Me: 34J/JJ UK, center-full, soft tissue, fairly narrow and short rooted.

So, Charnos bras have been on my radar for awhile now because they offer a number of balconette fuller but not totally full coverage styles similar to Panache Envy but there's not a lot of information out there on their bras. The black Suzette colorway was on sale at Bare Necessities who consistently offer hassle-free returns despite the annoying $6.95 fee, so off I went!

The bad: For a bra that regularly retails at $73, it feels much cheaper than the $49.99 I paid. The mesh is scratchy, the solid black fabric is not particularly soft and ... the embroidery felt rough underneath my fingers. I suspect it would soften some with wear and wash, but cheap materials will always feel cheap. The lower-priced Panache Envy and Jasmine ($67) feel much nicer. The straps are more wide set than I would prefer, and I think most people in the small band large cup size club would agree. No worse than Panache, better than Ewa Michalak. The gore did not firmly tack and rested sideways thanks to my asymmetry.

The neutral: as expected with black fabric, I found the band to be tighter than it should be. This bra does come in pink as well. I'm not sure why, but it didn't give me the in-cup quadding I often get from balconettes with this kind of upper mesh/stretch lace panel.

The good: Deep cups! Narrow wires! I was really surprised at how narrow this bra is, measuring at around 7". I'm terrible at tasks requiring fine motor skills, so I took the measurements a few times and got between 6.7" and 7". The wires land just inside my arm pit. They are a little long for me at 14.5", but the gore is 4" and the side of the bra covers my arm pit chub completely, so that's predictable. Still, I'm not willing to tolerate the arm pit poke. The cups are a great 14" deep. Given the gaping I experienced at the top of the mesh, I'd say this might work for people with breasts that are a little more full on top than mine. I also feel like the band had a little extra padding at the bottom of the wire, which helped it lay firmly underneath my breasts and not get bunched up or pinch-y as banded styles often do.

I'll be returning this bra because of the poor quality and fit issues. I can't suggest anyone pay $73 for it, but maybe the pink colorway has softer fabric. I'm impressed at how narrow the wires are without sacrificing too much depth. The wires, while still too long for me, are still shorter than the Panache bras I often go to. I'd definitely try another Charnos bra in the future.

Shoutout to Ewa Michalak's cookie pad for the impromptu nipple covers https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":D" />
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Black colorway

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Updated on Mar 09, 2017 Flag this

This is a weird bra. I almost think this particular one is a lemon due to the issues I had with the wires in the gore.

First, what I liked. The bra overall was much nicer than the previous Charnos bra I tried, 34J - Charnos » Suzette (149004) . The quality of the materials wasn't mind blowing or anything, but I had no issues. Definitely none of the scratchiness like Suzette had, but this bra doesn't have the same embroidery. I like that the top of the cup doesn't have any elastic edging, which I believe contributes to in-cup quadding. Similarly, I appreciate that the horizontal ... seam is, well, horizontal. I've noticed that I do better in cups that have a seam that is more horizontal than diagonal, but I haven't exactly figured it out yet. Anyway, a LOT of bras have a more diagonal seam, so I was happy to find this one.

Alright, now the weirdness. The gore wires were EXTREMELY creaky and the gore twisted itself sideways the second I put the bra on. I've had bra wires creak before but nothing like this. I can almost feel the wires touching each other at the very top of the gore. On the Panache Envy I'm currently wearing, it feels like there's a small piece of fabric in that spot. I've had gores not fit quite right, but I've never had one sit so perfectly sideways like this - and not budge no matter what I did. And omg, I don't think I could wear this bra in a quiet room or in public at all! It was so noisy! Again, I believe the sound was from the wires in the center gore rubbing against each other.

The last issue I had with the gore wasn't something I could really capture in a picture. I can only describe it as the gore kind of sticking out from my body at a slightly angle, starting at the base and then angling back in towards my body as it narrowed towards the top of the gore. It sort of felt like my body and my breasts were just kind of rotating around it as it sat there, very firmly, at a weird angle. It wasn't sitting on breast tissue or anything just...sticking out in a very odd (to me) way.

Overall, I'd still try Charnos again, but only from somewhere with a good return policy.
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Ivory colorway

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Updated on May 15, 2017 Flag this

I always overlooked Charnos, but this 4 part balconnet was an underrated surprise!

Full review here: http://www.myfashioninsiderblog.com/2016/10/lingerie-charnos-betsy-underrated.html

charnos, betsy, bra review, lingerie blogger, lingerie blog, charnos review, 30F

http://www.myfashioninsiderblog.com/2016/10/lingerie-charnos-betsy-underrated...

Updated on Nov 01, 2016 Flag this

Brallerina

1707 reputation

61 bras

Found this bra for cheap so took a chance with it since I really need some nude bras. It is very short for a 30, it only stretches to 27.5 inches , so definitely size up. The band is very firm.
I normally wear a 28 , so it works okay for me.
Cup size seems to be pretty true. I normally wear 28GG or 30G.
Tops of the cup is stretch lace and cup height is only 6.75 inches which is great for my short roots.
Probably not great on tall roots or very full on top boobs.
Gore is taller than I like. With touching boobs, I have so little ... room for gore. Despite that, one wire does
tack, the other wire is slightly resting on breast tissue. I am very center full and this bra accommodates it quite
well. There is 1/2 inch elastic crisscrossed at the bottom of the gore on the reverse side, so it really grabs.
Straps adjust the entire length and are not too stretchy.
Shape is a natural understated look.
Not quite as up front and center as a Cleo. It looks quite smooth under a fitted red T-shirt. Might show more under a white or very light one.

Wires are pretty firm, close to Cleo.
I need a lot of immediate projection and this may be borderline since I do have some discomfort from the wires at the front. I don't have any orange in the glass issue though.
Wires are wide on me. I do better closer to 5"

Overall a nice, very sturdy bra with excellent lift for my heavy boobs. It is one of my better fitting ones. Still looking for the perfect fitting one though.







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Updated on Oct 27, 2016 Flag this

My Stats: Tall, moderately narrow roots, low set. Vertical and horizontal parameter measurements are very similar. Functionally FOT due to tall roots. Firm, and self-supporting. Centre-full with little outer volume.

Band: Fits closer to a 28 band, a tight and firm band with a comfortable width

Wires: Aggressive! Thickest, stiffest wires I have ever felt. These things are industrial strength. I like the shape of them, which is a UU shape, but I found the gore very painful instantly. They seem narrow and tall, but I haven't measured them yet.

Cups: Good depth with immediate projection. Four-piece construction with ... three vertical pieces making a nice round "bowl" shape, and one horizontal top piece. I found the top of the cups expects a lot more volume than I have, and the top lace has a bit of space/gapping.

Straps: Good location for my shoulder width, fully adjustable.

Fabric: Soft and comfortable but no stretch in the cups. The embroidery pattern on the outside of the cups is really pretty.

Fit: Fits me well in cup depth, but the cup either needs to be shorter or darted at the top because I have some extra fabric there where my breast volume ends before the cup does.

Overall Impression: The only way I can wear this bra is if I take it to the tool bench and bend the wires, which I will probably need a vice and pliers to do. The gore was very painful due to the stiffness and thickness of the cables - sorry, I mean wires. I think the cups are also a bit too tall for me, I have low set and tall roots but the shape is not a good match for me along the top. I can't return this bra and I do like it appearance-wise, so I think I'll try to bend the wires and take in the extra fabric on the top to hopefully make it work for me.
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Black colorway

Updated on Jun 03, 2021 Flag this

My shape : pendulous, very projected, short roots, narrow roots but wide set, full on bottom, outer full. Some of my best fitting bras are Cleo Skye, Freya Fancies and Expression, which fit well but could be a little bit narrower.
I think I've found my holy grail of a narrow bra. These cups are the narrowest I've ever seen in a UK bra. They have a good amount of projection and are very closed on top with stretch lace and an elastic. The gore is pretty low and wide, almost like a plunge. There is a hidden side support mesh sling inside the cup to bring the boobs ... to front. My boobs barely move even when I jump. This is unbelievably comfortable and secure. If Charnos made a sports bra with a similar cut, I'd totally buy it.
Cups and band are true to size.
Not only the bra fits well, but it's so pretty too. As another reviewer said somewhere online, this bra has a retro bridal lingerie style. It's definitely not a trendy style, but it doesn't look too matronly, and I really like the vintage aesthetics.
The only thing I think could be improved is that the lace and center gore are a little bit itchy, although I owned bras that were way worse. It might be a bit problematic for those who are very sensitive to fabrics though.
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white colorway

Updated on Jul 31, 2021 Flag this

Backlog from January continues...this was tied with Panache Clara as the best of the batch, but neither was a perfect fit for me. This one fit slightly better in some ways, and not in others. I liked the look of it better.

This bra has a stretch lace upper, which was nice, and it was light. The back was a bit tight for a 30, and felt closer to a 28. I had very minimal in cup quadding, which honestly, in retrospect, would probably not be there if I was in a larger cup. The problems with the bra and my fit, are the wrinkles near the gore, so not enough projection at the wire (again potentially remedied with a larger cup) and that I don't think I was getting much support from it. My boobs look droopy like they are too heavy and the bra said I give up. And I don't have super huge breasts!

It's still a pretty bra, and maybe I will try a different size one day and see if it fits any better.

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Updated on Nov 12, 2018 Flag this

Adding for measurements. This bra is not mine.

Four part cups, side support panel. Lace is non-stretch. The band seems pretty tight.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Oct 29, 2018 Flag this

Short roots, center full, functionally fully on bottom.
I ordered this bra because I wanted something really smooth to fit under more clingy tops. T shirt bras do not have enough projection for me. I need a ton.
It is a really nice quality bra , but it is full cup and I should have realized before I ordered it that they never work for
me because they are too tall and I don't fill the top. Seams are quite flat and I think they would disappear pretty well.

The immediate projection is very good. Accommodates my very center full breasts well.
I normally wear a 28GG in a Cleo but I've found that Charnos bras tend to run short and a 30 fits like a 28.

Updated on Oct 16, 2017 Flag this

The Lingerie Outlet (eBay seller) sent me this size by mistake. I had ordered 36FF which is what the hangtag says, but the bra itself is really a 32FF as the sewn-in label states. Dedicated bratabaser that I am, I still wanted to add the information before I return it.

Betsy has the same type of construction as Panache Jasmine, with side support panels and a stretch lace upper cup. The side panels and lower cups are a jacquard patterned soft knitwear and lined with firm tulle. It seems like it would provide excellent support and a rounded, centered shape with plenty of room for immediate projection ... and center fullness. Band is the same jacquard knitwear with very firm elastic and stretches to only a little over 29" before the wires begin to distort. I'd say it would fit like a 30G. The wires are firm but not harsh. 2 hooks spaced 3/4" apart provide a secure closure.

I'm listing it briefly while I work out return shipping with the seller. If you would like it let me know right away.
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nude colorway

Updated on Jun 13, 2017 Flag this

Me: Narrow roots, narrow shoulders, evenly round, lots of immediate projection, slightly FoB, splayed, left-heavey by more than a cup size, like a tight band. Panache, Freya size 30GG

Very tight band, may want to size up. Straps are wider that Ewa Michalak. I think the top of the cups would fit nicely if the straps weren't so wide that my shoulders pull them in by two inches. Plus, wires are too wide for me, but not wider than Panache.

Beautiful materials, nice side support construction. Good side boning. Seams invisible under clothes.

Wish it fit!

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Updated on Mar 21, 2017 Flag this

I'm usually staunchly anti-full cup, but I decided to give this one a go because I liked the idea of a smooth, opaque beige unpadded bra and it looked nice and round on the model. I don't know how they achieved that because it's a mess on me. This is the saddest my boobs have ever looked in a bra. They somehow point lower than they do without one. The cups are also slightly too large which doesn't help. I don't have the top fullness to fill the upper section so it makes me look very flat on top, however I assume it would cut into FOT boobs. The fabric is very nice but the shape is horrible. I don't recommend this bra to anybody.

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Updated on Oct 07, 2016 Flag this

I have the muted purple and magenta colour way. It is slightly too closed on top when I stand up straight or deeply inhale. I get slight wrinkling in the apex of the cup, like I do with seemingly all unlined bras now bc I'm very shallow at the apex. Gore too wide for me as on all bras... Creates a nice "rounded natural" shape. I love the smooth fabric, colour, and thin textured straps. The band runs very accurately TTS, I could not stretch it beyond 30". Wires are fairly firm. I won't be keeping this one. Ever since I gained weight and become more FOT i can't seem to find an unlined bra for my shape.

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Updated on Oct 17, 2017 Flag this

My other try at this brand wasn't too bad although not perfect , so I thought I would try this since it was cheap.
This bra is nothing like the Charnos Betsy in 30G I've tried. It had a very firm band , firm wires and fit like a 28 Cleo in the band. That bra was sturdy. This is a more lightweight bra.

Band is very stretchy. I can fasten it in the first hook and it doesn't ride up. I also can fasten it in the last hook
and it isn't too tight. My comfortable under bust is 27.5", so I normally wear a 28 ... band. I can see that this might get too big after it is broken in. I believe it would be fine for people who normally wear a 30 band.
Straps are quite stretchy and my suspicion is that with a lot of wearing they may slip. The wires are quite narrow and cups are unusually deep (11.5") for this size. Center and immediate projection is very good.
The lace on the top of the cup is not stretchy and so it is loose on me much the way the Cleo Marcie is.
I think this bra would be good on someone more full on top than I am.
As usual the gore is an issue for me, too wide and too tall.I have touching breasts . Anything taller than 2.5 is always a problem . Wires are very comfortable, similar to Comexim wires.
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Updated on Oct 28, 2016 Flag this

So, I've found an unlined bra that actually technically fits well! The band is small for a 30, shoulder straps are quite stretchy and comfortable, the wires are wide enough, and the cups don't wrinkle or dig in. (I assume the stretch lace at the top of the cup helps greatly) The nude color is a nice match to my skin tone, and the fabric has a subtle geometric pattern which I like. Unfortunately, the gore gores me, (they all do) and the fabric felt a bit itchy. I've never experienced this with a bra and, I wanted to scratch all day! Hopefully another wash or two will fix the itch.

Updated on Oct 11, 2016 Flag this

The sizing of the bra is wrong for me, so it is hard to evaluate the fit. First is is a good quality bra. The fabrics are soft and luxurious, the details of the straps are beautiful. The desing and fabrics are similar to Fantasie Alex Side Support Bra (9152)
The size is weird, the band only streches to 29 inches! It is the smallest of all 30 bands I have tried. And the band is not very strechy.
The cups are big, probably 2 cups bigger than panache/fantasie bras. They offer full coverage. Overall the Charnos Sienna fits like a Panache Andorra Full Cup Bra (5675) in size 28J
The wires are very long and hard, which might be an interesting feature for tall women who have pendoulous breast.

I don't think this bra would not suit small women

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Updated on Sep 02, 2016 Flag this

This was my first bra from the Charnos brand, I initially bought it just because it was a chap grab (8.99GBP) but I've come to love this bra. It's full coverage but doesn't feel daunting because of how light and frilly the lacework is.

The silhouette is a very vintage, splayed slightly pointy one so if that's not a shape you like this bra isn't for you. I don't mind at all.

From looks alone, this bra gives me a vintage (50s/60s) bridal lingerie feel. It's not usually my aesthetic but it's pretty.

It's not my favorite but it's seemingly a nice quality, well fitting bra and I can't complain about that.

Ivory colorway

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Updated on Jun 15, 2016 Flag this

This bra is all about comfort, no wires, inner side cotton lined. Fits like a smaller UK 30E, Charnos bands usually tend to be a size tighter than the label says, but the band is much more gentle than Eveden bands. My issue with the fit is that I expected more structure than this bra actually gives. Not sure if I'd need to size up in order to get a better fit or this one is simply a shape mismatch. The inner upper side of the cup cuts in and pushes the tissue down.
I'd recommend this one for someone looking for comfort and less suport, at home bra, lounging bra etc...
This is my first wireless that I measured so not sure it's been done correctly, especially cup width and depth, as I found no instructions for bras without underwires.

brulee colorway

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Updated on Feb 19, 2016 Flag this

It's a good black basic. I've worn it in a few sizes. It does fit quite snug in the band, so def size up. But the cups are generous and deep. It's a good fit for close set, projected breasts of narrow(ish) dimensions. The straps should be thicker in this size, to give better support, but they're ok. It's not the most supportive bra but it does provide very good shape, good fit and good coverage.

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Updated on Apr 21, 2015 Flag this

The band on this bra is quite firm, but still within range for a 32. The material for the bra is very unusual, a bit slick to the touch like swim fabric, but not at all shiny. The interior is entirely lined in mesh. The lace lies flat under shirts except for the fringe at the very top of the cup, which sticks up - I may trim this bit off.

The fit is pretty good, but not perfect. I am entirely FOB, I think it would be a best fit for someone that is mostly FOB but with a little bit of upper fullness. The cut may also work for an even shape, I'm not sure.

The design and construction is beautiful. Small bow details have been continued on the back of the bra at the strap attachments there as well as the front. The cream and floral combination is very well matched.

Updated on Apr 07, 2015 Flag this