This is my second Urban Echo in 28E, I had originally ordered this as the unlined version but Amazon sent me the padded again by mistake. I decided to keep it since I like this bra a lot and can't find this cut in any other style. See my review on the original!

Mist colorway

Updated on Sep 11, 2020 Flag this

I knew Freya made padded half cups, but I had no idea that a padded plunge cut also existed until I searched for "Freya padded bra" on Amazon and found the Urban Echo. I didn't like the fit of the Rhea Padded Half Cup I tried since the 3HC construction was very minimizing on me, and figured this one was worth a try. Imagine my surprise when this actually fit quite well!

However, the biggest surprise was when I opened the package and pulled out a bra that . . . looked like a Comexim. The print, the trims, the shape of the cups, the construction ... of the band, and the elastic used all reminded me of something I would see on a Comexim bra. Out of curiosity, I decided to compare this against a Comexim Standard Plunge in the equivalent size (60H) to compare the similarities and differences in measurement:

- Band is longer on the Freya, but as it is quite firm, they both feel very snug
- Cup width and depth are about the same on both
- Comexim has longer wires as the center gore is taller
- Freya's cup height is slightly shorter, but both are quite tall

(Note: the stock photos make the bras look quite different on the body, but this is inaccurate. The angle and construction of the cups is virtually identical)

Since this measures quite similarly to the Comexim Standard Plunge, which fits me very well, it's no surprise that the Freya Padded Plunge was also a good fit on me. The main differences between the two bras is that the Freya is made from soft thin foam batting, which lightly lines the bra but doesn't give it much shape or structure. Comexim bras are made from true foam and is slightly thicker, giving the cups shaping and structure similar to that of a t-shirt bra. Neither bra has push up padding. Because of the differences in the padding quality, the Comexim gives me a rounder, smoother shape with less visible seams under clothing. On my larger side, the Freya gives a good rounded shape, but on my smaller side, the seams can look noticeable under clothing. One foam pad inserted into the cup of the smaller side fixes this issue and evens both out. Of course, this is a standard problem I face due to asymmetry.

The other main difference is the gore height, as the Freya bra has a gore height 1.2"/3 cm shorter than the Comexim. This may be a benefit for those who find the gore height of Comexim's Standard Plunge to be too tall. The wires are approximately the same length if you account for the shorter gore, as the rest of the wire coverage is very similar. The cup shapes on both bras are constructed in a very similar fashion and share similar proportions. Both bras give a really nice rounded shape, but if you have less upper fullness, you may feel a bit of emptiness inside the upper cup. This definitely happens a bit to me, but it's not something I would consider an issue as the effect is quite minor. Once again, it is more noticeable on my smaller side. Thanks to Comexim's thicker foam, it is hardly noticeable in the Comexim bras, but more obvious in Freya's thinner cups.

The appearance of the bra also looks very much like a Comexim. The print of this bra is white-based with graphite grey and soft pink florals and swirls, similar to a coloring book page. The print and color is very similar to the Comexim Jasmine, which has dark grey botanical sketches on a pink ground, and both share similar graphite wide elastic. The band is made of very firm printed powermesh, so the print goes throughout the entire bra. The trim is graphite grey crochet lace at the upper cup, similar to the one on Comexim Blue Spring. The overall color scheme is similar to Jasmine, Brigitte, Princess, and Matthiola. Thus, if you like the aesthetic of these Comexim styles but aren't typically drawn to Freya's prints, you might enjoy this bra!

The only thing "Freya-esque" on this bra that I feel Comexim would never do are the pink foldover ribbon segments at the center gore and straps, instead of standard pink bows, and the odd triangular metal charm at the center gore. A bit weird, but not terribly offensive. The inclusion of additional lace detailing where the cradle connects to the wings adds some nice interest and ties the whole look together. Despite the name, Urban Echo is surprisingly feminine and pretty. I highly recommend this if you love Comexim Padded Plunge styles!
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Mist colorway

Updated on May 26, 2020 Flag this