a few minutes it did start to show a bit of gaping) and there is space at the top of the smaller breast (enough that I'd need a cookie). The cup bottoms both have some wrinkling. (Still trying to determine if that's a wire projection deficiency or some other shape/size issue; I do have mild ptosis and I'm trying Polish bras next.) I don't think I can get alterations to deal with the wire gap and I'm concerned that over time it would press into my rib flares, so I think it's not a close enough fit to keep.

The seams and upper gap do show a bit under a shirt, but I'd still wear it.

Overall I'm really impressed, it's just not my unicorn.
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Black colorway

Updated on Jan 04, 2021 Flag this

I decided to try a ready-to-wear Comexim plunge since I need a really narrow cup. I sure picked the wrong size! I think I'm normally a 34GG but my most recent measurement put me at 32G/GG (still searching for abtf). I got this from Breakout Bras and it was listed in UK sizing, so I ordered the 34H since I'd heard to go up a cup or 3. Well, I should have gone up several cup sizes!

The band was unwearable for more than a few minutes, but here's the thing - if I put it on backwards and upside down it was ... fine, so I don't need a bigger band. The cups were just WAY too small for me, causing the band to tighten and probably distort. I have some rib flares that were just not going to have it!

So, even though I can't keep this one, let me share some thoughts.

The quality looks great and the fabric feels nice. It provided a wonderful round shape. I can't be sure but it may have had enough projection at the wire to sit in my IMF. I think in the right cup size I could tell for sure. The gore sits short, as it should, and which I like. However, my boobs were way too squished together in this poor cup size. (I don't want or need butt-crack cleavage; I do like cakes on a plate.) The straps did cut into my TOS but again, possibly just due to size. The seams did show a bit under my thinnest white shirt, but not enough to bother me.

I have no idea what else to try from Comexim but you can bet I'll try something!
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Nude colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jan 17, 2021 Flag this

I tried this bra through Amazon Prime Wardrobe, though it's significantly cheaper elsewhere.

I got this in a 34G (Aubade currently only goes up to a G) and my ABTF size is 32G/GG (or more) depending on projection.

This is for the "Comfort Half Cup" version; they also have a couple others with the same style number.

Band:
* Measured from 29 to 33 before the wires started spreading. As a 34 label I'd say this might run a bit small. You absolutely can stretch it more - the band is stretchy - but you might distort the wire size a little.

Wires:
* Seemed firm.

Straps:
* Very interesting. Check my pics to see ... how it uses a simple beige strap but overlays it with a lace piece. What's interesting is the lace isn't sewn on, it floats. Surely so that it doesn't distort with various pressure. This lace also overlays the cups.

Cups:
* One mesh layer, some embroidery. Easiest to see in my pic of the back/interior.
* No inner side sling; the outer lace 'sling' is decorative only and not sewn on so can gap at certain angles as you can see on their website. https://www.aubade.co.uk/rive-gauche-passion-276.html

Fabric:
* Intensely itchy. Couldn't wear it long.

About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very projected at the wire, functionally even to full on bottom, short roots, relatively soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.

FIT

* The band length was great when I tried it on upside down and backwards, But since the cups were too small, the band got stretched to a point of being quite tight.
* The gore floated by a good inch, I'd guess I need to size up at least 2 cups (which they don't carry in this style). But it was nice and short and as narrow as can be without overlapping, so that was great for me. (You can't see it in these photos.)
* The cups are clearly too small due to the gore placement, but I don't get quadding so that was nice. They're almost narrow enough for me; enough that'd I'd allow the width. It MIGHT have enough immediate projection for me if the cups were sized right; that's hard to tell with the gore floating. The seams do show under a thin shirt as you can see in my pics. It does give a nice shape for me.
* The straps are interesting, which is nice. The sliders are quite loose but if that ever became a problem I'd just tack them with some thread.
* The sides aren't technically too high for me but due to the intensely itchy fabric they were unbearable. I don't know if that would soften in the wash.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
* This bra is beautiful. I'd gladly pay the full price for it if it came in the size I'd need and if the fabric was smoother.
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Navy colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Feb 06, 2021 Flag this

I really love the look of this Curvy Kate Balconette and wanted to love it but the fit is just not a match for me. I need WAY more immediate projection, so it should be good for someone more shallow. And that might bring the seams up enough to cover someone's nipples, too, just not mine. The quadboob + wrinkling was also surprising for me. So this one just isn't for me.

Black colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Dec 13, 2020 Flag this

This review is for the Gaia Sandy Semi Soft, in 70G EU (32F UK), color Pink. My ABTF size is 32G/GG UK. (I thought I was buying UK sizing.) {Update: I've since purchased this in 75H and my review for that is here: http://bra.pe/X4Pm/}

Band:
* Seems TTS, maybe a little snug. Has 2 hooks by 3 columns.

Wires:
* Very comfortable; very narrow at 5.25 inches wide in the 70G.

Cups:
* 3 part cup, balconette. The bottom has one vertical seam and has a very light/thin padding. The top is a continuation of the lace layer that's over the whole cup. The lace layer stretches horizontally ... but not vertically. The lace has an elastic edge at the neckline.

Straps:
* The straps are fully adjustable.

Fabric:
* The Pink color is very pale, almost white.

Hardware:
* The hardware is matching pink.

About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very projected at the wire, full on bottom, short roots, soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.

FIT

* The band length was ok, perhaps a hair snug, but since the cup is a bit small it made the band too tight. I was comfortable with an extender.
* The wires are AMAZINGLY narrow at this size. First time I've had a bra this narrow (including Comexim and Ewa.)
* The gore tacked nicely. It was as narrow as it could be at .75 inches, but if I were keeping this I'd consider overlaying the wires.
* The cups are GREAT for my short roots, full on bottom. If they were a couple sizes up (without being wider) it would be ideal for me. I've since learned RTW bras don't come in those dimensions.
* The straps are long enough but barely, and I'm quite short at 5'4".
* The sides are a comfortable height for me. They are a little short, but I actually like that. My breast tissue doesn't escape out the sides but my squishiness does spill over the top a bit. DON'T CARE.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
* I really could wear this with an extender and NOT scooping and swooping. But, I want perfect and so I'll keep looking. (I put in a fit request at http://bra.pe/Tbt/ showing the bras I'll try after this.)
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Apr 10, 2021 Flag this