I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but I’ll say it again for good measure: Figleaves is on fire lately.
“Coco Lace” in Emerald by Lulu Tout ($38.00). Available exclusively at Figleaves in sizes 30-34 DD-H and 36-38 DD-G (UK). Brief ($25.00) and thong ($24.00) available in sizes 8-18 (UK), coordinating balconette bra ($38.00) in sizes 30-38 A-DD.
I’ve shopped from Figleaves for several years now, and I’ve consistently found a huge selection of my favorite brands, discovered great brands that were new to me, and had good-to-stellar customer service. It wasn’t until late in 2013 that I began to take notice of some of the fabulous exclusive items Figleaves was beginning to carry, including lingerie, swim, and clothing items designed to fit up to a G-cup, in a really phenomenal range of shapes and styles.
I was even more delighted earlier this year when I got to visit the Figleaves showroom in New York and see a preview of brand-new Lulu Tout, the first Figleaves-exclusive brand available from an A-cup up to an H-cup (in UK sizes, equivalent to a K-cup in American sizes). The Lulu Tout bras I saw featured elegant details, beautiful colors, and lovely shapes, all at a great price point: about $38 for a bra and $63 for a set!
I was so delighted when Figleaves offered me a set for review, and as much as I loved all of the styles available, I didn’t hesitate to choose the pretty “Coco Lace” style in Emerald. There aren’t a ton of sheer bras past a G-cup (although Miss Mandalay’s “Paris” is a great example), and I will always, always, always love green lingerie. I requested the bra in my “usual” (Panache, Bravissimo, Eveden) size, and the briefs in my usual (Panache, Curvy Kate) size.
[Note: while Figleaves generously provided this set for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Appearance
The overall look of the bra definitely shares DNA with the “Paige Italian Lace” style from fellow Figleaves brand Midnight Grace. As I love the look of that bra, you’ll get no complaints from me. The top of the cup features super-sheer emerald mesh with an elegant, shimmering striped lace outer sling running from the bottom of the cup all the way up to the strap, to ensure a centered, lifted shape.
I love this unusual construction: the bra features a fully finished three-part mesh cup, backed with an extra layer of light beige mesh for added stability, with a completely separate lace outer sling.
Inside cup view
My favorite feature? The keyhole in the center gore! I see this detail a lot in smaller-cupped bras, and it’s so lovely to see one in larger sizes as well.
The bra features fully adjustable straps and closes with two rows of three columns of hooks and eyes.
The shorts feature the same pretty striped lace and a double layer of green mesh across the back. They’re cut quite low and straight across both the waist and leg-lines.
Fit
I’d heard a few reviews mention that some Midnight Grace styles ran small in the cup and band, so I was trying to lower my expectations to convince myself that there was no way the cups were going to fit me. To my surprise and delight, they are perfect! I’m quite full all around, and so sometimes even bras in the right size are too shallow in one area or another, but I get a good, projected shape in Lulu Tout. That beautiful sheer top cup is a little flimsier than some others (because it’s, you know, sheer), so while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the bra for a day of strenuous activities, the fit is still a great everyday (or special occasion) fit: the wires lie flush against my sternum and ribcage, the cup is smooth with no digging or wrinkling, and all of my breast tissue is scooped into the cups.
The slightly bad news (or good for some, as I’ll explain): the band is both small and super firm. It’s much smaller than almost any other brand I wear, and it has very, very little stretch in it. I could hook it closed, but after about thirty minutes I realized it was digging in way too painfully, giving me deep, angry red marks around my ribcage and making the lace under the cups dig into my tender skin. I’ve now worn it a few times with an extender, which is much, much more comfortable.
I thought about ordering a sister size or two, to experiment with some different fits, but unfortunately Lulu Tout is only available up to an H-cup in 30-34 brands, while it runs up to a G-cup in 36-38 bands, which means that my true sister size isn’t available. I know this may be disappointing to some, but bear in mind that it’s much more beneficial for a brand to launch their first season with sizes and fits they feel confident in, before they expand their size range. Hopefully after a few seasons and some wearer feedback we’ll see some G+ sizes in fuller band sizes.
The upside to this is that some women who would ordinarily wear 28 backs might consider giving Lulu Tout 30 bands a try! If you like firm bands, Lulu Tout runs small enough (in my personal experience, of course) that it might work well for those on the smaller end of the size spectrum. I’d be really interested to hear from any 28-band wearers who try Lulu Tout to see what they think!
I requested the briefs in my usual size (same as I’d wear in Curvy Kate or Panache, and one size up from Freya and Bravissimo). When I pulled them out of the box I thought they looked too wide, and while yes, I think a smaller size would help with fit, there are also some, um, intimate spots where the fit is pretty darn wonky. I think a combination of factors, including a too-narrow gusset and no seaming or shaping across the seat, leads to a brief that can’t curve to accommodate or hug my natural shape (which is by no means unusually curvaceous– I’ve got a pretty flat butt, if I’m being honest with myself). The briefs ride up and slide around with every step, and they chafe something fierce by the end of the day.
Comfort
Bad news first: I’m probably going to toss the briefs. The fit is poor and they’re wildly uncomfortable, and I’d like to see Lulu Tout go back to the drawing board and start from scratch for them. The good news is that I love this bra. Adding an extender completely alleviates any discomfort I felt in the too-tight band, and while I don’t count it as one of my “workhorse” bras that I’d want to wear for a day full of movement and activity (plus Tall Girl Quibble: the straps are a little too short, such is my life), it’s definitely a bra that I can wear comfortably to work or out for drinks in the evenings.
Overall
I think Figleaves has launched an exceptionally lovely new DD+ collection. The bras are feminine and delicate with wonderful shape, projection, and support; I also really love the similarly constructed “Fleur Rose“. “Coco Lace” is also available in A-DD sizes, and both the A-DD and DD-H bras are available in Emerald as well as a chic Grey. I am so impressed by the designs, the size ranges, the fit, and the affordable price point. Lulu Tout is a winner, and I can’t wait to see what styles will come in future seasons!
Special thanks to Miss Underpinnings for acting as photographer.
