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.

In Love with Freya’s “Lacey”!

The Freya Lacey may not be a new or exciting bra, but it’s definitely a gorgeous one – plain enough to blend in under clothes, but with enough little details to keep her cute and fun! So, when I got the chance to try her out courtesy of Large Cup Lingerie, I clearly had no choice!

Cha, who runs Large Cup Lingerie, was a huge help with sizing. I opted for a 30J in the balcony bra, and, since I wasn’t sure what size I needed in the briefs, Cha very kindly offered to let me try the shorts in both M and L. The set arrived speedily and beautifully wrapped – getting tissue wrapped lingerie in the post is one of my favourite things, it’s like getting a present!

I think it’s safe to say, I really do love this bra! The combination of cream and mocha, the delicate polka dots, the scalloping on the band, the tiny buttons, all such subtle details that turn a basic bra into a beauty! In terms of fit, I found the 30J to be just slightly small in the cups, but from experience, the extra space from a larger cup tends to be lost under my armpits. Also, the central gores on Freya bras often don’t lie flat in larger cup sizes, which can make the cups slightly larger than if the gore tacked properly. So, this considered, I believe a 30J is the best fit in the cups for me. The wire width is also fairly spot on in this size, and could perhaps be just a hair narrower.

New out of the packaging, the fully stretched band measures just over 31 inches, so it runs fairly loose. Not a problem for those on the upper side of a 30 band, but small 30s may need to size down to get the best support. I already need the bra on the tightest hooks, so I’d prefer a 28JJ/K, but sadly this bra only goes to a J cup on a 28 band. On me, it gives a nice, naturally rounded and uplifted profile, which is what I personally favour for everyday wear! The weak wires combined with my close-setness mean it gives a slight cleavage on me, but in lower cup sizes (with firmer wires) it should give more separation.

It has the usual three sets of hooks and eyes, and very wide (over an inch) comfort straps. Not the best choice for a vest top, but, in my opinion, hugely comfortable and supportive. The pattern continues onto the band and the straps, which I am always a fan of – so many manufacturers stop at the side boning! However, it does mean that the straps are only half-adjustable, which may be a problem for some. I did get some slight wrinkling at the bottom of the cups however much I adjusted, so I think that’ll have to go down to a shape issue. The cups are somewhat high-cut compared to some of my other bras, but not unwearably so – just something to keep in mind if you favour low-cut styles!

With approximately 41 inch hips and usually fitting into a size 14, I found the shorts to fit best in size M. As with the bra, I love the tiny details on these – I love the use of buttons instead of bows! It’s just a touch less feminine, which is always good considering the huge lack of androgynous lingerie on the market. Finally, I love how this set can just pass as nude – considering how my current “nude” bra is in fact bright yellow, I’m sure this will blend in much better!

That’s all from me, for more reviews of the Lacey, check out Invest In Your Chest, Undiegamer and CurvyWordy!