Freya Rio Balcony Bra aa3510 Reviews

I don't usually purchase lingerie online, but this was a great buy! True to size - great fit and support and shape. Dana from Anchorage, AK

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 30's
• Posted: January, 2010

Well fitting, supportive full coverage bra from Freya. The problem is that the middle seam has a tendency to cut across the breast tighter than the top, causing a seam on tight shirts. Otherwise the bra is very well fitting and supportive.

HerRoom Response: Your symptom of having a "cut" across your breast is a sure sign your cup size is too small. I'd suggest going up a cup size.

Freya Response: Two things that may help this customer, she may need a larger cup because of the comment about the top of the breast. Another idea is the Freya Deco 4234 which is a FABULOUS seamless bra and it may be just what this customer is looking for. clueless from Los Altos, CA

• Height: Petite (5'3" and under)
• Age: 30's
• Posted: December, 2009

I LOVE this bra! I usually don't order online but I just got this bra today and I am impressed. I just spent 2 hours trying on all of my favorite dresses and tops with this bra under it. Freya knows how to make a bra. It's light weight and there are only 2 hooks (I haven't worn a bra with 2 hooks since jr. high!) on a 36GG! The cups do "point", but it's not 1950's starlet cones, the bra creates a nice shape that slims the torso by holding breasts in a forward position rather than flattened and pushed out to the side, which tends to make me look bulky and top heavy. Also what I really like is that this bra has a low profile. It doesn't come up to meet my armpits so it doesn't show under sleeveless tops. One last thing, the bra fits me like the bra fits the model. What tends to happen as a bra is sized larger it looks more matronly though it's the same general style this is not the case here and I love it. Rhonda from Chicago, IL

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 30's
• Posted: December, 2009

This bra is lovely. Fits me perfectly and looks great. The only problem is that the straps slip off my shoulders very often. Carrie from Cazadero, CA

• Height: Petite (5'3" and under)
• Age: 20's
• Posted: November, 2009

FINALLY!!!! This bra not only actually fits (34GG) it holds me where I want to be, does not have 8 hooks across the back, looks nice and does not slide, jump, creep or require any readjusting as the day goes on. I would give 5 stars except for the (Very high) price and the fact that my color choices are white, black and beige. If you are well endowed and struggle with support, try this one out. As I told my man, "The Eagle has landed and the girls are happy!" Lydia from Torrington, CT

• Height: Tall (5'9" and over)
• Age: 40's
• Posted: November, 2009

Addendum -- I've had problems with my new 30G Rio bra (nude color). I've only worn it a handful of times, maybe 4. And tonight, for no reason, the underwire popped through the fabric at the center gore. Why? It seemed to fit well enough. The white 30G I've had for 2 years is still going strong, and the fabric around the ends of the underwire seems very sturdy. Comparing the two bras, I noticed that the cloth containing the underwire differs between them. The white one has a nice, heavy, soft felt-ish material, and much smaller stitches. The nude one has a thinner, more chafing, more spandex-y material, and stitches twice the size of the ones on my older bra. It also has a few loose threads already. And it's 1/2" longer in the band than the white one. What's going on? Why does the new bra seem not only less supportive, but overall as if it's more cheaply made? If I were to order another white one, would it be made of the better materials again, and have a tighter band? I adore my old 30FF black and 30G white Rio bras, and would be very happy to buy more, but I don't want to if they've changed their materials and measurements for good.

HerRoom Response: Thank you for this additional feedback. It has been forwarded on to Freya for review. Their initial response was surprise since they had not heard this before. But, they are looking into it further. Again, thank you for this feedback. Anne from PA

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 20's
• Posted: November, 2009

Now that I've been wearing bras that FIT me for the past 2 years (thank you, HerRoom!), I can conclusively say that this has become the bra by which I measure all other bras. It's got great support, great shape, is thin and lightweight (the last thing I need is padding to make my chest look *bigger*), stands the test of time and many washings, the straps stay where you tighten them, and the band hasn't lost its elasticity. Also, I'm not overly fond of bows and pearls, so the little metal 'buckle' in the center is just to my taste. It may seem a little 'pointy' at first, but it soon relaxes into a more rounded shape after you wear it once or twice. One odd thing -- the Rio bras I just bought seem to have looser bands than the ones I bought in the same size band (30) a couple of years ago. The old ones, I started on the loosest hooks and gradually tightened as the fabric loosened. These ones, I had to wear on the tightest setting right away. It's possible that I lost weight in my ribcage, but I think I've gained it, overall -- I've definitely gone up from a FF to a G cup. There seems to be a *touch* less support on the sides, as well, but I don't know if that's just because I'm in a roomier cup and the wire goes farther back against my side. Anne from PA

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 20's
• Posted: October, 2009

The seams are too visible thru clothing for me. KRISTY from SANTA ROSA VALLEY, CA

• Height: Petite (5'3" and under)
• Age: 50's
• Posted: October, 2009

This is a great-fitting bra with a modern look. The geometric lace is very sturdy and creates a nice, structured shape. The support is outstanding. Fit is true to size. Katie from Los Angeles, CA, USA

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 30's
• Posted: June, 2009

The material is itchy and a bit stiff for me. It is a beautiful bra, but I don't find it comfortable at all. The style is a full cup style, the top part is a little flimsy to me. I guess it is not a right bra for me. Gotta return it. LS from San Diego, CA

• Height: Petite (5'3" and under)
• Age: 30's
• Posted: May, 2009

I have five of this particular style. Although I like the bra when it is new I find that after a number of hand washes, the cup breaks down and does not hold me as well. Also the straps have frayed and the back seam has opened on one of the bras. The clips at the back do not always hold and often one becomes undone. I still do like the style. Marie from Guelph Ontario Canada

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 60's
• Posted: May, 2009

Update! After a month now I'm finding that I love the Rio more and more. It's comfortable, and really molding to my shape. After purchasing a variety of different bras now, the Rio has become my go to bra for around the house (I don't tend to wear it out because I favor tight tops, and the Rio is not a t-shirt bra!). However, it has stretched out quite a bit, as I'm now wearing it on the tightest hook. As for my earlier comment on side "spillage," I now realize that in Freya/ Fantasie I need a 28DD, not a 30D and I think this would eliminate the problem I was having. I've found the 28DD on a British site, but I wish HerRoom would stock it because I much prefer to order from a local business! :) Megan from Dallas area, TX

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 20's
• Posted: April, 2009

After years of wearing a 32 C/D I'm finally testing out the waters with a 30 band size, and what a diference it makes! No more shoulder pain! That being said, I'm just learning what brands/styles work for me. I've always done well with a balcony/demi bra because I tend to be very heavy under my arms, and quite flat on top when it comes to my breast shape. The Rio bra does give me a nice rounded shape (not pointy like some less structured bras); however, I'm not completely supported underneath the arms, and there is a little spillage, but not enough so that the bra doesn't 'fit.' It is posible that I'm between a D and DD in Freya, but I can tell that I would not fill out a DD in the top part of this bra as there is already a slight pucker on the left top side of my breast. Overall a nice product, but maybe not the best for those of us with side heavy breasts. Megan from Dallas area, TX

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 20's
• Posted: March, 2009

This is a very comfortable bra, giving a very pretty outline. However, I sent it back as the back buckles and the little decorative buckle on the front of the bra appeared to be damaged. The finish - which is meant to be a silvery or stainless look - was mottled, and kind of weathered-looking. I don't think it was part of the intended design. If not for that, I think this is a nicely fitting bra and would be good for everyday shirts/t-shirts and sweaters. Alicia from Chicago, IL

• Height: Petite (5'3" and under)
• Age: 40's
• Posted: February, 2009

I felt like this bra was custom made just for me! I'm 4'11", 105 lbs, and full-busted, so it is a pain trying to find bras that fit right. The chain-link design is very cute, and I love the mesh. I'm definitely getting more of these! Rosie from Pacifica, California, USA

• Height: Petite (5'3" and under)
• Age: 20's
• Posted: December, 2008

Perfect for me and my body. I am small-backed, small-ribcaged and small-waisted and need lots of support as well as a little minimizing. This bra is sexy and alluring as well as industrial-strength supportive. Keeps my breasts "together" so the side silhouette is clean and clear, i.e., no splaying. I have found, however, that it does not do well for yoga, being too rigid for twists and upper body stretches. I would dearly love this cut in a solid material to wear under T-shirts and sweaters. Erika from USA

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 50's
• Posted: December, 2008

The bra's cute & comfy, but gives you the look of a 50's pin-up girl. In other words, POINTY. I liked it ok from the front (sorta pointy), but the shaping effect was so profound when viewed from the side, I burst out laughing. Rocket nose cones. Seriously. It looked like I could put an eye out with my chest. I like a more natural look for under clothes, so I'll be returning this one. Neat fabric, though. Kat from Los Angeles, CA

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Age: 30's
• Posted: December, 2008

Lifts, supports and rounds my breasts. Comfortable bra that gives great shape Submitted from TheUndies.com

• Height: Average Height (5'4"-5'8")
• Posted: December, 2008

It seemed like a good bra, it fit well when I put it on. But once I wore it for a day, I noticed that the back will unhook itself rather easily. I don't know if I just received a bad bra, but seemingly common movements like turning around or putting on a coat or a backpack cause one or all of the hooks to unclasp themselves. It's not the size of the band, it fits (and the middle part sits against my chest) on the loosest setting and I've tried it on the tightest setting also. Danielle

• Age: 20's
• Posted: September, 2008

The support is super, finally something to keep those puppies up! Very sexy and alluring, hehe...... Detrick from Reno, US

• Age: 40's
• Posted: September, 2008

The cup was too large. The bottom of the cup had support but the top was just floppy. The material was rough. Roberta from North Babylon, NY, USA

• Age: 60's
• Posted: August, 2008

Multiple biopsies, bilateral lumpectomies and radiation have left me with what I call "sloppy" breasts so I need a lot of shaping help as well as support. Cups made of stretchy material don't work for me. I need rigid cups that push the flesh around into something resembling a normal breast. After much trial and error, I settled on this and the Fantasie Olivia. These bras have a very different aesthetic than most of what you'd find in mainstream U.S. department stores. The fabrics are less cushy, which I think leads some women to label them uncomfortable or itchy. And the shape they give is very front-and-center. Where many bras I'd worn previously would spread my breasts outward toward my armpits and squash the tops down, this does the opposite. So the Rio and similar styles do take some getting used to, but the results are very worth it. This bra gives me a very secure fit and that translates into confidence and better posture. I actually feel taller! The seams show a bit under clothes, but for me, it's a small tradeoff for this kind of shaping and support. The lace on the Rio lies quite a bit flatter than many others so the piece that shows most often is the vertical seam leading up to the strap. The straps look very thin but to my surprise they don't dig at all, probably because the cups are doing all the work for me. If you've never worn a bra like this, I'd suggest going up at least one, maybe two cup sizes if you are on the fuller side. I have been fitted (four times) as a 36D, but I almost never buy that size. I have this bra and the Olivia in 36E. Kitty from New York

• Age: 40's
• Posted: August, 2008

I ordered a 34dd which is usually my size but when I received and tried on the bra their is spillage all over, by my arms, in front, pretty good bra, but this one doesn't fit me, so I will be returning it for a larger size, like 2 sizes larger.... Ellie Mae from Reno, US

• Age: 40's
• Posted: August, 2008

Beautiful bra, extremely comfortable. Offers good support to women with heavy breasts. Would definitely recommend this bra. Hope you can offer it in other colors Angela from Barbados

• Age: 60's
• Posted: July, 2008

The bra was very simple (not really pretty or sexy but like my other Freya bras) The 36g didn't fit right in the cup, but all the bras that have ever fit me right were Freya, so i think i should have just stuck to my 34g (i thought I had grown a little). Dee from Washington, DC

• Age: 20's
• Posted: July, 2008

This is one of my favorite bra's I have 5 of them. They fit great, coverage is great, the lift is so great. I have a size D cup, natural breast and these give the support you need without the pads. I don't like padded bras. I only wish there was a bathing suit top that fit as well! erica from santa clarita california

• Posted: May, 2008

I have been wearing this bra for 3 years. I love everything about it. I own several and keep updating and rotating them every 6 months- they don't last forever and usually you can tell when it is time to throw out. Jera from TX

• Age: 30's
• Posted: May, 2008

Good support. The straps really dig into my shoulders though. Ruth from Portland

• Posted: April, 2008

This bra is very comfortable, but makes me look a little saggy. Ruth from Portland

• Posted: April, 2008

This is, hands down, the best bra I own. For years I've struggled to find supportive, non-matronly bras that actually fit my smaller rib cage and lift at the same time. The band stays in place and fits snugly all the way around (no gap in the front or riding up in the back). The only downside is that the stitching shows on thin t-shirt material--a small price to pay for a bra that actually makes you look like you've lost weight. I've gotten around it by wearing camis or just wearing another bra with certain shirts. Laura from Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

• Posted: April, 2008