Hello Everyone,

Polish designer Ewa Michalak (hereafter abbreviated EM, and no, do not ask me to pronounce it) has been a brand on my radar since I saw the many complimentary reviews on Curvy Wordy’s blog over the last several years.  However, it’s also a brand which is routinely associated with fit inconsistencies, VAT tax problems, and poor communication with customers, and as much as I longed to test a style myself, I always resisted for fear of either losing money or purchasing a bra which did not fit well.  Since I typically had no issues finding bras which worked for my shape here in the US, I added EM to my “Lingerie Bucket List” (it’s a thing!) and moved onto other options.

Because the Internet and social media allow us a greater level of connectivity than ever before, I recently had the chance to finally try two styles offered by the brand.  One of our fabulous blog readers emailed me to discuss EM and Comexim bras, and when I expressed my reservations about ordering directly from EM, she presented me with a solution.  Since our sizes are fairly close, she sent me both a gently used S Kamea and PL Slowianki from her personal collection to review and return.  As this is atypical for the blog, I opted to review both at the same time and omit a video review until I order a new one for myself.

Sizing & Fit:  Both the Kamea and the Slowianki were size 70HH or roughly a UK 32HH, and I immediately ran into sizing inconsistencies.  For both, the band was comfortably snug on the loosest set of hooks, but the Slowianki (the red floral print) was roughly two cup sizes smaller than I needed, and in the photos, I have not performed a full scoop of breast tissue.  The Kamea, on the other hand, was only about one size too small, and I estimate an ideal size for me would be a UK 32J.  In perspective, I wear in the ballpark of 30HH, 32H, and 32HH depending on the brand and style.  Based on my first trial, I would say EM runs comparable to Comexim and Anna Pardal but perhaps a size smaller in the cup.

One design decision I instantly loved about both bras is the use of optional padding to correct asymmetry.  Although my left side is bigger than the right, I only rarely have fit issues with bras, and since both were small in the cup anyway, I did not need to use them.  Nevertheless, since every person has a difference in size between both breasts—sometimes as much as two or three cup sizes, I think incorporating a pocket for additional padding is wonderful.  Not only does the feature improve the overall fit of the bra, but it allows customers to customize the fit to their body. 

With regard to fit, I head EM bras utlize narrower wires, although not quite as much as Comexim, and I agree.  The wires on both Kamea and Slowianki seem to function as a bridge between Cleo non-padded bras and the standard Comexim style.  People with less side tissue like myself appreciate a narrow wire because it reduces any extra space between the wire and where the tissue starts.  Thus far, EM marks my third beta test of a Polish company (Comexim/Anna Pardal and Kris Line being the first ones), and I love how all of these diverse companies offer deep cups with lots of projection.  For people with close set breasts, the extra depth ensures the tissue is not redirected toward the side of the body or pushed into a downward shape.  In fact, the overall profile of the EM bras is incredibly uplifted and rounded and feels as though the weight of the breast is skyrocketed upward to my shoulders

Despite being similar bras, I did find a few fit issues with each of them.  Although both bras felt comfortable, the cups of Kamea were too tall for my shape.  My breast tissue spilled at the center, but the cups gaped toward the top especially near the center and sides.  Furthermore, the side of the cup clipped my arm a touch, and I experienced folding issues with the padding near the bottom and side.  Slowianki seemed to fit better overall for me (again despite the size issue), but I did have to angle the straps inward for both.  As a result, I would agree with reviewers who requested the straps be moved closer to the neck. In the future, I would prefer to order the PL shape over the taller S shape.

Materials & Design:  To keep the blog as readable as possible, I am going to begin by discussing Kamea.  Lavender paired with dark neutrals like gray, charcoal, black, and navy compose some of my favorite color palettes, particularly because I enjoy the subtle, sophisticated contrast of the pairing.  Featuring a darker black lower cup with a subtle lavender crosshatch pattern and a lighter upper cup accented by a strip of black lace, Kamea combines traditionally feminine element with a menswear-inspired vibe for a luxurious, effortlessly chic piece.

Slowianki, in contrast, uses a bright red with pops of crisp white for a classic, fresh design, perfect for spring and summer.  I love outfits (and individual pieces) where prints are mixed together, and an easy and successful way of accomplishing this is to use prints within a similar color palette, sometimes with overlapping themes.  Slowianki succeeds perfectly here with a lower cup composed of a red background and white flowers, drawn without detail for a stream-lined aesthetic, and an upper section with a dark red floral lace overlaid on a cream background.  Separating the sections is a satin, quilted ribbon which complements the white satin accent bows.  The embellished details on the straps complete the straps for a beautiful, well-articulated design.

Overall, the materials on both bras are not only gorgeous in person but easily surpass their UK competitors.  The wings are made from a comfortably firm material, and the underwires are sturdy enough to tack properly without poking or digging.  Not to mention, the fabrics themselves feel soft against the skin—both on the interior and exterior—while the use of thoughtful, high quality embellishments elevates the designs further.

In previous posts, I mentioned how how Polish companies are taking the lingerie world by storm with their own twists on classic designs, the unique features they bring to their designs, and the way they are willing to work with customers to achieve the right fit.  That opinion has yet to change.

Overall Grade:  I am going to abstain since neither bra is truly mine, but the trial run has certainly made me reconsider ordering one for myself!