I originally bought this bra to fill my much needed t-shirt bra gap. It has very thin molded cups, just enough to provide some modesty and a smooth shape, and nowhere near enough to increase your apparent size. That this bra happens to be a plunge was only incidental - I appreciate being able to wear it under lower shirts, but it's not the plunge I would select for dressing up. And it performs its intended function admirably! I can definitely wear this bra under anything without the cottage cheese look cropping up.
Now, let me enumerate the faults of this bra, just so we're clear. The center ... gore is extremely thin, so I know I'll have issues with it wearing out. It already gets twisted so easily. The Hawaiian blue color is very pale, and I've already picked up one mysterious discoloration on the band - there's no telling how many more of those I'll find. The cups are very shallow - which I need! - but are also fast-closing. This is a bra where, for the first hour or so after I scoop, I'm definitely quadding. It settles down throughout the day, so I'm not sure I want to buy a 28DD, but I'd assuredly try one on if I got the chance. Oh, and on the Hawaiian blue/pink colorway in particular, I've found the band to be slightly loose.
It's not all bad, though. The straps are fully adjustable! And this bra is a regular in the Cleo lineup, plus they release fun new fashion colors each season. I'd say it's like the wide-breast friendly Deco, because it's our versatile plunge-smoothing-molded combo bra. Similarly to the Deco, it's off by about a cup size, but in this case, size up. And as a bonus, the band is tighter!
I'd really strongly recommend this bra if you've previously tried and disagreed with the Deco, because it's a very clear counterpoint to that fit - instead of narrow and deep, this bra is wide and shallow. I would call this *the* t-shirt bra for wide breasts to try. But, if you're on the large side of your regular size, do size up!
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Updated on May 14, 2012 Flag this

Up front apology, I did not measure this bra because I needed to get it back in the mail to be returned. This bra was ALL wrong for me. I am seriously disappointed too because I was sooo looking forward to getting this.

Anyway, the band fit well, I have a 27" ribcage measure and the 20" band seemed just fine. The cups were a different story though. WOW - small would be an understatement. I wear a 30F in Anita and 28FF in Freya and the F in this bra is probably 2 cups sizes to small in this bra. Without even ... trying this on I knew it was not going to work.

I spoke to a representative who said that this bra runs true to size but I am not sure I agree with that assessment. I sent this back and reordered a larger size so, keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

Appearance of the product, I have some reservations, the fabric is not laminated and the top layer of fabric moves freely over the bottom layers which always causes concern about wrinkling. Also the quality of the material does not seem as good as the Freya bras I own. But this is is a cute bra nonetheless.

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Updated on Jul 20, 2011 Flag this

So...I picked up this bra in an effort to get free shipping with my purchase. I originally wanted the Neve Plunge but that one was double the price. I hopped on over here and found a 30:4 should fit measurement wise. Bought it was.
I have heard SO much hype, ALL THE HYPE, about Cleo bras from women in my size range. Perhaps my expectations were skewed because of this because I feel very "meh" about the Cleo Jude bra.
It's a 30 band. So, it's too big for me. It is comfy on the second and third hook, so it's ... definitely more taught then most 30 band bras I have tried. The wires started warping once I stretched the band all the way to 29". Which is great for a day when I need to be very active or if there ever is a day when I just can't tolerate a tight band. I don't really PMS become bloated so those things don't matter a whole lot to me.
The straps are SHORT. Like so short. I'm pretty short (Five feet even) and I wanted more length. They're about 14.25 inches long fully let out. They're not soft, but not rough either. They're decently wide, stretchy and quite supple feeling. Certainly more than tolerable (unlike other bras: Limited Edition by M&S!). They did seem to stretch out as time went on and I stopped feeling them at all.
The Gore. I can't feel it at all. I actually don't remember if it tacked or not. I'm thinking it was a soft-tack. I believe plunge gores are best for me because my sternum starts above where the band of the bra site. The gore is also deceiving in it's width, it does not look like there is a whole lot of separation between the cups; but there's well over an inch. Great for wide set breasts. Not great for making cleavage.
Speaking of cleavage, I quad out tremendously after putting on the bra. The very bottom of the cup also collapsed under my breasts due to the cup being too shallow. At which point I tugged on the top of the cup while simultaneously pushing the under wire up to my IMF. As my ten hour shift progressed the cups seemed to stretch out and allow my tissue to settle inside if the cup.
These are the softest under wires I have come across. I hardly noticed them. They're too wide for me and I kept feeling the need to adjust/pull my tissue "back into the cup"/to the front of my chest even though my breast was fully enclosed in the cup. The molded cup was surprisingly thin, soft and supple.
While the cups being molded, definitely give a rounded shape I'm not in love with the shape the bra gives me. I like a nice lifted, gathered, rounded shape that enhances my breast as opposed to just a round, wide shape.
I mark this bra as a win for me. It's great for giving my body a rest from rigid under wire's, Gore's and tight bands. A comfort bra for very active times.
I think a 28DD would be better for me over all. A tighter band, probably more cleavage (a 28D for super cleavage maybe?) and narrower wires. I could probably get a 28E to get a similar result to the look of this 30D with a tighter band.
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Black/hot pink trim colorway

Updated on Dec 03, 2017 Flag this

Measurements for 28FF:

Stretched Band - 27"
Band Length - 22.5"
Cup Width - 6"
Cup Depth - 9"
Wire Length - 9.25"
Cup Seperation - 1.25"
Strap Width - 0.625"
Hooks - 2

If this were a full banded style it would fit better. Because of that the center gore shifts durring the day even though the band and cups fit. The wires get more ponted towards each other (if that makes sense). So an alteration is in order. I guess it just fans out too much for me. As a result this causes the tops of the cups to press into breast tissue (see photo os left side shot) making it appear there is quad-boob, ... but I know I'd be swimming in a larger cup size. A narrower center gore that is also taller will put the cups closer together at the bottom, giving more room in the tops of the cups and also a rounder look from the side. Similar to what a dart in the center gore would do...except there is no fabric on this bra to accomplish that. I hope to attempt to make this a full band style to fit my frame better, but if that's not possible then I will only be adding a taller, narrower center gore.

PROS:
Fabric is soft against the skin (for the most part. See cons below).
Smooth look, even with the top cup detailing. Under regular fitting shirts show through is not a problem.
Cute design. It's nice to see more t-shirt style options from European companies. They're finally getting with the times! =)
Narrower, smoother elastic. For me this is more comfortable as I find at times most styles from other brands like Freya irritate my skin. But this one will be better in the Summer for tanktops.

CONS:
Partial banded style, not as supportive as a full band. The underwires can be uncomfortable at times because they press on my ribs. This is only something that happens to me in this style of band, no matter what the size.
No side wings so if you have even the slightest bit of back fat the elastics will emphasize this because they (and the main fabric) are completely stretchy.
The only part of fabric on this that is uncomfortable is around the underarm. I've also read this in other reviews on shopping sites that it is bothersome. Hopefully that will go away from wash and wear. I think it has something to due with the type of elastic.
Center gore is super tiny!
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Updated on Jun 29, 2012 Flag this

I knew I needed to "break it in" and get used to this style as my first quality-moulded.

Initial wearing all-day it felt great and at day's end I realized the left strap had worn or rubbed down some skin on my back shoulder blade which took a couple days to heal. Right side underarm the end of the under-wire really poked quite a bit. This style isn't really made for my shape. It would be better on someone who finds side wires stop too short under their arms. Gave it a rest for a couple days off but then tried it again.

Not perfect but cute colorful options given my size.

Purchased mid-December 2010.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 01, 2011 Flag this

BustsOfGotham

1334 reputation

182 bras

Ah, Jude. Everyone seems to hate you, but I'm very glad we met. Sure, we had a rough start... Your wires stabbed at me painfully, but I bent and played with them, and now you are comfortable. Yes, I quad slightly because your cup closes so abruptly and your straps aren't quite long enough to remedy the issue, and hiding inside your molded cups are some random gaps that sort of confuse me -- but none of it is visible through clothing and I still feel your support. You are my best t-shirt bra, despite not being a perfect fit. Thanks, Jude.

Now, if only you weren't so brightly colored...

aquamarine colorway

Updated on Jul 14, 2016 Flag this

This is the 2nd of 3 of the same bras. This one has slightly misshaped cups from shipping, but I'm hoping that'll fix with wear. It's a touch too small, but I'm trying to lose weight and I think it'll be a great fit in a few pounds. Until then it's not uncomfortable and looks fine under a t shirt.

If I have three of the same bra, same size, same model, same color, how do I add them? Three times individually? Or once? Or once but mention that I have 3? Am I just over thinking it?

Updated on Apr 25, 2016 Flag this

Update - Sold this bad boy, decided it was just too dang small & shallow for me.

I agonized over this bra, and what size to order (because my 28FF Cleo Juna does not fit), and I really wanted the black & pink but really needed a nude T shirt bra too. Turns out the nude color is almost an exact match to my skin tone, and the lace detail is cute. I'm not a huge fan of plain beige bras, and this solves my T shirt bra hunt. After picking apart every measurement possible, I decided my Juna was more of a shape mismatch instead ... of a cup size problem and went with the same size. Definitely glad I did, because a 28G would have been too big.

Material: I find it kinda scratchy, but I have sensitive skin, so YMMV. It's not unbearable though. Hopefully a couple washings will soften it.

Wires: I know this is a hard bra to fit into for most. For me, the wires are the perfect width, and confirm my very strong suspicion that I need wide wires. They stop on my sides exactly where my breast tissue ends, and enclose everything in the middle.

The band: - at first glance, I thought "holy short band batman!!" But I can fasten it on the loosest hooks, and it feels like it will stretch over time.

The straps: VERY short. I have to leave them as loose as they go. I consider my boobs to be fairly low-set on my chest, so keep that in mind if you give this bra a shot.

The cups: I don't fill out the bottom, although it's close. There is slight gapping at the top when I reach forward, but I think that is standard with molded cups like these. There is zero spillage in the middle - again confirming I need wide wires. The *only* nitpick I noticed is I have *very minor* quadding on the inside edges of the cups. I added about 1/4" of length to the band with an extender, and it solves that problem and also allows me to shorten the straps a little bit. So, even though I can fasten the band on the loosest hook (maybe even the middle hook) and it's not particularly uncomfortale, I believe I will use the tightest hook on an extender until the band stretches enough to correct this on its own.
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Nude colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on May 22, 2015 Flag this

lcl0706

6302 reputation

165 bras

I had some issues fitting into a Freya Deco properly, because my breasts are wider, shallow, and bottom heavy- however, this fit perfectly!

I normally fit in a 30E, but in this I needed a 30F. I advise going up a cup size, but staying the same band size.

Updated on Sep 24, 2012 Flag this

The Cleo Jude is a moulded cup, plunge bra, similar to the Deco in that. However, the similarities to the Deco end there. While the Deco has a rounded, uplifting shape (causing my bust to look artificial), the Jude allows a more natural shape. When first seeing this, I thought I would love the bra, as I strongly prefer a natural shape.

Unfortunately, the fit of this bra just isn't up to snuff. After one wearing, I'm already tightening the band and still not finding the kind of support I'd like. I'm left with a feel that the support comes more from compression than from uplifting. Perhaps this is ... due to the cups being a touch too small, but it's not available beyond a G. I'd expect a larger chest/ribcage to find a better fit, and if between sizes or near the tighter edge of your size, get a smaller band.

The straps irritate the front/side of my arms, when they reach to go over my shoulders. This is typical for Panache (and Panache designed) bras. Additionally, when I reach, the underwires poke my underarms painfully. This is not typical of Panache bras for me.

I love the natural shape of this bra, and I appreciate how the lines are smooth under clothing (even the slight lace trim at the top of the cups hide easily under clothes). I'd like a less stretchy/tighter band, and of course I'd like a Freya shape rather than Panache shape.
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Updated on Dec 01, 2011 Flag this