General comments:
I ordered this bra together with the HM Gold and the PL Onyks -- all in the same size 65E -- on October 2nd. The package arrived on October 5th, which really is exceptionally fast, in my opinion. Of the three bras I mentioned above, this one fits second best. Considering the fact that I completely guessed my size I'm pleased to find that SOMETHING more or less fit, however, it goes to show that there is some size discrepancy between the different models. I will also review the other two bras.
Bra description:
A sleek, black, matt satin bra with black, shiny satin binding along the cup edge. ... Two shiny, faceted, black buttons whimsically decorate the centre gore. the cups are lined with black cotton jersey. The lining contains pockets for the included sturdy foam 'cookies'. The bra comes with two kinds of detachable straps: regular 12mm wide straps and padded, 32mm (at their widest) wide comfort straps made out of the same matt satin the cups are made of and edged with shiny satin bias binding. The comfort straps are, unfortunately, only partially adjustable.
Fit:
I wasn't looking for a padded bra but this one came up as having similar measurements to my Panache Andorra, so I was intrigued. I was amazed to find that this bra fit me ALMOST perfectly. I was even more amazed at the shape it gave me: exactly the kind of shape I've always wished for -- lifted and round, the way my breasts are when I cup them with my hands. In fact, the bra is so comfortable and soft that it almost feels AS IF I'm cupping them with my hands. This bra gives me a lovely cleavage without being tacky -- The plunge version is sexier, but this one comes close second, yet it's sleek, understated appearance makes it chic rather than tacky.
I find the cups fit better and more comfortably without the thick foam cookies in place. For some reason in this model the pad doesn't help to even out the asymmetry between my larger right and smaller left side -- the smaller side remains definitely worse fitting with the cup edge gaping quite badly (tightening the strap further seems to help a bit, but the comfort strap does not adjust far enough). My larger breast on the other hand fits absolutely perfectly, BETTER than in the plunge version, so I'm not sure what's up with that. On my larger side, this bra gaps much less that the plunge version when I reach forward and also doesn't produce quad-boob when I pull my shoulders back.
In contrast to the same size PL Onyks, the band on this 65E Padded Half Cup is too loose for my 69cm underbust, as I can comfortably close it at the tightest hook. I definitely have to go down one band size and go for a 60/28 band in this model. It is also quite stretchy, so fingers crossed it won't stretch too much too soon. However, there are four hook positions to fasten it, so it shouldn't really be much of a problem.
The straps placement is very wide, although I somehow don't experience the problem of cutting into my arms the way other bras do. I have wide and straight shoulders, so they stay very well put, but I think that on someone with narrower shoulders they may slip.
Conclusion:
The band of this CH Onyx 65E is at least a full size looser than the band of the PL Onyks of the same size. The cups of this bra fit more or less the same as PL Onyks, size-wise. Shape-wise I think they are better for my wide-set, high-up-my-chest and wide-based breasts than the cups of the plunge version. I don't really know why, it just feels that way. It may also be that I think the half cup style fits me better, I'm not sure.
I am considering returning this marvel of a bra it and exchanging it for a smaller band and possibly size. I'm thinking 60E (according to the EM measurement table here http://www.ewa-michalak.pl/Size-Calculator-chelp-eng-10.html). This would put me into custom-made and non-returnable territory though, which is a slightly terrifying prospect. However, this bra is just so freakishly lovely and comfortable that I just WANT it to fit me. Of the three it is, at the moment, my favourite and definitely a style that suits me and will be worn IF I can get it to fit.
Edited To Add:
I've tried all the three bras on again this morning and for some reason MOST of the fitting issues I noted yesterday evening have disappeared. I think my breasts are fuller in the morning than in the evening (breastfeeding).
The CH Onyx is STILL a full size too loose in the band, but the gaping is quite a bit less so that one could possibly be exchanged for a 60F, IF I can muster up the courage to enter into custom-made territory. Maybe for good measure though I should at least TRY a smaller cup size first, if only for comparison, as the gaping has not TOTALLY gone. The thing is, I THINK this one is essentially a better fit than the PL Onyks, as it doesn't produce quad boob when I move my shoulders back, nor gape terribly when I move my arms forward (only a tiny little bit, compared to the plunge). Dilemma, dilemma ...
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Updated on Oct 06, 2012 Flag this