The new bras: Abreast of a trend
A pile of new entrants into the intimates market promise a bra without wires that dig, straps that slip, and general chestal miasma.
So many factors affect a woman's breasts: weight change, child-bearing, building or losing muscle mass, and aging. Given that the most popular bra size in North American is 34DD, and the population continues to grow larger, lingerie makers have their work cut out for them.
I ordered a bra to try from the each of two popular brands. Both were made of synthetics: nylon and lots of spandex.
The Tank Bra (about $50) fit and felt like my Nike sports bra, a comfy, compressed hug but short on the shaping and lift needed under a fitted top. Another term for this style is is "bralette", which has been extended to mean not just small sizes with minimal coverage. This style is made to be seen, but in some clothes I wouldn't want that strap on centre stage. I just fit the specs for an XL. (See the Rhonda Shear bras for similar styles for larger cup and band sizes.)
Bra #2, also seamless, had more conventional features— a 3-hook closure, formed cups, and adjustable straps—closer to the usual constructed bra than a bralette, but at $68, I thought it was pricey. Comfort high; overall look, average.
Both the bralette and comfort style are really tarted-up sports bras in softer colours, sometimes with more feminine details. The marketers' pitch is, "Look, sports bras feel great. You didn't like bright colours and patterns, so we made them more discreet. Now you can wear them any time you want!"
But the price tag is close to that of a mid-priced seamed, underwire bra, which has up to forty components. Manufacturing costs are far lower, so that's profitable. It reminds me of the dolman sleeve "trend", among other cheap manufacturing strategies.
How will it work for you? It's worth the time to put on a lightweight top and try various styles— both conventionally constructed and these new ones—with a good fitter, if you can. I was steered away from one of the comfort bras by a fitter who pronounced it "trop mou".
The day I sent the bras back, I had an appointment at the optometrist's and noticed that my optician looked well-supported, but not in a hoochie-mama pushup-to-the chin way. I told her I was returning two of the new-style bras. She said she was devoted to shapely support. So I asked her; she said, "Prima Donna, all the way."
The marketing copy for the hybrid bras is seductive as a balconette: be "free", enjoy the "no frills" styling and discreet hues. Wait, is that even a benefit? I've always loved a lingerie department abloom with gorgeous colours, embroideries, florals— even when I walk out with grey.
Apparently, so do others; J. Crew have revived their lingerie line with styles like this emerald lattice mesh:
I like the new hybrids, but I don't love them. And speaking of love—since it's Valentine's Day— if you are wearing your intimates to be intimate, the hybrid is not so alluring.
Perhaps you are trying the new minimalist bras, and I'd like to know what you think.
So many factors affect a woman's breasts: weight change, child-bearing, building or losing muscle mass, and aging. Given that the most popular bra size in North American is 34DD, and the population continues to grow larger, lingerie makers have their work cut out for them.
I ordered a bra to try from the each of two popular brands. Both were made of synthetics: nylon and lots of spandex.
 |
| Test bra #1 |
The Tank Bra (about $50) fit and felt like my Nike sports bra, a comfy, compressed hug but short on the shaping and lift needed under a fitted top. Another term for this style is is "bralette", which has been extended to mean not just small sizes with minimal coverage. This style is made to be seen, but in some clothes I wouldn't want that strap on centre stage. I just fit the specs for an XL. (See the Rhonda Shear bras for similar styles for larger cup and band sizes.)
 |
| Test bra #2 |
Bra #2, also seamless, had more conventional features— a 3-hook closure, formed cups, and adjustable straps—closer to the usual constructed bra than a bralette, but at $68, I thought it was pricey. Comfort high; overall look, average.
Both the bralette and comfort style are really tarted-up sports bras in softer colours, sometimes with more feminine details. The marketers' pitch is, "Look, sports bras feel great. You didn't like bright colours and patterns, so we made them more discreet. Now you can wear them any time you want!"
But the price tag is close to that of a mid-priced seamed, underwire bra, which has up to forty components. Manufacturing costs are far lower, so that's profitable. It reminds me of the dolman sleeve "trend", among other cheap manufacturing strategies.
How will it work for you? It's worth the time to put on a lightweight top and try various styles— both conventionally constructed and these new ones—with a good fitter, if you can. I was steered away from one of the comfort bras by a fitter who pronounced it "trop mou".
 |
| Prima Donna "Deauville" |
The marketing copy for the hybrid bras is seductive as a balconette: be "free", enjoy the "no frills" styling and discreet hues. Wait, is that even a benefit? I've always loved a lingerie department abloom with gorgeous colours, embroideries, florals— even when I walk out with grey.
Apparently, so do others; J. Crew have revived their lingerie line with styles like this emerald lattice mesh:
 |
| J. Crew lattice mesh |
I like the new hybrids, but I don't love them. And speaking of love—since it's Valentine's Day— if you are wearing your intimates to be intimate, the hybrid is not so alluring.
Perhaps you are trying the new minimalist bras, and I'd like to know what you think.
Comments
I'll have to open a Pay Pal account (which I should have in any event) as Knix doesn't accept cheques or debit and I deliberately have never had a credit card, after an overspend when I was very young (long repaid, of course).
Probably the new-style non-torture bras need some more engineering work.
I’m also a Prima Donna fan and I feel well supported in one. I tried a wireless spandex bra, but not enough support for me. It provided as much support as a tight T-shirt. I donated it to a friend and she loves it. I wear a sports bra when I want comfort.
lagatta: You will find PayPal easy to use; let us know how you like your bra.
Mme: You are not alone in the love of Prima Donna, and of Forever New. I confess I often cheat and wash lingerie in a bag on delicate cycle in the machine.
sandra: It''s such a pleasure when you find one style that really works and it comes in beautiful colours. (And is not discontinued.)
Lily: So right about nude. I do not understand white bras: very hard to keep fresh looking.
Bunny: Thanks so much for your endorsement. You are not alone in loving these products which is why I wanted them to work for me. Maybe there is a brand that I have yet to find.
Gretchen: Not trusting my eye I took a photo in a conventional underwire and another the second test bra. Definite difference. That's some skill there. I have a friend who can do the same, with one hand.
Leslie: As lagatta said, maybe the next versions will have better engineering. I really like how a sports bra feels, but not the silhouette.
Not exceptionally attractive, and it does give a slight "uni-boob" effect, but I've had it with tight bands and slipping straps. I wear a traditional size 38B, and a size L in this bralette.
But I'm always open to trying something new, so I'll take a look at the Deauville - thanks blogwriters and blogreaders!
Whatever size or shape, women deserve to feel like goddesses (who also came in different sizes and shapes!).
Le Duc loves lingerie stores and has startled some friends by inviting himself along. This offer is declined but he does have terrific taste.
sensitive poet: I agree about the goddess part and find many of the bralettes a little austere. But a pretty color goes a long way.
Since I wrote this post, I talked to a self-described “ lingerie freak” who said, “If women think their structured bra is uncomfortable, they are wearing either the wrong style or wrong size.”
KH: Hey even us retired women do not necessarily want uniboob! I will wear a sports bra under a loose cut top but fitted clothes demand a different type.
une femme: Prima Donna has somehow created a superior bra that has earned devotion. Good for them! I have two and love them. My go to everyday bra is a nude Olga model which I buy in multiples when there’s a sale.
Beth: Note Adele’s comment...Gap mightvwork. It’s so annoying when something deteriorates so quickly...could youvreturn?
Adele: You need that good bra because now everyone will be noticing your necklaces ;)
The no stay bras all seemed too nonsupportive. I was getting panicked, what to wear?
About 18 months ago, I stumbled upon the Rhonda Shear bras on tv (HSN? QVC?) on sale. I bought a pair, and they were heaven.
I bought all the size L I could find. They are the kind with no adjustment in the back nor none in the straps, they are one solid piece. I double them with no issues, no unibody and I’m supported and comfy. I wash them (with no fabric softener as instructions note!) in the washer and hang to dry. They dry super fast. I have about 5 pairs that I routate, and they have not stretched out and are doing great.
I never ever thought in my life these bras would work for me.