Ashley Graham is the definition of sex appeal.
You don't even need to look at her modeling portfolio — just head over to her Instagram, where more often than not she's flaunting her unfiltered assets and contagious confidence in a bikini or lingerie.
Alll this is to say that it makes perfect sense that the supermodel should have her own intimates line, the Ashley Graham X Addition Elle collection.
A few months ago, Graham showcased her latest bra designs at New York Fashion Week. Watching her sashay and slay the runway in her sexy bras made me want to try them out for myself. So I called in two friends and we placed our Ashley Graham bra orders…
The highest band size is 44DD, with larger cup sizes like DDD, G, and H capping at a band size of 42.
The lowest overall bra size offered is 38C, but there are smaller band sizes for 34D-DDD, G, and H. Prices range from $30 to $98 for bras and panties, respectively.
I was up first, trying the Ashley Graham Bralette ($45) in a 3X.
My bra size, 48C, isn't offered in Ashley Graham's collection. I was hoping for luck with the bralettes in size 1X to 3X.
I fell in love with this style, but struggled to feel comfortable in it.
First impression: it automatically gave me an underboob. I loosened the straps over my shoulders and tightened the neck harness to tuck my girls in better but it still didn't feel good. Though I wasn't expecting great lift from a bralette, this kind of gave me pancake tits.
I was so conflicted with this bra. I loved the style but it just didn't fit right.
Just look at that sexy mesh back band. *heart eyes*
After having such a rough time with the bralette, I was sure this 44D bra would be a nightmare.
I was SO wrong! The Lace and Straps Bra With Front Strap ($70, Addition Elle) fit like a glove. I felt like prince charming found my glass slipper and was putting it on my feet — er, boobs.
The bra gave my breasts the perfect shape and lift.
One of my biggest concerns when shopping for bras is the back band. This one passed the test.
When you have back fat like I do, you need something that gives you support in the front and back. Though the band is thinner than what I normally wear, it didn't push my back fat in an awkward way.
Vanessa is a big Ashley Graham fan and her body was READY for this try-on.
She tried the Ashley Graham Phenomenon bra in a 44C ($70, Addition Elle).
Vanessa loved the sexy style of the bra, but the sizing was off.
"The lace bra made me feel sexy but had some gapping at the top and ran a little too big. I loved the lacy design — however, it limits what you can wear with it," said Vanessa.
Though the bra cups were oversize, she loved the comfortable band.
The next bra she tried on was the Ashley Graham Fatal Attraction Bra ($59) in charcoal gray.
>>Click to buy (Psst! This is on sale for $24 at the time of this writing!)
The second bra, also a 44C, fit Vanessa better, but she was still smitten by the lace halter of the first one.
"I prefer the fit of the second bra but I would still have to size up," she noted.
Vanessa wasn't having the best luck with the Ashley Graham bras.
The lace detail on the back band is a pretty touch to an area of bras that's often overlooked, design-wise.
Graham wants you to make bae weak in the knees from every angle, clearly.
My co-worker Cindy is usually a 36DDD, but she tried this bra in a 38DD just in case the band ran small.
Cindy tired the Fatal Attraction With Contrasting Lace Bra ($65, Addition Elle).
"I had a bit of sticker shock when I realized the price; it’s what I’m used to paying but I wish it was cheaper," said Cindy.
"The color was as vibrant as it looked online, and the little tassel in the center was a nice touch."
Next up for Cindy: an elegantly sexy demi cup bra that sells for $70.
The Ashley Graham Diva Lace Demi Cup Bra With Front Strap ($70, Addition Elle) had Cindy feeling sexy as hell.
"I wore it on the tightest setting, but looking at the pics, I would have worn it a little looser to avoid it cutting into my back and looking weird under clothes."
"The black Diva Bra was a step outside of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I tried it. I felt super sexy in the strappy style and could totally see myself wearing it again."
"I feel like both styles I tried were worth the price and up to par with other similarly priced bras. It’s hard to come by bras that have a beautiful design AND enhance the shape of your boobs in a good way. I’ve been burned way too many times by popular brands that flatten my chest and make me look like I have flying saucers on my chest. Not cute," said Cindy.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
JESSICA: I started the haul expecting the worst. The brand doesn't carry my size, but I was pleasantly surprised after trying them on. Though the bralette didn't fit comfortably, the second bra turned out to be the best-fitting bra that I've worn in a while.
VANESSA: She had the least luck with the bras fitting properly, but the great style won her over.
CINDY: As much as she loved the fit and style, the price tags gave her pause.
These bras are so pretty, and they definitely give you that extra notch of sex appeal, but we were disappointed by the limited size range, especially the band sizes. If Graham wants to compete with big brands like Lane Bryant, she'll need to go up to 48 and 50 size bands.
One thing is unanimous though, the racy styles and harnesses are on par. Keep those sexy queen bra designs coming, Graham!
