Review: Samanta Aurora A122 in 65J

I've actually had this bra for a few months now, but hadn't got around to reviewing it as it was about half a cup too small and I was just going to put it on bratabase and then list it for sale. But it does need a review, and my boobs are a bit smaller than when I first tried it on.

When I first heard of Samanta, it was not as well-known as is it now and there were virtually no reviews around. I had no idea where to start with sizing and styles so I didn't consider them as an option for me. They didn't ship to Australia at the time, anyway (they do now, you just need to email customer service to place an order). 

Since reading some reviews this year, I estimated my Samanta size to be a 65J/K. I came across a Zulily sale a while ago and jumped on it to get the Aurora as I loved the Claret colour. If you are willing to wait a while for a bra, Zulily is a great option for a cheaper price. From date of purchase to the parcel arriving, it took a month, which really isn't that long. I've certainly waited longer than that for bras from Comexim. If you're interested in this bra, it is now on sale at Samanta for €51.00 on the site here.  

Samanta Aurora (A122) in Claret

 

SIZING/FIT

 

When I first took the bra out of the packaging, I thought, "Oh my god. What was I thinking getting a 65J, this will never fit me, it looks so small." But it wasn't. I think it looked it because the wires are not very long (they don't go up into my armpit and poke at all) and there is less coverage in the cups than I am used to. While the wires are narrow, they are only 0.2 inches narrower than my Avocado Calypso, and 0.3 inches shorter in length. They are pretty much ideal for me, as I have narrow roots and I'm relatively high-set.  
However, there is considerable less coverage in the cups than the Avocado bras I usually wear. I was worried I'd feel less secure, but the cups encase my boobs perfectly. The Aurora A122 is very much a balconette. If you have a tall root, this will not cover much towards the straps. However, if you have short roots and often find cup height a problem (getting that gap towards the straps), this style could work for you.

The band on this is perfect. It measures pretty much exactly 30 inches, and it is probably the most comfortable band I've tried. I can do it up on the second hook to feel more firm, but it's still comfortable and feels supportive on the loosest one. I found this all pretty surprising, as the band feels quite stretchy and it fastens with only 2 hooks (generally, I prefer 3 hooks). I think the embroidery running along the edge of the band (which does not stretch) may help keep the band from stretching too much. 

In terms of sizing, the label says it is equivalent to a UK 30GG. I'd say it's fairly accurate, but it fits like quite a projected 30GG/H. 

APPEARANCE

 

This is a really beautiful bra. There is so much detail in it. The burgundy mesh and embroidery is contrasted by cherry red and hot pink embroidery - colours I would not have put together but they somehow work. The embroidery is intricate but sturdy, and there is so much of it.without being overwhelming. The quality is evident in the fabrics and design as well as the construction. I love that the embroidery on the mesh wraps completely around on the wing all the way to the hooks. So many brands stop those details at the edge of the cup and then the back of the bra just looks so plain. 

I didn't even notice this until I received it, but the bra has detachable straps to make it a multiway, which was a pleasant surprise. I don't really wear odd necklines, but it's nice to know that I'd be able to change it if I need to.  
 
This might sound odd, but I love the straps, and not for the multiway reason. They are a bit narrower than my other bras, which makes it look like a daintier bra overall. The thin pink ribbon and bow add to this aesthetic. They are also a little less stretchy than most others. I think full-bust bras can be absolutely beautiful, but I often find myself liking all of it but then find the straps lacklustre, as they can make a gorgeous bra look less dainty. Examples: Masquerade Delphi (bulky) and Cleo Marcie (plain/frumpy-looking). The Samanta straps are very smooth but not too wide, soft but not too stretchy - they are comfortable but still supportive. They're also fully adjustable (up to the bow, of course, but no one would need to adjust it all that way). 

SHAPE

When I first tried this on, it wasn't a very good fit/shape, even though I had no quadboob, the gore tacked, and it seemed an alright fit from the front. I got a weird shape on the side, though, because the mesh sling was squishing my left breast a bit. Now, though, no issues with the sling (I think if you are a half cup size larger than the bra and have softer breasts, the sling can cause this odd shape).  
I tried this bra on again today before listing it on bratabase, and subsequently decided not to list it as it is such a great fit and shape now.  
On the side, it is a very uplifted shape. Because of the lack of immediate projection and the more projected apex, it does look a little more pointier than my other bras, but not in a bad way. From the front, it's extremely flattering, and actually makes my boobs look smaller/higher and my waist smaller. In this bra, the breasts have a direction... and that direction is straight ahead. There's no denying, this bra is very front and centre.