Since sharing my Bolero Beachwear discovery with you last year, I’ve become good friends with the company’s effervescent founder, designer and fellow entrepreneur, Patricia McCaw. You know what a dress mood I’ve been in lately, so when Patricia offered me one of her new maxi dresses to review on Hourglassy, I couldn’t wait to receive it. A size Medium Petite arrived on Monday, and I’ve been wearing it non-stop ever since.
The three features I liked immediately were:
- perfect length, so no hemming necessary
- perfect fit at my bust (more on this below) without any horizontal seams across the breasts–a welcome change from her original styles
- a slim column of fabric falling from under my bust to my feet . . . the high quality fabric (still a polyester/spandex blend) has a silky surface and just enough weight to skim bulges without feeling oppressive or bulky.
It goes without saying that there is no armhole bra going on with this dress.
And there’s no back band display, either, even with the generous dip!
Below, I’ve scrunched the neckline as low as the drawstring will allow.
Here, I’ve extended the neckline as high as the drawstring will allow.
Regarding the fit around my breasts, this size is simply perfect. There is NO extra room to play with, but the fabric isn’t stretched thin either. I’m wearing my 34G Fantasie 4520 in these pictures. You may be able to see that the “cup” area of the dress is a good 1-2 inches below my own underbust. In the pictures below, I’m playing with that extra cup room to get a feel for whether they would accommodate GG+ sizes. I’m not sure, but it’s worth a try–especially if you don’t care whether the neckline “tacks” at the top of the drawstring (it’s pretty amazing that it can tack, isn’t it?). At the very least, there’s enough vertical length in the bust area that the band will stay put beneath your breasts instead of creating an unintentional hi-lo effect.
Patricia lines the bosom area of her sleeveless dresses so that you feel even more supported. The lining has a four-way stretch, but the vertical stretch is significantly less than the horizontal stretch–which explains why her dresses are just as great for lounging around the house braless as they are for going out with a bra on! The lining is an expensive extra step in the manufacturing process that Patricia feels is worth the comfort and security it gives the wearer, and I agree.
Finally, here’s a closeup of the gathers at the side of the bust area that help ensure enough room for a large bust.
If you’d like your own Bolero maxi dress and you live in South Florida, North Carolina, or Texas, you’re in luck because Lion’s Lair, A Sophisticated Pair and Mystique Lingerie each carry them. If you don’t live near one of these stores, simply send Patricia a message via the Bolero Facebook page, and she’ll tell you everything you need to know about price and how to order. The Bolero website isn’t up to date, but if you spend some time on the Facebook page, you’ll see how this style looks on other full-busted figures, and you can check out the black and white print option. Patricia also has a blue print that she’s going to post photos of soon.
Of course no review would be complete without measurements. Here is a size chart that Patricia emailed to me, but keep in mind that my waist measures 33 inches and my bust 41 inches, and I’m wearing a Medium Petite in these pictures.
SMALL (6-8) Waist 28, Bust 36,Hips 38
MEDIUM (10-12) Waist 29, Bust 38-39, Hips 40
LARGE (12-14) Waist 30, Bust 40, Hips 42
XL (16) Waist 31, Bust 42, Hips 44
This looks so great on you!!
Thank you!! Interestingly, I DO see what Tina meant in her last post about all-over floral prints being able to make her look larger because when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror in this dress, my first reaction is, “My boobs sure do look enormous!” On the one hand, there’s no camouflaging the bust area with this dress, but on the other hand, there’s absolutely no extra bagginess or fabric to make me any bigger than I really am. It’s all me. And knowing that gives me confidence.
You look great! I love how you look in our Busty-friendly Maxi-dress and really love the technical description of our signature style.
Bolero paid careful attention to how a curvy woman will look from different angles, not only the front, but the side and the back is also very important.
Before we have a final product, there are many prototypes, fitting sessions and when we finally have it ready and our costumers loving it…we always find ways to improve our product thanks to reviews and suggestions just like yours, thanks so much Darlene!
What a great way to celebrate Independence Day appreciating an American small business who design and manufacture and make their dreams come true here in our great USA!