The Brilliant is probably one of the better designed bras which I've seen in this size range. It has a 3 part cup (two sections with a vertical seam between them and one running diagonally across the top), fully adjustable straps, and fastens with 4 rows of 3 columns of hooks. It's also clearly been designed with large, heavy breasts in mind, as it has very wide, sturdy straps with an embroidered design on top to stop them from slipping, and two layers of powernet for the rear portion of the bra.

The wires are the narrowest I've encountered in this size range, and basically spot-on for me in width. It's very comfortable having wires which are actually primarily on the front of my torso, where my breasts are, and not wrapped around my armpits, or encroaching on my back. There's also an additional vertical 'wire' (usually these are actually plastic boning from my experience with bras) on the wing which adds to the band stability.

I've got the black colourway (from another Bratabaser), and I'm not sure if it's the issue where black bras often are a bit firmer than their lighter coloured counterparts, a manufacturing error, or some other issue, but this bra is considerably firmer than I would expect. This isn't inherently a con for me, as while I've resigned myself to having to sister size up in most styles to get a good cup volume, I really need the equivalent of a UK 28 band in most styles. I'll probably take the band in if I decide to hang onto it, as it's still a little on the loose side for me, even on the firmest hooks (I prefer a fairly firm band as I feel that it anchors my breasts in place better).

As a personal thing, I don't like black bras much. Still, the bra looks light and delicate, which is an impressive feat for something which also seems to have such impressive support at a large size, and there's a good balance of lace for aesthetics without becoming so textured that the bra will leave a lumpy profile under a shirt. I think I'd really enjoy wearing this style in a different colourway.

I've found that the lower section of the bra is too tall, meaning that the apex of the bra is too far up for my comparatively short-rooted breasts. This makes the shape a bit awkward. The upper section of the bra is fairly closed off, meaning that this bra cut would probably work better on breast shapes which are fuller on the bottom, or fuller on top shapes may find they need to size up to avoid cutting in. The bra cuts in on the top of my breasts, especially after wear, and I think I could do with a larger cup size if there was one made.

It's a bit difficult to gauge an equivalent in UK sizing, but at a guess, I think this bra may be similar to a 32KK or 30L. It's very narrow and deep though, so it may fit women who are on the upper end of this size range as you don't have as much wasted space from overly wide wires. I'd say that Kris Line is well worth a go, even with the slightly higher price point than other brands, as the design and quality are both excellent!

Black colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Oct 06, 2014 Flag this

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  I would like to add that the Consuela (in ecru, which is a sort of white) is a LOT less firm and quite a bit softer than this one. This also means there's a bit more room in the cups. I suppose this means that Black is a poor color choice for trying new bras.

• I meant to indicate that list bit of information to myself! Also, the Consuela is almost exactly like the Brillant I meant to add.

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  The black thing isn't a 100% consistent issue, I guess it's why having resources like Bratabase can be so useful so people can comment on it.

  I do wonder why companies don't seem to consider the nature of their fabrics more carefully when making different colourways. The worst offender I think is Ewa Michalak (you shouldn't be getting 10cm variance in stretched length in the same band size), but it's a consistent issue. The application of some relatively simple mathematics would mean that you could create a far more consistent size across colourways.

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