Sofia is a lovely surprise, as the other two Fantasie Padded Half Cups (Mae and Marianna) didn't work out for me. While the fit isn't perfect, it is certainly much better than the other styles as the band is firmer and the cups are narrower.

Visually, Sofia looks like it would be the same cut as Marianna. Bratabase has Sofia, Mae, and Marianna all listed as the same cuts, but they are not. Sofia's cups are much narrower and a little bit shallower while also coming up slightly taller. The shape is the most similar to Fauve Aurelia, but Aurelia is wider and more open at the top. I've found that for me, these sorts of 3HC styles can be really tricky, but the ones that work for me are narrower and slightly closed off at the top rather than completely open. Measurements are also similar to Freya Summer Haze Padded Half Cup and the Freya Fancies Longline, though Sofia is more open, and the main difference between these styles is that the cup shape is mostly straight on the Fantasie bras, but the cup shape on the Freyas is more angled. The latter is much better for me since I don't have any inner upper fullness.

I found the band on Sofia to be much firmer than Marianna, though both measured the same. One big issue I've found in these Fantasie Padded Half Cups is that the wires are very firm and become uncomfortable quite easily if the band is pulled snug, as the ends of the wires roll into the ribcage and sternum instead of stretching. Unfortunately this is bad news for sub-30 band wearers as Fantasie doesn't make smaller sizes than 30 bands, and altering the band would just exacerbate the issue. A true 28 band size like me would need different wires that are narrower and have more horizontal flex. This is one of the few Fantasie bras that feels OK for me though it isn't snug, but it has the same powermesh construction and leotard back as their other styles.

Overall, the cup volume is good, but because of the straight cut of the upper cup, I get a little gapping when I move that I don't get on the similar Freyas. Because the band does distort the wire a bit when worn on the tighter hooks on me, I can feel a little bit of discomfort from the wires, but it is minor compared to the stabbing pain caused by Mae and Marianna, because the wires are actually in the right place on my body. The bra gives me a smooth and natural shape that is not particularly lifted or minimized, but I am sure that if you are fuller, you would get a more rounded shape.

The 3 piece cup is made from light foam batting and provides a little bit of coverage, but no structure. In Mae and Marianna, I experience pretty intense pulling in the cup from the strap attachment, particularly on my smaller side. The foam on Sofia seems just a little firmer, but most likely it's the cup proportions that makes this fit better on me rather than the materials. The outside of the cup is covered in intricate couchwork embroidered mesh with gold and ivory filigrees. This bra looks and feels good quality based on the materials and embroidery, better than some other Fantasie bras I've tried, despite the fact that it is simpler and less ornate than other styles.

The upper edge is smooth and free of trims. Straps are picot-edged elastic with a small bit of embroidered mesh topped on to the front. Tiny bows are attached at the straps and center gore, and there is a small rose gold and clear crystal charm at the gore. The whole bra looks elegant and classy in a way that is totally practical for everyday wear, as there aren't extra bits or intense lace and embroidery that would be noticeable under clothing. I like Sofia and hope that there's a few other Fantasies that fit similarly. I'd recommend giving this a try if you usually have problems with Padded Half Cups being too wide and shallow.

Ivory colorway

Updated on Jun 11, 2020 Flag this

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