Lingerie Review: ColieCo Alexa Bra & Custom Amy Knickers

Disclosure: I purchased this set myself. Links with a * are affiliate links.

My previous blog post was all about ColieCo, so now seemed like a good time to review the set I bought from this brand earlier in the year.  An independent label that I’ve been following for a couple of years, it’s headed up by designer Nicole Neaber and is sustainably-handmade in Portugal. What really draws me to the brand though is the aesthetic; ColieCo is all about prints, and there are so many of them that I adore.

Many of the pieces in ColieCo’s Etsy store* are available in a whole range of fabrics, not just the one shown on the model. This Alexa soft-cup bra* comes in a choice of sixteen! There’s probably no print type I love more than a realistic and detailed floral, and the one you’re seeing here is option 4 on the list. The Amy knickers* were a custom order as they usually come in lace, but I really wanted an ouvert design like that one to match the bra. There was no additional charge for the fabric change, or the fact both pieces were made to measure.

Appearance

Guys, I love these knickers! You all know I love a strappy design, and the cheeky, bum-revealing back of these is just so fun to wear. They are definitely the standout piece of this set for me, and I want to own them in a whole bunch of different prints.

Speaking of which, the digital floral print is everything I expected it to be. It’s super detailed and full of colour. The way Neaber has arranged the panels on the bra, there are lots of yellows on one cup and more whites on the other. I like it like that – it makes the blooms feel even more organic. Looking at this lingerie set laid flat, there’s absolutely nothing I would change about it.

Verdict: 10 / 10

Construction

ColieCo lingerie is handmade in Neaber’s studio, and she’s clearly experienced at sewing – both pieces are neatly and securely sewn together. The knickers, though ouvert, are not crotchless and have an organic cotton lining at the gusset. The rest of the fabric is unlined, but it’s super soft and comfy.

The bra is wireless and lightly lined. The lower two sections of the cups are backed by soft foam; the top section is lined with powernet. There are flexible plastic bones at either side to help the bra hold its shape, and it fastens with a metal swan hook on a narrow band of adjustable elastic. It’s overall well-made, and comfortable to wear.

Verdict: 9 / 10

Fit

ColieCo offers standard size options, but welcomes requests for custom sizing too. Both of my pieces were made to measure. For the knickers, I sent over my waist, high hip and low hip measurements and also requested that she make the adjustable straps at the back a tad longer, just to make totally sure they weren’t going to cut in. I needn’t have worried as they sit flat on my skin with a couple of inches of length to spare. The knickers fit perfectly at the waistband too.

Unfortunately the fit of the bra is not quite so ideal. The band has been made to my full underbust measurement (26″) whereas I would have expected it to be a bit shorter, stretching to 26″ for a firm fit. Most of my other bras measure 22-24″ unstretched for comparison. This one rides up at the back, and I’m planning to remove the adjustable elastic section to shave a couple of inches off.

I should also point out that the thick, horizontal strip of padding in the Alexa bra has a very flattening effect. I think that’s just how it’s supposed to fit (rather than it being the wrong size), but it’s not my favourite look! I chose this bra because I thought the seaming would give it some depth, but in hindsight I wish I’d gone for something wired or unlined instead.

Verdict: 6 / 10

Durability

I’ve already mentioned that both pieces were very well-constructed, and they haven’t deteriorated at all in the 8 or 9 weeks that I’ve had them. And the print is as vibrant as ever! I’ve been hand-washing the set as instructed on the label, but to me this feels like a set you could pop in the machine on a delicates cycle just fine (if you used a lingerie wash bag).

Verdict: 10 / 10

Value for Money

The Alexa bra* costs 38€ (~£33 / ~$45) and the Amy knickers* are 23€ (~£20 / ~$27). As noted earlier, there was no additional charge for customisation. I find ColieCo’s prices beyond reasonable for what you get – there’s a reason the brand has featured in my budget-friendly gift guides for the past two Christmasses running!

The set is expertly-made and uniquely-designed, and the fact I got to choose the fabric just makes it feel all the more special. Definitely worth every penny.

Verdict: 10 / 10

Overall, the bra could be a better fit, but that doesn’t stop me from wearing it. I love the print and the design of the knickers far too much to let this set languish in my lingerie drawer! I would happily purchase from ColieCo* again, and probably will, but next time I’ll be trying a different style of bra.

Are you as much a fan of this floral print and the ouvert knickers as I am? Have you ever bought from ColieCo yourself?