The Evelyn & Bobbie Defy Bra totally lives up to the hype – the wire-free design feels like a dream to wear

After massive success in the US, lingerie label Evelyn & Bobbie has recently launched into John Lewis, and is quickly gaining a loyal fanbase of UK shoppers. I have heard endless good things about the underwear collection, and as I am on a quest to find a seriously comfy new bra, I couldn't wait to try it.

The label launched back in 2019 by businesswoman Bree McKeen, who struggled to find comfortable bras for her own 34G bust. Frustrated with the lack of options, she designed her own, and went on to make a completely original and patented bra design that lifts, holds and shapes boobs of all sizes without the need for a harsh wire or lots of padding. I had heard lots of rave reviews, and as somebody that prefers the latter in the bras vs bralettes debate, favouring softer styles over anything too rigid, I had high hopes that it would be a great new everyday bra that I might actually enjoy wearing. Spoiler alert – it's everything I hoped it would be!

There are a few styles to choose from, but I opted for the Defy bra, which has a fuller coverage style that looks a little like a sports bra, but minus all the firmness and details of the best minimiser bras. It’s a pull-on style that has a high cut back, with a V-neck front, and it's completely wire-free. The sleek and simple piece is designed to lift and support while being as comfortable as possible, and it evenly distributes the weight of boobs to avoid any pressure points or upper back issues.

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The modern firm-yet-stretchy material is designed to mould to your shape and the brand recommends wearing it for three days for it to become the perfect fit for you and your boobs. I did just that and I can confirm that by the third day this bra was a total dream to wear and I could pop it on in the morning and forget all about it. I wore it for a busy commute and full day at work, a relaxed sofa day and even a frantic session at a soft play centre with my son, and the bra held up brilliantly for it all. I am a huge fan and I found myself reaching for it again and again.

I tried it out in the Himalayan Salt colourway in a size medium. While testing, I considered the fabric, the hold, lift and support as well as how comfortable it was.

Evelyn & Bobbie Defy Bra: Comfort & Fit

As mentioned above, the brand advises to wear the bra for three days to let the bra mould and adjust to your shape, and they even recommend pulling and stretching-out any areas that might feel a little snug. The material then works with your body heat to adapt and move with your silhouette. When I first put it on, it felt a little tight under arms and at the back but after an hour or so, it softened well and fast became very comfortable.

You can pull this one up over hips or over your head, so there aren’t any tricky clasps to deal with at the back, and there are removable cups that add extra smoothness, but you take them out for an even softer take too. The shoulder straps are much wider than standard bra straps for plenty of support, and the underband has a longer-line to it that sits snugly on ribs.

The fabric is super light and stretchy but manages to have enough bounce that it stays put all day without feeling loose or saggy. I’m a big fan of non-wired bras in general, but rather than just removing them, this bra has replaced the rigid metal piece with a clever cut and fit, as well as technical fabrics that will lift even the largest of busts for a flattering shape that I really love.

It’s smoothing from all angles and the wider back and side panels are great for anybody worried about unsightly bumps and on the hunt for the best bras for back fat.

The sizes go from S-XXXL, but because of the adaptable fabrics, each size covers a dozen or so bra sizes, so busts ranging from 30C-54H can find their match.

Evelyn & Bobbie Defy Bra: Style

While I love how comfy and supportive this bra is, I would say for me the design lacks a little in the style stakes. The very simple and straightforward design feels great and is perfect if you want a very fuss-free finish but it doesn’t look particularly sexy on, and looks more like shapewear. A plus side to the simplicity of it though is that it’s very sleek and form-fitting so it sits invisibly under even very fitted clothing. I opted for the blush pink shade, and it’s also available in 12 other colourways, including classic black and bold leopard print.

Evelyn & Bobbie Defy Bra: Care

I expected the futuristic fabric to be a little tricky to care for, but this bra can be thrown in the washing machine - hurrah! The blend of polyamide and elastane can be added to a cool cycle with similar colours. I washed mine and found it dried speedily and fitted well the next time I wore it.

Evelyn & Bobbie Defy Bra: Verdict

I have been raving about this new-to-me brand to anybody that will listen over the last couple of weeks! The bra is comfortable while creating an amazing amount of lift and hold that makes it perfect for a busy working week or a lazy sofa day. The impressive size range and technical design means it a winner for a wide range of boobs, but especially for anyone with larger busts, who might struggle with neck and back pain due to their ample bosom. The support and control is incredible and all without feeling restricting to wear.

It does all the things I’d want my bra to do, and my boobs look and feel their best while I’m wearing it.

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