I mistakenly bought this instead of the plunge version, and it’s a disaster. The straps are so wide they’re sliding off me. I’m normally a 36HH/J and the band is a comfortable/non-snug 36 but not huge, while the cups are possibly a full cup size too big. However, there is virtually no projection at the wire! Just looking at it before putting it on, you can see the quick upward slope.
I’m FOB and close set with narrow shoulders, and this did NOT work for me at all. It might work for someone with top or apex projection, evenly or top full, and broad shoulders.
Compared to my Cleos, this bra runs startlingly large. The band is loose enough that I had to put a tuck in it to wear it comfortably, and the cups are easily a half size larger than I need.
I'll want the extra space for alterations, however, since the Lauren has many of the usual Freya problems in large cup sizes. This bra tends to cut into my underarms significantly at the sides, pushes most of my tissue towards the armpit, has a significant east-west apex problem, and produces a lot of empty space near the center gore. I've found that these issues are common for me with this brand in most models. As usual for Freya, this is also a -lot- of bra - it covers a startling amount of skin and isn't suitable for wear with low-cut tops.
The bra itself is fairly attractive in an understated way, with black-on-black pinstripes and a unique style of bow at the front. The manufacturing quality is fine; I just wish the shape were better.
I liked the one-layered-lace of the bra which is quite uncommon in this size range. I previously owned a Greta in size 38J and loved to wear it because of its nice rounded shape (for a Freya balcony), and tried it in 36J but unfortunately I wore it only two times because I lost some pounds and it doesn't fit me any longer. The very soft underwire and straps felt very comfy.
I first tried the Ellie in a 38H, which is my normal size in many bras, but it was too loose in the band and too small in the cup. So I returned it for a 36J. The band was fine now, but the cups are now a little big. There is some wrinkling in the cup.
This bra is so cute, with purple floral and green lace. I love how it looks. Too bad I don't think Freya bras work for my shape. The center gore is against my sternum, but the wires are sort of squished together and don't lie flat. This has happened in other Freya ...bras when otherwise the fit seems fine.
The Ellie gave me a weird shape. My larger boob looks ok, but a little pointy. But my smaller boob doesn't fill out the cup enough and it looks weird. I don't even know how to explain it, but I have uploaded pics. From the side, it's as though the top of the cup is a straight line towards the peak and the rest of the bra curves up to meet it. Which is weird because I have full on top boobs. I think it's just way too big! Read more 96 more words
I LOVE this bra. I was fitted in a 36HH and had some spillage on the Left side (that breast is bigger), so I have gone up the extra size. I have tightened the straps and I feel so comfortable in this. Perfecto. GREAT, comfortable - roundy, but supported, with great subtle cleavage. I do find the Central Gore could be more snug (it is not QUITE bang up against me) - but this was true also of the 36HH and I hear - this could be a "trait" of the bra.
The usual Freya issue with running large in the back; however, unlike the Arabella this one doesn't get all loose in the back and band. It's kept its shape really well and gives great support. The cup fabric is also quite firm, making it great for those days when you feel like you have two water cannons stuck on the front of you!
Cup shape is reasonably round, but not too much "side-boob" going on there. I have this in a 36HH as well, but the J is definitely better for me.
I got this as a second, so I can't really speak to the quality of first-run bras in this style, but after a while the shoulder straps began to fray a bit. It's not noticeable to others, but it might be time to replace it. If only they still made it in the glorious grey!
