I tried this bra on locally. It feels pretty good, and very similar to the Panache underwired sports bra. I almost didn't try this because my hands and wrists were getting sore from trying on multiple sports bras that all had multiple hook and eye closures. This one is encapsulation instead of compression, and the lady didn't think that I needed encapsulation, but I surprised her as this was clearly the winner of the batch.
I'm not sure if I need a cup size up or not as this converts more to a 30E than 30F, and I think I might have had a smidgeon of tissue cutting ...in on the top, but I do think it was pretty good. I like the colours and it seemed comfortable, but I had wanted to try comparing it against the Fit Fully Yours again, as I think that it fit similarly (including the adjustable j hook), but the FFY is about $65 and this one was $100. And I also wanted to try one cup size up to compare.
So while I don't own this, I thought that I would share the pics and review as I have with the other sports bras I have tried (that have had any potential).
All info is appreciated, even when the bra isn't owned by you, as each little bit adds value to the site and strengthens what it offers to all. So thank you for adding it. :-D The only thing that would have made it better would be the measurements, but I'm sure you didn't have a tape measure handy in your purse, haha. Too bad it's not a common purse essential. ;-)
I wasn't aware that there was a certain kind of breast that a women must have to "need" encapsulation, sorta thought that was a preference thing. lul. But I think it looks great on you! You prolly could get away with another cup size up, but IMO you want to avoid having extra space in a sports bra or else you just end up jiggling around which just sort of defeats the purpose to me. Shame you did have an extra measure tape on you for some quick measurements. XD
Maybe encapsulation works better if you have soft breast tissue?
I wouldn’t go up a cups size unless it really feels to small. I tried the panache sports bra in both 30E and 30F and get much less giggling in the 30E.
MamaPagan and LeProfessor yeah, I didn't think to bring a tape measure. On the other hand, I was the only person there and thus had regular communication and contact with the sales assistant so it might have been a bit awkward.
I do still want to try a size up though, if for nothing else, bra science. It might be too roomy and defeat the purpose, as said, but my soft tissue might be able to pull it off. The Fitfully Yours I tried was a 30F, but I don't recall if it's a US or UK 30F, since the company is Canadian and I don't know what sizing system they use.
As far as having the type of breasts that are better for encapsulation or compression, I don't remember exactly what the factor was that made both assistants at different locations suggesting compression over encapsulation for me. It might have been the lower size range or it might have been my soft tissue. I forget. I'm not doing a lot of exercise that's high impact (mostly just waking) so I don't know if that was a consideration or not in the suggestions.
That all said, I'm currently looking at a shock absorber bra that compression though. It's a listing here. I tried the same model last week, but in a larger size (which was just a little bit too big still) when I met up with my new bra friend, so I am trying to determine the shipping from Europe and customs limits. It won't be like this, but for the price, it's a start. :)
Thanks for the comments and feedback.
aboobaccount it's possible that the encapsulation is better for softer tissue. I think that this size is the right one, but I do want to compare. I'm going to find and link the Panache and Fit Fully Yours that I also added here a few months ago.
Adding both of these was an afterthought, so not a lot of information, and limited pictures, but I added what I had. I'm still not used to adding the stuff that I don't own/didn't buy, but I am trying to be more mindful about that.
I think I may just have to set out on trips around my lovely state of Delaware and see if I can't find some lovely bras to measure and try on. I had all but given up on finding bra's in store anymore since I am a band size 28. But I have started to see size 28 bands in Wal-Mart! Albeit they are for children and marked as needing a freaking 23" rib cage to wear they are like MC.TINY (i'll probably end up trying one on anyway XD), there is some hope I may find something some where or I may end up finding a nice taught 30 band bra to fit (or not), and post more measurements for the base. I still have a bunch of bra's sitting around here that need measurements taken, but my measure tape is just too stretched to be reliable any more.
Wow. This bra is beautiful. It's a wonderfully deep plunge and just a joy to wear; it is very comfortable. I was recommended a Chantelle due to my need of a narrow centre gore. This does have a very nice narrow centre gore and while I am truly in love with this bra it does have issues. These issues are not enough to make me regret buying this bra however I probably won't purchase another one.
Now in my research before trying on and purchasing this bra I found very conflicting stories. Most seem to say the bands ran big. Well, this hasn't been my experience at all. The ...band on this bra runs small. The unstretched band on this bra is only 22.75" which squarely puts it in the average length for a UK 28 band, not the 30/65 it is labeled. Others claimed the bands to be stretchy yet the band on this bra is quite firm IMO. I've worn this bra a few times already and it still shows no signs of stretching out quickly. I've also read the cups ran small and again I disagree. This bra is labeled as follows: FRA 80F, EUR 65F, ITA 1F, UK 30E, USA 30DDD. For a bra labeled as a UK 30E I find the cup to be consistent with standard UK bra cups.
Now for the other issues. I require narrow underwires and deep cups. Well these cups aren't deep, I find them to be relatively shallow; not Panache shallow but still a tad more shallow than Curvy Kate. The underwires on this bra are confusing. I cannot say the underwires are wide because they aren't. The ends of the underwire on the sides sit in the right spot. However the curve of the underwires out from the sides run too deep. I have narrow boobs so there ends up being this little crescent shaped area in the cup where I can't fill it because my boobs are more angular than round. It's not the bra sitting too low since the underwires imprints clearly show that at the bottom the underwire is sitting right under tissue. It just curves out too much in between those two points. This is much more defined on my smaller left boob than it is on my right. This really is by no means a deal breaker since this issue isn't even remotely bad enough to show through clothing.
The profile of this bra is quite round/minimised IMO. It is a nice even all around shape though unlike Panache which puts the fullest point of my boob about an inch below my nipple. While the cups on this bra are shallow it doesn't create quad boob on the inside of the cups like Panache did as well. While this round/minimised shape is not my preferred shape, it doesn't look bad at all. This shaping does have it's place and will come quite in handy for some of the few button front shirts I do have.
The plunge front is very deep and will work very well for a deep v-neck or those button shirts that I like to leave the top buttons undone. However, this is not a cleavage inducer. Despite the deep plunge it keeps my boobs quite separated and stops them from jiggling.
Overall, again this bra is beautiful, useful and very comfortable; there is no place where I get pain from the underwires. I just would have liked more side support, more projection and a bit more angular wire on the outer sides of the underwires. Read more 486 more words
Tried this beauty yesterday as part of my bra science visit to my local specialty shop. It’s got so much going for it but fails on me in multiple places.
I have tallish but shallow roots, so sorta functionally short with some problems with being tall still. My tissue is pretty soft and malleable, as well as pendulous. My fullness tends to be more even to full on bottom and center full. Unsupported, I’m splayed but fairly close set supported. I need more depth and projection st the wire than I do at the apex.
This bra is constructed with a sheer mesh cup with some sort of ...a stiffer fabric overlayed on the lower 2/3 or so of the cup. There’s a seam but it’s pretty hidden and I that it is done beautifully. There’s a side sling of sorts made out of the main cup material. As it’s a plunge, it’s got a lower gore. The top of the cup is lined with a flat elastic edge.
This is part of the fit problem. While I think that it does close in quickly as a result which is normally good for short roots, it also digs into the upper tissue. I tried to get a few pics of it but it was hard to capture. I feel like this cup needs more upper tissue that’s firmer to fill it out more.
The next fit issue is how freaking wide the wires were. Look at the pictures. I had probably 2-3 fingers width of space between the wires and my root.
And of course wide wires equals shallow cups. Not bucking the trend here. I’ve got a little bit of wrinkles at the wire. It’s certainly not major wrinkles, but some.
I feel like if this was a balconette with narrower wires and more depth at the wire, it would fit better. Though maybe the elastic should also be gone or have less give.
It’s a heartbreak bra for sure. Read more 224 more words
Ugh, those wide wires! It’s also so hard with closed on top bras for this shape. It’s like you want somewhat closed but not completely open. Which makes no sense. 🙃
It is very pretty despite the fit issues.
Reminds me a ton of Freya balcony plunges in terms of fit - in a word, disappointing. You need that combo of slightly tall and FoT bras in the upper centre quadrant but shorter and more closed bras in the upper outer, which makes sense to me and my incredibly rudimentary bra drafting knowledge but I guess it's more complicated than I think because no bras seem to actually have that shape!
hugsforyourjugs I’d be curious to see any bra that matches this shape, I have the same upper pole shape.
I sort of have this shape too, more overall height so I don't have as much extra space in the top. Maybe I'll attempt to draft a bra for it some day, I can add it to my ever expanding sewing list haha
I've been avoiding this review cause I ordered this same bra (in blue) in (French) 80I. I'm still hoping it'll play well with my shallow tall roots but this is very discouraging.
brasaremean I mean, it’s a lovely and beautiful bra, but as I think I have a similar shape, I’m doubtful for you. The cutting in isn’t the worst bit. It’s not the most flattering look, but under a shirt or sweater, it’s possible that it is not noticeable. The wire width is definitely a bit of a problem though...
hugsforyourjugs and Sovavosi it really a shame that it’s for such a specific fit. And yes it does remind me of some Freya plunges.
This Chantelle Rive Gauche 3 Part Cup (3281) bra is gorgeous in person and my pictures don't really do it justice. The fabrics feel really durable, supple and expensive. The wire feels like it's made of adamantium. I get the feeling that this bra will probably outlive me. It gently hugs my breasts and the band gives me a little thundershirt hug (just the way I like it).
This is a bra that I both loved and hated when it fit properly (I've lost weight). THere are many great things about it - nice separation, the center gore fit flat against my chest, the band was wide enough to be comfortable, and the pattern of the lace both pretty but not so noticeable that I couldn't wear it under a T-shirt. But the underwire comes up quite far underneath the armpit. I had days when I could wear it for 12 hour stretches, and days when I had to change at lunch into a different bra because I couldn't bear the jabbing any longer.
Because the underwires do come up high, expect a bit of antiperspirant staining.
This is the cutest I have ever felt in a bra. Band is surprisingly supportive considering that it is lacey. (My underbust measures 29” and the furthest I could stretch the bra was about 31”). The hardware (i.e., hooks, eyes, rings) is made of some nice silver tone metal. I just bought it so I’m can’t say much about the longevity of this bra. The underwire is nice and wide enough for me. This bra is designed in such a way that the bottom of the cup by the underwire lays flat against your chest and helps uplift the breasts which is great for someone like ...me that does not want a padded push up bra but has a shallow chest. (you can kind of see it in the picture where the bottom of the cup by the underwire looks like it does not contain breast tissue). The cups are lightly padded and it looks great under a fitted t-shirt from the front but at the back it looks a little weird to me because of the Chantelle logo plaque by the closure. I guess you could cut it off but I think it looks pretty when you’re wearing the bra solo.
There are only 2 things that I would change about this bra: the price and since I am a petite person (5’1”) I would also like an option for shorter straps (I have already shortened the straps to the shortest so I guess I should probably brush up on my tailoring skills because this is not the only bra that I have with this problem.)
Chantelle is supposed to be one of those fancy French lingerie brands, and I know that the Rive Gauche is a staple for many bra-wearers, but this bra is a total fail for me.
For starters, the wires are way too wide for me. They’re also too long. These wrap around to my back and the fabric wrinkles on the sides. There’s at least 1 inch of extra space from the wires to where my breast tissue ends.
Next, the top of the cups are pretty closed, even though they’re made with stretchy mesh and elastic. This causes it to cut in on the tops of my breasts, ...which doesn’t quite cause “double boob” quadding, but it does cause the elastic to cut in and just look strange.
The bottoms of the cups are also not filled and have wrinkling/excess fabric. This leads me to believe that this is the wrong size for me. It’s at least 1 size too large, maybe even 2.
It’s a really pretty bra and the fabric feels nice, but it’s not a good fit for me. Read more 74 more words
Interesting. The cups are just wide. I guess it works for some people!
Sooo wide! I got this on a whim because I was like “well, if I keep hearing that the wires on my Polish bras are too narrow, maybe I need wider wires after all” … nope.
I honestly think my EM Bibi Black is still my best fitting bra to date. Yeah, my side chub shows a little easier, but I get the lift and profile that I want. Everything on the sides gets brought to the front. I hate when bras (like this one) push everything out to the side and I get sad looking boobs.
I had the same problem with this bra. So pretty but super not right for my shape. Wires are sooo wide, and the elastic on the cups cut into the soft tissue.
This is in many ways close to a perfect fit for me. It is wide enough, it accommodates my tall roots and shallowish shape, the gore is nice and narrow, the band is fine for my 28 to 30 underbust. I wear it on the middle hook. The straps adjust just long enough. I need to extend them Just about all the way but I do have a rather long torso. Minor gripes include: the bow in the middle keeps rotating sideways, the decorative lace on the cups stick up a little.
Nice color on you! It does look like a good fit. Congratulations!
congratulations on finding a bra that fits and feels comfortable to wear all day. The color is so nice and the bra is so pretty and feminine. i like the lace but i also have bras that the bow does the same thing
Great colour. Odd about the lace and bow though. Is that spacer fabric?
I love my rive gauche 3-part non-T-shirt bras, so now I might just have to look into the T-shirt version of the style! I am looking to get something to replace my older T-shirt bras from Natori with anyway, they’re on their last row of hooks so the bands are just about done with being any sort of supportive. ;)
When quality and comfort are in question this is the bra I judge all other brad against. And not one even comes close. If I hadnt grown out if this one I would probably never ever buy another bra. It gives great, natural, upfrint and lifted shape without being too pointy, too round or in your face. The fabric is by miles the best I have ever seen in an unpadded bra - the whole bra is made from sturdy, lined stretch lace and is very forgiving - this is how I managed to holdnon to it for so long. It is supercofortable and it holds up well over the 2 ...years of excessive wear. It's only fault is that the band stretches out with wear, if it wasn't for that this bra would probably last a decade or so. I also think the black one is beautiful with it's subtle sexappeal https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> The lace is flat so it doesnt really show much trough shirts - only if the fabric is a bit see trough, other than that I wore this as a t-shirt bra, sexy bra, any occasion bra https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> I highly reccomemd this bra to anyone who fits their range. Very forgiving on full on tops and close set, would work great on almost any shape!
I picked this gem up at Nordstrom Rack for a very good discount. The three part cup consists of a flexible fabric with a soft comfortable lining. Great for my size changing breasts. This is a full coverage bra perfect for containing everything. I feel lifted and separated. I do find the wires a bit long under my arm pits, but nothing I can't handle. The straps are well placed and the strap thickness just right to carry the load. Straps are fully adjustable. I feel this gives a natural-rounded shape on me. I feel snug and secure in the cups which helps with the soreness I'm currently experiencing. Overall a solid buy and the quality is very nice. I believe this is in the color Cookie. It is a rich chocolate brown with a light brown lining.
I purchased this bra in a 70F after having luck with it in a 70G while pregnant. Unfortunately the band is on the big side and rides up. I’ll wear this around the house and on days I’m retaining water during that time of the month. It is very comfortable despite the band not fitting well.
oh the Rive gauche was my all time favorite in that size range. I agree the band is stretchy and I think they had a problem with quality control: when shopping for my very first one at Nordstrom, when i was 70G also, I got the saleswoman to bring me several 70Gs cos I had noticed differences while trying on, and within the SAME colorway, across a sample of four 70Gs, there was a difference of more than an inch in the unstretched band!!! Anyway, in terms of managing the ride-up, I notice in these photos that you have some indents on your shoulders from the straps despite obviously not being a fluffy person, so to me that suggests you could likely loosen them a lot and this would probably mitigate the problem. It also does exist in 65 band, just a matter of unearthing one!
It’s beautiful,but I can see how it might be too loose in the band.
The tightest band I've found on a spacer bra. Fits true to size, not larger.
Tall cups, less good for me. I believe Fantasie Rebecca cups were slightly shorter, less plunging.
Wires seem narrow but stretch easily with the band.
One of the rounder, less minimized shapes I have gotten in a spacer bra.
Love the soft spacer material as always.
Hate the gore and split strap details. They dig in. The straps might not be adjustable enough for some.
Overall I don't like the full coverage and tall cups. Surprisingly, the underwire does stay in my IMF. I think my other moulded bras give me a better shape, so this might not be a keeper.
This is a beautiful and very comfy feeling Chantelle bra. It is not even close to my size. But it was just too nice not to pick up so that I could offer it to someone who was trying to find one. It seems very supportive. The 3 hooks are very sturdy, as is the back mesh type material that speeches across your back. The cup is a very soft t-shirt material. I think this would work great under any clothes because there is no lace except on the side boning area and the gore. It is just enough lace that ...you feel sexy and pretty but not enough that your wardrobe is limited. The bow and the contrasting stitches along the length of the 100% fully adjustable straps are really cute.
I would have really loved to find these in my size. I'm not sure that I can get that lucky, but hopefully I can help someone else who needs a nice bra at a good price. I found the exact same bra, same size, in a baby blue and I will be listing them both. They both look amazing and you really can't even tell if they've been worn or not. There is definitely no obvious wear and tear on them. I've got to get some bras that do fit me so I thought that it might help out to offer these for sale and then be able to use the money earned towards a well-fitting bra. Read more 153 more words
I tried one of these on at Nordstrom, as did my mom though hers was several cup sizes down from mine. :P This was the one that fit her the best and that she liked/felt comfortable with it on so she bought several. It simply didn't work for me, none of the t-shirt styles that were in the store worked for me but after finding a sales associate to ask about where their panache styles were (only to find out that some Nordstrom locations including that one weren't carrying the brand in store) she pulled out of the stock room a few unlined Chantelle styles in the sizing range I needed but didn't find on the rack. Even though the 3-part cup Rive Gauche is very full coverage it's become one of my favorite bras in terms of the shape and support it gives. (And I don't give a fig about my nipples not being hidden when I wear it either!)
valentine556 Yay for nipples! I don't get it. Boobs have nipples. Sometimes they show. So what? Trying to hide your nipples when your boobs are right there, on display in your lovely, well-fitting bra, is just plain weird as far as I'm concerned. But then, I am fond of holding contrary opinions. *smile*
Just wear pasties. :)
Just kidding
Just be proud of what you have!
Ha ha ha! The nipple conversation is cracking me up! A friend of mine had to have a breast reduction many years ago due to major back problems. Her one aesthetic request of the doctor was an incision that apparently does something to the nerves to give you permanently erect nipples. To each his/her own, lol. I don't care so much about whether any detail on the bra is showing through the fabric of the shirt for the same reason. If they can see it they just know you probably have a pretty bra on. :D
My mom and aunt have an odd fixation on "nipples should be hidden not seen" thing - to them, a bra does two things - supports the breast and hides the nipples. When t-shirt bras first came along they were thrilled (yeah, it was back in the days where suddenly push-up bras weren't the only bra with padding - early 90's for the majority of areas!) since they didn't see a need for the padded push-up in their own bra wearing and evidently learned from very young that nipples were for babies and definitely a cause for embarrassment if seen. I actually only own the few t-shirt bras I have so I have a bra to wear whenever I will be spending time with either or both of them. My half-padded and padded bras are less about needing larger boobies that I can use as a chin-rest or shelf and more because the set(s) are cute.
valentine556 my mom used to wear bandaids over her nipples even in a bathing suit lol. She was quick to point out if someone's "headlights" or "brown eyes" were "shining" constantly. I can't tell you the number of times I heard those phrases growing up. I guess the fear of nipples isnt hereditary lol.
Turn it into a singular eye instead of eyes, and then I start picturing beams of light coming from people's behinds! (Brown eyes shining...) Yes, a beam of light not unlike the light from police helicopters when they're looking for a fugitive on the ground...;) Yes, I'm probably going to hell for the mental images of that one. :P
It's like the gods are singing. I've lost enough weight/inches that this fits me almost perfectly now. Chantelle will likely become my go-to brand from now on, since I know I fit in their range and the likely sizes I will fit into.
I do have my standard issues of the cups being slightly too tall for me, but the magic of stretch lace makes it okay.
FYI: I know this is supposed to be equivalent to a 34FF in UK sizing, but I think that's false. It's way closer to a 34G or 34GG, in my opinion.
~~~~~~~ No longer fits me as I've shrunk. I will find this bra in my new size as soon as possible.
Soft lace, smooth lines under fitted shirts. There's boning on the wings a couple inches past the wires for side support. There's a little bit of sternum poking from the gore being high, and it separates my breasts completely, so no cleavage, but good support. The wires come up a bit too high under the arm for me as well, so there's some poking under one arm, and I feel they could be set a little bit wider to better fit my breasts. Some of those issues could probably be resolved by going up a cup size, though.
This is, in my opinion, a truly beautiful and refreshing take on an otherwise ordinary T-shirt bra. As every item in the Rive Gauche range, with the lace and contrasting 'pin stripe' stitch details, its appearance is an interesting mix of 'romance' and 'business-like' attitude that really appeals to me.
The cups are moulded and lightly lined/padded, but the foam is thin and pliable and I think it will soften up further with washing and wear. It isn't a concern to me, but if it is for you, I'm pretty sure despite it's thinness it is still substantial enough that it prevents nipple show-through. The foam is overlaid ...with a smooth, satiny knit fabric and a narrow strip of lace finishes the cup edge. The lace is flat and soft and neither irritates (me) nor shows through clothing. Except for a small part near the gore it seems to lay flat against my skin. The cradle and wings are made out of the same lace. The lace is surprisingly firm, with still a pleasant amount of stretch. The cradle is lined and stabilised with a very sheer, smooth, non-stretch mesh. The wings in this size have side seam boning and although the closure is only two hooks high, they are spaced somewhat further apart than normal, which makes the back slightly higher (note that this type of closure is not compatible with regular-spaced extenders). The inside of the cups is not covered in cotton as I would have preferred, but in a smooth and soft knit material that still feels pleasant against my sensitive skin.
NB: from what I can tell, the side seam boning and wider back closure are only available in cupsizes E (DD) and up. Smaller cup sizes (regardless of band size) do not have side seam boning and have a 'regular' narrow-spaced closure.
The wires are actually fairly sturdy, and definitely not as flexible as some (Bravissimo, I'm looking at you!). The whole bra feels surprisingly light and seems to conform well to the body, especially considering the fact it has moulded, padded cups. The straps are only partly adjustable, which can be an issue if you are as petite and high-set as I am. The non-adjustable part of the straps consists of two narrow strands of elastic decorated with contrasting 'pin stripe' stitching. The bow that adorns the lowered centre gore -- the wires come up higher than the fabric piece that connects them -- has the same contrasting 'pin stripe' stitch detail. All findings -- sliders, connectors, hooks and eyes -- are made out of silver-coloured metal. A little silver-coloured metal tag with the brand name 'Chantelle' is attached next to the closure.
Bra fit
Believe it or not, but this is my best-fitting bra at the moment. It is not perfect, but for me it certainly seems a step up from the T-back and Demi versions of the Rive Gauche range (the T-back actually fits me well enough, but simply isn't entirely my style. The Demi is nothing short of a disaster as the cups are so tall and so very deep in the bottom).
The band is perfect for me on the loosest: snug, but still with enough give to not feel restrictive (for a variety of reasons I cannot wear my bands very tight). It stays in place well and doesn't irritate or cut in anywhere. The side seam boning and slightly higher back closure make it feel more supportive than most bands in this size range. Oddly enough, tightness-wise, the band of this bra feels quite the same as the band of the aforementioned Rive Gauche T-back which is labelled 70D. Rather than say that the band of this T-shirt version runs loose though, I think the T-back runs small.
The wires are perfect too: they hit me in all the right places and feel very comfortable. They are reasonably firm and don't seem to distort easily. Again, this may not be the same for cup sizes below E (DD).
Unfortunately the cups are, as all cups on all bras but especially the ones made by Chantelle, designed for someone way taller than I am. I have a petite upper torso, high-set and 'short' breasts and it shows: this bra is supposed to be a demi, but on me it covers significantly more. There's a very slight amount of empty space in very the top of the cup (more on my smaller side), but a size smaller would definitely be too small as I need this (horizontal) cup depth and wire width. The tallness of this bra (or my petite-ness, for that matter) is also where the two main fit issues I have with this bra stem from: I have to adjust the straps all the way if I don't want them to fall of my shoulders and the cup-part of the armhole is just a bit too 'tight'. When I move my arms forward or slouch even the slightest bit the gapping is absolutely phenomenal, suggesting the cups are way to big for me, which volume-wise they aren't really, especially not on my larger right side. I'd have to lower the armhole -- or better yet, take out 2cm or so out of the bottom of the cups -- to make this bra truly fitting, but it is not a disaster as it is. I might actually look into the possibility of making some kind of alteration as I like this bra enough to go the extra mile.
A problem often reported with this bra is a flattened-out bottom of the cups. When I first put on this bra I encountered the same issue, but when I adjusted myself properly and hiked the bra up far enough the crease disappeared (due to the smooth fabric overlay the crease wouldn't have been visible on the outside though as it only affected the moulded foam). In my case the initial crease seems to have been a matter of putting the bra on too low. Oddly enough, wearing the bra higher also made me fill out the cups better -- not sure where the added breast volume comes from, but hey, I won't complain https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" /> As said, though, in smaller cup sizes the wires may be more flexible, which may also contribute to more easily flattened out cup bottoms.
The shape this bra gives me is very very round and lifted. Unfortunately though I don't get the lovely 'mounds' the model photos suggest and the result on me seems a bit closer to BIHAL's 'green' shape than the slightly 'purple' shape I usually prefer (yeah, I'm weird like that), but it definitely looks good enough https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" /> I would absolutely love it if could get a similar fit in the unpadded Rive Gauche version, but in order for that to happen alterations are absolutely inevitable. I'm definitely working on that though.
Conclusion:
As said, my best fit straight out of the package yet, albeit absolutely not perfect. I'd have to shorten the cups somehow to make it truly 'mine', but the bra is definitely wearable as it is. It's a quality item (reflected in the price ... ) that looks good, is ridiculously comfortable to wear -- even under hot and sweaty conditions! -- and does all the things it is supposed to do. So, shall I "just get five of them and be done with it?" https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" /> Read more 1137 more words
Struck out again with this one. It's a French size H, but a UK FF, and since I fit some other UK FFs, I figured this one would be great. So wrong! The cups are way too big for me - well, big in some respects but not in others. The depth seems to be almost a match. It's maybe a touch roomy, and there is excess volume particularly around the outer perimeter of the cups. I have more "torpedo" shaped boobs, so I have a lot of forward projection but only a modest amount of volume in all other dimensions. ...The nipple area is filled out but there is wrinkling in the cup in around all the edges. However, my main issue with the fit of this bra is the wires. They extend almost a full inch beyond where my breast tissue ends, and they also seem to be situated too low for my boobs. It's totally wasted space. The straps aren't designed in such a way that they're cutting too badly into my armpits, but it's still definitely at least a cupsize too large.
Style-wise, it's a really nice bra even though it's beige! (I think after the ugly beige bras of my youth I was hesitant to try this one, but to be fair there is nothing like a beige bra to disappear under clothing, and my wardrobe has been in need of something closer to my skintone than teal or black. >_<) The shape it creates is rounded but natural and really flattering. The mesh is very soft and very structured - unlike my beloved Claudette Paramour Underwire Bra (101015008) , this mesh has virtually no stretch. I like the subtle pattern on the cups and the lacy trim all around. It's got enough details to be really pretty and not just another beige bra. Considering how much I like it despite its fit issues, I think it may be worth it to try this bra a cup size down. I have tried the 32F, and now the 32H, so perhaps the 32G is my sweet spot in Chantelle. Read more 266 more words
Another eBay purchase. Band fit is very tight but still comfortable. The cup and I are almost perfectly suited but...there is a little quad boob and the wire rests on my left (larger) breast. I don't quiiiiite fill the bottom of the cup unless I swoop the fabric up and jiggle the boob into place. So a little extra work and it works.
Although the gore width is basically none, I found if I pinch it a bit the wire comes off my left breast, so I will modify this one to fit. The wires do NOT poke under my arms--but armpit fat comes out. If it's escaped breast tissue it will stay on the run because I can't get it back in.
Wires go too far back. The shape of the wires is like a U with the outside "leg" angling out.
Update: late Dec: Bent the wires slightly to follow my ribs and now I fill the bottom and have no cutting in at the top--plus no sliding down.
This style is a good fit for me and provides a nice shape. plunge and balcony style seem to fit my boobs' shape best, and this one works very well for me. the bra is well made and quite pretty. straps are solid and wide and do not dig into my shoulders. gore sits perfectly flat on my sternum and the under-wires do not dig into my armpits. nice and comfy, and comfy enough to sleep in, (for me, that is the ultimate comfort test - can i sleep in it comfortably?). this is an 'almost' balcony style cup.
This is a pretty bra, and it feels fine when I first put it on. But it doesn't really fit.
The band is too loose. I can stick my whole hand back there. I definitely want to wear this (new) on at least the second set of hooks.
The cups are filled fine, but when I look closely, I see that the underwire isn't sitting quite where it should, and a bit of boobage doesn't quite peek out, but the wire makes everything odd underneath or it rides up, or something.
I've worn this maybe 4 times and plan to sell or trade it, probably in The Bust Line forum in Ravelry. Or maybe here.
All info is appreciated, even when the bra isn't owned by you, as each little bit adds value to the site and strengthens what it offers to all. So thank you for adding it. :-D The only thing that would have made it better would be the measurements, but I'm sure you didn't have a tape measure handy in your purse, haha. Too bad it's not a common purse essential. ;-)