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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Updated on Jan 07, 2013 Flag this

The cups have exactly the same cut as the Masquerade Georgiana (5471). It's a 3-part half cup with two vertical seams. The cups are quite shallow and wide, and therefore definitely shallow-friendly.

The cups are deeply red with a black lace overlay. There's a small black lace trim at the top of the cups and the straps, but not too much frilly stuff.
It looks smooth under T-shirts, but the seams show through.
The straps have some adornments too, and I'm not a big fan of that because it looks really weird under tanktops.

The band runs somewhat stretchy, but it feels stable at the widest hook. A sister size down was too tight on me.

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Updated on Jul 11, 2015 Flag this

One of my first purchases in the adventures of buying a well-fitting bra, and I clearly had no idea of my shape or requirements.

I bought this one because I wanted a plunge (to accommodate close-set breasts) and the reviews indicated this one worked for wide-rooted, shallow breasts. Which I thought I was.

At first I ordered the 32E because I'd read that masquerade bands ran very firm*, but the band was too loose and the cups seemed at least two sizes large, so I exchanged for a 30E. Should've ordered the 30F.

The top edge of the cup is quite loose or open, so even though this ... is clearly a cup size too small for me, I don't get any cutting in, so the bra is still perfectly wearable.

Cups definitely run a full size large in this bra, as my size is 30FF in pretty much every other bra I own.

*More correctly, they don't have a lot of give in them, and so don't really stretch out. If you normally wear stretchy bands, you might want to size up in masquerade; otherwise, my advice would be to stick with your normal band size.
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Updated on Aug 17, 2014 Flag this

This is perfect on my larger side, but gapes on my smaller. Doesn't have a lot of immediate projection in the bottom of the cups, which can lead to wrinkles. The gore is a little wide for my close set breasts. The bra in Mulberry colourway is gorgeous, and gives a lovely shape, Marie Antoinette cleavage. I may alter this bra to fit my smaller side. Band is nice and tight for a 30 btw.

Updated on Aug 27, 2013 Flag this

I love Masquerade Antoinette design in every colour. I already have the bra so I decided to buy the corset. The red and teal versions are my favourite. I own it in red in 30E and in teal in 32DD.

As this model is discontinued, I bought it used. I decided to try my regular size (30E) even if this colourway is known for running small in the cups.
The design is just perfect, matching a black lace with a red background was a very good idea. As in the bra, the center gore is decorated with plastic red beads, the straps are velvet and unstretchy in front.

Concerning the ... fit, I have to confirm that the red version have smaller cups. I have the quad boob effect and the center gore doesn't lay flat. I think it's because the cups are just not as deep as in a regular 30E, even if the width is normal, they are “flat” in my opinion. I have also the impression, comparing to my Masquerade Antoinette bra, that the cup fit in a corset is slightly different than in a normal bra because the cups are pushed up by the vertical wires and the large band much higher. This added to the "boudoir" design, the overall effect is very nice.
The band is ok on the tightest hook and I don't think it'll stretch anymore. This corset is used, I suppose the new one would be tighter.

Even if this corset doesn't fit me perfectly, I decided to keep it as I'm not going to wear it every day but only on special occasions.
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Updated on Aug 25, 2013 Flag this

This was a little obsession of mine, I just had to have it so even knowing I'm a 28 back size I bought 30. I fasten it in the tightest hooks and even so I feel it could be tighter in the waist area (possibly not their fault once I do have a tiny waist...). In spite of not being the perfect fit it is comfortable, the wires do not poke and though they don't lay completely flat against my chest in the center I can feel my bust is being supported and it's a cup deepness problem rather than the band being loose.

Updated on Jun 15, 2011 Flag this

This bra is super cute! The quality of the fabric is nice and I like the pattern. A high gore is new for me, but I must say I think I like it. It makes me feel more secure? The band is stretchy, it might be slightly stretched out from the original size as it is used. The cups enclose all of my tissue, but unfortunately I don’t fill them all the way up. I do enjoy it enough that I think I might just add a small stitch near the gore as that would fix the problem.

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 Flag this

Oh my goodness. I have never tried a bra cut like this before but I love it. The straps are a bit wider set than I am used to, but it doesn’t feel like a problem. I never see my cleavage as I’ve only really owned full coverage bras but it’s so nice to see. The lace detailing is so fun and I absolutely adore the color! In general it seems like a good fit. It makes me interested in trying more in this style.

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 Flag this

Beautiful! I wish I filled this out, the satin is so pretty but very wrinkly on me. The wires are really wide, and the cup is too big. Maybe a cup size down would work, or that and a band size as well. I would wear the heck out of this, even though the straps are pretty wide on me.

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Updated on Apr 20, 2023 Flag this

This bra is too wide and too large in the cup for me. The straps are too wide on me as well. Otherwise, this bra seems really comfortable. The band seems normal for the size, so I had to tighten it down to the tightest hook.

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Updated on Apr 20, 2023 Flag this

This bra is lightly padded with two-part (vertical seam) foam cups. The straps are thin and velvet on the outside. There is a bow on the gore with a decorative bead hanging from it. The floral lace covers the cups entirely and comes up just above the tops of the cups. The wings are mesh. There are three rows, two hooks each.

As others have mentioned, the seam across the top is quite prominent and does show under most tops and only thicker sweaters will hide it.

Fit-wise, the cups run a bit wide and overall the bra is pretty shallow. The cups are definitely short in height, though they are open at the top so this may still work for average or tall roots.

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Updated on Jan 02, 2023 Flag this

Runs HUGE - at least two cup sizes too large with awfully tall cups! The high wires rub and irritate my armpits and a few inches below them and the wires seem to always cause discomfort, just from how high the go.
The band also runs so large - I altered it down 3.5-4" and it's still 30" unstretched, thankfully it's quite firm and stretches to about 34-35"
Silicone lining on the tops and bottoms of the side panels, and the front panel is too long on me

This bra's measurements have been altered

Altered band,

Updated on Jan 10, 2021 Flag this

Mesh lining on the inside, comfortable other than the front panel being too long for my torso.
Silicone lining about 1/4" tall along the tops of the side panels (but not the bottom)
No modesty panel covering the hook and eye closures
Silky satin on the outside that makes me worried I'll dirty it if I can every wear it out

Updated on Jan 10, 2021 Flag this

This bra fits me well, but the top edge of the cup is thick and doesn't lay totally flat. The edge design is very visible under T-shirts, so unfortunately I can't keep this.

Updated on Jun 05, 2018 Flag this

This bra was the first bra I ever bought post /r/abrathatfits. I am in love with the colorway and have tried it in at least 3 sizes now. I may have to admit defeat. The cups are just to tall for me.

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Updated on Dec 23, 2017 Flag this

Handsome, is that a weird adjective to describe a bra? Other reviewers who liked the two-toned sapphire color and appearance are spot on: it's a great everyday bra with a subtle attractiveness to it. Basic without the boring. Evening-to-night wear, for sure: invisible under clothes (eve the seams), extremely comfortable and practical, stays put, no re-adjusting necessary, supportive. Flattering lift and shape - a little "on a plate" (from the bottom) and a little "soft hills". Quality is what I expected from Masquerade (good, imo).

Now, technically, this bra doesn't *really* fit me, as I get some orange-in-a-glass at the wire, but doesn't feel less supportive and there's ... no comfort issues, and no gaping which for me seems like black magic. Bf didn't notice the issue until I pointed it out, and it's not at all noticeable once you've popped your shirt on. Got this from another bratabase user, very grateful, will wear this well!

Edit: man, I must've lost weight between writing this review and taking the pics - check out the extra space at the top of the cup. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />
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Updated on Nov 18, 2017 Flag this

Got this from another bratabase user and was excited when it came in. I like most everything about this bra. The color and sheen is nice, the lace that looks pretty but is practical, i.e. smooth and invisible under shirts - just like the upper rim of the cups. The band runs tts and the straps don't slip. Nice shape, sublty sexy in every way. Very comfortable - excellent t-shirt bra.
But.
Too big in the cups for me. Not the bra's fault, but mine. Not visibly too big under a t-shirt, but I probably need a cup size (maybe two...?) less, although then there might have been depth issues. (Not nearly as shallow as other moulded bras I've tried though!) I've been struggling with my size recently (weight fluctuation, I'm growing tired of measuring and re-measuring), so am in doubt whether to re-list or hold on to it in case I can actually wear it someday.

Updated on Oct 11, 2017 Flag this

Update 2/3/2017: fits pretty well, really like this style/shape--the sides are wide enough to keep my wandering breast tissue under control. That being said, I have a couple of complaints: there is a seam that runs right down the middle of the cup (and thus my nipple)--not comfy!; the straps are slightly too wide for me, and itch where they attach to the cup; the gore got super uncomfortable/painful by the end of the day (14 hrs).

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Updated on Feb 04, 2017 Flag this

Fits very similar to my 28F Rhea that's also the Ice colourway. The band is prone to riding up no matter how tight/snug/loose I wear it and the cups are far from an ideal fit. Gorgeous and almost luxurious (bad band), but not ABTF for me.

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Updated on Feb 01, 2017 Flag this

Very comfortable and quite (comfortably!) padded. Easily the most padded bra I own. To be clear, the padding is even, no "push" up cushions on the side or bottom of the cups. The inside of the cups feels like soft and gentle cotton. The band is just too big for me, as it should be at a size or two above what fits me. Even so it seemed stretchy. the cups are fairly narrow and projected, and I think would be better for someone even or top heavy. I think the cups are TTS or a bit big, the cup is open on top an allows for a ... more flexible fit (I'm not sure how much impact a loose band had on all this) I'm not sure if I'm unlucky or if the bra was more used than it appeared, but one of the straps shredded in the washer (I know, I know. I had little choice).

Although I like this bra and would like it in my size, I haven't gotten around to altering this one. Let alone another. Unless a tight 28 comes out, I need sewing practice or a looser band, I'm about done with this model.

Rixie clip edit - Damn this is a stretchy band. I have the clip as far back as it can go, and this feels like a 28 or so. Apparently the cups are a pretty okay fit! No gaping like before, a bit of quadding on my bigger breast. The shape looks . .mildly lumpy? On top of that the satin above the lace trim tightens and cuts in a lot. Like a strapless dress with a snug or tight ribbon top cuts in. It makes the shape absolutely irredeemable, which if the top wasnt so warping, would be like an up-tilted L rounded out.

The wires are wide, but they must be soft as well. I don't feel them, even though they're almost wrapping around.

The straps, I think mainly the bow, is quite itchy. Wide set straps, but this is a sister size. The straps are in the fat just beside my armpits. Not ideal, but if the fabric wasn't irritating I wouldn't mind since this is a bandeau style. The cups and band are still really comfortable.


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Updated on Jan 19, 2017 Flag this