Long ago, in a state far, far away, a young entrepreneur watched What Not to Wear with her mother and discovered the playful and expressive world of fashion. The fairy godmothers Clinton and Stacy told the entrepreneur her clothes would fit better over a quality bra in the right size. So the entrepreneur embarked on a quest to the land of Annapolis. There stood a modern mecca known as Nordstrom where bras higher than a DDD cup existed. Finally, she knew support from her bra, confidence in her clothes, and love for her body. I was the entrepreneur, and the bra was the Fantasie 4510. Today, I am revisiting the storied brand to review the Fusion.

Thinking back to my first real bra fitting, it was one of those mundane experiences which somehow changed the whole trajectory of my life. It’s why I became a bra fitter and opened A Sophisticated Pair.

I’ve always had a warm, if distant, affection for Fantasie products because they began my journey toward accepting my boobs and body. Dysmorphic thoughts about my appearance permeated how I saw myself, and the right size bra helped me. However, let’s be real folks. The 4510 is a behemoth of a bra with turtleneck coverage, inflexible molded cups, and a tricky fit. I soon switched to sister style 4520 because it was $10 cheaper, and without the bullet-stopping padding, the bra was significantly more comfortable.

Eventually, I wanted more. I wanted color and texture and print! I wanted to feel like my smaller-busted friends did in their bras. Fantasie drifted to the side while I branched out to new brands and styles. Even in the store, we stocked the Rebecca and the occasional fashion color but not much else. In fact, I searched the blog and discovered I only wrote two reviews of Fantasie in over a decade!

Since I started working at Nordstrom, I observed how well the Fantasie Fusion fit various breast shapes and tissue types. Not to mention, there were always new fashion colors available too. Why not revisit my first love and order one for myself?

Size: UK 32GG/US 32J

With the occasional exception, I wear a UK 32GG (US 32J), and the Fusion runs fairly true-to-size. The band feels half a size small, and while not uncomfortable, I definitely notice the 32 more than other styles. If you’re between band sizes, consider sizing up or using an extender until the elastic loosens and conforms to your ribs.

The cups are perfect with no gaping, wrinkling, or puckering, and the gore tacks firmly. Because of the band tightness, by the end of the day I do feel the tack more. I wonder how/if this would change in a 34.

Moreover, I have extra space along the outside and bottom near the underwire. I frequently experience this issue to some degree in all but Polish bras on account of my close-set breasts. Provided the bra itself is comfortable, I consider this more of a quibble than a complaint.

Fantasie Fusion Fit

The Fantasie Fusion sports a four-section cup design with two lower panels connected by a vertical seam for lift. A side panel redirects tissue to the front, and a stretch upper cup features enough elasticity to conform to both breasts while providing hold and containment. People who like the idea of stretch lace but find the jiggle factor a deterrent will enjoy the pleasant compromise with this style.

Two hook-and-eye closures and moderate wings anchor to the body and provide support. Fully-adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit to your height and torso shape. The moderate front coverage features a v-shaped design characteristic of the Fantasie/Freya plunge balcony frame, opening the neckline while providing separation and shaping.

Fantasie Fusion Materials

Two-ply Nylon/Polyster blend cups feel lightweight and soft against the skin, and the seaming is tightly stitched to minimize show-through under fabric. Thicker, restricted-stretch fabric straps disperse the weight of the bust across the shoulder, and the solid wings improve anchorage. I admit to wishing Fusion had three rows of hook-and-eye closures, but the design maintains support and comfort with only two.

Fantasie has always been a brand which prioritizes quality, and the Fusion carries forward this tradition. The bra is expertly made, and at only $64, it’s one of the more affordable fuller-bust options on the market. Similar styles are retailing for well over $70, and with the thoughtful fit and materials, Fusion is built to last.

Aesthetic of the Fantasie Fusion

When I sized out of all my bras, I needed something flesh-tone to wear under my, admittedly, few number of light-colored tops. I had been wearing the Panache Andorra, which I love, but I wanted an underwire bra for work.

Traditional beige/sand/etc., including the one for Fusion, are terrible against my skin-tone because they are either too dark (yes, I am that pale) or too yellow. The sand color for Fusion is both. However, the blush color seemed promising, and I was not disappointed. The pink undertones complement my skin while the lightness blends under thinner white fabrics.

Despite needing something basic, we all know I wouldn’t tolerate it being THAT basic. Nevertheless, I also find myself gravitating toward a stylish minimalism with my recent purchases. The Fusion sports a snappy pinstripe inlaid pattern which adds flair without texture to keep the bra concealed under clothes. The details are sparse, but the ones it has emanate a cool, androgynous chicness.

Overall, I am glad I revisited Fantasie because the Fusion rekindled my love for the first brand to ever fit me properly. Oh, and I do have a black version in 32GG on sale right now.

Happy First Day of Fall!