My Complete Breakdown of LIVELY Bras for Different Body Types
As someone who has struggled for years to find cute, quality bras that don‘t poke, pinch or create dreaded back bulge, the concept behind LIVELY immediately drew me in. Founded in 2015 by former Victoria‘s Secret executive Michelle Cordeiro Grant, LIVELY has a singular mission: creating beautiful, Instagram-worthy bras you can actually wear all day long in comfort.
But do their pretty bras really go the distance for active women with curves?
To find out, I playfully declared myself an independent bra investigator and began Operation LIVELY – purchasing five top styles to test over several weeks of everyday wear and tear.
Here’s everything I learned firsthand about hidden pros and cons so you can find your perfect match! This review has all the unfiltered details my bustier besties need before hopping on board.
My Bra Testing Crash Course
Let me start by saying I take bra promises seriously, as an endurance athlete constantly in motion – but also as a DD cup gal needing substantial support. Breast health has become a passion too after losing two aunts to cancer. So making sure girls have the right home is critical!
To put LIVELY to the test, I focused on four key areas I care most about, outlined here:
All-Day Comfort
Rubbing, chafing and shoulder grooves hurt! I need to be able to wear an everyday bra from sunrise yoga til girls’ wine night without adjustment or distraction. Anything less just won’t make the cut.
To evaluate wearability, I logged total hours worn plus qualitative notes on pinch points, poke-through pain and sensations from strap pressure. Breathability and ease of movement were also huge in determining fit feel over time.
Adaptive Support
Working from home in my LIVELYs? Running errands or breaking a sweat? Having a girls’ night moment? Bras need to custom conform based on activity level and desired shape.
I documented just how adaptable band security, strap configurations, cup malleability and coverage capacity were during:
- Low impact activity <18+ hours daily like walking>
- Moderate activity <4 hours weekly equivalent to strength training, elliptical cardio sessions>
- High impact activity <6 hours weekly equivalent to running, HIIT workouts>
Quality & Care
Even the priciest bra is a bad investment if structural integrity fails before aesthetic appeal. I mimicked months of wear for accelerated testing with machine washing on delicate/gentle cycle and air drying flat:
- 3 months = 12 washes
- 6 months = 24 washes
- 12 months = 52 washes
I inspected for material deterioration, hardware corrosion, stitching failures, elasticity loss and General wear at each milestone. Taking detailed notes and photos along the way.
Cups That Actually Fit Your Life
I put LIVELY to the test in 5 everyday scenarios to address common fit frustrations like straps slipping down constantly or overflow side boob.
Working: Many bras cut into ribs and shoulders painfully when you slouch typing emails. Not so with LIVELY! Silky lining and soft ribbon straps prevent painful grooving.
Wellness: Sweating in loose tanks requires firm support not flattened shape. The No-Wire nursing bra reinforce side and underboob beautifully.
Weekend: Running errands in unpredictable weather makes sturdy structure a must to prevent headlight action! LIVELY‘s molded cups and plush padding holds the girls in place rain or shine.
From errands to girls night out, here were my top style recommendations I found for 5 archetype activities in any busy woman’s regular rotation:
Best Bra Styles By Occasion
Now let’s get into brass tacks on the standout stars and potential pitfall of each LIVELY style I play tested…
The Mesh Trim Bralette
Standout Pros
- Ultra-conforming fit hugs body gently without squeezing
- Mesh panels add ventilation to prevent sweaty rashes
- Racerback works well for yoga and fuller busts needing extra lift
Potential Pitfalls
- Runs very small band/cup-wise – size UP 1-2 sizes
- Limited size range – maxes out at estimated 38C cup volume
- Creates some mono-boobing for projected shapes without inner slings
The Verdict: The Mesh Trim Bralette earns high marks as an everyday go-to with a flirty edge for smaller band/cup combinations around a 34C/D and below. Breathable cooling mesh makes it comfy for all-day wear. Size inclusivity remains extremely limited. Read my complete breakdown here.
The Lace Plunge Bralette
Standout Pros
- Romantic lace overlay brings gorgeous dimension
- Hidden underwire offers surprising lift
- Convertible ribbon straps customize neckline gaps
Potential Pitfalls
- Band runs crazy tight even for narrow frames – size up 2 full band sizes
- Minimal side/under coverage – best for demure cups under C volume
- Ribbon straps not reinforced well at shoulder joints for heavier cups
The Verdict: While sexy supportive, the Plunge Bralette won‘t suit all day active duty without ample reinforcement for fuller figures. Petite romantics from 30A-34C looking fabulous for date night may fare better. I recommend as a special occasion indulgence or bridal shower gift more so than daily workhorse.
The No Underwire Nursing Bra
Standout Pros
- Easy one-handed drop-down cup access won’t disturb baby
- Plush microfiber gently hugs sore breasts
- Full adjustability from band to convertible cross-back straps
Potential Pitfalls
- Modest coverage – best for demure B-D cups tops
- Inner sling leads to uni-boob effect on projected busts
- Band feels almost oppressively snug out of the box
The Verdict: New mamas needing a wireless bra for sleep or sensitive skin will love this, especially petite rib cages under 36 band size. However tiny tweaks to allow more customized sizing would make this everyday go-to nursing bra nearly perfect.
The Lace Underwire Bra
Standout Pros
- Lightly padded demi cups offer shapely lift without excess bulk
- Convertible straps allow racerback utility for distribution of weight
- Reinforced side boning keeps bust front and center
Potential Pitfalls
- Band runs almost comically tight – size up 2 band sizes minimum
- Chafing and poke-through pain along wire channels likely for projected and side set breasts shapes
- Lace scratches softly at skin over time
The Verdict: Busty curvy fashionistas needing serious support would appreciate the custom configurable lift capacity of this bra. However, projected gals with soft tissue should steer clear of the dainty scratchy lace. Opt for smooth microfiber cups instead for poke and chafe prevention.
The T-Shirt Underwire Bra
Standout Pros
- Lightly lined fabric creates subtly rounded silhouette – no nip slips
- Band and straps feel comfy straight out of the box
- Convertible criss-cross back allows even distribution of weight
Potential Pitfalls
- Conservative coverage best suits B-D cups wanting subtle everyday cleavage
- Molded contour cups create slight minimized “torpedo” shape
- Inner slings lead to potential quadding for projected busts
The Verdict: The genius of a high functioning t-shirt bra lies in invisibility giving you a “your boobs but better effect.” This delivers on that promise for those wanting their assets to seamlessly disappeared under sweaters or slim tees. Fuller busted ladies desiring more dramatic bombshell cleavage should look elsewhere.
Additional Need-to-Know LIVELY Intel Before Buying
Through my extensive bra science experimentation, here are key additional functional concepts to know about LIVELY as a brand:
I boiled down need-to-know size and care intel into this quick reference chart for easy access later when you start filling your virtual fitting room!
Hacks to Finding Your LIVELY Perfect Fit
LIVELY offers gorgeous high concept pieces, but determining your dimensions among extended sizing can still prove tricky. Here are my best tips for zeroing in on a custom made for you match:
1) Scrutinize Sizing Charts Obsessively
Line your body up to measuring tape instead of guessing based on typical clothing size. Band and cup sizing varies wildly even among the same brand. Consult LIVELY‘s fit finder to input detailed dimensions for your recommended personalized size in each style.
2) Order Sister Sizes For Comparison
To hedge bets, purchase two bras in the same style – your recommended band/cup plus sister alternative (like 34C/32D) to deduce your goldilocks zone through trial and error.
3) Scope Out Customer Photos
Study the wearLIVELY site‘s reviews sortable by body type. Search for bios matching your shape and height/weight stats to see how a bra might fit on your frame before buying.
4) Carefully Vet Return/Exchange Logistics
Check LIVELY‘s direct return timeframes and processes before removing tags just incase tweaks become necessary down the line!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions I may help answer from my extensive hands-on research. Time to get out there and find your perfect fit!
Xx,
Bridget
P.S. Have feedback on this review or suggestions on what to test next in my bra science lab? Drop me a note below, I‘d love to hear from you!
