This review is for the Chantelle Rive Gauche T-back Spacer Bra 70E, colour Black.

General comments:

I bought this bra because I felt the 70D really was too small, even though I still wouldn't consider this model my style: narrowly placed straps and racer backs make my already wide shoulders appear even wider. They're also not ideal for the wide-necked shirts I like to wear. Furthermore, higher centre gores and more horizontally cut cup edges (half cups) work better for my shape and give me a more fitting cleavage than deep plunges like this. However, this model is so ridiculously comfortable that I haven't been wearing anything else since I got my first two 70Ds.

Bra description:

A front closing plunging racer back design with plain and seamless, soft, very slightly stretchy cups made out of ultralight foam-like 'spacer' knit. The cups of the 70E differ from the 70D in that there is an additional non-stretch side support sling hidden inside. The back is made out of a super soft stretch lace backed with soft, sheer, stretch mesh. The thin, smooth straps are embellished with a contrasting running stitch detail. Silver coloured findings and front closing clasp with Chantelle logo. Small silver coloured tag on the right bottom side with Chantelle brand name. The whole appearance is simultaneously plain, somewhat utilitarian, yet somehow delicate, feminine and fresh as well -- in my opinion a successful yet difficult to describe blend, really.

I just love the spacer knit. It's really quite miraculous stuff: super soft, ultralight and slightly stretchy, but at the same remarkably supportive. It gives a flattering, smooth shape without feeling bulky or stiff. Nipples might show through very slightly. I'm quite smitten with the stuff and I'll definitely stay on the lookout for more in this material.

Bra fit:

I measure 27" underbust (tightly) so for all practical purposes I should have no business donning a 70 band. However, I've come to the conclusion that I'm one of those persons for whom the +0 method just doesn't work: I have a super conical torso, a somewhat muscular back, no squish and my breasts sit high on my chest: I just really need the looser band. Having said that, the band of this Chantelle Rive Gauche T-back Spacer Bra 70E fits really firmly. I'd say it feels firmer than the band of the 70D I also have and judging by the way the very flexible wires seem somewhat stretched it maybe even is a little bit too tight, although comfort- and support-wise it really is spot on. Any looser and I'm sure the band would start riding up.

As to the fit of the cups I'm a bit puzzled: from the front they clearly fit better than the 70D -- almost no sign of quadboob left. Looking closer however it is quite clear I'm totally not filling out the cups near the wires. Also, when I take the bra off the markings show I have A LOT of empty space at the sides. Strangely enough, compared to the 70D the wires in this 70D really aren't that much wider. The main difference is that they are A LOT longer. I'm thinking that the cups are simply so much roomier that they do not pull back on the wires and therefore allow the wires, which are indeed quite flexible, to become slightly overstretched, flattening the bottom of the cups in the process. What I don't quite understand is how the size difference between the 70D -- which clearly is too small in terms of cup colume -- and the 70E -- which then clearly is too large in terms of cup volume -- can be THIS big. It puzzles and frustrates me because it just seems to confirm my fear that no bra will ever fit me the way it should https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />

Anyway, the spacer material is so forgiving that it really doesn't bother me: the shape is great and support doesn't seem compromised. Also, I just love the longer wires and higher wings: they feel so much more supportive and comfortable!

Usually with cups that come up this high towards the straps I don't quite fill them out towards the top. However, this doesn't seem too much of an issue with this bra. IF there even is excess space there, thanks to the forgiving material it really is not noticeable. The armhole is slightly tight though -- it's simply cut too straight -- for my short upper torso and high-on-chest breasts, which is something I might try and change if I finds it bothers me more than it should.

As said, the shape this bra gives me is really quite good. It's nothing compared to the super rounded and lifted 'Regency' cleavage my beloved Rhea gives me but it's a separated, understated, and natural look that's perfect both for 'around the house' as well as underneath clothes. Even though it's ever so slightly East-West it's not unflattering on my frame. I would actually say that this is how I feel they look best. Instead of putting them 'up and out' this bra keeps my breasts close to my chest and therefore more how and where they are naturally. The best thing, however, is that it really makes my breasts appear nice and round and anything but pointy which is one of their natural features I'm none too keen on. And the cups are just so soft! I keep touching them, because they just feel yummy!

Conclusion:

For me this bra is a typical case of comfort over style -- or even fit. I scored a bunch more 70Es in both Black and Cappuccino on eBay and even though it's still far from the perfect fit, I'm perfectly happy wearing them.

Updated on Mar 27, 2013 Flag this

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