Plus Size Bra Review: ‘PL Gazeta’ by Ewa Michalak Revisited

While I never completely reviewed the PL Gazeta that I ordered months ago, I briefly mentioned it in my insider tips post. I never reviewed it because I found it unwearable. The wires were very flimsy, the depth was off, and the band was insanely tight. Ewa herself saw the post, and when I placed my most recent order, she offered to remake the bra for me with better underwires. While I did not pay for this bra, all opinions are my own.

Image courtesy of Ewa Michalak. This is the CHP style, available in various sizes. You can custom order this in other sizes and styles at EM’s discretion for an additional charge.

The remade PL Gazeta that I special ordered is a size 95JJ and this is the result…

Features: Half adjustable staps, 3 sets of 3 hooks-and-eyes, PL shape, padded inserts for asymmetry, bow on gore, cute heart appliques on straps, at side, and on closures, narrow wires, lightly padded cups

Fit: The fit on the remade PL Gazeta is 10000000000 x better than the first one that I received (which I still have). The gore lifts ever so slightly, and there’s no way that this would fit with the pads in it. The band is still quite snug, but I’m sure it will loosen with wear. I find that I have to loosen the straps all the way in order for this bra to not feel like a straight jacket. It’s a tight puppy.

Support and Shape: The support is really nice and what I expect from the PL bras. The shape is good, with a lower apex than the S bras.

Look and Feel: I LOVE THIS PRINT SO MUCH. AND THE HEARTS. WHY DOESN’T EVERY BRA HAVE THESE HEARTS?! And oh, my cleavage looks amazing. That is all.

Other Thoughts: This is a much improved fit thanks to EM remaking the bra for me. I love the playful girlyness and print on this bra, and it’s so stunning to look at.

Overall Grade: B…it would be higher if the darn thing wasn’t so stinkin tight…. 

Other Reviews:

Cecily at Miss Underpinnings

Leah at Hourglassy

-Nicole

Plus Size Bra Review: ‘S Tęczowe Kfiaty’ by Ewa Michalak

As part of my recent EM order, I also picked up this gorgeous bra that I will simply refer to as S Rainbow Flowers in a size 95JJ. This bra is available from EM in various sizes up to a 95JJ for 149.00zł or about $49.50

 

 

 

 

 

Features: Half adjustable straps, 4 sets of 3 hooks-and-eyes, ribbon detail on gore, padded inserts for asymmetry, lightly padded cups, french leavers lace on cups and band, higher bridge for softer breasts

Fit: The fit on the S Rainbow Flowers is quite nice. I would say that the depth is a tad bit smaller than my recently reviewed S Porcelanka. In addition, the band on this bra is a bit firmer than the S Porcelanka, though not uncomfortable by any means. I wear this on the first set of hooks. The gore lays almost flat and floats just the teansiest at the very top of the gore. As with all EM bras, the wires are a bit narrow and low for me, but I am able to pull all of my breast tissue into the cups.

Support and Shape: Nicely lifted and shaped with a higher peak than the PL style.

Look and Feel: The lace on the band is kind of itchy, but other than that I have no complaints. When I first saw this bra I really did not think that I would like it. The colors are very bold, but I wanted to try this bra anyways. When I pulled it out of the box I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the print. It’s really quite gorgeous. I also love that the print is carried on to the straps, as this adds a really nice touch to it. I also love the ribbon detail on the gore.

Other Thoughts: While I prefer the S Porcelanka to this bra, I really love this one too. It’s very secure and I like that the band is more firm as I will get more wear out of it. It’s a truly wonderful looking bra.

Overall Grade: A+ easily a staple in my bra wardrobe.

Other Reviews: 

Georgina at Fuller Figure Fuller Bust 90H

-Nicole

Plus Size Bra Review: ‘S Porcelanka’ by Ewa Michalak

Photo courtesy of Ewa Michalak

The S Porcelanka is available in various sizes, up to a 95JJ. Price is 149.00zł, which is about $49.50

I purchased the S Porcelanka in a 95JJ (42JJ) as part of a recent order, and an attempt to discover if any of the other EM models will work better for me. I went into the order fully disclosing my identity (after my most recent problems with delivery of an order). When I made note of who I was, EM offered to send me a replacement PL Gazeta which I will revisit in a later post. Anyways, I paid for this bra 🙂

Features: Half adjustable straps, four sets of 3 hooks-and-eyes, narrow wires, higher bridge for – as EM calls it – “difficult breasts” – sweet crystal on the gore, lightly padded construction. This does NOT have inserts for asymmetry.

Fit: This is probably the best fit I have ever had in an EM bra; honestly. The wires are a tad narrow and low for me, BUT because the cups are deeper and the gore/bridge is higher, I am more covered and locked in. I have worn this bra to work (WHAT?!) and have not had to adjust at all throughout an 8 hour day of teaching/sitting/wrestling children. I would say that the band is big, but I need to take that with a grain of salt. I haven’t taken my measurements lately, but I have lost 16 pounds and have been working out quite regularly, thus changing the fit of a lot of my bras. Anyways, I’ve found that I can already wear this on the tightest hooks and HAVE to in order to keep the wires in place on my body. I will have to alter this and/or order a smaller size at some point. I would say that the band is comparable to the PL Charlie – which is slightly stretchy.

Support and Shape: The support is great; the wires are comfy once in place, and as with all EM bras, the support and shape can’t be beat. I find that I prefer the shape of the S bras to the PL just as a personal preference. It feels more lifted, with a higher apex than the PLs.

Look and Feel: I love this bra for its simple beauty. The accent on the gore is just enough to make it special, and the lace is nice too. It’s a nice basic bra that is super comfy.

Other Thoughts: This is the first time I have had problems with strap placement on an EM bra. I think a large part of this has to do with the band being too big for me. Sometimes when I wear this, the straps will flip because they are so close to my inner arm. Other than that, I don’t have any issues with this bra.

Overall Grade: A+ This is easily my most favorite, most wearable EM bra.

Other Reviews:

Izzy at Voluptuously Thin
Caroline at Curvy Wordy

-Nicole

Insider Tips for International Orders Series: Ewa Michalak

I believe in everyone being educated about the brands that they shop for. As we all know, bras are an investment. We are only willing to drop $40+ on something that we know will fit, when the benefits outweigh the risk. With this in mind I decided to start my latest series: Insider Tips for International Orders. In this series, I will compare various non-US businesses with regard to customer experience. I hope that this series helps you in navigating the world-wide web of bra ordering! 🙂 -Nicole 

 

So, before we get too deep into this post, I figure I should put up a sort of guidelines to determine what’s important to consider when choosing to order internationally:

• Item cost
• Delivery (shipping) cost
• Return policy
• Customer service
• Are there any hidden fees or taxes (i.e. customs fees)?
• Quality of product (make, fit, consistency)
• Customer feedback on products AND service
• Resale potential if unable to send back

The businesses I want to compare for this series are: Ewa Michalak, Comexim, What Katie Did, and Bravissimo. While I won’t be able to speak to each qualification that I’ve listed here for each business, I want to provide some information for my readers that is useful. To start off the series, I wanted to analyze Ewa Michalak’s customer service experience.

Ewa Michalak

We all know the bras by now (at least I think we do). Ewa Michalak is well known for their impressive size range, and padded bras that are unseen in US and UK markets. But other than pretty bras that we don’t see from US and UK retailers, what goes on under the surface of Ewa Michalak’s customer service practices? Let’s consider with the list….

• Item cost: Most of Ewa’s bras range from 119.00-169.00 zł which equates to $39-$55. This is fairly comparable to most US and UK companies and is what I consider to be actually on the lower range.
• Delivery cost: Delivery to the US is listed as 45.00 zł which equates to $15. I’ve paid similar shipping rates from Bravissimo.
• Return policy: Special orders are non-returnable; returns are accepted within 10 days of receipt of delivery and buyer must pay return shipping. Paying for return shipping is not unheard of, but the # of days to return is almost laughable as EM’s orders take anywhere from 2-4 weeks just to receive them.
• Customer service: Here is where things get a little dicey. I’ve heard a lot of good things, but I’ve also heard a lot of bad (I’ll include my own personal experience at the end of this post). The help team can be contacted through email. Barring time differences and language barriers, it’s somewhat of a toss up what you will get. Also, let’s not forget “Strapgate” and Ewa’s own attack on how US and UK bloggers are wearing her bras and the subsequent backlash. Ewa decided to get rid of 28 bands because she believed that customers were wearing her bras too tight….however, customer demand made the brand include 28 bands again. Also, they started to charge an extra 20 pln for any custom order (they did not use to do this, as late as December 2012). The brand also has a reputation for non-delivery on orders with them being sent back to Poland for whatever reason.
• Hidden taxes or fees: As an international customer, your only option for payment is PayPal. Ewa charges you a fee for this. Ewa also charges the EU based VAT tax (23%) on bras, shipping, and the PayPal fee -click on the photo below to enlarge it. I have never been charged customs fees to receive any EM order, so I’m not sure at what point the US will slap you with customs fees. Here’s the invoice for the PL Charlie that I ordered in Nov. 2013:

• Quality of Product: EM is notoriously known for fit and construction consistency issues. This is why so many international customers engage in bra fit support groups to try and determine what size they need to order from EM. Additionally, EM as a brand fits their customers somewhat differently to the way that many other people fit themselves, and as such there is confusion about size to begin with. Speaking from personal experience, I have ordered and received bras that were the same size and style, but fit vastly different and were made at a different level of quality….case in point:

This is the custom PL Gazeta (95J) I ordered and my PL Charlie (95J) together with the Charlie on top. The PL Gazeta’s wires are significantly wider, and the cups are shallower. In addition, the wires in the Gazeta are incredibly flimsy; I could bend them almost in half without worry of them snapping. Also, remember the fail that the PL Burgund was? 

Reality: I custom ordered a bra that I thought I would love, but due to consistency issues, the bra does not fit and is – what I feel unwearable – and also non-returnable. The PL Gazeta costed me $80 including shipping et al.

• Customer feedback on products AND service: Feedback on products is typically positive. If your boobs get on with the narrow wires and cup shape of EM, their bras are going to be really good for you. There’s always a lot of hype about the prints and designs that EM sends out, and there is a reason. Service, again, can be dicey. I’ve read many times complaints about the tone of emails which trends toward snarky, as well as an inconsistency with what is available for custom order and what is not (i.e. seeing that some products come in a certain size and then being told that you can’t order a similar item in that size). I have personally had both of these things happen to me – snark and confusion.
• Resale potential: As mentioned, custom orders are non-returnable…so what happens if your bra doesn’t fit? No worries! There is a lot of demand for EM bras, so resale potential is typically pretty high, specifically on eBay, Bratabase and the Clothes for Boobs Facebook group.

A special note about the VAT tax and paypal fees: 

I recently had a complete order sent back to Poland (you know, the order I was really looking forward to with the SM nana and the S grace???). I was told that in order to get my order in the US, I would have to pay for reshipment. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty here – I would have been willing to pay for reshipment of my order had I not already overpaid for my order. What I mean is that this specific order totaled up at 639.36 zł. ($210.49). Remember that EM charges the VAT tax  – 23% – on each item. Let me show you:

On this specific order, between the VAT tax on each item, plus the PayPal fee (including VAT tax), I paid an extra 142.32 zł, which is equal to $46.85….. And oh goodness, seeing that number makes my blood boil. Why does that number make my blood boil? Because the VAT tax is a tax on items purchased by members of the EU in the EU. Meaning that international businesses should not charge US or Non-EU customers the VAT tax. Now, I’m not sure what the statutes are about this, but it doesn’t sit well with me and many others because it appears to be downright shady.

Again, case in point:

Thanks to a fellow blogger for providing this example for me.

So take away information on this post:

• There are certain risks to ordering from Ewa Michalak (customer service, language barriers, custom fees, VAT tax, and the potential for your order to be sent back w/out you knowing)
• They have a limited return policy
• Bras are made with narrow wires and deep cups, so if this doesn’t suit your shape, you are taking a gamble
• Prices are comparable to British and US brands
• There is some inconsistency with quality and fit

 

What about you? What kind of experiences have you had in ordering from Ewa Michalak?

Plus Size Bra Review: Ewa Michalak ‘PL Charlie’

I have come out of blogging respite to bring you a review of one of my new favorite bras 🙂

I recently purchased and received one of Ewa Michalak’s AW bras, the PL Charlie

The PL Charlie is available up to a 42JJ for about $55 + shipping

On my first run, I ordered this bra in a 95J (42J). I have gained some weight as noted in a previous post, and the weight gain has impacted my band size and also my cup size. The Stalowka that I have in a 90J is okay in the band, but too small in the cups and I have not worn it in a long time.

Anyways, here’s the photos of this gorgeous piece of lingerie…

Sorry for the grainy quality; blogging for a year and a half and still taking selfies!

Features: Fully adjustable straps, four rows of three hooks and eyes, insertable cookies for extra padding or to correct asymmetry, button detailing where straps meet cups, big white ribbon bow on center gore, narrow wires

Fit: The gore is nice and flat in this size, and the cups contain all of my breast tissue. I emphasize the word breast tissue, because even in this new EM size that I am trying, I am still running into the problem of the wires being too narrow + too low for my armpit fat to be pulled into the cups. It’s not uncomfortable by any means, and my weight gain has resulted in quite a bit more armpit fat…BUT, the cups fit, and I don’t get any spillage of actual breast tissue. The band was immediately comfortable on first try on, and I do think that I will have to tighten up very early on into the life of this bra.

Support and Shape: As with any EM bras, I get a much more lifted and forward facing shape than I do with any other brand of bras that I wear (Curvy Kate, Elomi, etc.). The support of the PL is definitely more of a relaxed, jiggly cleavage kind of support though. It has its place. The shape is nice and rounded and lifted.

Look and Feel: Menswear inspired pieces are always a welcome change of pace to the normal florals and jewel tones that we see in most lingerie collections. I really love the print, and I really love the buttons and bows on this bra. It’s classy but sexy. The inside of the cups are lined with cotton, which I think is a nice touch.

Other thoughts: This is really nicely made. I love EM bras for their style, support and shape, but the caveat that I always have to cope with is the narrow wires (which I don’t need/want), as well as the limited functionality of these bras for me. I work with children, and this level of support/cleavage is not warranted nor is it comfortable for a long day at work. However, these bras are fantastic for dresses, sexy time, etc. I have a hard time spending $55 on a special occasion bra….but I do love this and it is worth it, at least to me. I do love that there are four rows of hooks and eyes, as I feel like I will get more life out of this bra as it is worn.

Overall Grade: A …. I would grade it an A+ except for my own quirks with the brand. 

Other Reviews of this Bra: Miss Underpinnings (65G) 

I did decide to order this bra in a 95JJ (42JJ) to see if I could tuck any more armpit chub into the cups…BUT I also started working with a personal trainer again, so I’m hoping that I don’t really need a 95JJ in the long run. I also have an SM Nana, S Grace, PL Gazeta (SQUEAL!), and the matching panties for the PL Charlie on their way, so expect reviews hopefully, fingers crossed, before the new year.

-Nicole

Ewa Michalak Mleczny Strapless Review, 65FF

Measurements:

Band is 26” unstretched, 29.7” stretched.

Cup width 6”, depth 9.4”

Wire length 9.6”

Gore width 0.7”, height 2.1”

Wing height 4.3”

And it has a 3×3 fastening

The cups are like nothing I have ever encountered before… they’re moulded foam but not like the deco, more rigid and cardboardy. They make a strange noise when stroked that I just can’t communicate in words.

I’ve tried 3 strapless bras so far, this one, a deco and a wonderbra.  I think, was this in the proper size, it would be a winner. The deco’s silicon strip was absolutely awful, and really painful on me. The wonderbra looked great, but I found it quite uncomfortable after a few hours because of all the hand shaped boning, planning to try it again in future though.

The band is really not what I was expecting, I’ve recently lost a little weight and tight 28 bands are grinding on my ribs, so I decided to size up to 65 in Ewa, but it turns out this band is true to size, it stretches to around 30”. In a normal bra the band would be really comfortable on me on the tightest hook, just tight enough to not ride up. But without the straps, it wiggles down when I walk, I need a bit more security from a strapless bra that I’m going to go out in public in. It feels more like it’s just sitting comfortably on my boobs, not giving any lift and support.

Top pictures are bra as is, bottom left is me attempting to pull the band in to a 28, for comparison.

The cups are small for a 30FF, they fit me like a normal 30F would, If I tighten the band or pull the cups a little to emulate straps, slight quadboob (doesn’t really come across in pictures). I think if I could have this bra in a 60G or maybe GG it would be perfect. I’m not going to order from Ewa though, (got this one on ebay) because I have had a bad experience trying to order from them, and I’m not willing to pay these extra charges for something non-returnable.

This is the only bandeau top I have to hand, the wrinkiling around the cups is not because of the bra, but the silly ‘built in support’ in the top that’s too small for me.

The shape is quite good, slightly pointy but not enough to complain about or put me off. You can see how the shape is slightly rounded and more lifted when I pull the band in. I really want to alter this bra, but my sewing skills are not to be trusted, and the band is maybe too U-shaped to take a lot off.

The good:

The gore is very thin, great for close set boobies like mine.

The silicon strip is great.

Little lacing on the top of the cups and the bow in the middle, cute.

Thick band and 3 hook fastening.

The material of the cups gives a good shape and not a chance of peek-a-boo nipples in a flimsy top/dress with this armored foam padding.

The bad:

Ewa’s seemingly random band sizing.

The material of the cups might take some getting used to.

No option for straps

Practicality as a strapless: With the band tightened, 9/10

Fit: 5/10

Look: 9/10

-Amy

Plus Size Bra Review: Ewa Michalak ‘Pl Burgund’

The PL Burgund is not available anymore on EM’s site, but this was a bra that I had received from Bra Nightmares to try, as part of my first attempt with EM’s bras. This is the PL Burgund in a 42J (95J)

My photos:

The PL Burgund OVER the stalowka 

The PL burgund on its own

Burgund over the Stalowka

 

The photos for this review are a bit different because of all of the fit issues that I had with the Burgund.

Measurements of the Burgund:

• Flat band: 33″
• Stretched band: 41″
• Cup Depth: 15.5″
• Cup Width: 9.25″ 
• Gore height: 4.5″
• Wing Height: 5.25″
• Wire length: 14.5″ 

Features: Fully adjustable straps, NO padded inserts, bow on center gore, four rows of three hooks and eyes

Fit: I don’t know where to start. It really just didn’t fit, and I think the pictures show that quite well.

Support and Shape: The straps were really stretchy, and I think the cups were made badly. They did not support the weight of my boobs at all. When I layered this bra with my PL Stalowka (40J), the shape was so much better.

Other Thoughts: I did end up selling this bra. It went to a good home. I did like that there were four rows of hooks and eyes, as opposed to the standard three as that was a first for me. However, I know that quite a few women found this bra to be a miss, so no surprise there.

Overall Grade: D-

 

Plus Size Bra Review: Ewa Michalak ‘PL Ametyst’

Ewa Michalak “PL Ametyst”

The PL Ametyst is available from Ewa Michalak in various sizes (with special ordering up to an L cup I believe) for about $43.00

After much urging from my reviews of the PL Stalowka and PL Karmelki in a 40J (90J), I custom ordered the PL Ametyst and PL Stalowka both in a 40JJ (90JJ). I received the Ametyst about a month and a half ago, and I’ll be honest…. It still has the tags on it. I’m not completely sold on the fit.

Photos:

the gore does not quite sit flat

Measurements:

• Flat band: 31″
• Stretched band: 39″
• Cup Width: 7.25″
• Cup Depth: 15.25″
• Wire Length: 14.75″
• Gore Height: 4.5″
• Wing Height: 5.75″

Comparison with a 40J (90J) Stalowka: http://www.bratabase.com/compare/dhigk/

The two bras are almost exactly the same. No wonder so many people have such a hard time finding their EM fit….*grumble grumble*

Features: Half adjustable straps, pads to adjust asymmetry, lace overlay on the cups, bow/diamante on center gore, and three rows of three hooks and eyes

Fit: I’m just not happy with the fit. I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that the cups are narrower than the Stalowka (which I love). No matter what I did, I could not get the gore to lay flat with this bra. I also felt like the straps were really, really short. I usually don’t need to tighten my straps that much (maybe about 2-3″ on fully adjustable straps), so these were just too short for me. Good news for women who need really short straps.

Support and Shape: The support is there, but because the gore did not lay flat, I did not feel very secure in this bra. The shape is surprisingly pointy and not like the rounded, projected shape I have come to love from the Stalowka. I’m not really a fan of this bra. It feels really bulky and industrial on. I also feel like the shape is kind of pointed downwards.

Other Thoughts: The color of the bra is not purple; It’s burgundy. So the photo from EM’s site is *very* misleading about the color of this bra. I also felt like the band was more firm than my other EM bras, but that will definitely change with more wear. I haven’t decided if I am going to keep this or not. And I can only put it on when I’m not PMSing because the fit issues are worse when I am bloated. So….it may take me a long time to decide.

Overall Grade: C+

Plus Size Bra Review: Ewa Michalak PL Karmelki

 

The PL Karmelki is available on offer on the EM site in various sizes, for about $39

I ordered the Karmelki in a 40J  (90J) along with my order of the PL Carmen and the PL Stalowka.

As part of my reviews, from here on out, I am going to try to include all of the bratabase measurments that I have for the bra that is being reviewed. I think that this is going to add to the level of understanding fit. 

Pics! 🙂

Bratabase Measurements:

• Relaxed band: 31″
• Stretched band: 38.5″
• Cup width: 7.25″
• Cup depth: 15″
• Gore height: 4.5″
• Wire length: 14.5″
• Wing height: 5.5″

Features: Fully adjustable straps (though the stitching on the straps makes it almost impossible to move the slider),  ability to add padded inserts into each cup to correct asymmetry, lightly padded plunge shape, cute little buttons on the gore and straps, 3 sets of 3 hooks and eyes, and matching band color.

Fit: The band of the Karmelki stretches a whole half inch less than the Stalowka, so understandbly, I need two extra rows of hooks with the extender to wear the Karmelki. Not an issue for me. However, in the Karmelki, I would definitely recommend sizing up in band. Also, the cup is almost a half inch smaller in depth than the Stalowka. This isn’t so noticeable in the front, but the small amount of overflow I somewhat experience under the arms is a little more noticeable because of the lack of depth in the bra. However, I still wear this because it looks hella sexy under the right tops, but it’s definitely not one that I wear every day. The jiggle is definitely noticeable under t-shirts. I would suggest sizing up in band and cup if you decide to try the PL Karmelki. 

Support and Shape: Um….It’s a Ewa Michalak bra. I feel like that’s pretty self explanatory. The lift is fantastic, the shape is divine, and my boobs are under my chin. They give that sexy orb look that I’ve always wanted.

Other thoughts: I know this is *too small*, but like Georgina mentions, I love the way it makes my boobs look, so I’ll continue to break the rules, though definitely NOT every day – that’s for sure. I’ve felt a little bullied about what kind of size I should order in EM bras….and I think it’s important for women to remember to wear what is comfortable and what they feel looks good (within reason). Is this the best size for me? Probably not. But do I love the way it looks and feels? Yes. Am I going to wear it everyday? No, because it’s not practical.

In the end, YOU are the one that has to wear the bra…..so if you’re happy, and you’ve got a bra in a size that is fairly good or just close enough and wear it for special occasions or when you want to feel sexy, then do it.

**Also, I will note that when I received this bra, the seaming on the front left of the cup was coming undone and was quite loose. I have not contacted EM because it’s not a huge issue, and if it gets worse, I can fix it myself.**

Overall Grade: B+….I was so surprised by the differences in fit

Brief Review: Ewa Michalak PL Carmen

 

 

The PL Carmen by Ewa Michalak is available in select sizes on the EM site, for about $35.

Because this bra is on offer with select sizes listed, I ordered this bra in a 38JJ. Obviously way tight for me, but I was able to try it on with an extender.

Here are the bratabase measurements for the PL Carmen in this size:

• Flat band: 28″
• Stretched band: 36″
• Cup Width: 8″
• Cup Depth: 15.25″
• Cup Separation: 0.5″
• Wire length: 14.5″
• Gore height: 4″
• Wing height:  5.5″

 

 

 

 

I did not keep this bra as it did not fit me. The center gore did not lie flat, and the band was too snug. I loved the look and feel of this bra, but the fit was just so off for me.

I’m not going to write up the full review that I normally do for bras simply because this did not fit, but take note of the following reviews that other bloggers have written (whom also loved this bra!)…

• Curvy Wordy
• The Full Figured Chest 
• Bras and Body Image