I bought this from a user on r/braswap, but I wanted to review it from the perspective of someone who is the correct size for this bra.
This is the most gorgeous bra I have ever owned! It is so pretty I want to style low cut tops and dresses just to show the beautiful pink tulle tattooed to my body. I call it the “Marie Antoinette” bra, lol!
I like the concept of this bra. I am a medium busted person so low cut, coconut cups don’t work for me. I have a Comexim 3HC with reduced cup height and while it is pretty and gives me amazing ...cleavage, it’s not technically a great fit. The Abrielle has an invisible mesh thing at the top of the cup, while the bottom is adorned with a nice embroidery. This gives fuller busted women the opportunity to wear these demi cup looking things while really it’s a complete cup bra. Fabulous!
This bra runs one cup size small, just like the KH website suggests. So I am a 26FF, the 26G fits me well. Luckily band on this one is TTS. The only thing is, I don’t think it’s that narrow and projected. It has very similar, almost identical cup depth to a 55J Comexim plunge bra, but with wider wire. The wires are a little too wide for me (about a finger length), and there is a little wrinkling at the bottom of the cup. Not projected enough for me, but not shallow enough to be problematic. Next bra I buy will definitely be a Comexim plunge in 55J, though nothing beats KH aesthetic-wise.
Other than the projection issue, the gore tacks and there is no gaping. I think I’ve found my ideal cup depth: ~23 cm. The straps are also quite short, so I can wear them on almost their longest setting whereas I normally have to adjust them more. I personally am not bothered by high gores, but I would not recommend KH to someone who is. I’m used to Comexim’s low gores but damn… the gores are SO HIGH. And the Abrielle is supposed to have a lower gore compared to Sophia and Abbie…
If I have the money to buy more KH, I definitely will. Despite Polish bras being a much better fit, the quality and aesthetic of their products spark joy for me! I hope they improve their sizing consistency and customer service in case I order directly. I sorta regret not getting a Vivian during Black Friday but I would have ordered the wrong size anyway. I think 26G is the best KH size for me in general. Read more 334 more words
This review is for the Katherine Hamilton Sophia Lace Balconette bra in 32GG, color Ginger. My ABTF size is 32G/GG UK (or more) depending on projection.
Band: * Stretchy. Has 3 hooks by 3 columns.
Wires: * Very comfortable; very narrow at 5.75 inches wide in the 32GG.
Cups: * 3 part cup, balconette. The bottom has an inner mesh lining and one vertical seam. The top is a continuation of the lace layer that's over the whole cup. The lace has a seamless edge at the neckline which should lay flat (no elastic). There is a stretch silk quarter cup sling on the outside that is decorative (not intended to ...support).
Straps: * The straps are half adjustable. The front half of the straps are the same silk as the sling.
Fabric: * The Ginger color is rich. The lace and the silk are both soft; very nice. This is the most beautiful bra I've seen in person and I attribute it to the silk.
Hardware: * The hardware is gold, which I normally never go for but with the Ginger fabric it's perfect.
About me: very close set (breasts touch), very narrow roots, very projected at the wire, full on bottom, short roots, soft tissue, significant rib flares, narrow shoulders.
FIT
* The band length was fine but quite stretchy. While I did measure it stretched to 32 before wire distortion, it could easily go further with some wire distortion. I agree with others that it's very stretchy. * The wires are comfortable when standing but I have rib flares and they dug in quite a bit when I sat. I think it's a projection issue, not a wire issue. * The gore tacked nicely. It was narrow enough for me at .75 inches, but I still might prefer to overlay the wires. * The cups were a bit confusing to evaluate. (See my pics to understand.)The bra is meant for someone more full on top than I am, but it also had a bit of an indentation above the horizontal seam. Perhaps it's for someone less conical than me. It also didn't have enough immediate projection for me. (I think I'll need custom wires.) * The straps are long enough but barely, and I'm quite short at 5'4". * The sides are a comfortable height for me.
OVERALL IMPRESSION * What a beautiful bra! I loved it from the moment I opened the box. If only it fit my projection needs I would order so many of them!
From the KH website:
Vintage charm meets modern wearability in our signature Sophia collection. This luxurious balconette bra is made from delicate French lace with overlaid pure silk cups. Bespoke underwires and a mesh lining help to enhance lift and comfort. Timelessly elegant, it’s a style that will endure seasons to come. Pair with the matching high-waisted knickers and suspender belt for all-out glamour.
• French lace • Stretch silk quarter cup • Made in Latvia • Designed in the UK • Non padded • Metal ring detail • Hook fastenings • Delicate wash in lingerie wash bag, flat dry • Available in Black, Ivory, Blush, Ginger or Red Read more 397 more words
Another gorgeous piece of craftsmanship from Katherine Hamilton! I ordered a 26HH because it was the closest size to my size available and it was on sale, and I got a 6 in the matching bottoms. The fabric is soft and the lace is so delicate and pretty. The straps are a little confusing at first, especially for someone like me who isn't nearly coordinated enough to fasten bras in the back (I know, I know, I'm very bad), but you just have to make sure they're behind your head when you put the bralette on. I think the effect of them being crossed in the back is ...cute!
I knew this bralette was going to be too big for me, and it is. I get wrinkling at the top of the cups even on my bigger side. The band is super tight, stretching to not quite 26", and the cups come up really high. The design of the bralette is kind of interesting to me because the cups go up SO high - it was definitely digging into my armpits a bit, so I didn't tighten the straps more even though that might have helped the fit of the cups. That's why I'm rating the comfort as "Okay" even though the fabric is soft and generally pleasant to wear. I definitely do think the cups being too big contributed to the issue, but if you have issues with tall cups/digging into your armpits, this might not be the bralette for you. It's not as projected as I would like, but it's just a bralette and the wrinkling at the bottom of the cups is neither visible nor really consequential for me (also, I'm very projected). I'm 5'5" or 165cm if that helps as a reference for cup height.
Once again, I love the panties. They're soft and quite flattering and they fit me well (23.5" waist, about 36" hips). I will be listing this bra for sale, and I have enough lacy underwear to be willing to offer the panties as well for an additional cost, as sad as that makes me. All in all, although the bra doesn't fit (again), I think buying the set was a worthwhile endeavor (again). If KH ever makes a plunge bra and does another sale, I'll be ALL OVER it! Read more 278 more words
I was sooo excited for this bra! I live in the southeastern US. I ordered it on April 23, received a notification that my "order had been fulfilled" on April 30, and it came in the mail today ― so very good turnaround time.
I've never owned a 26 band bra before, but this one didn't disappoint. The band doesn't stretch as much as I was expecting it might based on past reviews of this brand. It's actually nice and snug and comfortable on me. The cups were narrow and projected, but I got quadboob even on my smaller side, so definitely go up at least one cup size ...if you're thinking of buying from them. I was worried about the gore digging in, and my fears were unfortunately confirmed ― I won't be wearing this bra on a daily basis (also because it's way too small in the cup) because it hurttsss https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />
I also got the Abrielle briefs in size 6, in plum because the rose gold was sold out in my size, and I'm in love with them! They fit my 23.5" waist and almost 36" hips (for sizing ref) very well and are comfortable. All in all, I don't think this purchase was a total loss, because now I know. If KH ever come out with a plunge bra ― why oh why won't they come out with a plunge bra ― and it's on sale, I'll probably grab it. These products definitely feel luxurious and I think they were worth what I paid for them. The fabric is super soft and the lace is beautiful, not to mention the gorgeous rose gold metal detailing. Based on practicality alone, though, I don't think I would pay full price. Read more 189 more words
I can't wait till they come out with plunges (and they go on sale), I'll definitely buy one as well. Her designs are just so beautiful! Hold on, is that your nipple in the upper left of the photo? This bra is way too small on you, it's such a shame since it's gorgeous. It would be great for a "going out bra" under a low square neckline though, the quadding can pass for cakes-on-a-plate.
marilynne Lol yes that is my literal nipple!! That's what happened when I scooped and swooped all the way on my bigger side. My roommate was nearby and was like "how come you're doing that (scooping and swooping)? It looked like it fit okay before" which made me chuckle. I don't think a bra so small that my nipple can end up halfway out of the cup like that fits okay...
This bra is so beautiful! I'll have to check out her designs, I've never really looked at this brand before (have heard of it, but never checked it out).
biflexual lol, you've got to teach your roomate to s&s! I feel so bad for her!
The bra is soo pretty! Too bad it's too small. There's an Abrielle in 26GG on sale at £26 and I am so tempted to buy it, but I know it'll be too small on me. I think this particular model runs small.
kate166 I also bought their bralette in 26HH, so we’ll see if it runs as small. I hope it does because otherwise I’ll just be an idiot for buying it, lol. In my defense, they didn’t have a 26H and the bralette + matching panties were only $35 total!!
@biflexual, if it's too big for you I'll definitely buy it off of you. And how are you getting these deals!?
marilynne just check out their website!!! The homepage has a sale banner you can click on and go through all the bras and bottoms, the bralette and matching bottoms are 80% off! You don’t need a code or anything either!
biflexual Thank you! I just got the bralette and thong in 30G/10. The band may be too big, but it's a bralette.
That's a lovely bra, shame about that gore height.
Thanks for the Katherine Hamilton bra review and, especially, for the panties review.
I think this is my favourite of Katherine Hamilton bras. I love the gold metal detail and that the bra looks see-through due to their tan mesh lining, which looks super swish against black. It looks and feels really high-end and crucially is incredibly comfortable with an amazing shape. I've worn it for a week now and it's held it's shape and lift perfectly. I'm basically now living in this bra!!
Gorgeous bra! It has unique detailing like the buttons at the gore and the scraggly edge at the top of the cup. Love it!
I think this is the first KH bra on here, Coca2000 ! Can I pick your brain a little? I'm curious how the band compares to other brands you've tried. Stretchier, less stretchy? Thanks if you're able to respond!!
Hi triumphof Sorry for the late reply! I would say it's firmer and less stretchy in the band than other more mainstream brands. I have a panache and Bravissimo bra for example that feels much stretchier than KH.
Ohhh I ordered this bra in a 30H but I did gain weight, I'm so nervous I hope it works out. I really like this brand.
When I saw Katherine Hamilton bras on sale, I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to try one. I got this for a *beautiful* price on NET-A-PORTER!
I got this Nina in black and another Nina in pink, same size, that I didn’t bother adding to Bratabase because I just assumed the measurements would be near enough identical. They fit the same essentially. I was incredibly sad that this didn’t fit https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> too small. It was fine when I first put it on but after a swoop and scoop, I had quadboob galore! Probably the most I’ve had in a bra in a ...while. I returned both bras.
What I loved: This bra is gorgeous on! I wasn’t actually that excited about the design when I ordered it online, I’ve never been a fan of the whole ‘see-through bra’ look. But it’s beautiful in person, amazing high quality material and careful design. I love it! Looks very sexy on too, I was definitely feeling myself lol. The cups are narrow which is brilliant to see from a UK brand, and I know a lot of people will be happy to hear this. Was lovely not having cups stretching to my underarm. I think the cups have a good amount of projection and, had this bra fit, it would have been fine for me. Although, I can’t say this for certain obviously. The band is nice and firm! I love a firm band because they ensure where my bra sits in the morning is still where it’s sitting in the evening. Fit perfectly on me (I have a 28” snug underbust).
What I didn’t like: The only negative I have about this bra is that it comes up small in the cup! This is a 28HH but, based on the way it fit me, I definitely think it comes up more like a 28H.
I really wish this had fit!! KH don’t go above a HH cup, so I did initially have an exchange coming in size 30HH but they emailed me yesterday saying that size sold out whilst they were processing my return/new order. So sad. All in all, I would definitely recommend KH bras to those they’ll fit. Definitely worth trying!
For reference: I have even, close set, inner full, somewhat firm breasts that sit low on my chest (I think). I don’t currently have any bras that fit properly — my 28HH’s feel tight/quad slightly and my 30H’s are too loose in the band. I’ve ordered two Panache 28J’s (hello wide wires) to see if those fit comfier. Read more 319 more words
My stats for reference: 5'3, 26HH, FOT, tall and narrow roots, center full, projected, super close set and average root placement (high set, low set etc.)
Look: This bra is so pretty! It has an almost bridal vibe. The silk slings add a touch of luxury. Definitely an "investment" piece that should be worn under a white version of one of those "my rich husband died of mysterious circumstances" robes.
Fit: Why have you betrayed me so!? I was so excited to have a pure white unlined bra to ruin and discolor under pretty sundresses while I'm sweating my balls off in 90° heat this summer! But this bra wouldn't cooperate with ...my ideas. The gore is far too high and wide for me. The cups are too wide and are slightly shallow. Not enough to make them unprojected, just less projected than I personally need. I'd say it's great for average width and average projection. The wires slide down on me and the upper cups dig into my roots, creating quadboob on both sides. The straps are halfway adjustable, I have them almost fully extended, this bra could not accommodate someone taller or lower set than me. The straps are also and super wide set for me. I can handle wide set straps most of the time by angling them in. But that amplified the pain from the plastic loops on my tail of spence, completing the trifecta of torture that Katherine calls a bra. (Straps, gore, cup width). The band is pretty snug, definitely a true 26 band. Overall, this bra is a femme fatale, absolutely stunning, but it'll kill you slowly and painfully. Read more 164 more words
You made me laugh so hard with the way described your plans for this bra and what summer is like and how this bra just wouldn’t cooperate! Brightened my morning. It is hot and super humid in summer here too and I know just what you mean. “Sweaty crotch season” will be starting here very soon. I hope you find a cooperative summer bra. I think I might go the underwired sports bra route. I think one of those has the best chance of wicking enough moisture to mostly avoid prickly heat rash, maybe....
Good luck! May your search end successfully before the yearly self-marinating begins!
I'm glad my sense of humor brightened up your day! And lol at sweaty crotch season! I love your sport bra idea! The panache wired sport is great for support and wicking, so I may try that. I'm just looking for one I can wear under tank tops. And oh lord, the yearly self-marinating had me howling! Good luck to you as well!
I got this bra from bananaboats - thanks! This is my first bra from Katherine Hamilton, a brand I've always been curious about but never took the plunge because of the stiff wires, high gores and short cups that wouldn't work for my close-set and full-on-top boobs. I'm quadding out of my 28FF - Panache » Andorra Non Wired Bra (5671) , so I needed a replacement wireless bra for lounging.
My usual UK size is 28FF/G, and my shape is projected, FOT, narrow and tall roots, super close-set, soft and self-supporting. This bra definitely runs big in the band and small in the ...cups. It's labelled at 26H but stretches to 28.5" and has a 9" depth.
I love the eyelash lace and the overall appearance. The straps are crossed in the back which gives nice lift and support. There is also great coverage from the tall cups. I would say the cups are not very narrow and projected but it doesn't matter because it's a wireless bra. Overall I'm very satisfied with this purchase especially given the price. Read more 75 more words
I've seen wireless bras with wire channels like this one around here and there. How would you compare this bra with a more traditional wireless bra?
bustyand The only bra-sized wireless bras I've tried are 28FF - Panache » Andorra Non Wired Bra (5671) and this one, and like Medium bralettes from Freya, VS and H&M if you count them. I think the bra-sized ones are definitely more projected.
I love how this bra fits me. It is light as a feather yet very supportive. I have never had a bra that fits my narrow roots properly, but this does. The short wires are great for my short torso, and the lower cut cups are perfect for my functionally full on top (tall roots) breasts. The only thing I would change is to make the netting at the top of the cup have some stretch in it to fit the curve of the breast better. The quality is excellent, and the bra is gorgeous. I was lucky enough to purchase this on sale, but hope to get another Abrielle in the future.
This bra is beautiful! High five on getting it ON SALE!!
Congrats on finding something that fits you so well!
!!!!!!!! What a pretty bra! Now I MUST try one. I have a short torso too and am now thinking that maybe my roots aren’t as wide as I thought... just about everything with short cups is too wide! I am FOT with short roots so I like short cups. Your review has encouraged me. :)
This is so pretty! I'm full on top as well and read a lot of reviews saying they're quite short so I was worried it would cut in. Seeing this review I would love to get one when it's on sale.
My stats: FOB, projected, center-full, narrow roots, close set (front-and-center boobs!).
My thoughts on this bra: I wrote that it "Fits" but it's totally unwearable.
The strap placement - I can't move my arms when I wear this bra.
The straps are not elastic, they're only about 1/3 elastic, which is in the back, hence they kind of strap my arms down.
So, I don't know how people wear this style. This style isn't TTS either, and this was *supposed* to be their style that runs true-to-size, (I guessed otherwise).
I marked it down as quality, poor, (2/5) because of the price.
~70J/32G ~65K/30GG, projected, bottom and center full, tall roots, avarage root width, soft tissue ----- I don't even know where to begin. I knew exactly how to write this review until I sat down and was actually about to type. I really, really wanted this brand to work for me, so much. I just love them, their designs, their motivation, it all really spoke to me, but I realised that it's simply not meant to be.
Good things first: KH bras designs are just perfect, they're incredibly classy and simple but at the same time fancy, they are silky and lacey and feel good on the skin. Abbies Cups are made ...out of the most soft and delicate lace, then you have the buttons in the middle, and the shiny silk parts. I feel like even victorian royalty would enjoy this if bras would've been a thing back then. The color is more purple then I guessed from the photos on the website, wich is not a problem at all. It's kind of a light mauvey pastel violet color I haven't seen in lingerie before, I love it, it matches well with the golden details.
As someone with really sensitive skin fabric is often an issue for me, I had bras where alone the fabric or seams made it unwearable for me, Abbie is pretty much the opposite of that. It's the nicest feeling bra ever, it's really soft, the cups are the softest thing ever, without beeing unsupportive in general.
Well, this bra is not supportive FOR ME. The gore doesn´t tack at all, and the wires, like so often, are too wide. The side support sling clearly cuts into my breat tissue and the wires are too high up. The straps are too far apart and cut into my skin. And here I had my revelation. If the wire is perfect, the cups are too small. If the cups fit me, the wire is too wide. It's the curse of having big boobs on a small, short torso.
Also, forgott to mention: The bottom part in the front also digs into my skin and almost immediatly leaves red marks, probably because the whole cut does't fit me and the gore doesn't tack on the top. On the photo with the little bit of redness and slight little mark I literally only wore it for a few seconds to take photos. I wore it all day yesterday and it was pretty painfull and red, almost bruised.
EDIT: I added the measurement. So, the wire width is actually 14,5cm, the same as other bras where the wire fit me nicely wich is wired, I could swear it was too wide. It is definitely deeper/taller tho. I guess I just got a problem with tall wires.
EDIT2: Also forgott to mention: I got thiss a little cheaper from the outlet section, the lining of the cup and the wirecasing are a lighter color then the full price version. Read more 382 more words
Beautiful bra! Sorry it was a bad fit. Do you think you will find the time to measure this one for us? There's so little info on KH bras :( I've been dying to try them out.
I'm definitally gonna measure it tomorrow, but now it's almost 2am where I am :) If you think they could be a fit for you I definitally recommend it!
Very lovely looking bra, sorry it didn't work out.
This bra looks so lovely and your review makes me want to try this brand just for the nice silky feeling of the fabric. Sorry it didn't fit so well.
Every other review I have seen was really really positive and I have tried an absolute ton of different bras/brands and haven't found a good fit yet, so this is kind of a me-problem. Definitely try them if you can afford to, I did send back the Sophia bra that I tried last year, from the same brand, and returning was no problem at all. Also: I got this bra a little cheaper from the outlet section because the color of the lining material is too light or something, they still have a ton of cheaper bras on their wich might be good for a first try!
As a fitting model for Katherine Hamilton I get the opportunity to test their bras before they're released. This bra is the approved Abrielle that will be available in April 2019 in black and blue (and they're taking preorders now).
Abrielle has a shorter underwire compared to their Abbie and Sophia which gives a shorter centre gore and underarm. As someone who lives in the Abbie and Sophia bras I was concerned that a shorter wire would be too low but I was incredibly impressed when I tried this on. I feel so contained in it throughout the day. I'm really happy that I get to wear a shorter ...cup and still get the same support. I love the shape; I'm lifted and rounded and contained at the top. It's perhaps even more lifting than the Abbie and Sophia.
Unlike their other bras, Abrielle has a fully adjustable strap so you can go really short or really long! As with their other bras, the neck edge sits gently against the skin so there is no indention. This is a big bonus for me as other brands tend to have tension across the top that doesn't look very nice. I like a smooth finish.
In terms of the look, I just adore the embroidery. It really does create a tattoo effect that looks like artwork on your body. The high waist brief makes it feel something really special for me and completes the look. I'm self conscious of my tummy and the embroidery totally transforms how I look.
The the top of the bra cups and the knickers have a tan net that is totally invisible in the knickers but is visible on my breasts where I'm very pale (my breasts are paler than my body). But with the embroidery being the main focus the tan net doesn't detract from the beauty at all.
As with their other bras, the bra has an internal sling and I've been told that it's ever so slightly looser/longer than the other bras to account for a greater variety of breast densities. I get a nice forward projection with it, as with their other bras.
When looking at the bra and briefs in detail it's clear that they've paid attention to the layout of the design which is centered and symmetrical. Read more 274 more words
This does not fit like a 26 band. Not at all. The band stretches to 30 inches. That's enough space for my entire hand to fit under the band! The disconnected layers of mesh and lace are odd. The top of the unfinished mesh at the top of the cups can't decide if it wants to fold under or lay flat. The U-shaped wires are odd as well. The gore tacks but it sits very high and the outer edge of the wires is too close to 'armpit stabby' zone for long term comfort. The lower curve of the wires sits exactly on my ribs. If that sounds ...uncomfortable, it is. The center band beneath the gore also floats entirely. It puts pressure in a lot of weird ways.
Edit: I wear this on the middle or tightest hooks and it definitely likes to shift around. I started developing allergic rashes to the hardware that connects the straps to the cups a few months ago. It's the okayest fit I have to work with currently so I have to keep it in rotation still. Read more 75 more words
Apparently I still don't know what a proper fit looks like since I thought the 26F wasn't too bad, but this is so much better. Narrow, projected, true to size band, almost perfect. The cups are a bit too tall (I've heard this style is for taller roots) and closed for me, but it's pretty enough that I'm probably keeping it.
Update: Maybe it's tissue migration or just a slight size change, but now there's a little quadding on my larger side. Someday I'll try 26FF and 26G in another style.
Update 2: 26G was a better fit in the cups, but overall too tall/wide. They have pretty stuff, but I don't think KH is for me.
This is the outlet version of the bra, which on the website is listed as having a few issues compared to the regular:
– on some body types the outer quarter cup silk sling may cause slight indentation affecting the shape of the overall cup. – the underwires are one size wider and deeper than our Grade A pieces. – customer feedback suggests that a band size smaller in this item may offer the best fit if a tight band is preferred e.g. if you usually wear a 32GG, try a 30H
I agree with all of these points. There's plenty of room in the cup for my breasts, but there's a ...touch of in cup quadding where the silk sling cuts in. I suspect but can't confirm that in smaller cup sizes this wouldn't be an issue, as the silk sling just seems to be a touch too small for the amount of projection in the cup. It's also possible that more FOT shapes wouldn't suffer this. The wires are wider than I would like, but not desperately wide, and don't cause me pain.
My underbust is around 29 inches, so I'm always looking for small 30s and big 28s, and I would say if you're between band sizes it's definitely worth going for the smaller. Otherwise, I'd suggest sticking with your normal band size. The straps are also quite wide set, which isn't too much of a problem for me, but would be an issue for those with narrower shoulders.
But let's ignore the fit for a moment. This bra is beautiful. It's absolutely luxuriously made, and makes me feel utterly decadent. The Katherine Hamilton outlet section is a gateway and I've been changed as a person. I lust over their bras, and I'm going to be constantly checking for sales. Be careful when taking the plunge for the sake of your wallet. Read more 201 more words
This is one of the most beautiful bras I have ever seen. It sparks joy. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
I have been drooling over this for months, so when a boutique ran a 30% off promo for Cyber Monday, I snapped up one in my usual size. The sizing advice on the Katherine Hamilton page is oddly phrased, it is not clear if they are telling women to "go up a size" from their regular US size to end up in the equivalent UK size, or if they are saying to end up in a size up from your usual equivalent UK size. The way ...it is written is like it is giving different advice to US customers and everyone else. The few reviews I could find did not indicate that it ran particularly small, so I decided to go with my usual size. (32FF also seems to be the largest 32 band size carried by the boutique in this bra, so I would have had to sister size to get a larger cup.)
I am extremely pale, so the tulle does not blend into my skin, but it does not look bad, just no illusion of "only" embroidered cups. The internal side support sling is also obviously darker, very visible from the side. The rest of the embroidered cup blends a bit better, probably because the blue thread breaks up the beige expanse. The embroidery is not as obviously shimmering and two-toned in regular artificial light, but is still lovely. Between the embroidery and the darker (for me) mesh, my nipples and areola are not very visible. I generally wear nipple covers with unlined bras, but I do not think I will need to bother with them for this bra. I have rather prominent nipples, so it surprises me that there is little to no show-through. I still would not wear a tight or clingy shirt with this due to the embroidery.
The underwire is definitely shorter than average, which I find comfortable. If you need a lot of containment at the side, this may be problematic. The wires are a good width, I tend to prefer narrower wires. The gore is a bit high for my close-set breasts, and a bit wide, so I get one side twisting slightly and sitting on the breast. It is not necessarily uncomfortable (this happens in most non-plunge bras, so I am used to it), and it is not particularly noticeable visually, so I am prepared to put up with it. It is tacking and does not dig into my sternum. The band has 3 hooks in this size, the back band is a bit wider than in the pictures on the website (the model must be in a smaller size, as there are only 2 hooks), but it is not a massive difference.
Now for the bad news: the bra is a little too small. It is not quite projected enough at the wire, thanks to the tulle, you can SEE that the wire does not quite stay in my IMF. In addition, where the embroidered overlay is tacked onto the tulle "under-cup", I get a bit of in-cup quad-boob. It is not so obvious that it would show under a regular top or from a distance, but it is noticeable when I look down. It also exacerbates an apparent common problem with this bra. The overlay is sewn to the inner cup in a few places, and the tulle wrinkles/bubbles a bit between these spots. This happened on both sides, but was so bad on my left breast that I would actually classify it as defective. No matter how I pulled, arranged, tucked, or fluffed the bra and/or my breasts, the wrinkle/bubbles remained.
The boutique has a few bricks and mortar stores, so even though the bra was out of stock in my size online, I was able to track one down for an exchange. They had a 32FF and a 34FF, so I tried both to see how they fit. The wrinkle still existed in the "other" 32FF, but it was much less obvious. The wrinkling was least visible in the 34FF, but the tulle at the top was thisclose to being roomy, the frame was clearly too wide, and the band was too big. I could have worn it on the middle hooks or tighter, but I did not feel that the overall fit was better than the 32FF. I have a few more pounds to lose, so if I lose any fullness, the 34FF would be unwearable, whereas the 32FF might improve.
The saleswomen at the boutique said that the wrinkling/bubbling was a common problem with this bra (possibly with other Katherine Hamilton bras as well?), in multiple sizes. I do not know enough about sewing to know if it is a design flaw or a production technique flaw that could be fixed with different sized stitches or thread tension or something. There was enough of a difference between the two 32FF bras that I would advise trying on the bra before purchasing if possible, not just in multiple sizes, but multiples of the same size.
I suspect a 32G would either be perfect or slightly big up top (yay, full on bottom), based on the 34FF. My best fitting bras tend to be UK 32FFs, so the advice to go up a size from your usual UK size is likely good advice.
Caveats: I am full on bottom, somewhat soft-tissued, projected, slightly pendulous, close-set, inner fullness, need a lot of immediate projection. I have narrower roots. I am a bit deflated on top and have some looser skin. It is not super obvious, but likely affects fit slightly. Read more 841 more words
This is a really soft and lightweight bra that contains my breasts throughout the day. I'ts really hard to show the colour in the photos but I think that 'Vintage Rose' is a good description. I'm fairly pale skinned and this colour works as a really great 'nude' for me; I wear it under all of my pale colour clothes. I get a really nice smooth round shape with no cutting in and their wires are perfect for me.
It's really soft which I think it makes it particularly comfortable.
Update: Since gaining weight, this bra is now technically too small in the cups because the top couple inches of the gore are lifted (but at least the wire width is better now!). It is still one of my most comfortable bras.
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This bra was a major splurge/risk, but thankfully it worked out. I'm kind of obsessed with how well it fits me and have had to stop myself over-wearing it. It's beautiful and creates a lovely shape. I can comfortably wear this bra for 12+ hours, which is a rare thing for me except among my other favorite, best-fitted bras (e.g., 28G - Cleo » ...Hettie Balconnet Bra (9011); 28G - Cleo » Marcie Balconnet Bra (6831) before it got too small :'); 28H - Katherine Hamilton » Abrielle). The cup sizing is a bit more generous than other KH bras I've tried with the mesh layer (e.g., the aforementioned Abrielle, Eden). I would normally never go for a bra with such full coverage or such a high gore (both aesthetically and physically usually not my thing), but it doesn't bother me here. I can see it becoming a little too big/tall, with a digging gore, if I lost any weight.
Minor issues (none of which cause any discomfort): The underwire is a tad too wide. Slightly floating gore at the top. The shoulder straps are set too wide (and I have *wide* shoulders). The seams/embroidery show through clothes more prominently than my other seamed bras, especially at the point where the three cup panels meet. Read more 155 more words
This bra is a cup size bigger than I take, so it was expected to not be fitting well here. But I'm very impressed with how true to size this bra is. I went for the 24 band expecting it to measure larger at around 25-25.5" stretched, but it stretches to exactly 24". This is great news for me as KH don't make 24 bands anymore and means I can get away with the 26 band (assuming the sizing is consistent throughout all bra styles).
The bra looks very nice when worn and many of the materials feel soft and good quality, however, unfortunately there was a major comfort issue for me with the inner band elastic and strap elastic.
Overall I'd be happy to buy from this brand again and try out more styles, but unfortunately for me they only start at 26F now.
This was my bra! :D so happy you're happy with it!