Bra Review: Cleo Kali (The Cobalt Blue One)

I alluded to a complete bra review when I first bought the Cleo Kali in the neon yellow colourway. I had to return it for a 34 band (and corresponding smaller letter cup size) because Cleo fits very tight in the band (the yellow 32 stretches to a max of 28 inches). The 34 is a much better size for me given that too-tight bands are not my friend these days.

Here's what it looks like:

Here's half the band unstretched. You can see it's compact, even in the larger band size - the blue 34 stretches to 31.5 inches, max:

This bra is super pretty - but also sassy:

I like it so much that I've just ordered the Cleo Lucy (same general shape as the Kali) - a bra I've avoided since the beginning because I've always heard it is best for shallower and full on bottom breasts and mine are neither shallow nor bottom-full. I suppose my shape is less top-full as I move through my 40s, but I think peeps have underestimated how it can for more balanced or full on top shapes. If you have very young, self-supporting breasts (the kind that are in no way soft), then I concur. But if your breasts are even a bit soft, the style/shape can work.

At any rate, I'll be reviewing the Lucy when it arrives. I bought it in black because, in the same way I had that "beige bra crisis" a couple of years ago, I find myself in a similar black bra drought over the last year. Who knows how these things happen? One thing's for sure, I've never been understocked in crazy-patterned bras.

What I can tell you is this:

• The fabric for the Kali (in both yellow and blue) is softer than that used in all of the Marcie-clones (the most projected of the Cleo styles). As mentioned, less firm fabric provides less cantilevered uplift (that boobs on a plate thing that the projected Cleos have going on) than what you might associated with other brand offerings. Nonetheless, this gives a really round, but gentle shape. It's not melon-round, rather it's spherical in a more natural way that is quite appealing to me. Note: The fabric is not stretchy (not even the lace upper cup), but it's less thick and industrial than that of the Marcie-ilk.

• The partial-band (lack of fabric lip under the cup underwire) is very good for those with short torsos or upper abdominal protrusion. This one is as good as the Lori, from that vantage point.

• The gore is lower than that of many of my other bras. It's no plunge, but it does give a bit more cleavage than a true balconette.

• The cups are quite projected, particularly at the centre. I don't care what anyone says. If I can wear it, it fits that description. 

• I do think that the Kali is almost exactly the same, shape as the Lori and, I hope, the Lucy.

• The straps are standard-issue 0.7" width. This is how it always is with Cleo bras. These seem more comfortable than those on some of the more lifted offerings, perhaps because of strap placement and how the seamed Kali/Lori cup is shaped.

• The band comes with 2x3 hooks and eyes, which isn't my preferred 3x3, but it's comfortable in the 34 (sized-up) size.

• I love the pink bow at the centre gore with that cute blue heart on it. I'm not a heart fan, but the heart-patterned lace is subtle.

• I'd prefer a thong bottom but it appears that the flutter brief is currently the only option. Mind you, the undies comfy and flattering. Just not great under an outfit that skims closely.

If you've tried the Kali, I'd love to know your take on it. Do you feel it's like the Lori and or Lucy? Let's talk.

Mini-Bra Review: Cleo Kali

I decided to take the plunge and buy the Cleo Kali - which I heard fits very similarly to my increasingly-appreciated Lori (scroll down in that link). I chose the crazy-ass neon-yellow version cuz, why not? I'm looking for ways to expand my lingerie personality.

It really is that fluorescent - and I dig it! Pale ladies can wear this. Trust me.

I got it in the 32 band - because the Lori fit perfectly (recent tight band issues notwithstanding) in that band size. Um, that was a mistake. The Kali band is a full 2.5 inches shorter (unstretched) - at the same size - than the Lori. Apparently the Lori is a true-to-size-fitting 32 but the Kali is standard-issue Cleo one-size-small. Update: Before sending it back, I measured the "32" band. It was 24 inches unstretched and 28 inches stretched. That's really not on, IMO.

I'm sending it back for a version that's one band size larger and one cup size smaller (remember, this equation will yield the same cup volume as the one I just bought and I'll do a proper review then. I've just purchased the Cobalt colourway cuz the neon is entirely gone, everywhere, in my size. They just put it on mega-sale (after I bought it of course) and the stock is gone. On the plus side - I do love the blue version and I got it for 20 per cent off at Figleaves. That's still pricier than the yellow set I found on eBay but whatcha gonna do? (For reference - Neon set was 50.00 all in, from eBay. Cobalt set (newer colourway) was 70.00 all in, from Figleaves UK.)

Let me just say for now:

• I really like this Cleo style shape and material. It's not as industrial-feeling as most of the very deep cup, boobs-on-a-plate offerings they do (Melissa, Ellis, Lily) and, given that this is a partial-band bra (not fabric under the underwires), it's great for those of us with short waists.

• It gives a very different shape than the boobs-on-a-plate offerings. It's not as useful for very deep, full-on-top, heavy breasts because it doesn't have the underband, the fabric is less firm and the shape is different.

• I've never tried the Lucy - it doesn't appeal to me and it's know to be best for full-on-bottom shapes (I'm even with some upper fullness and high set roots). I'm starting to think it might actually work for me, having now tried 2 similar (if slightly more "open on top") Cleo styles. Interestingly, I have tried the Marcie - the other Cleo offering that's recommended as a fitting bra for all newbies trying to determine the correct size. It was awful. So I suppose I fall into the Lucy fit-category which is quite surprising to me. Note: The deeper Cleo offerings model the Marcie and I wear many of those quite well.

• Size up in the band. Really. Even if you're between sizes. Unless this one's an outlier, the band fits super small.

• The undies are less saccharine - and more wearable - than I thought they'd be:

That ruffle, which always looks serious in photos, is fairly discreet. I do wish this bra came with a thong though...