The Ultimate LIVELY Bras Review (2023): Are They Worth the Hype?
If you‘re a woman on the hunt for the perfect bra, you know the struggle is real. We need support, but we want comfort. We love pretty details, but practicality is a must. The delicate balance between fashion and function in the bra world is hard to strike.
Enter LIVELY – the buzzed-about intimates brand that‘s taking the lingerie industry by storm. Featured in the likes of Vogue, Cosmo, and Women‘s Health and touted by celebrities and influencers, LIVELY bras promise to "blur the lines between lingerie, activewear, and swimwear." But are they really worth the hype?
In this tell-all LIVELY bras review, I‘m doing a deep dive on everything you need to know before you buy. I‘ll cover their bestselling bra styles, the pros and cons, customer feedback, how they stack up to competitors, and so much more. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if LIVELY is the bra brand for you.
Let‘s get intimate, shall we?
About LIVELY
First, let‘s take a step back and get to know the brand behind the bras. Founded in 2016 by former Victoria‘s Secret exec Michelle Cordeiro Grant, LIVELY‘s mission is to "inspire women to live life passionately, purposefully, and confidently" by providing high-quality, stylish intimates that support you in "all your wild and wonderful pursuits."
As Grant told Vogue, "There just wasn‘t a brand out there that was speaking to me, or to the women that I knew…Where was that brand that was more about the woman wearing the product versus the product itself?"
Enter LIVELY. The NYC-based intimates brand burst onto the scene to bridge the gap between functional and fashionable. Their bras aim to combine the best elements of lingerie, activewear, and swimwear for a collection that‘s equally comfortable, practical, and stylish.
From super-soft basics you can wear all day to lacy numbers that make you feel sultry and supported, LIVELY has a bra for every woman and every occasion. In addition to bras, they also offer underwear, loungewear, activewear, swimwear, maternity pieces, and more.
One thing that sets LIVELY apart is its commitment to inclusivity and representing all women. With cups from A-DDD, band sizes from 30-44, and a variety of nudes, LIVELY bras are designed to fit and flatter a wide range of body types, skin tones, and sizes. No matter your shape, you can feel confident and look amazing in LIVELY.
"We want to redefine what sexy means today. To us, sexy is being smart, confident, and comfortable in your own skin." – Michelle Cordeiro Grant, LIVELY Founder
Another differentiator is LIVELY‘s community and brand experience. More than just an underwear brand, LIVELY aims to create a movement and be a part of women‘s lives. From social media campaigns to IRL events, the LIVELY ethos is all about bringing women together and empowering them to take on the world.
But enough about the brand – let‘s get to the bras you came here for! Read on for my detailed reviews of LIVELY‘s most popular styles.
Top LIVELY Bra Styles
LIVELY offers a robust collection of bras in a variety of styles designed to support you through all the ways you show up in the world. From lounging to lifting weights and everything in between, there‘s a LIVELY bra for that.
Here are the deets on their most popular styles:
The No-Wire Strapless
Strapless bras are notoriously uncomfortable and unsupportive. But LIVELY‘s fan-favorite No-Wire Strapless bra breaks the mold with a sleek, smooth silhouette that actually stays up and in place. The style features:
- Supportive wide band with gel grippers that actually works to keep the bra from slipping and sliding
- No wires for a "barely there" feel without sacrificing lift
- Removable straps so you can wear it multiple ways
- Soft, lightweight foam cups that shape and contour
- Available in cup sizes A-DD and band sizes 32-38
- Comes in neutral black and beige colors
Customers rave that the No-Wire Strapless is "hands down the most comfortable strapless bra" and a "game changer." It‘s racked up over 300 reviews with a 4.3-star average rating. Many say it‘s the first strapless bra they‘ve found that they can comfortably wear all day long.
The T-Shirt Bra
A staple in every woman‘s wardrobe, the classic T-shirt bra is an everyday essential. LIVELY‘s take on the style has earned icon status for its unlined, sleek look and feel that practically disappears under clothes.
Key features:
- Lightweight, breathable fabric that molds to your shape
- Flexible underwire that moves with your body
- Front-adjusting straps for a customized fit
- Converts to racerback with the J-hook
- Smooth cups with light, supple lining
- Available in cup sizes A-DDD and band sizes 32-38
- Comes in a range of core colors and limited-edition seasonal hues
With close to 1,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, the T-Shirt Bra has become a LIVELY bestseller and customer favorite. Women praise the fit, comfort, and shape it provides without added bulk. One reviewer said, "It quickly became my most worn bra. The material is soft yet supportive, the band doesn‘t dig in, and the straps don‘t slip."
The Mesh Trim No-Wire
Wire-free bras are having a major moment, and LIVELY‘s Mesh Trim No-Wire is leading the pack. This easy, breezy bralette provides gentle support and shaping without anything poking or prodding.
Notable callouts:
- Soft, stretchy fabric with mesh trim detailing
- Removable pads for customized coverage
- Pull-over style for ultimate comfort
- Deep V silhouette for versatile wear
- Adjustable back straps
- Comes in sizes XS-L for a flexible fit
- Available in core neutral shades and seasonal colors/prints
Beloved for its barely-there feel and cute, sporty look, the Mesh Trim No-Wire has earned over 350 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating. Customers say it‘s "buttery soft," "sooo comfortable," and "supportive enough for everyday wear." Bonus: Many reviewers love to show off the stylish strappy back detailing under open-back tops.
The Busty Bralette
Fuller busts need love too! The LIVELY Busty Bralette provides the comfort of a bralette with the support and coverage of a bra. This style was designed specifically for D-DDD cups and features:
- Subtle seaming and inner sling for added lift and support
- Full-coverage cups with a high apex for security
- Wide, smoothing band to banish bulge
- Thick supportive straps
- Adjustable back hook-and-eye closure
- Wireless design for all-day comfort
- Offered in sizes 1-3 (equivalent to D-DDD cups)
- Comes in neutral essential shades
Busty babes have given this bralette their seal of approval, with reviews like "I forget I‘m even wearing a bra!" and "supportive, comfortable, and sexy!" The Busty Bralette has earned a 4.3-star average rating from over 300 reviews from well-endowed women who say it provides the perfect amount of coverage, lift, and comfort.
Pros and Cons
Now that you know the LIVELY bra basics, let‘s break down some of the brand‘s biggest pros and cons.
Pros
- High-quality construction and premium materials
- Excellent size range for both smaller and larger busts
- Comfortable, supportive fits
- Versatile, convertible styles
- Wide variety of colors and designs
- Affordable prices for the quality
- Free and easy returns/exchanges
- Stellar customer service
- Fun, empowering brand experience
In terms of design, quality, and fit, LIVELY bras tick all the boxes. They hold up to everyday wear and washing, and pieces from core collections like the T-shirt bra and No-Wire Strapless are built to last. Customers rave about how LIVELY bras feel – they strike the perfect balance of softness and support.
I love that the styles are so versatile and can take you from day to night, with convertible and multi-way features. From basics to bralettes, strapless styles to maternity must-haves, the variety and size range is super inclusive. There really is a LIVELY bra for everyone.
Price-wise, LIVELY sits at an attainable mid-range price point. Their pieces are well-made with quality fabrics and designs, but won‘t totally break the bank. Bras typically cost between $35 to $55 each, which is reasonable for the caliber. And they often run sales and bundles for even more savings.
As if that wasn‘t enough, LIVELY also offers free shipping over $50, an easy return/exchange process, and top-notch customer service. Their team is super helpful and willing to provide fit guidance and recommendations. Plus, the fun, playful brand experience and strong community of loyal fans makes you feel like you‘re part of the club.
Cons
- Some inconsistencies in sizing between styles
- Longer shipping times than some other brands
- Padding/lining not adjustable in some styles
- Limited brick-and-mortar store locations
No bra is perfect, and LIVELY isn‘t without some minor complaints. The biggest callout from customers is that sizing can be a bit inconsistent between styles. Some run slightly large or small, so it can take some trial and error to find your perfect fit. That‘s why LIVELY offers free and easy returns/exchanges to ensure you end up with your ideal fit.
LIVELY‘s shipping is free, but a bit slower compared to some competitors. Deliveries typically take about 7 business days, so plan accordingly if you need your new bras ASAP. And while LIVELY does have a few stores where you can see the bras IRL and get fit guidance, their brick-and-mortar presence is still limited.
A few customers have commented that they wish the level of padding or lining was adjustable in some styles. The padding is sewn in, so you can‘t remove it if you prefer less coverage. But this is a minor setback for most, as the cups are already super lightweight and natural-feeling.
How They Compare
LIVELY is just one star in a crowded lingerie universe. How do they stack up to some of their biggest competitors? Let‘s take a look:
ThirdLove
ThirdLove is another "by women, for women" bra brand known for their Fit Finder quiz and half-cup sizes for a tailored fit. Like LIVELY, they aim to design bras that look and feel amazing in all sizes. However, ThirdLove bras tend to be slightly pricier and have more structured, contouring silhouettes compared to LIVELY‘s more relaxed, easygoing styles.
True&Co
Also focused on fit and feel, True&Co takes a fit quiz approach to matching women with their perfect bra. They specialize in wireless styles and have a smaller size range than LIVELY. True&Co also leans heavily into the athleisure influence with sporty, seamless designs. Their prices are comparable to LIVELY, if not slightly lower.
Aerie
Aerie has made waves with their #AerieREAL campaign celebrating body positivity and un-retouched models. Like LIVELY, they offer both bras and undies aimed at a younger demographic. Aerie bras are known for cute, trendy designs at super affordable prices. However, the quality and construction isn‘t quite on par with LIVELY in terms of durability and support.
Cuup
Cuup is a newer direct-to-consumer lingerie brand positioning themselves as the "Everlane of underwear." They take a minimal, back-to-basics approach with clean lines and muted colors. Cuup offers a highly-edited selection of essential bra styles aimed at being "the perfect version of every bra you need." Their prices are at a contemporary level, slightly higher than LIVELY.
LIVELY Bras Review: The Final Verdict
So, are LIVELY bras worth the buy? In my opinion – absolutely.
After putting LIVELY‘s top styles to the test and poring over hundreds of customer reviews, I can confidently say that LIVELY bras live up to the hype. The designs truly are the perfect marriage of style and function, with a "your boobs but better" effect that‘s supportive and sexy at the same time.
I love that the brand is so inclusive and empowering with their branding and ethos. They make you feel confident and celebrated at every size. And the customer experience and community is top-notch.
Quality-wise, these bras go the distance. The premium materials and thoughtful construction hold up wear after wear, and the fits are so, so comfortable. With free and easy returns/exchanges, you can feel confident that you‘ll get your perfect fit.
While the bras are an investment, they‘re totally reasonable for the quality and caliber. And with so many styles to choose from, you can find an option at every price point.
All in all, I can‘t recommend LIVELY bras enough. If you‘re looking for lingerie that looks amazing, feels incredible, and empowers you to take on the world, LIVELY is it. These bras are a total game-changer that every woman needs in her closet. Your boobs will thank you!
Shop editor-approved LIVELY bras:
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