Very short, projected, slightly narrow, even, close set, center-full breasts...

Because I thought I could easily find a more beautiful, well-fitting, supportive bra, I started my bra fitting adventure after being professionally fitted in a 32DD Wacoal Basic Beauty Full Figure Seamless Bra. Nine months and 96 bras later, I return to a very similar Wacoal bra, much poorer and having experienced significant discomfort.

The wire does push out of my IMF, but that happens in 95 of the other bras, too. Unlike the other bras, it doesn't hurt in the Basic Beauty. There are no deep red welts under each breast after wearing. And, for those of you ... familiar with torturous Cleo and Panache wires, Wacoal wires are soft, supportive, and comfortable. There is substantial padding around the wire in this Wacoal model. Thank you, Wacoal!

Like all the others, the gore is too wide; a few cut threads and stiches will remedy that issue. I had been ordering "overlapped gore wires" from Comexim. This resulted in a gore .7" wide. And, once overlapped, much more effort was required to disassemble that alteration. I've discovered Wacoal gores are relatively easy to disassemble, narrow, and overlap. This creates a .4" wide gore. With very close-set breasts, I will take the most narrow gore I can buy or easily alter. Advantage Wacoal https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />

Although the straps are partially adjustable, surprisingly, they easily shorten enough for my petite stature. In some Freya bras, I was not able to shorten the straps enough. The straps are wide (.7") and lightly padded in the front.

Although the cup is tall, it is closed. Taller roots may experience cutting in, but this is a fantastic bra for short roots who appreciate full coverage cups. In fact, the cup is cutting into my shorties. I've ordered the 32G which may remedy that issue....and create a few other issues https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> The material is just thick enough to cover prominent nipples. However, it is remarkably thinner than Ewa Michalak, Comexim, Curvy Kate, and LuLu Tout padded/t-shirt bras. This does not add bulk, but it does collect, round, and draw breasts near the chest. According to Wacoal, this cup is made from two layers of fabric and designed to breathe. Soon, I will know how it "breathes" in 100+ degrees F with high humidity. Hoping for the best https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />

For those of us who value comfort, supportive bands are cherished. I was delighted the 32DD had three rows of hooks. Imagine my elation when discovering four rows on this 32DDD. Not one of the 96 other bras has a band this supportive. A 32" Curvy Kate band rides up instantly. 30" Curvy Kate rides up within 15 minutes. 32" Wacoal stays firmly in place all day. I strongly suspicion the wide band distrubutes the weight of my projected breasts away from the wire under my breasts. And, the narrow Ewa Michalak bands just can't provide this level of comfort for me.

The back is a thoughtfully designed leotard back with the straps sewn on more narrowly. If you've experienced problems with straps falling off, you may love the "strap security" of this bra. I find the center strap placement helps lift the weight of my breasts off the wire better than wide-set straps. I would not jog or jump on a trampoline in this bra, but the support is sufficient for 95% of my activities. And, the straps will never fall off my shoulders https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />

Now, the part I loathe to discuss: aesthetics. Because my favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla, I suppose it is predictable I would like this vanilla (a.k.a. "bland") bra. No. It looks like a viking breast plate before the ornate decorations. It is, however, simple, tasteful, and elegant in its own way. Because the cup is tall, it is often visible in more open necklines: my wardrobe will adapt. Thoughtfully, this bra is available in basic colors as well as several "fashion" colors; a pleasant array. This summer I discovered fabric dyes--fun https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> And, after 95 uncomfortable bras, now I know comfort is more important to me than aesthetics.

Well, I'm off to overlap the gore of this highly comfortable, supportive bra. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />

EDIT: After narrowing the gore, the lack of center projection became apparent. And, the newly narrowed gore still sat upon my breast. Although this bra receives strong recommendations from me, it is not ideal for those of us who require significant center projection. And, tall roots may find the cups too closed. Otherwise, this is fantastically supportive and rounding bra.



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Ivory colorway

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Updated on Oct 13, 2016 Flag this

Wow. I am amazed. Why haven't I discovered Wacoal before?! This is the most comfortable bra ever, the wires are perfect in width and the cups are wonderfully soft. The band is ever so slightly too big, but I sam so happy with this fit that I am able to overlook it. It is a keeper!

This bra's measurements have been altered

I probably bent the wires outward.

Updated on Jul 19, 2016 Flag this

MiskiDwie

5062 reputation

586 bras

Wacoal Bodysuede and Awareness bras are in a league all their own!! Although not ideal for narrow breasts, the wires are ideal for my "somewhat narrow" breasts. And, though an imperfect fit, these fit imperfections are almost tolerable considering the padding enveloping every millimeter of steel in this bra. Forgive and forget....it is possible with padded wires https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" />

Padded Wires:
Now that I have experienced padded wires, I may never wear a bra without padded wires again. My ribs have virtually no padding and they flare. This has made 99.9% of underwires intolerable. And, had wireless options been less padded, more ventilated, and/or ... provided mechanisms to prevent my projected pair from collapsing the cup and the band, subsequently, digging into my ribs, I would have not continued to search for a wired bra. Fortuitously, my seemingly unending quest for comfort has landed me here with Bodysuede.

Fabric:
"Body Microfiber" is a more accurate description of this bra. Fellow lovers of water, this laudable Wacoal creation will shed microplastics in our water supply when washed. I hope gentle hand washing in Euclan will dramatically reduce the microplastic shedding at my home. (@Wacoal the popularity of these bras requires a cradle-to-grave solution. Please.) However, these microplastics are the most soft, supple bra fabric ever. If unaware of the plastic, I would choose this over silk. Soft, soft, soft.

Lift:
Whoa. My nipples are lifted 2" higher in Bodysuede than in my push-up bras; all with zero padding. This lift causes a collision at the gore and a bit of quadding along the top edge of the cup. But, the support is incredible. I thought this would create a minimizing profile, but the profile is round and ample. In truth, both Awareness and Bodysuede are better fits for my projected, somewhat narrow breasts than I ever imagined. They fit more like a "hand bra" than any unlined bras I've thus far tried.

Size:
This bra fits similarly to 65H Gorsenia K000-K199/"Big" models. In fact, even the immediate projection in Bodysuede is similar--excellent. Like I do in the Gorsenia 65H, I need a bit more apex projection and cup width. If this were a Polish bra, I'd buy the next size up and know with 90% certainty the bra would fit. But, Wacoal uses larger scaling increments than Polish manufacturers, and the 34DDD (32G sister size) may be too large. I'll find an inexpensive, used model to try for bra science. I'm stunned more data is not available for these wildly comfortable bras. I theorize people find these bras and their search is over https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> Certainly, Bodysuede and Awareness have dramatically reduced the pool of "qualified applicants" in my wardrobe. After 300+ bras, I am thrilled!

Gore:
If you're familiar with my reviews, you've read this 250+ times: the gore is too wide for my center-full, close-set breasts. Typically, this is where I surrender. I've overlapped gores in the past and found my self suddenly stuffed into a too-small bra. Or, I've overlapped the gore and the wires still sit on my breast tissue along the gore and 1/4 the way along the underside of each breast. Bodysuede's .8" gore is 50% too wide.

Recently, I successfully removed the wires from another Wacoal bra and replaced them with #40 BravoBella flex wires. This is precisely what I'll do with Bodysuede. The BravoBella #40 wire is approximately the same width, but it is shorter both at the gore and wing. My short-waisted self demands shorter wires than Wacoal usually offers in my size. The shorter wire combined with wire padding may be the perfect solution for my wire woes. Hoping https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />

Straps:
Cushioned, partially adjustable, best for average height, wide, SUPPORTIVE. I like these straps so well, I'm transplanting them from used/inexpensive models onto bras that need better straps. If comfort is more important than appearance, you, too, may adore these straps.

Synopsis:
100% smitten. However, I lament that padded wires are not, yet, available for all bras, all styles, all sizes. And, I hope Wacoal, as always, expands their size range.

EDIT:
This fits with Bravo Bella 42 wires during the smaller two weeks of the month. Purchasing a 34DDD for the larger two weeks.
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French Nude colorway

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Updated on Mar 25, 2017 Flag this

This sports bra is so comfortable that although this size didn't fit me, I went hunting for a larger cup size. Yeah, I was that impressed after trying 7 or 8 others. I need underwire (my ladies are very soft, pendulous and projected) and need taller cups in a sports bra to contain my tissue comfortably. I also have challenges with tissue (tail of spence perhaps?) being crushed between the strap and wing that can be especially painful in cups that are too short/small/constricting. This Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra was the first model I found that did not torture me so, even though it ... was too small. It passed the bounce test, run test, and burpee test. The straps are wide and supportive, and adjust enough to work for me on the very last hook (beware if this is typically a trouble area for you!). The strap adjustment is only barely long enough though, and it's a little hard to get on because I have large upper arms (33 cm circumference) and am not one of those talented souls that can hook a bra behind my back. These are just a couple of things to be mindful of if you are considering this bra. It has four rows of hooks and feels very supportive, which I like a lot. I prefer the feel of an encapsulation sport bra, and the wires of this bra come darn near to tacking in the actual size that fits me (not this 32DDD - my winning size is a 32G in this bra). The way the underwires are on the outsides of the cups is pretty brilliant - the center gore comes very, very, very high but I am not bothered by that because of how this bra is constructed. This sports bra gets sweaty but feels breathable because it's a fairly thin material. To that end, nipples may show through - mine do, and that's meaningful because this is seldom a problem for me. If you have prominent nipples you prefer to keep on the DL this bra may not be right for you. Also relating to looks, this bra is plain-Jane and very utilitarian - not a sports bra to show off at all. However, under clothing this bra provides a very nice look - not too minimized for my liking - just gently rounded and nicely lifted. I am returning this 32DDD, but was so impressed I've already purchased, received and worn two 32G's and I won't be looking at other sports bra models anymore.
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Naturally nude colorway

Updated on Mar 26, 2017 Flag this

To think I wouldn’t feel “comfortable” in a sports bra. Boy was I wrong. This sports bra oozes comfort for me. The band is on the short side and fits more like a 30. No complaints here since a 30 is my ideal fit currently. With the underwires on the outside of the sports bra, the inside is protected by the lining. No chafing or rubbing. It gives a locked and loaded feel without the bulk. Compared to my Panache underwire sports bra, which feels like a Viking chest plate, this is just easy to wear. Gives a wonderful lifted round shape. Love the four bra hook and eye closure. So easy to get off when you’re sweaty.

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Updated on Aug 05, 2018 Flag this

This review is for the color "Deep Taupe". It goes without saying the Basic Beauty is my favorite. And what do we do when we love something? We buy it in ALL the colors. This color is almost like a light chocolate brown color. I do have to say this particular bra runs short in the band, even shorter than the black one I have. But when it is on it fits just the same as all the rest. I feel nothing but comfort in this bra. I can wear it all day and evening and not have any issues. I feel contained in the cup and have no worries of falling out or any need to adjust after bending over and bending down all day (I have a 9 month old, so we all know how that goes). As always the straps are perfect for narrow shoulders and don't slip off or need to be readjusted at all. This is also the only bra I've found that works under the straps of a tanktop!.

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Updated on Jul 11, 2018 Flag this

This bra is absolutely beautiful. I love love love the color combination. It’s lavender color with mint green embroidery. Definitely eye catching. While it does fit, it’s not my personal ideal shape under clothing. I much prefer a rounded shape. This defiantly gives me a pointy retro shape if you would. Much how I imagine my grandmother would look back in the day lol. While the embroidery is beautiful it gives a lumpy appearance under shirts, again not my thing. But it is comfortable and I can see myself wear No this in winter under heavy fabrics where it won’t be so noticeable. The band is on the small side for a 32. It fits much more like a 30 band, but that’s to my advantage since I’m more of a 30 than a 32. Overall it’s beautiful and I’m glad I have this one, but I wouldn’t purchase anymore due to the pointy texture it gives.

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Updated on Jul 10, 2018 Flag this

My first impression of this bra was that it seemed shallow at the wire. When I put it on though I was impressed with how the cup material hugged my shape. It was too big in the top of the cup though, gaping everywhere, wanting more top and center fullness.

This is expected since Wacoal 32DDD doesn't always fit me. 32DD might be worth a try.

It seems so lacy but the materials are really thin and blend together seamlessly (rather than thick lace stitched onto thick mesh)

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Updated on Feb 22, 2018 Flag this

This bra was first released for sale on Amazon in July 2017, so I was really curious about it and just had to try it.
There are several things I Really like about it, but unfortunately the fit is off for me.

The PRO's:
Super smooth, amazingly comfortable double layer stretch microfiber (self-lined but unpadded) cups and band; feels wonderful on! The band is also double layer fabric with hidden seams. The cups have a hidden inner sling that you can feel but cannot see; wide at the top and comes down about 2/3rd's of the wire, almost to the gore so it gives support both along the outside ... and underside. Gives a nice rounded profile.
Conforming stretch to accommodate various degrees of fullness.
Seamless cups so there's nothing to detract from your appearance. (The seam between the microfiber and lace doesn't show.)
Gives the support of a full cup bra but because of the stretch lace top looks and wears more like a demi. It does have an elastic strip along the top edge of the lace, just so you'll know.
The wings are tall for outer support, but not so much that they dig in. I found it very comfortable.
The front straps are not cutting into the armpits. Woohoo! Wacoal has finally listened and brought the straps closer to the middle. Don't worry, they're not so close to show under an ordinary shirt.

The CON's: (these are mostly because of shape/fit issues and not necessarily construction/quality issues):
The gore does not appear too wide, but it is too tall for me and definitely sits on breast tissue.
The top of the cups cut in at the elastic edge. Maybe a larger cup would solve that, but if the wire is any wider my breasts would simply spread to under my arms.
The bottom of the cup wrinkles a bit; wasn't horrible, but enough to be annoying. Would probably fit better for someone more shallow & wide than I happen to be. Even so, unless you are Very narrow and Very projected, this bra is quite adaptable.
If dominant headlights are a concern for you, this bra is probably not what you're looking for.

This beauty is definitely worth trying, because if it fits I'm sure you will love it!


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Medieval Blue colorway

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Updated on Nov 30, 2017 Flag this

These cups are not as projected as I require. The cups instantly collapse. However, adding a full extender dramatically minimizes the cup collapse and quad boob. Although I have a 28" underbust, this bra works well with an extender around my projected, short breasts. The extender also dramatically reduces the support. But, there is absolutely no pain. I'll happily wear it and consider purchasing one other.

In the winter, I will need the thin padding here. It is more supple padding than even Comexim uses. It subtly corrals tissue into round mounds. The fabric is delightfully soft, peached, and seems relatively easy to pill and snag. The design ... is minimalistic. This works for me.

The straps are half adjustable which meets with my approval. There may come a day when a StrapSaver is required: I'm armed. If you are high set or petite, you may find the straps too long. But, a StrapSaver will help you, also.

This does create a more east-west orientation. When I swoop and scoop, I fall into the center. A bit of tucking and I'm "good to go" for several hours. This is not the best bra for center full breasts, but the gore width will beckon those of us who can't tolerate gore wires.

Soft, comfortable, and pain-free. There is nothing more I require. Thank you, learningaboutbras for sharing your fit experience at Nordstrom's. You were right https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
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Sand colorway

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Updated on Aug 28, 2016 Flag this

This is great. Similar to the Panache sport, but in my opinion, this is more well-made than the Panache, so if you are within the size range for this one (the 32 goes one cup larger than this to 32G US size), I'd give this a go first. There is very firm cushion at the end of the underwires to prevent poking through. This works well for my shallow/short roots, whereas Panache left a lot of open space at the top of the cup. More than that, the Panache bended away at the top where the underwire was. It was sort of an odd boxy shape there (compare ... the white http://www.barenecessities.com/panache-ultimate-maximum-control-sports-bra-5021_product.htm?pf_id=Panache5021 to the beige http://www.barenecessities.com/wacoal-maximum-control-contour-sports-bra-853209_product.htm?pf_id=Wacoal853209). The gore does not tack (it is not meant to - this is an "encapsulation" style sports bra), but it definitively separates my breasts. My only quibble is that I am starting with the straps maximally tightened. I'm going to try it as-is for now but may take it to a tailor and shorten them an inch so that I can use the adjustable portion on the back when it stretches (I use my sports bras for like 8 years! haha). I got this bra for a steal of $23.80 at Dillard's last week. My girls are nice and perky and round in this. There is almost no bounce, but I don't feel strangled or squished. I much prefer this standard style rather than cross-back, because it puts less strain on my neck. The Panache was made as a convertible back, and I feel as I always do that when companies try to make convertible bras: they end up not quite right in either style. The straps do not dig in at my armpits.
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Black colorway

Updated on Jun 11, 2016 Flag this

I have a Wacoal in a 32DD that tends to gape a bit at the top of the cups most of the time, so I was a little wary of the same issue with this one. I did try the 32DD in this bra, but was experiencing serious quadboobing from the lace overlay. The 32DDD eliminated that problem, although the lace is ever so slightly loose up top, but it doesn't show under clothing. It reminds me of the Natori Feather bra in the style and fit, but I feel a bit less squashed down by it than the Natori which is something I really like. Since the band is more lacy and stretchy than my other Wacoal, it feels much less restrictive off the bat.
Plus, it's so pretty and not just the usual t-shirt bra I'm relegated to.
Seeing as I *just* bought it, I'll update once I've taken it around the block a few times, though I'm very happy with it so far

Updated on Jul 13, 2021 Flag this

This bra and size is pre weight loss. The image is from post weight loss and so are the measurements of the bra, so the measurements are bigger from wear, washing and drying. It still fits better than any bra I've ever had from before I found this website and it's great measuring system.

This bra is a great comfortable bra with wide padded straps, full coverage so there is no spilling out. The band is wide and comfortable and soft.
The bra size was true to the first recommended-size of the Brand, from this website and from all of the measurements done correctly with knowledge of breast root.
Wacoal 32DDD - Wacoal » Awareness Full Figure Seamless (85567)

Natural Nude colorway

Updated on Jul 03, 2020 Flag this

Let me start out by saying I purchased this as an around the house, comfort bra with wires to replace my nude Basic Beauty by Wacoal. I wasn’t expecting too much, but since I had the opportunity to actually try on in the store before purchase I decided to give it a go. It’s quite comfy, exactly what I was looking for. I find the wires on this bra half an inch too wide to my ideal wire width. The center gore is too wide and lifts away, but isn’t an issue over all. The bottom of the band supports the cups quite well. The cup is stretchy, ... but gives a good rounded smooth shape under clothing. The cups are on the thin side so it definitely won’t conceal cold nipples on a chilly day. The top of the cup has stretch lace which will definitely be appreciated during that time of the month when cup size fluctuates. The backband is made of a double layer of the cup stretch fabric, doesn’t dig in with an even stretch along the top and bottom of the band. One thing I would have much preferred would have been for 3x3 hooks. The cups are comfortable in my armpits and the straps easily adjustable. Overall I’m please with the overall comfortable fit and it serves it’s purpose, despite the small technical fit issues.
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Feb 28, 2020 Flag this

I purchased to try and get a better fit compared to the 32G. But this was clearly too small. It is extremely comfortable if you can fit to your size. The cups are very forgiving and can accommodate weight fluctuations. I passed this along to someone who can actually wear it.

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Updated on Jul 23, 2019 Flag this

This review is for the color “Navy Peony/Infinity”.

The color is a beautiful Navy blue, almost sapphire color having a hint of cobalt undertone to it. The contrast lace color looks to be a blue-grey hue. The cup is a mounded spacer foam that is very lightweight with just the right amount of give, yet supportive. The backband is wide and very soft, no itch here! The front portion of the strap has the lovely lace detail with an adjustable elastic strap in the back. As with the Basic Beauty model this also has straps that are set closer together. They don’t fall off narrow shoulders and perfect for under regular tank tops. They also sit further in on your shoulder so you don’t get that digging in where your clavicle/shoulder joint is. This provides a wonderful rounded shape and smooth appearance under clothing. A fantastic gem for my bra collection.

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Updated on Jul 13, 2018 Flag this

This review is for the color "Hydrangea/Ivory". After having such wonderful luck with Wacoal's Basic Beauty, I gave this Basic Benefits a try and I'm glad I did. It is almost identical to the Basic Beauty. It has the exact same cup and frame with the exception of having a shorter side wing height by half an inch as well as an elastic strap that is every so slightly thinner. The center gore has a beautiful lace that runs under the cup along the band and up the side by where the side wing front part and back part meet. The same lace is also found on the top of the cup where the strap meets to cup and up till the front strap meets the elastic strap portion in the back. It goes without saying this color is gorgeous in person. I'd say it's a sky blue color with a hint of lavender with the lace having the Ivory in small portions of it. Defiantly another win in my book.

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Updated on Jul 11, 2018 Flag this

I’m currently 9 months postpartum. Comfort is at the top of my list. This bra certainly fits the bill for me. This band runs a little on the small side for a 32 band in my opinion. But I still need to wear it on the tightest set of hooks for a firm fit. The cup fabric is a stretchy yet firm spacer fabric. It gives me a lovely lifted, natural round shape that I love. It does not give me cleavage. You do get some show through when it’s cold out, but it’s not too terrible. The band is very comfortable and I love the four hooks in the back. The straps are set closer together so I don’t have to deal with straps falling down or too wide in the front where the straps attach to the cups. This has become my go2 everyday bra. I’ve actually ordered several more in different colors.

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Updated on Jul 11, 2018 Flag this

This Review is for the color "Eventide". Ok...I have a problem, I know. Someone might need to stage an intervention with my addiction to this bra. I'm one who loves color. This color is beautiful. I would describe this as a muted periwinkle color. As with all my other reviews of this bra, the fit for this is awesome for me. Comfort and color at its finest. Two thumbs way up.

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Updated on Jul 11, 2018 Flag this

First of all, this bra is listed as being Forest Green with Gold lace. The actual colors are Teal with Ecru lace. It's a very pretty color combination.
The cups are a very soft tricot on the inside, and just a very thin layer of traditional foam padding throughout. The stretch satin on the outside feels like it could snag easily on jewelry if you're not careful. The contour cups give a nice rounded profile. Very comfortable! The band is Very snug, and has not loosened up with several months of wear. The straps have a flocking on the underneath side, but the edges felt a little ... rough at first. Not exactly scratchy, but enough to notice when putting it on. That has softened with washing. The placement of the front straps are closer inline with the apex of the cups, which I suspect helps minimize gaping, if you're prone to that. The straps in the back are attached ballet-style, so even someone with narrow shoulders shouldn't have a problem with them slipping. Even though the gore is 1" wide, it is low enough not to interfere with close-set breasts, and yet still high enough to give nice support and the cups have a decent amount of center projection. The wings of the bra are tall enough to prevent side spillage, along with the cups being fairly wide. So not really an issue with underarm tissue not getting into the cups.

This particular bra was made in Thailand.

For reference, I am 5'1" tall, average weight, functionally FoB, short but average-width rooted and projected, and I have since purchased several of these in different colors. Only the red one was smaller in the band. The others have all been very consistent.
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Forest Green/Gold colorway

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Updated on May 20, 2018 Flag this