Which Bras Can Roll with Size Fluctuation?

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 Faia Twin. 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.

For an even more thrifty option, there's good ol' Delimira's generic version.

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.

Review: Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie bralette

So I finally decided to try Cosabella's Curvy 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)

ComfyCurvy is now ComfyCurvyReviews

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

Brand Breakdown: What Does Gorsenia Offer?

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 Solange 3 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. 

Brand Breakdown: What Does Gorsenia Offer?

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 Solange 3 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. 

Review: Delimira Soft Cup Wirefree Sleep Comfort Bra

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. 

Pricepoint: under $20

Review: Delimira Soft Cup Wirefree Sleep Comfort Bra

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. 

Pricepoint: under $20

Review: Tutti Rouge Eve Fuller Bust Bralette

I have a lot of love for Tutti Rouge's design aesthetic of frothy confections and whimsical touches. Who doesn't love their now-iconic heart-shaped strap adjustors? But I no longer wear my Tuttis due to the discomfort of the rigid wires and the aggressively tacking gores. 

But I was tempted by this bralette and curious as to what kind of support it might give. 

Beauty

Oh, Tutti, you heartbreaker. 

Eve is gorgeous and opulent. A baroque lace pattern with a sheer tulle overlay. With polka dots. That's right. Only Tutti Rouge can combine lace and polka dots and not have it look over the top.

But is she wearable? Here we go:

Comfort & Fit

Band. There really isn't one, just a deep strip of lace that is elasticized at the top; that provides your minimal baseline support.

Cups.  There is true support here. The soft lace, combined with the mesh overlay, actually gives moderate lift due to its not-very-stretchy effect. The deep-V shape provides a lot of separation -it is holding my relatively close-set boobs further apart than they naturally sit. 

This means you won't get any smooshed together cleavage or sticky boob-sweat, so yay for that. It also means that, unless you are wide-set, you are going to slowly migrate to the center and have to redistribute your boobs repeatedly.

Straps. A regular bra strap with the wider panel of mesh layered over it in front. They are comfy and this combination does increase the support, which is welcome as there is no real band to distribute the weight. I am less enamored of the hybrid harness/cross-back style. It's tough to get a pic of it, but if you ignore the glare & the toothbrush reflection, this gives you some idea:

It is not uncomfy per se, but it makes it needlessly difficult to get into the bralette, as there is no clasp. You really need to have it perfectly aligned before pulling it over your head, as if a strap is tangled, you have zero hope of straightening it out once on. You will have to pull it off and start over. 

Shape. Round, wide, minimized, and surprisingly contained. You can definitely wear the Eve bralette out of the house. I did and found her supportive enough to stand in for a bra. 

Compromises

Straps.  Yeah, they look cool, but the annoyance factor is high. It often takes me two tries to get into the thing. A set of hooks in the back would have improved the whole experience. 

Comfort.  I was ready to take Eve off after about 4 hours. No specific areas of discomfort, except that section of the strap/upper cup that runs close to the armpit. This is really just an ever-present element of UK bra design and I'm not here for it. 

When Do I Wear It?

When I'm feeling that Beauty is more of a priority than Comfort. So, weekend sexy times, basically. Or date night out. Which works out nicely, since you're going to want some assistance in removing Eve. Because crazy straps.

Size. 42F (UK) Tutti bands run quite snug, so this fits me like a 40G, which is my actual size these days. It equates to a US 40H. 

Pricepoint. Regular price on ASOS is $19.50, which is a bargain for the brand. 

Review: Tutti Rouge Eve Fuller Bust Bralette

I have a lot of love for Tutti Rouge's design aesthetic of frothy confections and whimsical touches. Who doesn't love their now-iconic heart-shaped strap adjustors? But I no longer wear my Tuttis due to the discomfort of the rigid wires and the aggressively tacking gores. 

But I was tempted by this bralette and curious as to what kind of support it might give. 

Beauty

Oh, Tutti, you heartbreaker. 

Eve is gorgeous and opulent. A baroque lace pattern with a sheer tulle overlay. With polka dots. That's right. Only Tutti Rouge can combine lace and polka dots and not have it look over the top.

But is she wearable? Here we go:

Comfort & Fit

Band. There really isn't one, just a deep strip of lace that is elasticized at the top; that provides your minimal baseline support.

Cups.  There is true support here. The soft lace, combined with the mesh overlay, actually gives moderate lift due to its not-very-stretchy effect. The deep-V shape provides a lot of separation -it is holding my relatively close-set boobs further apart than they naturally sit. 

This means you won't get any smooshed together cleavage or sticky boob-sweat, so yay for that. It also means that, unless you are wide-set, you are going to slowly migrate to the center and have to redistribute your boobs repeatedly.

Straps. A regular bra strap with the wider panel of mesh layered over it in front. They are comfy and this combination does increase the support, which is welcome as there is no real band to distribute the weight. I am less enamored of the hybrid harness/cross-back style. It's tough to get a pic of it, but if you ignore the glare & the toothbrush reflection, this gives you some idea:

It is not uncomfy per se, but it makes it needlessly difficult to get into the bralette, as there is no clasp. You really need to have it perfectly aligned before pulling it over your head, as if a strap is tangled, you have zero hope of straightening it out once on. You will have to pull it off and start over. 

Shape. Round, wide, minimized, and surprisingly contained. You can definitely wear the Eve bralette out of the house. I did and found her supportive enough to stand in for a bra. 

Compromises

Straps.  Yeah, they look cool, but the annoyance factor is high. It often takes me two tries to get into the thing. A set of hooks in the back would have improved the whole experience. 

Comfort.  I was ready to take Eve off after about 4 hours. No specific areas of discomfort, except that section of the strap/upper cup that runs close to the armpit. This is really just an ever-present element of UK bra design and I'm not here for it. 

When Do I Wear It?

When I'm feeling that Beauty is more of a priority than Comfort. So, weekend sexy times, basically. Or date night out. Which works out nicely, since you're going to want some assistance in removing Eve. Because crazy straps.

Size. 42F (UK) Tutti bands run quite snug, so this fits me like a 40G, which is my actual size these days. It equates to a US 40H. 

Pricepoint. Regular price on ASOS is $19.50, which is a bargain for the brand. 

Review: ASOS Design bralettes

Yes, I know I said I didn't believe there was any better large-bust bralette out there than Bali's Comfort Revolution - and that's still true in terms of support and pure comfort. But there are prettier bralettes out there, and they have their place. Plus, who am I kidding, what would I do with my spare time if my quest for holy grail bra/lettes ever succeeds?

So I decided to try ASOS' house brand. They also carry a lot of well-known UK brands. They unhelpfully (for anyone who understands UK sizing) convert the sizes into US...so you have to convert it right back if you're used to UK sizes - as most of us with big boobs are. 

ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Microfibre triangle bra

Despite the name, this is not a bra - it's a bralette. And it's barely that, more of a boob sling. That's not necessarily a bad thing when you want barely there, minimal support. It's very similar to a skimpy bikini top, especially the 'band'; we'll get to that.

Beauty.  

Very pretty, with sleek, clean lines. The cups are matte and the straps have a textured sheen. And it comes in multiple hues, including a range of skin tones. That's right: not just a single 'skin tone' option, but black, white, golden, chestnut and beige. Serious props to ASOS for this.

This color way is called -very strangely, if you ask me - Rust. Yeah. Something that puts you in mind of an old jalopy would not be my first choice, and clearly, it's a creamy muted coral. Which, coincidentally, would've been a much better name. Just sayin. 

Comfort & Fit. 

Cups. The microfiber cups are mesh-lined and actually provide some support. Yes, I would've preferred the silky fabric next to my skin, but it's still softish, so a decent trade-off. The triangle cut means there is minimal coverage on the inner cup. This causes two interesting effects: lots of cleavage, and lots of separation. Most bralettes have the opposite effect and tend to create a smooshed boob-loaf. Here, the vertical seam and wide-open center actually keeps my fairly close-set boobs totally separate. So that alone creates comfort. Because of this feature, plus the far more flattering style, I'd usually opt for this over the Breast Nest if I wanted to embrace that 'free range' feeling.

Band.  Yeah, the 'band' design is pretty silly. Literally a very thin - perhaps 3/4 or 1" elastic band with a 2-hook closure. That's it. They missed an opportunity to use a 2" microfiber-covered band that would have been comfy and increased support greatly. As it is, it's still surprisingly comfy-is, but wow, is it ever minimal. Here, let me magnify, in case you blinked and missed it:

This is it. Your entire 'band'. And very quickly, either one or both of these two things is going to happen. Your fluffy bits will roll it up until it practically disappears into said fluff, or, the weight of your boobs will drag it upward like this:

Do I care about this? Eh, not so much. This is that boob-sling effect I mentioned, and because it's not actually transferring much weight to the straps, it's not causing discomfort. And the shape I'm getting is all I need or want under pj's, for example. Is it ideal? No, of course not. Is it wearable? Sure, if it's comfy and if all you are looking for is gentle support in your own living room. I did actually wear it to the store today, under a loose dark sweater, and it was fine for that purpose. But normally, I wouldn't wear it out of the house/garden. 

Size: US 38I (UK 38G)

ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Roxy lace triangle bra

The only difference in these two styles is the fabric. This one is called, imaginatively, 'Red'. The mesh-lined lace is medium-soft. The lace edging did not irritate my skin, but is not as comfy as the microfiber style. 

Size: 40H (UK 40FF) 

When Do I Wear Them?

When I just want very light support and gentle, minimal containment. And I want something a lot prettier than my ultra-comfy Bali bralettes. So, ideal for weekend lounging and sexy times. While Mr. ComfyCurvy is politely neutral on the beauty quotient of Bali, his response to ASOS was "I'm here for it." So there you have it.

Sizing  The sizing is specific, not S-XL ranges. Bands don't run snug (I still have a hard time calling these 'bands') and I would say sister-sizing downward will work better than upward. I did get a more secure fit with the 38I than the 40H. The cups are not especially generous and are not meant to give much side coverage. The mesh lining means they are not overly stretchy. If you're full-on-bottom, no need to size up. Again, let the triangle bikini look set your expectations here. 

Pricepoint  I bought them on sale for $13 each on ASOS US website. Other colors are $19. The quality is pretty decent, too. 

Review: ASOS Design bralettes

Yes, I know I said I didn't believe there was any better large-bust bralette out there than Bali's Comfort Revolution - and that's still true in terms of support and pure comfort. But there are prettier bralettes out there, and they have their place. Plus, who am I kidding, what would I do with my spare time if my quest for holy grail bra/lettes ever succeeds?

So I decided to try ASOS' house brand. They also carry a lot of well-known UK brands. They unhelpfully (for anyone who understands UK sizing) convert the sizes into US...so you have to convert it right back if you're used to UK sizes - as most of us with big boobs are. 

ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Microfibre triangle bra

Despite the name, this is not a bra - it's a bralette. And it's barely that, more of a boob sling. That's not necessarily a bad thing when you want barely there, minimal support. It's very similar to a skimpy bikini top, especially the 'band'; we'll get to that.

Beauty.  

Very pretty, with sleek, clean lines. The cups are matte and the straps have a textured sheen. And it comes in multiple hues, including a range of skin tones. That's right: not just a single 'skin tone' option, but black, white, golden, chestnut and beige. Serious props to ASOS for this.

This color way is called -very strangely, if you ask me - Rust. Yeah. Something that puts you in mind of an old jalopy would not be my first choice, and clearly, it's a creamy muted coral. Which, coincidentally, would've been a much better name. Just sayin. 

Comfort & Fit. 

Cups. The microfiber cups are mesh-lined and actually provide some support. Yes, I would've preferred the silky fabric next to my skin, but it's still softish, so a decent trade-off. The triangle cut means there is minimal coverage on the inner cup. This causes two interesting effects: lots of cleavage, and lots of separation. Most bralettes have the opposite effect and tend to create a smooshed boob-loaf. Here, the vertical seam and wide-open center actually keeps my fairly close-set boobs totally separate. So that alone creates comfort. Because of this feature, plus the far more flattering style, I'd usually opt for this over the Breast Nest if I wanted to embrace that 'free range' feeling.

Band.  Yeah, the 'band' design is pretty silly. Literally a very thin - perhaps 3/4 or 1" elastic band with a 2-hook closure. That's it. They missed an opportunity to use a 2" microfiber-covered band that would have been comfy and increased support greatly. As it is, it's still surprisingly comfy-is, but wow, is it ever minimal. Here, let me magnify, in case you blinked and missed it:

This is it. Your entire 'band'. And very quickly, either one or both of these two things is going to happen. Your fluffy bits will roll it up until it practically disappears into said fluff, or, the weight of your boobs will drag it upward like this:

Do I care about this? Eh, not so much. This is that boob-sling effect I mentioned, and because it's not actually transferring much weight to the straps, it's not causing discomfort. And the shape I'm getting is all I need or want under pj's, for example. Is it ideal? No, of course not. Is it wearable? Sure, if it's comfy and if all you are looking for is gentle support in your own living room. I did actually wear it to the store today, under a loose dark sweater, and it was fine for that purpose. But normally, I wouldn't wear it out of the house/garden. 

Size: US 38I (UK 38G)

ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Roxy lace triangle bra

The only difference in these two styles is the fabric. This one is called, imaginatively, 'Red'. The mesh-lined lace is medium-soft. The lace edging did not irritate my skin, but is not as comfy as the microfiber style. 

Size: 40H (UK 40FF) 

When Do I Wear Them?

When I just want very light support and gentle, minimal containment. And I want something a lot prettier than my ultra-comfy Bali bralettes. So, ideal for weekend lounging and sexy times. While Mr. ComfyCurvy is politely neutral on the beauty quotient of Bali, his response to ASOS was "I'm here for it." So there you have it.

Sizing  The sizing is specific, not S-XL ranges. Bands don't run snug (I still have a hard time calling these 'bands') and I would say sister-sizing downward will work better than upward. I did get a more secure fit with the 38I than the 40H. The cups are not especially generous and are not meant to give much side coverage. The mesh lining means they are not overly stretchy. If you're full-on-bottom, no need to size up. Again, let the triangle bikini look set your expectations here. 

Pricepoint  I bought them on sale for $13 each on ASOS US website. Other colors are $19. The quality is pretty decent, too.