For this particular bra (Clio 26DD) I had it customised with longer straps as I'd previously had the 26D and the straps(and cups) were too small.
The straps are now perfect, so they got that right at least. The DD+ cups have foam straps, it's ideal for my bony shoulders and I'd certainly opt for foam straps again if anywhere else offers this.
When I requested the customised bra they took my measurements including underbust measurement (24"). Since they already had note of my underbust measurement, wouldn't you have thought they'd double check the bra matches this before sending it out? Apparently not as they sent me a bra that ...measures 24.4" flat/unstretched... so even before it's stretched it's already too big for me.
Inconsistent band sizing: I've got 4 bras all with a 26 band, none of these measure the same legnth as the other. It doesn't sound like much of of problem like that, fabrics and styles differ. So here's the band measurements of two bras in the same fabric:
Flat/unstretched band: Clio: 24.4" (my underbust only measures 24" - so I'm clearly not happy about that) Ava: 21.2"
Stretched band: Clio: 27.5" Ava: 24.2" (great for me, but if you're a true to size 26 this wouldn't be too good)
Or if we're comparing between two bras in the same style AND the same fabric:
Why does the exact same bra in the same fabric measure nearly an inch different? It feels careless. Though at least they both stretch around the same, somehow.
And it's not just the band size that's inconsistent with this brand. The cups are even worse...
Ava 26D-E: Cup depth 6" Ava 26F: Cup depth 6" Clio 26D: Cup depth 5.5" Clio 26DD: Cup depth 7"
To make this worse, the Ava D-E is supposedly running small and Lara say this is actually a B-C cup, so why does my 26F have the same measurements as a B-C? And for the Clio, that's the biggest leap in cup depth I've seen, cups usually only go up 0.5" for each size, that went up over an inch.
You can read the the full review and comparison as well as many more negatives on my blog below.
In short: I expect better for a £55 bra, I wouldn't recommend as you never know what size you're going to end up with. Read more 273 more words
This is my second Ava bra, I loved the first and had no worries about getting a second.
The blossom pink fabric is the perfect colour and surprisingly the band is very snug and is perfect for me as a 24 band (though wouldn't be good if you're a true to size 26).
The cups on this Ava measure the same as my old Ava which was a size 26D-E, so the cup sizing is pretty inconsistent too.
I included these details on the review for Clio, but since they apply to this bra too here's how inconsistent the sizing was.
The band measurements of two bras in the same fabric:
Flat/unstretched band: Clio: ...24.4" Ava: 21.2"
Stretched band: Clio: 27.5" Ava: 24.2"
And it's not just the band size that's inconsistent with this brand. The cups are even worse...
Ava 26D-E: Cup depth 6" Ava 26F: Cup depth 6" Clio 26D: Cup depth 5.8" Clio 26DD: Cup depth 7"
To make this worse, the Ava D-E is supposedly running small and Lara say this is actually a B-C cup, so why does my 26F have the same measurements as a B-C?
You can read the the full review and comparison as well as many more negatives on my blog below.
In short: The bras are nice but sizing is so inconsistent, I wouldn't recommend as you never know what size you're going to end up with. Read more 111 more words
26FF was the right height and I considered keeping it just for that reason. But it cut in, felt tight, and turned my breast tissue into back squish. 26GG was a better fit in the cups, felt comfortable in the band, but was too tall overall.
So I settled on 26G, but I could use a smidge more depth so the band still feels tight. The wings are a little too high and/or the cups are a little too wide, so they're in my armpits and not super comfortable (maybe this wouldn't be a problem for ...taller people? or shallower shapes?). The material itself is comfortable and the plushy straps are nice. I've been striking out with wireless bras/bralettes lately, so I'm going to keep this one and see how it goes. I might not buy another unless there's a Factory Seconds sale and/or I really like the color. I think the Ava is kind of a shape mismatch and the Wren 26FF is a better fit (still a little too tall though).
I also tried the hipster briefs. I'm usually an XS so I got size 6. They're kind of an odd fit. The crotch isn't as wide as my other XSs and they seem to run a little large. I want to like them, but wouldn't buy again.
Anyway, I recommend sizing up for the Ava. If you're projected you might want two sizes up, but then it might be too tall for you.
Edit: After wearing it for a while, the band does feel more comfortable. I still prefer the Wren, but I'd get the Ava again in fun colors. And it's not as visible under shirts as I thought it would be (I usually wear padded).
Update: I got a few more Avas during the recent sale. They're supportive enough for low impact workouts and hiking, and more comfortable than sports bras for me. Read more 219 more words
I wear usually 28F/28FF in normal underwired bras and the calculator at Laraintimates´ web pages gave me 28E. I´m glad I listened my intuition and got my usual 28F. The size seems to be good for me. The cups cut in at the center a tiny bit, so maybe I could get away with 28G which is the next size. The straps don´t adjust at all, beware. They are almost too short for me which never is an issue for me in normal bras. The band size I find true to size.
The colour is "dove grey", a grey that has a bit brownish / khaki green hue to ...it. So definitely not a bluish gray, not at least in this lighting (indoors).
The bra feels actually very supportive and comfortable. The shape is a bit minimised which is to be expected in a wireless bra like this but it is not that bad at all (I wonder what the 28G would be like!). I think I will wear this bra out in public, it is not just a lounging bra. I definitely like it very much!
ETA. I´m not very pleased with Laraintimates´customer service. I emailed them, asking if I could exvhange my Wren 28F to 28G. It has been many days and no reply (feels like forever in todays´s world...). I will update this when / if they reply. I already checked my junk mail. Of course it is also possible that they haven´t received my request. ETA2. They replied back to me. They have 1 Wren in 28G but I´ve decided not to exchange after all, because the cut of 28G is different from 28F and I like the one in 28F too much. Read more 177 more words
Oh, that looks lovely on you! I am excited to try Lara Intimates, but they don't make my size just yet. I'm glad to hear that the bras are supportive enough to wear out of the house :)
Stretchy band, about 4cm longer than the 26FF Ava but shorter than the 26F Wren. I emailed to see if they were mislabeled. Fits like a small 26FF—I have a tiny bit of quadding on my larger side but it's not that bad since the material is stretchy (also I don't like how the 26G has the extra center panel). If you have more than average projection though, maybe size up. This would be perfect if it had a slightly tighter band and shorter wings (or a sharper angle from wing to cup or something?), but I'd still buy another one, esp if it's offered in different colors ...like the Ava.
Edit: Customer support response: The Ava is shorter than the Wren by design, but should feel the same when on. After wearing it for a while, it does feel comfortably snug.
Update: My size has been changing slightly over the past few months. 26FF still works because of the construction and stretchy material, but 26G fits too and creates a slightly better shape—it's just still too tall at the sides, which isn't super comfortable (but still a better trade-off than most underwires 😂), and not low enough for some v-neck tops. Read more 92 more words
True to size band, but the cups run small. Fits like a 26F. The cups are about 12cm x 12cm measured flat.
I expected a 26FF to fit with some wrinkling on my smaller side, but there's a tiny bit of quadding instead. It's not the worst fit, but it makes the band feel tighter. Ordering a 26G next, might try 26GG if that doesn't work out.
Edit: The 26GG came first. Cup volume is ok, but they're basically in my armpits. If the 26G is also too tall, then maybe I'll just stick with the Wren.
Lot of struggle BTW it looks nice on you