For kicks I decided to take a trip down memory lane and dig up an old model bra that used to be ubiquitous. Way back when, after we grew out of the "Teen Form Training Bra" days, we didn't have Victoria's Secret, or Aerie, or Soma, and we had nothing like Bralettes to soothe our distorted boobs. Shopping for bras created quintessential memories of Body Shaming to the maximum. In high school, I think everyone I knew wore a 34 (not because they fit!), in basic white Playtex, or Maidenform bras that looked just like this.
I loved Bali "natural woman" bras, but I was ...most partial to Olga bras. I can't remember the model name (Bodysilk maybe?), but there was a certain "front-close" bra that basically got me through high school and college. It seemed front close bras were more available then. This was good for me, because the alternative was (as shown in these photos) to have my tissue smashed down all over my ribcage, with weird extra pointy unfilled fabric at my nipples. I used to think this meant I was "flat-chested". And maybe I am, but not in the way I thought as the time! This particular Bali Flower Bra doesn't look very good under my clothing because it's shape is really out of date. This thing provides lift like no other, I'll give it that. However it tried to project the lift (literally) into the tips of the cups so boobs look like thin tubes with conical ends.
I am so grateful for the invention of the T-shirt bra! We've come a long way! Read more 168 more words
Thank you for the throwback! I relate - my first bra was a Playtex 18-hour bra in 36C, which didn't fit in sooo many ways.
The Bali Flower I used to have was a soft cup. And like you said , extra unfilled pointy material at the nipple area. My favorite bras I had when I was in high school in the 1980's were made by @ Vanity Fair and @Lilly of France. I had a front closer made by @Lilly of France that I thought was really my most comfortable bra.
This was my every day bra in high school...size 34DD. Later, in college, I wore "minimizers" by Lilyette, Wacoal, Olga in 34DDD. I now wear my correct size of 30FF.
The Bali Flower is still made today, not sure who it actually fits.
I graduated from high school in 83, and Olga were the bras I wore the most too. I think I wore a 34DD, which sort of maybe almost fit? I couldnt wear front closures even then, because the gore on those was always too wide for me, and hurt. I wear a 32JJ now, but I weigh like 45 lb more than I did in high school, so you know I was never really a 34. Or a DD.
oh, and - no t-shirt bras in my size still
I think I've blocked it out of my memory, lol!
My first bra was similar in shape, only worse. And it looked hidiou and I hated its. It was 34B and SO ill-fitting :( I wear 28F now.
My first bra was similar in shape, only worse. And it looked hidiou and I hated its. It was 34B and SO ill-fitting :( I wear 28F now.
I had a few of these, my how times change! Yep always pointy, but they were comfortable. Probably why they are still being made.
I had a few of these, my how times change! Yep always pointy, but they were comfortable. Probably why they are still being made.
My Bali Flower soft cup was white and I wore size 34B.
Overall Full coverage, seamless lace cups.. No issues with quad boob or back fat. it took a couple of washes and wears to "break it in", however this has quickly become one of my favorite bras. The bra is very pretty and true to size. The lace definitely shows through a thinner shirt, but due to the double lining, I have not had any issues with nipple poke through.
Comfort It is the most comfortable bra EVER. When I first put this bra on I hated it. I thought the lace was going to be uncomfortable and scratchy. It took two days of "breaking it in" but then it ...became very comfortable. The straps have very little (no??) elastic in them.. which helps prevent jiggling. I can and do wear this when I am going to be active all day and want to feel comfortable.
Support
It holds my heavy breasts up like no other bra and doesn't ride up in the back like most bras on me. The support is great and the 4 hook back closure is rock solid. This is a great bra for those of us who want support, support, support without feeling like we're wearing a granny-bra. My husband says it looks like a bullet bra. I even wear mine to the gym--minimal jiggling. I have narrow shoulders and have issues with my bra straps slipping off with many other styles. No problems in that category.
Shape
This bra is a Bali Classic. As such, it has a cup shape that was popular when it was designed" While it does still have a somewhat funny cup shape, I realized that's because I was so used to the pre-molded bras that can basically stand up on their own. This bra does not look bad under clothes at all and my husband says it's "sexy. When on it looks very much like a "pointy-cone-boob-Madonna" bra. This bra really lifts and separates- it gives you a very lifted and perky look. Read more 230 more words
I finally got around to reviewing this bra that I've been hanging onto forever. I bought it to have a wireless option for traveling and since that's what I'm doing right now, it's been really great for giving my ribcage a break. I find it pretty forgiving in terms of fit (the S has fit me okay at a full 30F and not-so-full 28F), but naturally would prefer better sizing options than Hanes/Bali offers. My other wish would be adjustable hardware on the straps. That said, for a wireless department store bra, it's super comfy and gives a great shape under clothes. I like that it gives me a quick option to go from lounging around the house or taking an overnight flight to stepping outside without feeling like a hot mess, haha. Full review on my blog!
What a pleasant surprise! Unlined, wire-free support https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> First, I tried the size medium, which is the size I prefer in Bali 3488. But, in this 3484 unlined model, I received no support from the medium band. The small, however, is fantastic! Sigh. Why have I waited so long to try these?
Last night, I slept blissfully with this bra supporting my breasts. 75% of my tissue was moved out of my armpits and 100% of my tissue stayed clear of my neck. I am thrilled. So thrilled, in ...fact, I did not remove it when I awoke. Typically, I don't wear any bra for more than 2 hours. I never expected to find a bra this supportive, lightweight, and comfortable. Thank you, Bali!
The Bali 3488 is too heavy for my summer gardening habit. But, this 3484 is just what I require. The knit even wrangles my prominent nipples: I won't feel embarrassed when neighbors or strangers see me. And, this red hides sufficiently well, for me, under white t-shirts.
Extremely comfortable and gently supportive. Thank you CaitlinRenee and klilly3 for your encouragement https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> Read more 112 more words
I love this bra, it is so comfy and looks great. Just wish it would come in a smaller band size. I wear 30DD/E and while the Small works well, it does stretch out quickly. I bought my previous Bali bra 5 months ago and it is stretched out so much, not only the band, but also the cups (not sure why because even though I fill the cups it would fit a larger bust too). I did wear my previous bra almost daily, so that might account for it. Also, I now see when I measured it 5 months ago it stretched to 35 inches, while this stretches to 30.5, so maybe it depends on the colorway (although the fabric feels the same).
The one thing I forgot to mention is this is definitely not a minimizer bra. It certainly is very noticeable under tops.
Just wondering if you are "scooping and swooping" when you put your bra on? Here is a video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks6BCcsvrrs If you get bubbling or cutting in after you scoop and swoop, try a bigger size or different shaped cup.
Thank you so much. I did watch the video, and mimicked the "scoop and Swoop". It made a difference in that there was now more projection. The bra still feels very comfortable.
I am not sure if this is the right place, but, I have more than one color in my bras for the same model. Is there a place to put how many bras or can you only submit one bra model?
Thanks, Bobbie
Submit as many as you want. :-) When you first add the bra, there is an "Additional Information (optional)" box. Select that box, and you will see a field to enter color and acquisition date. Because some colorways run larger or smaller, the color information can be very helpful. : -)
I found this bra reading Love4Pollinators profile. I was looking for a wire free bra with hooks that would be comfy and look.good (both underneath and without clothing) at the same time. I thought this was impossible, but I was wrong. This bra is super comfy, looks great under t shirts, and looks nice as a yoga top too. My husband loves it, and he is very picky! And best of all: I got this for under $20 https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> I'll probably won't wear any other bra at home, and will also wear this to the office sometimes, because it really does look like wearing any other bra with wires that fits. I wear the bra on the tightest hook (I usually wear band 30). The cups have some tiny wrinkles but it doesn't show and doesn't bother me. So happy I found this bra https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Grabbed this from a free box. In gently used condition. Previous wearer must have worn this white bra with black shirts as there is black fuzz pilling all over. I've washed and dried and will list this for free soon. Band was hard for me to measure the stretch, so it might stretch even wider. Wire are extremely bendy and the material is very light and stretch. This would be very easy to alter to a smaller band size.
Short rooted, center full, close set, omega shaped, slightly narrow, projected, even breasts....
After reading dauphin 's compelling review of her Bali Comfort Revolution, I was sold. Any doubt was allayed by Amazon reviews. And, Ebay has several previously owned options. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
Although I shudder to consider wearing this outside in summer, this will be my fall/winter/spring staple. Rounded profile, sufficient nipple shielding, light support, soft straps, and comfort. I'm jumping for joy! My one concern was the coverage: it works for me under my lowest scoop neckline. It is not because the coverage ...is low, but rather because my breasts are lifted and the scoop neckline is, subsequently, also lifted. What a pleasant surprise. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
The materials are not remotely like the 158+ underwire bras I had previously tried. This bra is SOFT on a level not previously experienced by me. I don't appreciate the virgin plastic materials, but they are blissfully comfortable. I hope Bali will create a more environmentally benign Comfort Revolution...SOON. Until then, I will own two of these for my fall, winter, and spring collection.
There is light support, but I have two sports bras for when more support is required. Otherwise, this is my three-season bra. Wow. I'm at a lack for words....I'm wearing a cloud https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
Edit: I assumed this didn't lift. But, I'm an engineer, and I measure stuff. My nipple is 3" higher in this cloud-like bra than without it. This blissful, super soft bra lifts me more than many underwire I've tried. I wouldn't believe it had I not measured myself. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> No poking, no pain, no discomfort. Dries overnight. Smitten. I own four now. Minimalist bradrobe assembled. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> Read more 214 more words
This looks amazing. Love the molded cups and the longline band. And, you can probably get it for pretty cheap!
Cheap and used. This tree hugger is almost content....I want 100% recycled fibers in the bra, too. I expected this to "ride up," but it effortlessly stays in place. I'm so thankful I can wear this!!
Overall, this bra is quite comfortable. The material is soft and is pretty stretchy, but otherwise is supportive for what little breast tissue I have. I fell asleep wearing it one night recently then rolled out of bed and out the door to do some running-of-errands, It wasn't until I was home later and jumped in the shower that I realized I was still wearing it!
The only complaint I really have is the strap length. Even in the pictures of the models wearing you'll notice they're adjusted to full length. For me, this is still almost too short, but I'm able to get by with it.
Overall, I would recommend this bra, especially for anyone with a smaller bust size. I don't expect it would be much good for bigger folks.
I started wearing this wonderful bra over 20 years ago and it immediately became my everyday bra. The bra itself is fantastic for fuller figures like mine it provides beautiful all day long support while staying super comfortable to wear. More color selection would be nice but it's such a great bra I really don't mind much. I am so happy to have found my perfect fitting dream bra!
Really pretty bra with a satiny feel. Band is very comfy and does smooth some as title suggests. Lace is not scratchy. Band stretches nicely Stays in place.
Quite pointy for a underwire bra and I thought generous in the band. Would be nice if they had larger cup sizes as I could do with a 36F. As for and comfortable and I like the non stretch straps.
I bought this bra on Amazon.ca for around $35.00 cnd. It was the only one I could find for lower than $40.00. I have been searching for, and buying, inexpensive comfortable, wireless bras with long bands on purpose lately because of sensory issues with snug bands and scratchy materials.
I am pleasantly surprized how comfortable this one is. I love the integrated padding, the wide shoulders straps, and the comfortable material. It's like a stretchy cotton, so it will cause some tenting, but no biggie. Straps are only semi adjustable, but they are long enough for me. If you have a super short frame though, I'm not sure you ...could adjust these short enough. Band has 3 hooks, yay! But note that the hooks are close together and probably won't fit with most extenders.
Measurements are difficult as it has no wires. It doesn't really lift me at all, but it's structured and padded enough to give me some support and modesty.
Haven't worn it out yet, but I didn't feel any pinching or chaffing. The only caveat I can see is that the outter front cup material is not connected to the padding, so it may slide around.
Good quality, excellent comfort, okay appearance. Read more 96 more words
This is one of the most comfortable bras I have ever owned.. There is just the right amount of stretch everywhere. The lace in the cups do show through my thinner blouses, but its kind of a nice retro look, I think. I have one in white, blue pink and nude, all 40 DD. It doesn't look frumpy like alot of the full coverage bras I have. I know they have been making this bra since like 1980, but I just discovered it a year ago.. Macys has them on sale at times for under $20. The underwires do not poke me at all.
My favorite bra. See my other bras for a longer review. The band of this bra measured 22 inch undetected and 29.5 inch stretches when I just got it. Upon wearing it twice it now measures 24 and 31.5 inch. I got a warning from bratabase about the unstretched bands size of 29.5, so I decided to enter the measurements I got after wearing the bra twice.
I've worn this fantastic bra as my everyday bra for many years. The wide band supports most of the weight of my "girls",so the shoulder straps put very little pressure on my shoulders, even after a full days wear. In fact the fit is so good that I rarely have to fiddle with the straps or tug at the band. For those of us with "more up top" the support and cup coverage make this a great bra to wear while working out. There are a few downsides however; the firm support and construction give a look that is too "pointy" for some wearers. The cups are seamed and will show though some tops, it's an underwire bra so get used to the idea of hand washing it if you want it to last the longest. Also the color selection is pretty limited as your choices are white, beige, and just recently midnight. I was thrilled to find this bra offered Midnight at last.
I love the Midnight colorway! Hmm, maybe my old school/pointy bra experiment needs to be revived :-D If you get a chance, it would be really awesome for the community if you could measure this and enter your data. I see that the Flower has no consistent measurements in this size, which makes it hard for other users to determine how to choose a size. Large band sizes are very underrepresented so every entry is very helpful to others!
I like this bra a lot, it's kind of a sports bra, it's marketed as "Active" and seems to have a lot of sports bra qualities. Wide, soft shoulder straps, convertible straps, moisture wicking material and good control. The wide band is snug for a 34 which i would expect from a sports bra, it has high wings, the cups are full and the straps are centered so they stay put and don't slip. The high wing combined with the tall center gore and full cup encapsulates the breast rather than compresses, which I prefer and the gore tacks nicely without digging in (which surprised ...me because most tall gores don't work for me). The underwires are sturdy but not too stiff to be uncomfortable. The stitching and seams are smooth so there's no irritating rubbing on the skin. I've worn it to the gym and on the treadmill with no issues, I haven't worn it for any kind of intense sports so I can't comment on how it will hold up under those conditions, although I'd probably still gravitate to a more traditional sports bra for those scenarios. It's also comfortable enough to wear as an every day bra...not as comfy as others I have, but in a pinch I wouldn't think twice about grabbing it...though it is a bit bulky...
It's funny, I never thought I'd be buying Bali bras, seems like something that only my mom would wear, but hey, the price was right and it fits, so why not. Read more 151 more words
I remember these, too :-) :-)