Ewa Michalak BM Szmaragd

When I initially tried this bra on back in Feburary, it was a little sad. The cups were too big and there was no lift to be found. Because of that, I snatched up a 65F (and matching 36 briefs) and hoped I could add the BM to my list of well fitting bras. Unfortunately, the 65F was too small, though not so much that there was no hope. I decided I would hold on to them and if my size fluctuated, one of them might prove successful.




Fast forward to about two weeks ago when I realized I had been exclusively wearing a select few bras for quite some time. Upon further investigation, I saw the in-cup quadding had returned on my Marcies and I was falling out the middle of my Ingrid and Cukiereczek. Now was the time to give the Szmaragds another shot!

The 65F was even smaller than before so there was no hope there. Luckily, the 65FF fit surprisingly well, although there wasn't as much lift as I was expecting. I had heard the BM style can give a more natural shape but I knew it had to be better. That's when I noticed the straps between the two sizes feeling dramatically different from each other. Neither of them have fully adjustable straps, but the ones on the 65FF were much too long - more so on the right side than the left. So I found this post detailing how to shorten the straps and tried my hand at it. The fit improved so much that the BM Szmaragd is now my new favorite and best (and only?!) fitting bra!

EDIT: After writing this review, a fellow Bratabaser informed me that the straps should be fully adjustable, and they were right! They shared a tip about using the end of a rat tail comb to slip under the top loop that's going through the adjuster. With the comb I was able to wiggle it loose and pull it through the loop. It was a little difficult because the stitching on the strap connecting the black half to the green half made that section really stiff and thick but it finally gave in. Now the lift is even further improved and no more sewing necessary!

65FF Ewa Michalak BM Szmaragd

My reasoning for not trying a BM until now is that I didn't care much for the designs of the older models. I thought it wasn't worth the trouble of testing out a new style that may not work when I didn't love the way they looked. Sure, I liked the Magnolia enough to ask if they would make it into a different style, but I had enough bras that I was happy with so when they told me no, I didn't feel inclined to buy it anyway. The Szmaragd though, is a really good looking bra, in my opinion. I'm not usually the biggest fan of most blues or greens, but this shade is unique and interesting. I'm not even crazy about hot pinks, but somehow the bows still work. The lace also has a nice sheen to it when the light hits it. My only complaint about the fabric choice is that it's a tad scratchy but I imagine that will fade with more washing and wearing.

The gore tacks perfectly and there's no quadding, gaping or wrinkling going on. I think it's in large part due to the stretch in the fabric in combination with the oodles of projection - immediate and otherwise. It's been a while since I've felt this secure when moving around... man, have I missed that feeling.

I really think the 65FF size agrees with my body when it comes to Ewa's wires and wings. While they aren't as low as Comexim's, I find they're infinitely more comfortable than 65G+. The wings are still visible through the arm holes of some tops but my armpits are free from rubbing, poking and chafing which is much more important.

The shape is still very round in the BM. Part of me still feels like it holds my boobs a little lower than other bras, but whether or not it's just in my head, I don't hate the idea of ever so slightly understated boobage.

The band has only two rows of 4 eyes instead of the usual 3 that are found on the 65GG+ bands. I don't have a problem with that at this size as it still feels quite comfortable.

In the above picture, you can see the cups have a different layer of fabric lining them. I could only speculate as to why that is and what function it performs... more stability, perhaps?
Thinking more about it, I'm not sure the cups would be as comfortable without this extra fabric, knowing that I already find the lace to be a little scratchy on parts of my skin that aren't boob. In any case, it's barely noticeable from the outside so I'll just be happy it's there.

These are the first I've tried of Ewa's Figi briefs. The waist is a little higher than I would like but it's not uncomfortable upon try-on. The mesh back would be nice to wear in terms of airflow during the hotter months.
The leg elastic sits high on the cheeks which creates noticeable indentations despite having little butt to speak of. Between that and only recently fitting the matching bra, I haven't worn them so I'd rather part with them and put that money towards a new bathing suit... Which is a whole 'nother story I won't get into (yet), so I'll just say that there will likely be another swimwear review coming.

The BM style has become my new bra obsession. I've already sold a few of my other bras to fund the purchase of two more: Magnolia and Naomi, both in 65FF. Here's hoping the Szmaragd isn't a fluke.