My curiosity got the better of me and I tried Rihanna's new brand. Because it was available on Amazon for under $25. Otherwise, the brand follows a super-annoying business model which is basically like the old Columbia Records used to do with cassettes and CDs, waaaay back in the day: it's a subscription service & they send you monthly (!) selections - after you pay a membership fee. Yeah, no.
Beauty
This is a style I love...in theory. (Like the crossover wrap look in bralettes.) I've always really liked a sleek microfiber bra with a single vertical seam. This reminds me a lot of Freya's Patsy, which was reviewed here. It never worked for me because: 1) high side wires 2) Freya's usual godawful harsh mesh bands with the tiny cutting elastic 3) very shallow cups. Yeah, this bra turned out to be pretty the same on me, minus the high wires. I bought it in 'Emo Blue', a beautifully saturated shade of cobalt.
Fit & Fabric
Fabric. Microfiber with some stretch, which is pretty much my favorite, but in this case, it is not super-soft. Straps are on the thin side and made of a cheap feeling elastic; they do not add to the support or comfort. Overall, the quality of the materials is sub-par.
Cups. Sigh. Very, very shallow. Just not compatible with projected boobs, as you can see here:
A larger cup size - if it came in one - would just be wider, rather than deeper, and the gore is already a little too wide for me.
Wires. On the lower side, which is always a plus for me. The casing (fabric channels that enclose the wires) is not soft or thick, and the hallmark of a cheaply made bra.
Shape. Well, when it fits correctly, the single vertical seamed cup gives a rounded, compact shape that is very T-shirt and empire waist friendly. I'm getting a flattened version of this here:
Who Will This Bra Work For?
Shallow, relatively wide-set boobs. The cups are not super-wide, but they can accommodate a lot of outer fullness, whereas inner fullness - not so much. And within those parameters, I'd say an F/DDD cup max.
Pricepoint. From Savage X Fenty, if you don't subscribe, around $50. It is in no way worth that price. If you do subscribe, more like $20. I paid $25 on Amazon, and sure, it's worth that amount. Here's an affiliate link to where I bought it myself: Savage X Fenty. Again, I'd wait until it is below $30.
Sizing. US sizes. The band was true to size, possibly on the smaller end of the spectrum, but the cups run significantly small. I tried a 42DDD, which should sister-size to a US 40G, but in reality, it fit me like a 40E/F.
The ornate Thalia is my fourth Empreinte. I love the baroque scroll pattern and the bold edging of embroidered lace. It almost reminds me of Battenburg lace, but I'm no seamstress, so any lace or fabric nerds out there: please enlighten me. The color is a rich turquoise that is vibrant even in my usual grey, northern light conditions.
Comfort & Fit
Fabric. Mesh and very sturdy lace. Normally, mesh is my least favorite fabric because, although beautiful for its sheer and feather-light qualities, I often find it rough and abrasive. (Hello, Elomi Betty) But this is a very fine, soft mesh that is non-irritating. (And at this price, it should be.)
Cups. Three-part seamed cups that are very deep. As with the fabulous Grace, Empreinte's idea of 'low-necked', i.e. balconette, is what I would consider a full cup. I cannot even imagine how the full cup version would fit on me; the cups would reach my eyebrows.
There is plenty of room in the lower cup and the upper cup is flexible enough to accommodate my full-on-top shape. I'm getting a very soft tack, due to the height of the gore, which is not ideal for me.
Shape. Lifted, rounded, a little wider than my other Empreintes, but not actually wide. This profile pic makes it appear that the shape is oddly upward tilting, but that must be an awkward angle; the picture above gives a more accurate idea of the shape.
Wires. The profile pic does show the wire structure really well, though. And this is the only Empreinte I've tried that has UK style wires, i.e. the Nike swoop shape. Although I strongly prefer the upright 'U' shape of European style wires, this is a moderate version and so does not cause me any irritation. Also, the wires are thinner and less rigid than UK bras and that is always a comfort win for me. There are the usual side stays, which are also thin and soft, as is standard for the brand. I don't even find it necessary to remove them as I do on all other brands.
Band. Very stable. With 4 hooks! Not something you often see in a European bra. And even less often in a band that is not too tall. That is pretty magical right there. My preference is for 3 hooks, but this is a comfy band of very fine, soft mesh.
Straps. Empreinte always does straps beautifully. Different styles, but the constants are: wide-ish, flat, soft and supportive. And pretty. They are always embellished in some way. Because I prefer open necklines - they break up that visual wall 'o boob effect, which I think is more flattering - I often have a bra strap peek out at some point during the day. When that happens, these are pretty and easily pass for a camisole.
Up close view of the gorgeous embroidery and strap detail
Compromises
Gore. If you hate high gores, this is not the brand for you. Definitely don't bother with the full cups; stick with the 'low-necks'. While I would prefer the gore to be a good inch lower, it does contribute to a 'locked & loaded' feel that is very supportive.
Price. Empreinte is a luxury brand. It is well-made and will wear like iron, for years. Going on 4+ years now and none of mine show any wear at all. That comes at a $100+ price tag. If you are naturally thrifty, that requires some mental math to justify: e.g. a $20 bra that will last a year, mayyyybe two, vs a $100 bra that will last between 5 years and a decade. Over time, buying a couple of Empreinte would actually prove cheaper than buying half a dozen cheap bras. Ebay & Amazon are your friends here. If you find one for $65 or less, consider it a bargain.
Sizing
The cups run generous, especially in Thalia, which, I believe, is Empreinte's deepest, fullest cup. My other styles are in 40F and 40G (French sizing). My usual Euro size is 40H, so that gives you an idea.
I bought Thalia in 42F because 1) mesh virtually always fits more snugly than other fabrics, and 2) I have gotten a bit, er, more fluffy since I bought my last Empreinte. I was a bit concerned, as sister-sizing is not as straightforward in the brand, but I got a perfect fit. I probably would have been fine with my usual 40G, too.
When Do I Wear It?
To work, when I want a bit more coverage, or am likely to have a strap showing. The seams lie very flat and the lace texture is fairly discreet under knits. Thalia also is a great choice for PMS swelling or tenderness as you get a very secure fit with zero bounce, yet one that can accommodate some size change. This bra is also an excellent choice if you'll be walking several blocks as part of your commute. If you experience tenderness, you'll know that a bra that is comfy for sitting at your desk may not be the best choice for a brisk 1/2 mile walk on the way to that desk.
Post may contain affiliate links to help support the blog
Waluntha Smoothing Lace bra in Burgundy I am a huge fan of this wine colorway
The Waluntha Smoothing Lace bra reminds me a great deal of Panache Jasmine - I mean, if Jasmine were actually comfortable. It fills a hole in my bra-drobe for a beautiful 3/4 cup balconette.
Comfort & Fit
Fabric. Lace cups, with the bottom section lined in soft cotton, and the upper cup a substantial open lace with moderate stretch. I find this combo to be completely non-irritating on my sensitive skin.
Cups. Quite deep, with plenty of room for projected boobs.
The stretch lace allows the cup to conform nicely to my extremely full-on-top boobs, while the gore is giving me a perfect soft tack. However, due to the stretch - & there being plenty of depth in the lower cup - full-on-bottom shapes should also do very well. You will perhaps get more of a full cup effect if you have very little upper boob fullness.
Band. Nicely executed. Three-hooks, satin on the outside, lined with a fine mesh on the inside. That means clothing will glide over it, i.e. not cling to lumps and bulges, while the mesh means the band will not stretch out over time.
Straps. Really well designed. Joined to the 3-section cup, the lace pattern continues about 1/3 of the way up, where it then becomes a flat, wide strap; no ring-connector. Very comfy, very stable; although wide-set like a true balconette, they do not cut into my sides or armpits at all. Like I said: well-designed. Together with the supportive band, these allow you to enjoy the stretchy cup without losing any support.
Wires. European 'U' shape, which is my favorite construction, and a friend to projected boobs (and armpits) everywhere. Also, they are softer, thinner, and not tall. Yes! For the comfort win!
Shape. Rounded, but projected. Again, very Jasmine-y, but less wide and less jacked-up. This is the shape I prefer 80% of the time.
No, the band isn't loose. That's just the result of me contorting to get this angle and highlighting some fabulous fluffy bits.
Compromises
Yeah, there aren't any. Rare!
When Do I Wear It?
The Waluntha shines with open necklines. Deep scoop T-shirts. V-necks. And the alway tricky boatneck. Any time I need a lower-cut cup and wide-set straps that will disappear under an open neckline, a 3/4 cup balconette is my go-to. Because she is so comfy, this bra is among my top choices for a long day at work, followed by going out afterward. There are precious few bras that I can wear that long and still be comfy. The only time I would choose a different shape is under a very structured top, like a button-down with limited boob room and zero stretch.
Sizing. 40G. Sizing is true to size for UK. Which means this fits me like a 40H US/Euro.
Price point. Ridiculously affordable at under $20 on Amazon. Currently, this is the only style offered by the brand there, but I certainly hope there will be more.
I detailed my unexpected odyssey of being forced to find alternatives to my old standby, Dove, here. Over the last two years, I've found a couple other products that do not irritate my admittedly cranky skin.
One of them is type:A. The scent I tried was The Dreamer, White Floral Linen.
Scent. The white flower scent is not actually white roses; I just thought it looked pretty next to them. It's actually a subtle blend of jasmine, ylang ylang, and fresh laundry. And by 'subtle', I mean: I wish the scent was a little stronger. Though on the upside, it will certainly not clash with any perfume or body lotion you are wearing.
Texture & Application. Absolutely perfect. A light fluffy cream that absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving a silky finish behind. It is the most pleasant texture I've found.
The dispenser is ingenious. You squeeze the toothpaste-style tube until you see exactly the amount of deodorant you want, then use the rounded top to massage it into your skin. No muss, no fuss. And the applicator never clogs.
Ingredients. It does contain baking soda, but in an amount low enough not to cause me any irritation. The arrowroot and corn starch are doing the heavy lifting.
Effectiveness. Ah. Here, we come to the bottom line. That 'sweat-activated technology' claim on the first pic? Yeah, I'm gonna have to go ahead and call 'slight exaggeration' on that. For me, this is a part-time deodorant, i.e. 6 hours and it's off the clock.
If the weather is cool and I'm not doing anything physically active, like, say a brisk walk during lunch, then the protection can last all day. So, for sitting at my desk, or on weekends, this is a great choice. It also will not create any residue or rub off on fabric, which is a big plus. But if it's summer or I'm going to be active, then at that 6 hour point, I'll need to reapply. With this one, I also take the step of dotting fragrance along my inner arms just above and below my armpits. Besides being a great spot to radiate gentle scent with body heat, this is a pretty effective way to boost the power of a deodorant you're just not sure about.
Price point. Around $13. Which is not especially spendy for the generous amount of product included, which lasts several months, especially if you are alternating it with another product.
Note: Post contains an affiliate link to where I purchased the product myself.
Bras that have been your go-to for reliable comfort and fit suddenly feel uncomfortable. Wires that have never chafed...suddenly do. Cups that fit perfectly on Tuesday are causing double-bubble on Thursday. If you experience fluctuation in your cup or band size, this will be all too familiar.
I've always experienced a lot of size fluctuation. Whether I've been lean and buff, or soft and curvy, I've long been accustomed to the sudden 1/2 cup size increase during PMS week. Though since I began using progesterone cream (you can read about that here) that has been reduced a great deal. But my overall weight has also fluctuated a lot. This makes wearing bras with a very rigid or specific fit - such as Panache, Wacoal, or Curvy Kate - a futile exercise in discomfort. A highly structured bra generally cannot flex and adjust to all the subtle ways the fit will change with an increase or decrease in weight.
Portia, from 7 years ago, when I still tried to wear Curvy Kate.
The practically rib-puncturing gore of Panache Idina.
Higher spandex always equates to a more stretch and a flexible, 2nd skin fit. However, that is not the only factor that makes a bra a good bet during times of fluctuating size. I am again going through a period where my old favorites are no longer as comfy, even those with high spandex and softer wires.
Which Bras Did Do Well With the Changes?
Anita Rosa FaiaTwin. This one is not a surprise to me. It was the first bra I profiled in the blog 4 years ago and it remains the comfiest bra I've ever found. Period.
Proof in point: here I am wearing it this week - the very same bra.
A little more float in the gore than the usual 1/2" I get with Anita, & my right boob is definitely reaching full cup capacity, but still 100% comfy.
It still fits after 4 years and 30 lbs weight gain. And best of all, the 30% spandex and thin, wide wires can accommodate the size increase without pressure points or chafing - and the decrease, without the wide wires causing irritation on my sides.
The Anita Twin would be my desert island, end of the world bra for sure. When comfort and longevity would matter, and a perky uplifted shape not-so-much. This is one of the very few bras I do not mind paying full price for but I buy mine on Amazon, where the price often dips to $50-55: Anita Twin.
Another, more surprising, bra that has proven herself able to roll with a lot of size fluctuation: Empreinte Grace (Low Neck version).
This is Grace. Three years - & 30 lbs - ago.
I was thrilled when I found Grace 3 years ago. But with her cup structure of rigid lace with zero stretch, I had expected to be forced to say a sad goodbye to her during my recent round of size change.
But no. She is oddly able to cope adjust without causing discomfort. The wires still fit well and the only visible change is slightly more gore float and I'm aware of the side stays in a way I wasn't before. They're still soft and flexible, but I will probably opt to remove them now.
Grace also works beautifully as a T-shirt bra. Unlike the Twin, she gives a lovely lifted shape that is rounded but with a high apex. The very sturdy opaque lace is lightweight and breathable and also provides a little nip camouflage.
I've only seen the full cup style on Amazon and in my size it's always the full price. But if you're, say, a 34G, it's often much cheaper, around $95. In my world, that's pretty spendy, but mine are 3+ years old and show no signs whatsoever of any wear or stretching out. I'd normally be reluctant to spend that much on a single bra, but the comfort, plus the sizing flexibility, & the fact that she wears like iron, is worth it to me.
Honorable Mention: Delimira Floral Lace Bra. Remember that Delimira's names are confusingly literal - & all very similar. I'm talking about this bra:
Delimira's version of the iconic Fiore Lepel
As well as the 40G (fits like UK 40H) in fuschia, I also own it in a neutral beige in 40F (fits like UK 40G). For a budget option, at $20, this bra is hard to beat. The lace is flat and doesn't show through most fabrics. The shape is natural and rounded, making it quite versatile
Lots of flexible, medium-level support
Bralettes That Make the Cut
Just because it is wireless or a bralette does not necessarily mean it will respond well to size fluctuation. In fact, any wire-free bra with a rigid underband under the cups actually becomes more uncomfortable to me than an underwire. Because digging. And if the cups have no stretch, then boob swelling will simply result in feeling unpleasantly constricted. Likewise if the band is tall, the bra cannot adjust to the change and the whole fit is thrown off in tiny ways that add up to, you guessed it: discomfort.
Bali Comfort Revolution. Pretty sure you saw that one coming.
Bliss. I'm wearing this right now in blue.
In memoriam to my OG tie-dyed original. After 4 years, it finally went to that bra heaven in the sky.
I have a wardrobe of these now. In colors from charcoal to periwinkle. Everything but beige. Full price can be $50. Don't be crazy. Head over here and wait until a color you like hits $20-25. All of mine are in 2X which fits around 36H-42G.
Delimira's generic version of Bali Comfort Revolution
These fit slightly firmer, which gives more lift and may be a plus. And they have the same wonderful padded clasp. The main difference is that they have slightly less cup capacity, topping out at an XL, which should work fine for, say, 36F-40GG. And at a 2-pack for $19, they are an unbeatable bargain.
Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie.
Looks SO much better under a shirt below.
Cup capacity and a shape that is better than expected under clothing:
I wore Sweetie to work on a day underwires were really bugging me. Under a thinnish Tshirt and shape is quite good!
I consider Cosabella spendy. Full price is around $65. I bought it here when it reached $55, which is about as good as it gets.
Honorable Mention: Delimira Soft Sleep Bra.
Soft Sleep Comfort Bra
The only reason Olivia is not my go-to for this is the small seam on the straps that sit on the top of my shoulder can get a little diggy after a full day's wear. I doubt it would be an issue unless you have ultra sensitive skin like me. But the silky fabric of cup and band is very soothing and can accommodate swelling. She comes in more specific cup/band sizing and is another bargain at under $20.
So there you have it. These are the bras that have not let me down and have held up (lots of pun possibilities in there) through significant fluctuations in my cup and band size.
Now go forth and be comfy!
Note: There are affiliate links to where I bought these bras myself. If you use them, that means I might get a few cents that help support the costs of the blog.
So I finally decided to try Cosabella'sCurvy Sweetie. After experiencing the equally spendy Hanky Panky floppy, lacy scratch-fest, an all-lace bralette was not very appealing.
Nutshell Review: I am pleasantly surprised.
Beauty
The Sweetie comes in many colors. I chose Platinum, which is actually more of a gunmetal grey, which, because I am all about the deeper jewel tones, was fine with me. The lace is dense and substantial, not sheer in any way, and continues up the straps so they will look great peeking out.
Oddly, the style of this bralette does not look especially flattering. On anyone, really. Two reasons: it is cut quite high and there is a rather frumpy horizontal seam across the lower portion of the cup. However. These features also make Sweetie practical for big boobs; there is some actual support here.
Let's just say Sweetie will not be your sexy time go-to on her own. But she will look very pretty peeking out from the tops of shirts or tanks.
Comfort & Fit
Fabric. Here is where I was pleasantly surprised. The entire bralette - cups and band (no hooks) is lined in a fine, soft mesh. This adds significant support while also eliminating any scratchiness from the lace.
Equally important: the elastic is the softest I've ever encountered. It has a soft, fuzzy finish that feels wonderful against your skin. Sharp, cheap, cutting elastic (thanks for that, Freya & Curvy Kate) has ruined many a bra for me, so this feature alone is noteworthy and goes a long way toward justifying the price.
Cups. They come up quite high; you'll get a crop top effect, rather than a triangle plunge. Decent cup depth and plenty of room in the upper cup due to the stretchy fabric and higher neckline. Part of this is due to that frumpy seam, which, in another victory for comfort, is on the outside of the cup, not against your skin. Win.
Shape. Compact, rounded, a little flattened. A more diagonal seam would have given a more perky shape, but I'm guessing they wanted zero risk of pointy-ness and so erred on the side of a rounded boob-loaf. It's not extreme and you do still get some separation.
I just noticed that rogue philodendron leaf. Why no, I've never been accused of being a great photographer, now that you mention it.
Straps. Medium width, like a regular bra strap. They do have the dreaded ring-connectors, but in this case I do not hate them. They are done correctly and lay well over my shoulder and onto my back. Also, as with the elastic, the finishing details are great and there is no bulky wad of fabric or rough stitching. Nicely done.
Compromises
Band. There are no hooks, so you will either have to pull it on over your head or step into it like a swimsuit. Because the band is not overly tight, I did not find the Sweetie as difficult to put on as I do most one-piece bralettes.
Shape. As always, this is an individual preference. You are not going to get a boosted, perky shape in this, or even a defined apex. But that's not really a fair ask for a stretchy bralette.
When Do I Wear It?
When I care more about comfort and beauty than shape, especially when the straps or neckline will be showing. Very welcome in warm weather as the combo of lace and mesh is very breathable while still providing opaque coverage. Sweetie is also useful with tops that are a little too low-cut for work as she will read like a pretty camisole that you intentionally layered.
Sizing & Pricepoint
XL, which is 40G-40H (US). I found the Cosabella size chart to be accurate.
The full price runs around $65. I purchased mine on Amazon for $41. And - for the first time ever - here is an affiliate link: Curvy Sweetie (i.e. if you end up buying this for yourself and use the link, I get a (teeny) amount which helps cover the costs of hosting the blog)
Yes, I realize my blog has outgrown this platform. I finally had to grit my teeth and migrate it over to Wordpress. I'll pause while you picture it: me, sipping coffee in my jim-jams, cursing a blue streak (over several weekends) as I accept the reality that, yes, Wordpress is approximately 1,000 times more complicated than Blogger.
Actual photo of me last weekend:
Then I switched to wine and things went much more smoothly.
Ah, there we go:
Blog posts should redirect. Theoretically. But I am leaving this site up because, who knows. I will be posting new content here: ComfyCurvyReviews
Do come join me, with or without wine. ~ ComfyCurvy
Gorsenia is a Polish brand that is easily available on eBay and Amazon.
Where the Brand Excels:
Beauty. All of their styles - even the plain neutrals - are stunning. Lace and satin, in beautiful colors, with embroidered details on the straps.
Designed for Full-on-Tops! This remains the only brand I've found that is actually meant for a full-on-top shape. There is always plenty of room in the upper cup, and the shape I get is always rounded. This is no small thing.
I love the shape of every Gorsenia I own:
Pricepoint. Generally between $25 - $35.
Well Made. Quality of materials is high. Stitching and construction is consistently good.
Sizing. Very consistent, European sizing. No double letter cups.
What's Not So Great About the Brand:
Comfort. Yeah, unfortunately, after I found the wondrous Solange3 years ago, Gorsenia redesigned all of their larger cup offerings with industrial features like: more rigid wires, heavier duty side stays, power-mesh bands, and wider -but less stretchy/soft straps. All of which are enemies of comfort. Bummer.
This is pretty much where I parted ways with the brand. Comfort before Beauty for me. Always. But if you are in the smaller band sizes, say, under a 36, and in the mid cup size range, E-F, the original, more comfy construction is still there for you.
No Stretch in the Cup. This is particularly annoying. Even though the cups are cut for full-on-top shapes, the addition of stretch lace, rather than rigid, would make it friendly for other shapes as well. Plus, stretch always adds comfort to the cup via the ability to adjust to slight changes in weight or PMS swelling.
Variety in Cup Shape. Yeah, there just....isn't any. The seamed bras are all the same: 3-part, seamed, full cup. The 1/2 cups are all the very projected, yet still shallow, cakes on a plate shape. And there is a semi-padded style (padded bottom cup and sheer tulle upper cup) that are also the same, slightly less rounded shape.
Who Will Gorsenia Work For?
Full-on-top shapes. The brand rules supreme there - and there is basically no competition anyway, since so few brands cater to this shape.
Balanced shapes. You'll likely get a bit of gapping and unfilled upper cup in the seamed styles, but the 1/2 cups, with their unusual projection & non-wide wires, may be your holy grail. I explain the unique shape here.
Full-on-bottoms: I would only recommend the 1/2 cups. You will be swimming in the upper cup of the seamed styles.
Finally, Lovers of Medium-Narrow Wires. If you need wide or shallow cups, Gorsenia is not your brand.
Gorsenia is a Polish brand that is easily available on eBay and Amazon.
Where the Brand Excels:
Beauty. All of their styles - even the plain neutrals - are stunning. Lace and satin, in beautiful colors, with embroidered details on the straps.
Designed for Full-on-Tops! This remains the only brand I've found that is actually meant for a full-on-top shape. There is always plenty of room in the upper cup, and the shape I get is always rounded. This is no small thing.
I love the shape of every Gorsenia I own:
Pricepoint. Generally between $25 - $35.
Well Made. Quality of materials is high. Stitching and construction is consistently good.
Sizing. Very consistent, European sizing. No double letter cups.
What's Not So Great About the Brand:
Comfort. Yeah, unfortunately, after I found the wondrous Solange3 years ago, Gorsenia redesigned all of their larger cup offerings with industrial features like: more rigid wires, heavier duty side stays, power-mesh bands, and wider -but less stretchy/soft straps. All of which are enemies of comfort. Bummer.
This is pretty much where I parted ways with the brand. Comfort before Beauty for me. Always. But if you are in the smaller band sizes, say, under a 36, and in the mid cup size range, E-F, the original, more comfy construction is still there for you.
No Stretch in the Cup. This is particularly annoying. Even though the cups are cut for full-on-top shapes, the addition of stretch lace, rather than rigid, would make it friendly for other shapes as well. Plus, stretch always adds comfort to the cup via the ability to adjust to slight changes in weight or PMS swelling.
Variety in Cup Shape. Yeah, there just....isn't any. The seamed bras are all the same: 3-part, seamed, full cup. The 1/2 cups are all the very projected, yet still shallow, cakes on a plate shape. And there is a semi-padded style (padded bottom cup and sheer tulle upper cup) that are also the same, slightly less rounded shape.
Who Will Gorsenia Work For?
Full-on-top shapes. The brand rules supreme there - and there is basically no competition anyway, since so few brands cater to this shape.
Balanced shapes. You'll likely get a bit of gapping and unfilled upper cup in the seamed styles, but the 1/2 cups, with their unusual projection & non-wide wires, may be your holy grail. I explain the unique shape here.
Full-on-bottoms: I would only recommend the 1/2 cups. You will be swimming in the upper cup of the seamed styles.
Finally, Lovers of Medium-Narrow Wires. If you need wide or shallow cups, Gorsenia is not your brand.
As always, Delimira needs some help naming their bras. I shall call this one 'Olivia'. Because she has a demure and pretty vibe and just looks like an Olivia to me.
Beauty
Olivia comes in a couple of pastels, plus neutrals. This is a crossover style and compares very favorably to similar versions by Wacoal and Kindred Bravely that I reviewed previously. In fact, Olivia is a far superior choice, at a lower price. Better fabric, better band, far better straps.
Comfort & Fit
Fabric. Silky nylon with a high level of spandex: 23% to be exact. Handy tip: If the spandex percentage is 20% or higher, this is always a great sign when you are looking for a stretchy, yet supportive, fabric that will fit like a second skin. This is a more common feature of European brands such as Anita and Chantelle, and far less common in UK brands, which usually rely on stiff, non-stretchy fabric for support. You'll generally see spandex levels of under 10% in UK brands, and very often, zero of it is in the cup. The (very few) seams are well-done; very flat and non-irritating.
Cups. The usual generous capacity I would expect from this brand. Unlike most crossover styles I've tried, Olivia's cups are expecting some actual projection and, happily, have the depth to accommodate it. There is a just-right amount of separation. The high-spandex content of the cups means that different shapes will not experience gapping or cutting in. Instead, you will get a shape that conforms to your shape, and a very soothing gentle contained feeling. Straps. Very well-designed. They are wide and form a continuous piece, part of both cup and band. This adds a lot of support and stability, distributing the weight evenly, while not needing a thick or tight band to do so. They are not adjustable, but I don't think that matters. Again, due to the spandex content, they easily stretched enough for me, a tall person, yet provided a lot of stable support. I doubt you'd have any difficulty even if you are petite. Band. Also very well-designed. Nice and minimal, so there is no constrictive feeling and no rolling up. It is soft and flat and does run a little on the snug side, but is true to size. On the low side; always a plus. Shape. While termed a 'sleep bra' - and you could certainly use it as such - I would consider Olivia a moderately supportive bralette. She actually gives a bit more lift than the Bali Comfort Revolution that I wear so often as a comfort go-to:
When Do I Wear It?
Weekends and after work; during times of size fluctuation or swelling. Pretty much any time I would wear my Bali bralettes, but want to opt for a thinner, silkier fabric and/or a prettier aesthetic. Great for travel because the fabric dries very quickly. You can definitely wear Olivia out of the house if you are OK with a soft, natural shape that is still supported and gently contained. Which, clearly, I am.
Size. 40 F/G. Consistent with Delimira's usual sizing. My usual size in the brand is a 40F, which equates to a 40G (UK) or a 40H (US/Euro). This style comes in combined sizes and there is leeway due to the fabric and style.
As always, Delimira needs some help naming their bras. I shall call this one 'Olivia'. Because she has a demure and pretty vibe and just looks like an Olivia to me.
Beauty
Olivia comes in a couple of pastels, plus neutrals. This is a crossover style and compares very favorably to similar versions by Wacoal and Kindred Bravely that I reviewed previously. In fact, Olivia is a far superior choice, at a lower price. Better fabric, better band, far better straps.
Comfort & Fit
Fabric. Silky nylon with a high level of spandex: 23% to be exact. Handy tip: If the spandex percentage is 20% or higher, this is always a great sign when you are looking for a stretchy, yet supportive, fabric that will fit like a second skin. This is a more common feature of European brands such as Anita and Chantelle, and far less common in UK brands, which usually rely on stiff, non-stretchy fabric for support. You'll generally see spandex levels of under 10% in UK brands, and very often, zero of it is in the cup. The (very few) seams are well-done; very flat and non-irritating.
Cups. The usual generous capacity I would expect from this brand. Unlike most crossover styles I've tried, Olivia's cups are expecting some actual projection and, happily, have the depth to accommodate it. There is a just-right amount of separation. The high-spandex content of the cups means that different shapes will not experience gapping or cutting in. Instead, you will get a shape that conforms to your shape, and a very soothing gentle contained feeling. Straps. Very well-designed. They are wide and form a continuous piece, part of both cup and band. This adds a lot of support and stability, distributing the weight evenly, while not needing a thick or tight band to do so. They are not adjustable, but I don't think that matters. Again, due to the spandex content, they easily stretched enough for me, a tall person, yet provided a lot of stable support. I doubt you'd have any difficulty even if you are petite. Band. Also very well-designed. Nice and minimal, so there is no constrictive feeling and no rolling up. It is soft and flat and does run a little on the snug side, but is true to size. On the low side; always a plus. Shape. While termed a 'sleep bra' - and you could certainly use it as such - I would consider Olivia a moderately supportive bralette. She actually gives a bit more lift than the Bali Comfort Revolution that I wear so often as a comfort go-to:
When Do I Wear It?
Weekends and after work; during times of size fluctuation or swelling. Pretty much any time I would wear my Bali bralettes, but want to opt for a thinner, silkier fabric and/or a prettier aesthetic. Great for travel because the fabric dries very quickly. You can definitely wear Olivia out of the house if you are OK with a soft, natural shape that is still supported and gently contained. Which, clearly, I am.
Size. 40 F/G. Consistent with Delimira's usual sizing. My usual size in the brand is a 40F, which equates to a 40G (UK) or a 40H (US/Euro). This style comes in combined sizes and there is leeway due to the fabric and style.
