Bra description:

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=";)" />
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Updated on May 27, 2013 Flag this

Just got this bra and so far I'm liking it. I sized up a cup in this bra because I've had experience with Chantelle running shallow in the cups. It's surprisingly comfy to wear throughout the day. My primary concern is in the materials - the mesh feels like it may not hold up very long. I also wish there were two rows of hooks and thicker/sturdier elastic along the winged portions.

Overall, I'm glad I picked a few of these up on discount at Nordstrom Rack. I'm hoping these hold up for awhile.

Nile Green colorway

Updated on Feb 26, 2021 Flag this

Comfy basic bra with wide straps that DON'T dig into my armpits! There are two strap attachment places at the back, so one can wear the straps narrow or crossed over. It works.

My boobs are naturally a bit east-westy, and this bra doesn't reorient them quite as well as my Change Lingerie bras, but it's got more coverage on top and is thus better for running down stairs – no boob escape! I'm quite center full, so the top of the gore doesn't quite rest on my sternum, though there's no quadding.

Skin colorway

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Updated on Jun 12, 2016 Flag this

I got this bra from another user. I have wide, even breasts with tall roots.

This bra is quite similar to the Panache Sport, so if the Panache Sport fits, there is a good chance this will, too!

The accent blue thread against the black bra is super cute. There is an optional j-hook in the back to convert to racerback. The main difference between this and Panache Sport I have is that half of the outer cup is a matte mesh (like the gore section) rather than the soft/sleek mesh. Even the gore height and the height of the underwires in the gore are the ... same. The cups maybe feel ever so slightly less firm? The Chantelle bra seems to be ever so slightly more projected in the bottom of the cup.

Following is the end of my review of the Lime Panache Sport, as they are very similar:

The underwires are strange--they feel much more flexible than normal wires. It is hard to feel them at all. I didn't realize that the bra was actually sitting well below my inframammary fold at first. I tried adjusting it upward but I find it more comfortable a bit below--however, it's hard to tell where the wires even are due to their strangeness, and I'm not sure the wire placement matters as much for a sports bra.

It gives a nice round, and uplifted-but-slightly-minimized shape. I would definitely wear this as a normal bra on some days.

EDIT: I have worn it several times for sports, alternating with my Panache Sport. I do think there is a little more space in the top of the cup than in my Panache Sport, and I wonder if a 30D would be too small or if it would fix the issue. The extra space bothers me a bit! If I can get my hands on another Panache Sport, I would love to resell this bra. It is not a favourite any longer.

Also, the plastic rings (I presume) are SUPER squeaky! I always notice it every time I put on the bra. I'm not sure how it hasn't gone away yet! I don't notice it after exercising, but I'm not sure if that is just from not noticing, or it actually going away!
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Updated on May 31, 2015 Flag this

The shape of the cups just don't really work for me. I am shallow and somewhat FoB. There was a bunch of bunchy fabric in the front and top of the cups, suggesting that it's better for more projected shapes. The top did lay against my boobs though and the wire width was fine. I'm going to stick to the 3646 version.

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Updated on Apr 16, 2015 Flag this

Cups and band run small! Only one hook too. I will for sure need a 32 band and perhaps an F cup which I have never worn. Material feels nice. Gore looks like it may work well for close set center full chests but I will need to size up to know for sure.

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Updated on Apr 02, 2024 Flag this

Comfortable, attractive bra with more of a swoosh-shaped underwire. I needed to size up for depth -- this is shallow, but not as shallow as Natori Feathers. Pay attention to fit near the bottom of the wires, since the lace may make it hard to see creasing. Wide wires comfortably contain tissue with a natural look and position, but this isn't a bra that's meant to bring things front and center. Band in 30D and 30E(DD) is mesh with only 1 hook. I think a wider band would have been more comfortable, but the band is reasonably firm, except that I had to start on the 2nd hook ... in. Straps are fully adjustable and not too far apart, but they do still fall down on me sometimes. Stretch lace conforms nicely to tall roots. Not quite a T-shirt bra, but easy to wear under most tops. Good as a higher-end everyday bra.

Watch out for manufacturing defects, though: I've owned one copy in Nude Blush on which the channels were sewn overlapping at the gore such that they created a stiff, scratchy bump -- had to exchange. Inspect when buying to make sure the sewing is flat and smooth at the gore. Finish is otherwise good on "good" copies.

Similar cuts, but more shallow: Parisian Allure (looser, plusher band), Passionata Manhattan Plunge (stiffer lace)
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Black colorway

Updated on Feb 09, 2022 Flag this

This bra is indeed very similar in construction to the Panache Sport Sports Bra (5021). It doesn't seem to reduce bounce as well, but that may be because the Chantelle is one band size larger than the Panache that I tried.

The stitching on the black colorway is not white like it appears in pictures, but blue!

Updated on Sep 17, 2015 Flag this

This is a great alternative to the Panache Sport underwired bra. It is equally comfortable (maybe more) and I think the fit is a bit better. Many different sizes of the Panache work for me (30DD, 30E, 32DD), but none of them seemed perfect in the cup. This one is a little more moldable to the body. If you find Panache sport UW a tricky fit, try this one!

The sizing is odd; this one fits ok and the label says 30DD UK, 30E US, 80E FR and 65E EU, plan to try UK30E as well.

Updated on May 17, 2015 Flag this

The Rive Gauche T-shirt bras are great for ladies in the shallow spectrum. I've realized they're actually a smidge too shallow for me; my projection tends to cause some fit issues - like slipping straps. These bras are really great for under t-shirts, and I find them very comfy. This bra has wonderful little details - I love the stitching and lace.

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Updated on Apr 13, 2015 Flag this

Although I have some fit issues with this bra, I'm going to call it a win since it's actually comfortable. I tried a 65F previously which should have fit based on my measurements. I just couldn't fill it out and the wires were wide enough for the bra to cut in at the front of my armpits. Sizing down in the cup to the 65E works much better. Nice smooth line at the top of the cups (I most often gape), and comfy strap width. Wires are still maybe a touch too wide, but not uncomfortably so. There's some unavoidable wrinkling along the outside bottoms of the cups- I'm somewhat wide rooted, but my inframammary fold is more V shaped on the outside of my breasts. Since wires are U shaped, when they're wide enough for me at the top of the cup, they tend to leave a gap of empty space along the outer bottom. I'm happy enough with the rest of this bra's fit to live with it.

Updated on Apr 06, 2014 Flag this

This bra is one of my favorites so far. It's a great T-shirt bra; it doesn't show at all under clothes but it still has some nice details to make it pretty and feminine. I measure as a 28 band, and while I would definitely buy a 28 if they made them, the 30 isn't so loose as to be unsupportive. Wire width is pretty average, which is good for me, and has average depth as well.

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Updated on Jul 21, 2013 Flag this

This was the bra that the fitter at Nordstrom used to fit me, and it is absolutely fantastic. I don't usually go for bras this lightly padded, but I love the way it fits itself to my breasts - the padding is just enough so that my nipples don't show through at all, but the cup completely molds itself to my breasts, and feels fantastic. The straps don't fall even when I slouch, which has always been one of my biggest issues with bras. Of course, the lace means it isn't wearable as a t-shirt bra, but a thin camisole or a thick shirt can solve that problem. ... I almost want to buy another one in black - I could see this becoming a great bra!

What surprises me most about it is how great my cleavage looks even without any padding. It's no push-up, but in a low-cut shirt, I'm hopeful that it will impress.

The straps are ridged on top, which you can feel against your skin if you shrug your shoulders high enough, and it's not the most pleasant feeling but otherwise this bra is totally awesome.
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Updated on Dec 06, 2012 Flag this

This bra does not flatter me at all. I have soft tissue so the straps pull the lace cups too much causing a weird shape. Loosening the strap helps a bit but not enough. Gore digs in. A cup size up might help but overall this bra is not for me.

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Updated on Apr 25, 2024 Flag this

I first tried this in a 32e but the cups and band felt big so I sized down to 30E and the cups are still big. Gives me cone boob, wrinkles at top, and straps are too wide. Don't think I can do a 30D because the wires aren't very wide and I need a bit more coverage. Sad because I love the lace on this one

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Updated on Apr 16, 2024 Flag this

I so wish this fit! Everything is perfect, gore tacks, wires the right height, immediate projection. BUT I just can’t fill the top. There is no stretch to the material and the top slightly gapes. It would be a dream bra if the top has stretch lace.

The band is nice and tight, very little stretch. I prefer a 28 band so a tight 30 was a surprise. Bottom cup feels supportive, straps are just the right width. The search continues.

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Updated on Nov 13, 2023 Flag this

Band on this bra stretches out really quickly. Even on the tightest hook, it rides up in the back.

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For reference, I am petite (5'1") with wide-set tissue that is slightly tuberous and tends to gravitate into my armpits.

I had been on the quest for a push-up bra that fits that didn't have lots of lace or fancy embellishments so that it fits well under jersey fabric dresses and form-fitting t-shirts. This bra is delightful! It not only serves its purpose so that I don't have weird outlines showing through my clothes, but it is so comfortable. It fits well and gives me the push-up, rounded shape that I prefer. No "headlights" showing through which is always a plus.

I will definitely be buying a few of these so that I always have a clean one in case I postpone laundry for longer than I ought to https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />

Nude Blush colorway

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Updated on Mar 19, 2022 Flag this

My fit needs: projected, immediately projected, slightly narrow, fob with tall roots (functionally even), very close set, very center full.

See chantelle review in 65F for a review in my actual size. Weirdly the tag says 30E for the 65E but it says 30DDD for 65F which is why I got it. Unfortunately the 65E is too small.

black colorway

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Updated on Oct 15, 2021 Flag this

The band is a bit long on the loosest hook, possibly because as a French brand, the size is 80E. The straps can be hooked together at the back to form a racerback and making the band fit tighter.

Updated on Jan 16, 2021 Flag this

I already tried this in 65D, knowing it was a size smaller than my normal size, and sure enough it was too small. I was finally able to get my hands on my normal size of 65E, and had high hopes since I liked the quality of the bra. However, while this fits, it is unfortunately not flattering on me, as the cups end up giving me a rather flattened shape instead of a round, lifted shape. I guess 2HC/3HC cup constructions are not usually suited for my shape.

The measurements of the cups are very similar to the Fantasie Erica Vertical Seam Bra, another 2HC ... style. However, this is where materials make a difference. Erica is also sheer fabric double lined with mesh, but the outer cups are rigid, therefore giving more support. The swirled lace used on the Pyramide is stretchy, and I found that the cups just did not lift or shape. While Erica's cups give me a softly rounded shape, it doesn't flatten me out as the rigid fabric pushes me up from the bottom of the cup. Pyramide's cups are too stretchy for me, so it ends up flattening the center of the breast and pushing tissue downwards and upwards, giving more of a pancake shape. I'm sure this would be better for firm, round breast shapes.

Other than the shape issue, the cups are comfortable and TTS. The wires have a nice rounded shape and are basically identical to the Fantasie Erica wires, but they have more horizontal flex. This quality is probably also why it flattens me out instead of lifting, as the cups are not as rigid as Erica's.

The band measures quite small on the flat, but like Natori bands, it stretches quite a bit. The wings are made from single layer mesh and both upper and lower edge elastic are quite narrow. The back of the wing is reinforced with an additional panel of mesh to distribute strap tension at the band attachment, and I think having this extra panel is what makes the band feel stable to me instead of flimsy, since usually I hate bands like these that don't have wide, supportive elastic. Both size 65D and 65E only have one hook, which is an odd choice for this size. You can tell that this is not designed as a full figure bra due to the narrow band, narrow straps, and lack of additional support built into the cups. I found the band to fit comfortably and TTS for a 30 since it is so stretchy and lightweight.

The cradle is finished with a crossover detail, and the gore is also very lightweight, being made of mesh with no additional tricot backing. The straps are twinned satin elastic at the front and plain in the back. The straps are not fully adjustable for this reason. The hardware on the Poppy colorway is gold throughout, and there is a small round gold charm at the center gore. The overall appearance of this bra is sleek, modern, and elegant.

I wish this had worked out! It is a lovely bra and so nice and lightweight, perfect for those days when you need a comfortable bra and don't need the world's most supportive band and straps. This may not be designed for much larger cup sizes, but I think this is great for core sizes. Just be warned that if you have soft tissue or average tissue and a shallower shape, this may end up being more minimizing than supportive.
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Poppy colorway

Updated on Jul 25, 2020 Flag this