Last month I posted the exciting news that Simply Yours were going to tap into the plus size strapless bras market and were to release a strapless bra which goes all the way up to a K cup.
With limited information released when I wrote this blog, I was not sure whether the bra would be made in my size or even in a size which would be greatly appreciated amongst my circle of friends (one being a 30HH and one a 30K).
Unfortunately (for me and said friends) the bra starts at a 34 band – which considering how many women would probably benefit from these bras in a 28-32 band and that 32 bands are one of the most ‘sold’ band sizes is a huge negative. I was hoping and praying that this set would have been available for our model Jesse to wear as (as a 30HH/J) she currently up-sizes in any brand of strapless bra on the UK market. However due to the sheer amount of comments, questions and emails I’ve received about this bra I decided to go ahead and review it.
I managed to find a friend willing to model the bra for me: Charlotte, whose bra size averages at a 34 or 36 E/F.
I had a few comments on the last post from readers who claimed that the bra was not true to size. I put this theory to the test and compared some of the Simply Yours ‘Naturally Close’ and ‘Shapely Figures’ branded strapless bras.
First up, the infamous Naturally Close Multiway Bra, which claims:
We have developed the largest underwired strapless bra in the world to offer you secure support up to a K cup. Three-section non-padded cups. Pretty all-over leaf embroidery. Multiway – can be worn as a halterneck, strapless or asymmetrically. Silicone banding to stop slippage. Deep wing for extra support. Bones in the undercup to strengthen bra. Wider straps on large sizes. The large cup bra comes in black, white, ivory and magenta.
Hand wash.
60% Nylon, 35% Polyester, 5% Elastane.
Charlie Models the bra in a 34E size
34E side view
I ordered this in Charlie’s ‘usual’ 34E and the cup is clearly too large in this size. The band was pretty tight too and by the looks of the fit she might need it in something closer to a 36D in order to get a good fit. She really loved the fabric, though, and the cups were cut beautifully so we gave this bra a shot in a 36D:
Secondly, the Shapely Figures Multiway Bra:
Charlie wears a 34F Shapely Figures Multiway Bra
Charlie was really happy with this bra and the fit. In a 34F it fitted near enough perfectly and the shape and support was great. I personally really enjoy the colour of it as it’s pretty unique. The seamless moulded shape really worked for her and would be the perfect base from under a dress or ‘boob tube’ style top. The bra gave a gorgeous rounded shape and a fabulous silhouette so a great alternative up to an F cup. The only improvement we could dream up would be for the weight to be distributed over at least 3 hook and eye fastenings to better distribute the weight of her boobs, however as the largest cup size available in this size it still works outstandingly well both with and without straps.
I think this bra in particular would look amazing under clothes; perfect for under a body-con dress or LBD, something that Charlie has found difficult in the past. As a curvy girl she finds it difficult to find plus size strapless bras which suit her shape. She took some convincing that she didn’t have ‘weird shaped boobs’ and that getting the perfect bra is all in trial and error.
Side view of the 34F – this time without the straps!
Next up, the Shapely Figures Multiway Bra:
34F Black Lace Bra with straps
This was one of Charlie’s favoured bras from the selection, the lace overlay available in black or cream adds a sophisticated, glamorous and sexy finish to the set, and also the fit was good too. Again, in a 34F, the bra fitted in the cups well, with perhaps room to go up that extra half a cup size to a 34FF. The band was nice and firm without being uncomfortable, although again we really felt that the bra could have benefited from a third hook and eye as the two alone were quite thin along the back strap when compared to other strapless bras on the market.
Side view of Shapely Figures Multiway Bra in 34F
This bra definitely has a ‘classically chic’ look about it and the shape is wonderful. It holds up Charlie’s bottom-heavy breasts wonderfully creating a nice uplifted shape, working well both with and without straps.
34F without straps
Finally we have the Shapely Figures Pack of 2 Multiway Bras:
Charlie models the 34E in this style
Charlie really loved this bra and she decided that if she were to buy on it would have been this one since you get two in a packet for £26.00, so that’s an astounding £13.00 each! Unfortunately I only ordered this one for her to try in a 34E and she really needed to go up a cup size to a 34F or perhaps even a 36E to try for size since the back band was firm but verging on being too tight. We both loved that this set in particular came in a dark and a light colour (and is also available in a two set with white and black) which ticked your strapless bra needs for dark or light clothing which was really convenient as well as being great value. The embroidery is really pretty and classic, with great support and comfort. Charlie said the fabric felt lovely against her skin with really soft 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane. She’s eager to try another size and has added it to her wish list. A great essential and a fantastic price for a pair of such a basic yet pretty bras.
34E without the straps
As you know Simply Yours don’t only sell their own brand strapless and multiway bras, stocking (one of the best of the lot that Becky and I found when we mass-reviewed strapless bras in May), the Wonderbra Strapless available in black or ivory lace overlay or plain ‘black’ or ‘skin’. If it is just a multiway bra you’re after I’ve heard great things about the Figleaves D – G Plunge Multiway Bra, available in a 32-38 D-FF. Don’t overlook their own brands if you wear a 34+ band as they really are worth a look, even if you may have to do a bit of trial and error to find your perfect fit.
In our experience we found the sizing to be a little erratic with the two brands, which can be quite irritating as you’re not 100% sure what size to order at first, however at such good value and with such comfy, flattering bras of such nice quality they are definitely worth taking a look at. To save yourself multiple trips to the post office I’d definitely order a good few sizes around your ‘usual’ – something that makes Simply Yours’ ‘buy now, pay later’ function very handy.
Since I’d particularly love to see the Naturally Close Multiway Bra on someone with a 34+ H+ size but had no such models available to test – I’m on the prowl for potential candidates for a follow-up post so watch this space!
In the mean time, however, do you think Simply Yours would benefit by making this bra start at a smaller back size? Do you struggle to find a strapless bra in your size and would have loved to have seen this one in a 28, 30 or 32 band?
