I love being proved wrong.
For as long as I’ve been writing Sweet Nothings (3 years in May, eep!), I have stood firm in my padded-bras-are-terrible stance. Well, they’re generally terrible for me: I’ve worn non-padded bras almost exclusively since I first started figuring out what sizes and styles I liked best. I’ve tried padded plunges and padded half cups and generally any kind of padded bra, and they always wind up unworn in the back of my drawers. So when people began reporting that padded plunge bras from Polish brands like Ewa Michalak, Anna Pardal, and Comexim were life-changers, I was HIGHLY skeptical.
Then Aisha from Zathiya and I were chatting about my bikini from Curvy Kate, and she asked me if I’d ever tried Comexim, and would I like to? Her new full-bust e-boutique stocks selections from full-bust favorites Parfait and Curvy Kate, and she (along with A Sophisticated Pair) is one of the first US-based retailers to stock Comexim bras. I asked if I could review a style of my choosing, and luckily for me, she indulged me! I picked out the elegant red-and-black Arizona, since its padded plunge shape is similar to the other two Comexim styles Zathiya currently stocks, in the hope that my review will be helpful to anyone who might like to order one of those styles.
[Note: Zathiya generously provided this lingerie for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Appearance
Arizona is a lightly padded plunge bra constructed with a three-part cup (vertical seam from bottom of cup, diagonal seam across the cup). The cups are covered with a lovely black floral lace, lined with plain red fabric (as you know, red lingerie is currently my favorite lingerie). Small red tuxedo bows trim the center gore and straps. The mesh band and fully adjustable straps are black, and the band closes with three rows of three columns of hooks and eyes.
The coordinating shorts are low-rise with a completely sheer black mesh back. The center front panel is lined with the same pretty red/black lace fabric as the cups of the bra.
Fit
Even though some Polish brands convert their sizes from EU to UK, there are still variations in different country’s manufacturing, which left me unsure of what size to order. I gave Aisha my measurements and current sizes/brands, and she suggested a size for me to try (many reviewers seem to agree that with Ewa Michalak and Comexim, the trick is to go up a band size, keeping the same letter, which gives you a size that’s one band and one cup volume larger than your UK size). I don’t usually care to share my size on the internet, but in this situation I think it will be helpful: I’ve been wearing 32H pretty consistently in Eveden/Panache, with the occasional 34GG. Aisha advised trying 36GG (80J), which is 1-2 bands larger and 1 cup volume larger than my usual styles.
When the bra arrived I pulled it out of the box and thought “There is no way this is going to fit.” It looked so small, but that’s because the wires are so much narrower, and the cups so much lower cut, than many other styles I wear. To my delighted surprise, the fit was wonderful! The cups offer SO MUCH projection, and as someone who often finds UK and American bras wide and shallow, these cups feel just perfect. Other wires occasionally pull too wide on the sides of my body or come up uncomfortably high under my arms, but not so here: the projected shape suits my closer-set breasts really well!
While I liked the fit of the band when I first put it on, after a day’s wear, it felt a bit loose. After 3 more wears, I’m already on the middle hooks. I think next time I’ll go for 34H (75K), which is 1 band bigger (and still 1 cup volume larger) than my usual 32H. The cups occasionally gape at the top, but I think that’s the nature of a stiffer padded cup; I wouldn’t size down.
Based on my measurements and usual sizes in shorts we went with a size Large, and they feel slightly small. Some of that is because they’re low-cut, which isn’t the most fun for me as a tall person with a belly, and some of it is a waistband that digs. I would size up next time, if they weren’t so danged uncomfortable, which I’ll get to shortly.
Comfort
This bra is a joy to wear. Seriously. Apart from scooping/swooping towards mid-afternoon to make sure all my breast tissue is filling the cup, I don’t have to adjust this bra at all throughout the day. Instead of feeling stiff, constricting, or uncomfortable, I forget I’m even wearing it. My usual complaint with padded bras is that I feel like my breasts aren’t really settling into the cups, like they’re floating precariously in space and will require frequent fidgeting and adjusting over the course of a day’s wear. With Arizona, I truly feel lifted and supported. The bra is fantastic for plunging necklines, and it provides an up-front-and-centered shape, along with some pretty outstanding cleavage. Granted, some days I don’t WANT to be boob-tastic, and I’ll opt for a bra with less projection and plunge, but in general I feel supported, comfortable, and confident when I wear this bra. I only hope I can wear it more before the band stretches out!
I will most likely not wear the shorts again, to be honest. I’ve worn them twice, and both times I wanted to tear them off my body by the end of the day. The rise is so low they feel like they’re falling off, and the seat has little shaping and no elastic in the legline to help them “grip” my (pretty flat) derriere. I also find the gusset a little narrow, so they tend to wriggle and slide around my body (wedgies, y’all. I’m trying to say they give me wedgies). I’ve gotten spoiled by higher-rise shorts, bikinis, and briefs, and I now no longer have the patience to deal with uncomfortable and unflattering knickers. I’m aware, however, that my anti-low-rise stance is not universal, so your mileage may vary.
Overall
While the shorts aren’t my cup of tea, this bra is a game changer. It gives me a fantastically narrow, projected shape, and despite the openness of the neckline it offers tremendous lift and support. I also really like the sensual red and black lace design: it makes the bra feel more opulent and sophisticated than the price tag would have you believe. Y’all, I love a padded bra! Who am I? What’s next? Will I revise my stance on raisins that pretend to be chocolate chips (they are evil)? Will I suddenly change my tune about Wuthering Heights (Wuthering Heights is a terrible book about terrible people)? It’s a brave new world!
* * * * *
Looking for more Comexim reviews? Be sure to check out A Sophisticated Pair’s archives for reviews of several styles, including Arizona.
Bra and Shorts: Arizona by Comexim, c/o Zathiya. Approx. $50/$18. XS-XXL. Band sizes from 60-90 (28-40 UK) and cup sizes from D-N (D-JJ UK). Comexim follows EU cup size progressions: B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N. Zathiya currently stocks the Irish Coffee and Arabella styles, with more styles, including Arizona, on the way later this year. UPDATE:: Arizona is now available for purchase on the Zathiya website. If you’re interested in trying a different Comexim style or size than you see on the website, contact Aisha about ordering!
Stockings: Leg Avenue
Suspender Belt: Fantasie
Shoes: Michael Kors
Photos: Studio Rezin
Aisha
March 31, 2015 at 8:25 am (8 years ago)Lol @ the wedgies bit. I feel your pain, girl!
Comexim is known to have stretchier bands. This sometimes concerns me with the longevity of a bra, although stretchier bands feel a tad more comfortable to me.
Seriously, red and black look GREAT on you!
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:02 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Aisha! I really, really love this set, and I’m so thrilled I had the chance to try my first Comexim bra!
Amanda
March 31, 2015 at 8:42 am (8 years ago)Yay! So glad to see you’ve taken the plunge (I AM SO WITTY), and are reviewing Polish bras. They truly are a dream fit, and I won’t go back to any other.
Regarding band size, I’ve found Comexim is making their bands tighter in general; however, the fabric is still quite stretchy, so they loosen after a few wears. I have to wear an extender with mine the first few times, but then it’s comfortable without. I will say, though, after the initial stretch, they maintain. It usually takes a few months of wear before I move on to the next hook, which I would consider normal.
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:02 pm (8 years ago)Oooh, that’s really good advice, thank you! Going forward I’ll keep that in mind– extenders can be really useful additions to lingerie drawers.
Florence
March 31, 2015 at 10:22 am (8 years ago)This looks lovely on you! I’m glad that you finally tried a Comexim bra and liked it. Their plunges fit me extremely well and look so nice. If you like this, the Ewa Michalak S cut might be good for you too.
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:06 pm (8 years ago)Well the timing of your comment is excellent: I just ordered my first Ewa S bra Tuesday night! oh, wait, no I didn’t, I ordered the SM. Well, something to look forward to, I suppose. I’m loving Polish bras so far though!
Erica of A Sophisticated Pair
March 31, 2015 at 12:37 pm (8 years ago)First off, red is seriously your color. You look amazing in everything, but red is really fantastic!! I’m a big fan of Comexim (obviously) and their partner Anna Pardal, so I love seeing reviews out there for them. They make some beautiful products that look way more expensive than they are. When I compare an Anna Pardal bra to a Freya, I can really see an elevation on the former even though they are roughly the same price.
About the undies: Can I just say that I find most companies tend to reuse the same silhouette? It’s a pet peeve with so many brands. I can get a 3 pairs of Natori panties for $45, and they’re so comfy. Meanwhile, a lot of matching panties ride up or cut in or don’t look right . . . and they’re $30 each! I have a lot of faux matching sets now. And black underwear. A lot of black underwear.
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:07 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Erica! You are so sweet, and thank you for encouraging me to give Polish bras a try! Can’t wait to give Anna Pardal a go as well 🙂
What is UP with these terrible undies already? Maybe I’m just getting picky, but dang…for the money they should really be better!
DDtop
March 31, 2015 at 1:46 pm (8 years ago)Hi very nice and looks great on you yes i like red too think something special in nice bright red!
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:07 pm (8 years ago)Thanks so much!
Lee Rivers
March 31, 2015 at 1:50 pm (8 years ago)Raisins masquerading as chocolate chips? Those are pretty high on my list of ‘things that aren’t crimes but I think should be.’ Also I still don’t know why anyone thinks Wuthering Heights is romantic. It’s a book about terrible people making bad life choices! I still like padded bras, so I have my anecdotal evidence that those opinions aren’t linked. Highly scientific.
I’m close to giving up on coordinate shorts and briefs because they tend to hang off the back in what I feel is a sad limp manner.
You look divine in red as always, Sweets!
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:08 pm (8 years ago)Raisins are monsters, just like Heathcliff and Cathy.
I am rocking my high waist cotton granny panties lately, and I’m loving life, so you’re not alone!
Leah H
March 31, 2015 at 9:51 pm (8 years ago)Welcome to the Comexim Club!
But NO. Raisins will never be acceptable, ESPECIALLY when they masquerade as chocolate chips. They are THE. WORST.
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:09 pm (8 years ago)That was when I knew I could never be with Chris from Parks & Rec; he said “Raisins! They’re NATURE’S CANDY!”
Nope.
virago
April 1, 2015 at 8:25 pm (8 years ago)As a fellow padding-phobe — one who’s about to have a birthday with a zero at the end — I think you may have converted me!
Sweets
April 1, 2015 at 10:10 pm (8 years ago)I really recommend this bra! Who’d have thought, me loving a padded bra, and yet here we are 🙂
Cale
April 4, 2015 at 4:31 pm (8 years ago)Holy moly, gorgeous!!!!
I am so glad you tried Comexim, Sweets!
I remember you told me you were curious about their bras. I totally agree with you-game changer (for me, life changer)!
I never liked padded or contour type bras but the Comexim bras are so thinly lined and supportive like nothing else. I’ve grown more appreciative with the way colors and patterns “pop” with these types of bras. You have totally sold the Arizona for me. I’m buying it now!
Serena
April 12, 2015 at 2:31 pm (8 years ago)Woman, you have legs for DAYS. My kingdom for your legs. You look bangin’ as usual.
Sweets
April 12, 2015 at 11:20 pm (8 years ago)Thank you you are excellent xoxo
Iveta
April 15, 2015 at 7:24 pm (8 years ago)Sweets, you look fantastic in the Arizona. I have it as well and it fits well. One word of advice for those who typically don’t like plunges: Comexim and Anna Pardal (which is a brand made by Comexim, but designed by another great designer – to confuse us, they are both named Anna, but they are two different designers) can be custom ordered with higher gore, which fixes the occasional slippage of soft center heavy breast tissue at the gore. They customize without additional cost, but the bra is then non-returnable. I have started ordering all my Comexim and Anna Pardal bras with higher gore (I sometimes even specify the height in cm). They also will move the straps in a little if necessary. I was a die hard fan of Empreinte for 20 years, but will not go back to it, because while the Empreinte fit is more projected than some other brands, it is not projected enough for me AND the cost is at least 3 times higher. If you liked Comexim, I would love for you to review Anna Pardal. Or if you could review the Comexim longline, that would be so nice as you are similar in size to me and I have been lusting after it:) I am selfless like that:)) BTW love your reviews.
Sweets
April 16, 2015 at 9:57 am (8 years ago)Thank you for your kind words, Iveta! Keep your eye out for a very special Anna Pardal review coming sooooon 😉
Nikki
April 16, 2015 at 2:17 am (8 years ago)I think it’s odd – I’ve had the exact opposite experience with the knickers! I’ll agree that the gusset is extremely narrow (but I love it! No more wrinkling and chafing from too much fabric there!).
At the same time, I think the front of the panties are very full-coverage (but definitely not a high-waisted style). However, for your typical bikini cuts, and yes, the thongs, the front is definitely more full-coverage (say, in comparison to similar styles by Victoria’s Secret or bargain brands).
Worth noting is that the fronts of the thongs are the same as the shorts and bikini cuts, so don’t expect a skimpy, dainty piece if you order a thong from Comexim!
I find that the rise comes up to about halfway between my lap and the top of my iliac crest (or just barely below halfway to my belly button). Definitely not in the same range of the high-rise panty that’s become so popular, but also not really a “low rise” style, as they do stick out of my normal, straight cut (not low-rise) Levi’s.
I definitely suggest sizing up in the knickers. I tend to sit around a S/M in the waist and a Large in the hips, but I find I need an XL or XXL in Comexim’s styles.
Lastly, Comexim sells bikinis and they are AMAZING. Like the best things to happen in the world. They’re bra sized, and have good support (because they’re practically a bra anyways) and they’re super cute! The light padding hides nipples if you get cold, and unlike Freya’s bikinis, it isn’t lined with mesh that catches sand. So many good things to say about Comexim!
Sweets
April 16, 2015 at 9:56 am (8 years ago)Sounds like maybe since you and I have different bodies, the knickers are fitting us differently? 🙂 I don’t know what to say but I stand by my review: on my body, these are low-rise knickers. I feel like they’re actually falling off sometimes. But I’m a tall/big person; I’m allowed to find them low-rise, especially since they certainly come up lower than many other bikinis, thongs, and shorts I’ve tried. That’s why I’m wearing a suspender belt– I wanted a little more coverage for the photographs. Glad to hear you’re also a Comexim fan– I’m looking forward to trying more styles, and keep your eye out for an Anna Pardal review this month!