Until just a few years ago, I thought Wacoal was the be all and end all of quality bras for large breasts. Only as I began writing this blog did I learn about our other options. In 2009, Carissa Brown introduced me to Empreinte. [August 2015 edit: the link to her blog post is no longer active.]

With an introduction like that, I couldn’t wait to see their offerings at CurveNY, and they didn’t disappoint.  How many times has a gorgeous bodysuit caught your eye, only to find that it stops at a DD cup?  The Diva bodysuit below fits up to a 38G and a 40F.

This bodysuit is a technological wonder.  There are NO seams in the cups because they are made of molded Guipure lace embroidered onto paper that is chemically dissolved.  It took Empreinte 18 months to develop this line, working together with a Swiss embroiderer and a German molding expert.

You can understand why the Diva collection would cost a lot, but what about the other pieces by Empreinte?  After the jump, see what I learned from Empreinte’s public relations coordinator, Severine Maisonnasse.  Read further to see my experience trying one of their bras last week.

In order to provide both comfort and support, Empreinte

  • uses non-stretch fabric for the cups;
  • has reduced elasticity in the straps by to 30% instead of the 50% elasticity of standard straps (I couldn’t get a clear understanding of what it was reduced from–the elasticity of Empreinte’s past straps or of the average in the industry);
  • uses patented underwires that won’t twist even when you stretch them; and
  • uses powerful fabric in the back that returns to its original shape without any puckering after you pull it–meaning that if you care for it properly, your bra should last you quite a while.

Also included in the price is the fine fabric and little details like long ribbons and embroidery.  [Added March 14, 2011:  Empreinte’s own website does an excellent job of explaining these features here. August 15, 2015 edit: The previous link is no longer active, but someone else has put the original information here.]

You may remember that I tried Empreinte’s seam-free Melody bra last October, which led to my finally believing that a seamed bra makes me look slimmer.   After talking to Severine, I wanted to try their other styles, so I tried the Sofia in caramel while bra-shopping with Emme last week.  It’s just $120, which is very affordable for something that I would wear at least three times a week.

When I put it on, I felt weightless, which I attribute to the non-stretch cups and firm straps.  It also gave excellent lift.  On the left, I’m wearing my Prima Donna Satin, and on the right, the Empreinte Sofia.

The store only had it in a 34G, but my fitter told me the cups run large.  Once she jiggled me into it, it fit perfectly.  Emme tried the same bra and thought it gave her a pointy profile, but to me, “pointy” means “cone-like”, which it definitely wasn’t.  I was also really happy with how little the seams showed up under my shirt.  I need another everyday nude bra and am seriously considering the Sofia.  One of these days, I hope to “need” another gorgeous, lacy non-everyday bra from Empreinte as well.