Le Mystère became a household name when none other than Oprah named the Dream Tisha T-shirt bra one of her “Favorite Things” 15-plus years ago and ushered in a new era: the bra fit revolution. The brand is still going strong and, while Dream Tisha still anchors the whole collection, Le Mystère has gone in two different directions: solutions bras and everyday bras.
Today, we’re looking at the solutions because who doesn’t need more than a few of those in her special occasion arsenal, especially this time of year? “People tend to go to brick-and-mortar stores first to try on these types of bras because they’re too specific to take a wild swing,” says Bare Necessities premium buyer Heather Viskovic. “That’s why we decided to do a product road-test. We did the work for you, so you’ll know how to choose the right bra with the best possible fit when you really need it.”
Bare it All had three staffers put three solutions bras through their paces to find out firsthand how they actually work, whether they perform out in the real world, what they’re great (or not so great) for and everything else you’d want to know before you get a bra home so it really can be the answer to your night-out prayers.
Read on for the full scoop and to find a bra that solves some issues of your own.
Le Mystère Infinite Possibilities Plunge Push-Up Bra, $65, bands 32-38, cups B-G
This bra is all about va va voom. It’s meant to be the cleavage-bestowing solution—but with a really believable, full, rounded shape. Kathleen Stafford, 32C, our email marketing coordinator, gave it a try over the course of three weeks and had this to say:
“So this bra really ended up doing it for me! It doesn’t look like a push-up bra, but it feels and acts like one. I’m petite with an average chest size, so I could use the boost. On the first few days of wearing, I worried the cups were a little big. I decided to try the crisscross strap configuration, one of the many different ways you can wear it, and it made all the difference! It’s super comfortable, fits a lot better and is definitely the way I’m going to wear it from now on.
Even though I’m not full-busted, my boobs are shallow on top—who knew? Thanks, Bra Fit Experts!—and Le Mystère hasn’t really been on my bra radar before now (I generally wear Calvin Klein, DKNY or The Little Bra Company), I was pleasantly surprised when I found a way for the Infinite Possibilities to work for me. It’s a great-looking bra that’s beautifully made and delivers cleavage for days. Helloooo, date night!”
Le Mystère The Perfect Ten Bra, $79, bands 32-38, cups C-G
This bra is billed as the ultimate all-in-one multi-tasker. The lace layer can be worn as a bralette, the strapless part can be worn on its own, and there are 8 other configurations, too. That’s why this bra is supposed to work with every outfit in your closet, be it a halter top, plunging neckline or thin tee. Too good to be true? We asked business analyst Michelle Kennedy, 34D, for her no-holds-barred review after a month of wear:
“The absolute best thing about this bra is the value. I feel like a lot of brands say their bras can be worn different ways, but this one truly delivers. The best configurations for me are the soft cup bralette, which is my favorite, the wireless configuration and the ‘layered’ look with the lace on top of the full cups. The clasp on the bralette was a little tricky at first, but I got the hang of it. The bralette became my go-to comfy weekend bra, the strapless is a great special occasion bra that works as well as any regular strapless and the layered look is like the bralette but with more support; that’s the way I wear it to work. The layering thing was something completely new I’ve never seen before on any bra. When I first took it out of the box, it was like two bras stacked on top of each other. The mechanism that gets them to stay together is really cool.
I would suggest making sure you’re properly measured and fitted before ordering this bra. Since there are so many configurations in one, it’s definitely a more tailored fit that’s less forgiving than some other styles. I hadn’t been fitted in awhile, and I wished I had been before I got this bra because there’s little room for adjustments once you put it on. I’m also not the biggest fan of a silicone lining, but I know it’s necessary to keep a strapless bra from sliding down; for that reason, I found myself not wearing the bottom layer as much from day to day.
Overall, I’d say this bra really is a wardrobe staple. I could see The Perfect Ten being my answer to my what bra could I possibly wear with this outfit? dilemmas. I liked the low plunge, which can be hard to find in a strapless. I love the lace, too. It’s clear that a ton of engineering went into making this bra, from the additional straps to the way the bras lock together. The bra is VERY supportive, even and especially the bralette. I think women above a D-cup will love it. I honestly still can’t believe the whole getup is well under $100.”
Le Mystère Soiree Strapless Bra, $74, bands 32-40, cups B-H
For a strapless bra that won’t let a big bust down, look no further. Our premium brands buyer Heather Viskovic, 36F, just took it on vacation to Miami:
“I’ve been wearing this strapless bra since the summer started and, most recently, on my birthday getaway.
I am all about the off-the-shoulder dresses—I wore three of them on a four-day trip if that tells you how serious I am—and this strapless kept me supported day and night without having the urge to rip it off after a few hours.
The truth is when you wear a 36F like me, you can look top-heavy and saggy in a strapless if you aren’t wearing the right size and fit. The band must fit snug because that’s where all the support comes from, and you also need to be fully encapsulated inside the cups so you don’t have side-boob peeking out. This style checks both boxes. It’s my night-out lifesaver.
I usually wear a 34F in UK-sized bras. I personally find Le Mystère to run snug, so in this bra I wear a 36G.”
