I am a recent bratabase convert and have a lot to learn about bra-fit principles and best practices. So take what I say with a grain of salt. I bought this bra in two sizes, 42GG and 40GG. I first bought the 42GG and thought it was too big (but kept it anyways). So I sized down to a 40GG. This review is for both sizes.
The Matilda is a 4-part (counting the side panel) underwire plunge bra. The side panel and the lower cups are non-stretch fabric and the top cups are non-stretch sheer panel with “stunning beaded lace embroidery”. There is also an “opulent silver ...ring detailing”. Both the “stunning” and “opulent” elements are a tad cheesy so you should not get too excited about them. The non-stretch sheer panels might seem a little flimsy (it is a single layer bra) but it works well for me, but I am not full-on-top and I do not need as much support where the fabric seems flimsy. (Flimsy is not the best word to use, but I am leaving it). This will be a good bra to wear in the summer time. I do think that the non-stretch element is what saves the day.
Both of my Elomi Matilda bras are my favorite bras. Both the 40GG and the 42GG seem to fit, both are comfortable, and both give me the support, lift and shape that I want. This speaks well for the flexibility of the design of this bra because I have two different sizes that are not sister sizes and I am satisfied with both. Two thumbs up.
Hey, welcome! Great review and great that both sizes work for you! I find that in a few soft cup bras too - must be their flexibility in the cup itself due to it being soft. A little snug on the straps and they both fit fine. Glad you are enjoy Elomi...and thanks for the measurements...I am a bra band sister and we can use all the 40/42 band measurements we can get!
Thanks for the nice comment. I will be sure to check out your reviews!
"All the 40/42 band measurments we can get!"
That is exactly correct! I always check for 40FF and 38G measurements, and there are so few!!
Lack of measurements in this size range must be why Bratabase doesn't give me much recommendations.
My recommendations are all messed up because I messed up my measurements on the first day I joined. :(
This is a well made bra that comes in many colours.
I liked its fit when it was the right size for me, which unfortunately didn't last long. I have wide roots and this didn't bother me as much as some other bra cuts do.
It's not super supportive if you have heavy breasts because it is just mesh. However. for summer the mesh helps keep one cool.
What's interesting to me as I write this review a couple of years after getting this bra is that I can still get it on and it actually looks fine in the front although I am now measuring 42:11 or 42H. It shows the Matilda in 40GG has quite a lot of room in the cups; it's quite forgiving. It won't work anymore for me though as it cuts into my side breast roots. That's its only problem with this quite large size increase.
Are these photos recent? If so, I think I can help! This bra is actually 1 to 2 cup sizes too big for you, but I think you are right that it may be too narrow for you so going down in this model may not be the best next plan. I have another suggestion in a minute.
I know from experience that it is VERY difficult at our size to tell when a bra is too big, so here's the secret to figuring it out:
1. There is a LOT of extra empty fabric at the top and it covers you like a full-cup bra. The Matilda is a plunge bra that is not supposed to cover much, so that is a huge hint to watch for!
2. When you look at the side, the breast shape is pointy instead of round. This is a very rounding bra and is designed to pull your breasts in quite a bit, not give a bullet shape, so that tells me there is too much volume in the cup.
3. This is the biggest giveaway and will tell you if almost any bra style is too big: when I look underneath, there are wrinkles and the wire is very far below where it should be, which is exactly where the bottom part of your breast connects to your chest.
The most important part of finding a good fit is going to be finding a bra that fits your roots perfectly on both the bottoms and the sides. This is too narrow on the sides and too long or big in the bottom.
I think there is a chance this bra might actually fit properly and wide enough in one or two cup sizes down. That is because there is a good amount of extra width in that bottom outside corner, but the bra being pulled down so low on you is making it pinch your breasts on the outsides. So it would be interesting to see what happens in one or two sizes down, because you really never know. But this bra also may just be too narrow even when it fits your IMF, and that's okay! There are other options.
Like I said in your Flirtelle fit request, I have a hunch the Elomi Lydia might be a great match for you. It is designed for high/short roots that are also wide, which I think is what your roots may be. It is extremely comfortable under the arms in every size I have tried, and it is reasonably supportive even when the wire is too low/the cup is too big. I would get that bra to start with in a variety of sizes. If 42 bands are most comfortable for you, then I would try the Lydia in 42F, 42FF, and 42G. Elomi runs big enough that I think 42GG is going to be way too big especially with how this Matilda is fitting you, but it can't hurt to try that too if you have the option!
Thanks you so much Adler! I really appreciate your fit pointers. And I read this after your comment on the Flirtelle Orla fit request so now I get it that I really do need a smaller cup size like a G or ever FF! I never would have thunk it. but your points about how it's pointy and the low on the chest gore etc. make sense to me. Yes, I just took this photo when I posted it. I do think the front wires fetl like they're too low, perhaps this model too just climbs down too much for a short torso. Many thanks again!
Well, I actually also have a short torso and pretty short breast roots, and the Matilda only climbs down my waist when the wire is too big for me! I think I have pictures on here of me wearing the 38GG, which would show what I mean. When the wire is actually the right size, it stays snug. I was worried the next size down would be too narrow or small on me, but nope—unicorn!
When you find that underwire that fits, often the rest of the bra magically fits too, even if the sizes above it seemed too small in places. It's super weird, but it works. When you're trying to figure out your size, the wire is the most important thing to look for. It's hard to know when it actually fits, but it gets easier with help and practice!
Pretty embroidered detail on the cup, textured straps with delicate lacy edging. It sits flat on the sternum. The straps are set too far apart for my narrow frame, though, and rub on my arms when I move them.
This bra fits so much better than the 42G I tried at first. It looks great under dark, thicker clothing, but use is pretty limited because of the colors. I am having a bit of an issue with the fabric of the cups coming up into my armpit when I am slouching, so I guess I'll just have to fix my posture!
This @Elomi is incredibly sexy and I adored the J hook. I felt my posture improve with my shoulders being guided to the correct position. I loved everything about it except that the wires were very "heavy duty" and stiff. I couldn't see myself wearing it for extended periods of time.
I'm editing this review. After much deliberation I bought it on ebay for $25. Things to note about this bra: it runs a cup size big for Elomi. I fit a 40H in Elomi, and a 40HH in Panache and Curvy Kate. It has soft seam free cups and an inside sling to move the breasts from the armpit. It fits wide like Elomi usually does, and the gore is fairly wide and high, so the breasts remain very separated and slightly East West. However, the side sling keeps my breasts pointing mostly forward and not under my armpits. Around the ...edge of the whole bra which means under the armpits and along the strap edges there is a very soft smooth satiny fabric rather than itchy lace or decoration, which means that even though the straps are fairly wide set and the wing is wide and comes up near my armit and cuts into my pectoral chub, there is no rub or irritation. The wings are made of non-stretch fabric, and then attached to a firm stretch fabric on the back. So the band is less stretchy than a lot of bands in this size and on the first day felt a little too firm. On the second day on the first hook it feels perfect. The non-stretch wing and firm band ensures the wires don't bend back with the band, and the wire is the same width today as it was the day I bought it, and does not appear to mold to my body like other Elomi wires besides the Etta (I like firm, non-bendy wires, but YMMV). The straps are fairly short and only semi adjustable. They are very wide, flat, and firm on top.
The overall fit and feel of the bra is locked in. I feel strapped in like in an encapsulation sports bra. While my soft breasts do have some bounce in the bra, it's nothing like my open cup Panache. Everything is very firm and close to the body, not projected and open. Because of this I quad out slightly on my larger side and have cup space on top on my small side. Due to the shape of my breasts this is something that I expect all bras to do, so it's not a big deal to me. The quadding only occurs during the day and is easily smoothed. Due to the fact that the bra is not meant for a FOT shape, like all full coverage bras, on my big side I get a slight ski slope shape, but on my small side which is more even I get a really nice "green" shape.
The overall appearance is a rounded shape with an apex, very smooth and minimized rather than projected, but there is still room for projection. I am probably a bit too projected and definitely too narrow for this bra, but it's worth it for the profile under clothes, especially all my summery fitted white tops. It is perfectly seamless and a good "nude" for my fair skin. Because it doesn't push my breasts into my armpits the width is not an issue either. I'm so happy to finally find a seamless nude bra so I can wear all my white and cream summer shirts again! Read more 462 more words
The style of this bra is beautiful! The straps are comfortable, as are the underwires and band. Elomi bras tend to be fairly stretchy, and this bra is no different.
Unfortunately, I am now a 40 J and this bra certainly does not fit anymore!
This bra looks good under sweaters and tight t-shirts. I love how it makes my breast sit high without looking fake. It's a comfortable bra in hot weather. It's hard to wash by hand b/c it doesn't fit in the bathroom sink. I wash it on delicate in the washing machine and have had no problems with it stretching.
Hi, could you pretty please measure this bra again? The wire width (cup width) seems to be quite large. Too large if you ask me. The only way I can explain the cup width if you confused the Smoothing 1220 with the Smoothing Plunge 1221; but that bra is not available in 40GG. *scratches head* I would love to know, I always have issues with the wires (and the cupwidth) being too narrow for me.
i measured wrong. i measured from the outside instead of the inside. when measuring from the inside, i got 10 inches.
Thanks, but that is still wider than the 22cms (8.7 in) I get on the Elomi Cleo Side Support in the same size. And the Elomi Cleo Side Support has the widest wires that I have found so far. I contacted a friend who owns both the Elomi Cleo Side Support and the Elomi Smoothing 1220 in 44GG and she said the two bras are identical in wire width. *very confused*
I think I know what it is, pharmrterri might be measuring the cup diagonally instead of straight across?
This is a normal non-plunge bra; I cannot see a reason to measure diagonally. The best explanation I have is that I always try to measure the actual wire through the wire tube (bc it indicates best how much space there will be for the breasts) and pharmrterri does it differently.
I measured straight across from the back. I measured my 38 h and it was over 8 inches too.
8 inch is 20.32 cms, 8.7 inches is about 22 cms. Wire width measurements in that range seem about right for an Elomi bra in 38H(UK). Anything above 22 cms though... I would love to find a bra in 40 H with wires that are 24-26 cms wide and 42 cms long, but I doubt this will happen unless I sew the bra myself.
@Elomi does a wonderful job at keeping large cup bras looking sexy and makes me feel like I don't have to sacrifice looking beautiful over wearing a bra that fits.
Underwires have always bothered me, but these wires are soft and flexible. Once I get over the "holy hell, that hurts" process, I'll be picking this one up for sure!
After a few years of wearing the correct size bra and changes in my body, Elomi no longer is my favorite brand. This bra, however, puts it back in the top 3. The wires of most Elomi are simply too wide for me; originally, my breasts were likely so compressed that a wide wire helped encompass all the breast tissue under my arm. That tissue is no longer under my arm and my roots are narrower and more projected. Since I have yet to get my hands on any Polish bras and I usually size out of Fantasie or Freya, and cannot afford some of the more narrow ...wired bras, I take what I can get! Finally, this one makes me feel that I am not settling.
The 40GG wires are as narrow or narrower than Fantasie or Freya in a 38H. The half cup accommodates my even shape, and the narrower gore means nothing is being pinched by too wide wires. The wires are tall enough under my arm to accommodate all tissue, but not so tall to poke me.
The shape, for me is outstanding. It is definitely the most projected bra I own, but the cup front is rounded so it does not look pointy.
NOTE: was harder than usual to measure cup depth. Putting it over me knee, I think, yielded the most accurate measurement. Read more 123 more words
Over two years ago, I wrote, "Fit is lovely. I do prefer a bandless bra at this size/weight, but this is still quite comfortable. I like the multiway band, too. I can wear it all day without issue. As with most bras that have 3 part cups, the lines do show through on some fabrics. I would definitely buy this again. The shape is a nice middle-ground between round and pointy. It would be a great bra for someone who just found their true size and is used to the more round and a bit squashed look ... rel="nofollow">https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />. "
I still wear this - since I have 10-12 bras that fit, they tend to last quite awhile when I rotate them. But, I would not buy this again now. Time has changed my shape; my root is narrower and the wires on this are simply too wide. I thought this was on the Caitlyn frame, but the Caitlyn I have is narrower. It is still wider than I would like, but the Rita is truly wide. It still is very comfortable, however, I love the J hook (one of the only Elomis with long enough straps for me to use it) and the shape is decent, if not my favorite. Read more 116 more words
Almost three years ago, I wrote the following, "The bra is very comfortable most of the day. Toward the end of the day, I can feel the band at the bottom. It's odd, because I can easily fit two fingers under the band - it's as if there is less give on the bottom section of the band than the rest of it. The shape is very nice and it fits well. I'm full all over and it doesn't cut at the top. The name has changed on it, for what it's worth, and it's now called the Yolanda. I would buy it ...again."
Today, I never wear this bra. When I first found the correct sizing for me, Elomis were my staple. Weight changes, time, and possibly migration has changed that. Many of the Elomi wires now seem too wide for me, some are set too far apart between the cups, and many do not work with the projection I have. This bra is now too small in the cups (it is close, but not quite large enough) but even if the cups fit, they do not fit as well asit did. I had not worn it in awhile because I'd put on about 15 pounds and was wearing a larger cup and band size. I tried it on today and was surprised at how wide the wires were! Some with an older Briony 40GG and the Persia 40G. The top edge of the Persia fit better than the Eva or Briony, even though it is a cup size smaller, likely because of the lace. The Eva, especially, cut into the edge of my breasts, which are relatively equal. Not sure if it is just not full enough on top; it almost seemed that the cups were just set too far away from each other. When I pulled the center gore material together - as if to narrow it - the cups seems to fit fit.
Ultimately, am on the hunt for narrower wires and gore. Read more 236 more words
I liked this bra but I should have gone up one cup size (as suggested at Herroom but since I bought the bra at Bare Essentials I didn't get that advice). The cup didn't enclose all of my breast tissue on the sides but fit fine otherwise. Returning the cup and will mark as not owned.
I've finally figured this bra out after trying several sizes. I fit this bra somewhere between a 40GG and a 40H. However, there is a shape/style mismatch which is why I couldn't get the sizing right. I have had quadding in every size, 40GG to 40HH. That is because the elastic on the top of the cup is tighter than the cup so it cuts in to FOT breasts. It has nothing to do with the size of the cup. The other problem is cup separation. The gore is quite wide and my close breasts push it out. This creates instability.
In this size ...the wires are almost narrow enough for me. There is much less east west going on in this bra than in other sizes. Because the spacer fabric is stretchy I think I could get away with wearing this size if I cut off the elastic top and sewed the gore together, something I've done with the other two sizes I own. I will lurk on eBay until one comes up and snap it up to customize. I'm hoping opening the cup will eliminate side quad.
This bra is very durable, pretty, and provides a great shape with coverage though it is light weight. The only issue comfort wise for me is I don't like the lace under my armpits, but it can be cut off for comfort. I highly recommend it if you have wide, separate, FOB breasts or if you're willing to alter it. See how I altered my other one at 42H - Elomi » Amelia Spacer Moulded Bra (8740) Read more 173 more words
This bra is gorgeous and it has great support but the straps are too wide-set for me. the rub at my shoulders and arm pits and rubbed my skin raw after just a few hours.
this bra is gray with little rose leaves all over it, not quite hearts but very nearly. I wasn't really wow'd by this bra the same way I have been by my other Elomi's. I'm not sure if that's because it is a GG or because the bra it's self was lightly worn. But it doesn't fit that great. From what I've read different styles in this brand really are different. This bra is pretty but I don't find the straps or cups work as well for me as other bras I've tried in this brand. The comfort and craftsmanship is still there. And based on how my ...other bras in the same brand are holding up, I think the materials here may be at fault. From what I under stand gray dye can actually be detrimental to elastic and shorten it's life. So if I were to guess, I'd say this same bra in the other color may hold up better. The shape is still what we've come to expect from Elomi, though this bra doesn't have the side panels that are found in the Betty, Lexi, and Juliet. Which I advocate for anyone in my size rage, Good bra if you can find it cheep, if you are going to pay full price, better to get one of the three I listed above. Read more 117 more words
This bra is cute, comfortable, and supportive. The band was a little loose for my liking, but that's my fault for buying the wrong band size (I usually wear a 38). My breasts have unfortunately increased several sizes since purchasing this bra, so it no longer fits in the cups. I wish this bra wasn't discontinued so I could find it in my current size!
I normally wear a 36HH, but this is the closest thing I could find that would sort of work. I've taken the band in to make it fit better, but the cups still cut into my boobs a little bit at the top.
Not great, but the only strapless option I could find.
I like this bra, but it is simply too small for me in 40 GG. I think that in 40 GG it contains the same wires as the Elomi Smoothing Plunge in 40 G, this is what gives me all kinds of problems with this bra. First the wires are narrower than those of the Elomi Cleo Side Support in 40 GG to begin with (which are also too narrow for me), second the wire ends inside the wire tube in the center gore. This causes some poking into the breasts. If the wire tube was filled completely (as it is in 40 H) it would be fine. The center gore also is wider than average, which I find uncomfortable. Part of it might have been that the fabric that forms the center gore panel stretched out. When I wear the bra my boobs push the center gore together and it forms a fold, so it is ok, but not great.
Hey, welcome! Great review and great that both sizes work for you! I find that in a few soft cup bras too - must be their flexibility in the cup itself due to it being soft. A little snug on the straps and they both fit fine. Glad you are enjoy Elomi...and thanks for the measurements...I am a bra band sister and we can use all the 40/42 band measurements we can get!