This review is for the Masquerade Rhea size 28F in the colour Antique.

Bra description:

A luxurious-looking bra out of matt satin and intricate detailed lace in a beautiful but difficult to describe colour. None of the images I've seen online does it justice. It's a kind of delicate greyish pinkish sandish slightly-darker-than-nude hue -- a light rose or mauve taupe comes to mind. Anyway, even though it's definitely not nude, it's an excellent and definitely more romantic alternative for a neutral-coloured bra, which is exactly what I was looking for. The centre gore is adorned with a bow and a tiny sparkly pendant. As said, the lace is intricate ... and expensive-looking. It's not entirely flat so it might show slightly under tight, thin, clingy clothes. The zigzag stitched seams are much less noticeable in real life than online images suggest although, again, they might show under tight, clingy clothes. The cups are only thinly padded, but the material feels quite sturdy, almost stiff. They are lined with soft and comfortable cotton. Straps are only partly adjustable. The non-adjustable part is completely non-stetchy and covered with the same satin the cups are made of, which feels quite comfortable. The wings are made out of two layers of a perfectly matching stretch satin. There is no boning in the wings.

Bra fit:

I must say, I am impressed. First of all, it kind of sort of fits!!! Secondly, this bra gives me the kind of shape I was expecting from Ewa Michalak's CHP, but that one didn't work for me AT ALL. The cup shaping keeps the breasts close to the chest, pushing them upwards for an uplifted, separated, and rounded 'Regency'-type cleavage. Compared to my Ewa Michalak CH there is a lot less projection and I first thought my breasts looked slightly flattened and almost 'minimised', (*) but it's actually really not a bad look bad at all. I do like the shape a lot: it's simply a bit more subtle than the shape I get in my CH and a bit more wearable for that reason as well. I know others consider this a look for 'special occasions', but I'm also happy with for a more everyday appearance. The cup height is quite perfect on me and there's only the slightest of gapping when I move my arms and shoulders. The only real gripe I have with the cups is the slight irregularity at the bottom of the front most cup seam: for some reason there is a bit of diagonal pull in the cups that makes this part pucker. I'm very tempted to slip in a thin piece of boning to straighten it out as it's just such a shame in such an otherwise beautiful bra. (**)

Technically, the wires are probably slightly too wide for me (judging by the marks they leave on my skin; it really isn't noticeable as such while wearing the bra), but not uncomfortably so. I actually think I prefer them this way, at least as long as I'm still breastfeeding. Unlike the Curvy Kate Tease Me I tried several weeks ago I do not notice the wires in this Rhea at all: no poking or pinching anywhere. The centre gore lies nice and flat and exerts zero pressure on my sternum. The tight band stretches the wires somewhat (hence maybe also the diagonal pull in the cups?), but they do not seem to distort significantly and the bottom of the cups isn't noticeably flattened. My breasts fill out the bottom of the cups reasonably well and the cups do not slip down like they did in the Tease Me and the CHP I tried.

The strap placement is a bit too wide for optimum comfort, but it *just* works. The slight gapping of the cups when I move my arms is mostly due to the wide strap placement. The fact the straps are only partly adjustable is a bigger problem: as I have a very short upper torso I have to tighten them almost all the way to prevent them slipping off my shoulders.The material of the non adjustable part feels sturdy and comfortable. The zigzag stitching isn't the most aesthetically pleasing, but it doesn't bother as much as I thought it would.

The band is really a tad too snug for a 28 band, but it does work for me. I'd say it's about as tight the band on my 65E PL Onyks if not slightly tighter and it really is every bit as tight as I can take. I wouldn't want it any tighter, but one band size up will almost certainly be too loose. (***) I measure 69cm/27" underbust -- someone who measures in as a solid 28 I'd strongly advise sizing up. The band is shaped slightly funny in that it seems the wings to curve up rather than down. This makes it feel as if the band rides up in the back, even though it really doesn't. Simply takes some getting used to, I suppose. Apart from the fact I wouldn't have minded a cm or two more room, my only real issue with the band is the lack of side seam boning and/or the lack of a powernet lining in the wings: the tightness of the band of course doesn't help, but -- I think at least partly due to the fact that the satin the wings are made off is so much stretchier than the edging elastic -- the band wrinkles and causes slight discomfort. Side seam boning and a sturdier powernet lining would allow a more even distribution of the band tension along the entire height of the wings (not just along the elastic edges) and would almost certainly result in more comfort.

Conclusion:

The Masquerade Rhea truly is an Almost Perfect Bra for me. I don't think the shape it gives is as glorious as what Ewa Michalak achieves -- I do prefer the slightly more projected shape I get from my HM Gold -- and I do have some issues with the fit and construction, but really, despite its minor imperfections it is an amazing piece! Anyway, I'm now sorely tempted to get it in all colours available plus, of course the matching knickers https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

Edited To Add:

I tried this bra with an extender and I must admit it fits much more comfortably that way. Of course, with the worst of the strain off the band and the wires it shows the cups are actually too big: they do gap quite a bit. I'm going to try this bra in a band size up and a cup size down, ergo in 30DD -- I'm thinking I should get a pretty decent fit in that size.

Edited to Add, The Sequel:

So, I was taking some photo's today to list this bra for sale as I had concluded previously it fits me too tightly in the band. I had even gone so far to order a band size up ... but before proceeding with the listing I decided to try it on once more as I'm having a Difficult Boob Day and my (only) other fitting bra doesn't fit comfortably at all. 'Lo and behold, miss Rhea fits me so well today, it's as if it's a different bra. I don't even notice the snugness -- what's up with that?! So, here I am, editing this review AGAIN and quite probably deciding to keeping this bra after all. I now have a 28E on the way as well to try when I'm feeling 'smaller'. Heck, why not order a set in black too?! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />

Edited To Add, The Really Final Version:

(*) (**) After trying this bra in a 30 band as well, I have a strong suspicion that both the flattened shape and the puckering in the bottom of the cups are the result of diagonal tension in the cup caused by a 'too tight' band. Don't ask me why -- I'm almost thinking it is actually a design or construction flaw that has to do with fabric grain or something. It is also slightly funny, because the 28 band certainly doesn't FEEL too tight on my 69 ribcage (it feels tight, but not TOO tight) and the wires don't really seem as distorted as I've seen them in other bras with much looser bands (Bravissimo Mademoiselle ... ?).

(***) Surprisingly, a band size up seem to work just fine. The band is not very stretchy to begin with and I haven't notice the 30 riding up on me at all. At 27" I'm obviously just in between band sizes so maybe that's why it works for me, but for what it's worth, if you experience a flattened shape and/or pucker in the bottom of the cup, try going up a band size. I myself definitely got a better shape that way.

The Masquerade Rhea is a mysterious bra. I've now tried it on in four different sizes and for some odd reason they all seem to fit. My breast size and density fluctuates (due to breastfeeding), but even though there may be as much a three cups sizes difference between my 'smallest' and my 'biggest' shape, these changes are not very clearly reflected in my actual measurements. Believe me, I quadruple checked! True, these four bras may not all fit the same at the same moment, but for Bratabase recommendation purposes I cannot say of any one of them that it doesn't fit under the current measurements at all. For what it's worth though, I have decided I get a better shape in a 30 band, so this one is probably going to be listed soon ...
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jan 02, 2013 Flag this

This bra is now a little small for me, but it is still wearable. The only problem this causes me is that under the arm the underwire sits on the tissue of my larger breast.

The first time I received this bra one of the hooks was not properly sewn in, but once I returned it for a new one I found no problems and it feels like a very well-made, good-quality bra. The satin material feels luxurious and I love the Mulberry colour. The cups are lined with cotton for comfort.

The vertical seams on the cups provide excellent uplift and a rounded shape. From the side it looks ... slightly minimising, as this cup construction often can, but I feel like most of my bust is up front rather pushed back around my ribcage, as is often the case with Panache.

The straps are only partly adjustable, which was an initial cause for concern for me. However, I haven't found this a problem, despite usually having to shorten straps quite a lot.
The bra is fastened with two hooks in my size (28FF).

The bra comes up very high in the centre, which I usually find causes it to dig in. This was the case at first, but after a couple of wears it no longer did. The underwires are very slim, which means the centre gore is narrower than on any of my other balconette bras. This is great for me as my boobs are very close together at the top.

The band is not particularly stretchy and I'm still on the loosest hook after a couple of months of wear.

The thick lace edging shows under tight tops, but is generally OK under most things. I think it's a great bra for everyday luxury. My only major complaint is that the matching knickers run large. I usually wear an 8-10 and the 8 in these are very large on me. I tried a couple of pairs and found some to be bigger than others, so that suggests an inconsistency in sizing.
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Mar 20, 2012 Flag this

laura_144

594 reputation

126 bras

This review is for Rhea in 32DD and the antique colourway. I got it inexpensively from the outlet section of a large lingerie onlineshop. I knew I had to order it for sience (bra science!), although I was quite sure it would not work for my shape (tall, medium width roots, even fulness, medium projection, self-supporting, usually a 30E).
Rhea surprised me in several ways.

- First of all, the band: I had expected that I'd needed to take it in, but this 32 band works just fine on my 27"/29" ribcage. I can't speak for every colourway, but this Rhea in antique definitely runs tighter!
- The cups also fit ... me quite well, with some minor gaping at the center but that's totally tolerable.

- Rhea's look, feel and fit is quite similar to the Masquerade Georgiana (5471), a bra that many people with wide root shallow boobs (and other shapes as well) love and cherish. The band and straps are nearly identical, however, Georgiana is stretchier in the band.
- The cups are similar at first sight (lightly padded halfcup cut with two vertical seams), and both bras are less than 3/4 coverage, but there is a subtle difference: Georgiana's cup edges are sloping down slightly towards the center gore, making the bra higher at the sides and lower at the gore - a typical 'balconette' shape. Rhea's cups, in contrary, have the same height all over, the rims are perfectly horizontal and give the bra a 'bandeau' kind of look.
- Therefore, Rhea's cups have slightly more volume overall. The bra requires some more upper and/or center fulness than Georgiana.
- Cup width is similar in both, I'd consider this a typical Cleo/Panache wire width.
- Also, Rhea's cups are definitely sturdier than Georgiana's and feel stiff in comparison.

I wouldn't recommend Rhea to people with wide root shallow boobs unless they have a) a certain amount of projection or fulness at the center or b) a FoT shape. The cups will gape on people that are FoB or don't have enough center fulness.

- Appearance: Rhea works for me as a skintone-ish coloured bra and doesn't show through light, loose-fitting clothing. The shape is slightly minimized in profile, but it does create some 'cakes on a plate' kind of cleavage.
I noticed that the bra has boxy appearance to it, because the seams are quite stiff and prominent, and the horizontal lace trim also shows through tight shirts.
It probably works best under tops with boat neck necklines.
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antique colorway

Updated on Jul 04, 2016 Flag this

What can I say about this bra??? Well when I put it on it was like instant love. Soft smooth fabric, gorgeous cream color. Soft straps. Well the straps are not the prettiest, they have a zig zag stitch that I do not particularly care for. They are also adjusted pretty far down already, so there is not much room for stretching.
Before ordering this bra some research told me that it runs tighter in the band and that the top of the cup fits a little open. Both of these are true. But my larger side, the left, fits perfectly in the slightly open cup while the right has a tiny gap. Nothing worth worrying over, normal when you have two slightly different breasts.
I'm so in love with this bra! We'll see how it wears for a bit.

I met a bra yesterday that I absolutely loved. I did not think it would fit, I almost did not order it. But someone had entered in the measurements on www.bratabase.com in a size 28H. The measu...

http://bybabysrules.com/2012/01/27/fell-in-love-the-harlequin-rhea/

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Apr 29, 2012 Flag this

bybabysrules

839 reputation

96 bras

Really good fit, better than I expected! I came from r/ABraThatFits's calculator with a size of 32FF (I'm not sure about my shape, but I think I have a lot of projection, maybe full on bottom? Definitely narrow shoulders though) and expected to have some trial and error... I got this one used (but like new) and it honestly felt so good that I almost cried! The gore doesn't quite touch my sternum, but it's really close (and I'm kinda chubby/I have a stomach, so not sure if that's what it is or not). The band is also surprisingly comfy (side note: looking at how small the bra ... looked, I was honestly wondering if it'd be too small for big ol' me, who always flopped/slid out of the pretty, cute bras I'd gotten from AdoreMe. But I guess I'm more petite (just with some big tiddies) than I thought I was!). The cups also feel really, really good; smooth, comfortable, filled out well. No spilling, not even when I wiggled around or bent over!! (That's my biggest fear for any not unlined bras, I'm not used to them at all) I also like the kinda rounded shape it gives me. My only little issue is with the straps. I have narrow shoulders, so they slid off quite a bit. After adjusting the straps (aaaall the way/shortest they could go), I think that issue is fixed, though (it feels kinda strange, but I've never worn a balconette before)! I think that's more the style and less the fit itself; all in all, I'm really happy with the bra and I want another one/more that fit like this! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":D" />
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Black colorway

Updated on Sep 19, 2020 Flag this

Aesthetics: this bra is so ridiculously pretty, pale blue satin fabric with bronze embroidery. The charm on the gore is a little plastic silver heart with a rhinestone in the middle. I love the zig-zag seams. The embroidery along the top of the cups and the bottom of the band is raised and is visible under tight clothing. The band is comfortably firm but not the tightest 28 band I've ever tried. The uplift is amazing and I love the open cups.

Fitting: one size down would be better. I waited until I was retaining water to re-evaluate the fit. My larger breast almost fills the cup normally and ... does fill the cup when I am retaining water, however, my smaller breast is drowning. Obviously the gaping is less obvious when my boobs are fuller. The gaping doesn't show under t-shirts. My major problem is wire width; when I take it off, I can see that there is almost an inch of empty space on the outside of the cups! I really want to try this in 28E because of the open cups. Quadboob is a perpetual problem that I think the Rhea can handle very well, if only the wires weren't so wide.
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 09, 2013 Flag this

I bought it on a gamble, and alas it's too big on me: I can't quite fill it on top.
I normally wear a 28E for reference.
Pros:
-Tight band
-High quality materials
-Very pretty
Cons:
-Half adjustable straps
-Very wide on my small frame

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jul 08, 2013 Flag this

PetitePlentiful

1004 reputation

115 bras

This review is for the Masquerade Rhea size 30E in the colour Antique.

I tried this bra in 28F, 30E, 30DD and 28E. Of the bunch I think this 30E is the best overall fit.

Bra description:

(copied from my original review of the 28F version) A luxurious-looking bra out of matt satin and intricate detailed lace in a beautiful but difficult to describe colour. None of the images I've seen online does it justice. It's a kind of delicate greyish pinkish sandish slightly-darker-than-nude hue -- a light rose or mauve taupe comes to mind. Anyway, even though it's definitely not nude, it's an excellent and definitely more romantic alternative for ... a neutral-coloured bra, which is exactly what I was looking for. The centre gore is adorned with a bow and a tiny sparkly pendant. As said, the lace is intricate and expensive-looking. It's not entirely flat so it might show slightly under tight, thin, clingy clothes. The zigzag stitched seams are much less noticeable in real life than online images suggest although, again, they might show under tight, clingy clothes. The cups are only thinly padded, but the material feels quite sturdy, almost stiff. They are lined with soft and comfortable cotton. Straps are only partly adjustable. The non-adjustable part is completely non-stetchy and covered with the same satin the cups are made of, which feels quite comfortable. The wings are made out of two layers of a perfectly matching stretch satin. There is no boning in the wings.

Bra fit:

(partly copied from my original review of the 28F version) I must say, I am impressed. First of all, it kind of sort of fits!!! Secondly, this bra gives me the kind of shape I was expecting from Ewa Michalak's CHP, but that one didn't work for me AT ALL. The cup shaping keeps the breasts close to the chest, pushing them upwards for an uplifted, separated, and rounded 'Regency'-type cleavage. Compared to my Ewa Michalak CH there is slightly less projection, but the difference isn't as great as in the 28 band versions and it's actually really a very nice look. I do like the shape a lot: it's simply a bit more subtle than the shape I get in my CH and a bit more wearable for that reason as well. I know others consider this a look for 'special occasions', but I'm also happy with for a more everyday appearance. The cup height is quite perfect on me and there's only the slightest of gapping when I move my arms and shoulders, but as far as I know this is almost unavoidable with padded/molded cups, especially on smaller chests. The slight irregularity at the bottom of the front most cup seam that bothered me in the 28 band versions I tried is much less in this 30 band version, although it isn't entirely gone: for some reason there is a bit of diagonal pull in the cups that makes this part pucker. I'm very tempted to slip in a thin piece of boning to straighten it out as it's just such a shame in such an otherwise beautiful bra.

The wires are quite fine for me in this size, better than in the 28F. Unlike the Curvy Kate Tease Me I tried several weeks ago I do not notice the wires in this Rhea at all: no poking or pinching anywhere. The centre gore lies nice and flat and exerts zero pressure on my sternum. My breasts fill out the bottom of the cups reasonably well and the cups do not slip down like they did in the Tease Me and the CHP I tried.

The strap placement is wide but not too wide in this size. Again, it's decidedly better than in the 28F. The slight gapping of the cups when I move my arms is probably at least partly due to the wide strap placement, but then again, as far as I know this type of gapping happens in almost all padded/moulded cups, especially on smaller chests. The fact the straps are only partly adjustable is a bigger problem: as I have a very short upper torso I have to tighten them almost all the way to prevent them slipping off my shoulders.The material of the non adjustable part feels sturdy and comfortable. The zigzag stitching isn't the most aesthetically pleasing, but it doesn't bother as much as I thought it would.

The 30 band is suprisingly fine on my 69cm/27" ribcage, even though stretched it measures about 4cm more than what I've come to consider ideal. The brand isn't very stretchy to begin with and it doesn't ride up at all at the loosest hook. Still, if I wish I can still fasten it a bit tighter: I've noticed that switching between the hooks affects the fit of the cups somewhat -- moreso than what I've noticed in other bras -- which makes this 30 band much more flexible size-wise than the 28 versions I tried earlier. The band is shaped slightly funny in that it seems the wings to curve up rather than down. This makes it feel as if the band rides up in the back, even though it really doesn't. Simply takes some getting used to, I suppose. My only issue with the band is the lack of side seam boning and/or the lack of a powernet lining in the wings: tightness is less og an issue than in the 28 versions, but -- I think at least partly due to the fact that the satin the wings are made off is so much stretchier than the edging elastic -- the band wrinkles and most strain is put on the elastic edges. Side seam boning and a sturdier powernet lining would allow a more even distribution of the band tension along the entire height of the wings (not just along the elastic edges) and would almost certainly result in more comfort.

Conclusion:

Now that I've tried this bra in a 30 band as well, I have a strong suspicion that both the flattened shape and the puckering in the bottom of the cups I noticed in the otherwise fitting 28 band versions are the result of diagonal tension in the cup caused by a 'too tight' band. Don't ask me why -- I'm almost thinking it is actually a design or construction flaw that has to do with fabric grain or something. It is also slightly funny, because the 28 band certainly doesn't FEEL too tight on my 69 ribcage (it feels tight, but not TOO tight) and the wires don't really seem as distorted as I've seen them in other bras with much looser bands (Bravissimo Mademoiselle ... ?).

Surprisingly, a band size up seem to work just fine. The band is not very stretchy to begin with and I haven't notice this 30 riding up on me at all. At 27" I'm obviously just in between band sizes so maybe that's why it works for me, but for what it's worth, if you experience a flattened shape and/or pucker in the bottom of the cup, try going up a band size. I myself definitely got a better shape that way.

The Masquerade Rhea is a mysterious bra. I've now tried it on in four different sizes and for some odd reason they all seem to fit. My breast size and density fluctuates (due to breastfeeding), but even though there may be as much a three cups sizes difference between my 'smallest' and my 'biggest' shape, these changes are not very clearly reflected in my actual measurements. Believe me, I quadruple checked! True, these four bras may not all fit the same at the same moment, but for Bratabase recommendation purposes I cannot say of any one of them that it doesn't fit under the current measurements at all.

The Masquerade Rhea truly is an Almost Perfect Bra for me. I don't think the shape it gives is as glorious as what Ewa Michalak achieves -- although in some ways this shape does suit me better and I think this model certainly FITS me better than some of the Ewa Michalak styles -- and I do have some issues with the fit and construction, but really, despite its minor imperfections it is an amazing piece! Anyway, I'm now sorely tempted to get it in all colours available plus, of course the matching knickers https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />
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1293 more words

Updated on Jan 07, 2013 Flag this

I ordered this bra because I was looking for something to give that super-uplifted, rounded cleavage that is great for scoop neck and other similar low-cut tops. I got basic black because most of my nicer tops are black or other darker colors, so if it peeked through, it wouldn't be a big deal. I like the shape of the Curvy Kate Tease Me, but I have yet to get it in the correct size, so I was hoping the Rhea would be the answer to my prayers.

I read many reviews saying the band was very firm and tight, so I ordered a 34. ... I should have gotten a 32, as I was able to wear it on the tightest hook immediately.

Pros:

*Lovely materials....the bra itself is gorgeous

Cons:

*The straps are not fully adjustable. I'm 5'4", so I usually need to adjust my straps quite a bit. I had to adjust these as far as they would go, and it still didn't seem enough.
*The cups are too tall. My breasts are very bottom heavy and soft, and even though these cups are supposed to lift everything up quite a bit, I felt the cup material was hiding all of the cleavage I wanted to be shown! The Curvy Kate Tease Me cups are slightly lower, which I think works better for me.
*Only 2 hooks, which doesn't feel supportive enough for me. I think the lack of hooks and the fact that the straps aren't fully adjustable makes this bra a deal-breaker. CK Tease Me has 3 hooks and fully adjustable straps.

I think I will return the bra and keep on searching for a Tease Me or other half cup bra to suit my needs.
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Dec 24, 2012 Flag this

I bought my first bra from another bratabase user which arrived this morning, the Massquerade Rhea. Success! It's The tiniest bit big in the cup but I'm my smallest time of the month and it will fit my bigger days. It has nice wide wires with a shallow cup fairly open on top which is perfect for me. There is pretty lace along top of cup but it does show through tight tops. I was fully aware the straps we're only half adjustable which sadly don't quite go small enough which may stop the very small gap at the top of the cup but the straps will stay ... up and the gap isn't noticeable under clothes. It's similar to my Cleo Maddie but the cup is a bit bigger overall, which is what I was after. Maddie is quite small in the cup for the size. Compared to the Maddie, the gore and the outside of the wires come up a little higher which suits me as I think the Maddie is a little too short for me. I'm very pleased with this bra, it's just sad it's not made anymore! If anyone knows of a reinvented version let me know. In the meantime, I have another colour of the same bra on its way to me.
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Antique colorway

Updated on Sep 02, 2016 Flag this