For last weekend’s busty clothing swap here in New York, there were lots of fabulous sponsors, including overseas big bust retailers Urkye (from Poland) and DD Atelier (Russia), who both sent us samples to show our swap attendees and to review on Hourglassy. I ended up having to go out of town at the last minute so I missed the swap, but I was lucky enough to still score a gift bag and those clothing samples. This week I’ll review the “Dwulicowa Czarna Tuba” top from Urkye.

To start, here is a photo of the Urkye top from their own site, which shows the details nicely:

Urkye has two size charts—one for stretchy fabrics and one for tailored items. The tailored items have three different bust sizes denoted by lowercase o’s (o, oo, and ooo) while the stretchy size chart has two bust sizes, o/oo and oo/ooo. With some of the European big bust clothing brands, my boobs are actually too small for their line (if you can believe it), so I was pleased that Urkye suits my measurements a bit more accurately.

I selected a size 38 o/oo for the tuba top, which corresponds to 36.2 to approximately 37.5 inches bust and 28.3-inch waist. (My measurements are about 37-28.5-41.) I debated going with a smaller waist size since there were more colors in stock at size 36 oo/ooo, but decided that for review purposes I should stick with the size that matches my measurements. Here’s the top on me:

I adore this shirt! I’m really glad I went with 38 o/oo because the waist is loose enough not to show off my tummy, but it’s still form-fitting enough that I think I look quite slim and flattered. I am especially elated at the length of the top. I have an extremely long torso; Darlene once measured me and found me to be 18 inches long where the average is 14–16. But with this top, I do not have to worry at all about my skin peeking out at my waist or my underwear making an appearance if I bend over. Petite women may not like this feature as much, in which case I’d advise considering a smaller waist size, as that way the fabric can cling to your body more and stay hiked up if need be.

Sadly for me, all the other sleeved tops seem to be 23 cm long or under whereas the tuba tops are 25–27 depending on size. I’m afraid 23 would be shorter than I find comfortable, and the 19–21 cm short sleeve button-up tops would absolutely be too short.

I also love the neckline. I think this modified sweetheart shape is the most flattering look a busty woman can wear. And I appreciate that there is just a touch of decolletage on display instead of a full show of cleavage. It just opens you up so nicely. The fabric is also great. It’s 92% cotton and 8% elastane, so it’s soft but has a nice weight to it. It also has just a bit of sheen, making it appropriate for a dressy look or casual. In fact, yesterday I wore it with a skirt, cardigan, and boots during the day, then threw on heels and got rid of the sweater for a date with my boyfriend at night.

Another fun feature of this top, and the reason it’s called “tuba” (Polish for “tube”), is that those little fabric loops (or tubes) on either strap can be slid up and down to give the neckline a different shape. I personally prefer the sweetheart shape with the tubes all the way forward, but by pushing them onto the shoulder, you get a bit more coverage:

Unfortunately, the only color left in my size is the khaki green, of which I’m not a big fan. I love the gray and especially the red, but they’re only in stock in my sister size of 36 oo/ooo. Should I wait until more colors are introduced or dive in and use my 30% coupon from the swap now?? Decisions, decisions…

Come back next week to see what I think of DD Atelier’s “Diva Dress”.