This Autumn sees an exciting return to the punk scene, with tartan and check patterns headlining the look which I last remember being a major trend in the 90s, when I wore shirts, trousers and dresses in the plaid pattern.  Now, the checks and tartan intermingle with the still strong Heritage trend, it’s country tweed fabric and natural tones making it a softer, easier way to wear check if you want to avoid a garish look.

Embracing the trend ahead of the game, Freya brought out the Totally Tartan collection last season in a fresh colour palette, but this Autumn the new line consists of cool blues and (this season’s hot colour!) baby pink.  Tartan has a tendency to look quite bold and defined in the pattern, so Totally Tartan interestingly manages to pull off a softer check by shying away from strong lines with the use of soft diagonal strokes.  

I love a check pattern so I knew I really wanted to have a proper look at Totally Tartan.  Thankfully the lovely ladies at Freya sent me a set to review for you!  I received a 30GG bra and medium brief.


Totally Tartan seems to be based upon the same design structure of Gem and reminds me a lot of Ellie too.  Like Gem, Totally Tartan is balcony cut with a central gore that comes up pretty high, which makes it feel much more encasing like a full coverage style.  Thanks to the clever block colour separation of the three section cups, with the upper part being a contrasting pattern to the rest of the bra, means it stays clear of potentially looking frumpy.  The fit feels absolutely spot on and is really comfy.  I’m honestly wearing this one as much as I can right now!

With it’s woven polyester fabric, Totally Tartan is much like Ellie, and feels silky to the touch.  In fact, I think Totally Tartan is much softer than designs like Ellie because of the exclusion of any lace trimming along the cups.

Totally Tartan also comes in a padded half cup style, but, sadly for me, that only goes up to a G cup.  (Please Freya, make some larger half cups!)

Additionally, what really makes Totally Tartan a ‘must wear’ for me is the unique style of straps.  Where most conventional straps are lace detailed, stitched with some form of embroidery addition or semi adjustable, these straps are everything I could want: super smooth, stretchy and fully adjustable which means a much better fit and no irritation from seams and stitches!  If you have skin sensitivities, I recommend you try this one out.

The medium briefs are a good fit, as I wear a size 12.  I like how they’re not cut too low but I’d prefer more bum coverage!  I think the short style briefs look cute and comfy so I’d love to try those out.

What’s your opinion on tartans and checks?  Will you be wearing the trend this autumn?  Is this style your thing or do you prefer something a little more delicate?