Delimira is still out here making great generic versions of some very well-known - and moderate-to-spendy - brands. And still naming them terribly. This is version 2.0 of Wacoal's Awareness, the beloved OG wireless bra. II reviewed the older version here: Version 1.0
Beauty
This version has a lace overlay, which gives an otherwise plain style some subtle prettiness, and lies completely flat and undetectable under knit fabrics.
Comfort & Fit
Everything holds true from the original review except there is a lot more cup capacity in this newer version. Hurray! The fabric is still soft and comfy enough for a long day of wear. The straps are very basic, a standard width, and not too widely set. Despite the name, this is more bra than bralette and is fairly supportive.
Shape
Rounded, natural, not boosted. It's an acceptable shape for a wire-free bra and I do wear it under Tshirts. It gives some nip coverage, although the fabric is not thick at all.
When Do I Wear It?
This is a good all-rounder. The underband is soft and flexible so it's comfy for sitting at desk and is also supportive enough for more active pursuits. So any time comfort and support are more important than shape or separation.
Size
42F Delimira runs generous in the cup. My size in this brand for years was 40F, which fits like a UK 40G or US 40H. Now, I'm a bit.....fluffier, and opted to go up a band size.
It's been a long while since I've reviewed any actual bras here. That's because since the pandemic began I've been working from home in yoga pants and bralettes. My OG standbys 32 Degrees and Bali Revolution have been all I've needed during this unprecedented time of quarantine. My own state continues to lead the nation in Covid cases (oh, the pride) and since I don't fancy being medivaced down to Seattle for 20K, I won't be eating in restaurants any time soon or going anywhere that merits an actual bra.
Still, there are times I need a bit more support and want something with more bra and less 'lette'.
Beauty
That's It. Right there. That tonal embroidery and odd V-neck strip of lace. That's all you get.
I opted for Mochaccino over the dreaded beige, but that's as flamboyant as this style gets.
Hahahahaha. OK, yes, I know: this baby is a flat-out frump fest. But stay with me if comfort is your jam. Because this generic version of the Triumph Doreen, which, since the 1950s, has consistently been the most popular bra in the world, is a comfy workhorse.
I've been aware of the Doreen for a long time. It was popular in the early-80s, when I was in high school; it was a favorite of friends when I was in the Philippines for my foreign exchange year. Back then, I was all about thin, silky, front-close triangle bras and would never have worn this style; I just thought it was a funny retro thing. Then in the early-90s, when I lived in the UK, my 30-yr-old neighbor loved this style. By then, I was all about my Vanity Fair underwires, so again, I passed. Fast-forward 30 years, many lbs, sensitive skin, and bigger boobs later, & I've reconsidered.
Comfort
FABRIC. Satiny nylon on the outside means clothes will glide smoothly. Cotton lining on the inside means soothing comfort for sensitive skin and a huge win if you're in a hot, sticky climate.
CUPS. Old school 3-part seamed design. A more diagonal seam will always give a better shape. That horizontal seam does no boob shape any favors, but in this case, it also doesn't do much harm. The cups are generous and, while not stretchy, they do have a bit of give. They are not actively flattening my full-on-top boobs - and while not exactly flattering my natural shape, they are also not cutting into it, which is always a nice surprise. But the biggest plus for me is that the seams are flat and smooth; not rough or irritating in any way.
BAND. Smooth, soft fabric; no nasty, rough power-mesh here. It also nice and low at the sides, so no chafing or cutting into soft skin there.
STRAPS. Very nicely done. Soft and wide, with no sharp, cutting edges. And no obnoxious ring connectors to dig in.
Shape
Mediocre and acceptable. Not round, but not pointy, either. But that horizontal seam is going to be visible in anything but a chunky sweater, including the thin sweater I'm wearing below.
Oh, & that's the other hobby I've been working on during the pandemic: growing out my silver curls.
When Do I Wear It?
When I want more support than a soft bralette can give, especially in terms of bounce control and lift, but I don't want bust out the underwire. I wouldn't choose this for a thin T-shirt, but it's fine under cotton blouses or loose sweaters. This is what I'd choose if faced with a long day at work, followed by going out afterward, with no time to go home and change. I might choose it for travel if faced with a lot of walking to connecting flights where bounce control and firmer support would be welcome
Price Point: around $25
Sizing: my usual with Delimira. I went up to a 42F, which fits me like a 40G UK, or 40H US.
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.
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.
Yes, I am still happily on my Delimira kick. That's because I've been pleased with every bra I've tried from the brand. The consistency in sizing, the crazy low price point - which does not correlation to the fairly high quality - and the unexpected fact that their generic versions of famous bras are often better made and more comfy than the original? Well, color me impressed.
When I saw that Delimira makes a version of the epic level comfy Bali Comfort Revolution? The bralette that I have bought many times, that remains the most comfy, supportive -enough to wear out of the house, even- bralette I've found in my long searching. Yeah, I had to try that.
And I was not disappointed.
Beauty
Plain and sleek neutrals.
Black & gray or black & beige; those are your choices.
Everyone reading knows my thoughts on beige, so here's the gray:
Cups. As with the original Bali, they expand a good deal and the XL can handle a G-cup and even an H, though you'll have more cleavage. I think they are slightly more supportive than the original as they are slightly less stretchy - in a good way - resulting in your boobs being held closer to your chest. The effect is a slightly minimized, very rounded shape with impressive bounce reduction. The cups do not encourage a uniboob and there's some slight separation, which is a big plus. I'd wear this out of the house in a heartbeat.
Band. Stretchy, snug and stable, with 3 hooks. I find those pull-over styles frustrating to contort myself into, so I love that this has regular hooks. And the padded clasp of the Bali remains! In fact, they've gone one better and padded it with memory foam, which is a more dense and deliciously pillowy foam. Win! (The actual Balis I've bought on Amazon are sometimes inexplicably missing the padded foam in the clasp, which makes them likely 'imperfect' 2nd's.) One more reason to opt for this high quality generic over the original. Straps. As with the Bali, this is my sole quibble with this otherwise divinely comfy bralette. They are wide-ish and overall comfy, but have the rolled elastic edging which I don't care for, but again, it's a small quibble.
Price. The Bali Comfort Revolution goes for $35 full price. Brace yourself: a 2-pack of the Delimira version? $19
When Do I Wear It?
All day every weekend. To work when I'm feeling under the weather or experiencing PMS swelling which causes sensitivity to wires. I actually do wear this bralette under formfitting Tshirts; the thick, substantial fabric gives more nippie coverage than you'd expect and a natural, rounded shape. Also, the very rounded shape avoids boob-tenting under looser draping tops. The one time I wouldn't choose this one is with something that requires a high bustline, such as an empire waist dress, since you need some lift for that to fit properly. While I prefer to sleep free range, you could definitely sleep in this if you're so inclined; the padded clasp ensures no hooks will dig in and the 2nd skin stretch will allow it move with you. Size: XL. Like all Delimira (save the Wacoal Awareness version that runs small) this runs large. The XL fits me just like the XXL in Bali's original version.
Rough guide: the XL should work fine for 38F-42GG, the L for 34E-36G, etc. There's quite a bit of leeway in sizing.
Yes, I am still happily on my Delimira kick. That's because I've been pleased with every bra I've tried from the brand. The consistency in sizing, the crazy low price point - which does not correlation to the fairly high quality - and the unexpected fact that their generic versions of famous bras are often better made and more comfy than the original? Well, color me impressed.
When I saw that Delimira makes a version of the epic level comfy Bali Comfort Revolution? The bralette that I have bought many times, that remains the most comfy, supportive -enough to wear out of the house, even- bralette I've found in my long searching. Yeah, I had to try that.
And I was not disappointed.
Beauty
Plain and sleek neutrals.
Black & gray or black & beige; those are your choices.
Everyone reading knows my thoughts on beige, so here's the gray:
Cups. As with the original Bali, they expand a good deal and the XL can handle a G-cup and even an H, though you'll have more cleavage. I think they are slightly more supportive than the original as they are slightly less stretchy - in a good way - resulting in your boobs being held closer to your chest. The effect is a slightly minimized, very rounded shape with impressive bounce reduction. The cups do not encourage a uniboob and there's some slight separation, which is a big plus. I'd wear this out of the house in a heartbeat.
Band. Stretchy, snug and stable, with 3 hooks. I find those pull-over styles frustrating to contort myself into, so I love that this has regular hooks. And the padded clasp of the Bali remains! In fact, they've gone one better and padded it with memory foam, which is a more dense and deliciously pillowy foam. Win! (The actual Balis I've bought on Amazon are sometimes inexplicably missing the padded foam in the clasp, which makes them likely 'imperfect' 2nd's.) One more reason to opt for this high quality generic over the original. Straps. As with the Bali, this is my sole quibble with this otherwise divinely comfy bralette. They are wide-ish and overall comfy, but have the rolled elastic edging which I don't care for, but again, it's a small quibble.
Price. The Bali Comfort Revolution goes for $35 full price. Brace yourself: a 2-pack of the Delimira version? $19
When Do I Wear It?
All day every weekend. To work when I'm feeling under the weather or experiencing PMS swelling which causes sensitivity to wires. I actually do wear this bralette under formfitting Tshirts; the thick, substantial fabric gives more nippie coverage than you'd expect and a natural, rounded shape. Also, the very rounded shape avoids boob-tenting under looser draping tops. The one time I wouldn't choose this one is with something that requires a high bustline, such as an empire waist dress, since you need some lift for that to fit properly. While I prefer to sleep free range, you could definitely sleep in this if you're so inclined; the padded clasp ensures no hooks will dig in and the 2nd skin stretch will allow it move with you. Size: XL. Like all Delimira (save the Wacoal Awareness version that runs small) this runs large. The XL fits me just like the XXL in Bali's original version.
Rough guide: the XL should work fine for 38F-42GG, the L for 34E-36G, etc. There's quite a bit of leeway in sizing.
And my Delimira kick continues. Btw, I only noticed that 2nd 'i' a few months ago; before then, my brain had missed the first 'i' and my earlier reviews note 'Delmira'. Anyhoo. This is another bra with a hilariously literal name.
But I recognized the style immediately: it is a very beloved bra by Wacoal called Awareness which comes in neutral colors and also a pretty jacquard print. Allow me to demonstrate my Generation X trivia brain: about 15 years ago, Whoopi Goldberg called it the most comfy bra ever. No, I cannot explain why that stuck in my brain.
Beauty
Delimira's version of Awareness comes only in basics -white, beige & black- in the plain fabric version. Wacoal's version is $60 and Delimira's is $15 and I find them almost equivalent in quality. So there's that. This is a very plain style that disappears under pretty much any fabric. There is a very narrow mesh strip down the center that is meant to provide some ventilation and breaks up the look of what otherwise resembles a crop top style.
Comfort
Very, very high. This is the most comfy wire-free bra I've tried in a long time. And it is a bra, rather than a bralette, though there is some overlap in those categories. Band. Wonderful. They solved the problem I often have with wire-free bras which is that the underband is either rough or constrictive. Not so here. The underband beneath the cups is quite narrow and it has stretch, so is not at all constrictive. But the best thing? It is lined with a soft fabric. No rough elastic edging or rigid fabric. This simple thing equates to a huge comfort upgrade.
Oh, but that's not all. The band is also low, so no cutting in when sitting and no chafing during range of motion. And even better: it is not made of crappy mesh. Nope. It's kind of a unique fabric, a textured, slightly open-weave microfiber that is soft and breathable. Cups. They are double-layer and provide support without a lot of bounce. Just as the Wacoal does, these do run small and shallow. They are not designed for a lot of projection. If you are full-on-bottom, this likely won't present any problems and I doubt you would experience any gaping as the fabric has good stretch and will conform to your shape. I could actually use a cup up, but that will also result in less lift.
Straps. Wider in the front, and no ring connectors. Very comfy and supportive.
Compromises
Shape. You are not going to get any separation, which is just how wire-free bras roll. If you hate the feeling of your boobs being pressed against each other, my fave hack is to take one of those tiny, soft microfiber squares that are used to clean glasses, and tuck it right between your boobs. Feels soothing and eliminates that sticky, smooshed feel.
I do get a soft, natural shape that is slightly minimized, and with minimal lift.
Here it is under a thin, drapey knit.
And for comparison, here is Delimira 'Ethel', the cotton bralette with projection, which gives a better shape, but I find to be a lot less comfy.
When Do I Wear It?
All the damn time. To work and on weekends. Whenever I want to go wire-free, and when comfort matters to me more than shape, the not-Awareness is what I reach for. Particularly when I want slightly firmer support than a bralette gives. The one time I would hesitate is under a snug, clingy T-shirt where shape will be in the spotlight. But then, that is the specific situation that T-shirt bras were made for. Sizing. After I sized up with Ethel-the-bralette, and it turned out there was no need, I stuck with my usual Delimira size of 40F. Hah - Psych! This turned out to the one time I actually do need to go up a cup, since this bra is so faithful to the Wacoal original, which only goes up to a DDD and definitely runs almost 2 cup sizes small. The good news is that while I am totally sized out of the Wacoal, that is not so with Delimira's version. In summary, if you are full-on-bottom, you will be fine with your usual size (for the brand). If you are balanced in shape, you may need to go up a cup, particularly in the black. If you are full-on-top, definitely go up a cup.
And my Delimira kick continues. Btw, I only noticed that 2nd 'i' a few months ago; before then, my brain had missed the first 'i' and my earlier reviews note 'Delmira'. Anyhoo. This is another bra with a hilariously literal name.
But I recognized the style immediately: it is a very beloved bra by Wacoal called Awareness which comes in neutral colors and also a pretty jacquard print. Allow me to demonstrate my Generation X trivia brain: about 15 years ago, Whoopi Goldberg called it the most comfy bra ever. No, I cannot explain why that stuck in my brain.
Beauty
Delimira's version of Awareness comes only in basics -white, beige & black- in the plain fabric version. Wacoal's version is $60 and Delimira's is $15 and I find them almost equivalent in quality. So there's that. This is a very plain style that disappears under pretty much any fabric. There is a very narrow mesh strip down the center that is meant to provide some ventilation and breaks up the look of what otherwise resembles a crop top style.
Comfort
Very, very high. This is the most comfy wire-free bra I've tried in a long time. And it is a bra, rather than a bralette, though there is some overlap in those categories. Band. Wonderful. They solved the problem I often have with wire-free bras which is that the underband is either rough or constrictive. Not so here. The underband beneath the cups is quite narrow and it has stretch, so is not at all constrictive. But the best thing? It is lined with a soft fabric. No rough elastic edging or rigid fabric. This simple thing equates to a huge comfort upgrade.
Oh, but that's not all. The band is also low, so no cutting in when sitting and no chafing during range of motion. And even better: it is not made of crappy mesh. Nope. It's kind of a unique fabric, a textured, slightly open-weave microfiber that is soft and breathable. Cups. They are double-layer and provide support without a lot of bounce. Just as the Wacoal does, these do run small and shallow. They are not designed for a lot of projection. If you are full-on-bottom, this likely won't present any problems and I doubt you would experience any gaping as the fabric has good stretch and will conform to your shape. I could actually use a cup up, but that will also result in less lift.
Straps. Wider in the front, and no ring connectors. Very comfy and supportive.
Compromises
Shape. You are not going to get any separation, which is just how wire-free bras roll. If you hate the feeling of your boobs being pressed against each other, my fave hack is to take one of those tiny, soft microfiber squares that are used to clean glasses, and tuck it right between your boobs. Feels soothing and eliminates that sticky, smooshed feel.
I do get a soft, natural shape that is slightly minimized, and with minimal lift.
Here it is under a thin, drapey knit.
And for comparison, here is Delimira 'Ethel', the cotton bralette with projection, which gives a better shape, but I find to be a lot less comfy.
When Do I Wear It?
All the damn time. To work and on weekends. Whenever I want to go wire-free, and when comfort matters to me more than shape, the not-Awareness is what I reach for. Particularly when I want slightly firmer support than a bralette gives. The one time I would hesitate is under a snug, clingy T-shirt where shape will be in the spotlight. But then, that is the specific situation that T-shirt bras were made for. Sizing. After I sized up with Ethel-the-bralette, and it turned out there was no need, I stuck with my usual Delimira size of 40F. Hah - Psych! This turned out to the one time I actually do need to go up a cup, since this bra is so faithful to the Wacoal original, which only goes up to a DDD and definitely runs almost 2 cup sizes small. The good news is that while I am totally sized out of the Wacoal, that is not so with Delimira's version. In summary, if you are full-on-bottom, you will be fine with your usual size (for the brand). If you are balanced in shape, you may need to go up a cup, particularly in the black. If you are full-on-top, definitely go up a cup.
Where is Delimira made? Good question. No one seems to know; they're pretty mysterious. My best guess is India.
Where Does the Brand Excel?
Price point. Below $20. That's in Hanes at Walmart territory, but with a far higher level of quality, not to mention size range. This is the brand I suggest you start with if you are on a tight budget, or have no idea what style you will like, or, alternatively, you do know what brands & style you want, but you want a cheaper version, or have been sized out. Sizing. While the brand doesn't use either UK or Euro sizing, it's incredibly consistent. Once you know your size, it works all across the brand.
Choice! They have a wide variety of styles, meant for a variety of shapes. Each one is a generic version of a popular bra from a US or UK brand - but in a bigger size range. So if there was a bra you wore & liked when you were still trying to cram yourself into the DD zone, you may find a version of it here, in higher cup sizes. Half the fun with Delimira is trying to identify which famous bra it is. There are a few I don't recognize, so it's like a fun puzzle.
Examples: The 'Floral Lace Underwire' is based on theLepel Fiore This one is also my favorite of the many Delimiras I've tried.
The 'Floral Sheer Unlined' is a version of the Panache Envy
Naming their bras. Heh. Like the name of this bralette
They could at least give you a clue, like naming their version of the Envy 'Jealousy' or somesuch, to help you figure out what you're getting. But again, the puzzle is part of the fun.
Sizing. This is both a plus and a minus: Delimira goes their own way and does not use either US or UK cup sizing. The good news: they are extremely consistent - far more so than the name brands; once you know your size, that's your size. Which is a huge advantage when buying online.
I give sizing advice in each of the reviews, but the general rule of thumb for finding your size in Delimira is this: bands are fairly true to size -keep in mind that I do not believe in the theory of tight bands; a properly fitting band for me is +2 inches added to my actual measurement. That said, the bands definitely don't run tight. Cups are generous and there are no double letters. Do not be put off by the smaller letter sizes.
If you are converting from your UK size: keep your band size and drop a full cup. E.g. 40G to 40F, or, 34H to 34G. For double letters, I would err on the smaller cup side, as they run so generous.
If converting from your Euro size: keep your band and drop 2 cup sizes, E.g. in my case, that means from a 40H to a 40F.
Who/What/Where Will Delimira Work For?
Anyone on a limited budget. You can build a core bra-drobe: seamed, seamless, bralette, minimizer, very inexpensively. The bras are quite decent quality and hold up well. All of mine are still going strong 2+ years onward.
If you experience a lot of fluctuation in your size, due to weight or cycle changes, the extremely low price point makes it very practical to buy a bra you like in multiple sizes.
There is a style you like, in a brand you can't normally wear. I would never be able to tolerate the harsh, sky-high wires of Panache, but I love the subtle checkerboard and lace pattern of the Envy. Yahtzee! Delimira's version has lower, softer wires and is 1/4 the price.
If you hate dealing with the hassle of returns. Honestly, at this price, if you get lazy and forget to return it within the window....ehhh.
Where is Delimira made? Good question. No one seems to know; they're pretty mysterious. My best guess is India.
Where Does the Brand Excel?
Price point. Below $20. That's in Hanes at Walmart territory, but with a far higher level of quality, not to mention size range. This is the brand I suggest you start with if you are on a tight budget, or have no idea what style you will like, or, alternatively, you do know what brands & style you want, but you want a cheaper version, or have been sized out. Sizing. While the brand doesn't use either UK or Euro sizing, it's incredibly consistent. Once you know your size, it works all across the brand.
Choice! They have a wide variety of styles, meant for a variety of shapes. Each one is a generic version of a popular bra from a US or UK brand - but in a bigger size range. So if there was a bra you wore & liked when you were still trying to cram yourself into the DD zone, you may find a version of it here, in higher cup sizes. Half the fun with Delimira is trying to identify which famous bra it is. There are a few I don't recognize, so it's like a fun puzzle.
Examples: The 'Floral Lace Underwire' is based on theLepel Fiore This one is also my favorite of the many Delimiras I've tried.
The 'Floral Sheer Unlined' is a version of the Panache Envy
Naming their bras. Heh. Like the name of this bralette
They could at least give you a clue, like naming their version of the Envy 'Jealousy' or somesuch, to help you figure out what you're getting. But again, the puzzle is part of the fun.
Sizing. This is both a plus and a minus: Delimira goes their own way and does not use either US or UK cup sizing. The good news: they are extremely consistent - far more so than the name brands; once you know your size, that's your size. Which is a huge advantage when buying online.
I give sizing advice in each of the reviews, but the general rule of thumb for finding your size in Delimira is this: bands are fairly true to size -keep in mind that I do not believe in the theory of tight bands; a properly fitting band for me is +2 inches added to my actual measurement. That said, the bands definitely don't run tight. Cups are generous and there are no double letters. Do not be put off by the smaller letter sizes.
If you are converting from your UK size: keep your band size and drop a full cup. E.g. 40G to 40F, or, 34H to 34G. For double letters, I would err on the smaller cup side, as they run so generous.
If converting from your Euro size: keep your band and drop 2 cup sizes, E.g. in my case, that means from a 40H to a 40F.
Who/What/Where Will Delimira Work For?
Anyone on a limited budget. You can build a core bra-drobe: seamed, seamless, bralette, minimizer, very inexpensively. The bras are quite decent quality and hold up well. All of mine are still going strong 2+ years onward.
If you experience a lot of fluctuation in your size, due to weight or cycle changes, the extremely low price point makes it very practical to buy a bra you like in multiple sizes.
There is a style you like, in a brand you can't normally wear. I would never be able to tolerate the harsh, sky-high wires of Panache, but I love the subtle checkerboard and lace pattern of the Envy. Yahtzee! Delimira's version has lower, softer wires and is 1/4 the price.
If you hate dealing with the hassle of returns. Honestly, at this price, if you get lazy and forget to return it within the window....ehhh.
First off, I think we can all agree that naming their bras is not Delimira's best thing. Heh. I mean, they really need to consider using women's names, like, say, Gorsenia does. In fact, I'm going to do it for them and call this bra Ethel. Because she's no-nonsense and does not care what you think of her beige-ness.
Beauty
Ethel is a practical cotton bralette; beauty isn't really her bag, baby. That said, she does have a single strip of lace trim around the band and a dipping V-neckline.
Comfort & Fit
Fabric. Cotton knit of medium weight with a little spandex. Softness is just okay; could be better, but could be worse.
Band. Higher at the sides than I prefer and the elastic is a little rough. Ethel's band means business: it closes with 4 hooks and has 6 rows, making it very preggers or size fluctuation friendly.
Cups. These are kind of interesting: they are heat-molded and provide quite a bit of depth - a welcome design, but one I wasn't expecting, which plays into sizing. In fact, they are actually a bit too large on me, which is more visible in the pic above. So the capacity is quite good.
They also have this feature, which was almost genius, had it been better executed: A little vertical strip of fabric between the boobs that is about 1/2" wide. It doesn't provide shape separation, of course, since it's just a flimsy strip of cotton, but it does provide a tiny physical barrier against boob sweat. Had they made it 1" wide, it could have been a brilliant sleep bra, especially for side sleepers like myself. I actually tuck my sleep shirt between my boobs when I'm sleeping free-range, which is always. Oh, the glamour of the big boob life.
Shape. The cups are deep enough to allow for a full-on-top shape -though I'd say they're intended for a balanced one- and they allow for a fair amount of projection. The lift I get is more than I'd expect from a bralette.
Here's how Ethel looks under a thin, drapey knit shirt: Not bad, really.
Compromises
Fabric is just semi-soft
Band elastic tends toward the scratchy side
Deep V-neckline allows boobs to migrate toward the center
When Do I Wear It?
Well, in the pic above, I actually wore it to work on a day when I felt puffy and PMS-y and just Could. Not. Even. But I have to say, I did not find it comfy enough for a full day of active wear, mainly due to the higher sides and not soft enough (for me) elastic band. I also found the tendency toward central uniboob migration annoying. For work especially, I would choose the Leading Lady Bralette, which is similar, the same pricepoint, but has much softer fabric and a higher neckline that works to keep the boobs surprisingly separate, but not splayed looking, while hiding any cleavage; it looks way better under clothing than it does alone. I wear Ethel mainly on weekends when I'm working in the garden or writing, want something breathable, and don't care about showing cleavage. Sizing. Yeah, despite my experience of Delimira running very consistent with their sizing, and knowing that my size with them is always a 40F (which fits like a UK 40G or Euro 40H) I was worried there wouldn't be enough cup capacity because the pics of this bra online look like it has no formed cups. So I ignored my own advice went with a 42F. Result: It's about a cup size too large, fitting me more like 42G UK, 42H Euro.
Because it's cotton, I then did what I would never advise you to do: baked it in the dryer on high. And it barely shrank a 1/4 cup. Which means the cotton is pre-shrunk, and the quality higher than I expected, though I wish that was reflected in softness. Anyway, don't be like ComfyCurvy; actually take ComfyCurvy's advice.
