I was really torn with this bra. It was one that I'd been really excited about finally getting. I loved the pale blue with yellow contrast details. After some deliberating, I opted to send it back.
About my boobs...shortish, narrow roots with soft and malleable pendulous tissue that are even to full on bottom and center full. I need depth and projection at the wire, but not necessarily the apex.
On to the bra...the band was very snug. I'm kind of not surprised because it's noted on Amazon that it runs small in this style and also because my Ellace also has a snug band for a 30. ...I'm ok with that though I would need an extender for a while. I'm not sure if a 32 would be better or too loose. It would probably have relaxed a bit more once a bit of wear and washing. All my pics are sans extender...just as I tried it on out of the package.
Like the Ellace, it seems like the band has a bit of uneven tension, where it's looser at the top than the bottom, which is great for v shaped chests (rib cages) but I'm guessing that I don't have one based on how it fits. If it was even, the upper part of band would flex the wires back enough to make the fabric taut. My lack of side tissue from being center full is not helping the side cup wrinkles. Normally I would not consider this a deal breaker. It's not visible under shirts.
Because I have soft tissue, I have a problem with tissue spilling over the seams when the fabrics change between the double mesh cups to lace. This causes what looks a bit like in cup quadding. I think that also the cup height (mesh portion) is a contributing factor to the problem. Again, not a huge issue, especially as this is something that I can expect from a lot of styles that are not vertical seams, same material on top of the cup as well as bottom, or molded cups. It's typically also not visible under most tops. So not super pretty but also not deal breaker.
The cups had a bit of gapping/wrinkling at the top, especially once the extender was added, even though it didn't really look like it did. Again, not a huge deal breaker because I have a bit of gapping with the Marcie.
The shape is great with the immediate depth and handled my pendulous projection. It was not too deep at the apex. I do love how soft and light it is. It's hard to believe that it's as supportive as it is.
What I think was the issue is that I felt that I preferred my Ellace and Marcie more than this one, and wanted to redirect the refund from this to another Marcie or Ellace, Cleo Mimi, or Ewa/Comexim. It really was a very hard decision to return because I really did love the powder blue and yellow accents, but I also felt that the bra was 1) a little bit too plain (even though the button is love) 2) didn't really do anything for me and 3) almost a little too cutesy or demure (not that I am really after sex appeal either, but the Ellace, for example, is just so classic looking, even in latte which is a nude...pics up but review is pending).
I figured that I could get a beige Marcie, though the new cornflower blue is really nice or find a nice nude or pastel that was better than the Florence. Looking at the pics as I uploaded them, especially the initial one, made me wonder if I made the right decision, but I know deep down it was not quite right.
Anyway, so I don't have the bra anymore and forgot to measure before sending back, but I wanted to have a memory of it here.
Also like the light blue. This would definitely look good under something sheer and white. Now I understand what you mean by uneven band tension. I actually have a V-shaped ribcage which could be the reason why my 30F Ellace fells so comfortable where the upper elastic of some of my Panache and Cleo bras sometimes gets a little pinchy. But I get the same wrinking on the sides. So maybe uneven tension is not the whole story.
BTW, Did you try to hook the band of your Ellace unevenly (have the upper clasp tighter then the bottom)?
Interesting, aboobaccount. So maybe it is not completely a problem with the band tension. I have tried to side hook and it is difficult but also not terribly effective.
And yes, it was a nice light colour. I've since gotten my Ellace in latte which is a brilliant shade of nude on me. I will find another light colour bra, maybe Marcie in beige or one of the other colours... that new cornflower blue is really nice but it's maybe a bit too dark? I'm still unsure about trying Kayla based on it's projection but I might. I think that I might going to hold off for the moment with new bras. Though I have one pending possibly.
I'm so jealous your gore tacks in this model. Beautiful color on you, too.
Update: 3-29-21, I actually decided to throw on this bra yesterday as it was hanging in my bathroom after being handwashed for the 2nd time. I was honestly planning on putting it in the listings b/c I didn't think it was wearable. However, I'm not sure if handwashing it again softened up the cups or what. For whatever reason, this time when I was wearing it, I didn't feel like I was in danger of coming out of the cup on the left side. I wore this bra to just walk to the store and get some tea. Some observations: this bra gives some definite "cakes on a ...plate"/Marie Antoinette cleavage. It makes my breasts look like two bowling balls. You can definitely see the roots and the roundness. This isn't a look that I usually go for.
When I was walking to the store, I definitely felt like my breasts were bouncing around as I was walking. Maybe if a person had less soft tissue, they would bounce around less. So, this type of bra is more a bra that will put your breasts on display, but not necessarily contain them/minimize bouncing movement: I don't think I could ever go dancing in this bra - I would be bouncing around everywhere!
Lastly, later that night when I was meal prepping, I took off the straps and wore this bra more like a corset (strapless). It basically stays in place b/c of the longline shape.
Thanks for reading my novella!
TLDR: This was my first attempt at purchasing ABTF after learning my correct bra size. I purchased this bra online, because it was cheap and based on it's appearance, but I didn't factor in cup shape, and what would work for my FOB breasts.
This is a discontinued bra I bought off of YourBraStore.com for $15 shortly after I learned of my "true size": I bought it because I thought it was cute. And, I mean, for $15, I was willing to take the risk to see if it would work out. Wow, did I have a lot to learn re: cup shape, ha ha.
The good: initially I kind of thought that this bra was wearable (or I convinced myself it was) because it was so cute. Construction wise, the things I love about this bra are the band and the straps. The band, guys, wow -what a winner! The fabric is stretchy and smooth, and I find the band comfy yet supportive. Because the fit was so odd with the cups, I did the whole "upside and backwards" thing with the band to confirm that it was indeed the correct size for me; when I measured the band, I did get it to stretch to 30", so it is TTS.
I've rarely had straps that are so perfect for my frame: I'm used to wearing poorly-sized V.S. bras (34DD), and the straps were *always* coming off my shoulders. These straps are in the perfect place for my frame, so thank you "Curvy Kate," whoever you are...
Now on to the bad: unfortunately, I believe the cup shape is wrong for me. I believe the cups would work better for a FOT person, and when I looked through the pictures, I think this looks better on FOT women. I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but my larger breast (left) is almost coming out of the top, as far as, and my nipple is dangerously close to the top of the cup - not a good feeling! Also, on my right breast, there is some mild gaping at the top of the cup, so I don't believe it is an issue of cup size, more of cup shape.
This is the type of bra that *wants to be seen* as it makes an uneven pattern under t-shirts, however, I couldn't wear this when I'm almost coming out of it. Also, I wouldn't really consider this bra padded, per se...it's more like thickly lined.
There was one more left in 30G on YourBraStore.com, which I think is a useful resource for us Canadians (or whoever), but it's better if you know *how you fit* in each of the brands, before you order online. In my case, I don't think going up a cup size or two would solve the issue of the overflow, I just need more projection close to the underwire since I'm FOB. Read more 636 more words
I actually am not completely sure I "diagnosed" myself correctly, but what I've researched about this style of bra is that it doesn't work the best for FOB types. Sure, it does produce some cleavage, but my nipple is like, so close to the top of the cup, lol.
If I could only take the band and the straps from this bra, and the cups from the previous bra I tried on (Panache Envy), I could piece together a pretty decent bra for myself!
I'm still new on the journey, lol, to find "the perfect bra" - if that exists, but I learned not to purchase hastily based on appearance.
Very short-waisted, immediately projected, slightly narrow, shallow apex projection, even vertical distribution, center full, close-set breasts....
Narrow projected ladies, this is a readily available bra that may fit! Wow. This has better projection than the 65G SM Ewa Michalak I just tried. Although 30F Dreamcatcher is too narrow for me, the immediate and apex projection are nearly perfect. Curvy Kate 30G Bardot is a similar fit, but this 30F Dreamcatcher has slightly better immediate and center projection. You may be able to tolerate a smaller Dreamcatcher than your typical size, if you need narrow wires.
Center projection. This bra has more center projection than Bardot, Portia, Madagascar and the CK ...plunges. If you have center full breasts, the gore will likely be too wide, but there is fabric to accommodate tissue near the wire. Although it is one size too small, I continue to use it as a baseline for all other bras, because I need center projection. Gorsenia tops Curvy Kate as do some of the disconnected gore models offered by Wacoal. Still, Dreamcatcher is better than most.
The band is not as supportive as I had hoped. It is a single layer mesh and runs a bit large, in my opinion. But, if you need to narrow and/or overlap a gore, this band has the extra space required for that alteration in your preferred size. Finally, the band has 2x3 fasteners. Curvy Kate adds 3x3 fasteners at 30FF, which I prefer.
Sadly, the outer materials are scratchy. The fine mesh lining the cups, however, is very soft amd smooth. If you have sensory issues, Dreamcatcher is not a good option. Gia is better, but the geometric material along the top of Gia's cup will irritate some. Still, I recommend Comexim and Lejaby for those demanding the softest materials.
None of my complaints are significant enough to sway my recommendation: narrow and projected breasts may adore the space in this bra. I like it well enough that I'm searching Bratabase measurement tables to identify the next size. Many thanks to those of you who add measurements!! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> A 30FF is on its way. The projection is THAT good. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
I tried this model in a 28F (http://bra.pe/XY3C/) already and the cups felt really small and didn't fit properly. But thanks to Calluna and lcl0706 I gave it another try in 30F and this is so much better. Thanks for convincing me! The color looks better then expected. I originally wanted to get a blue one but this was on sale on bravissimo.com. It's a mix between purple and Bordeaux red and it looks even more intense in person then on the photos. I also like the shiny straps and the band at the bottom.
The cups are filled out perfectly, ...the gore finally tacks and there is enough space at the top in front. I also don't get that weird pressure on the outside of my breasts anymore. The wires are still a bit too wide but they are soft so I don't feel them. The elastic in front of my armpits wrinkles and there is some empty space. It gets worse, when I lift my arms and better when I move the straps towards my neck. But it's completely invisible under clothes. I guess it would fit even better on someone with wider, and possibly taller roots since the sides are quite high. Surprisingly the shape is also more projected then in the 28F probably the cups were indeed pulled flat by the band due to the soft wires.
Comfort is amazing. I have this for over two month now and wear it quite often. At first it felt way too loose but wearing it to work I noticed that it doesn't shift around and my boobs don't move much. Only when I bend over the gore lifts of my sternum slightly and the stretch lace feels like it could allow my breast to move forward making it feel less secure. Overall it doesn't quite match the support and shape of my super tight 28Fs but in return it is more comfortable toward the end of the day. Also the larger portion of stretch lace provides some room for swelling which makes it a great period bra. Read more 247 more words
Looks great! Yay! Even though it’s kinda similar to my crimson, I’m looking at getting this colour in a 32DD or 32E, as I find the 30 a bit too tight in this style and need to use an extender. I want to see if it fits more comfortably from the start. I’m leaning towards the E because I might have the band altered to make the tension more even, as the top is looser compared with the bottom (which is one reason I have a bit of wrinkling at the side wire because it’s not flexing the wire far enough back) and the cup might be a little bit taller to contain my super soft tissue better at the seam with the lace better than it does in the 30E. But I might get a wee bit of extra depth in the 32DD that will be sufficient. Anyway...
A very nice fit. Thanks for posting the review!
That looks stunning on you!
Thank you all so much.
@Calluna Looking at the other pictures it seems like most people get this wrinkling on the sides of the cups to some extend. So maybe this is just a design flaw. Or this bra is made for very wide breast that tend to spread out to the sides.
I think altering it is a good idea. But maybe we should just remove some fabric and a bit of the elastic from between the straps and the wires instead of making the upper elastic on the band shorter (If I understand you correctly). I had less wrinkling on the sides of my 28F because the wires were pulled wider. But it was uncomfortable to have them sit so far behind my breast tissue. Also you could loose some space in front and the distorted wires could make the gore dig in. But I am just guessing at this point.
Yeah, I'm not sure if it's a design flaw or not because my Florence has the same issue. It's probably made for a v shaped chest where the top needs less tension because the rib cage is naturally wider, thus pulling the tension on the wires better. That type of alteration might work too.
I bought the CK jewel because of you.... And I might buy this bra because of you. How does this bra compare to the jewel?
For some reason I can't edit my post. How does this bra compare to the jewel? It reminds me so much of Cleo Marcie (that's one of the reasons I want it)
Prettyncharmeuse Jewel is a beauty, I can't blame you for that! It was lcl0706 fault I got mine in the first place hahaha Florence is very similar to Jewel. I'm juxtaposing both bras in 30F right now and I would say they look pretty much the same, except that Florence's vertical seam is a little inner applied comparing to Jewel...and Jewel is a tiny bit less deep than Florence...other than that absolute clones!!! I also own a Marcie in 28F and you're right, they are suuuuper similar in terms of construction...in comparison, I'd say the only visible difference is the fact that Marcie as it's straps moved in about 2,5-3cm
I'm trying to figure it what size I would need. The jewel is 30D, but it's too small (although I could probably get away with wearing it). My Marcie in 30DD fits perfectly, but in my princess bras I need 30D.
Not a lot to say about this one. I’ve had this bra in a 30E in the crimson and latte and they were borderline small at the time, both in band and cups. I’d wanted to try it in a larger size for a while but never sure about the size I should try. This 30F comes from a swap, so it was perfect.
For aesthetics, like my other reviews, I really like the look of this bra. It’s a light mesh with stretch lace on top. It’s a bit of a looser weave of stretch lace so it’s very stretchy, but it’s too stretchy because my soft ...tissue in cup quads in this bra. The lower band is a thicker elastic which makes the band feel a bit looser on top than the bottom, and snugger in general.
From a fit perspective, it’s a bit roomier in the cups for me and I fill them up better. My small side gapes some and the stretch lace wrinkles a bit. Slight in cup quadding as mentioned above due to my softer tissue being less contained in the lace portion than the tulle/mesh portion of the cups. Straps are almost too short for me and I have to let them out a fair bit, which is not common for me. Cups feel as projected at the wire as the other ones but I almost feel like I’m not getting quite as nice a shape. Wire width seems ok for my narrowish roots and cups are borderline tall for me as I have functionally short roots. This is mostly a problem with the strap connectors but it’s a pretty common problem I have with a lot of bras. And as mentioned above, it is a snug band. I’m able to wear it without my extender but it’s definitely more comfortable with. I could probably do a 32 in this. In fact, it’s pretty consistent...all but one of the Curvy Kate bras I’ve had have a bit tight in the 30 and I could probably do with sizing up.
It’s still a lovely bra, but after a year with Polish bras, I am feeling slightly underwhelmed and less in love with Ellace as I once was. Read more 265 more words
Looks like it's doing the job ;) I men, despite the upper/lower band disymetry.
Sometimes I wonder on the opportunity to re-introduce a third "mid band" to provide more momentum and smoother sides.
Long ago I remember models with shorter & deeper wings of non-stretch material.
With firm bones somewhere at shoulder blade level and X (crossed) elastic bands forming the closure from there.
They were very prized since the average seamstress was able to substitute elastics with fresh ones when they got "tired".
Those often had a wide thin non-stretch mid-band.
I guess those were German Naturana's.
What a bummer that you're not as pleased with this bra now! For what it's worth, it looks lovely on you and on your pictures. The shape is definitely more natural and so different from the Polish look. This color seems to work very well for you as a nude too which is great.
I still think it’s good. I think it’s maybe been so long since I have had it that I have had a change of heart on it. But maybe a different colour would bring my interests back. Maybe a 32E next time. I’m still interested in the black and champagne one and my crimson is a gorgeous colour, just too small.
I am close set, FOB with tall shallow roots. I needed good simple black bra so this looked perfect. The cups look like they fit well, very little wrinkling. I think they are too shallow for me because after a while the gore digs in and sometimes the cups shift down ward. The straps are slightly too short. The band sightly too tight for me. The material feels like nylon stockings. The metal circles connecting the straps and cups also dig in. Looks smooth and gives good shape under a shirt.
Tl;dr The most projected, narrow, strapless bra I've ever tried, and I've tried a few (VS, QT, Wonderbra, Neve, Deco, Deco shape, nameless others in stores).
Construction: A nice, neutral beige. A little light on my tanned skin, but it would blend in on a lighter skinned person quite easily. The pinstripes on the band are adorably retro, as are the super cute little buttons and bow. (Seriously, I love little buttons on bras). This bra has cut and sew foam cups. The foam is thick and sturdy (thicker than comexim), and the cup seams are reinforced with extra cozy material. The Luxe is seamed like a halfcup with two ...vertical seams. However, it is more full coverage. The cup curves up and over the breast instead of ending just beyond the apex like your average halfcup. Somehow (*magic*) this creates a very projected style. Yes, the bottom of the bra is shallow. I have yet to find a strapless bra that isn't shallow at the bottom. But the amount of apex projection and the narrow wires (5.3") make up for it tenfold. In addition to all that, there is a sling on the inside of the cups to bring the boobs front and center. There is no east-west to speak of in this bra.
The wires are extremely firm - like Panache firm. I don't like them (but I also cry when I wear some panache bras for more than 10 minutes). I've worn this bra around the house for about half an hour before the wires killed me and I had to take it off. During that time, the bra never shifted (hooray!) and my boobs didn't move once - this bra is serious boob armor. If you can tolerate firm wires, I would highly recommend this bra.
Also, for those who care about cleavage - this bra has none - zip zero zilch. That could be because I have short roots and am FOB to even. A more FOT person might get some, but I had absolutely none (and I have very center full boobs to boot). If you like showing off cleavage, or if your strapless attire is plunging, this may not be the bra for you.
The band ran too loose for me, and although now I realise I should have gone for a 30FF, the cup shape is incredibly rounded, projected and yet too closed for me at the neckline so it digs in. I adore the colour and the shape but it would only work for me if it was a half cup - right now its shape is more literal cup.
I would tell them, first off, to BUY IT IN THE RIGHT BAND. Just because it is there in the store, and just because it is pretty, doesn't give you any excuse to buy a band that is too loose on the widest set of hooks. Just because it fits at the middle or tightest settings is NOT a reason for purchasing it. That is obviously all my fault, it is just incredibly difficult to find a 28 band where I am. Luckily, I have found a boutique that has 28s a plenty and will not be making purchases like this again where I am compromising with my breasts and ...the available selection.
On to the review: Pros: -This is a BEAUTIFUL bra. I mean, gorgeous. Lovely. In pretty much every way you hope your bra will be lovely. -The band actually runs quite snug for a 30 (which is a pro for me and anyone else in a 28 that has trouble finding them) -Is close enough to a "peach" to be worn discreetly under clothes -The lace, with a proper fit, is invisible -It seems pretty sturdy
Cons: -The band is quite snug (pro and con, because if this is your true size you may have some mild discomfort at first as it stretches out) -The top sheer lace could be of a sturdier construction, it's just so malleable from a bra that looks like it would be a supportive construction. -The wires are TOO SHORT to effectively hold all of my breast tissue in the cups. They escape into the recesses of my armpits which simply will not do. I have to readjust the bra on occasion which isn't what I want to do. If this is an issue with the bra in the correct size and the wires just run short, this could be a huge potential issue. I have read CK's wires tend to run short.
I would recommend this to a friend if they were significantly smaller busted than I am and for whom rogue breast tissue isn't a problem. In something like a 28d I doubt the short wires would be as much of a problem as it is in an f and higher. Read more 253 more words
Noob originally called my attention to this bra with her review( http://www.bratabase.com/browse/curvy-kate/tempt-me-plunge-bra-sg4001/) And once I saw it I had to have it! I went full on MY PRECIOUS! And I scoured the inter webs. As the style is discontinued, I thought it would take some digging, but I found a secondhand one on eBay within 15 minutes. My breast shape is wide, tall full on bottom and sides and slightly shallow on top, and this seems to work quite well with it. I originally was going to order a 30E, but bratabase steered me toward the 30F. I'm not sure if curvy kate runs small, but the recommendation seemed to be about right. Any who, the first thing I noticed is how soft this bra is. The cups are really comfortable, and the straps are a good thickness. Mine was a little worn, and as a result, I snapped one of the top buttons off. I don't think that is standard though. All in all one of my more comfortable bras.
Looks pretty good on you, maybe a little small in the cups. Yeah from my experience, the pink and black one ran really small in the cups so I'm glad you sized up at least!
Agree a bit small in the cup, but super great lift!! Perfect if you ever have a deep or swooping shirt neckline!
I really like this bra too! I hope there's one for the finding when I have the extra funds to get one! It looks great on you. I have to agree with everyone else, the cups seem too small for you. It also appears to be too shallow, it looks like there is some collapsed cup beneath your breast which is keeping the wire from being in your IMF.
Thank you so much guys! Wow i really needed your feedback! If anything i thought the cups were a little too big on the left boob. Do you think a cup size up or this is not the shape for me?
This is not the shape for you. This is much too shallow for you - the underwire is obviously far below your IMF & there’s lots of empty space above the wire where the cup collapses. You are not shallow. This bra is very wide and shallow - you are projected.
Ah, yep, now that I have the pictures larger in front of me on my computer rather than my small phone screen, I can see the very large empty area at the bottom and lower side of the cups. Agreed, definitely too shallow a shape. Too bad. :(
I agree this bra is too shallow for you. But if you really like it, try the size up, see if you like the way that fits. Remember, if you love it and it is comfortable, it doesn't have to be a perfect fit! You just want to avoid squishing your boobs too much or the tissue could migrate!
Ahh good to know! Thank you all. I'm still learning what to look for in a well fitting bra. Although geez how small are these cups if I have to move up a G. Good thing I didnt buy the E cup I guess. As far as the bra being in the wrong place in relation to my IMF, is that a byproduct of putting the bra on incorrectly or a byproduct of lack of compatibility with the shape?
I would try the midnight/black or raspberry/charcoal if you really like this bra. I had this colorway in 28F, and it was too small but the 28FF just got taller in the cups, and really wide underwires and fit the IMF worse.
It's definitely not you! You could try to put the bra on perfectly as much as you want, and try to shove the bra up, but the cups will always be too shallow of a slant directly above the underwires, so the shape will never be compatible. It will forever slide down and have that empty space and wrinkles at the bottom. And btw, the next size up is FF, not G. :) Some bra cups are shaped more like < while others are shaped like C and all angles in between. You gotta find the correct slant or curve to fit the slant or curve of your breast. No amount of forcing can ever change how the bra cups were constructed! :)
It's definitely not you! You could try to put the bra on perfectly as much as you want, and try to shove the bra up, but the cups will always be too shallow of a slant directly above the underwires, so the shape will never be compatible. It will forever slide down and have that empty space and wrinkles at the bottom. And btw, the next size up is FF, not G. :) Some bra cups are shaped more like < while others are shaped like C and all angles in between. You gotta find the correct slant or curve to fit the slant or curve of your breast. No amount of forcing can ever change how the bra cups were constructed! :)
Lol no idea how that posted twice, sorry!
Noob thank you! I will see if maybe I can find that size Slava-Zone Aha! thank you so much! (Still so much to learn) I need to get it out of my head that I am rather shallow. I mean to me my chest looks tall and shallow, but that is not really the case it seems. Do you have any brand recommendations?
Curvy Kate's bras are not all shallow EmmaOh , I've heard/seen really good things about their non-padded bras. I own their Kitty Padded Bra (discontinued) and it has a decent amount of projection and seems to have fairly stretchy cups instead of really stiff foam cups. Non-Padded cups really are the way to go in figuring out what you need in a bra and what shape you need and like the best. The constant recommendation is Cleo/Panache, Ewa Michalak, and Fantasie. Freya too of course. But Ewa & Cleo may be too narrow for you, Tutti Rouge could be an good choice. What exactly are you looking for in a bra? That could help narrow down recommendations. I just find bras I really like, research them on here and try them! Buy from somewhere with easy returns. I like buying off here because it's not retail price and feel more comfortable trying new bras that way. I can always re-list them if they don't fit!
I just got the Curvy Kate Ellace and it's pretty good projection. My Cleo by Panache Marcie has really good projection. And I agree with Ewa Michalak having a good shape too. Stretchier materials are better for firm breasts, because you would need a bra in stiffer fabrics shaped absolutely perfectly for you, otherwise the bra will always be fighting to reshape tissue that just doesn't want to budge. The breasts will fight back and win, pushing the bra around. :P You may not necessarily be super projected, as there is a spectrum between shallow and projected, but the bottom of your breast can still need a lot of immediate projection regardless of overall breast depth. Just look at a lot of pictures on here, even if it's not in your size, to see overall cup shape and how in general it fits on breasts and how breasts sit in the cups. If there are reviews written, try to see if the person wrote about their breast shape and tissue density so you can get a verbal as well as visual idea of how certain breasts fit into the cups. It takes some time, but by looking at a lot of breasts, you can eventually recognize density and shapes, which will in turn help you match up yours and know your own shapes. Then, if someone has a similar shape or size range as you, you can follow them and maybe try the bras that worked for them! If you follow those opposite shapes and density of you, you might be able to buy the bras that weren't compatible with them as well! Those are a few tips and tricks to picking out bras that might work better before you even pay for them. :) There will still always be a lot of trial an error. BUT, eventually you'll have a "no" list of shapes, styles, and brands, so at least you've used process of elimination to make the list of possible bras to wade through just a bit smaller and easier to navigate. :)
LeProfessor Thank you so much for your tips. I like things with a decent lift and not too much padding. I am still a little unsure of unlined bras. Is the only place to order Ewa from her website? I've been wanting to try hers. Slava-Zone Thank you so much for your help! I will be sure to spend time looking at all of the bras and all of the shapes! I took me a while to figure out mine is and I'm still not sure! Thank you so much for your help!
I know you can purchase Ewa from other places, I just can't remember for the life of me where. They sell them on the listings here from time to time. You might want to try a 70/32 in Ewa instead of a 65/30 because her bands tend to run tight, so I hear. I highly recommend non-padded cups for really figuring out shape, most women, including myself, are "afraid" of them and eventually find they are the best for fit and support! But I think you may really like Aerie bras. www.ae.com They have a wide variety of non-padded, lined, padded, and push-up. I've been wanting to try them myself but haven't gotten around to it.
I am a freaking pin-up in this baby. Less adorable than the Shockwave tankini top, this Plain Sailing tankini top is a bit slimmer through the body, slightly harder to get off, and somewhat more cleavagey and sexy. Also, the cups are shaped a bit less projected, and give a slightly rounder shape. It is an exact fit on my 36x27x38.5 shape, and if I eat something, it might be too tight... Still awesome.
Thanks! It makes me feel like a million bucks! All other tankinis big enough for my bust are huge in the tummy (most brands) or too short (looking at you, Panache!). I'm a convert to these CK halter tankinis.
This used to be the camisole, but the previous owner cut off the dress part (and you really can’t notice anything!)
I haven’t had much luck with Curvy Kate so far, as the unpadded and molded styles I have tried have been too closed at the top. I was curious about trying the Tease, although I expected it to be super wide and shallow. The look seemed a bit too frilly as well. Then I received this in a bra swap, and I was absolutely positively surprised! It is so gorgeous in person! I just cannot get over how good this bra looks. The lace, double bows, and ...the ribbon at the top are really beautiful and the combination of deep red and creamy white looks fresh and lovely. This bra just makes me feel super sexy!
The band I knew was going to be big, as even most 28 bands are too big for me. It does, however, fit quite decently on the tightest hooks. I think I’ll have to get the band taken in to be able to wear this properly. I get very slight cakes-on-a-plate cleavage, but not a huge uplift really (might be better with a tighter band). I quite like the shape it gives: rounded but natural. It works very nicely as an everday look. The lace is surprisingly smooth, and doesn’t stick out too much under shirts.
This bra is not shallow and wide at all! It’s probably not deep like Polish bras, but much better than Freya half cups, for example. I have heard that Curvy Kate has adjusted the fit for their newer styles, and I find both wire width and cup depth quite perfect for me (I’m narrow and projected but maybe not extremely so). Everything feels very soft in this bra: the cups, wires, straps. I was afraid that the high center gore would be a problem for my close-set breasts, but luckily the wires are very soft. The gore tacks softly and keeps my breasts nicely separated without causing any discomfort. The gore seems quite narrow for a British bra as well.
The straps on this model are very far-set and I could immediately feel the straps/cups getting into my armpits. Quite surprisingly, I was not bothered by them at all as I wore this to work for a full day. I think it’s just because of how soft everything is. I do feel that the cups might be a fraction of a size big for me, as there is slight gaping at the top. But this might be also caused by the loose band and wide strap placement, and the cup size down would probably be too small already.
Overall, the fit is not perfect but should be pretty good if I get the band shortened. I am really amazed by the beauty and comfort of this bra. This is the first bra that I acquired through Bratabase and it was a very good experience. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
EDIT: I got the band taken in 5 cm, and this now fits quite perfectly. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Read more 416 more words
this looks great on you! :) The slight gapping should go away with a tighter band! If I had known before I would have just shortened it for you! hmm :/
This bra looks fabulous on you. It really is the ideal Curvy Kate Tease look. I agree with BronteBeach and @RollAndCurves that the tiny bit of gaping is negligible and probably not worrying about. Thanks for the review. I'd forgotten how incredible this design is.
Thank you! :) RollsAndCurves learningaboutbras The gaping is quite minor really! I do like this bra very much. BronteBeach That's very kind, I didn't even think of it. I can't really sew myself but I think I can find someone to do it (I have a lot of bras that would require shortening really!) Thanks again for the lovely bra :)
The Curvy Kate Portia Balcony is a very, very cute bra, with a cute contrasting ribbon woven through the upper lace panel. The three part cup provides moderate lift. The sling-shaped outer panel is much larger than the inner triangle that comes off of the gore, though, to it tends to push side-breast inward more than center-breast outward and give a slightly pointy shape. On my very soft boobs this resulted in a flattening of the outsides and a falling to the center. This is the same exact cup shape as the Freya Gem Balcony Bra (1361) .
Sensitive types may not love the picot edging on ...the straps, or the exposed seams and ribbons woven through to the inside on this unlined bra, though the fabric and materials themselves are soft. There are just a lot of textures. The thick elastic straps are sewn on to the apex of the cups rather than looped through a ring, so there is a sharper-than-you-would expect edge of cut elastic with pokey corners. This could be problematic for those with strap-boob bulges.
Short ladies will appreciate the low gore and wing height, and the minimal .6" underband, which is cut out under the gore to give room for tummies.
The wires are very rounded, with the outer edge just 1/2" higher and slightly straighter than the gore. They are 1/4" taller at the gore and wider at the outer tip than the sister size 28FF - Curvy Kate » Portia Balcony Bra (CK4001) . They also happen to be almost exactly the same wire shape and size as the 28FF - Freya » Gem Balcony Bra (1361) except they are 1/2" shorter at the gore and the Portia 30F band is 1" longer. The distance between the outer tips of the wires is 12.25" but they easily stretch wider, which could cause distortion and the consequent wire poking for ribcages larger than 27", unless you have wide roots and need the cup to go around the edge of your rib cage.
I am a comfortable 29" (27" tight) and the gore and wires did not contort enough to dig. The straps, though, were too wide for my petite 10" wide frame width and because they are not on rings in front, the top of the cups wrinkled when shortened and positioned on my shoulders. Read more 288 more words
Review after a month : This bra no longer fits. I have an orange in a glass issue. Cups are too small, or my breasts are too firm at the bottom (I think it is a firmness issue, because with washes, cups became more and more soft, and cannot push my breast up anymore). I think it is deffinitely not a bra for someone with firm and full on bottom boobs. The band is a bit too loose now too.
My review after 3 wears, when the bra was new : This is a plunge bra, but the cups are VERY flat, very wide and very high. ...It has nothing to do with the high street push up plunge bra. Underwires are "flat" and wide too. My breasts are wide and shallow, and this bra fits me very well. It give me a lot of lift, projection, and a little of cleavage.
The lace in the cups looks little bit strange, and the black satin isn't very soft. The cotton lining inside the cups is confortable.
I don't know why, the band in this size (30F) is a lot more strechy than the size 30E I have tried too.
I will keep this bra because it is a good fit ! But I am thinking of removing the lace and the little flower in the center gore, and doing some customisation.
My shape is full on bottom with tall shallow roots. I told myself I would not buy another pink bra because I don't like pink, but I really wanted to try this bra. The bra is similar to other CK plunges but has an extra wide band with 3 hooks instead of 2. Because the band covers more area I feel like it distributes the pressure better causing less digging in at the gore. The cups are shaped similar to the lifestyle plunge with a lower apex, more open at the top and narrow. The straps consist of 2 thinner straps that are fully adjustable. Like most of my bras I have to adjust them to as long as they will go. The bra is very comfortable and the straps can be a little annoying because they are so thin. I wish the bra was just purple and black with no pink.
This is my first Curvy Kate unlined, and let me tell you, I'm loving it! I've been wearing it for about three hours, and it's very comfy! I have some significant asymmetry and this bra is taking it in stride; it looks great on both sides. It's got a very natural look and feel, but not in the matronly full coverage bra way. It's more of a low and wide bra. It looks great under wide scoop and square necklines. It isn't bumpy under a shirt. My right side is a tiny bit pointy, but otherwise, this bra is very ideal. Band is firm, straps supportive, and cups ...wide enough for my average width roots. It's fitting right in my infra mammary fold, which is a challenge because my lower root shape is kind of flat, so I have a small space at the bottom of a lot of cups-- not this one! The only other ones that fit right in there are Cleo Ellis, Bella, Lily, and Meg. So my new Gia has just joined an exclusive club.
EDIT: About a year later, I have bought about 10 of these in various colors and sizes as I've dropped pounds. It's my best everyday bra. Read more 96 more words
This might be the prettiest bra I've ever had! Also the shape is amazing and round. The cups are more shape forgiving than earlier seasons of Curvy Kates. I think I need the raspberry color, too!
Also like the light blue. This would definitely look good under something sheer and white. Now I understand what you mean by uneven band tension. I actually have a V-shaped ribcage which could be the reason why my 30F Ellace fells so comfortable where the upper elastic of some of my Panache and Cleo bras sometimes gets a little pinchy. But I get the same wrinking on the sides. So maybe uneven tension is not the whole story.
BTW, Did you try to hook the band of your Ellace unevenly (have the upper clasp tighter then the bottom)?