S Wiśniówka Review and PL Comparison

As anyone who has learned about proper bra fitting will know, there are some bra sizes that are hardly manufactured, if even made at all. In particular, women who need sub-28 bands and J+ cups will often have difficulty finding their size.  Ewa Michalak are one of the brands, or perhaps even the only brand, that will make these sizes on demand, but in the highest cup sizes there has previously only been one choice of style: the Ewa Michalak plunge bra (PL). However, EM have recently released a new style, the “S”, specifically designed for large breasts. The style is intended to provide better support and uplift than the PL, bringing the breasts up and centre. I’ve found the S to be a huge improvement, so I decided to properly compare the two styles. This is a very picture-heavy post, so there will be a page jump after the S review.

This is the S Wiśniówka, the first S bra to be released, and my new favourite bra. It’s fairly basic in terms of appearance, but I’ve found the comfort, fit, shape and support to be absolutely outstanding. I had read that the S bra runs about half a cup bigger than the PLs, so I opted to try this bra in a 30JJ (65JJ). My UK size is usually a 30JJ, but it’s worth pointing out that I seem to have had a growth spurt recently, and am now between a 30JJ/K. The band feels like a fairly standard 30, stretching to about 30.3 inches. I feel I could do with sizing up in the cups - I don’t have any overspill, but it is cut quite open on top, so I do have a touch more Marie Antoinette style cleavage than I think there’s meant to be. I have also noticed that my boobs seem to push the cups down a bit throughout the day, another sign of them being too small. I’d say I could wear either a 30JJ or 30K, but the 30K would probably fit better, it would just be more full coverage.

While it isn’t made to give show-stopping cleavage, the construction is more stable and supportive. Some people have found to be very pointy, but I haven’t found this at all – it seems to give a very uplifted, natural profile. The strap placement is slightly too wide, but it’s definitely an improvement over the PLs, something I’ll go into further down the page! The centre gore is nice and narrow, and about the same height as Bravissimo’s balconettes (~2cm higher than a PL). The wires are about the same height under the arm as a PL, but the wires are very narrow, so the highest point is further forwards. This means the sides of the bra are significantly lower than bras with comparable wire heights, which is great considering how high some full-bust bras are cut. It has four columns of 3 hooks and eyes and fully adjustable straps, although I actually found the straps were very short, so that might be something to keep in mind if you need long straps.

It really is a lovely bra, and definitely worth a try for anyone who didn’t find the PLs to work on them. One good thing is that just about every size has been made and tested on a person to check the construction is sound, but this does mean that some sizes might be unavailable until they’ve been tested. Band sizes go from 24-46, and the cups are 32E-32KK and all corresponding sister sizes. The bad is that EM prices have recently gone up, and they’ve added a 20zł surcharge for any custom order sizes. This meant that for me to order just this bra, after postage and charges, cost £37 (177zł). Some people might find it worth it, some might not, but it’s something to keep in mind. Personally, I think a padded bra in my size range with this construction is definitely worth the extra cost. Anyone reading from the homepage, click the read more to see an in-depth comparison of the PL and S construction.

My Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad “Thrill Me” Habit

Back in June, I reviewed all of the unpadded Curvy Kate sets I owned, and I also mentioned that I had bought the Thrill Me in Jade/Fuschia in a 30J, which fit more like a 30HH/32H. Well…that was a bit of a slippery slope. I’ve since bought more sets and, since I took lots of pictures for my SIAB entry, I thought I’d share a few.

The Jade/Fuschia in a 30J, size 14 shorts. The set that sparked my love for this set, in all of its ruffley, jewel-bright, two-cups-too-small glory…sigh.

The second set I acquired: Grape/Jade in a 30J, for which I own both the thong and shorts in a 14. Once again, it fits two cups too small for me, it has a stretchy band, and I still absolutely love it. I don’t know what it is with me and ruffles, or the Marie Antoinette style cleavage, or this combination of vibrant purple and jade, but whatever it is, it means that I am hopelessly in love.

And finally, the Azure/Plum in a 30J, size 16 shorts. A bit different in this much more subdued colour, but still just as gorgeous. I found all three bras to fit pretty similarly. For anyone wondering if they could get away with going down from their usual size (or anyone who wants a laugh…), here are the various stages of bra wear. As soon as I put it on (and stuff my boobs into the cups)…

After a few hours of wear…

And if I scoop and swoop properly…

And that, children, is why we shouldn’t stuff ourselves into bras that are clearly much too small. Yet of all the people who should know better, I just can’t help myself. It’s like lingerie Stockholm syndrome: no matter how badly it fits, no matter how many times I hastily tuck my nips back in, I constantly convince myself that the fit isn’t that bad, that it’s okay to carry on wearing. Not to mention my burgeoning desire for more Tease Me sets. Gulp.

Sadly (or should that be luckily?), Curvy Kate has already discontinued the Thrill Me, and the Tease Me is going the same way after SS13 not in AW13 but should be back in SS14, making room for new styles. You’d think this would encourage me to step away from the Showgirls, but if anything, it just means I’ve started looking for them everywhere so I can stock up before they disappear. Problem? Me? Nah.

As I said, these were my SIAB entry pics. Obviously I didn’t get through, but on a related note, voting for the top 10 has just opened. If you haven’t voted already, go check it out here!

 

My Hunt for a Sports Bra

A while back Freya announced the expansion of their Freya Active line up to a K cup, and I got my paws on one of their sports bras in December. So, this is a review that’s been a long time coming! As far as I’m aware, there are only three sports bras up to a K cup: the Freya Active Underwire, the Royce Impact Free and the Bravissimo Inspire. The Inspire has only just come onto the market, so I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but I can review the other two!

The main reason I’ve been dithering about posting this for so long is that I’ve made videos for both bras doing a bounce test, and I’ve been weighing up whether it’s worth the trolls and pervy comments! But, I’m sure it’ll be found useful, so I’ve decided to include the videos, though you might want to up the quality on each one. For comparison, I first did a bounce test in a regular, well-fitted, balconette bra. This is the Boudoir Beau, reviewed here:

The first sports bra I got was the “nude” Freya Active Underwire in a 30JJ, my usual size. So far it’s only available in nude, black and white, but hopefully this will change at some point!

The Freya Active Underwire is an encapsulation style sports bra. The cups are constructed with a horizontal seam straight across, which tends to give a pointed shape with a low apex on larger boobs, though I didn’t find the shape too bad. The unadventurous colour and pointed shape mean it’s not really made to be outerwear, so I’d definitely chuck a top on before going to the gym in this! It has wide, padded comfort straps, and four sets of four hooks and eyes. I also really appreciated the Coolmax fabric and mesh panels, designed to wick away sweat during exercise. I found the combination of sweat-wicking fabric and separation was great for keeping cool!

In my initial trying on I believed it was true to size in the cups and band, but a zumba session later, I found I had empty space in the cups (due to the too-wide wires) and was wishing for a tighter band. I measured the stretched band as 31.5 inches, and, given the empty space at the sides, I think I would ideally wear a 28JJ in this. However, in a 28 band, this stops at a G cup. Yes, really. So, since I can’t return it any more, I’ve had to wear it on the third set of hooks with the straps tightened to get better support.

In terms of bounce reduction, it’s definitely a huge improvement from a regular balconette bra, though I’d like to try with a cup down. Due to where the neckline is, I have some tissue escaping on top, which I don’t really like during exercise.

I think it would be perfect for me if the neckline was a bit higher, and the band was more true to size. I would also love to see it in more fun designs and bright colours – for instance, I love the Jet and Magenta colourways of the H-cup versions. Overall I’d say it’s a definite improvement from a regular bra, but I wouldn’t wear it for high impact activities.

The second sports bra I have is the Royce Impact Free. I had heard that it runs small in the cups, while the band runs either small or true to size (depending on the colourway). With this in mind, I decided to try out a 30K in the Grey Marl.

Unlike the Freya, this is a compression style bra, so it doesn’t have “cups”, as such, and there is no separation. This means it has a mono-boob effect, which isn’t for everyone! Because it works through compression, it is quite minimising from the side, and it gives a fairly rounded shape. It has padded comfort straps which are quite close-set on the front, though I found they kept moving outwards at the back. I think this may be because the sides taper to the band very suddenly. Combined with my flared ribcage, the straps aren’t kept central very well, and are going to move out!

It has the standard three sets of three hooks and eyes, and a velcro cover so the bra can be worn as outerwear (if you’re so inclined)! Personally I’d be pretty tempted, as I think it’s stunning for a sports bra. Saying that, it kept getting some odd puckering along one of the seams, making it look like your nipples have popped out to say hi. Which, I assure you, mine hadn’t – it’s the seam! Also, a lot of people have reported having trouble with the velcro curling up, though mine hasn’t started doing this yet.

It sports a very wide band, which I think is great for extra support. At first, I thought the band was far, far too small – I needed assistance to get it done up! After some trial and error, I found it was much easier to do it up and then put on the straps and place my breasts into the cups. I measured the stretched band as 29.5 inches, so it’s on the small end of a 30. However, at least in my case, I think it has to be to give the best support. Once I had worked out how to put it on without strangling myself, I found it to be a fairly good fit all over. I’d be tempted to try a cup down just to see, but as far as I can tell, this size is fairly spot on!

Compared to the Freya, I found this bra much better for bounce reduction. Due to the high neckline, I had no tissue escaping, and I felt much better supported. I was a bit annoyed, actually – I had bought this on a whim and wasn’t expecting to keep it! Others may not like the high neckline, as I imagine it would be hard to cover with a vest top or similar. But, in my size, it really does need to be this high for support and coverage. The downside of the Royce is that it doesn’t have sweat-wicking fabric, and as it’s a compression bra, you’re very much smooshed together. This meant that I got a lot sweatier exercising in this bra!

So all in all, my main problems are the lack of sweat-wicking material, and the wide strap placement at the back. I think I’m going to try using a strap converter to turn it into a racerback, as this should relieve the problem I have with the strap placement. Aside from that, I think this is a pretty great bra. Most reviews I’ve read didn’t particularly like this bra, but I’ve found it to be the best sports bra I’ve tried. Who would’ve seen that coming?

Me and My Beau!

Anyone remember my long-term love affair with emerald green lingerie, particularly Bravissimo’s Boudoir Beau? Well, guess what I just got?

Hello, new favourite set! Yes, it’s an AW12 item which means it’ll probably go in sale imminently, but I couldn’t risk it going out of stock – God knows when the next emerald green J+ bra will come along! Please please please bra companies, more emerald green! Anyway, I’m not going to go into my usual spiel of why I love this bra, because I think it’s pretty clear. It’s emerald green, c’mon But I absolutely love the big bows on the gore and shorts, and I think the black lace details are just so sophisticated and sexy, particularly on smaller cups with no extra lining. As for the shorts, I think the fact that I own them shows that I absolutely adore them, as at £17 a pair, I’m much more the type to mix and match! In this case, I thought I might just have to treat myself!

I have the bra in a 30JJ and the briefs in a medium, and I would say that I could quite possibly go down a cup – it’s definitely on the generous side! It still seems to fit quite well in this size, but I think a cup down would give a slightly more rounded shape than I currently get. My hips are about 41-42 inches now (size 12/14 in most clothes) and the briefs are a good fit in a medium, so they seem to be true to size.

Apologies for the slightly wonky front view! Like most Bravissimo bras, I found it to give a lot of uplift and forward projection, bringing me front and centre. It gives a naturally uplifted, slightly pointed shape, though I think it would slightly rounder in a cup down – it might be worth trying a couple of sizes to get the best fit. The band feels like a nice, firm 30, and it sports the usual three hook fastening, along with fully adjustable straps. The gore and wire widths feels fairly standard for a Bravissimo balconette, which I tend to find just about spot on for me. Overall it is a really lovely bra, sure to be a firm favourite with those who get along well with Bravissimo! Ideally I’d like to try it in a 30J, but a lot of sizes have sold out now, so I’m glad I got this while I could!

Here’s hoping there’s a similarly fabulous colour next season!

Bravissimo’s Early Spring collection

Spring is quite possibly my favourite time of year, not least because I can’t wait for the snow to disappear! And while it’s not quite here yet, lots of lingerie brands are now releasing their Spring/Summer collections, which is good enough for me!

Bravissimo released their Early Spring collection just a week or two ago, and there are definitely some gems in there. Sadly for me, a grand total of 2 Bravissimo’s-own styles were available in my usual size of 30JJ: an ivory Lola Luxe basque, and the new Darling Heart bra, neither of which quite appealed to me. Sizing down to a 30J, however, there were three bras that caught my eye, and which just might work!

The first bra I had to try out was the Betsy Bow in a 30J, which is based on the older Primrose style. For some reason, Bravissimo have cut the size range down for  this bra: instead of the usual 28DD-J, 30-38DD-K, it is available in 28F-H, 30DD-J, 32-38DD-K. I really don’t know why they’ve done this, and I’m definitely not the only person upset about it. Personally, I think this is one of the most beautiful bras they’ve released in a long time, so I’m very sad to have been sized out! So, I thought I might as well try it out in the closest available size…

Sadly, I just can’t quite squeeze myself into it! Though I can often size down in half-cups or plunges, balconette styles are nowhere near as forgiving! The Primrose, which it is based on, ran about a cup small, so it was always going to be a long shot!

It is between 1-2 cups small for me – I’m leaning towards it being fairly true to size, though those between sizes may need to size up. The band is nice and firm, the straps fully adjustable, and it sports a sturdy three hooks and eyes. I’m also happy to see that the additional lining is a very subtle, non-contrasting colour! I really wish it had the usual size range, as I seriously do love this bra. The shell colour, the polka dots, the profile, the little purple bows, it’s adorable and vintage-esque at the same time! But, and it’s a heartbreaking “but”, it’s just not going to happen for me.

The next bra I tried out was the Purity in a 30J, Bravissimo’s offering to the moulded t-shirt bra market. Going up to a J cup for 28-36 bands, it’s definitely worth a try for anyone sized out of the Deco, Smoothie etc ranges.

This is a bra that, though it looks good from the front, just wouldn’t quite work on me. Though Brav staff have reported that it runs large in the cups, it’s definitely at least one cup too small for me. Combined with what seems to be a shape mismatch, I don’t think it’s meant to be! I found I had spilling towards the centre, and a huge amount for spilling at the sides (see below)  - I would say it runs true to size to a cup small, at least in the black. The cup also seemed to buckle at the bottom from the weight of my breasts, though obviously it was made for someone smaller.

The band felt nice and firm, the straps are fully adjustable, and it has three sets of hooks and eyes. The wires seem wider than on any of my other Bravissimo bras (even the JJ/K ones), which explains why most of my boobs seemed to be in my armpits. In terms of shape, on me it gave a very round, very flattened, wider look. It’s a world away from the narrow, upfront, naturally rounded shape I normally get from Bravissimo!  Obviously, the shape is not quite me, but those that favour a minimised, smaller-from-the-side look will love it. I thought the armpits and the central gore were fairly low, though obviously not as low as a plunge. Saying that, I did get a decent cleavage, most likely due to the small cups! The cups are constructed of a standard, somewhat rigid foam material (less rigid than the Smoothie), and seem like they would be fairly full coverage in a better fitting size. So, alas, another bra that didn’t fit me! I was starting to lose hope…

The last bra I tried was the Paradiso Plume in a 30J, a half cup bra in a vibrant feather print.

Does my face say it all? I think my face says it all  I can’t even remember what I was going to write now, I’m in another world staring at its loveliness! This is the first of Bravissimo’s half-cups to go up to a J cup, and I’m so pleased it’s this one. It’s obviously slightly small in the cup, but this is going to have to be another one of those I-really-shouldn’t-but-just-look-at-it cases. I mean, look at it! I love the tiny bows going up the straps, the adventurous print, the bright pink lace, aagh! I want to marry this bra! And I love the colour scheme, it reminds me of liquorice allsorts! I’m sorry, I just can’t stop gushing about this bra!

Onto the specifics! In terms of sizing, considering how much overspill I have, I think it’s true to size in the cup – definitely a good thing, as apparently the half-cups have been getting smaller over the past few seasons. It has four part vertical cup construction, which seems really supportive and uplifting, and fully adjustable straps. It’s quite low cut, which should be great for low, straight necklines, though some may not like quite how horizontally the cups are cut! As with the other two, I found it nice and firm in the back, and it also has a three hook fastening. On me it gives a very rounded shape, with some forward projection (obviously most of them is pushed skywards)! I thought it brought my breasts nicely forwards and upwards, no armpit spillage in sight, and giving a fabulous Marie Antoinette cleavage. The wires could be a hair narrower, but they’re fairly standard width for Bravissimo! And, for the last time…Just look at it!!!

Looking at some of the other new items (i.e. the ones I have no chance of fitting into!), I’m loving the cream lace colourway of the Moulin Rose (DD-HH), the vibrant red Satine (DD-J), and the “ditsy star print” Starburst (DD-J)! There are definitely some stunning designs, and I love that Bravissimo are always developing new cuts and trying to provide the essentials for full-busted women. But please, Bravissimo, please don’t start cutting down your size range! The women wearing 30 bands and below with J+ cups are quite possibly the ones who find it hardest to find bras – I find myself increasingly wearing slightly loose bands for this reason. Not to mention the sub-28 band and K+ women, who no doubt have it much harder than I do. I admire your dedication to bringing out new styles, but please don’t forget the women who need it most. If anything, size ranges should be expanding – please don’t start going backwards!

Banishing Button-strain with BiuBiu

I have recently been persuaded to join a local choir for a Christmas concert, meaning I had to hunt out a smart white shirt for the occasion. Eep. Luckily, with options from brands such as Pepperberry, Urkye, Carissa Rose and Campell & Kate, this isn’t the daunting task it was once. Taking into account size range, price and the fact it had to be plain white, I chose to try out BiuBiu’s Vanity Fair, which came to £53 for two shirts, including delivery to the UK.

Going by the tailored clothing size chart, with 109cm bust, 75cm waist, I would ideally need a 38BBBB. Rather than risking buttons pinging off mid-concert in a 38BBB, I went for a 40BBB to get enough bust room, meaning it’s slightly looser in the body than I’d prefer. However, I definitely need every inch of space in the bust, so I think I made the right choice! This is straight out of the post and unironed, so please forgive the wrinkles! The Vanity Fair is made to flare out over the hips, so it’s very pear/hourglass friendly. I think a 38 would be just right on my hips, and would (hopefully) eliminate the extra bit of material between the shoulder blades. But, I think it still looks fantastic in a 40 (and will no doubt look miles better once I’ve ironed it)!

The fit is perfect on my bust, and I find the cut very flattering – I particularly love the shape of the neckline! The material is quite soft with some stretch, but it isn’t the thickest in the world: I’m wearing it here with my yellow Cleo Lucy (the closest thing to nude I own), and it’s just about visible. I don’t think I’ll quite get away with my favoured colourful, patterned bras! The buttonholes are horizontal rather than vertical, and the buttons are square rather than circular, two details which help massively when it comes to gapping and spontaneous undoing. The sleeves are made very long, which may be something to keep in mind if you often have trouble with sleeve length.

Finally, this is how I’d be likely to style this! I’m a huge fan of high waisted skirts, waist belts and rolled up sleeves, and ideally I think this would look great with chunky red/black jewellery. It’s pretty rare to find me in an untucked shirt, but it’s great having the option of either. Nice work, BiuBiu!

Curvy Kate’s Smoothie: The moulded bra up to a J cup

Curvy Kate recently released the Smoothie, a moulded plunge bra up to a J cup (though only in two band sizes). Though I usually wear a 30JJ in most brands (and often a 30K in Curvy Kate), early reviews suggested it came large in the cups. This, combined with the natural curiosity of a large-cupped moulded bra, meant that I had no choice but to try it in a 30J!

Apologies for the very yellow photos! I honestly could not be more surprised by the fit. I have always had to size up in the cups in CK, and I’ve never gotten the best profile, but the Smoothie is something completely different. If I didn’t know any better, I would think it was made by a different brand! Though it is loose in the band (stretching to 32 inches), I have also found it to be large in the cups, fitting perhaps more like a “standard” 32J on me. Other reviews have found the bands to be somewhat inconsistent, with most reviews falling between true-to-size and slightly loose. I would probably suggest sizing down in this, as a too-tight band is a much easier fix than a too-loose one! I can’t quite convince myself to buy the matching underwear for such a basic set, but others may fall in love with the high-waisted style briefs also available.

Completely unexpectedly, I think I have found a new favourite bra. The Smoothie has a subtle leopard print pattern on both the cups and band (huzzah!), which livens it up without showing under clothes. It also has a tiny jewel on the centre gore, which itself has black leopard print detail, something I absolutely love! I’m also surprised by the cleavage I get from it! In terms of profile, the Smoothie gives a very uplifted, naturally rounded shape, similar to what I get from most Bravissimo styles – think your boobs but better! The cups are constructed of a fairly stiff foam, which is rigid enough to keep a good shape without compromising comfort. The central gore is also lower and narrower than on the other CK bras I’ve tried, which is great for those with close-set breasts. It also has fully adjustable straps and a three-hook fastening, which is always good news.

As wonderful as this bra is, it isn’t without problems. The main issue I have with this bra is how high-cut it is under the armpits, which results in some rubbing throughout the day. As such, it may not be the best choice for those with short torsos or high-set breasts, though it may be worth a try. This may be improved if the straps were slightly more central at the front, which would (theoretically) also be more supportive. The second (potential) issue is that it seems to have a square “dent” at the bottom of the cups. If it was only there whilst wearing, I would think it was due to cup buckling, however it is still there when I am not wearing it. I am not sure if this is due to how it was stored before sale, or if it is how the cups are actually formed, but some may find this a problem.

I would consider myself to have fairly balanced fullness, perhaps slightly more full on top. Overall, I think a 28JJ would be perfect for me in this, so I would suggest a band size down with your usual cup size (e.g. 32J -> 30J). I can’t really compare it to other CK bras, as most of them have not worked for me! The Smoothie has also been reviewed at Invest In Your Chest, Bras I Hate, Broods Big Bras and A Sophisticated Pair. It seems to be constructed to work for a variety of breast shapes, which is quite rare, though it means some may need to try a few sizes before finding a good fit – those who are full-on-top may find their usual size to fit well, while those who are bottom-heavy may need to size down more. It may also be important to note that the Australian run were apparently mislabelled and ran very large in the cup, as shown by Brood, something to keep in mind if ordering from Australia! The Smoothie will also be released in hot pink and blush for the next season, which I’m quite looking forward to – the blush looks like a a great option for a light-skinned nude tone!

Along with the Smoothie, I may have treated myself to a fun set in the form of CK’s Cherry/Blush Tease Me, also in a 30J.

As expected, it is slightly too small in the cups on me, though not quite as small as the Thrill Me. The band stretches to 31 inches new, so ideally I think I would need a 30JJ in this (or 28K accounting for stretching over time), suggesting it’s quite true to size. The Tease Me features the usual three hook fastening, with fully adjustable (fairly stretchy) straps. As expected from a 30J, I find the wire width fairly spot on, though I wish the gore was just a touch narrower.

Though I’m sure it goes without saying, I adore this set. It gives a fantastic Marie Antoinette style cleavage, the detailing is amazing, and the colour combination is an absolute winner. I’m not much of a thong person, but the thong has to be my favourite part of this set – I am in the love with the red polka-dot mesh frills! I may have found my true love in the Tease Me, and so wish I’d managed to snap it up in the emerald green, something I’m sure will haunt me forever!

Treats from Poland!

Until recently, my only experience with Ewa Michalak (Effuniak) was the HP Fuksja in a 30J, which I got quite a while ago on sale. While it’s definitely not the best fit for me (small in the cups, loose in the band), and I’m not the biggest fan of two-hook bands, it’s a gorgeous set that convinced me this wouldn’t be my last taste of EM! After all, how many brands can boast padded bras in such an impressive size range?

So, when I could finally afford it, I clearly had no choice but to get a few more sets!

[Update 15/05/13: Since writing this review, I have realised that the cups of all of these bras are actually too small, something that was disguised by issues I have with the construction. All comments about the band tightness, wires, appearance etc still hold, but I believe I would actually need a 30KK/L in these bras, along with alterations to the straps/armholes. To see the construction issues with these bras and my revised sizing advice, see this post.]

The first set I decided on was the PL Czerwona Panterka, which at the time was on sale for 99zł, with the matching thong brief in a size 14.

Based on reviews I’d read previously, I went up a cup and stayed with the same band size, so this is a 30K.  I had to custom order this so it was non-returnable, but I still paid sale price. If I ordered again, I think I would stick to a 30JJ for the bra, as, though it fits, I think it loses some of the “oomph” I was hoping for in a padded plunge style. I would also size down to a 12 in the briefs, as they are made of a very stretchy material. In terms of band tightness, this bra stretches to about 29.5 inches, so I don’t think sizing up is necessary for a true 30, though those on the upper end of their band may be more comfortable a band up. Personally, I prefer to wear as tight a band as possible, and wear an extender if necessary, to prolong the lifetime of my bras!

Now, the bra itself! As if it needed saying, I love the look of this bra! Red and leopard print gets a big tick in my book. I especially love the lace panels on the band and gore, and the detailing on the straps, however the detailing does render the straps only half adjustable. I was also quite surprised at just how narrow the wires are for this bra: they’re narrower than in the HP Fuksjja, just bordering on too narrow at the sides for me, which is definitely a first! It gives a very rounded but forward profile, and has a (much more comfortable) three-hook fastening. It doesn’t give quite as much uplift as I’d hope, something I think would also improve in a 30JJ.

The second set I decided on was the PL Black, which is still available for 129zł, and the matching brief in a size 14.

Once again, I adore this set! The fit is about the same as the PL Czerwona Panterka, and again I feel I could have gone for a 30JJ. The band is of a similar tightness, and, though I don’t think I would, some may prefer to size up.

This bra has of a nude coloured (for me) padded base, with elastic black lace overlaid. The level of detail isn’t normally visible without the contrast from my camera flash, but it’s definitely there – I love the polka dot mesh details! In particular, my favourite part of this set has to be the briefs! The polka dot mesh, sheer panels, the faux-suspender clips, I am absolutely in love with them! This is one of the times when I simply can’t justify NOT buying the matching underwear! As before, the bra has a three-hook fastening, but it also has fully adjustable straps.

Finally, my last Ewa purchase was not planned! I found the PL Carmen in a 30K on a bra sell/swap page, and couldn’t resist getting it. Oops! It’s still available, now on sale, for 109zł. Not all sizes are listed, but if you’re interested in a bra, it’s always worth emailing to see if they’ll make it!

Trying it on as soon as it arrived. What can I say, bras are exciting! Since I didn’t buy directly from Ewa, I don’t have the matching briefs for this bra, and (as I so often do) will have to mix and match!

This bra I found to be tighter in the band than the above two, and I would quite possibly have preferred to size up. Like the PL Black, this bra has fully-adjustable straps, and a comfortable three-hook fastening. Once again, I think I could have done with a JJ, but as this came with removable pads I can still get a bit more “oomph”! Overall, I could have probably done with a 32J for this style. I think the tightness in the band may be due to the fact that the pattern covers both the cups and the band, a detail that I am loving! I haven’t owned many red bras, and I am not disappointed at all with this. It may just be a strong contender for my Christmas bra!

Ewa Michalak bras normally fall around the 129zł mark (about £26 at the moment), while briefs fall around 39-49zł (£8-£10). My order came up to 306zł for the sets, 27zł for delivery (which took about two weeks from payment date), and a PayPal fee of about 43zł, a total of about £75 for two sets, which is quite reasonable really! The PayPal fees are definitely something to keep in mind while ordering.

Now, to stop myself buying the PL Milady…Swoon!

Ready for the beach!

Over the past few months, I’ve been on the hunt for good bikinis. I usually take a bit longer between blog posts, but with holiday-season pretty much underway, I thought I’d post a quick round up

The first bikini I’ve got my paws on is the Panache Geneva balconette in a 30JJ. It’s definitely an old style (this is an eBay bargain), but it’s very similar to the newer Holly bikini. Like this season’s Holly, it is available in 28-40 D-K, and in both bikini and tankini styles. I was lucky to snag this a few months ago at £7, but it should be findable for under £15. I’ve matched it here with generic cheap bottoms, pretty much why I wanted a basic black bikini!

The cups run slightly small, but considering the stretchy material and stretch in water, I don’t think I’d size up. The back is (as with almost all bikinis) unadjustable, which is definitely a bit of an annoyance. I can see how most won’t want their swimwear to be too lingerie-esque, and I don’t know how well a hook-and-eye fastening would hold up in water, but when you’re paying the same as for a bra it’s a bit annoying to know it has a significantly shorter lifespan. The fastening also has an annoying habit of rotating (as does my CK bikini), but it should be easy enough to fix.

I find the shape and support pretty good – it’s definitely a very bra-like bikini. I’d say the construction is somewhat like the Cleo Lucy, but small in the cups and with a more true-to-size band. I’ve paired it above with high-waisted briefs. I’ve been hunting for high-waisted briefs for ages (I love that they’re both retro and modest!), but couldn’t really find any. So, I made my own from a swimming costume:

The costume was a magazine freebie which definitely did not have enough boob-space. I marked on the height I wanted them to be, cut off the excess and folded the top over.  I then sewed it with a stretch stitch, cut a small hole at the side and threaded through the “string” part from an old bikini to keep it from slipping down.

My second bikini for summer is the Curvy Kate Caribbean Curves bikini in a 30JJ. I really adore the pattern and colours of this, as I think it’s a gorgeous compromise between flirty leopard print and sophisticated dark colours. I’ve matched it here with (you guessed it) store-bought purple briefs, though I am definitely considering buying the matching set for this! I was once again lucky to get this bikini on sale, but I think the best price is currently roughly £22 at Amazon.

It is another very bra-like bikini, but it is also one of Curvy Kate’s few padded offerings up to a K cup. The shape is much better than I’ve gotten in any of Curvy Kate’s bras, it gives good support, and the band is nice and firm. However, it definitely comes huge in the cups: I normally have to size up to a 30K in Curvy Kate, and this is miles too big in a 30JJ. It’s okay standing, but when slouching or sitting you can see how much it gapes, and it will definitely loosen more in water. I think I would ideally need to size down to a 30HH (!), potentially making this a very good option for those who need KK/L cups. Aside from the size, I am so in love with this bikini! I think the padding and the construction of this are what we really need to see in Curvy Kate’s regular range. The fact that it can give me such great shape and support, even in a too big cup, is just incredible. I really hope this is the start of padded bras for higher cups!

Lastly, the Slinky Dip polka dot halterneck bikini, by The Big Bra Bar, is one I wasn’t expecting to work. Though it isn’t underwired, it is made with significantly larger triangle sections to accommodate a larger bust. It comes in general sizes – you just choose your size in the dropdown and they send the best size for you. It is a truly gorgeous bikini – retro-inspired, polka-dots, the long ties…Both my sister and I ended up ordering it and received the same size (I believe this is meant for 28-32 F-G).

Considering it’s made for someone a fair bit smaller, I think this gives a surprising amount of coverage. It isn’t anywhere near as supportive as a proper underwired bikini, but I don’t think I’m in danger of falling out. I definitely wouldn’t do anything too active in it – it’s more one for lounging by the pool. Here I’m wearing it with the necktie not as tight as it could be for comfort, but if I want more impressive shape/cleavage I can tighten it more. Obviously someone smaller would have an easier time of getting a good shape/uplift!

For spares, I’ve also paired it here with some Trinny and Susannah polka dot swim briefs. The bikini itself usually sells for £32 at The Big Bra Bar, but is currently out of stock. Also available in this style are the yellow polka dot version (£32, reviewed at thinandcurvy), and the zebra print version (£25.60).

That’s just about all from me for today – see you in the pool!

Crazy for Cleo

I have never really tried many Panache bras. Before now, my only venture had been the Panache Melody in a 30JJ…

…Which was a complete failure. It ran huge in the cups, was more like a 34 back and the underwires were far too wide and painful. I’m now thinking it was mislabelled, and it still sits unworn in a drawer. At any rate, it completely put me off Panache. I didn’t even consider Cleo, which stops at a J, until I absolutely fell in love with the Alexa. When I was told it runs oddly large in the cups, there was no way I couldn’t try it.

Though a lot of women have found it an odd cut and can’t get along with it, I was ecstatic to find the cups are absolutely perfect for me.

The band runs slightly loose and many will prefer to size down, but as this isn’t an option for me I am making do. I can’t begin to explain how much I love this bra – the uplift, the cut, the wire width, the shape, it is just amazing. In fact, I love it so much, I own two. Though its RRP is £25, you can now find it on sale for as little as £16. And when I discovered the Olivia, a polka dot bra in the same cut…

…I clearly had to get that, too. At £25 per bra, Cleo comes cheaper than numerous competitors (especially considering the fun designs), but like most other brands, the matching briefs come in at about £15. Which, in complete honesty, is just more than I can justify. So sadly, I am forced to mix-and-match as best as I can, hoping for a decent sale!

As with the Alexa, I adore this bra. The back is slightly firmer and the cups slightly smaller, but the fit still works for me. It gives me a slightly more rounded profile than the Alexa, but the cut, uplift and wire width are the same. I think the Cleo shape is something of a mid-ground between the forward projection and pointiness of Bravissimo and the shallow, rounded shape of Panache Superbra.

Lastly, the Cleo Lucy was one I did not expect to work at all, but have been pleasantly surprised by. I was told the Lucy runs true to size, perhaps even small, but found the 30J perfect. The bottom section of the cup is made of a slightly stretchy fabric, so this may be why it still works for me.

I found the shape much rounder and with a higher apex than on the Alexa and Olivia, though the back runs similarly large. The central gore is slightly wider – if you have more close-set breasts this could definitely be a problem, but this is just about okay on me. It is also not a full band bra, which is less than ideal. But, all in all, I am so happy to have found Cleo bras that work for me! There is still something of a gap in the market for fun, feminine full-bust bras – while Curvy Kate are great for some, the profile is less than satisfactory over an H cup, so Cleo is fantastic news in my book. I just hope they expand their sizes at some point, as there are a lot of women missing out!