When it comes to finding the perfect bra, I know just how challenging the search can be. We’ve all been there, trying on bra after bra, hoping to find one that not only fits but also provides the comfort and support we need.
Recently, I came across the FORLEST bra, a product that has been making waves online. I decided to give it a try and share my honest experience with you.
Before we get into the details, if you’re considering purchasing the FORLEST bra, you might want to think twice.
What You Need To Know Before Buying The FORLEST Bra
If you’re considering purchasing a FORLEST bra, you’ve likely come across some glowing reviews as well as some not-so-positive ones.
The truth is, the experience with this bra can be quite varied, depending on your body type, expectations, and, unfortunately, some inconsistencies in the product itself.
I purchased mine online, and here’s a quick tip: if you’re determined to buy this bra, make sure you’re absolutely certain about the size.
It’s crucial because, as I found out, getting the size wrong can lead to a lot of discomfort and disappointment.
Unfortunately, the size chart provided by the brand may not be as reliable as you’d hope.
My First Impression of The FORLEST Bra
When I first received my FORLEST bra, I was genuinely excited. The packaging was sleek, and the bra itself looked quite promising. The fabric felt soft to the touch, and the design seemed minimalist and functional—perfect for an everyday bra.
However, my excitement was short-lived.
Pros of the FORLEST Bra
Let’s start with the positives because, despite my overall dissatisfaction, there were a few things that the FORLEST bra got right.
- Comfortable Fabric: The fabric of the FORLEST bra is genuinely soft and pleasant against the skin. It’s one of those bras you can wear all day without feeling itchy or uncomfortable, at least in terms of material. The softness is definitely a strong point, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Adjustable Straps: The bra comes with fully adjustable straps that are about 0.98 inches wide. This width is ideal as it doesn’t dig into your shoulders and provides better support than thinner straps. The adjustability is also a plus, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your body.
- Seamless Design: One of the selling points of the FORLEST bra is its seamless design. It’s supposed to disappear under your clothes, making it ideal for wearing under T-shirts, blouses, or dresses. In theory, this is great, and if the bra fits you well, it does live up to this promise.
- Wire-Free Support: Another feature that attracted me to this bra was its wire-free design. Instead of underwire, the FORLEST bra uses something they call “Jelly Gel” strips, which are supposed to provide support without the discomfort of wires. For someone like me who despises underwires, this sounded like a dream come true.
- Removable Pads: The bra comes with thin, removable pads, which is a nice touch. You can choose to keep them in for a little extra coverage or take them out if you prefer a more natural feel. It’s great to have that flexibility, especially depending on the type of outfit you’re wearing.
The Cons: Where FORLEST Bra Falls Short
Now, for the not-so-great aspects of the FORLEST bra. As much as I wanted to love this bra, there were several issues that I just couldn’t overlook.
- Inconsistent Sizing: Sizing was the biggest issue for me. Despite carefully following the brand’s size guide, the bra I received was far from a perfect fit. The cups were much smaller than expected, and the band, although it fit, didn’t provide the level of support I needed. This seems to be a common problem, as many other customers have reported similar issues with the sizing being off.
- Lack of Support: Despite the innovative “Jelly Gel” strips, I found the support to be lacking, especially for someone with a fuller bust. The bra didn’t do a good job of lifting or shaping, which is essential for any bra, especially one marketed as an everyday essential. I also noticed that the bra tended to roll up in the front, which was both uncomfortable and unflattering.
- Minimal Side Support: Another downside was the lack of side support. The bra’s higher side wings promised better coverage, but in reality, they didn’t do much to prevent side spillage. If you have a fuller bust, this can be a significant issue, as you’ll likely end up with that dreaded underarm bulge, which is far from the sleek look we all want.
- Flimsy Padding: While I appreciated that the pads were removable, I found them to be too flimsy to provide any real benefit. They tended to shift around throughout the day, which was annoying and made the bra feel unstable. I also had to constantly readjust them, which is the last thing I want to do when I’m on the go.
- Not Ideal for All-Day Wear: Due to the issues mentioned above, I found this bra uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. After a few hours, the band would start to dig in, and the lack of support would become more apparent. For me, a bra that doesn’t hold up for a full day isn’t worth the investment.
Tips For The FORLEST Bra
If you do decide to give the FORLEST bra a try, proper maintenance is crucial to prolonging its lifespan. Here are some tips based on my experience:
- Hand Wash Only: The delicate fabric and the “Jelly Gel” strips mean this bra is best washed by hand. Avoid throwing it in the washing machine, even on a delicate cycle, as this could cause the bra to lose its shape and support.
- Air Dry: Never put this bra in the dryer. The heat can damage the fabric and the gel strips. Instead, lay it flat to dry or hang it by the straps.
- Store Carefully: To avoid bending the cups or damaging the gel strips, store the bra flat in a drawer. If you’re short on space, at least make sure the cups aren’t crushed or folded.
- Rotate Your Bras: Like any bra, the FORLEST bra will last longer if you don’t wear it every day. Give it a day or two of rest between wears to let the fabric recover.
Comparing FORLEST With Other Brands
Given my mixed experience with the FORLEST bra, I decided to compare it with a few other brands to see how it stacks up. Here’s how it fared:
- Honeylove
Honeylove is a brand known for its supportive, wireless bras, particularly for those with fuller busts. Unlike the FORLEST bra, Honeylove bras include side boning for additional support, which is crucial for preventing underarm spillage.
The sizing with Honeylove is also more consistent, making it a safer choice if you’re concerned about fit.
- ThirdLove
ThirdLove is another brand that prides itself on offering bras in half sizes, making it easier to find a perfect fit. While the fabric of FORLEST might be softer, ThirdLove bras provide superior support and are designed to fit a wide range of body types more accurately.
They also offer a “try before you buy” option, which FORLEST doesn’t, adding another layer of convenience and confidence in your purchase.
- Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret is a classic choice, particularly for those looking for a wide variety of styles and sizes. While FORLEST might have the edge in terms of fabric softness, Victoria’s Secret bras are generally more durable and offer better support.
However, some may find Victoria’s Secret bras to be more expensive and less innovative in terms of design compared to newer brands like Honeylove or ThirdLove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FORLEST bras are typically shipped from China, which can lead to longer shipping times, especially if you’re ordering from outside of Asia. It’s also important to consider this when thinking about returns or exchanges, as shipping back to China can be costly and time-consuming.
Neither is ideal. A bra that is too tight can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and even lead to skin irritation or breathing issues. On the other hand, a bra that is too loose won’t provide the necessary support, leading to sagging and a lack of shape. The key is to find a bra that fits snugly but comfortably, offering the right balance of support and freedom of movement.
Yes, sports bras are real bras, but they serve a different purpose compared to everyday bras. Sports bras are designed to provide maximum support and minimize breast movement during physical activity. They are typically made from more durable, moisture-wicking materials and offer a higher level of compression than regular bras. However, they may not be as suitable for everyday wear, especially under certain types of clothing.
A miracle bra is a type of bra designed to enhance the appearance of the bust, often through padding or push-up features. The term “miracle bra” became popular with a specific product from Victoria’s Secret, which promised to add up to two cup sizes and create a more pronounced cleavage. While they can be effective for certain body types, miracle bras may not be as comfortable for all-day wear, especially if they rely heavily on padding or underwires for their effect.
Conclusion: Is the FORLEST Bra Worth It?
After spending some time with the FORLEST bra, I can’t say that I would recommend it, especially given the sizing inconsistencies and lack of support. While the fabric is undeniably soft and the design has potential, the execution falls short in too many areas.
If you have a fuller bust or require a bra that offers significant support, this might not be the right choice for you.
If you’re still curious about the FORLEST bra and want to give it a try, I would suggest purchasing from a retailer with a generous return policy. That way, if it doesn’t work out, you’re not stuck with a bra that doesn’t fit or support you properly.
But based on my experience, you might be better off exploring other options like Honeylove or ThirdLove, especially if fit and support are your top priorities.
