MAE Brown Backless Bodysuit with a Moulded Demi-Plunge Cup and Tanga Briefs
Orders placed during our seasonal break (6 Nov – 14 Dec) will ship after 15 December.
Description
MAE Brown is my non-padded, moulded-cup demi-plunge style with a hand-pleated cup. I often recommend it for plunge or low-round neckline dresses when you want shape and definition rather than a softer, less structured cup.
MAE gives you underwired bust support from a cup that’s integrated into the bodysuit itself (UK Patent GB2548925B), so there’s no need for a bra back band.
Below the waist, I’ve paired MAE with seamless tanga briefs with laser-cut edges that sit flat against your skin to minimise VPL.
I usually call this deeper Brown colour ‘Espresso’ in consultation. It may be the closer match for some deeper or tanned skin tones, but not on everyone. I can’t judge colour from a screen, so I recommend comparing Brown and Nude against your own skin in natural light before deciding.
Handmade to order in my London studio.
* Product and fit guidance provided by Ender Legard founder Asia Smaga, based on her customer consultations.
- Cup: Underwired, non-padded, moulded demi-plunge, hand-pleated detail;
- Centre depth: Plunge
- Back: Ultra-low; no bra back band (UK Patent GB2548925B)
- Straps: Adjustable fabric shoulder straps included. Interchangeable with clear silicone, spaghetti or longer fabric straps (alternative straps sold separately). 3 strap configurations:
Standard: Wear with the included adjustable fabric straps.
Racerback: Use the included straps with a short converter strap (sold separately).
Cross-over: Use longer fabric straps (sold separately). - Brief: Tanga, high leg, laser-cut edges, hook & eye gusset closure
- Shaping: Medium to high
Not sure which size to choose? Use my 3-step sizing guide to match your UK bra size with your waist, hip and body measurements, or contact me for personalised sizing advice.
Longer torso? MAE's tanga construction can offer more body-length flexibility.
- Fabric: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified European power mesh; 65% polyamide (PA), 35% LYCRA® elastane.
- Care: Hand wash in mild detergent; Lay flat to dry. Do not dry clean, tumble dry, bleach or iron.
- Production: Made to order in London by Asia Smaga
- Lead time: Allow up to 20 working days for production after we receive the measurements needed to make your bodysuit. Ask for a RUSH ORDER if you need it quicker.
- Delivery: Shipping options and charges are shown at checkout. Delivery time is additional to production time.
- Returns: Accepted within 30 days of delivery, subject to our Returns Policy.
MAE is handmade to order and can take up to 20 working days to make once we receive your measurements.
Need it sooner? Ask us about a Rush Order. There is no additional charge for prioritising your order. If a Rush Order is subsequently returned for a refund, £20 will be deducted from the refund to account for the additional production prioritisation. Please see our Returns Policy for full terms.
How my MAE construction works for you — 01
You get bra-level support with nothing bulky underneath. I make MAE's cup from thin moulded foam, 1mm thin, with no added padding, so it shapes and lifts your bust into a low, rounded plunge shape, without adding volume.
At your side, just under the arm, a strap hooks in to anchor the cup close to your body, doing the job of a back band while your back stays completely open. The shoulder straps fasten with gold-plated hooks that won't unclip by accident, and they're interchangeable: swap in clear or spaghetti straps, or longer ones for a cross-over look, and add a converter strap for a racerback or keyhole configuration. Clear and spaghetti straps and the converter strap are sold separately.
How my MAE's construction works for you — 02
I cut MAE as a demi-plunge with rounded cups and a low centre bridge, so the cups follow the curve of a sweetheart, scoop or open-plunge neckline more closely. The underwire and cup structure keep your bust centred and contained, and the thin foam gives you a subtle, natural cleavage while hiding any sign of nipples.
I cover the moulded cups in the same fabric as the bodysuit so the whole garment stays the same colour. The hand-pleated detail sits in the natural inner fold of the breast, where it isn't visible under most dresses. A small bow marks the centre front.
How my MAE construction works for you — 03
I designed MAE's open back to go right down below your natural waist, and built the cup into the bodysuit itself so your support doesn't rely on a back band (my patent, GB2548925B).
The whole bodysuit is joined by a single seam at the centre back of the briefs, with no bulky side seams, so it smooths over your hips and torso, helping to hide lumps, bumps and any 'muffin top'. The high-leg briefs have laser-cut edges instead of elastic to minimise a panty line, and they fasten with a hook and eye, so a bathroom break doesn't mean taking everything off.
Choose MAE if...
Product and fit guidance provided by Ender Legard founder, Asia Smaga
... your dress is backless with a sweetheart, scoop or open-plunge neckline.
I would choose MAE for this shape. Its moulded cup follows a curved neckline more closely. If your dress drops into an ultra-deep straight V, I would usually recommend LIV instead.
... you want your bust defined rather than minimised.
MAE's moulded cup holds its own shape around the bust. It gives you a more structured, defined silhouette. If you want a softer, minimised shape, I would usually choose JONI instead.
... the top of your dress is sheer and you want your underwear to work as part of the dress design.
I’ve had customers use MAE as the underlayer of the dress instead of wearing a separate slip. The structured cups can become part of the neckline and give the dress more shape, rather than trying to hide everything underneath it.
... your dress has a cowl neckline.
MAE works well under many silk, satin and softly draped cowl necklines. Seamstresses often pin the dress to the MAE at the shoulder point. This helps keep the dress straps in place and stops them falling off your shoulder.
... you have a smaller bust and would like a more defined cleavage.
I recommend MAE because the structured moulded cup defines the bust and cleavage more clearly. If you also want extra volume, you can fit our self-adhesive volume pads inside the cup. They stay in place without needing to be sewn into the bodysuit or stuck directly to your skin.
... you want coverage and shape without adding bulk.
MAE’s moulded cup is just 1mm thick and non-padded. It gives you a smooth layer of coverage and a structured cup shape without making the bra feel heavily padded or unnecessarily bulky.
... your dress fabric will work with MAE's pleated cups.
I always check the fabric as well as the neckline. MAE has pleats at the front of each cup, sitting in the natural inner fold of the bust, and under most dresses they aren't visible. I explain the exceptions below.
"Congratulations on creating the perfect bodysuit. I am so excited to offer these to my brides as both a functional and sensual undergarment for their wedding day. Your backless bodysuits are perfect for my designs, most of which are backless."
Consider another style if...
Your dress fabric is very thin or high-sheen — especially if unlined.
The pleats at the front of MAE's cups can show through a dress like that, so I'd normally suggest FRANKIE instead because its moulded cup is fully seamless, with no pleat across the surface.
Your neckline is square, or you want a little more coverage at the front.
Here I'd usually suggest FRANKIE as it sits a touch higher than MAE and gives more coverage. However, it isn't a fixed rule: if FRANKIE sits too high for your dress front, MAE's lower front can still be the better fit.
Your neckline is high or V-shaped, or you want a softer, minimised look.
I’d look at JONI. Its soft, stretchy cup minimises rather than building the structured definition you get from MAE. The choice depends on your neckline, fabric and the shape you want under the dress.
Your dress has a halterneck or side cut-outs under the arm.
MAE can’t be made to work with either. I use LEXI for halternecks and SKYE for side cut-outs. MAE needs two shoulder straps attaching at the sides, and those attachment points can’t be concealed by these dress shapes.
Your dress front is lower than a demi-plunge, or you want the cups to disappear under sheer fabric or lace.
I’d usually suggest LIV. Its soft, non-moulded cup follows an ultra-deep V much lower than MAE can go, and it’s cut from the same fabric as the body so there isn’t a different-colour moulded cup showing through.
You want padding built into the cup, or you're between sizes.
UMA is the only style I make with pockets for removable padding, so you can adjust the cup volume as needed. UMA's lace can also show through very slinky fabric, so I would still check your fabric before recommending it. * UMA may not be available in all sizes.
You want more coverage over your bottom than MAE’s tanga gives.
MAE is only made as a tanga-brief style. If coverage of your bottom matters, you can pair MAE's tanga with my seamless INDI shaping shorts worn under the bodysuit. Alternatively, SIA and INCA are my full-brief styles if their necklines work with your dress.
Your dress has a very wide, open square neckline.
This is one of MAE’s real limits. If the neckline is open so wide that there’s nowhere to attach the straps without them showing, I may not be able to make MAE work with the dress as designed. Sometimes a small adjustment to the dress neckline solves it. Send me a picture of your dress and I'd be happy to advise.
Compare MAE to the closest alternative style
I designed my bodysuits by neckline style and cup shape. Sometimes an alternate style may suit your dress and shape better than your chosen bodysuit. Here are the closest alternatives to MAE.
Sweetheart, scoop or open-plunge
Square, round (also suits high-neck dresses)
Plunge (also suits high-neck dresses)
Moulded foam, demi-plunge — pleats on the cup
Moulded foam, balconette — seamless
Underwired, high-apex, soft non-padded, minimiser — seam from base to nipple
Non-padded. *Padding can be added if needed
Non-padded
Non-padded
Ultra low, no bra back band *patented
Ultra low, no bra back band *patented
Ultra low, no bra back band *patented
Tanga, high leg cut, minimise VPL
Tanga, high leg cut, minimise VPL
Tanga, high leg cut, minimise VPL
Interchangeable — standard, clear silicone or spaghetti; 3 multi-way positions — racer back, cross-over, standard
Interchangeable — standard, clear silicone or spaghetti; 3 multi-way positions — racer back, cross-over, standard
Interchangeable — standard, clear silicone or spaghetti; 3 multi-way positions — racer back, cross-over, standard
Sweetheart, scoop or open-plunge neckline dresses where bust definition and shape matters.
Slinky or bias-cut fabric where a seam or pleat would show; square or round neckline dresses; Mermaid shape or very fitted /unforgiving fabric around your bottom.
When a minimiser shape matters more than cup seamlessness; Mermaid or very fitted unforgiving fabric around your bottom.
Frequently asked questions about MAE
Not sure if MAE will work with your dress? Send me a photo of your dress or a link to the designer's page and I will help you choose the right size and style before you order.
For general FAQs about shipping, returns, customs etc, see our FAQ menu or email customercare@enderlegard.com
I have a smaller bust. Does MAE have padding?
No. MAE is non-padded. The moulded foam cup is l1mm thin and gives you structure and shape without adding volume. If you have a smaller bust and want more fullness, you can add my self-adhesive cup inserts to the inside the cup. The adhesive holds the pad to the cup, not to your breast.
I have a fuller bust — will the MAE support me?
Yes, in many cases. The moulded foam cup holds its own shape, so MAE is one of my more structured options for a fuller bust, which is why I can offer it in sizes like 32FF, 34FF, 36F and 38E. For a sweetheart, scoop or open-plunge neckline, MAE is often my choice when you want definition rather than a minimised shape. Whether MAE or JONI is better depends on your dress, neckline, fabric and the shape you want.
Should I choose Nude or Brown?
Match the colour to your own skin. Brown can be the closer match for some deeper or tanned skin tones, but not on everyone. I can't judge colour accurately from a screen. Colours change between devices and lighting. If possible, compare Brown and Nude against your own skin in natural light and choose the one that disappears. I'd rather you see it for yourself than have me guess from a photo.
Will the MAE cup show through my dress?
Usually not. The hand-pleated detail sits in the natural inner fold of your bust, where it stays hidden under most dresses. The exception is very thin or high-sheen fabric, especially when it's unlined. In that case the pleat relief can sometimes show and I'd normally suggest FRANKIE as an alternative because its moulded cup is fully seamless. Send me a photo of your dress and I'll tell you which one I would choose.
Will the MAE smooth my tummy and hide VPL under a slinky dress?
Yes. The power-mesh body smooths the tummy and torso without bulky side seams, and it helps hide the belly button. The tanga briefs have laser-cut edges that sit flat against your skin, so they shouldn't show through most slinky dresses.
What's the difference between MAE and FRANKIE?
The main difference is the cup shape and finish. MAE has a hand-pleated moulded cup and sits lower at the front. FRANKIE has a fully seamless moulded cup and sits a touch higher, giving you more coverage. I usually choose FRANKIE for square necklines and very thin or high-sheen fabrics. I choose MAE for a lower sweetheart, low-round or open-plunge neckline.
MAE or LIV — what's the difference?
The main differences are neckline depth and cup construction. LIV has a soft, non-moulded cup with a deep-V front that goes much lower than MAE. I recommend MAE for a curved sweetheart, low-round or open-plunge neckline when you want more structure and definition.
What if my dress has a very wide, open square neckline?
This is one of MAE's real limits. If the neckline is so wide that there's nowhere to attach the straps without them showing, I may not be able to make MAE work with the dress as designed. Sometimes a small adjustment to the dress neckline solves it rather than changing the bodysuit.
MAE or JONI — what's the difference?
JONI has a soft, stretchy cup that minimises the bust and suits a higher or more V-shaped front. MAE has a structured moulded cup that adds definition and suits a sweetheart, low-round or open-plunge neckline. I wouldn't normally choose MAE for a high neckline if its structured cup creates a visible step between the neckline and the bust. JONI gives you a softer transition.
Can I get the MAE with fuller briefs instead of the tanga?
No. MAE is only made with tanga briefs. The garment is engineered as one piece, and changing the brief shape would change how it performs. If you want more coverage, you can wear seamless shaping shorts underneath MAE. Alternatively, SIA and INCA are my dedicated full-brief styles if their necklines work with your dress.
Can I alter MAE to work under a halterneck dress?
No. MAE is designed to work with two shoulder straps, and changing that would affect the balance of the garment. LEXI is my dedicated halterneck style.
Can I return it if the size or fit isn't right?
Yes. MAE is returnable within 30 days of delivery. If the issue is fit rather than a change of mind, send me your measurements or a fitting photo first — I regularly work through sizing and positioning with customers before deciding whether an exchange, a different style, or a return is the right answer. See the full Returns Policy for the complete terms.
Video
