Comfort or vanity? You have to make a choice with this bra
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2018
Maybe we watched too much "Twilight Zone" on New Year's but ever since I've been coveting a bra to make me look, uh... younger, like the smartly dressed women in the offices. I'm what the ads call "full-figured," so I've been on the hunt for years: always looking for that perfect bra. The closest I've come has been sports bras, and they're not only not always cost-friendly but they also don't give me the shape I desired.When I randomly came across the Exquisite Form Fully Women's Original Support Bra, reasonably priced ($14.00 at time of purchase), I gave it a shot. As in the title of this review, the wearer has to choose between comfort and vanity.Comfort: Little. As it's not spandex, there is almost no "give." It's not as stretchy as the description led me to believe. By the end of the day, it's quite uncomfortable.Vanity: Wow. I haven't been this... I haven't been this close to looking as I had when I was 16 in a VERY long time. The support is VERY good, with nice wide straps that don't dig. You'd never guess it's wire-free.Yeah, it's uncomfortable and no, it's not my new favorite. However, vanity is, as my mom always said, a survival skill. Feeling that we look good makes many of us feel better. Not bad for $14,
Runs large
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2016
I can't understand the reviews that say this bra runs small in the band size, unless maybe the manufacturing has changed. It runs huuuuuge. I had heard that the cup was a full size bigger than normal so I sized down; what I didn't expect was how big the band size is. I'm a 36C in a Doreen and a Playtex 18hr and I kept reading how small the Exquisite band is so I ordered a 38B and it is at least two sizes too big.This isn't like the bras you're going to pick up in the pink chain store in the mall. It fits like the other, er, 'full coverage' 'lift and separate' styles and the proportions are different to fashion bras. There isn't much stretch here (a little in the straps and that's about it) and there is a lot of shape. If you're used to mall bras you may worry about putting out a child's eye with this one. It's the perfect shape for wearing with vintage clothes.
Not your average bra, but very cute once it works!
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2016
This thing is so darling. I normally wear a 38 B. Officially I'm a 36 C, but that doesn't fit me as well. With this bra, since it's not stretchy all the way, I think I can go down a size, the band fit fine, a bit on the loose side.The cups are conical, so they do require "filling" to make it work. Surprisingly, the B cup left some room at the tip, creating a "droopy snoopy booby". I am going to try the A cup, my boobs are more on the snoopyboob shape than round, so a smaller cup might fit me better.The straps are not stretchy, and the "buckle" thingie is plastic.There are mesh panels on the bra. The fabric is "rustling" and soft. Reminds me of old-timey taffeta slips.EDIT: I ordered a cup size and band size smaller. Those work much better. I still need to fiddle and place my girls into the cups. It's quite different than a modern bra, you shape the cup with your boobs, instead of the cup of the bra smushing your boobs into form! These are also surprisingly supportive, I wore this to ballet class under my leotard, when all of my sports bras were in the wash. It was very "The Young Girls of Rochefort". Very chic.This is an interesting bra. It's not perfect for me, the shape and seams leave some wrinkles unless I get my boobs in just right. And if your dress or top is tight, that will smush the cone shape. I had better results with the Bali bra that has an underwire, is more like a modern bra but also gives a cone shape, if not quite as sharp.These kinds of bras make me look skinnier, I feel, and get rid of back muffin tops, too. Work great under anything vintage.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PUT THESE BRAS ON RIGHT...AND THE FIT WILL AMAZE YOU! READ MORE.....
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2019
I wished they had these in the F FF FFF Sizes. These used to be only available at SEARS. And more expensive.To fill up the cup..you need to hook up your bra..with the cups and straps down ...bend at waist..pull your breasts into the cups..pulling each in..actually shake some..(imagine pouring yourself into the cup)When cups look full. Still bending at waist....Put your arms in one at a time. And adjust the straps either bending or after standing.. (either one will produce different results)It is too big..if you have too much room left in the cup. And too small if you have too much hanging out or top or sides. BOTTOM LINE IS IT WILL NOT CUT INTO YOUR SHOULDERS IF IT IS THE RIGHT FIT.ALSO..MACHINE WASH GENTLE CYCLE MILD DETERGENT ..COLD WATER..HANG TO DRY..SHAPE CUPS IN POINT ON HANGAR TO REMAIN SHAPE.
The straps suck, the rest of the bra is good
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2019
This bra is almost perfect for me. The straps could be greatly improved upon. They are made out of a stiff material, and the little shoulder pads do not compensate, they make things worse by sliding awkwardly around. They are connected to the main part of the bra with sharp, bulky plastic rings, and it's hard to adjust the fit of the straps because you have to take them partially apart to move the strap around. I will probably end up replacing the straps with something a bit more modern and comfortable.What I do like about this bra: Band size is fairly accurate, maybe a tiny bit on the large side. Cups are on the small side, but it's not too bad, because the shape of them will not make you have uniboob. Bra is unlined, and on the pointy side. If you want a retro look, this is perfect.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2019
Just perfect. Fits. Separates .lifts. gives vintage profile. Comfortable. I can stop buying bras and hoping to find one that ticks all the boxes.this bra is it..
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2020
Happy with product
Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2020
Oh my goodness this bra was immediately returned back. It is made almost of a raincoat plastic feeling fabric not at all even a little suitable for an item worn so close to the skin. It was plum ugly, ugly, ugly as well. Not a single thing positive I could say about this bra. It was the most vile and appalling quality. Nothing sexy about it either and it the fabric was all shiny and slippery like gabardine fabric. I would have given it a zero but there was not the choice to rate it this low. Appalling, appalling, appalling and this item should not be sold. i resented having to go to the Post Office to return this totally unsuitable product.
Reviewed in Canada on August 22, 2019
So the band was slightly smaller than expected and cup size was as expected. However, material has something left to be desired. Not a good feeling material. Very cloth tent or army feeling. Not what I was expecting.
Reviewed in Canada on November 29, 2018
I took these upstairs to wait until I needed a clean, new bra. I ordered front closer and none of the three were front closer. The one I tried on was too small by inches and flimsy. I will be sending them back shortly.
