Cleo’s Alexa bra has to be one of the hottest sets of the season, and certainly one of my favourite prints to ever come out of Panache’s brightest brand. It’s every bit as vibrant in the flesh, and at £25 it’s quite a bargain for a bra that spans sizes 28-38 D-J.
So how does it measure up? It gives a beautiful shape and the band is nice and snug. I also like that the straps are – as you can see above – wide apart: always useful for a (surprisingly flattering on a big bust) boat-necked top. It’s very almost my new favourite bra.
Except it comes up extremely big in the cup, significantly at the top – I had at least 1-2 cups worth of empty space. The weirdest thing is that the support is still so good: it almost felt as if I could unpick the whole of the lace and top panel and have a beautifully fitting (although uglier and altogether less reliable at covering my nipples) bra.
I’m going to need to play the trial and error game if Alexa and I are going to get along. But I think she may be worth it…
Available from Bravissimo and Figleaves.com.
Busts 4 Justice 
Thanks for this! I just tried my first Cleo yesterday (the George in green) and now I’m a huge fan. I’ve been eyeing the Alexa now. So would say if the George fit it would be good to size down cup size?
And just to add. I found with the George that I also have looseness at top but I think it’s more because of my soft breast tissue that settles down into bras than anything to do with a problem with the fit itself.
I’ve not tried the George yet so I’m not sure how it compares. One of the wolf-PAC (not sure who, maybe Kathryn?) definitely rocked it though so ask her about how she worked the sizes. It’s so beautiful it’s a shame to miss out x
I had the exact same experience down to wanting to keep the bra because of the construction, even though it was massive in the top edge of the cup. I loved the bra, but am now waiting for my exchange a cup size down to arrive. Hopefully I’ll only need the one cup smaller, not two!
Let me know how you get on! It is super pretty – I’ve seen it look cracking on some shapes so it’s not impossible to make it work, but I definitely don’t have the fullness on top alas…
I finally got my replacement (international shipping delay) one cup size down and had a much better experience. I still has some puckering where the three seams meet near the apex, but not enough to be unwearable. I also found after a wash and a full day of wear, the puckering eased up and the bra formed more to my shape. I have to say disregarding the puckering, the construction of this bra is fantastic. I found it incredibly comfortable and needed to adjust myself less frequently than usual. I’m on the large side of 30H, cup-wise, and found a 30GG a good fit.
That’s great to know. It is a beauty. Although I just tried Ellie by Cleo (https://busts4justice.com/2012/05/02/my-ss12-favourite-so-far-ellie-by-cleo/) and she was perfect without any need for sizing jiggery pokery. Some corkers coming out of Panache HQ this season! x
Thank you for the review! Can’t resist a cheap bra like that and ordered one right away!
Thanks for reviewing this, I’ve been eyeing it for weeks.
Of course mine is already on the way to me, and now I’m scared I’ll have to exchange it for a smaller cup. I’ve been losing weight and my bras have obviously been fitting badly lately, so this was my first foray into a 28 band, as all my 30’s are riding up. Blasted American shipping times.
Noo! You might be okay if you’re fuller up top – let me know how it works. So frustrating for you!
Yes, that’s true! I have full-on-top breasts and my regular size was perfect with the Alexa. I’ve had such great luck with Cleo bras.
That’s great news! I have seen it work and it’s a real beauty – Cleo are on fire this year.
Got it and it’s big in the top. I’m by no means a full on top girl, so going down a cup size to see how it fits. But you’re right about the support. it was outstanding, even in the wrong cup size.
Hey! I just have a question about sizing. If I’m between a 28F-FF in Freya bras, what size would you recommend for the Alexa? If it helps, bras like Deco, Loretta and Lacey fits perfectly in a 28F, but I need a FF for Ashlee or Taylor. I’ve never worn anything but Freya but I’d like to branch out! 🙂
Hello Kirsty! Alexa is definitely a tricky one because it seems to be more about the shape of your boob than your bra (it works better on women who are fuller in the top). But I know lots of people have found it to be quite roomy, so if you’re between cup sizes I’d try the 28F. It’s good to experiment! Where are you based?
Based in Canada, so I’m trying to avoid ordering multiple sizes since the cost of sending them back is always a bummer. And I’m fuller on bottom (Cheryl from Invest in your chest’s reviews are perfect for me basically) So maybe I’d even consider a 28E?
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I bought exactly that set! YES! I mean, how can you not fall in love. The shape is just stunning….love it….
I’m wearing it today! Perfect for sunshine.
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I know I’m a bit tardy to the party, but I just got an Alexa. It’s my new favorite! I feel so spoiled by the lift, shape, placement and little details like the soft lining on all the edges and straps.
Do you know of any other Cleo bras that give the same shape and placement?
I know I’m tardy to the party here, but I just got an Alexa and it’s my new favorite bra. I’m impressed with the support, shape, placement and the little details like the soft lining on the edges and under the straps.
Do you know of any other Cleo bras that give the same shape and up-front placement as the Alexa?
I think you could probably shoot for most Cleo bras and they’d give you that – as a ‘youthful’ brand I think they seem to concentrate on front, center and perky! I recently tried Melissa and she was the same – although the bagginess in the top seems to have been resolved and she fits much closer to size… Good luck! https://busts4justice.com/2013/05/29/cleos-melissa-bra-reviewed/