After figuring out all my Freya soft cup bras were too small in 28DD, I had my eyes set on a 28E. This one was on sale over at Figleaves, and I really wanted to try out a soft half cup style.
General
One of Freya's newly introduced styles, Gem is a soft half cup, with an embroidery pattern and contrast lining. It's based on the Freya Rio, if you were a fan of that one, this one's worth checking out as it's much prettier (in my opinion).
Look
I own Gem in the continuity colour Black. This one features two layers of fabric; one in a black, and one in pink. The pink is a very lovely, light colour, and is overlay-ed with the black fabric, creating a lovely colour contrast. A small light pink bow sits in the center, and on top of the straps. Straps and band feature small fabric trims.
Band
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The band is plain black, with little fabric trims. The band is quite wide, and runs really loose; even looser than other Freya models. Size at least one band size down if you can, as it's also really stretchy. It has 2 hooks and 3 eyes in this size.
Cups
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Soft lace patterned cups with one vertical seam. I'd say the cups run true to size. The lace is stretchy, so no need to size up if you're in between cup sizes. It's doesn't provide much uplift, and gives a pointy shape.
Soft lace patterned cups with one vertical seam. I'd say the cups run true to size. The lace is stretchy, so no need to size up if you're in between cup sizes. It's doesn't provide much uplift, and gives a pointy shape.
Center Gore & Wires
Center gore is, typical for a half cup, narrow. Center gore is quite high, definitely higher than a plunge, and more like a balconette. Wires are narrow to medium width, leaning more to medium width.
Straps
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Straps connect to the cup with very wide fabric, and slowly narrowing. The material follows the pattern of the cups, with a little pink bow on top. Because of this, the straps are not entirely adjustable, and I find them too run very loose. The other half of the straps are in plain black, with the typical Freya pattern and trims. The front part of the straps show up when wearing strappy tops and the like.
Fit
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| underneath a tight t-shirt |
Comfort
The material is a itchy, and the elastic band digs in after a while, leaving angry red marks. I wouldn't recommend this one if you have very sensitive skin. After wearing it for a few hours the center gore starts to dig in, causing a very abused sternum. It's not the most comfortable bra out there.
The material is a itchy, and the elastic band digs in after a while, leaving angry red marks. I wouldn't recommend this one if you have very sensitive skin. After wearing it for a few hours the center gore starts to dig in, causing a very abused sternum. It's not the most comfortable bra out there.
Verdict
Despite it's comfort issues, I do have too say it's on of my best fitting soft cups bra; hopefully wearing it with a Rixie Clip will remedy some of it's problems. If Freya generally works with you this one's worth looking into, though if you typically tighten your straps to the max this one might not be the one for you.
Despite it's comfort issues, I do have too say it's on of my best fitting soft cups bra; hopefully wearing it with a Rixie Clip will remedy some of it's problems. If Freya generally works with you this one's worth looking into, though if you typically tighten your straps to the max this one might not be the one for you.