When I decided to try the Freya Wilder Bustier, I was still of the mindset that longlines weren't for me, and I didn't expect it to work out. However, several other reviewers had very positive things to say about the fit, so I decided to give it a try. I'm glad that I did, because this is an awesome strapless bra! I ended up purchasing it in this size twice as well as sizing down to a 28DD just to see, but this particular bra fits the best.
This bra is best described as a longline strapless bra with molded, unpadded cups. The fit is ... actually very similar to the Fauve Rosa Strapless that I also picked up recently, though obviously the band is much taller in this style as it is a longline. Both bras have a similar band construction with very wide elastic at the upper edge, although the Freya has only one wide strip of silicone at the top edge and none at the bottom. The first 28E I purchased felt a little too big in the band, so I decided to reorder. This one is slightly smaller and fits better, though I would say this runs large in the band as Freya bras tend to do. I could easily go much smaller in the band, and might think about altering it down in the future.
The thing that makes this more of a bustier are the additional strips of boning at the side as well as under the cups. There are a total of 6 strips of boning for stability, which helps the front of the band stay in place and avoid rolling. I had no issues with the comfort of the boning in this size, though in the 28DD, which is a bit too small, I felt very aware of the presence of the bones. Hence, I would say that if you are in your correct size, the boning should not cause any discomfort.
The molded cups in this style are almost identical to the Fauve Rosa Strapless, though they are a bit wider and deeper. I think the main issue for some people on this bra will be the width of the cups, as they are almost a little too wide for me. If I wear this with the straps, the tall, wide cups tend to dig in a bit in the underarm area and cause chafing, but when worn strapless, this is not an issue. The cup shape is somewhat deeper and more projected than standard US department store brands, so it should be suitable for those who usually have trouble with molded cups. The upper cup shape is a bit closed off, so it could be an issue for tall roots or people with a lot of upper fullness. Still, it should suit many shapes except those who are very narrow, very conical, or very shallow. It gives a nice, rounded shape that looks great under clothing.
This size has 4 rows of hooks in the back, and the band is a bit taller in the 28E than in the 28DD. The entire bra is covered in black cheetah lace overlaid over nude tricot for stability. There are no seam details on the outside of the bra except black edging at the upper cup. The center gore has a small bow and circular rose gold charm. Straps are convertible and removable, with two tabs on each front and back. My only complaint about the quality is that the straps tend to slip and fall off easily except when the bra is worn, since the tab loops are too loose at the back. Your straps may get lost in a drawer, so it's probably better to remove and store them separately.
I used to really dislike longlines because of the pressure they put on my ribcage, causing me to feel like I am being suffocated, but I am starting to warm up to them. This one is actually pretty easy to put on by yourself, and I like that the hooks can be done unevenly if you need a slightly different shape. When it comes to a strapless bra, a supportive band is really paramount, so I prefer styles like this that have wide bands that will stay in place. If you're looking for a good strapless, give this a try, even if Freya's molded cups don't usually work for you. Truly a hidden gem!
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Updated on Jul 18, 2020 Flag this