The “Tease Me” is the only Curvy Kate bra that I’ve had luck with so far (although I’m not close to giving up yet, as you’ll soon find out in a later post). The thing I like best about it is that it’s really comfortable. The straps are medium-width, the underwires are really friendly (I think they might be plastic instead of metal? If so, everyone should use plastic). The bra is padded but not molded, so it can actually fold up and fit in a drawer. It looks really nice in a lot of different sizes, it doesn’t cause me pain, it’s just… a normal bra. Its design doesn’t make a huge deal about being “plus size.” It’s a real bra for real people.
You can clearly see that it doesn't cover a lot of my chest--the opposite of "a lot of bra"--but doesn't give too much cleavage either, so I find it appropriate to wear in any situation.
It has a great back band. Most bands, I’ve found, have a much tighter bit of elastic running along the base, which makes it cut into my skin and leave an indentation that can be seen under clothes. Not too sexy. The band on the “Tease Me” is all one kind of elastic so it doesn’t show at all. Not quite as great as the laser-cut back bands on otherwise crappy Victoria’s Secret bras, but getting there. Many people find that they prefer to go down a back size in this bra, but I can't (28 is of course the smallest one they make). However, I didn't personally find that the back was too loose, and I don't get back pain from wearing it.
It also uses the vertical seam construction, shown below, which gives such a nice shape. I wish all bras were made like this.
The shape is a little bit low, but very round, which I think is nice. Again, since it's not too in-your-face, it's appropriate for any occasion.
Check out this new color from their upcoming season, though. Although I myself find it pretty adorable, I have to laugh when I imagine the look of horror on my boyfriend’s face if he were to see me wearing this. It’s like the “My Little Pony” of bras!
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| But I might buy it anyway |
Interesting that you've pointed out how the construction of a bra makes all the difference to the shape it produces. Like you, I wish more bra manufacturers would pay attention to this!
ReplyDeleteI have seen pics of many different people in the Tease Me and, although is it a lovely-looking bra, to me it always looks like it is flattening the breast. It certainly is in their promo pic you've posted here (although the model is most probably wearing the wrong size, as is common in promo pics). Based on all the pics I have seen it's not the best bra for giving good shape. Would you agree?
I agree that the model's boobs look a lot smaller than normal (it's Curvy Kate's blonde model, I believe her name is Laura). I didn't notice that before you pointed it out.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, the "Tease Me" does sort of play down the visual size of the boobs, which is one of the reasons I really appreciate it--once in a while it's nice to feel more "average"! In clothes, though, it makes my boobs look about the same as normal, maybe a bit bigger as it's padded and I don't normally wear padded bras. It's not the most uplifting of bras though. It gives a rounded shape, which I love, but the rounded shape points slightly down as opposed to the Freya "Deco" where the rounded shape points up. For that reason I find the "Tease Me" a lot more appropriate to wear to class as opposed to parties, if that clarifies its role in my life!
Tease Me is my favourite Curvy Kate bra too. I'm trying to resist getting all the colours.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Curvy Kate have chosen to use white lace rather than black (again) for the SS12 range.
The only thing that annoys me about this bra is that the sizing is off. "Back down, cup up"!
I like the new colors too, I'm hoping someday they'll make one that's solid white or solid black--I think it would look cute with the lace.
ReplyDeleteToo true about the sizing, I wish I'd known about that before buying this one. It's workable on the tightest hook but I try not to jump up and down in it.
Just how loose does this come up? I find most 32" fairly snug, but 34"s are usually too loose for me and I'd never dream of trying a 30"! I also am able to happily fit in HH and J.
ReplyDeleteYou might be happiest in the 32. I didn't personally find this bra to have an absurdly loose band. I had it in a 30 band which was too loose but that was right when I started needing a 28. I think the issue is more that the band isn't especially firm, but softer, so it can end up being loose. It seems like most people do go down a band size in the Tease Me (and Thrill Me) but I'm pretty happy in my normal band size, and if you find most 32s are a bit tight, the 32 might come up perfect for you on this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Nowhere within practical driving distance stocks these, so I just can't pop in and try them on.
ReplyDeleteAhem, I'm afraid I have to disagree as when it comes to flattening: everytime I wear one, it's as if I had hands under my breats pushing them up and front and every single male around turns their head. I even heard one say the might be ake (which I never heard with other bras).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, for the rest, I totally agree: nice shape, very confortable and not covering the entire chest. Love them.
I'm just discovering Curvy Kate and I'm a bit dismayed, personally, that the black lace isn't coming back this season in this line! (Most of the CK Tease Me/Thrill Me bras at Brastop are sold out in my size.) Yet the black lace is so lovely... the white lace makes me think of some homegrown pioneer settler out in the Old West or something, not a sophisticated "showgirl" like the name of the line suggests. :(
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I have to say I agree about the white lace--it's not my favorite. Have you seen the red Tease Me that will be coming out in July? It doesn't have the black lace but it's not white lace either, and it's very cute.
DeleteAre there any other bras out there, from Curvy Kate or any other company, that use the same construction as the Tease Me?
ReplyDeleteYes--try the Masquerade Rhea or Cleo Juna. Up to G cup, Freya's padded half-cups also have this seam structure. And of course there's the Thrill Me from Curvy Kate which is the same.
DeleteThank you! I have a Masquerade Rhea on the way as we speak. I should be getting it tomorrow. I've also ordered Tease Me in the cherry, which is also on its way (in two sizes since I've read so many conflicting reviews), but I'm a bit worried that it will really show through under clothing. Wish me luck! Love you blog.
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