Review: Bestform Tessalia

I have to admit, when I was first offered a set of Bestform lingerie to review, I hadn’t heard of the company. However, the brochure told me that Bestform are committed to perfect fit and comfort sell a range of bra shapes and styles in B to G cup, including: lightly padded, moulded, plunge, balconette and full cup. I particularly liked the mention that they design for comfort with wide sides and straps, strong wires and soft fabrics. They have three main collections – fashion, wire-free & shapewear – and I have to say that I love the theme and styling of their shoot for the AW14 fashion collection. I really like the 10 pin bowling setting and was particularly impressed by the shot for the Luccia style (see right).

After looking through the catalogue, I selected the Tessalia balconette bra and deep brief in black. This style (see left) also comes in a full cup bra and a padded bra, and they offer a high leg brief and a ‘boxer string’ too so that’s pretty much something for everyone. All styles are available in three colours – black, garnet and passion – and each bra shape comes in a different range of sizes. The balconette is available in the widest variety of sizes, including my usual one, which made choosing somewhat easier than usual for someone so indecisive. The deep briefs are available in sizes M to 5XL. The catalogue also says that:

Bestform Lingerie is an inspired combination of French flair and full cup expertise. Our team of talented Parisian designers ~ chosen specifically as Paris is the home of chic, alluring lingerie ~ ensures every style is created with an emphasis on fabulous fit, eye-catching beauty and day-long comfort. Bestform Lingerie ~ designed to shape, support and lift your day!

Every woman is unique, and choosing a bra is a very personal decision, that’s why Bestform offers a wide range of segments, styles and shapes so that every woman can find her ideal bra and feel wonderfully stylish and comfortable in her lingerie.

I went for a 32E in the bra and XL in the briefs (both UK sizes) and was very impressed with the fit. I own a stack of bras in different sizes, depending on the cut and the amount of stretch in the band, so it can be tricky to buy bras online when I can’t take several sizes into a fitting room. However, this seemed pretty good in the 32E that I would usually go for in a Freya Deco. The band was firm and stayed put, but was perhaps a bit too snug by the end of the day so I would be tempted to try a 34″ to see if it was more comfortable for long periods of wear. The wires sat flat against my ribcage and the cups were supportive with great uplift. The slightly angular shape the cups provided seemed a bit odd at first when compared tho the moulded bras I love so much, but it didn’t look strange under clothing.

The stripy fabric on the bra and the briefs has a strong yet luxurious feel, the lace is particularly soft, and I love the attention to detail on the edging and the bows. The briefs are spectacularly comfortable with a flattering low leg and super soft fabric across the bottom. Sadly I didn’t manage to get a decent shot of me in the full set – the one I snapped at arm’s length on my phone doesn’t really do this lingerie justice! – but, on this evidence, I would definitely give Bestform two very enthusiastic thumbs up. Sadly, the Tessalia is not yet available in the Bestform online shop, but I recommend that you keep an eye out for it. I could even be tempted to try it in a different colour.

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a Tessalia bra and briefs free to review by Bestform.