I picked up Hettie last summer when I didn't have a very clear understanding of different Cleo shapes or fits by breast shape, so I was surprised to find at the time that it fit me so weirdly. At 28DD, Hettie was just too big all around--big in the band to the point of riding up, and big in the cups, which I could only fill out at the bottom while the top cup laid baggily across my chest. I have tried to revisit this fit several times since I now measure 28E, but still find that it doesn't work for me.
I also picked a 30D ...Kayla back out of my drawer, and found that both Hettie and Kayla still gave me the same fit issues even though I am a cup size larger. After discovering that they are sister cuts, it all makes sense! Both styles are designed for projected FOT shapes and have the ability to accommodate tall roots thanks to the stretch upper cups. Other shapes will find it difficult to fill out the top of the cup, and lack of upper fullness will either show totally baggy wrinkly lace or lace that doesn't quite lay flat when you move. This particular Hettie compared to my Kayla is slightly shallower in the cup and slightly narrower as well, so I am closer to fitting this bra now, but the upper cup lace just won't stay in place on me. The band on this specific bra is also really huge, and is probably one of the longest Cleo bands that I have ever come across. It's easily a normal 32 band masquerading as a 30!
The fabrication of Hettie is totally different from Kayla, and is rather unique compared to other Cleo bras in my collection. The outer cup is made from stretch mesh with an open dot pattern, reminiscent of athletic mesh, lined with rigid tricot. The lace at the upper cup is exactly the same quality as Kayla but a different pattern. The band is a solid stretch knit, though it's on the thin side. Straps are simply ribbed for stability, and the only adornment is a center gore bow. Overall, the fabric on Hettie is really soft and feels like this could be a comfortable, lightweight bra if it fit.
I'm glad that I tried this bra on again, and thanks to my new Commando Takeouts, it was easy to diagnose that this wouldn't fit me even if I had the correct size! I'll be passing on the 28E and any other related Hettie cuts unless I magically develop a huge boost in upper fullness. Read more 344 more words
Recently I've been thinking about trying Kayla in my current size of 28E since many of the older Cleo styles are no longer easily found in my size. However, I was digging through my drawer when I discovered this Kayla in Butterfly Print that I had completely forgotten about. It had been sitting in a pile of bras that didn't work for me, so I guess out of sight, out of mind. I pulled this back out to check and see if it might fit me better now that I measure 28E instead of 28DD, and realized that I had never written a review!
At 28DD, ...this definitely didn't fit me. The band is too big, to the point of riding up slightly. The cups compared to my 30D Marcie are half a size deeper and wider. The wires were a good size and shape for me, but I could only fill out the bottom of the cup and the lace top was pretty empty. At 28E, the lace at the top is still baggy, though I obviously fill out the cups better. I found that inserts worked best at the top of the cup, so this style is meant for projected FOT shapes and has the ability to accommodate tall roots thanks to the stretch cups. Other shapes will find it difficult to fill out the top of the cup, and lack of upper fullness will either show totally baggy wrinkly lace or lace that doesn't quite lay flat when you move.
In hindsight, it's no surprise that this didn't work for me regardless of size, because this is the same cut as Hettie, which gives me the exact same fit problems. Both styles seem to run large in both band and cup, and are suitable for projected FOT shapes.
Kayla also bears a strong resemblance to Minnie upon first glance, since both cups are made from silky printed fabric and have a lace upper cup. However, Minnie has a closed off top and the cup runs smaller, and would work best for short roots and even fullness with more projection than Marcie. Kayla's cups are also thinner and softer, since the fabric is single layer (like Fantasie bras made from the same silky fabric), and the upper cup is made from very soft stretch lace and cut wider than most Cleo styles. The print extends through the cradle, but the band is the same firm powermesh used on most Cleo bras. I don't love that the straps are plain elastic with no texture, as I don't think it really goes with the style, and because smooth straps slip more easily. The only other adornments on this bra are a center gore bow and a bit of contrast picot trim at the bottom of the band.
I'm glad that I tried this bra on again, and thanks to my new Commando Takeouts, it was easy to diagnose that this wouldn't fit me even if I had the correct size! I'll be passing on the 28E and any other related Hettie cuts unless I magically develop a huge boost in upper fullness. Read more 426 more words
I repurchased the Lucy in 30D from a different batch because I was so unhappy with the fit of my first 30D Lucy. While the two bras are very close in measurement (new Lucy is slightly narrower and shorter in the cup, same projection), I think the balance of the fit is a little different. With original Lucy, the cups didn't feel secure, and I had a lot of gapping at the top on my smaller side. In new Lucy, the cups fit snugly, just like my Curvy Kate Blush Florence, and the band feels fine even though it measures larger. So, despite my ...original proclamation that Lucy just doesn't work for me, I think I just got a wonky bra to start.
After trying on literally dozens of bra styles, I've found that one of my favorite silhouettes for everyday wear is the lightweight unlined mesh balconnette bra with nonstretch upper cup, like the Cleo Marcie, Curvy Kate Florence, and now Cleo Lucy. Lucy has the same soft lightweight mesh that I find perfect for everyday, with the right amount of support and comfort. Lucy's cups have small floral embroidery on the outer layer of the double lined cups, while the upper cup has a larger version of the same daisies. The upper panel is nonstretch embroidered mesh, which has enough give to be flexible in fit and sit flat against the body, without having the closed off effect of elastic top or stretch lace cups.
I also like the simple ribbon bow and simple wide straps on this style. The only construction aspect that make this not the perfect bra for me is that I really prefer a full band style, and Lucy doesn't have a full band. Sometimes I feel the cups slide around on me. This is exacerbated by the fact that the band is not quite as snug as I am used to from some other Cleo 30D styles, and wish I could've gotten this in a 28DD (I have the 28D and the band feels better, but the cups are obviously too small). I've also found from trying on 4 Lucys and 4 Marcies that Marcie is a little more forgiving in fit, while Lucy tends to give me fit problems unless the bra's measurements happen to be spot on for me. Lastly, I wish that the cups were just a little taller overall, as I find that these cups visually look a bit small on me due to the low cup height and immediate projection. Still, I am happy to finally have found a Lucy that fits!
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28E update: See my updated review now that I am size 28E! Read more 348 more words
After trying on literally dozens of bra styles, I've found that one of my favorite silhouettes for everyday wear is the lightweight unlined mesh balconnette bra with nonstretch upper cup, like the Cleo Marcie, Curvy Kate Florence, and now Cleo Lucy. Lucy has the same soft lightweight mesh that I find perfect for everyday, with the right amount of support and comfort. Lucy's cups have small floral embroidery on the outer layer of the double lined cups, while the upper cup has a larger version of the same daisies. The upper panel is nonstretch embroidered mesh, which has enough give to be flexible in fit ...and sit flat against the body, without having the closed off effect of elastic top or stretch lace cups.
I also like the simple ribbon bow and simple wide straps on this style. The only construction aspect that make this not the perfect bra for me is that I really prefer a full band style, and Lucy doesn't have a full band. Sometimes I feel the cups slide around on me. This is exacerbated by the fact that the band is not quite as snug as I am used to from some other Cleo 30D styles, and wish I could've gotten this in a 28DD (I have the 28D and the band feels better, but the cups are obviously too small). I've also found from trying on 4 Lucys and 4 Marcies that Marcie is a little more forgiving in fit, while Lucy tends to give me fit problems unless the bra's measurements happen to be spot on for me. Lastly, I wish that the cups were just a little taller overall, as I find that these cups visually look a bit small on me due to the low cup height and immediate projection. Still, I am happy to finally have found a Lucy that fits!
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28E update: See my updated review now that I am size 28E! Read more 222 more words
Kali was a tough one to get my hands on in my size (Amazon doesn't carry this in a 30D for some reason), but I was able to hunt one down and snag one from eBay thanks to the prolific UK lingerie resellers on that platform. I was thrilled to find that Kali fits the way I wanted Lucy to fit and looks adorable to boot!
First, I got really lucky, and my Kali came with a very small band, over 1.5" smaller than my Lucy in the same size. One issue I've always had in Lucy is that the band is too loose, and since it ...is not a full band construction, the cradle of the bra never felt like it sat securely, yet I have been unable to find a 28DD to size down to since the style is now discontinued. The band on this bra feels awesome. It's the same kind of powermesh as Lucy and Marcie, with nice firm elastic.
The cups though are the most important part of the Kali fit for me, as they addressed the problem I had with Lucy--cups that are too shallow and short. Kali has slightly deeper and taller cups than Lucy, and comparing the two bras in person, it's obvious that the two styles share the same shape, but both the bottom and upper lace cups are cut a little taller in Kali. Thus, the fit of Kali is a lot closer to the Marcie cup, which fits me perfectly. Since this bra shares the same cup construction as Lucy and Marcie with double layered mesh bottom panels and an embroidered mesh upper panel, I had no issues with gapping or wrinkling in the upper cup like I sometimes do with other Cleo 3 piece cup styles. Overall, the fit of the cups is amazing! The only thing I noticed is that on this particular bra, the right cup fits me a little oddly. This is pretty normal since my right side is almost a cup size less projected than the left, but I also noticed that the seam between the upper and lower cups is a little uneven on the right side, so this may be more of a sewing issue.
Aesthetically, this bra is super cute. I was drawn to the heart embroidery right away, and knew that I wanted to hunt this one down. I am pleased that the heart embroidery is as cute in person as it appeared online, and the small embroidered flowers on the lower cup in Lucy have been replaced with more hearts on Kali. There's also a cute little bow at the center gore and tonal picot edged elastic on the straps and lower band to up the frill factor, but these details are subtle and tasteful. So glad that this didn't turn looking like Frederick's of Hollywood!
Once again, Cleo unlined bras have turned out another winner for me. Now, if only so many of these styles weren't discontinued and were easier to find!
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28E Revised Comments: Due to an increase in cup size measurement, this bra is now obviously one cup size too small. I can feel the wires dig into tissue at the sides, and the wires are obviously too short. There's some orange in a glass effect going on as there is quadding over the top especially at the center gore. Perhaps the 28E would work for me now although it didn't work in the past when I was a smaller size. Read more 491 more words
I purchased the Koko Muse in a 30D, but was disappointed that the band ran a little large. Unfortunately this style doesn't come in a 28DD and the smallest size is a 28E, which I also tried in the regular Koko and reviewed.
For the most part, I really like this bra for its intended purpose as a molded t-shirt bra. The cups are a nice shape on me and the fit is nice. I like the smooth matte microfiber fabric used, as it has a smooth, cool hand and doesn't snag easily. It has the look of athleisure wear, which I guess is the point. ... The regular Koko uses a shinier fabric that is more traditionally used in lingerie.
Despite not being a full band style, this feels a bit more secure than others, thanks to the wide bottom elastic on the band. The wider straps on this style compared to most US brands is a plus, although having some texture on the straps (like Marcie) would've been better. Although the Cleo Maddie is a perfect fit for me in the cups, this is a more versatile style.
It's too bad that this doesn't have a more TTS 30 band compared to other Cleo styles, that it doesn't come in 28DD, and that only Koko Muse is made with this matte fabric but doesn't come in core colors. I'd also love to see it done as a full band style, but I understand that this is based on the popular Neve cut, and not everybody loves full bands as much as I do. Still, a great molded t-shirt bra option! Read more 167 more words
This is my second attempt at Mimi, though I haven't been able to find one in my ideal size of 28DD. I've tried on two now in the 30 bands (30D and 30DD), and oddly enough, the band seems to run one size large. I typically wear 30 bands in Cleo unlined bras, but these were absolutely huge on me! However, despite the band issue, I have some reservations that Mimi would even fit me in my ideal size.
I've tried two other Cleo lined styles, Maddie and Juna. Maddie fits me perfectly, while Juna is a little off. Both of these styles are ...a bit shallower than Mimi, and Maddie is quite significantly wider in the cup. I felt that Mimi's cups were too narrow (in an unlined cup this measurement could work, but in a rigid cup, it didn't seem roomy enough), but also too deep. Usually this 3 panel "seashell" construction is tough for me as FOB, short roots because it can be too open at the top and cause gapping, but Mimi's cups actually lay flat against the skin. Visually, the cups look like they fit, but I can feel that they do not. There's empty space at the fullest point of the cup, and I could use more width.
This cup shape mismatch, plus the giant band measurement (though the band is solidly constructed, I'll give it that), means that this bra totally didn't work for me. I also found the cups to feel much stiffer and more "padded" than I would like. Since I am used to wearing lightly lined bras with softer, more flexible foam, I couldn't get comfortable with the heavier foam used in Mimi's cups. Ultimately, I don't think this style is for me, and I don't think it is for other FOB, short root folks. Read more 207 more words
When I first tried Lucy, I purchased 28D and 30D as my preferred size of 28DD wasn't available. I originally decided that 30D was a good fit, but after trying and fitting dozens more bras, I realized that I don't really love the fit as much as I thought.
Visually, Lucy's cups tend to look shorter and smaller than other balconnet bras (look at photos from other users of this size and you'll see what I mean), and the fullest point is lower in the cup and more projected than what I am used to. Because of this, I really fill out the bottom of the cup, ...but the top embroidered panel ends up being a little empty. This is fine on my larger side, but creates quite a bit of gapping on my smaller side when I move. I also feel that the main cup doesn't feel as supportive as I'd like, so I thought I would try sizing up to 30DD, with 28D being far too small for me.
30DD fit me the best in the lower cup (the mesh portion of the cup), and I feel much more secure and supported in the cup. However, it demands a lot more upper fullness than I have, so the embroidered portion is SUPER empty. Also, the band is definitely too big for me. Styling-wise, I like the soft mesh fabric and embroidery on Lucy. Both are very comfortable for everyday wear and feel very similar to Marcie.
However, Lucy's cups just have this feel of not being very supportive on me, and part of the problem is that after scooping and filling out the upper cup in 30D, my smaller side becomes empty again after moving. I think this feeling of not having a secure fit is because the bra doesn't have a full band. The elastic doesn't run through the cradle and under the cups, so the cups aren't really being hugged against my body and held snug. They are a bit floaty, and as a result, I end up floating around in the cups and not getting a great fit.
Ultimately, I think Lucy's proportions aren't quite built for me. After initially not being a fan of Marcie, I feel that Marcie fits me better than Lucy after a minor wire reshaping. This seems odd as I was told Lucy is for FOB and Marcie for FOT, and I feel that I lean FOB, shallow on top. Good thing there are so many options in the world of bras to choose from! Read more 327 more words
It’s hard when you find something that you like and it’s discontinued. Glad you had moderate success.
Just to clarify...Lucy is for FOB and Marcie is for FOT and even can sometimes get away with Marcie.
Calluna Makes sense why they fit similarly but somehow are still different! Marcie technically fits but it’s not as flattering on me in the same way as Lucy, I can tell it is built for a different shape despite having similar measurements. I ended up bending the wires on Marcie a bit to make her fit better.
Marcie is more open on top and Lucy is more closed on top for these reasons, they fit FOT and FOB breasts respectively. If you are even, Lily is your girl. Also discontinued but grab it if you see your size. I’m a fabulous shape.
Despite a rough start, Marcie and I are now very intimate friends, and my interest is now piqued anytime I hear a style is based on the Marcie block. However, sometimes "based on Marcie" is like when a movie is "based on a true story:" it's not the same as the original. Unfortunately, Blake and Marcie are more like fraternal twins in that regard. They may share the same DNA with the same block and cup measurements, but I found the fit to be quite different.
Most notably, the Blake I received measured significantly larger in the band than my Marcies of equivalent size, about 3 ...cm larger on the flat. The band was huge and rode up badly, which definitely threw off the fit. The wing construction should be identical to Marcie as both styles seem to share the same powermesh material, but due to the larger spec, would not stay in place no matter what I did.
The cups measure identical to Marcie in width and depth, although this one was a little taller in the cups than all 4 Marcies I have owned. The cups are lined in the same nonstretch tulle as Marcie's, while the outer cups are made from a soft and stretchy geo lace. The upper panel differs from Marcie as it is a double layer cup with elastic binding. Marcie's upper cup is embroidered single layer tulle with no elastic. Both styles share the same underwire.
This upper cup difference explains why Blake fits me so differently from Marcie. I feel that the flexibility of Marcie's upper cup is what allows it to fit me so well, because it can stretch out to sit smoothly against a shallower top, or curve to fit a fuller top. Blake's upper cup is much less flexible in comparison, and acts like a more closed-off upper cup. Thus, while the elastic edge sits against my body, the panel doesn't lay flat, and there's empty space in the panel as I am not full enough on top to fill this out. The elastic top could also cause problems with tall roots.
Because of the fit of the upper cups, I won't be trying another Blake to try to get a TTS band. This style is simply not for me, but could work for a Marcie wearer who is fuller on top but doesn't have tall roots. Read more 300 more words
I've been exploring older Cleo styles as I've found so far that Cleo unlined bras tend to suit my shape best. George consistently came up in my Bratabase recommendations, albeit in a number of different sizes from 28D-30DD, so I scoured eBay and was able to find one to try.
Thankfully, this bra didn't disappoint! I purchased the yellow gingham version with blue embroidery, as that was all I could find. I love the styling of the bra, as it satisfies my desire for one of those frilly Japanese bras without the padding. The color scheme and design are girly without coming off as too ...young. The fabric of the bra is the same mesh as Marcie, and the embroidery is decently soft without being scratchy. Overall the appearance of this bra is an A+.
However, unlike Marcie, which is just super shallow and wide in the underwire, George's underwire shape is perfect for me. It's a slightly longer and taller underwire, with an even C curve that fits me perfectly. There's not much angle to the wires, as the outer and inner portions are fairly level, but it works in this style. Compared to Marcie, the cups are also taller vertically. Specifically, the bottom cup is taller and deeper than Marcie and Lucy, so it fits me much better. The lace upper cup is a bit wide on me and wrinkles slightly, but the upper edge sits flush against the skin, so I feel the fit is fine. I don't have any discernible issues between my larger and smaller side like I do in Lucy, so that's also a plus.
I'd love to find more styles that fit like George. The only aspect I don't like about this bra other than it being discontinued is the fact that the straps are just plain, rather narrow straps (seems to be a thing in the older Cleo styles). I prefer the slightly wider, texturized straps in the recent Cleos as they help ensure the straps won't slip over time. Read more 241 more words
Cleo Juna kept coming up in my Bratabase recommendations in all sorts of sizes, so I decided to grab one when I found this on deep discount. Unfortunately my preferred size of 28DD wasn't available, so I decided to try the 30D. Juna turned out to be a bra that is wearable and looks pretty decent under clothes, but is one of my least favorite fits thusfar.
Cleo bands tend to run a bit small, so usually 30D works for me. However, I found that this band runs extremely large even though the construction of it is supportive. It definitely rides up my back unless ...I wear it on the tightest hook. However, the cups are smaller overall than 28DD Maddie, which fits me perfectly. While 28DD Juna might be better for me, I think this style just runs a little small in the cups, and I wonder if I could pull off a 28E. I can still wear this bra without any overflow though, and a tighter cup fit will help minimize the visible vertical seam in the middle of the cup, so it ends up being workable. I really dislike the short molded cup and the lace trim upper cup. I feel like this makes the cup look absolutely tiny and disproportionate on my body, plus the lace makes the upper edge of the cup very visible under clothing.
I wish I could return the bra, but I bought it final sale. I think it will be fine to wear in the winter where thicker layers can help disguise the visible seams, but this is far from my favorite lined bra. Read more 173 more words
This is it! I suspect it would gape the tiniest bit when I slouch or once the moulding starts to relax. For now, the band is slightly more uncomfortable than the Cleo Koko Muse Tee Shirt bra of the same size. If I didn't know that, I'd have picked this one.
This bra fits me the best of everything I tried. I'm slightly conical, probably on the projected side (have a hard time telling that) vertically even and centre-full.
This bra fits almost perfectly. I think it looks great on and I love the colorway. My only complaint is the top of the gore dug into my sternum, which irritated a little, but now that I've worn it a few times that sensation went away.
I love the material of the bra, it's a great everyday type, not one of those scratchy types. However, I do have some fit issues.
The two seam makes the bra quite pointy towards the middle and I can't seem to fill all of the pointy inside. Likewise, the lace at the top doesn't quite lie flat (quadboob). Overall, I may need the next cup size up but band size down (the band is very stretchy). I think if I didn't have the orange in a glass effect perhaps the pointiness wouldn't be as obvious.
I liked the silky fabric of this bra, and the shape was about right for me. (I'm shallow, soft, somewhat deflated, with wide & tall roots.) Unfortunately, the cup on my larger side was a little too small, and the resulting quad-boob showed through t-shirts.
It’s hard when you find something that you like and it’s discontinued. Glad you had moderate success.
Just to clarify...Lucy is for FOB and Marcie is for FOT and even can sometimes get away with Marcie.