FOB/Projected. The overall effect feels very much like a sports bra or bathing suit top. I think part of that is the pattern looks very similar to a lot of sports bras I've seen, but the gore is also WAY too high so the cups are fully covering the whole breast-- I have a high-impact sports bra that covers the same about. I had a lot of gaping in the top of the cup, wrinkles all throughout the cup, underwire too wide (not quite in the middle of my armpits, but getting there). I do like the little bows at the top of straps, it's cute. But overall, NOPE.
I really like this bra. It fits my shape well and it is comfortable. The cut is very similar to the Elomi Caitlyn, the Elomi Cleo Side Support, the Elomi Jasmin and the Goddess Keira.
I've found the band of the Goddess Rose to be stretchier than the band of those above bras. It is a bit loose, but not too loose for me. It fits me similar to my Panache Tango II Balc. in 42 GG and to my Elomi Smoothing 3911 in 42 G on the tightest hook.
I've also found that the wires of this bra are softer than the wires that are ...in use in the Elomi Caitlyn and in the Elomi Cleo Side Support in the same size (40 GG UK/40 J US). They bend under stress from the band. Unstretched the wires are 20 cms wide, stretched the wires go to 26 cms width. Since I need very wide wires the Goddess Rose has been my salvation.
I battle with the problem that when the cup fits the wires are too narrow and when the wires fit the cup is too big. Cupwise I need a 40 GG/H (UK), wire wise I need a 38 JJ/40 J/40 JJ (UK).
As the wires of the Goddess Rose are softer then those of the Elomi bras they dig less into my sides. Yet they are stable and supportive enough for a bra in this size. Unlike other bras I've found no negative effects on the cup or on stability from the stretched cups.
My only gripe with this bra is that it is fugly. It comes only in black and nude (urrrgh) with outdated lace (double urggh). Consequently I have vaque plans to take this bra apart to get at the cut and at the wires and try my hand at sewing my own bras. Seems to me the only way to get my hands on a bra where I really really like the look and that actually fits me. Read more 228 more words
Hello T_Maia, Very good review! And Very interesting! By reading you, I see how we are all different. Lot of we have large breast but our breasts are all different and our problem about bras are all different: too saggy, too narrow, too wide … I think I have the opposite problem of you. Since long time I saw my problem only about band/cup size and by reading you I understand that’s wires are important too and a problem for me. When the cup fit the wires and band are too large, when the wires are ok the cup is too small and the band too large and at the end when the band is ok the wires are too small and l can’t find cup size enough deep. Cupwize I need a 38-40 KK/L (UK), wire wise I need a 36-38 J/JJ (UK) and band size I need 32-34 (UK). I suppose the manufacturer built bras for a perfect average women but this woman don’t exist and finally no woman find perfect bras! You know very well bras. Thank you for your review! Nice to read you!
Annie
Have you ever tried the Panache Ariza, Annie? I've found that this bra has relatively stable and narrow wires for a bra in the 34-40 J-K range that do not bend easily and the band is also very firm and non-stretchy. Most people can take the Ariza one bandsize up and one cupsize down. What is even better: Panache is planning to bring this bra out in 40KK. Another brand that you could play around with is Bestform. They only make bras up to 38J and occassionally 40J, but the wires they use are very narrow. It might be worth to get your hands on a cheap Bestform bra in 40J just for the wires (Bestform Pure/Bestform Rebecca). It is also possible to insert narrow wires into a bra meant for wider wires. For you this has the added advantage that it will free up unused cupvolume on the sides. Also, have you heard of Ewa Michalak? They can make custom bras up to LL/M-cup, those bras usually have very narrow wires. Just send an email to them and ask. Their bras (including the custom ones) cost around 40 EUR. Feel free to ask me more questions. :)
Hello T_Maia, Thank you for your information. I tried the Panache Ariza last year in a Bravissimo shop in London. It doesn’t work on me. To be honest I don’t remember exactly the narrow wires. I tried the 36K, 38K and 40K. The 40K is too small for the cup size and the bandsize really too large and in this case the firm band is a real problem. The 36K is almost ok for the band size but the cup size is really really too small. And the 38K is not ok for the cup and the band. But it could be interesting for me to try the 38KK if Panache is planning to bring this bra out in KK cupsize. I don’t know Bestform but you are right. It might be worth to try one. But I have no illusion. I think that J cup even in 40 will be really too small for me. I know Ewa Michalak and I agree with you. The wires are good for me. I have the Toffik model in 36L. It’s not perfect but wearable! But I didn’t know that they can make custom bras up to LL/M cup! It could be interesting for me to try a bra in 34M or 36M. Thank you! It’s very difficult to know exactly her right size. All the brands have their size guide and inside a brand you find difference between bras! If like me you never find a perfect bra it’s impossible to know where is the truth about bras size. Smaller band size? Deeper cup size?...
I know that Bestform in 40J will be too small for you, but it would be really interesting to see what happens if you insert the wires of a 38J/40J Bestform bra into a 40KK or 38KK Ariza. As far as Ewa Michalak goes I can suggest sending them pictures of you in your 36L-Toffik. This is the most sensible way to get your size with them.
Hey Annie, I've just added a 34LL EM PL Black in the base. I'll try and measure it later today. Note that it was not a custom order. Thought that might be usefull.
The is a sturdy bra. Even though it is unlined, the strong fabric keeps things in place. The fabric is not super stretchy, so if that’s what you prefer this would be a good bra for you. It is a tiny bit too projected for me but the cups don’t wrinkle, so I think it will be fine. It looks very nice and modern. That’s a look that is hard to find in larger cups.
So comfortable. I didn't expect that from the stiffness of the fabric. I may need to go down a band size since I'm already at the innermost hook column and the elastic is still in new condition.
First I need to say this is the first plus size bra I've tried out. I may need to update my review of this bra.
Strange enough this bra gives me the best shape I've ever seen in a bra, perfectly rounded, no pointeness what so ever. Boobs are held very close to the body due to the shallow constructions of the cups and the upper section holding it in place on top of the cups.
I wonder why on earth bras are not constructed like this in general.
On my boobs it doesn't even matter that the bra is too big. It's still stable enough. But then ...you might want to know that my boobs are extremely shallow and I'm a muscular build that don't need very much stability. As long as the wires are wide enough a bra will work for me even if the cups is too big.
What makes this bra not wearable for me is the thick fabric. When it wrinkles on top it's just too visible under clothing.
What I love about this bra is the side panels. Compared to the side panels on my Panache Andorra, that just adds a flimsy fabric that doesn't help the shape, this is a totally different bra in that respect. In other respects they have that lower cut bottom section in common.
So let's nerd about shape and cut.
Alice is a four section cup with the typical balcony shape where the bottom section comes up to meet the strap. But the bottom section is cut in three pieces where the section meeting the straps is the side panel. That section is also cut shallower, just like my boobs ( I do think most wide boobs are shallower under the arms for I don't see how one could move the arms other ways) but it still has very wide wires that contain my boobs. It just distributes the boob volume way better than Curvy Kate, Panache or Freya.
Now I think it's probably nothing new for someone used to plus size bras as from what I can see most plus size bras are cut this way. I just wanted to be thorough on the matter as there might be more girls out there with those typically wide and shallow boobs that would appreciate this bra.
However it has problems. The fabric is so thick that it's visible under clothing and with the wrinkling on the top I get I just cannot wear it under clothing.
Also on my body the wires are too far apart. They separate boobs that are not separated so I would need to alter the center gore to make it fit better, but then the wires would've been to short on the sides.
Due to the thick stiff fabric with the thick embroidery it makes the bra not very wearable. At least not for me or another that often wear tight fitted or light clothing. Sad thing as I've never seen a better shape of my boobs in my life.
Once again this is my first try of a plus size bra but I still wanted to write the review. Read more 417 more words
Tried this one as a test fit to work out what size I am in anything that's not Ewa Michalak. Found it a size too big in the band, but the wires were massively wide and at least an inch or so too far back on each side. I don't like the rounded C shape of the wires at all, and they dig in and pressed uncomfortably. I -just- filled the cup, with the bigger side just having the top edge dig in very slightly, but I don't know how it would have gone if the wires were the right width. I'm slightly concerned that by going down a band and cup size that it'll dig in more.
Inharket if you go down a band size for narrower underwire, you *might* have to go up a cup size, too. So, yeah, it is tricky. Maybe one of the Ewa Michalak styles would be better.
For me, the underwire width is the crucial fit factor. If it is wide enough, like a Goddess or Elomi, and the cup size is large enough, then the gore tacks. I always want to have the core tack -- kind of a fanatic about it. I remember the celebration when I finally ordered a large enough cup size, 40FF, "Oh, so this is what a gore that tacks feels like!" :)
Band: The back of the bra band keeps riding up, causing me have to tug it down all the time. Gore: It does not lie flat. When I first put the bra on and adjust everything into place, it only touches my body, at the top and bottom, with a slight gap between the breast bone and the gore on the area in between. As I wear it, the band slides up at the back and the gore pops out at the top. Cups: My breast spills out of top of bra on larger breast(left), but fit well all around the rest of both breasts Underwire: Does not lie quiet flat against my rib cage, it sort of clings to the bottom of my breasts instead. However, the underwire, is shaped well for my breast root I think. This underwire shape is the best of any bra I have tried and fits perfectly along the curve of my breast where it hits, even under my arms and in length. Straps: Tight, but I can fit two fingers underneath easily
Goddess Keira Banded Underwire (6090) is a great bra but riding up in bac generally means “band size too late,” so usually you sister size down to 42 or 40 and up a few cup sizes. Plus the fact that the gore does not tack properly, that also usually means the cup size is too small. So maybe 42J (UK 42GG). I hope you keep working at it! ☺️
Oops, spell check fail. Band riding up in back means band too large
I need all the spell check I can get to. Thanks, I have just ordered a 42J(UK 42GG so we will see. i will keep you posted. Thanks
This bra wasn't listed on Bratabase yet! This is a new experience for me.
This is technically the least best fit of my recent purchases, but despite that, this is probably my favorite of my new bras. I love Elomi bras, and I know Goddess bras tend to fit very similarly, but I've never tried one before; I guess the US sizing always intimidated me.
First and foremost, this bra is *gorgeous*. It's mostly black, with a gold ring pattern over the black fabric. The top of the cup is a more sheer warm tan color, with black and gold lace. It's so pretty, and I was really surprised at ...how beautiful it looks in person.
Fit-wise, the band is pretty much perfect for me and very comfortable. The cups are a little too wide and could use a bit more space at the bottom of the cup, but I don't find it a problem. The biggest fit issue it has is that the gore doesn't tack, however it's completely due to the softness of the wires (the wires are much softer than Elomi wires). It's not enough for it to compromise support or for me to consider it not fitting.
I'm really happy with this bra. It's just so nice and comfortable. Read more 102 more words
I'm wide root, close set, center full and short torsoed. This works really well for me, the wings and wires aren't trying to eat my armpits! The stretch lace works beautifully to contain my soft tissue without cutting in. I also tried Elomi Tia which is somewhat similar, but was too jiggly. Only complaint is that the straps are a touch too wide for my narrow sloped shoulders. UPDATE: only other complaint is that the band stretched fast--I could fasten on the tightest set of hooks after a week or so.
I was asked to try on this bra by members of the ABTF community; Michelle is designed specifically for those with large band sizes and small cup sizes. Band sizes are 38-46, and cups range from B to DDD.
I absolutely love this bra--so much so that I ultimately purchased a second. One of my favorite attributes of a bra is when it has stretch lace at the top (Panache Andorra and Clara, for example), because it works to shape itself around my softer tissue and creates a much smoother top of the cup. This bra's stretch lace is different from the lace on the rest of the cup, ...which creates a subtle pattern mix that I really like. Michelle creates a natural, rounded shape, and the straps adjust all the way to the top of the cup. I normally adjust my straps to about halfway when I start wearing them, but I had to pull these all the way out to their longest for the first few wears. (I have a long torso, though, which may be part of the issue.) The gore is tall enough to give separation, but short enough that I don't have gaps on the insides of the cups. Excellent projection off the wires. My only issue with this bra is that the bottom of the band rolls up a bit on the sides, which I know is an issue in some Goddess bras. I'm willing to live with that because of how well it fits otherwise. The bra's vertical seams are visible through shirts (see photo) so be aware of that. Read more 158 more words
I would say that this is actually a very well-done soft cup bra for larger breasts. It is about 2 cup-sizes too small on me, but that is not a surprise. Otherwise, I'm really quite impressed with this bra!
Let's just be clear, first off: this is not a pretty bra! It is a utilitarian bra, and actually very comfortable, but pretty or delicate it is not. The shape is also quite pointy. (The side picture I uploaded has some shadow, which may distort this a little, sorry. Just know that there is some shadow there.)
I am really impressed with the construction of this bra. It has many seams and ...different sections which create shapes and support much more like underwires than any other non-underwired bra I've tried. The cups are very distinct, with separation in the middle, and plenty of depth. I think that in the right size, this bra would actually succeed in separating my boobs without wires!
Essentially, it is three sections, plus a frame (reminds me a little of a nursing bra frame), which has a side support piece, and a piece that goes between the cups, and along the top edges of the cups. The three sections are two lower sections, close to equal size and a large upper section. The vertical seam is about 7"/18cm. Measuring along the same line, it is another 5"/12.5cm to the top of the cup. (In this size.)
The cup material is very thick and non-stretch. This is not a summer weight bra! However, it is also not stiff and scratchy, like the Alice. The outside is shiny, the inside is more meshy. There is a vertical piece of soft, flexible boning at the outer edges of the cups. Then the wings/band is a thick, stretchy mesh. The bottom of the band is thick, soft on the inside, and supportive. The back band is quite wide (top to bottom) which helps with support and comfort, though with 5 hooks I find it a bit difficult to put on! The back is not a leotard back, the straps attach with a ring to a bit that sticks up from the band, and there is not a piece of strap material along the edge down to the hooks. The straps attach in front with a two-part oval connector.
The straps are wide and very thick. They are not stretchy at all. There is a comfort cover thing that is adjustable along the straps. It's nice, but it's a little difficult to get the strap adjuster piece through the opening of this padded sleeve, which makes it very annoying to adjust the strap length, as you have to keep wiggling it in and out. (It does go in, the top bit of the sleeve is stretchy mesh, so it accommodates the adjuster fine, it's just a little snug at the opening.)
I honestly am impressed enough with this bra that I am considering getting a 38N, for the cups, and taking the band in. Read more 389 more words
Nice! I like the Extra wide bottom band. The wireless soft-cups offer medium coverage. The shoulder straps adjust in front. It makes a nice figure thanks the three piece panel cups. For me the cups are little small. The band fits loose even with the first row. It’s a pity that it doesn’t exist in N cup. The new Goddess style Jayne Soft Cup Bra (6002) is better for me.
I do not understand the sizing at all. Cups are small and low. When worn the height of centre is 11,6 cm (excl. band). This could possibly have worked when I wore 34C in Wacoal. I assume you should size up with this model so UK 34E would have been better. I didn't know before purchase! Another problem is the short straps. I'm low set so this part did not fit either. Bra is now for sale.
Very structured with little ability to adujust. The wires seem to bend but they go right back to flat in minutes, the boning in cups it excellent for shaping anf support but you'll have to have or like the precise shape they offer. Seems VERY supportive.....IF you can get a perfect fit. No immediate projection. The band is very wide, which typically I don't mind but it's so stiff. Straps are super long with spots to bring them forward an inch in the front as well as long enough to cross them in the back. Without straps bra stays up exceptionally well. Maybe good for an event where comfort isn't a priority. It is attractive tho.
The underwire is the perfect height under my armpit; low. I am FOB and narrow roots and this bra separates me too much. The size is too large in the band and cups wrinkle at the top. The fabric is a little firm but feels supportive and nothing digs in, except the center gore will be a problem. It's too tall at 4 inches and typically I need 3 inches.
38K - Goddess » Keira Banded Underwire (6090) is a very utilitarian looking bra. It flattened my shape quite a bit, perhaps it's a bit too shallow and wide? The top of the cup cut in ever so slightly, as it comes up somewhat high and is rather closed. The worst fit issue, though, was that the gore, although not terribly wide, allowed some tissue underneath, sitting uncomfortably and adding to the quad-boob shape. Overall too shallow and a shape mismatch for my tall, average width root, top-heavy, projected shape.
This a long-line, strapless bra. It has unlined lace ,underwired cups with 2 support 'bones' that run vetically, top to bottom through the cups. These cups are meant to fully encompass and give extra support to the breasts with it being a 'strapless bra'. It has a 2" elastic bottom band, side boning and 7 hook and eye fasteners in the back. Also a cut little bow at the top of the 11" center gore. This bra feels like a typical goddess bra. Not real soft but really supportive.
Probably too large in the cups. Band is about a half size bigger than labeled which is good because that’s the size I need. To get any lift I have to cinch the straps up which causes shoulder pain. But there’s no support- this bra does nothing more than lift my breasts so they don’t sag. But it was cheap while I was figuring out wires (again).
Hello T_Maia,
Very good review! And Very interesting!
By reading you, I see how we are all different. Lot of we have large breast but our breasts are all different and our problem about bras are all different: too saggy, too narrow, too wide …
I think I have the opposite problem of you. Since long time I saw my problem only about band/cup size and by reading you I understand that’s wires are important too and a problem for me.
When the cup fit the wires and band are too large, when the wires are ok the cup is too small and the band too large and at the end when the band is ok the wires are too small and l can’t find cup size enough deep. Cupwize I need a 38-40 KK/L (UK), wire wise I need a 36-38 J/JJ (UK) and band size I need 32-34 (UK).
I suppose the manufacturer built bras for a perfect average women but this woman don’t exist and finally no woman find perfect bras!
You know very well bras. Thank you for your review! Nice to read you!
Annie