Bra Review! Freya Hello Dolly

So, the next bra I tried on in this last batch was Freya's Hello Dolly, which, with it's little bubushkas printed all over it, is absolutely adorable.  I tried it on in a 30H (UK).

 

Hello Dolly! Now with more Russian dolls and less show tunes.

Unfortunately, I found that the fabric itself is not nearly as nice as it looks in the picture--in the photo it looks vaguely cottonish, but it was the same kinda nasty polyester that the Alana was made from.  Still, the print is adorable, even if the fabric wasn't super nice.  It was also unlined (strike two), and, after trying it on, I'm pretty sure that Freya manufactures Bravissimo's house brand.  It fit very much like the Alana, with too much weight going on the shoulders and that same bizarre shape.  Like the other one, it somehow lifted the girls up and in and pushing them down and out at the same time.  I also had a little overspill on the top--not a whole lot, but just enough to be noticeable, especially with the weird profile shape.  Apart from the shape, the cup did fit fairly well, but I would probably need to drop a band size for adequate support.  (seriously, what is up with my body?)


Pros:
--adorable!  If it had been supportive I would have kept it, in spite of the shape.
--average priced (if ordered from a British supplier--I've noticed there tends to be about a $15 difference between domestic pricing and British, which about covers shipping.  Something to keep in mind if you're ordering several at a time.)


Cons:
--bizarre cup shape
--band runs a little big (a 28 would probably give me sufficient support, but I don't like it enough to try)
--sleazy fabric
minimizes (might be a pro for some)
unlined (might be a pro for some)

The Bra-dyssey continues! Bravissimo Alana

Well, it's that time again.  After the Ewa Michalaks didn't quite work out, I said to myself, well, maybe the bras I'd been getting were just stretched out and decided to try ordering a new batch in the same 32G size.

No dice--a couple of minutes on and I was already in a world of pain.  So, it's time to start trying some new brands (and new companies--as much as I like Her Room, their selection above G (UK) is pretty depressing).  Unfortunately, there are not a lot of domestic options, so I turned to a British site I'd heard about--Bravissimo.  They stock a fair amount of bras by Freya and Panache, and they also have their own label.  Also worth noting is the fact that they are significantly cheaper on bra styles that are also carried by online retailers stateside (we're talking $45 for a $70 bra).  So, I took a look and put together an order based on a) what looked pretty b) previous bra fit experiences, c) reviews and d) what my husband liked.

Well, that order came in today, and I was disappointed.  First off, three of the four bras I ordered were apparently unlined (I prefer light padding or at least a lining to keep my nipples from poking out).  I still gave them a shot, though, and our next few posts will be detailing my findings.  Unfortunately for me, none of the ones from this order are going to give me the support I need, so they're all going to go back.  I'll let you know how Bravissimo is about returns as soon as I find out.  On a related note, I tried a couple different styles of their house brand, and a Freya--I skipped Panache altogether because they don't appear to make lined/padded bras at all.


Bravissimo Alana

Once again, photo from the site I ordered from (sorry,I try to limit the number of pictures of my boobs on the internet).

According to Bravissimo, this is one of their best sellers.  And, you must admit, it's cute and sexy with its lacy cup.  I measured myself again, and, after seeing a few reviews that suggested it fit similar to Freya, and looking at my notes, I decided to try it in a 30H (UK).  I went with the turquoise you see here because the hubby liked that one the best.

I was disappointed when I discovered it was unlined (I mean, seriously, do other girls nips not poke out when they get cold?).  I know unlined styles tend to be popular among girls my size--the complaint you see with padded bras is always, "Aren't my boobs big enough already?"  I still went ahead and gave it a try, though, because my old bras are putting me in some serious pain.

Surprisingly, it mostly fit (the cups looked really small when I pulled it out of the box).  However, once I had it on for a little while, I could tell the shoulder straps were doing most of the work (OW!) and the cups were shaped really weird.  The hubby said they were torpedo shaped, but I found them to be oddly flat on top, like the bottom of the cup was lifting me up and in and the top of the cup was pushing them down and out--my nipples were getting aimed almost sideways, and I was poking out the top a little.  

Only slight less lumpy, at least on the left.

It was really bizarre.  I've never had a bra push me up and push me down at the same time.  It was not flattering, and made my boobs look smaller.  Some girls like that sort of effect, but I'm okay with my boobs being right out there--it distracts from my belly fat (even for me) and works well as a distraction.  Of course, I don't get the catcalls other girls say they do, either.  My boobs are one of my best physical features--I got 'em, I'd like to flaunt 'em.  Overall, the shape of the cup was just wrong--my tatas aren't shaped like that.

Also worth noting is the fabric is kinda crappy.  I don't have anything against polyester and man made fibers, but the fabric this one was made out of was not the most pleasant.  It looked okay, but....

Definitely not for me.

Pros:
--affordable
--wide and cheerful color selection (lime green and bright pink, among other colors)

Cons:
--bizarre cup shape
--band runs a little big (a 28 would probably give me sufficient support, but I don't like it enough to try)
--sleazy fabric
minimizes (might be a pro for some)
unlined (might be a pro for some)

Jumping on the Ewa Michalak Bandwagon

Bet you thought I wasn't coming back, didncha?  Bwahaha!  Seriously, though, the last batch was pretty much the same brand I've already reviewed a bunch of, so I figured adding in a couple new bras by the same manufacturer that fit like the rest of their bras do would be a bit overkill.  Also, it's been a really busy winter/spring.

Still, that time of year is rolling around again--the time when my boulder holders are wearing out and starting to hurt my shoulders.  I've also noticed lately that the girls keep trying to escape, so a size a adjustment may be needed, too.  God knows why--my weight's held steady.  My best guess is that as I've gone up in the cup, more of my breast tissue is sitting on my chest where it should be instead of getting smooshed around my sides.

Now, the last batch I ordered consisted of Parfait by Affinitas bras in a 32G (Charlotte, Fiona, and Kimberly, if you're curious.  That last one fit a bit tighter than usual for the brand).  Since the girls keep trying to escape, I thought I might try going up a cup size, but, unfortunately, Parfait tops out at a UK G.  I looked at some of the other brands, but they seem to get increasingly expensive and the color selection drops dramatically after G.

So I decided to take the plunge and try a polish designer I've heard good things about--Ewa Michalak.  I only ordered two to start with, because money's a bit tight and if I was going to have to return anything I didn't want to have a whole lot tied up in it.  They have a wide variety of sizes (no seriously, and if they don't have it, they can make it) and styles, and they even have notes about how each style fits (i.e. this one pushes up, this one pushes in, etc.).  The site can be a bit tricky to navigate if you accidentally wander into the polish section, but overall it's pretty easy to find what you're looking for.  I love how they have a variety of models to show you how the bras will look on a real human being--they have a little model, and an average one, and a holy shit those things are huge one.  Also worth noting is that while their size calculator is in metric (25.4 mm to 1 in), the drop down menus to select your size do have the imperial units on them.

I'd heard they ran on the tight side--when you measure for your band with their calculator, you want to measure TIGHT (like, you might want to stop breathing for a minute tight).  I sort guessed at what I needed, and opted for a 32GG (70GG), which was a smaller band than the calculator recommended.

They seem to recommend the plunge style for larger busts, so I decided to order the PL Carmen and the PL Ametyst.  I really liked the sexy/cute look of these two, and the Carmen is being discontinued, so it was also cheaper.

PL Carmen  

PL Ametyst

Now, the chief complaint I've heard from this cut is that you wind up with your boobs under your chin.  Personally, I've never had this problem with a plunge, but then again I like a strong firm support under the girls and don't mind making my fabulous cleavage even more amazing.

Anywho, paypal worked out the exchange between zlotys and USD and with shipping, it came out to about $96--not bad, considering most bras in my size run about $50 ($40 on a really good day) and I shipped it from Poland (Seriously, I've paid more for stuff shipped domestically).  I also found the various status emails written with an eastern European accent delightful (No, really, if not for some ancestors of mine moving stateside, I'd have an eastern European accent, too).

The return policy seems a bit strict--10 days, but I checked and that's from when you receive it, and when it's postmarked, so that's not really that bad (I worried, because it takes longer for international shipping).  I will also say, they shipped relatively quick--a week or so.

And of course, that brings us to today, when they actually arrived.  Fresh out of the box, they looked pretty close to the right size, and they were absolutely gorgeous.  Magically enough, my best guess was just right and they fit remarkably well.  They're soft and comfy, too.  The don't have any side boning, like most of the others you find in this size range, which was an unexpected pleasure (I've found that as my previous bras wear, the boning beings to poke me in a most unpleasant manner).  Now, I will say, once I got the girls situated, I did have the," Damn those things are huge," moment when I looked down, but well, they are, and it was nice to see them held up the way they should be.

The Carmen has removable pads (most Ewa Michalak bras do, so you can correct for asymmetry), but it fits well with them in there, and well, I don't really care.  It'd be a good selling point for girls who are between cup sizes or asymmetrical.  The Ametyst actually provides even more lift--the most amazing thing is the effortless way the bras seem to accomplish that, too.  Also, while they're made with the traditional powernet in the back, they don't seem as stretchy as other bras I've seen, which should improve how they wear.  Ask me if they still feel good in six months.

All in all, I'm glad I finally took the plunge and placed an order with them, and I look forward to ordering more from this company.



UPDATE 5-14-13:

Having gone all day with each bra, they don't give quite as much support as I'd expected, and I found the straps to be a bit on the short side.  I suspect if I went down to a 30 in the band I'd get better support, but I don't think the straps would be long enough.  I'll still wear them, but I don't think now is the time for this brand for me.  I think I'm going to go back with Parfait--I feel like I could get a better fit, but the size I'd have to go with (depending on brand I'd probably need around a 30H, since Parfait runs small in the band), the alternatives are ugly and/or really expensive.  My 32G's from Parfait are good enough for now, and at this point I just want my shoulders to stop hurting so much.  I know new bras that aren't all stretched out should give me the support I need.

My Problem With Wacoal

So, as we've already established, there are not a whole lot of options for larger boobs, at least not in Central Kentucky.  Now, if you've got a band size between 36 and 50 and are at least a B, you've got Lane Bryant, where they know how to fit a bra and they usually have some pretty colors and designs (which, of course, get limited on the ends of that size range).  Still, you can at least get more than black and nude.

If you're under that magic size 36 band, though, there are not a lot of options.  You're stuck with your local department stores, who may or may not know what they're doing.  I have had both the best and worst fitting experiences of my life at my local Dillard's, years apart.  (The worst involved telling the bitchy old lady in lingerie my size--a 38C at the time--and her flat out denying that I was that big.  I cried.)  However, even if you do get a good fitting, the bras in the small band/large cup range are extremely limited.  Locally, I can find three brands--Chantelle, Lunaire, and Wacoal.  Now, Chantelle we briefly touched on in a review, and I will say, they make a nice bra.  But it'll cost you your first born child and a leg.  Lunaire, well, they make a lot of sheer bras.  And unlined bras.  And bras that offer less support than a crack dealer at an NA meeting.  There's a reason the sales girls never suggest a Lunaire bra.

Wacoal, on the other hand, has a pretty wide selection at the upper end of the size range.  And the sales girl will always tell you about how a lot of women really like this one, or this one offers great support.  And some of them really do offer great support, on the rare occasion that they fit.

And that's my first problem with Wacoal--I can never find one that fits.  Maybe my boobs are weird, or maybe it's because Wacoal is originally a Japanese company.  While they do have a branch in America, I just have trouble trusting a company founded in Japan with bras for bigger breasts.  I'm not trying to be racist here, but Japanese women are not exactly known for having enormous gazongas.  Despite what you may see in anime, most Japanese girls do not have exceptionally large breasts.  I'll admit, it could totally be my boobs--it probably is.  I mean, surely those bras fit some women.  Otherwise, they'd've gone out of business years ago.

However, the fit is not my only complaint.  I'll admit, my standards are a bit high--I want good fit and support, a reasonable price, and I want something pretty. Every woman deserves pretty underthings, regardless of her size.  I don't care if you weigh 500 lbs and the paramedics have to haul you out with a crane, you deserve a pretty bra that fits.

Wacoal makes some of the most hideous bras I've ever seen.

It doesn't even look good on the mannequin.

The really terrifying thing is how well their bras photograph.  If you look up some of their stuff online, it doesn't look half bad.  But when the fitter brings you a handful of them to try on, it will make you cry.  The one above is one of the ones that was available in my size at the time--it gave really good support, just like the fitter said.  But it was so hideous on that I wanted to cut off  my boobs.

This is actually one of their more attractive bras.  It's unlined, with massive straps, no lining, and scratchy fabric. I've actually tired this one on, and the straps were also insanely short.  Maybe I just have abnormally high shoulders?

This one is typical for what passes for pretty in a bigger size in department stores.  The picture really doesn't do it justice--like I said, this brand photographs really well.  You need to go to your local department store to experience the true hideousness.

I'd have more pictures, but the old lady working at Dillard's was eyeballing me funny so I had to take off.

I realize that there are certain features that you really need on a full busted bra.  The straps do have to be wider to distribute weight, and you have to have at least three hooks or it's completely useless.  You have to have larger underwires, and the bra just has to be bigger in general.  But, as we've seen in previous posts, having big boobs doesn't mean you can't have a pretty bra that fits.  There are plenty of bra manufacturers who manage this--why can't our stores stock these bras?  The problem with Wacoal is that they, like most American bra shops, have this crazy idea that full busted bras have to be ultilitarian, nude or black, and hideous.  While they have been making some attempts at making them prettier, I still question the fit--am I the only one who finds they bag toward the top of the cup?  Whose boobs are they making these things for, anyway?  I have never tried on a Wacoal bra that fit properly, so they certainly aren't making them for mine.

Either way, the problem remains that the largest maker of full busted bras in America has no idea how to dress a full bust, much less how to do it with style.  And, let's face it, this is a problem that is encouraged by department stores, and it's not a problem that solely exists with Wacoal.  America has this idea that anything over a D cop is enormous, and anything that uses the rest of the alphabet is impossible.  If we had more options, companies like Wacoal would have to step up their game and start producing bras that are not only supportive, but also help women feel confident and sexy.

Bra Review--Parfait Angelina

I tend to be a creature of habit, so when I find a style or brand that consistently fits, I tend to stay with it obsessively.  In keeping with that, I impulsively ordered one of the newest additions to Affinitas' Parfait line--the Angelina.

It's not often I impulsive spend $50 on a bra.

I'll be honest, I saw it, fell in love, and had to have it.  I ordered it in a 34FF, which was the size that fit in in the Charlotte and the Honey.  I am happy to report that Affinitas appears to be consistent in their sizing and I didn't have to return it for a different size.  This also means that you definitely want to order a band size bigger than usual (adjust your cup accordingly).

I'd also like to report that this bra is even sexier in person than in the photo.  The lace detail and contrast is exquisite.  It has the flattering plunge cut that the other bras I've tried in the Parfait line have, so if you're looking for a minimizer this will not be the bra for you.  Of course, I generally don't support the use of minimizers, anyway--if you've got 'em, flaunt 'em.

My only regret is that the matching panties are a little...revealing.  The whole sheer ass thing is not something I particularly care for--if I wanted it hanging in the breeze, I'd wear a thong.  Still, plain black works pretty well with this one, so my OCD isn't completely screwed over.  To be honest, this is a problem I've noticed with most of the super sexy/fun and exciting bras I've seen--the matching bottoms tend to be skimpy and revealing.  That's all well and good for the bedroom, but I like my drawers a bit more practical.

Pros:

--super sexy

--supportive

--available in up to a 40G (UK)

--not eighty bajillion dollars ($48 @ Her Room)

Cons:

--only one color available

--still not a cheap bra--when, oh when will they make $20 bras in my size?

--matching panties are sheer

Bra Reviews! Affinitas' Parfait Honey

Now, this is the same product line that the Charlotte came out of, and I'll be honest, I love the look of pretty much everything in Affinitas' Parfait line/division.  They're super pretty, come in  color, and are relatively affordable.  I may have found my brand here.

The Honey Molded Bra is also a plunge and it has the most adorable lace trim on the shoulder straps.

It looks like a butterfly!  Without all the legs! (If you want it.)

I wasn't sure if just the Charlotte ran small or if the brand in general did, so I took a chance and ordered a 32FF--in purple.  Do you know how rare a color purple is for big boobs?!  Usually you can find pink, most will throw in red, but purple?  Inconceivable!  They don't have a picture of it in purple at the link, but it's about the same shade as the color section box.

Unfortunately, it looks like the running small thing is a brand thing, not just the Charlotte, so the Honey didn't fit.  Both the band and the cup were too small, so I'm exchanging it for a 34FF.  I feel pretty confident that will fit, so I'm exchanging one of the others that didn't fit for a second Honey in ivory (I need something I can wear under light colored shirts).  Assuming those fit, I'll order a third and some panties and have a total of six sexy bras that hold up my melons.

PROS:

• reasonable price ($48)
• adorable trim!  Love the lacey straps, and the cup trim is even cooler in person
• comes in red and purple
• comes in purple
• wide set shoulder straps ideal for more open necklines
• wide size range

CONS:

•  runs small, so I won't know until my exchange goes through if it's going to provide the support I need (I'm assuming it'll fit like Charlotte, so it should be okay)
• lacey straps might show under clothes
• no nude for wearing under white

CONCLUSION:  Yeah, I fell in love with this one a bit.  I feel pretty good about it, but must withhold judgement for now.  I will say, I might cry a little if the 34FF doesn't fit, or if it doesn't support me.  Also, as a bonus, they had a package deal going on where if you ordered two Affinitas bras (not sure if it's styles or straight quantity), you got a free pair of panties.  Not sure how long that's going on, but the freebie hot pink panties with lace trim may be amongst the most exciting underwear I own.

EDIT: My exchange just arrived, and the 34FF fits great!  The straps could be a bit longer, so if you're really tall in the shoulder you might want to skip this one (i.e. if on most bras you have the straps at full length, they won't be long enough).

Bra Reviews! Panache SuperBra Tango II

I'll be honest, I was disappointed when I pulled this one out of the box.  I'd heard some good things about Panache, and the SuperBra Tango II Underwire Balconette Bra looked like a good starting place for something that I could wear under a t shirt (I wear a 50/50 mix of  t shirts and button downs).

If you like that sort of thing.

I ordered it in black in a 32FF.  Now, before we address the fitting issues, let me explain why I was disappointed.

Sheer cups. 

Every photo I could find of it makes it look pretty solid.  The specs did mention sheer sides and back fabric, but it's not unusual for a bra to have that and solid cups. 

I despise sheer cups. 

I think they are the ugliest thing possible in a bra, as well as most useless.  They don't cover your nipples at all, so if you get caught without a bra you can still see 'em, and if it gets cold, they stick out everywhere.  Sheer cups provide no additional support (a padded or foam cup helps a smidge), and they are almost always the absolute ugliest bras in existence due to poor fabric choices and colors.  Also, the seams rub my nipples raw.

That said, I still tried it on, just in case.  I'm going to say this bra runs small, because I could barely do up the strap.  The cups were also too small.  I would go up in both if it wasn't a hideous sheer bra that couldn't possibly ever compare to the gorgeous Charlotte by Affinitas' Parfait.

PROS:

• not insanely expensive ($54)
• available in a wide range of sizes

CONS:

• sheer cups. Did I mention I hate sheer cups?
• runs small
• all the pretty colors are being discontinued in the larger sizes
• unlined sheer cups

CONCLUSION:  I'm biased.  I hate sheer cups and could never, ever, recommend one, not even if it was made of platinum and on sale for $20.  But I guess if you ordered it bigger it might be okay.   It would probably be okay under a t shirt.