Bra Review: Sophia Rose Intimates
The Sophia bra by Sophia Rose Intimates is an elegant new option for breast cancer survivors. It's also a good choice for any woman who wants a high-quality wire-free bra that delivers support, comfort, and style.
The Sophia comes with pockets for prosthetic breast forms, making it ideal for those who have had a single or double mastectomy without reconstruction. And because the pockets lie flat against the insides of the cups, it's also suitable for women who are not using prosthetics and simply prefer to wear bras without underwires.
I tried the Sophia in a 34B, as that is the smallest size currently offered (I normally wear a 32B, and I'm on the shallow side). To compensate for the extra room I knew I would have in the cups, I added silicone enhancer forms, which I tucked inside the pockets before trying it on. The enhancers I used are about half an inch thick at the fullest point and add approximately one cup, which in my usual band size would bring me to a 32C. Since one of the sister sizes of 32C is 34B, I figured this bra would be a decent fit on me with the enhancers inserted. I also fastened it on the tightest hook.
There is still some extra room in the cups on top, but it's pretty close to fitting. The band feels about how I expected -- slightly loose. I think a 32B would be just about right on me.
I love the embroidery and delicate lace edging. The fabric is soft on the skin, but substantial enough to hold its shape (and yours).
Perhaps the most flattering feature is the vertical seaming, which divides the cups into three parts to provide structure. That's key for shaping and lift, since this bra has no underwires or side boning. Vertical seams are a softer, more flexible alternative to foam contouring inside the cups. The lack of foam also makes the Sophia more comfortable and breathable than a contour-cup bra.
Like other pocketed bras I've tried, this one is full-coverage with a tall center gore and sides that come up higher under the arms than the typical bra. Mastectomy bras are often made this way in order to provide coverage for post-surgical scars.
If you aren't a fan of full-coverage styles, you may find that this bra covers more skin than you'd like. But it's beautifully designed and if it were available in smaller sizes, petite women could experiment with the sizing, perhaps ordering down in the band or cup to get the best fit.
As of right now, I would recommend this bra for larger-busted women who need more coverage and support. You'll get both with the Sophia, even without the underwires.
Sophia Rose Intimates founders Adelene and Carolyn Tan informed me that they plan to introduce a wider range of sizes once they have the funding to do so. Unfortunately, the more sizes a lingerie company makes, the higher the cost to them. I hope they are eventually able to offer a 32B in this lovely bra so I can wear it.
You can order the Sophia bra on the Sophia Rose Intimates website, in Deep Violet (shown above) or Bright Peony (pale pink). The current size range is 34B to 38D.
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