At first it fit perfectly, but the band stretched out quite a bit, and as I was only beginning to wear well-fitting bra, I have since gone up half a cup size, so now it just doesn't fit anymore. I still wear it though, as I have very few bras! If I were to buy another one, I'd go down a band size and up two cup sizes (as in, 32FF). Slightly padded, and really beautiful.
Revisting all the bras in my give-away pile, now that I am losing weight. The center gore on this bra is wider than my older Fantasie bras and that is not idea. Until recently, the cups and band were too small. Now it all fits well. Welcome back, Lois 34E!
The quality of this bra is good. The fabric, straps and seams look good. With that said, it totally strangles me around the rib cage. It's comfortable at first and then quickly becomes a torture device.
This bra's beautiful! I was drawn to it by the pictures on the Bravissimo site while browsing for other bras, and the embroidery's even prettier in person. Covers both cups from wire to wire, and even extends up the straps, a touch I really like. Fits me very well- very wide wires, really short cups, and pretty closed off on top. This bra does give a bit of a different shape from the Bravissimo bras I'm used to- a lot of side support, so it really projects my breasts forward, giving a pointier shape.
Despite sharing a model name (Aubree), this bra seems to differ a fair amount from Fantasie Aubree (6932) in both measurements and looks.
I was drawn to this bra initially because of the lace sides/gore and small charm in the front, but ultimately I would say I don't like it. The gore is wider/higher than I would like, and if I lean to the side a little it starts poking me. The lace on the sides also goes up higher than the rest of the side panel, which looks a bit odd to me. (Though I assume it's probably supposed to provide some kind of smoothing effect under a shirt.) The rose gold outlines on part of the lace also make the bra look off somehow, and I think I might prefer it if all of the lace was the same color as the bra.
75E is a bit on the wide side. It's on the smallest hook since day 1. Not super supportive, but perfectly invisible and comfortable under thin summer clothes. Just a little wide between the strap and my armpit
I also tried 70F, but then the cup is too small and the center gore comes away too far from my chest. Next time I'll buy 70G.
Overall seems like a fine bra, but the wireless style just didn't fit me well. Band on this 34E is significantly bigger than my Panache Envy 34E - recommend sizing down. Cup size I think would have been fine if this was a wireless with the gore tacked to the ribcage. As it was, my breast just didn't seem to fill the cups well. Maybe if you're already close-set, this would be fine for you. Projection seems good though, as the band seemed to sit ok in my IMF on the tightest hook.
Purchased second-hand BNWT. Unfortunately ordered incorrect cup size. Despite some over fill at the side and top of the side, is a relatively comfortable bra. I will wear as I continue to lose weight.
Purchased second-hand BNWT. Unfortunately ordered incorrect cup size. Despite some over fill at the side and top of the side, is a relatively comfortable bra. I will wear as I continue to lose weight.
Purchasing: * $76 on Amazon with free Prime shipping & returns and available with Amazon Wardrobe * available in neutrals only
Band: * Made of a stretch, opaque knit. There is a non-stretch lace overlay, largest in the back, that the tag calls a "smoothing back lace detail." * Elastic at top of band. * Wing support: A non-stretch mesh is attached to the inner band from wire to where seaming or boning often sits. However, the mesh just stops here and is only attached to the elastic at the top and bottom of the band. The mesh is not attached to the center of the band so there ...is no actual seaming for wing support. * Continuous band - wires lower than wings. * Back close with 3 columns of hooks.
Straps: * front lacy, back smooth elastic * soft (don't stand up on their own) * full adjust (lace on straps does NOT interfere with slider) * leotard back * center-pull!!!
Cups: * seamless full cup * unpadded underwire * spacer foam (unlined) * Wire is 1 1/8" shorter than the channel (more the usual in this size range).
Fit
About me: petite with wide horizontal oval, slightly conical breasts * average projection * wide-set (3 fingers width of space between breasts) * very wide roots (extend past the mid-axillary line) * even horizontal fullness (just barely outer full) * short root height, average vertical placement * mix of firm & soft tissue (front molds to shape of bra, sides push wimpy wires away) * conical shape (but will squish to round) * full on top (2/4 shape, not even or very full) - BUT functionally even to FOB due to short roots and soft tissue * petite (5'3") so have narrow frame * front (anterior) rib flares
Band: * length: way too big * wings: too short, boobs escape * no axillary skin spillage * The "smoothing back lace detail" does nothing to smooth back fat. And the stiff lace sticks out, thus creating a new unsightly lump under clothing. Nice idea but epic fail!
Gore: Comfortable, tacks, good spacing, height fine.
Cups: * Gives a wide & low shape. * Wires too narrow. * Top of cup smooth. * Bottom of cup wrinkles (breasts looking for more projection). Breast pushes wire down.
Straps: * too far apart, slip (despite center pull straps) * adjust short enough
Comfort & Fit Summary * Band too big, cups too narrow. * Ordered the 34F at the same time. Reviewed separately, but still too narrow and cups now too big. This shape is likely too projected for me. Time to move on. Read more 300 more words
Purchasing: * $58 on Amazon with free Prime shipping & returns (not Amazon Wardrobe) * available in neutrals plus seasonal fun colors
Band: * One layer of stretch, opaque knit. * Elastic at top of band. * Wing support: soft seaming. * Continuous band - wires lower than wings. * Back close with 3 columns of hooks.
Straps: * ridged elastic * soft (don't stand up on their own) * full adjust * leotard back
Cups: * 5-seam (6-piece) half-cup * unpadded underwire * Top panel is stretch lace (unlined). * Lower horizontal panel is non-stretch mesh (unlined). * Remainder of cup is a non-stretch opaque knit (unlined). * Soft cups (no padding or molding).
Fit
About me: petite with wide horizontal oval, slightly conical breasts * ...average projection * wide-set (3 fingers width of space between breasts) * very wide roots (extend past the mid-axillary line) * even horizontal fullness (just barely outer full) * short root height, average vertical placement * mix of firm & soft tissue (front molds to shape of bra, sides push wimpy wires away) * conical shape (but will squish to round) * full on top (2/4 shape, not even or very full) - BUT functionally even to FOB due to short roots and soft tissue * petite (5'3") so have narrow frame * front (anterior) rib flares
Band: * length: back rides up * wings: height good * no axillary skin spillage
Gore: Comfortable, tacks, good spacing, height fine.
Cups: * Gives a pointy shape. (Not a problem for me, but others prefer to avoid.) * Wires wide enough (SO RARE). * Top of cup smooth on larger breast. Slight wrinkles on smaller breast. * Bottom of cup filled nicely (enough immediate projection). * Outside edge of cups in armpit but comfy.
Straps: * too far apart, slip * adjust short enough
Comfort & Fit Summary * The black fabric with white pin-stripes is super cute yet sophisticated. And flattering. * Band too big, cup size good. * Try 30F. By the measurements, cup likely too narrow. However, Fantasie has soft wires, so might work. * By the measurements table for this style, a 30FF would probably be a better cup width, but all colors are sold-out on Amazon. Read more 232 more words
Purchasing: * $76 on Amazon with free Prime shipping & returns (not Amazon Wardrobe) * available only in navy & beige
Band: * One layer of stretch, opaque knit. * Elastic at top of band. * Wing support: soft seaming. * Continuous band - wires lower than wings. * Back close with 3 columns of hooks.
Straps: * Elastic has lacy edges to help prevent slider from moving. * stiff (stand up on their own) * full adjust (lace on straps does NOT interfere with slider) * leotard back
Cups: * 3-seam (4-piece) half-cup * unpadded, flexible underwire * Outer fabric of all panels is a lace that stretches horizontally only (no vertical stretch). * Top panel is unlined. Rest of cup lined ...with a non-stretch opaque knit. * Soft cups (no padding or molding).
Fit
About me: petite with wide horizontal oval, slightly conical breasts * average projection * wide-set (3 fingers width of space between breasts) * very wide roots (extend past the mid-axillary line) * even horizontal fullness (just barely outer full) * short root height, average vertical placement * mix of firm & soft tissue (front molds to shape of bra, sides push wimpy wires away) * conical shape (but will squish to round) * full on top (2/4 shape, not even or very full) - BUT functionally even to FOB due to short roots and soft tissue * petite (5'3") so have narrow frame * front (anterior) rib flares
Band: * length: back rides up * wings: height good * axillary skin spillage
Gore: Comfortable, tacks, good spacing, height fine.
Cups: * Gives an flat, round shape. * Wires wide enough (SO RARE). * Top of cup smooth. * Bottom of cup wrinkles (breasts looking for more projection).
Straps: * too far apart, slip * adjust short enough
Comfort & Fit Summary * Band too big. * Try 32E & 32F. (Update: Band still to big, cups now too narrow.) Read more 179 more words
Purchasing: * $58 on Amazon with free Prime shipping & returns (not Amazon Wardrobe) * available only in black, white, pink, and beige
Band: * One layer of a thick, stretch, opaque knit. * Elastic at top of band. * Wing support: soft seaming. * Continuous band - wires lower than wings. * Back close with 3 columns of hooks. * Hooks are padded.
Straps: * elastic has lacy edges to help prevent slider from moving * soft (don't stand up on their own) * full adjust * leotard back
Cups: * 4-seam (5-piece) half-cup * unpadded, flexible underwire * Top edge is unlined stretch lace (horizontal stretch only, no vertical stretch). * Lower horizontal panel is a stretch opaque/sheer striped knit lined with barely ...stretchy mesh. [Note: This panel has a different construction than the same model in a 32E & 32F. In the 32E, this panel has an outer layer of a NON-stretch opaque/sheer striped knit and lined with NON-stretch mesh. In the 32F, this panel is constructed with a (2-way) stretch opaque/sheer striped knit lined with a (1-way) stretch mesh (horizontal stretch only).] * Rest of cup is a stretch opaque/sheer striped knit lined with a non-stretch opaque knit. * Soft cups (no padding or molding).
Fit
About me: petite with wide horizontal oval, slightly conical breasts * average projection * wide-set (3 fingers width of space between breasts) * very wide roots (extend past the mid-axillary line) * even horizontal fullness (just barely outer full) * short root height, average vertical placement * mix of firm & soft tissue (front molds to shape of bra, sides push wimpy wires away) * conical shape (but will squish to round) * full on top (2/4 shape, not even or very full) - BUT functionally even to FOB due to short roots and soft tissue * petite (5'3") so have narrow frame * front (anterior) rib flares
Band: * length: way too big * wings: height good * no axillary skin spillage
Gore: Comfortable, tacks, good spacing, height fine.
Cups: * Give a pleasantly round shape. * Wires too narrow. * Top of cup smooth (because so much breast tissue is outside the wires). * Bottom of cup wrinkles.
Straps: * too far apart, slip * adjust short enough
Comfort & Fit Summary * Band too big, cups too small. * Try 32E & 32F. Read more 250 more words
Purchasing: * $76 on Amazon with free Prime shipping & returns or Amazon Wardrobe * black only
Band: * One layer of stretch mesh. * Elastic at top of band. * Wing support: seaming * Continuous band - band straight under wires (a short longline, will not provide waist shaping) * Back close with 3 columns of hooks. * Extra seaming beneath each apex and where straps attach to prevent rolling/bunching. (Doesn't work.)
Straps: * smooth elastic * stiff (stand up on their own) * partial adjust (front lace prevents slider from moving) * straight back (not leotard)
Cups: * 3-seam (4-piece) half-cup * unpadded, stiff underwire * Outer fabric is black, non-stretch lace (all panels). * Top panel is unlined. Remainder ...of cup is like the a beige (not black) non-stretch mesh. * There is elastic on the top edge of cup. * Soft cups (no padding or molding).
Fit
About me: petite with wide horizontal oval, slightly conical breasts * average projection * wide-set (3 fingers width of space between breasts) * very wide roots (extend past the mid-axillary line) * even horizontal fullness (just barely outer full) * short root height, average vertical placement * mix of firm & soft tissue (front molds to shape of bra, sides push wimpy wires away) * conical shape (but will squish to round) * full on top (2/4 shape, not even or very full) - BUT functionally even to FOB due to short roots and soft tissue * petite (5'3") so have narrow frame * front (anterior) rib flares
Band: * length: way too big * wings: too short, boobs escape * no axillary skin spillage * Extended band doesn't stay extended -- it bunches up. Thus is uncomfortable and does nothing to smooth my rib flare.
Gore: Pokes -- too high. Tacks, width fine.
Cups: * Wires too narrow. * Top of cup smooth. * Bottom of cup wrinkles (not enough immediate projection at the wire). * Don't shape breasts, just covers them.
If I had this in a 32 instead of a 34, I think it would fit perfectly. Strapless bras will always be a bit finicky when you have larger boobs but if the band was tighter I think it'd stay up much more comfortably. It's a serviceable bra, it does what I need it too. The appearance is rather bland for me (I prefer a more feminine, lacy style) but I was so relieved to find a strapless bra in my size (I dropped a band size since I bought it) that I didn't really care.
This bra was professionally fitted, that is, in a lingerie shop by a woman who seemed to know what she was doing. The band is snug and the gore sits perfectly. Gives a very rounded shape (not sure what to think about that). My breasts fill out cups very well. Good tee shirt bra. Cool fabric for summer. Update after 6 months: Still fits, even though I lost 10 pounds (150 to 140) but it doesn't give enough lift to be among my favourite bras (like Chantell 3281).
Bought used so the band is stretched a bit. Not my "perfect" size but with a properly fitting gore, I am having some heartburn/reflux issues from the pressure so I'm trying different sizes. This is a 3-part cup, not the "side support" cup I'm used to. I get a tiny bit of quad-boob, which I expected as a result of trying to get the gore off my sternum, but it's not really noticeable. The sides are shorter than I'm used to and the lower height is wonderful!
It's not a perfect fit but it's so gorgeous! I like that the wires are wider than average, because that's what tends to work for me. The gore is slightly wide and very high, so if you have closer set breasts it would definitely be problematic. I have fairly wide-set breasts and it's been an issue, although I think once I break it in it'll be better. The band is really sturdy and firm, it doesn't seem like it will stretch out quickly. I'm normally a 34E, and this bra fits just a tiny bit big, however, tightening the straps a bit has minimized wrinkling.
This bra has many good features. One of the best is the shoulder straps, which are nice and long, soft, and textured so that the sliders don't slip. I love them. The band is reasonably firm, and the wire channels are covered with soft material. Fantasie bras tend to be beautifully made and pretty in a classic (maybe a little mature?) way, and the Vivienne is no exception. The lace seems comfortable and is smooth under clothes, and if it's anything like my Elodie, it'll soften even more with continued washing.
But I don't think it's going to work. I want to like this bra, but I fear that ...it's another case of the wrong shape for my body. The gore is reasonably tall and separate for a plunge, probably on the taller edge of what will work on my close-set boobs and might start to dig in by the end of the day. If you need a very plunge-y kind of plunge, Vivienne probably won't be right for you. Bigger problems for me are that while the bottoms of the cups fit reasonably well, there's quite a bit of room along the top, and the wires aren't quite wide enough or tall enough (the wires are about half an inch shorter than the top edge of the wing).
Clearly going up a cup size for wire width doesn't make sense. I'm tempted to try the 36DD to try and see if that would improve the fit overall, but I have a feeling the wires are going to feel even more narrow then. Maybe someday? Read more 156 more words
Sorry to hear the band stretched out. do you happen to have pictures of the bra?