Comexim Pioson Ivy Plunge

I got the Comexim Pioson Ivy in a swap on Bratabase in a 70G, this does have alterations but no reduced cup height.  The alterations include cookie pockets and an overlapping gore. Normally I wouldn’t try a plunge in this size without reduced cups, but the cookie pockets made me take a shot.  

I’ve seen Pioson Ivy in quite a few blogs and I was never 100% sure on the aesthetics of it.  As with many bras though it does look better in person.  I especially love how it looks with my red hair (which is currently in need of fresh color). 🙂

with cookies

First I tried it on without the cookies, of course it gaped quite a bit especially center of the cup.  As you can see the cups are also quite tall on me they measure 6.4in.

70G without cookies

without cookies

I’m not sure if it has to do with the overlapping gore wires, or if something else is going on, but the wires also seem to be a bit on the wider side than is typical for a Comexim Plunge 5.3in vs. about 5in of my other Comexim plunges in this or sister sizes. 

without cookies, you can also see the wire is a bit on the wider side for Comexim

As I mentioned at the beginning, this was ordered with cookie pockets.  If you order a Comexim with cookie pockets it does not come with cookies, but Ewa Michalak’s PL cookies work very well and I sure there are other cookies that would work too.  The fabric used for the cookie pockets is amazingly soft too. You ca also see the overlapping gore wires here.

cookie pockets

With the cookies the fit does get a bit better although it is still not an ideal fit by any means.  My boobs are no longer lost in the cups. Although I feel like the underwire isn’t perfectly in my  IMF and is sitting a bit low (adding cookies does make a bra a bit shallower), but the bottom of the cup felt a bit strange without cookies as well almost like it was too big, but too shallow at the same time, I’m guessing the wire width might be what was making it feel too large while still feeling kind of shallow.

with cookies

with cookies

I also have a bit an of an issue with the overlapping gore, I really have to try to position the gore in order to prevent it from sitting awkwardly on one tissue of one breast. This is something I noticed more with the cookies than without.  I have had some other Comexim’s with overlapping gores and they also didn’t work very well for me.  I’m not sure why it doesn’t quite seem to work for me since I am somewhat close set when supported.  Perhaps it would work better if the gore were also lowered.  Anyhow I think I will stick to standard gore width and lowered gore since it seems to work for me.

with cookies, and you can kind of see the gore sitting crooked as well as some of the gaping

The Pioson Ivy is a beautiful bra and it’s a shame it didn’t work out for me.  I did fall in love with the look of it once I actually put it on.  Online I hadn’t been a huge fan, but when I was able to swap for it, I figured I would see what the fuss was about, and I am a fan.  I have seen a custom order Pioson Ivy 3HC and the lace runs up higher on the cup, and I really liked the look of it so maybe I will try that someday or even the plunge with my regular alterations, if Comexim doesn’t run out of fabric for it first.

Comexim Pioson Ivy Plunge Bra (353) 70G

* Stretched band length: 29.5in
* Band length: 23.3in
* Cup width: 5.3in
* Cup depth: 8.8in
* Wire length: 9.5in
* Cup separation: 0.5in
* Cup height: 6.4in

* Gore height: 2.8in
* Wing height: 3.5in
* Strap width: 0.7in
* Hooks: 2

Anna Pardal Lady Grey Sophisticate Cut

I got this bra from A Sophisticated Pair after exchanging a couple other bras that didn’t work for me, she didn’t have any other sizes of the previous 2 bras I tried so I decided to try Lady Grey in the Sophisticate cut (straps moved in 2cm, cups reduced 2cm, and gore lowered 2cm which are also my standard alterations for Comexim, remember you may need to size up a cup with these alterations, 65G (30F) is a bit small on me and I quad, 65H (30FF) no alterations can be to tall my Comexim plunge comaprison). I wasn’t crazy about Lady Grey from photos I had seen online, but it arrived and it is beautiful. By the way Erica is amazing and extremely helpful.

The band on Lady Grey does run small (about a band size) and I had read that it did, but Erica didn’t have any Lady Greys in a 32F so I decided I might as well try the 30FF. The band does run tight, but fits fine with an extender. The cups are a perfect fit on me. I feel like this is probably as close to a custom fit bra I could get!

I’m not sure if it is standard in this size, but this bra also features thinner straps, unlike my Dottie 3HC the straps on Lady Grey do have some texture so they stay put and don’t need adjusted.  I do love the thinner straps with the 2cm strap alterations because as you can see my armpits are far from danger andpart of what makes this super comfy.  It does have a 3×3 fastener, but the wings are still low at 3.5 inches, I thought the 3×3 on my Irish Coffee 3HC (4in) could have been the cause of taller side wings, but perhaps not.

I also got a matching thong, A Sophisticated Pair had a Lady Grey thong on in their final sale section in a small. She held it for me until I could see if the Lady Grey bra would fit. Since the bra fit great I had to get the thong, although I was quite worried that the thong would be too small. I usually order medium in Comexim panties (small works but usually digs a bit), and since the band on Lady Grey runs small I thought for sure these would be on the small side. The small does actually fit quite well, they are a bit higher rise, but I can position to not be as high and the backside at least at the top is a bit more like a rio style than a a regular thong (for reference I’m measure 31in at hipbone and 37in at hips). I am quite happy with them though and they go great with the bra, although I almost think they would pair better with the halfcup Lady Grey with the trim at the top of the cup.

Update: I love this bra because it fits great, but somehow the pattern shows through a lot of my shirts. I mostly wear fitted knit shirts and thin t-shirts. The other day I was wearing a red t-shirt and apparently it is super thin fabric, because when I caught a glimpse in the mirror while in a restroom I noticed you could see the pattern of the bra.  Grr!! I need to buy different shirts, or just accept that people might see the print on my bra, it’s cute dammit so I might go with the latter option.

Comexim Dottie 3HC

I received this bra in a swap, I had been looking at the Dottie every time I’ve ordered from Comexim, but never ordered it, I guess I thought the bold colors weren’t practical or something.  However when the I was offered it on a swap, I jumped on it.  It’s cute and a 3HC, I realize this is the first 3HC I have reviewed, but I love the cut.  I can order the 3HC and not need a multiple alterations, straps moved in 2cm is nice, but not an absolute necessity like my alterations to the plunge style are.  I will try to do a comparison of a plunge, altered plunge, and 3HC here soon.

I am so glad I finally got this bra, not only is it super cute and girly, but it is a perfect fit.  I haven’t had it on long, but it instantly gave me the feeling of being made for my boobs, much like my AP Lady Grey Sophistcate.  Like the Lady Grey the Dottie also utilizes a thinner strap at least in this size.  I wasn’t told of any alterations, but my guess would be this has had the straps moved in because the strap placement in quite similar to other Comexims and AP’s that I have the straps moved in on (I did confirm with the previous owner that straps had been moved in 2cm).  I wasn’t sure about the thinner straps which my Lady Grey plunge also has, but the combination of thinner straps and having them moved in is really nice, especially if you’ve been wearing a bra with wider set straps and your armpits need a break.  Whenever I place my next Comexim order I will definitely be getting matching panties for this bra, it is too cute not to have matching undies.  I actually think this print would make a really cute swimsuit.

This being one of several 3HC styles I have I will say that this one seems to fit just slightly different from others.  The thinner straps are probably part of it.  I also think that another part is that my Irish Coffee 3HC has a 3×3 closure whereas this is the smaller/thinner version of the 2 hook.  My Irish Coffee has a 4in wing whereas the Dottie has a 3.6in wing.  The slightly shorter wing does keep it completely away from my armpits, so I may start requesting the smallest 2 hook closure or request the wing height.  My Irish Coffee 3HC is perfectly wearable, but is a bit close to my armpits, the wires on Irish Coffee are also .2in wider as well, some of the difference could be that I went up to a 70G in the Irish Coffee, mostly due to the lace continuing on the band which can make the band a bit tighter.

Update:

 I absolutely love this bra, I am about to place a Comexim order soon and I emailed them because I was wanting to get some AP bras and needed pricing.  I mentioned I wanted to get a Dottie thong and I just heard back that they are out of fabric. If anyone has Dottie panties in good condition they want to sell I would buy them.  Medium would be ideal, but could work with Small or Large too.

 I have worn this bra on quite a few occasions now, and while the colors are bold and I have to be a bit selective with my shirt choice (me and my thin knits and t-shirts are the enemy of my cute bras).  This bra is extremely comfy and fits very well.  The only downside is that the straps are smooth and have no texture so I occasionally have to readjust them, but they are very easy to adjust so it’s not really an issue.  The band on this also seems to be on the quite TTS  at about 30in.

Comexim Dottie Half Cup 65H

* Stretched band length: 30.0in

* Band length: 22.5in

* Cup width: 5.3in

* Cup depth: 8.5in

* Wire length: 9.3in

* Cup separation: 0.6in

* Cup height: 5.6in

* Gore height: 2.5in

* Wing height: 3.6in

* Strap width: 0.5in

* Hooks: 2

Ewa Michalak SM, Unlined Balconette, Sheer Perfection (almost)

I tried my first Ewa Michalak SM several months ago, and while I liked the general shape it was too large.  I found it on Bratabase for a good price in a70F and since I’d had an S (EM’s padded balconette) in 65FF that was only slightly too big I decided to give the 70F a shot so I could at least get an idea of my size.  Again, I don’t like waiting for bras especially unlined ones since I’m quite picky about them and have found very few I love.

The first SM I tried was the SM Czarna Migielka in 70F a beautiful black sheer bra with lace trim.  The photos trick play tricks and make it look like a good fit, but that is because the lace trim is heavy and likes to lay flat, if I pull the top away there is about an inch of empty space.  The shape it gives is round and not too overly centered like I find Cleo to be.  Unfortunately I no longer have this bra so I can’t take any new photos to show how much space I have in the upper portion of the cup.

I got another opportunity to try an SM in a swap for my old Emeline.  It was an older model the SM Cukiereczek  and a 75DD, but the band was altered to about a 65 so it should fit like a 65F.   The bra arrived and it is beautiful, it’s nude with pink embroidery.

There is a a bit empty space in this one but mostly near the gore.  It is a much better fit than the 70F Czarna Migielka. I also feel like I get slightly more lift, at least it looks that way, hard to say for sure since I had already sold the SM Czarna Migielka and I’m judging from photos and my not so great memory.

The gaping at the gore normally wouldn’t concern me, but the straps on this were just too wideset for me and were rather irritating.  I’m guessing this is a result of it originally being a 75 band, and if I got this in a smaller band size the straps would be manageable for me.

As you can see this is a great color for fair skin tones, I’m not sure if photos show how fair skinned I am, but for perspective I usually wear about the lightest shade of foundation.

The gaping at the gore normally wouldn’t concern me, but the straps on this were just too wideset for me and were rather irritating.  I’m guessing this is a result of it originally being a 75 band, and if I got this in a smaller band size the straps would be manageable for me.

As you can see this is a great color for fair skin tones, I’m not sure if photos show how fair skinned I am, but for perspective I usually wear about the lightest shade of foundation.

I really do like the shape and how the cups fit in the SM, but have yet to find my perfect fit in it.  I think if I get a 65F or 70E I should be alright.  I really would like to try the SM Cukiereczek again in a different size, it’s absolutely stunning. Looking at the photos almost makes me wish I had tried longer to tolerate the straps.  If anyone has any SM’s in 65F or 70E let me know I would love to find one that works for me.

Here are some links to other bloggers who have tried the SM.

Short ‘n Stacked review on the SM Cukiereczek
Petite Collegiate  review on SM Czarna Migielka
Dreams and Underthings review on SM Summertime

Comexim Plunge Standard vs. Altered Review and Comparison

I know many people have questions and are a bit confused when trying to order Comexim for the first time.  My first Comexim I bought secondhand off Bratabase, which I would highly recommend before placing a direct order so you can at least get an idea of your size. After many trials, I have come to find my best fit in altered plunges or 3HC’s (3 part half cup). 

At some point I ordered a unaltered Anna Pardal Emeline from Sophisticated Pair (Anna Pardal has unfortunately shut down, but Comexim will continue to make her designs while the fabric exists, Anna Pardal bras have always been made by Comexim though).  I ordered it in a 32E (Anna Pardal used UK sizing in Comexim sizing it would be a70F) on the advice that the band ran small (it does, but it seems to stretch quickly).

When I first got my 32E/70F Emeline it seemed a bit on the small side in the cups, but I could fix some of the bubbling by using one set of eyes of an extender, not perfect, but doable.  After some wear the band stretched a bit and I quit using the extender the bubbling seemed to get worse.  I’m not sure if it was related to not using the extender, if I had slight growth, or maybe it was just that I have many other bras that fit much better and I just wasn’t wearing this because the bubbling and it didn’t seem as comfy as other bras.

32E/70F Emeline, from this you can see my boobs appear to be quite pushed up (wouldn’t be an issue if it didn’t quad and feel a bit small), caused by the cup being a bit too shallow and small for me.

32E/70F Emeline here you can see the bubbling, it looked worse IRL, and under a shirt.

32E/70F Bubbling from the other side

On to my replacement Emeline, I ordered it direct from Comexim in 65H with cups reduced 2cm, gore reduced 2cm and straps moved in 2cm (Anna Pardal called these modifications the Sophisticate Balconette).  The 65 band is a bit small for me and I do need an extender, but the 32/70 seems to stretch out too quickly for me since I’m just a smidge over 30 underbust. 

Just to make sure I haven’t lost anyone with all the sizes the first bra as a 32E/70F and the new one a 30FF/65H in the same band they would be one cup volume a part 70F=65G (smaller band same cup).

65H with reduced cups, gore and straps moved in 2cm, still nice lift and cleavage, but not as extreme of a push up effect.

65H with alterations, no more bubbling (I think it looks like it’s gaping because of how I’m holding the camera)

65H with alterations from other side, no bubbling

By going up a cup volume you get more depth but that also will give you a taller cup.  By reducing the cup 2cm you get a similar cup height to the smaller cup size but more overall space for your boobs.  Reducing the gore will take away a bit of cup depth which depending on your center fullness may or may not work for you.  For me both standard and reduced gore seem to work well, but I like having a mix of gore heights so I don’t always have pressure from the gore in the same spot.

Emeline Classic Plunge 32E/70F (unaltered)

* Stretched band length: 30.0in
* Band length: 24.5in
* Cup width: 5.0in
* Cup depth: 7.8in
* Wire length: 9.0in
* Cup separation: 0.5in
* Cup height: 5.5in
* Gore height: 2.5in
* Wing height: 3.5in
* Strap width: 0.6in
* Hooks: 2

Emeline Sophisticate Balconette 30FF/65H (altered plunge)

* Stretched band length: 28.0in
* Band length: 22.0in
* Cup width: 5.0in
* Cup depth: 8.0in
* Wire length: 9.0in
* Cup separation: 0.6in
* Cup height: 5.8in

* Gore height: 2.5in
* Wing height: 3.8in
* Strap width: 0.6in
* Hooks: 2

Also some  photos of unaltered 65H or 70G so for a reference of cup height, I don’t have cup height measurement the the Free Time or Arizona because I no longer have them and at the time Bratabase didn’t have an option to include that measurement..  In some of the unaltered plunges they are an okay fit, just fuller coverage, but most of the time they end up like the Arizona and gape quite a bit.

Unaltered 65H Free Time

Unaltered 65H Free Time

Comexim Free Time Plunge Bra (270) 65H

* Stretched band length: 31.0in

* Band length: 24.5in

* Cup width: 5.2in

* Cup depth: 8.8in

* Wire length: 9.0in

* Cup separation: 0.6in

* Gore height: 2.8in

* Wing height: 4.0in

* Strap width: 0.6in

* Hooks: 2

Unaltered 70G Arizona, here you can see some gaping

Unaltered 70G Arizona

                                                  

                                                 Comexim Arizona Plunge Bra 70G

* Stretched band length: 29.5in

* Band length: 25.0in

* Cup width: 5.0in

* Cup depth: 8.5in

* Wire length: 9.3in

* Cup separation: 0.6in

* Gore height: 2.8in

* Wing height: 3.5in

* Strap width: 0.7in

* Hooks: 2

Unaltered 65H Irish Coffee

Unaltered 65H Irish Coffee

 Comexim Irish Coffee Plunge Bra (335) 65H

* Stretched band length: 30.5in
* Band length: 22.0in
* Cup width: 5.3in
* Cup depth: 8.3in
* Wire length: 9.0in
* Cup separation: 0.6in
* Cup height: 6.4in
* Gore height: 2.5in
* Wing height: 3.5in
* Strap width: 0.6in
* Hooks: 2