The Masquerade Rhea is such a gorgeous bra! I had seen it come up on my Bratabase recommendations for a while, but hadn't felt like trying to hunt down this discontinued line until recently. Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate my correct size of 28E anywhere, so I decided to go with the sister size of 30DD. However, this is one instance in which the sister size caused some issues.

First, I've found Masquerade bands to be woefully inconsistent. Actually, the sizing overall is super inconsistent (I've ordered Athena in 28E, Antoinette in 28F, Alice in 30D, and Rhea in 30DD based on reviewing measurements). My Antoinette 28F band fit perfectly, Athena 28E band was way too small and needs an extender, so the 30 bands should run small, right? Not the case for this one. While it stays in place, it is really not snug enough to apply the correct tension to hold the cups in the proper position. Open top balcony bras like this need firm band tension on me to hold the tissue up in the cups, and when the band is too loose, the top of the cup gaps. So, looks like I am going to have to go ahead and alter the band at some point.

The cup shape and depth for me is actually almost perfect. The 3HC construction suits me well. It reminds me of the fit of my Cleo Maddie, though those cups are molded. The main problem with Maddie though, and this bra in 30DD, is that the cups are proportioned to be wide, with shallow wires. It's really a bit too wide for my frame, so that's another reason that I would do better in the 28E. The wires are a good shape and size for me, though the outer corner of the wires flares out a bit too much for me under the arms. The wide proportions make the wide-set straps noticeable for me, although they aren't terribly uncomfortable.

One other thing that was a little odd is that I found the gore to be a little uncomfortable and required a bit more work to settle in. I had the same issue with Cleo Marcie 30D at first, and this is a bit strange since I almost never have issue with gores or gore tacking. I can wear any gore width, though narrow gores tend to give me more trouble! I think this is more related to the loose band though, potentially causing the wires at the gore to slide around a bit and sit on tissue without being really secure, and the narrow width means that it is less stable and has more room to move around on my body.

Those issues aside, I do think that Rhea in 28E would be a great fit on me. The bra's styling is so pretty, and the Antique Brown colorway I got is one of the loveliest neutrals I have encountered. The cups are made from smooth satin and the seams at the front of the cups is nice and subtle, giving a smooth appearance. However, the upper cup is trimmed with textured lace that would certainly show under tight clothing. The lace is also used to trim the cradle, where I think it looks very nice. Straps are simple satin, and they taper into a leotard back. Cups are lined with soft cotton and the seams are cleanly finished on the interior. There is a very small and tasteful rhinestone heart charm at the center gore which I think is nicer than the other gore decorations of my other Masquerade bras.

I'd love to hunt down a brand new 28E in this style!

Antique Brown colorway

Updated on Mar 26, 2020 Flag this

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