Soft Freedom. Review of the Samanta Alex A530 Bra

Just when I thought I’d have to turn back to British or maybe German bra brands for a “modern, wireless bra for a large bust”—with maybe a local backup from Ewa Michalak’s tops — there she was, right on the horizon! Samanta came through, bringing us Alex, a wireless bra with a cool mesh-animal print pattern (and with one of those great gender neutral names). And here’s the kicker: Alex isn’t just one big-bust style (A530) but actually comes in three different designs—all wireless!

So how did this Polish brand, known for its delicate embroidery on sheer tulle and typically underwired designs, take on the challenge of creating a wireless bra for larger sizes? Well, you know I don’t wear anything unless it feels amazing…so let’s get into the details of my test!

Samanta – Alex A530 Bra, size: 85G; Alex B500 Briefs, size: XXL

[Bra sizes: 65 E-J, 70 D-I, 75 C-I, 80 C-H, 85 C-G, 90 C-F; Brief sizes: S-3XL; Bra retail price: 299 PLN, Briefs retail price: 149 PLN; this review is a collaboration with the brand Samanta]

 

Aesthetics

My first reaction upon seeing Alex was, of course, one of joy, the same thrill I get whenever I see a pattern that isn’t floral. Animal print definitely counts as non-floral, and this one intriguingly combines mesh with bold spots. The entire bra is covered in an elastic, lace-jacquard fabric. According to the manufacturer, it features innovative, eco-friendly ROICA fiber (currently a hot topic — more info here), is breathable and has shaping properties. Right off the bat, I’ll say it stretches comfortably in all directions but doesn’t feel compressive—just a soft, flexible fabric. So, no need to worry about any uncomfortable squeezing; Alex is incredibly comfortable on the skin.

The spots have a slightly three-dimensional structure, set against a wide-mesh background.

Back to the aesthetics—it certainly looks more interesting on the body than lying flat. Those who love lightweight, low-coverage bras may not be drawn to this Alex style, as it, like most wire-free bras for large busts, covers more of the chest than low-cut bralettes or underwired styles. But for me, the coverage isn’t a drawback. I appreciate its semi-sheer upper section, the super-wide, smooth, seamless straps (not just plain elastic, but rather compressed, matte fabric with a “peach-skin” feel), and gold metal hardware.

All the elastics, including the wide band along the bottom, feel top-quality to the touch. The bra is carefully crafted, with a strong, high-quality clasp—no scratchy bits anywhere. 

Fit

I’ll admit, I’m missing a bit of data to make a final assessment on how consistent the sizing is for this style. For Alex, Samanta and I made some size adjustments. Since this model isn’t available in my usual size, 85H, I can’t compare it directly to other Samanta bras. However, I comfortably fit into the 85G because, without underwires, the issue of cup width essentially disappears. Still, I’m curious how the 85H would fit. Perhaps if my breasts fully settled into the theoretically intended space designed by the manufacturer – would it feel different? Or maybe this wireless style IS the best fit Samanta can offer me, given the typically narrow underwires in this brand?

Either way, the band size fits within Samanta’s usual (more flexible) standard, and the cup part seems standard-sized or even large. So if your size is just above the available range, give it a try – based on my experience, you have a good chance of fitting. The flexibility of the ample upper cup part also makes things easier.

Shape

In Alex, I have a breast shape typical of a classic wireless bra with substantial elasticity – slightly gathered and lifted as much as possible, without compromising comfort, given the materials and construction. The shaping is minimal, but the bust is lifted and rounded. Alex doesn’t separate the breasts; mine naturally spread out to the sides, but with slight gathering and lift, they start to meet in the middle. I can wear Alex under any clothing, although, for example, under button-downs, I prefer firmer, more separating and slightly minimizing styles like the wireless Cate by Elomi. Alex doesn’t flatten the bust at all.

Note: This animal print doesn’t show through clothing at all. In the photos below, I’m wearing a really tight and fairly thin top by Urkye (a Polish full bust clothing brand) – nothing shows through, including the seamless top edge.

Construction and Support

Alex is constructed in a style I call the “modern classic for wireless bras.” It somewhat resembles an underwired side-support with four-part cups—except that it lacks underwires (and thus a defined center gore). As a result, the bra doesn’t create a conical shape, nor does it push the breasts to the sides like more old-school styles. Alex also doesn’t sit high under my arms, leaving plenty of room in that area.

This style has significant elasticity. The entire upper part of the front is stretchy, while the rest of the cup area is lined with a firm yet slightly flexible mesh. The sides are lined with a stretchy knit fabric similar to powernet but softer to the touch than most fabrics of this kind. The sides are also fairly high, allowing the whole bra to fit well and smoothly against the body. However, Alex isn’t a heavy-lifting or ultra-supportive model. I wouldn’t recommend it for running or jumping, but for comfortable daily wear—definitely. And not just for lounging on the couch.

Comfort

I feel no discomfort with Alex. The straps don’t dig in, and there’s no scratching under the bust (a common issue with wireless bras). The bottom elastic does fold when sitting or bending, but it doesn’t become a bothersome string; it moves comfortably with my body. We’ll see how it holds up over time, but since I’ve been wearing it regularly for two months now, I don’t anticipate any issues.

Everything here is soft and super cozy to the touch. I was initially concerned about the straps—whether I’d feel any pressure, given that the rest of the bra provides only moderate stabilization for the breasts, leaving a fair amount of weight on the straps. Sports bras, admittedly, offer better weight distribution due to the stability of the cups, but this doesn’t discourage me from wearing Alex.

I’ll be honest—I really enjoy this gentle approach to supporting the breasts, with minimal shaping. I believe everyone with a bust should be able to experience this soft freedom at least once and have at least one style like this in their wardrobe, made from materials and with a construction that can support the weight of the bust.

Matching Set

Alex B500 Briefs, Size: XXL

These are super comfortable, soft-to-the-touch briefs, fully stretchy and incredibly pleasant to wear. They held up perfectly during a yoga session (intense enough to work up a sweat 😉), even though they’re not made of viscose or cotton. They truly breathe! This ROICA fabric clearly does the job, and the mesh likely adds to the effect.

For me, they have an almost perfect height (almost, because they ride a bit high on my back, but that’s also due to my specific body shape, where my stomach stretches the fabric more than my hips and buttocks). They have seamless finishing on the back, so they won’t show under anything. A drawback? Mainly that sizes only go up to 3XL—it would be great to have more options. Though compared to most other brands, this is actually a decent range.

The high-cut sides offset any overly full coverage, and the mesh adds a nice touch of lightness. Though I think a standard hip coverage would also work well here. For those who prefer less coverage, the Alex line offers Brazilian briefs in sizes S-XXL.

The set is comfortable and feels great!