I was really excited to receive this bra. I really like Parfait by Affinitas/Affinitas. The aesthetic is very attractive to me. It makes me upset that they seem to only offer the Charlotte in a size 28 band. The Bess Balconet is definitely the girliest bra that I own. That cute ruffle detailing? Definitely showed through my ribbed knit tank that usually does a decent job covering seams. This bra has an intense shape, I THINK it's more of a half cup style than your typical balconet. There's not much projection at the wires but by'jo if there isn't ample amounts of projection at the apex. It's definitely very cone-y looking on me. While it technically fits, I think a cup size down would look less cone like on me as I would get a more rounded Antoinette like cleavage. At least to the extent that possible given how wide the Gore is and how center full I am. The bra essentially follows the naturally shape of my breast. It's still a bit too shallow below the apex of the bra for me.
The straps are wide set, it almost seems like a given at this point in my journey. They're nice and smooth though. I find I am almost always wishing the straps were more narrow. They don't fall off of my broad shoulders.
The cups might be considered narrow for the size (30DD), but I found they were neither too wide or narrow for me. They're also pretty small for the size more like a 30D. I would even say a 30C if the bra wasn't meant to just come above the nipples. It is of course not as low coverage on me as it would be for most women in the 30D/DD range. I could not feel the seams at all inside the cup and the inside cup foam was lined in a very soft cotton. Although I did sort of wish it was the same satiny fashion fabric. I really like this seamed foam cup design. It's firm, rounded and shapely like a moulded cup bra except that it's way more forgiving. There's even a bit of stretch. It's nice and open on top, so probably not so great for women with no top or center fullness. Women with touching breasts or a lot of inner fullness will not be comfortable in this bra.
The wires are really comfortable but firm enough not to warp easily. They come up as high as the cup and seem to be somewhat cushioned. There is a set of side bones on each side. They kept the bra nice and stable and were again, comfortable but firm enough not to warp. I experienced ZERO digging in my ten hour shift.
The band on this bra is just awesome. It's definitely a 30 band. But whatever elastic they used on it is FANTASTIC. It is SO firm, plush and super comfortable. The bra did not move around or ride up. I really like the construction of this bra. Hopefully I can figure out what that elastic is.
Overall, I wish I could try it in a 30D. I'm sure I'll find myself reaching for it time and time again.

Updated on Jan 08, 2018 Flag this

• That bra is soo pretty!

• No digging over 10 hours--wonderful!! Thanks for your detailed review :-)

• Love this color, and how helpful I find your reviews, hate that this definitely wouldn’t be a good bra for me!

• Thanks everyone!
  It is really pretty yogurt , I'm glad I don't really care about the detailing showing through clothes. It's certainly a bra for showing off! ;-)
  I was totally amazed too Love4Pollinators , I just hope that their newer designs are just a comfy.
  Thank you AMabcD , I try to review for everyone and not just boobie-twins of mine. But, hey, this is an older design so their newer bras still have a chance of working for you. ^.^

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