I've spent the last few years trying lots...& lots of sensitive skin products. Deodorants have been the toughest to crack. Finding the right texture and scent is not easy. But most of all: they vary wildly in effectiveness.
I'm a relatively crunchy vegetarian, but I don't particularly think that regular chemical deodorant is evil. I used Dove for over a decade. It is fairly sensitive skin friendly, & has about 30% less of the aluminum ingredient that's in most brands & I'd be happily using it still, if I hadn't inexplicably developed an allergic reaction to Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY which, I soon learned, is in virtually every anti-perspirant. By reaction, I mean sudden, 4" long, tender red patches that actually scabbed over. I know. Ugh. The beginning of my quest is in this post: Deodorant Quest
Type:A in The Dreamer scent (white floral linen)
Scent. Really lovely. A non-cloying, sheer white floral. Unfortunately, it's a little too subtle. There's a crucial difference between 'understated' and 'evaporating'.
Texture. Perfect. A light, fluffy cream that sinks into skin and leaves zero residue of any kind. Very similar to the Tussy in my original post.
Application. Genius. Squeeze the tube like toothpaste, then rub in with the soft, domed applicator.
Effectiveness. On a scale of 1-10, Type:A is a 5. i.e. it lasts about 5 hours. And when that time is up, you are basically Cinderella and you need to leave the ball.
Price point. Around $10. Not cheap, but by no means the most expensive option in its category.
When Do I Use It?
On weekends, when I will not be breaking a sweat. Before bed on rare warm, muggy nights. I would not rely on this for a full day at the office - back when going to the office was a thing.
It's been 3....er, 4 months now since I've gone any further than the wild rose hedge that forms the border of my garden. I do take a drive along the water once every week or two, but other than that, I'm not going anywhere. So basically, my working-from-home wardrobe consists of yoga pants and T-shirts. I feel fortunate to be able to work from home. And even happier that my job actually discourages video meetings.
I realize I haven't worn an underwire bra in...well, 4 months. Because slouching on the sofa with a laptop is even less underwire-friendly than sitting at a desk. Instead, I've rediscovered some old wire-free friends.
Like these two all-cotton styles from Fruit of the Loom that I used to wear on weekends, about 10 years ago. I was concerned they would no longer fit me at my current 40G size, but due to the generous US cup sizing, they do.
Fruit of the Loom Style 96715
Brand new, freshly washed - and still, Sheltie fur magically found its way onto it
Band. One of the greatest factors in comfort for me is a minimal, not too tall, not too tight band. Being short-waisted, too much structured band just rolls up or digs in or constricts. It is not worth the trade-off of increased support. So this nice & low cotton band is comfy and has 4 hooks.
Cups & Shape. Difficult to see in black, but this is my favorite seam style: diagonal-shaped, and high up on the cups.
This makes for a full-on-top friendly bra, and the stretch in the cotton allows my natural upper fullness to assert itself. Result? A very nice profile shape. Rounded and with no flattening.
Straps. Built up in the front, adjustable in back. Also cotton. On the narrow side, actually. I'd prefer them wider, but they are adequate.
Compromises. While the profile shape is great, because it's wire-free the shape from the front is wider, and a little east-west. The upside is that you get actual separation and there is no smooshed together uni-boob shape.
I find the shape perfectly acceptable under clothing:
Fruit of the Loom Style 96825
I actually find this one the slightly comfier of the two, due to the simpler cup style: fewer seams across the top because it does not have that pretty satin inset. Also, it has a little more cup capacity. The trade-off is that the shape is a little less perky. But still very acceptable.
Cups. A traditional frumpy design with a single horizontal seam. The bottom 1/2 is double-layer, providing some actual support. Because the cotton has stretch, it doesn't create the unfortunate flattened yet pointy shape full on top boobs usually get from this style. In fact, under clothing, I get a nice rounded shape, as below:
The only other real difference is that the band has only 3 hooks. For some reason, the bands are only a single layer of cotton, which is a lost opportunity for support, but not a dealbreaker.
When Do I Wear Them?
Quarantine for the win! These are really great for light, simple support while working from home. Also while doing yard work outside in the humidity, because they are all cotton and do provide some separation. If you deal with hot, humid summers (I only deal with that 2nd part) then cotton bras are a practical necessity. They don't chafe and they breathe. I'm very comfortable wearing them out of the house, even in a Tshirt. Where I wouldn't wear them is with clingy, silky fabrics.
Sizing.
U.S. and very generous. I'm wearing both bras in a 40DD. Yes, I'm serious. I am a US 40H, or UK 40G. That tells you how generous the cups are and how forgiving a fabric cotton is. Ten years ago, I was a 36GG and I wore these styles in a 40D, on the middle hooks. So, say you're a 36G, you should do fine in a 38D. If you're a 34DD, I'd try a 36C. And so on.
Pricepoint.
Ridiculously affordable at $10 each. You can expect 1-2 years of good wear out of these, and you don't need to fuss too much with laundering them, either. Slip them into a mesh bag and wash with your other cottons. If you forget the bag, they're still pretty rugged.
I got mine from Walmart.com and Amazon has them as well.
Yes, Delimira's names continue to be the worst. They're basically all the same: clunky descriptions with the words 'minimizer' - whether it applies or not - and non-padded, which is accurate.
I don't recognize the specific name brand bra for which this is a dupe, but it looks similar to several styles by Vanity Fair, which used to be a favorite brand of mine before I crossed the DD threshold.
Beauty
Very simple, clean lines that disappear under pretty much any fabric. I opted for Charcoal Grey. I'm a huge fan of grey as a less harsh alternative to black. The other colors are all neutrals: the ubiquitous beige, but also a pretty bronze.
Comfort & Fit
Fabric. Very soft nylon with high spandex, almost 20%. This is perfect for comfort: you'll get a 2nd skin fit, plus bounce reduction.
Straps. Utterly fantastic. Literally the best I've ever come across in any bra, in any price range. Padded, but not bulky. Not too wide; they have a graceful shape. Best of all: the design has flat seams, is completely smooth against the skin, and the sleek foam section actually extends over the top of my shoulder. So often, with padded straps, the padding is a tiny section at the front, which doesn't even reach the top of my shoulder, so this is amazing.
Cups&Wires. Completely seamless, double-layer, and full-coverage, they have a good deal of stretch, but not too much. They stretch enough to accommodate my very full-on-top shape, but not enough to allow my natural roundness there to come through. So I get a little bit of flattening in the upper cup that will have zero effect on full-on-bottom boobs.
The wires are actually fairly narrow. This is not a traditional minimizer that flattens and spreads out the boob with wide, shallow cups. Instead, the cups are on the tall side, with no real defined apex. This allows for some vertical redistribution of boob tissue, so instead of flattening, you're getting a less projected shape that way.
Shape. Non-projected and rounded, but not wide. In other words, a great shape for T-shirts.
Under a clingy black T-shirt
Band. On the tall side, of the same soft, non-mesh fabric with lots of spandex for a snug fit.
Compromises
Lift. If you want jacked-up boobs, or your outfit requires cleavage, this is not your bra.
Wire Height. As with many brands, they are about 1/2" taller than I prefer. But this is my personal preference, and they will be fine for most, unless you are short-waisted or simply share my preference for shorter wires.
Wire Casing. The fabric channel encasing the underwires is a little stiff. It did not cause as much discomfort as I expected however, and will soften with each wash.
When Do I Wear It?
Under T-shirts and knits, particularly darker colors where shape and lift are not on display. (Note: you'll get some nip camouflage by virtue of the double-layer, high-stretch fabric, but not like with a foam-lining.) When I want to be comfy for a long day and I want to give my shoulders a break and enjoy those fabulously comfy straps.
Sizing. The cups run generous, due to the seamless style and shape. I'd strongly suggest dropping down a cup from your usual size, if you are full-on-bottom - and maybe even if you're full-on-top.
Reprising my advice on Delimira sizing: Keep your usual band size, and for cups: go down one from your UK size; and drop two from your US size. E.g. I wear 40H US or 40G UK, so I'd try 40F or 42E in this.
Because I loved everything about the Greta bralette - save her annoying X-back straps - I decided to try her sister, Loretta. Different fabric from the delicious modal of Greta, but still a very soft microfiber, and in a similar V-neck style, but with regular bra straps. Here's how that went for me.
Beauty
I tried Loretta in the awesomely named colorway of Whiskey Rose. First off, the deeper V neckline lined in lace makes her prettier than the plainer Greta. That lace continues about 1/2 way up the straps. More on those later.
Comfort & Fit
Cups. Unfortunately, they run significantly smaller than the Greta's. I'd say by a full cup size. The reviews on Amazon note that 40% say the bra 'runs large'. Yeah, no. This demonstrates that about 80% of bra reviews are left by folks who genuinely do not understand how bra sizing works. And correlates with about the same % who are supposedly wearing the wrong size anyway.
The positive: the vertical seams give a nice shape under clothing. More important: the seams are completely flat, specifically the inner layer that lays next to your skin. I can't emphasize enough how unfortunately rare this is, even in more expensive brands, and how hugely it impacts comfort.
The negative: despite the seams, the cups are needlessly shallow and lacking in lift. Though the profile is actually better than this angle would suggest.
This is due mainly to.....
Straps. They are very - inexplicably - thin, but adjustable. Leading Lady makes some great large cup bralettes, in wonderful soft fabrics, but after trying two styles - both of which have needlessly complicated or inadequate straps - all I can conclude is: they really need to have an actual person with big boobs explain to them how straps work.
Band. Very different to Greta's unique band, which I really liked. This is a more traditional band: taller, with 4 hooks. Had the straps been wider, there would have been all day support potential here.
Shape. You can certainly leave the house in Loretta. It gives a soft, rounded natural shape - not nearly as flattened as the pic above would suggest.
When Do I Wear It?
Well, I wore Loretta to work one day under a chunky sweater and the straps began to cut in annoyingly after 4 hours, making Loretta a great after-work or weekend bralette.
Sizing: Unlike Greta, Loretta comes in cup size ranges. I tried 42/DD/F/G, which I found to fit me like a 40F. Because the bands do fit snugly, you have room to sister-size up in the band, and, especially if you're full-on-top, I'd suggest you try that.
Note: I've added an affiliate link, which means that if you opt to buy this yourself, then I get about a quarter from Amazon, to help cover the costs of this blog.
OK, this is not the kind of bralette I would usually buy. Why did I? Because I was about to finalize an Amazon order when I noticed it had dropped to $5.65 in my cart. And I thought to myself: Self, why not? Because it is pretty. And it was a grim 10F outside.
Beauty
I find Josilyn to be very lovely. The lace has a luminous sheen that makes any skin tone look good. She also comes in sapphire and turquoise shades. The shape forms a portrait frame around your boobs.
Comfort & Fit
Not really the point here. Josilyn is purely for date night. The kind where you won't be leaving the house. Because there is zero support. Maybe less than zero.
But the lace is surprisingly soft. Not scratchy at all. There is a tiny-tiny bikini-style clasp at the top of the neckline, which means you can step into it and pull it on easily.
The 'band' is actually a 2" thick soft elastic, which is much deeper than that of the very supportive Tutti Rouge Eve. In Josilyn, however, the band runs quite large and the lace below is very loose; it's there for beauty, not support. It's a longline style, and they tend to bunch up on me anyway. I sized up to get more cup capacity, but I needn't have bothered. Coverage is not really the goal here.
You also will not be getting any lift whatsoever. Josilyn is really just a (very) pretty boob doily.
When Do I Wear It?
When I will be extremely active and want great shape and support. Hah! Kidding. No, I wear Josilyn pretty much at the express request of Mr. ComfyCurvy.
Size & Pricepoint: I went with the 3X and I should've dropped down a size to get a more fitted band.
The usual price is around $10, but I bought it at $5.65. You can find Josilyn here.
(That's an affiliate link, meaning if you decide to buy her too, Amazon gives me about 2 cents, which supports the blog hosting.)
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
