I just read a blog post about how the “Belle” is celebrating its tenth birthday. I could cry at the fact that this monstrosity has been in production for so long, when bras that are actually attractive often get discontinued after just a few seasons. (At least there’s eBay.)
It’s appropriate for this to be the first bra featured on this blog, because it was actually the first bra I ever tried on in a real size. After a few years of bewilderedly cramming my boobs into 34DDs, my best friend dragged me to a specialty shop where they fitted me into a much smaller back and much bigger cup and my life was changed, blah blah. Unfortunately, the first bra they fit me in was the “Belle” and I nearly ran out of the store because of it. It gives the dreaded “torpedo boob” look, visually increases the size of your chest by 8000%, and covers EVERYTHING, including a lot of your shoulders. It might not surprise you to learn that this wasn’t what I was looking for at age 17, especially coming straight from Victoria’s Secret bras, which, while abysmally small on me, at least gave me a rounded shape.
Here’s the thing about shape with non-molded bras:
Basically, the strap needs to attach to a section that hits the bottom of the boob to get any uplift. A bra that has the third construction is going to do little more than conform to the shape your boobs have when you aren’t wearing a bra, which is why these bras usually look so dowdy on anything above a G cup.
Mysteriously, the “Belle” has an almost cult-like following. The reviews on Bravissimo are glowing and I think it has one of the highest average ratings of any bra they sell. I can only assume its devoted fans were fitted into it, own 9 of it, and have never tried anything more flattering. That, or these people are looking for something much different from what I look for in a bra. After all, Fantasie really caters to an older set, as evidenced by their refusal to offer anything below a 30 back.
I couldn't have said it better myself. Such an awful bra - albeit perhaps comfortable for some - and I laughed my head off when I read your bit about it covering EVERYTHING, including a lot of your shoulders. I'm sadly so familiar with that sort of experience!
ReplyDeleteYeah, my mom actually owns this bra and likes it, but then again it looks a good deal cuter in her size. Definitely not for me!
ReplyDeleteOh my! I hate this bra with a passion. I was forced into in back in the day when I graduated to a JJ cup and there was not much else on offer in this size. First, I can not believe that anybody under 50 would willingly choose this if given a choice. Then, it gave me an awful outward shape instead of keeping everything upfront.I'm so glad I don't have to wear this anymore.
ReplyDeleteYep... I call it the "Torpedo Boob" look. Definitely no risk of errant cleavage with this bra!
ReplyDeleteI have this bra for work, because it's comfortable (even after 6+ hours in a physical job, I barely even know I'm wearing it), and all I want is something to stop me jiggling everywhere. No, it's not pretty, no, it's not overly flattering, but it does the job I want it to. However, now I can find other bras in my size that fit (and can afford, now I actually have a job), I wear those outside of work.
ReplyDeleteBesides, in a job where 90% of the employees are male, not bringing even more attention to my boobs is a good thing.
For me, my boobs have a very prominent and splayed out look in this bra, it visually maximizes their appearance and makes them very noticeable as compared to bras that hold my boobs up closer to my body. I'm glad you've been able to get use out of it as a comfortable and practical bra though, and have different bras for different situations. I have a few fall-back "work bras" too but I love to find bras that are able to bridge the gap and work in all situations.
ReplyDeleteThis must be one of those polarizing bras. I put a review on bratabase a couple of *years* ago, talking about the odd shape it gave me: droopy, low - & yet still pointy. And last week someone actually posted a comment basically scolding me for not liking a 'wonderful' bra. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteIt is my go to bra for that week before TOM because it is sooooooooooo comfortable. I bet many women wear it for that reason. My other bras show off my waist, make my boobs sit higher etc., but the Belle is just so crazy comfy.
ReplyDeleteI wish there were a way to have BOTH supreme comfort and flattering fit. Oh well.....
Have just stumbled across this review and I thought I was the only one who hated this bra!! I wore it many years ago when there was little choice in my then size of 34HH and it made my boobs look terrible. Yes it may be comfy but I prefer to be able to see my waist!!
ReplyDeleteI agree these bras look sexy but useless being a 34H it' offers little support and makes my breasts look misshaped.
ReplyDelete