Envy is a fantastic Panache classic. I already own it in 30D, but I wanted to purchase a new one for my current size. Unfortunately, I have found that some Panache styles are just designed for more upper fullness than I have, so sizing up to my current sister size doesn't work. Envy in 30DD fits me the same way that Jasmine and Olivia fit me in 30DD-- the upper cup is just too empty in this size despite the underwire and bottom cup being a good fit. It looks like for the time being, I'll have to stick to the 30D, which is ... technically a size too small and a bit small in the underwire and bottom cup.
Envy is a 4 piece cup shape with side sling. Unlike Fantasie's side support bras, which can give a bit of a pointy appearance and have terrible pulling from the straps and side support panel, Envy gives a consistently round shape in this size range. The bottom cup and side sling are tricot-lined houndstooth lace with some natural stretch while maintaining good support. The upper cup is pretty stretch floral lace with no edge elastic. Compared to Fantasie's side support styles, the center seam of many Panache side support styles is much more curved and rounded with more projection and more closed off upper cups. The shape and construction of Envy is actually quite similar to Orianne, which I also own in 30DD and found totally wearable with foam liners. Sometimes just changing the fabric from rigid to stretch can make a huge difference in the fit!
I remember when I was a 28DD that the 30D Envy was too big on me, as the band was both too loose and the cup was a bit empty and wrinkly at the top. Now, the 30D Envy fits quite well, though I can tell the bottom cup and wires are a bit small. It looks like the smaller bottom cup is helping to push my tissue upward to fill the upper cup, since I have a short breast shape but naturally tall roots. In the 30DD, my breast tissue sits at the bottom of the cup where it should, but there is not enough upper fullness to fill out the upper cup. If this were the only issue with this size, I would've kept it and worn it with foam inserts like I decided to do with Orianne, since the inserts smooth out upper fullness and give me a round shape. However, the upper cup of this bra seems to be proportionately too wide for me, since the edge of the outer sling cuts into my underarm area and is quite uncomfortable. I am surprised at this issue because none of my Panache bras have ever had this issue on me, regardless of size. Since it rubs against my skin with every movement, sadly I won't be able to keep this bra.
In addition, since the cups are a bit roomy at the top, the band once again feels too loose, though the measurement is quite similar to my 30D. In the past I just assumed that Panache bands ran big, but now I realize that this only occurs when the cups are a bit too large. Therefore, I'd say this band is decently firm and true to size. It is made from powermesh with a gentle leotard back. Straps are medium width textured elastic, and the bra is trimmed with small bows at the strap attachments and center gore. The cradle is decorated with lace in the front, and features a crossover elastic construction at the bottom of the gore for additional stability.
Thanks to its stretch lace construction, Envy is a style that can work in a size down if you are not FOT enough to fill out the upper cup. I'll be sticking with Envy and Olivia in a smaller size for the time being. This also means it is a great option if your breast size tends to fluctuate, as the stretch allows you to accommodate up to one size larger. Overall, I still love Envy and hope to add another one to my closet, as it is a perfect everyday unlined bra.
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Updated on Jun 28, 2020 Flag this
In the picture with your arm raised I feel like the wire is so clearly poking into your breast tissue. Are you in any pain, I’ve got goosebumps just looking at the pinching. I think you definitely need wider wires and panache is probably not going to be your brand. I’d try Freya and natori next. Let me know your thoughts