Review: The Little Bra Company with C-Cup Sizes

March 18, 2011

When I first heard about The Little Bra Company, I was excited to find a petite lingerie brand. Now that they’re expanding to C-cup sizes, I’m able to review a few bras.

The C-cups debuted on The Little Bra Company website on March 17th with sizes ranging from 28-34C. The new sizes are available in the following styles:

  • Lucia (E004C) in Vintage Sage and Nude
  • Sascha (F001) in Nude and Dark Nude
  • Bijou (E006) in black

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The Little Bra Company, founded by Emily Lau, is a lingerie company specifically targeted for petites. The products have bra cups that are more close set with slimmer and smaller details; proportions that are better suited for petites with C-cups or smaller sizes.

Recently, they created a scale to describe the amount of padding for each bra ranging from 1 (least padded) to 5 (highly padded).

TLBC

For most brands, my bra size is 30C and my measurements are: Underbust: 26″ / Bust: 30″ /Overbust: 30″.

I’m not sure how comfortable you all are with viewing bras, so I’ll leave it up to you if you want to continue. If you’re ok with shopping on the VS website at work, then you can proceed, otherwise, I’d advise you to view the rest of this post in a more private location. You were warned. LOL.

The Lucia Bra

Our best-selling sexy low plunge bra is a sexy lace fabric with convertable straps that can be worn in multiple ways.

Padding Scale: 3

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In size 30C, the Lucia bra in Vintage Sage fits on the largest setting. I love the lace detailing and it lies flush with the breast tissue. When in racerback or cross-back configuration, this bra becomes more cleavage enhancing.

The Sascha Bra

The Sascha Bra is our classic and standard strapless push-up bra that also comes with convertible straps to be worn in multiple ways.  The bra comes with removable padding for those that want extra push or something more subtle.

Padding Scale: 2

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In 30C, the Sascha bra in Nude runs a little small in the cup. The band fits well on the largest setting but cups are a size too small so the breast tissue is pushed up and over the cup. Aside from the too small cup, the strapless works exactly as it should and it gives a lot of support with minimal padding.

The Mercedes Bra

This sophisticated and angelic-looking petite demi push-up bra has contoured smooth-cups with sexy hints of lace around the edges for added lift and support! The Mercedes has incredible support and side coverage to offer attractive-looking rounded lift for your petite breasts!  Compared to the Lucia bra, going up a band size is optional, but not necessary.

Padding Scale: 3

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The Mercedes bra does not come in C-cup sizes but the 32B is similar sized. On the smallest setting, the band is still a bit loose but it’s not too noticeable. The cups seem small but it’s due to the low demi-cup and the breast tissue is flush with the cup. This style is a very flattering push-up that’s comfortable and supportive.

The Bijou Bra

The Bijou Bra is a gorgeous petite demi-cup push-up bra that contains smooth cups and convertible straps.  The bra has a pretty sweetheart raceback detail and front closure for unbelievable cleavage.

Padding Scale: 5

I did not try the Bijou bra but it fits similar to the Mercedes since it is a demi-cup bra. Since it is more padded, it will have a greater push-up effect.

For more information, go to: http://thelittlebracompany.com

*Note: (as of March 18) The new products and sizes will be available online shortly. If you want to order right away, call TLBC directly at 310.254.8542 to place your order, their offices are open from 9AM – 5PM PST.

Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for it. The Lucia bra was given as a gift by The Little Bra Company and the other items mentioned in this post were on loan and will be sent back to TLBC.

{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }

Amy March 18, 2011 at 10:33 am

Did you find that you needed to size up in the band? I think I had previously read that you should get 1 band size larger than you normally would wear. Just wondering if you found this to be the case? I’m normally 32C, do you think it runs true to size? Thanks for the review, I’m excited about the addition to their line!

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admin March 18, 2011 at 12:46 pm

I didn’t need to size up the band since I was bra-fitted a few months prior and it confirmed that I was wearing the correct size bra. The suggestion to size up a band is for people who aren’t sure if they’re wearing the correct bra size. I think it runs TTS but the cups are closer together than standard sizes which may make it feel smaller.

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Curls and Pearls March 18, 2011 at 11:16 am

Excellent review Jess, and as the twitter chatter mention definitely brave too! Umm…the girls look amazing LOL! Can I say that without sounding creepy? :P There is one store in Toronto that carries TLBC but it’s so out of the way for me I haven’t made the trek. I’m thinking about risking it and ordering when I’m in the US next unless I can find a store nearby to where I will be staying!

Will you be trying any of the other styles out? I’m actually curious if most petites prefer padding to no padding. I’m a padding girl myself :P

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Grace March 18, 2011 at 12:07 pm

Wow, so brave Jess! Kudos to you! I think I’m still wearing the wrong band size, even though I’m wearing the lucia in 32B. I can still fit two fingers in my band. I’m wondering if I should size down to 30C as well. Bra buying is quite the pain :)

I went in search for LBC bands here in La Jolla because it says they have a store on their web site, only to see that the store is long gone and closed! I’m still searching for a really nice pushup bra =) Your twins sure look awesome in the bras!

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aubrey March 18, 2011 at 12:09 pm

best review of TLBC yet! i like this description: breast tissue is flush w/cup. I always have this issue. either too tight or too loose. needs to be 1: breast and bra.

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(another) grace March 18, 2011 at 12:34 pm

I’ve been hoping TLBC would expand sizes. Great review (and brave as others have said)! I recently went to a professional bra fitting and was told I’m a 30D, which is a pretty difficult size to find. Do you think a TLBC bra in 32C would work? From other reviews it seems that the band sizes run narrow.

Also I just went to the website to look for the bras and can’t seem to find them! :-(

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admin March 18, 2011 at 1:00 pm

I agree, when it comes to non-standard sizes, it’s becomes increasingly hard and more expensive to find the right bras. Try the 32C, some of the bands do run a little snug since it has less stretch.

I was told the new c-cups and styles would be out already, but if not, it’ll be available really soon. I heard that a few of the boutiques and other stores have the new sizes and styles, so check out those places. Also, if you really want to order them, you can call TLBC directly and they’ll take your order, 310.254.8542, and their office is open from 9 AM-5 PM PST.

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admin March 18, 2011 at 12:55 pm

@Curls and Pearls: LOL. When the first round of reviews came out, I had to wonder how it looked…it’s hard to judge undergarments under clothes since they’re not supposed to be visible. I would like to review a few of their other selections but I have a good sense of how most of them fit since they’re grouped according to cup: regular, strapless, and demi. =P

@Grace: It takes a bit of trial and error to find the correct size, but once you do, it makes a big difference. There will be more places that stock TLBC and the TLBC team is quite friendly, so email them if you have questions. =)

@Aubrey: Thanks! I hate it when there’s gaps or it’s too tight…it just makes whatever you wear on top look off. LOL.

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Gracie March 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm

definitely kudos to you! My jaws dropped a bit because I wasn’t expecting it, and was a little confused at the comparison to VS at first. I’ve always been iffy on reading bra reviews because it’s really hard to judge the fit of a bra underneath clothes. I think opinions are one thing, but sometimes seeing the fit is different. I don’t know how to word this without sounding creepy… oy.

Just thanks. I’m going to give them a lot more consideration now.

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Gracie March 18, 2011 at 2:03 pm

ah, wish I actually proofread the comment before enter. =(

Sorry for the grammatical errors:

jaw*

Just,… thank you.*

AND… I also meant to include:

I echo Aubrey’s statement: Need to be one, breast and bra.

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admin March 18, 2011 at 8:04 pm

LOL. I didn’t want to put NSFW right on the post because it’s not that scandalous…well at least, I don’t think so. And I had to show how it fit since I thought along your lines…opinion only describes so much. =)

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Stephanie Tran March 18, 2011 at 2:43 pm

Great review! you are so brave to do this! :) I love the look of Lucia but I would probably need something like Sascha to hold me up.

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ANNIE March 18, 2011 at 4:34 pm

Thanks for this review Jess!
it’s really hard to find anything smaller than a size 32 in stores these day… at least here in Vancouver =(
checking out there website now x

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Banhannas March 18, 2011 at 6:42 pm

I wanted to echo the other comments on how brave you are! But then again you are not scantily dressed posing up against a pole like one of those Victoria Secret models. LOL! The Mercedes look like it is slightly a halter style? I think it will be great on shells that sometimes cut too deep in the shoulder without actually wearing a racerback bra. Racer back styles can be too uncomfortable for me because it hikes up the girls too much and if I adjust the straps then the cups gape for me!
I really like the Lucia out of the ones you reviewed! So PRETTY and I’ve tried “petite” bras at a department store and they are so fugly.

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admin March 18, 2011 at 8:10 pm

I did my best to show the products tastefully and I think it’s quite neutral and not “sexy.”

The Mercedes actually cuts closer to the neck, but it’s not a halter style. I actually prefer this look since most straps tend to fall off my shoulders. Some racerback/convertible styles look awkward when you switch styles since the cups are molded a certain way. But I haven’t had that issue with the TLBC bras.

It’s great that TLBC comes out with styles beyond the basics because petites love pretty bras too! =)

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Jen HaHA March 18, 2011 at 7:25 pm

Cool! I like the Lucia. It reminds me of my Wacoals. I need to get resized though because I’m in a D but I think I may be a C now. I haven’t been sized since I stopped nursing a few years ago. You wanted to know that, right? Eh, it’s a post about bras so it’s all good, right?
Jen Hemming and Hawing Again

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admin March 18, 2011 at 8:12 pm

I think it’s good to get resized every couple of years since the body is constantly changing. LOL. Glad you feel comfortable to share your experiences! =)

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admin March 18, 2011 at 8:06 pm

@Stephanie: The Lucia is still quite supportive, the lace is quite deceiving in that it only looks very delicate.

@Annie: I agree, I have the same issue since 32 is the smallest size for most places, I used to shop UK websites to find my size.

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Kileen March 18, 2011 at 8:14 pm

love this review!! i think my fave bra is the Lucia one as i’m not one for lots of padding. and you are brave for doing this post!

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PetiteXXS March 18, 2011 at 9:17 pm

Wow Jess… at the risk of sounding pervy, the girls look great! :) So so brave of you for posting these. I already know and love my Lucia & Sascha, but I can see how this is a ton more helpful than under-clothing pics. I’m glad TLBC C-cups are here because now the more well-endowed petites can finally try them! :)

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Kimberly March 18, 2011 at 9:29 pm

Great review! And like everyone else already said, you’re definitely brave for taking pictures :) I really like the Mercedes bra since it’s low-cut without being too dramatic. I’ll have to try the Little Bra Company one day.

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Jarucha March 18, 2011 at 11:13 pm

Thank you for the review…I have a Gap bra that is strapless and has convertible straps like the Sacha but the wire digs into my skin and it get uncomfortable if I wear it long periods of time – especially summer. Any issues like this when you tried the Sacha? I feel like its hard to find a bra that would be comfortable for hot sticky days – I know Playtex has this “cool” bra they make for larger size ladies. And sadly, I’m probably the only odd ball who doesn’t like lace – makes me itch if it comes into direct contact with my skin. But reading this made me realize how my bras do not fit me well! Ay!

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admin March 18, 2011 at 11:45 pm

The Sascha was quite comfy aside from the cups being small and I didn’t feel the underwire at all.

I wasn’t a fan of lace before since most types make me itchy too, but with the Lucia, I didn’t notice it and it wasn’t itchy either. Photos really make it noticeable how things fit. I thought my current bras were fairly close-set, but TLBC has the right spacing between the cups for me. =)

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Angie March 18, 2011 at 11:27 pm

very brave and helpful review. i don’t think i’ve ever been sized properly. i usually stick to wearing a 34B but perhaps it’s better to wear a C with a smaller band size? i notice that the cup is getting kind of small. it looks like TLBC bras do wonders for push up for petites!

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admin March 18, 2011 at 11:47 pm

You can always try a smaller size and see if it works out for you. Usually you can add 2 fingers into your band for a proper fit and the cups shouldn’t gap (unless it’s getting old and it’s time to replace). TLBC has great bras, everyday ones and push-up ones too. =)

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admin March 18, 2011 at 11:40 pm

@Kileen: I think 3 is probably the most padding I would go normally without it being too noticeable. When I wore it, it didn’t feel like there was a lot of padding to it.

@PetiteXXS: LOL. Not pervy, besides, I’m sure most of my readers are female anyway. I hope TLBC continues to expand their sizes because they have great styles already.

@Kimberly: Definitely give TLBC a try, I think they’re a great option.

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The Little Dust Princess March 19, 2011 at 10:49 am

Agreed on all the brave comments! Thank you for the thorough review..seeing these bras on somebody really helps people see what really goes on when you wear these bras. :P

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Tara March 19, 2011 at 12:33 pm

Sorry for the personal question—but did you get yourself professionally fitted or measure yourself? I have almost the same measurements, but am confused about the “add 4 inches to the underbust to get your band size” instruction on the TLBC website. Thoughts?

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admin March 19, 2011 at 1:47 pm

I measured myself for this review. However, I did get professionally measured at a bra-fitting store a few months back that confirmed my bra size, though they said my band should actually be 29.

The measurements on the TLBC website serve as a guide to find your size for their products. For me, adding of 4 inches works to get my band size. So that would be a good starting point when shopping for TLBC bras.

Every manufacturer has their own way of measuring, so I always look for how they measure so I can gauge what size I would be. It can change since there’s no real overall standard. (ie. I’m a 30D in VS Pink styles, but I’m closer to a 28D for Chantelle)

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Quest for Fashion Sense March 19, 2011 at 3:07 pm

Thanks for the review, Jess. Once my shopping ban’s over, I’m definitely going to be checking out the Lucia.

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Alterations Needed March 19, 2011 at 3:39 pm

Holy smokes! You are brave, chica! Excellent review!

I like the open chest of the Mercedes, which is nice for tops and dresses with open necklines. Must try! And that new sage color is so pretty!

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Callandra March 20, 2011 at 5:14 am

I think I like the Lucia bra the most and the light olive color is so pretty! (I was glad to hear they were offering a C cup as well). Thanks for the review!

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SewPetiteGal March 20, 2011 at 6:04 am

Wow thanks for the detailed review! Very helpful in knowing what’s offered and how that translates on a real life body!

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Really Petite March 20, 2011 at 9:23 am

Ahh…can we say va va voom? LOL Would it be wrong to say you look better than the TLBC models? Thanks for the review! I liked seeing a bustier petite do a TLBC review…great job Jess!

And fyi- I am having major issues w/the PFC due to my schedule and traveling but I guess I will have to just do with what I got:D

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Kristin March 20, 2011 at 9:00 pm

BRILLIANT! I don’t know if I count as ‘petite’ persay, but my bra size probably does…. I absolutely love the lucia bra.

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Aubrey March 21, 2011 at 12:01 am

I’ve been meaning to comment on this the last couple of days – such a fantastic review, really. Tasteful, very helpful, and very brave photos. Thanks for posting this! How exciting that they’ll be making C cups now as well!

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Melanie March 27, 2011 at 9:44 am

Thank you for this post, it is difficult to find pictures of size 30 C to see how different bras change the shape and appearance. Just finding bras in size 30 C without ordering blindly online is difficult. The Mercedes bra looks incredible.

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admin March 27, 2011 at 2:10 pm

I agree, 30C is such an non-standard size that it can be more challenging to find and you really have to try it in person to be sure of the fit. =) The Mercedes is quite amazing indeed.

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Beartea March 30, 2011 at 3:55 pm

I have the Lucia bra in the same color and I really like it! Thanks for the tip about making it racer back.

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