Old-fashioned bras like this are an untapped GOLD MINE for full bust customers. Don't let the vintage-style sizing fool you into believing you are sized out. This 34 band is rock solid and does not ride up no matter what I do; indeed; it is slightly tight on my 29" underbust even after 4 days of wear, and to be completely comfortable a tiny length of extender is helpful. The DD cup is a great fit albeit on the roomy side for me (FF/G in most brands, basically I require at least 11" of depth in an underwire cup).
Comfort and support are stellar. ... The band is nice and wide, in fact with 4 hooks some trendier brands would try to pass this off as a longline! There is no side boning anywhere, which is great if you are a bit fluffier.
Uplift is every bit as good as what I can get in a wired bra. It is slightly pointy brand new, although not bullet-bra-ish.
Granted this is a cheaper bra and it does not feel or look luxurious. However, if you like that neat, discreet and slightly retro shape under clothes; if you are sick and tired of searching for affordable wired bras that fit your breast shape; if you are post-surgery, or a mature person with drier, delicate skin that does not tolerate wires, or if you have a health condition that makes comfort a major priority--you should definitely give this a whirl.
Compared to regular UK full bust sizing, I would recommend going UP 1-2 sizes in band, and DOWN anywhere between 2 and 4 cups. Read more 170 more words
Very soft, and I really appreciated the lifted, pointy shape, but ultimate I knew this was a bad fit. I just wanted the cheapest bra I could find, to try out some nursing bra alterations.
The Playtex 18 Hour Original Comfort Strap Bra (4693) provides superior support, lift, and coverage, considering it isn't a heavy-duty underwire bra. It is EXCELLENT for large busts as well, and is very supportive. The wide sides hug the body, the band is slightly 'long-line' in the sense that it is longer under the bust than the bands of most regular, wireless bras. It is very true to size, with full cups providing maximum coverage and good amount of volume, and a band that is snug. The straps have good padding for people with heavy busts, to avoid shoulder pain and digging in. It feels soft and cushiony. The cups have nice, shiny, floral patterns. For 34DD, there are four hooks, providing maximum support. A very good bra to have, and the band does not ride up at all, straps don't fall, no issues at all.
This bra looks a bit grandmotherly, but it supports really well and promotes a classic feminine silhouette, but can be too 'pointy' for some. Given my shape, the gore doesn't tack, just hovers. This bra is not padded, so wearing tight, thin or flat color shirts may not be a good idea. The cups on this bra are full, so they have a minimizing effect and real harnessing abilities. If the bra is a cup size too small: they will produce mini-quad boobies--avoid these please and accept the larger size.
There is no under-wire, yet it holds it's shape well over time and through weekly machine washes, (air dry overnight). After 6 months of rigorous use, there isn't much deterioration of the bra's structure, but the color may change. If using harsh detergents, or drying in the dryer: the elastic woven into the wings may rubberize, become sticky and crumble.
Several of my bras of about 1.5 years are at this stage. The ones that maintain the lift and support I wear these to sleep or exercise.
