This bra runs big in the band. With such a stretchy band, you might want to consider going down a band/up a cup to make sure your bra will last a long time. Or, if you're not bad at sewing (or have a good seamstress/know someone who's good at sewing), the side wings are the same height all the way to the place where the shoulder strap meets the wing at the back, so it'd not take much to alter it to fit after the bra stretches out to the point where it's no longer supportive.
This is a great plunge neckline, good under v-necks, square necks, and scoop ...necks, though the very top corner might show on some very wide square-necked shirts. It's very comfortable as an all-day bra, and helps to keep everything lifted and separated (not out-to-the side, but not an ugly mashed-together look either).
As a nursing mom, I'd say that unless your breasts are firm, you may find yourself falling out the center due to the style. Despite that, it's still a go-to bra for me, and one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a molded plunge. If you want something more interesting, they're putting out various prints and colors for this style all the time now, but the basic nude is a favorite for me! Read more 112 more words
I'm glad I accidentally got sent this bra because it gave me the opportunity to find out which bra in the entire history of undergarments is the worst possible bra for me. I now avoid unlined seamed bras such as this one like the plague. The "fit" was basically what you might expect of a bowl of jelly upturned into a butterfly net. Obviously seams=support doesn't apply to unlined bras when they run into my soft boobs. I have never felt so horribly jiggly, floppy and unsupported in a bra. Not to mention how itchy and wrinkly the cups were. The material is like torture.
0/10 would not bra again.
That said, if you can wear unlined plunges, it seems as good quality as my other Freya bras.
My boobs are essentially liquid by now and still can be very well supported by unlined seamed bras. They just have to, you know, fit! It sounds like this was way too large for you or possibly that you were falling out the middle, leaving the cups not really filled--lack of surface tension in cups = jiggly wiggly saggy baggy.
I am sorry you had such a horrid experience, but I'm absolutely delighted with your review! Very funny. Thank you.
Ugh thanks for confirming to stay away from the Patsy's. I had the same experience with the Freya Ingrid Plunge, ack.
That was funny! Thanks for the review.
wendybien I get your point about fit. I ordered a 30G in the Patsy padded half cup and got this by mistake. I assume that I would need a smaller cup in the Freya unlined bras. I found a Freya Starlet lace at Nordstrom today and tried it in a smaller cup size, but it still didn't work for me. I don't fall out of the center like I do in a padded plunge, but it was still not a good look for me! Weirdly pointy and scratchy.
underwonder Yeah, these styles of bras obviously want more projection and a different shape from mine. I highly recommended the padded Patsy half cup, though.
I'm super projected and the Ingrid gives me that pointy, scratchy shape that you got with the Starlet. Something about the Freya style. I'll try the half cup style tho, thanks!
This review just got downvoted, but whatever, I stand by it. I've tried this and under seamed unlined Freyas in all sizes I could find and they are all a disaster on me. I now realize that I probably have some sensory issues that make me more sensitive to unlined bras than others. Downvotes, really? :P
I did not downvote this, for the record :-P But I can see how someone might, because the review suggests that unlined seamed cups are unable to support soft breasts, which is completely untrue. It is obviously true that unlined Freyas don't work for you at all, so that's legit, but I think someone probably objected to what they perceived as general misinformation.
wendybien Maybe and I believe you addressed that in the comments with me at the time, which I appreciated very much. I have since had much, much more experience with unlined bras, a ton of other Freyas, and I've never found one that works with MY breasts and that's all I can really review about. So for my historical record this remains accurate... I don't mind a downvote here or there, but I think someone is going through a lot of my stuff and downvoting it for fun.
You can't take it too personally. One time I made a very mild criticism of a particular blog and over the next couple days I got a number of downvotes on that comment exactly matching the number of bloggers who contribute to it, which I thought was hilarious :-D They also went round looking for other comments of mine to downvote. I just ignore it, obviously if someone is far gone enough do do that, they are the ones who have a bee in their bonnet. It's not like you get booted off the island based on how many up or down votes you get!
This is my favourite bra of all time (so far). It is the first bra I got when I was fitted in March 2020 and have worn it a lot since then. AFAIK Freya bands run a bit loose, so even though I'm a 32 with most brands I got this one in 30. The band was a bit tight in the beginning but after wearing it for a few weeks it's become comfortable. The cups fit perfectly every day despite fluctuations in my cycle. It is my go-to everyday bra and I can wear it with almost anything as it also offers cleavage. The "high apex" doesn't allow for very low cut tops but it's perfect for everything else, even underneath T-Shirts (which I did not expect as it is not padded). Defenitely gonna keep it and rebuy it if it ever breaks.
This was one of the 8 bras I tried in my first Amazon Prime Wardrobe Box! (Sadly, 8/8 did NOT fit) Ok so, what the heck is up with the ONE HOOK CLASP for this bra? So stupid. I don't understand the reasoning for that, other than looks? I dunno, maybe I am weird, but I didn't feel like one hook would support me at all. I can't imagine what someone with larger breasts than I have would feel about this! ANYWAYS! I ordered this bra in two different sizes and colors: this one was the cobalt color in 30G. I usually wear a 32G, but figured, what the heck? ...The 30G is Prime Wardrobe eligible, so I'll take a chance. This bra must have larger cups, because it fit me way better than the 32G did. This sorta feels more than a 32G to me, so maybe order down a cup size if you are thinking of trying it. (The actual 32G was LARGE in the cup and had a stretchy band.) The bra itself is pretty cute. (EXCEPT THAT STUPID HOOK!) The wires are a bit too wide for me, though.
Band length: 63.2cm Cup width: 15.5cm Cup depth: 27.2cm Wire length: 28.8cm Cup separation: 2.8cm Strap width: 2.0cm
Quality: 4/5 Comfort: 4/5 (minus one for when I have to tuck my boobs back into the cups) Appearance: 4/5 (kinda jumping out/quadraboob-ish.. will update after full day's wear)
Patsy is a stunning little green bra with white polka dots. Color is very light almost minty but still crisp where the green overlays a white layer underneath like the cups and straps. The fit is identical to my first and second Freya Padded Half Cups: Monet (http://bra.pe/RIR/) and Lauren (http://bra.pe/RSL/). Keisha's cups (http://bra.pe/RN1/) fells shorter and were much less successful. Typically, the band ...is "Freya-long" and so I have to start it on the 2nd hook although I could do it on the final one but I'd like to have it a bit longer so I'll make due.
It seems that these half cup styles are a bit difficult for me and there's a bit of a learning curve (pun intended!) atop the cup. If I adjust and stand still I can fit well into the cup and there's a natural curve continuation from the top cup edge. It's super comfy and although the gore sits just about 1cm away from my chest and I have to pop my nips back in every now and then I have to say this is a worthwhile purchase. Isn't that really the cost of wanting Freya's stretchy 30-band and only up to G-cup Half Cup bras? Seriously though, it wears the same as my Monets and Lauren. I am very happy to see so many patterns available in this style although ideally I'd love to see the range rise above a G+.
This was my most anticipated bra of the season and I hope it will last at least throughout the summer.
Measured immediately before wearing. Purchased late-June 2012 from ASOS. Read more 201 more words
This is a well-constructed and pretty bra. I have two major fit issues wearing it: the cups are too small (however, sizing up in the cup didn't work for me) and the center gore is too wide. It almost feels like the center fullness of my chest is pushing the gore down a little. The top of the underwires touch my chest, but it feels like the wire between the gore and the wire midpoint isn't able to sit flat. It's fairly comfortable, but the center of the underwires tends to dig in on my chest after a while. I will continue to wear this bra as the fit issues mentioned don't make it unsuitable for everyday use.
The Patsy Padded Half Cup was my first bra that really fit, so it will always hold a special place for me! Honestly, the cut is probably the best I could hope for. I might not have ever tried a half cup style at all had it not been for the light padding (can't stand unlined bras) and the very attractive patterns. After a lifetime of wearing ill-fitting, plain and rather ugly minimizer bras, being able to find a pretty, feminine bra in my size has been an amazing feeling.
I now know that the bands on Freya are known as being looser than others, but the 30 ...has remained firm, yet comfortable for me on the outer hook for quite a long time. I never got any poking, chafing or pain. I do have to tighten the straps nearly all the way otherwise the underwires start to sit below my IMF. Similarly, people talk about Freya having "soft wires", but I don't find that to be the case. At first I thought I would have to bend them for a better fit around my ribs, but had trouble bending them so just wore them in instead. I haven't noticed any kind of weakness in the wire and they are much more comfortable than other bra wires I have tried like Panache and Cleo which hurt my bony ribs.
This is a really easy to wear bra. The padding is just enough for modesty, but not too much to add any bulk. The material is also lightweight so it washes and dries really easily. You don't have to worry so much about damaging the cups when washing or packing them (I travel a lot), which is a big plus for me. All these things make it an ideal bra for all seasons.
The only negatives I have about my trusty Patsy are the lace trim and very visible seams. I wouldn't need to buy any other bras if the cups were smoother, the lace less bumpy and the seams somehow flatter. I therefore tend to wear this bra more in the colder months or when I will have a jacket on top. Wearing a camisole underneath did not help mask the lumpiness of the lace or very obvious lines of the seams.
Another thing I had to get used to is that this cut of bra has a minimizing effect on me. It lifts and supports well, but my breasts look at least two sizes smaller in it.
Even taking in all of these small faults, it's still my favorite bra. Read more 322 more words
I have a 30 F patsy (my phone wants to autocorrect to pasty, haha!) which I really like - I agree with all your points above. I can't understand why it's so minimising though - more so than bras I own with absolutely no padding/lining at all! Odd. Does the job though!
This review is for the Deco bra "fashion color" Animal Print/Frida. Purchased Mid-January 2011.
Took 1 cup size larger than my soft-cup Freya's. FF made me feel I was falling out into the center. After leaning over I felt my larger breast shift itself into the open cleavage-y plunge area, if that makes sense. With the G cup it accommodates my larger breast, only instead it feels like it shifts downward slightly in the padded cup. Either way, one up was better.
Freya confirmed this is the exact same bra as the ever popular Deco. I've read dozens upon dozens of Deco reviews and recommendations to down-1 band, up-1 cup ...size but my conclusion is that may work best for women who are more likely in-between band sizes. Not so for me. This is my 1st padded Freya and it's a plunge which affects my comfort level*. Ultimately, I feel more 'secure' in 30G than 30FF. Your result may slightly vary. I'd suggest to try them both on.
*I measure 73cm or 28.75in and find I can't do up 28's but rather 30's. Thanks to Bratabase I can see why: the combination of material & exact band measurement of each bra will vary from one to another. Will have to remember to bring my tape measure next time I hit the boutiques!
Update July 2, 2011: I love this bra but started on 2nd hook as the band is loose on me. Months after this purchase I found a local store (WOW!) carrying Black 28G but found it just a bit too tight in the band and cup. Anticipate 28GG would fit even better (with an extender for the first few months) if it were made! Read more 174 more words
Plunge: Freya Retro - Says its padded but its just a thick soft cupper in my opinion... Its nice and low cut with great support, comfortable but I think the band seem a little loose, (I throw it in the dryer to tighten it up when I wash it) its nice but not as super cleavagey as I would like..I mean whats the point of the big boobs if you can't show em off..maybe thats just me https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />
Just got it, seems to be perfect! Gives me round and uplifted shape with nice cleavage. That's silly, but I was dreaming about having this bra, so couldn't resist to buy it, when it was overpriced... And it fits!
As far, I was wearing 32FF by Fantasie on the tightest hook and 65I by AVA, so it seems to be true to the size.
edit: I bought this bra as new (January, 2017). It seems, that they improved it, cause the band is very snug and I even wish it was more stretchy... Cause as I am a singer and a sports lover, my ribs expand from 65 cm on the exhale ...to 80 cm on the inhale and I feel like I can not breathe as deeply as I want to with this bra on. The band is longer than my other bras has in the size of 30, but it barely stretches to 77 cm (my inhale is 80 cm). I definitely can not sing freely wearing it, hope it will stretch a little. That's funny, cause 32 bands usually ride up and don't give me enough support.
The other issue is that after a few hours it starts gaping a little bit on the sides and top (about 2 mm), but still makes the cleavage. The gaping doesn't show under the clothes. I have no idea if this is normal with molded cups, always have it. More or less, but it usually happens. Read more 133 more words
Looks fantastic! I really like the minimalist details on this bra. Simply gorgeous :-)
yeah, me too :) I love everything about the way it looks! And thank you :)
It's a great bra and looks very good on you. I have one in blue with black polka dots and I'm bummed that I can't get another Deco in my new size. I'm a little envious!
Yeah, in changing size the thing that bras stop fitting sucks the most... Especially, when we fall out of the size range of our favorite models then. Hope they will include your size soon!
Freya Deco models like the Spotlight and Vibe fit me better than the old version Decos without the trim along the cup edge. I find old Decos are very FOT friendly and my even fullness is just not enough to take advantage of all the vertical space in those cups. The Deco Spotlight is perfect in terms of vertical height and volume. If you have even breasts, you might find this to be a better fit than the regular Decos with no trim along the outer edge of the cup. Alternately, if you are FOT, you may find that the Spotlight cuts in creating quadroboob whereas regular Decos do not. The straps are as wide as other Decos of the same size, but are more ribbon-like both in thickness and appearance. The band is pretty much the same as other 30G Decos I own. The wires on this 30G fit like a dream.
This is a well-made nonwired bra in the vein of the retro/granny soft cups still marketed nowadays (Playtex 18 hour, etc.)
Similarities with the old skool bras: strategically placed seams are used to support and lift the breast. Boobs point up, not down in a correctly sized cup in my size range (I can't speak for high size ranges). Reinforced but not boned vertical seam situated at the outer edge of the cup centers the bust. On my own naturally very projected bosom, the effect is projected and the apex of the breast is quite well-defined.
Differences/updates: the appearance and feel of the bra have ...been brought at least partly up to date with smoother, softer fabric, a cute print, and detailing that is comparable to what you can find in Freya and Fantasie's underwire designs. The above points are probably a plus in most people's book. Less positive design update: the disappearance of the wide, thick underbust band which, in older softcup designs, plays an important role in making the whole bra more supportive and more comfortable, especially for people with heavier breasts. The Dotty's band is not noticeably thicker or wider than your typical underwire's. It has 3 hooks at the back, as opposed to 5 or 6 hooks on some of the Serious Granny Bras. The mesh used at the back of the band is typical Freya "mush mesh" instead of the roughish, but very robust powermesh commonly used in old fashioned shapewear and bras. It looks a lot nicer but I anticipate it having a shorter lifespan overall.
The 30G fits me very well in the cup, though I could probably still have managed very comfortably with a slightly smaller cup--the design of nonwired cups is much more forgiving as there is no wire to limit compatibility with the wearer's breast shape. The band is a tad tight on me, but comfortable and wearable. I will be using an extender to avoid killing the elasticity too fast (see point above about Freya mesh!) Read more 239 more words
As a (regularly) 28GG/H gal, I have had massive trouble finding a strapless/multiway bra and a longline that fits well. This bra killed two birds with one stone - I now have a workable strapless/convertible bra that is also a longline, so I am happy with this bra
Technically, I am sized out of my preferred size, but the band on the 30G is snug enough that on the smaller set of hooks, the bra stays up through even the most enthusiastic jumping jacks, and I can comfortably wear it on the larger hooks with straps or for less active pursuits. The cups on the ...30G are also generous enough to easily contain my usually 28H boobs. I have a lot of projection but a thin layer of tissue right up to my clavicles - many strapless bras are simultaneously too shallow and cut in at the top - this one doesn't have either problem, though it could use a tiny bit of extra projection right at the bottom.
This bra has two different positions for the multiway straps, both front and back. I find that many bras in my size have their straps set further apart that the average shirt, so it is nice to have the option of a narrower setting. The cups have a nice sling in the cups, I presume to help prevent boobs from sliding the cups east-west.
While this bra fills a very important niche in my wardrobe, and as a result I am happy with it, it nonetheless has some downsides:
* The floral detailing on the front, which seemed like a really neat detail on the promotional pictures, looks washed out and almost like accidental staining in person. The bra itself is also less of a yellow-cream, and instead an ivory/off white
* Like many Freya bras, the quality of materials and contruction did not impress me in this bra. The cups on my brand-new bra already have a couple tiny snares, the straps are simple satin elastic and are very slippery, and the front of the band curls up.
* For reasons unknown, this bra only has 2 columns of hooks. Since I bought a band size up from my usual, I am on the smallest right off the bat, but even in a properly fitted bra, I would prefer 3+ rows. Read more 287 more words
This is my first strapless in a size representative of my bust, and I think it's awesome. However, I can't put this bra on by myself. I usually wear a 32G, but ended up getting this in a 30 G (both for more security and because the boutique didn't have 32G). When I put it on myself, i ended up bending one of the bones on the right side, so now I get help. the front part constantly rides up because I a little pudge and bad posture, but it's not a deal breaker. The straps are awesome, allowing for halter and x-back, as well as 2 options (inner and outer) for putting the straps on in the front and back. The wires are pretty narrow on this bra, which is good for me, but not for others.
Should be made in a 28GG. After a wear or 2 the band is already loose and I'm having to wear it on tighter hooks. However, I've tried the 28G and it does not fit in the cup, so I'm stuck with the 30.
Other than that, the Deco is popular for a reason. It gives great cleavage, it puts your boobs front and center, and it's pretty much a no-show under tighter tops.
Awesome bra! It has just the right amount of coverage - I'm not spilling out everywhere, and it's not up to my neck. The cleavage is great, and the fact that it doesn't have a ton of padding is a definite plus. I usually have a problem with wires coming up too high under the arm, but this is the perfect height. I don't have side cleavage, and I'm not getting stabbed in the armpit with a wire. If you're narrow and have problems with underwires being too long, I'd say give this bra a try.
I love love love this bra. The cups fit beautifully and provide a fantastic, uplifted shape while still plunging to present great cleavage. The moulded cups are smooth under clothing, and its versatility lends itself to being worn underneath pretty much anything. I feel absolutely secure when wearing it, with no slipping, sliding, poking or other bra-related weirdness. Definitely a winner all around; I have no complaints.
I got this bra in red and it is very striking. The embroidery is high quality and the bra is made of good materials - nothing itches or chafes. The cups on Arabella are ever so slightly larger than standard, which causes the underwire to dig in very lightly into my sternum, while other Freya bras in the same size fit well and do not have this problem. Aside from this, I think this bra fits very well and is absolutely beautiful.
the cups in this bra run entirely too small and its very uncomfortable to put on..... i hated banging the underwire on my face and it scraping my body as it went over my head. instant return.
My boobs are essentially liquid by now and still can be very well supported by unlined seamed bras. They just have to, you know, fit! It sounds like this was way too large for you or possibly that you were falling out the middle, leaving the cups not really filled--lack of surface tension in cups = jiggly wiggly saggy baggy.