If there’s one conversation I never shy away from it’s talking bras. As a closet 30DDD, 32DD, 32DDD and occasional 34DD – it varies from brand to brand and from expert to expert – I know the importance of finding a good bra! At my size, anything less leads to a) uni-boob/under-arm-book/unflattering shape, b) back pain, c) bras that stretch out, or d) all of the above and are a waste of $$$.
Recently, I had dinner with the Bali team (which makes one of my favorite bras, the Passion for Comfort Shaping Underwire – great support and separation) to chat intimates and get the skinny on some of their new styles.As a brand that makes quality bras at reasonable prices (they are the #1 bra and minimizer brand in department stores for the mid-tier category), Bali understands that beauty and just as importantly confidence begins from the inside out.
As I got to know the design team, they walked me through some of the new collections and technological developments as well as let me test out a few of the styles. One thing I was immediately drawn to is their ‘Smart Sizes’ concept, which they label on their Comfort Revolution styles. Smart Sizes is basically an index similar in format to what you see on the back of tights that lets you know if you’re a XS, S, M, L, XL or 2XL based on your cup and band width. Sizes range from 32B to 44DD, and unfortunately exclude my fellow 32DD and 34DD (we fit somewhere between a small and medium, except the cup of the small is too small and the back of the medium is too loose).
This is actually something I’ve noticed in quite a few brands, including Bali and MaidenForm. I’m not sure why they haven’t embraced these sizes yet, but hopefully that changes. Especially since I gave that feedback at the dinner and the majority of bloggers in the room all ironically had the same size.
Despite not perfectly fitting into it, I did try the Underwire Original Tailored style from the Comfort Revolution collection, and found it incredibly comfortable. It offers great support and doesn’t smush your rack but rather cups your shape nicely and helps keep everything in place due to it’s four-way stretch fabric and innovative shape-to-fit technology. They additionally offer a few different wireless versions.
Bali also seems to be taking over the high-wasted category, which ranges from styles that are incredibly sexy (I’m taking the One Smooth U Lace N’ Smooth High Waisted Lace Brief) to total granny panties (the Bali Full-Cut Fit Cotton Panties wins that award). Although it’s a very economical choice as the cotton is enhanced with Spandex, which offers some added stretch and comfort (it’s just not very sexy). Where as the One Smooth U Lace N’ Smooth High Waisted Lace Brief is pure hotness. The way it sucks everything in and how you feel in it is perfect. It’s easily my favorite item from my shapewear collection.
Being more of a hipster style girl myself, I gravitated towards the Comfort Revolution Seamless Hipster underwear. It’s comfortable with multi-way stretch that lets you move without them riding up or losing shape.
They also have a new One Smooth U Comfort Indulgence Satin with Lace Hipster that I want to love (since lace + highwasted + hipster usually has some old Hollywood glamour to it) and despite how cute it looked photographed it wasn’t as flattering on me or come off as youthful (It’s more of a sexier mom style). It’s comfortable, but not something I’d pick up for your teenage daughter (especially in beige).
For something more youthful, I have my eye on the One Smooth U No Lines. No Slip, Bikini with Lace Waistband. I haven’t tried it yet but I love their no slip/no lines technology and general sexiness of the style.
Another style at the preview was the the One Smooth U Cool Comfort Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer. I think the image says it all… look at the way it sucks it all in to slim the waist and thighs. If you’re into shapewear this is a great style to have on your radar as it also contains their ‘Cool Comfort’ technology with keeps you cool as you heat up.
Going back to bras the Comfort Indulgence Back-Smoothing Foam Underwire which was modeled at the dinner is a style I’d very much like to see in my size. It has a cooling liner and lays smooth on the back, plus I love the way it dips in the front and separates for some perfect cleavage.
See something you like? Or have a favorite bra brand? Leave me a comment or tweet me @prettyconnected. For more on Bali visit baliintimates.com