Finally, a fitting bra! Boob twin, this one is a YES. Scoop one up if you can still find them on discount sites.
I tried this on when it arrived and I refuse to take it off just to measure it so I'll do that another day. It is firm but comfortable in the band, supportive, brings my boobs forward, doesn't smush them flat, and feels great!
The only downsides:
The shape it gives is pointy. For me, this is not an issue, but I know some people are dead set on a rounded shape. I think it looks just fine under a t-shirt but if you are more into foam moulded bras, this might be too big a first step in the other direction.
Also, the label is super itchy. I don't like cutting off bra labels so for now I have the tags tucked so they dangle down my back below the band.
I'm sure I'll have more thoughts as I begin to break this in.
Yea, I'm with you on this one. I love my Andorra. Personally, I like the shape it gives me.
I like my Andorra's as well, but it took a while before they didn't make every inch of skin the bras come in contact with ITCHY. I don't know if it's something they treat the bras with before they go out to retailers or what, but boobs, where the band touches the sides and back, and to a lesser extent where the straps are worn being itchy as heck makes it hard not to start scratching like crazy while in public places and no off-to-the-side area to do some covert scratching.
I think there is actually empty space within the cups, but it's not enough affect the fit significantly. It doesn't cut in badly.
The band is too large for me as a 28 (I think it runs TTS), but on the tightest hooks it is okay. I wore it to lunch and then ran up 5 flights of stairs, and it did not move around too much.
It ...has a high gore which I like, but may not work for a lot of people who need low gores for strapless bras.
I worry that the straps would not stay on if used--the hooks don't seem to fit as securely as seen in many other bras. However, the loops where it hooks onto the bra are much closer to the center than in many strapless bras, which is awesome! This prevents the straps from being too wideset. That was a great move on Panache's part, as many companies put them too far to the side. Read more 97 more words
For reference, my measurements are: 1: 30.5 2: 27 3: 36 4: 37.5 5: 35.5 Size: 30F or 28FF Full on top, slightly wide roots.
Good: It's cute. The gore tacks.
Bad: This bra is so uncomfortable for me. Although I can stretch the band reasonably, it feels too tight. No matter how I adjust it, it feels like it's sitting too low on my ribcage and poking in. I believe the wires may just be a bad shape for me.
Additionally, I believe this bra would better fit someone whose breasts are fuller on bottom. The cup was slightly loose all over, but I wouldn't be able to size down because the top of the cup slightly cut into my tissue. It created a bit of a quad-boob, but I believe that it would be a problem if I were to get a smaller cup size.
Overall, I think the bra runs true to size. I would imagine that it would look and feel good on a lady with a smallish ribcage and full-on-bottom breasts.
First impression: Wasn't sure I'd like the dark rose color scheme, but it's nice. Main color is burgundy, with reds and purples. Fit: Band is snug but not unreasonably so. I'm between 32/34 and panache runs firm so I sister sized to 34G instead of 32GG. Could have gotten the 32 but would have needed an extender to break it in. Straps are a very wideset, and super bothersome for me. Gore is too high for me, but I'm very close set. It didn't bother me for the 5 minutes I had it on, but it might with extended wear. The highest I've regularly worn is 3.5" I think. ... Wires are very narrow for panache from my experience. Feel great. Cups are projected front and center. Looks and feels great, No gaping or loose edge. Only 2 hooks on 34G. Appearance: It's alright. I like the cut of the bra, and will consider it in other colors (the new ivory? yes please) Lattice and pointed detailing on the upper cup is a neat touch that sets it aside from other bras that are just straight across Read more 76 more words
First impression: so pretty! pale ballet pink. Would probably work great as a nude for very light skin tones/people that never wear white. Love the delicate rose embroidery on the upper cup and dot embroidery (like Marcie) on the lower cup Fit: Band is very snug. I'm between 32/34 and panache runs firm so I sister sized to 34G instead of 32GG. Definitely a good decision. Will probably break in with an extender. Straps are a smidge wideset, but tolerable. Gore is too wide and high for me, but I'm very close set. It didn't bother me for the 5 minutes I had it on, but it probably would ...with extended wear. Wires are very narrow for panache from my experience. Feel great. Cups are slightly minimizing and very slightly east west. I prefer a very projected look (and would wear bullet bras if I could) but it isn't too bad. Top section of the cup is very soft and stretchy. Like microfiber panties, the seamless kind. Only 2 hooks on 34G. I would guess 3 hooks starts at GG since another user has a 3 hook Olivia Appearance: soooo pretty. I may consider repurchasing this bra in the future, once it goes on sale. I love the color and embroidery, I'd just have to fuss with the gore.
So its similar to the floris but not quite the same, huh? It does look slightly less projected and . . higher? than the floris?
Pretty darn similar in my opinion. The lesser projection could be due to the gore being slightly wider and the different material. It's only a little higher at the strap attachment. I don't feel like the cup is significantly taller than floris. :)
Thank you so much!! I'm very excited for june!
Thank you from me too, that means it's probably not for me, I don't need anything higher or more East/west, or with wider gore than Floris so this was really helpful for me
To start: my breasts are pendulous, soft tissue, short but wide roots, a splayed but somewhat close together, with a downward facing apex.
I'm not entirely used to wearing a 36 band (formerly a 42), but I was shocked by how comfortable it is! The material is stretchy without misshaping, and the wires have good flex without being deformed by the stretch. They snap back nicely. The internal seams are nice and smooth and after about 10 mins I'm not even aware that I'm wearing a seamed bra. (I'm only aware at all because I'm really conscious of seams.) It's not 100% as smooth as a moulded cup looks ...through a shirt, but as long as the shirt isn't very thin or clingy, it should go pretty well. The stretchy lace at the top of the cup forgives all manner of sins, and since I'm fairly even (as far as I know), it's great.
One thing I love especially is that the lace is not scratchy at all, and the bow between the cups is sewn on in the right place that it never pokes at you. The lace edge at the bottom of the gore and along part of the bottom of the cups is soft too!
To top it all off, when I showed my fiancé he was... Um, impressed? It's a very sexy bra, while being comfortable, and with out me hanging out all over. I was so afraid to make the jump to properly sized bras because I had the idea that "big" bras were all ugly cone-boob monstrosities.
My husband really liked my Envy, in black! Unfortunately the wires push down on me and end up very painful after about 6 hours. I hope this keeps working well for you!
dbmamaz I hope so too! I wore it for couple hours yesterday, and it was still great, but time will tell. Especially if/when things migrate.
I think the Envy is a really comfortable bra. Also - it really holds up after a lot of wears. Mine that I have had for about 6 months still looks brand new.
This is the only bra I have right now that "fits". Since I am new to proper fitting bras,I'm still uncertain if it's actually the most correct fit but it works for me. Both breasts fit fine after swoop n scoop,although since the right one is so much smaller there is a slight but very unnoticeable gap in the top of the cup. When I got the bra it was almost unbearable to wear because the band was so tight,but being new to this I though "oh that must mean I need to break it in!". It did eventually get looser and now aside from the fabric being ... itchy and rough (accidentally dried it),it fits great! I love how thin the fabric is and the lace is so lovely. I have to go buy some silk fabric to slip over the straps as they irritate my skin badly. As you can see from the pics it has already got wear on it just from being worn so much. I'm really hoping to find a bra that fits me like this one but with a softer fabric. It doesn't make my breasts look that spectacular,but it sure beats the god awful target/walmart bras I've been wearing my whole life. Read more 101 more words
I ordered this bra because it was on sale on amazon for $30, and I love how it looks.
Technically, it doesn't fit me - it's just the wrong shape for my breasts. It's too open on the top for me, and doesn't have quite enough immediate projection on the bottom. However, it's amazingly comfortable. The straps aren't too wide, the wires are the right width for me, the band is nicely snug, it's really pretty...
I played around with pinching closed the gaping fabric on the top, and doing so makes it look good and fit nicely - closing off the top seems to change the shape enough that the lack of space in the bottom becomes less of an issue. . So I'm keeping it anyway, as a quick alteration project.
I've owned this bra for a while and I'm refining my review!
This is the prettiest bra I've owned in a long time (which might be more a comment on me) but my husband LOVES the look of the black lace. And of course, that makes me feel pretty!
This bra gives a lovely round shape and I feel very lifted and supported. The stretch lace means that my bigger side isnt quadding and my smaller side isnt gapping, which is hard to find - I have a very big size difference.
However, it is really too shallow for me at the bottom. I need more immediate projection than this bra has. The result is that the bra is pushed down lower on my ribcage, causing the wires to really hurt me. I keep bending the wires, and each time I wear it I seem to be able to tolerate it a little longer. So I might not want to wear this to work, but its fine for shorter outings.
Too bad it doesn't fit, because it otherwise looks great on you. And it's a very pretty bra. It looks good under your top, too. I *love* that top!
Thanks - i swear i got that top at walmart ages ago? Idk, maybe it was kohls. But I kept the bra - its getting more comfortable each time I wear it - i dont put on my real bras often, tho - i really dont leave the house much, and there's no way I'm strapping hardware on my chest to sit around and play world of warcraft and cook dinner and homeschool the kid
If it feels like strapping hardware onto your chest, then I don't blame you for not wearing your real bras often. I'm glad you kept this bra, though. Feeling pretty because someone special to you LOVES the look on you, is priceless.
--Kristine
The other day when I was wearing my floris, I made my husband feel under the wire - he was surprised how hard and thick it is. To support a j cup up high on a 32 ribcage takes some serious force. and i've always been pretty sensitive. Its better now - in high school I couldnt stand a bra with a seam over the nipple. It was too irritating. But that doesnt bother me any more
but in high school I couldnt find any 32s, so I wore 34s which were not so tight.
Yea, that floris looks like a pretty serious bit of engineering. I think very few guys understand how much mass and force are involved, and the consequent materials requirements. And then to make it attractive at the same time!
I am by no means petite, but I couldn't imagine what it would be like if I were a 40J.
--Kristine
So, 6 months later here, I can wear this bra a full day? Once I finally bought 2 new floris, NOW this baby breaks in? LOL Idk, maybe its because it fits different when I'm on my cycle? I seem to have random good/bad days for some bras.
but I'm glad I kept it, and I COULD imagine buying it in beige some day if I really need a beige bra
I just got this bra in the mail (the blue) and I am too excited to have it to take it off and measure it just yet. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> It's the first bra I have ever had where my breasts really fit in the cups.
Pros: -Sized perfectly for me -- right band, right cup. Tacks better than any bra I've ever owned. -great support. -Great color! -Pattern doesn't show through, at least not through the tank top I'm wearing -Underwire is level with band, not below it, which reeeally helps it sit in the right place at the base of my breasts. -Pretty good lift.
Cons: -Sits pretty close to the root of my breast but still slips down a tiny bit; possibly I can fiddle with how I wear it it as it wears in and fix that, though it may be that my breasts are a little shallow for the cup. -Gives pretty good lift but a pointy silhouette, at least on me.
The Panache Loretta is based on the Ariza – cut. It has narrower and lower wires compared to older Panache styles (like Tango or Harmony). My main issue with this bra is that the cups are not open enough on top for my full-on-top boobs. The top edge of the cups runs tight and cuts in. I'd probably need to size up to a 32k to get rid of some cutting in. Since it's not severe and does not really show under clothing, I just ignore it, since everything else about the 32JJ fits just right. I recommend to size up if between 2 cup sizes and if your boobs ...are full on top. The band runs true to size in my opinion. The fabric is smooth and soft, much better than the scratchy Ariza-fabric. The straps are fully adjustable. Cups are not sheer in H+ cup sizes. The color ( I got the cobalt blue) is even more pretty than on the pictures.
edit: march 2014. I owned this bra now for 3 months and it's too small now. I get now visible quadboob, also I realized that the cut is all wrong for me, I won't try another one in a bigger size. The top section runs just too tight for my full on top boobs. A bigger size will not make the issue go away. Read more 117 more words
The good: above average support for bottom-heavy boobs, love the skinnier straps and narrow centre front for narrow shoulders and close-set breasts. Pretty colour.
The bad: wires dig in at sternum and under armpit. Don't think they're too high, almost like the cups tilt into the body (bottom to top) and they poke at the top. Fabric on bra wings is pretty stretchy so don't expect this one to be particularly long-wearing. Also, the bottom band curls up on one side and out on the other after the first wearing or two (maybe because it is less stretchy than the mesh? See photos.) The narrow edge of the band can dig in at the bottom on the side that curls in.
I tried this on in Bravissimo last week. Think Cleo shape in Superbra branding. Hurrah! This is the first Panache main line bra to fit me perfectly, so I hope the Floris cut is going to stick around. The shape is fabulous; the same as the Melissa/Bella/Ellis etc (not Marcie). The shape is helped by the cup construction, but also by the fairly stiff fabric; the upper section is an unusual sort of gauzey fabric rather than lace. It's probably not very forgiving if you're very full on top.
Despite the measurements here on bratabase suggesting to the contrary, I do think the bra runs a cup ...size large compared to Cleo. The 30DD Floris fits me perfectly, whereas I wear an E cup in those Cleo lines. The band is more generous too, but not problematically so. Unfortunately I didn't buy the bra so I can't provide measurements.
I'm not entirely sold on the appearance (the colour doesn't really suit my pasty skin), but I am on the shape. I would love to see the Floris appear in a continuity colour - if you're listening Panache, I'd buy several! Read more 84 more words
I was so excited to try the Envy because it is based off of my beloved Jasmine. I got the nude color. Unfortunately there is a couple of little differences that make it a deal breaker. The center gore is a little wider than on the Jasmine, spreading out my boobs more. The side support panels are also little wider than on the Jasmine. These two elements together make my breasts look wider from the front and the bra digs into my armpits a little bit. As drownedsalad mentioned on the comments on this post, http://www.bratabase.com/profile/6uk/adventures/2597/ I think this is based more on ...the Emily frame with the Jasmine stretched lace on top. The center gore is identical to that of Emily (I've never tried the Emily, observation based off pictures). Also the gore feels slightly lower on the Envy and the cups angle down more as opposed to Jasmines which are more straight across. It also gives a lovely round shape. The sizing is consistent with Jasmine. I also wear a 34H in Jasmine. It's a lovely bra but if you are looking for an exact replica of Jasmine this ain't it. Sadly I had to send this one back. Read more 98 more words
I'm not sure about shallow, it's been awhile since I tried this bra. I think it would definitely work for a wider frame. The stretch lace probably makes it compatible with many shapes. You can most likely size down if the cups are too big without fear of quadding.
This bra has trumped my 38HH Cleo Lucy as my best fitting bra. Thanks to the recommendation of an active bratabase/abtf user I went to Nordstrom to try this bra today. It fit like a dream and there was no way I was leaving the store without it! I think I have a mental aversion to the words "full cup" but this still manages to look super cute, even in a simple color like "Pearl". If you have a wide breast root, definitely try this bra. The band rolls up a bit on me under the cups, but that doesn't effect the fit really. It just can't be helped because of all my weird squishy fat from my 90 pound (and still going) weightloss in the last year and a half. Happy boobs!
This bra fit my wide, even breast shape quite well and cooperated fully with my petite stature and high root. It also gave a lifted, projecting, rounded silhouette that I liked very much.
My only grip was that the cups did not have any side support, and were not cut guide breast tissue forward. If anything I felt like the opposite was happening and that what little forward projecting breast tissue I had was somewhat being pulled around to my sides. The photos don't at all show this to be the case, but I certainly felt like my arms were hitting my side boob an awful lot more than ...normal.
The vintage colorway is quite beautiful and classic, especially with the delicate lace overlay on the cups and elegant lace trim at the bottom of the gore and cup rims. This would make a great "invisible" bra as the Vintage color is a basic beige nude sheer while the seams and lace on the cups are virtually undetectable under clothing.
The band on this bra is quite firm; it stretches very easily for a few inches and then just stops. It's quite bizarre. But I am a fan of both the reasonable tension and the maximum stretched length of this bra, as it keeps things firm without them being uncomfortable.
All around a fantastic bra. Someone with less need for side support would do absolutely beautifully in it. If it had a side support panel, I'd buy ten and wear them to work. The seams perfectly aligned with my nipple for modesty, the sheer beige was a perfect no-show shade under tops, an the patterning was subtle enough to leave no bumps in my outerwear. What more could you want? Read more 178 more words
I wonder if you could add side support slings inside the cup. They look relatively simple to construct, and you could attach it to the strap, then tack it down along the cup until you reach the base of the cup. I remember the side supports in my Andorra were tacked along the outer edge of the cup but not on the other side. Might be worth a shot if you got this cheap enough and you otherwise love it!
For the sake of curiosity and after nearly paying off my Amazon credit card, I paid full price for that baby: $62! It's going back whether I love it or not lol
Definitely not a bad idea though... if I run into one listed here on Bratabase or ebay that might be a worthwhile project!
I've had this bra forever - it's still in use because the band was so firm to start with - as are the straps. It's pretty full coverage for a balconette, in a very lovely way. The fabric, as with all the Tangos, is totally firm and supportive. The lift on this bra isn't awesome. It contains more than it lifts. I don't wear it often, but I like it a lot. The wires are really wide and high, though. Not optimal for narrow frames and those requiring shorter wires at the underarm. (I'm short and short waisted and the side wires are too high...)
I bought this bra first in 32HH, which was way too big in the cup. I exchanged it into H-cup and this is the result. Pros: - very pretty - soft material, feels good against the skin - sturdy band, true to size - natural, understated shape - good support
Cons: - cups are bell-like and deep, and there's something strange in their shape. The highest point of the breast is below the nipple => profile is droopy. Not by much and it doesn't show under a thicker shirt, but still. I wouldn't call this shape "balconette". - Won't suit top-full breasts as the top of the cup is tight. Quadraboob is ...a hairsbreadth away! - cups are spaced out wide. - the underwires are still quite high.
Despite this bra not being a perfect fit, I'll keep it. It's not bad by any means, just not perfect á la Freya Lacey.
*** Edit: The Elsa softens considerably after a few washes and seems to shape itself according to my breasts. Result: it's REALLY comfortable! Okay, so the shape is not my preferred EM perky, but the bra is so wonderful to wear that I'll forgive that little detail.
What is great about this bra is the soft lace, the soft lining in the cups and the soft material of the wings. This is one of the most comfortable bras that I have held in my hands, very nice to the touch.
It doesn't quite fit me right though because the cup shape is completely wrong for me. I am very bottom heavy without a lot of volume on top with very soft breasts. In many bras I got a sort of a ski jump shape on top of my breasts. The Panache Emily however is made for women who are full on top and have firm breasts. ...
In the Panache Emily I cannot fill out the top, thus my breasts droop downward and the cup feels very unstable. I can skip rope in the Tango II Balconette, in the Panache Emily I have to be careful about moving at all. At the same time the wires are too narrow for me, they cut into the side and I cannot push them far upward enough for them to sit into the fold of my breasts.
Another problem I have with this bra are the straps. These are very narrow and very stretchy for a bra in this size. The stretchy straps contribute to the feeling that the bra is unstable, plus they cut into the flesh. When I shorten the straps to get lence bounce the seam between the cup and the Side Support panel starts cutting into my breasts, giving me in-cup quadboob. The in-cup quadboob issue might be less of a problem for somebody with firm breasts though.
The band on this bra was very tight. Normally I can close Freya bras and the Tango in a 38 band. It feels too tight, but I can close it. In the Emily I had to use several extenders to try this bra on.
I think the cup of the bra might be cut a bit deeper than the average Panache bra. Aside from that the bra that is IMO very similar to the Panache Emily is the Panache Ariza in terms of general shape it gives and breast shapes it is suited for. Read more 257 more words
This bra doesn't fit me at all. (I bought it some years ago on clearance, non-returnable, and it has been sitting in a bin of clothes to sell for a while. It didn't fit me when I first got it and it doesn't fit me now.)
The wires are, I think, a little narrower than some other Panache bras, although the center gore is fairly wide. The cups are very shallow, and seem to run around one cup size small. Definitely not good for full-on-bottom breasts, as it is especially shallow towards the bottom of the cups.
The cups themselves are three sections: one small inner lower section, one ...large outer lower section (which makes up the majority of the cup) and a small upper section which is non-stretchy lace. The lower sections come up quite high. The lower sections are satin with a lace overlay, lined with some kind of mesh-y material.
The straps are not as much of a problem as far as digging into my arms as some other balconettes, although this may be because of the narrower cups, that are definitely too small. The straps material is nice, padded but still smooth, and a good width. They are only partially adjustable, with a ring separating the two sections of strap.
This is a partial band bra, with the cups sticking below the band. The band is made of stretch lace, which is very pretty, and quite soft and comfortable, if not that secure-feeling. The band is *extremely* stretchy. It's possible they changed this on future versions of this bra, because it doesn't seem like everyone thinks this, but on this specific bra, the band is very stretchy indeed. (As in, this bra, marked a 32, would fit someone who usually takes a 36, I think.) I close it on the tightest hook, and I can pull it quite far away from my body. It's not a ton bigger than some Panache 34's I've tried, but some, I think.
So all in all, this bra which is marked 32JJ, I think fits more like 34HH/36H, and will work best on someone who is full on top, and has boobs set low on the chest and shallow at the bottom. If you like the color, it is pretty, with the lace and everything. Read more 274 more words
Oh thanks! This review confirms for me why Sienna didn't work on me! The wires on me felt very narrow as well so it's good someone confirms this! Also the description about the construction confirms my theory that had this bra had better wires it would fit me well. So no Sienna for me.
Yea, I'm with you on this one. I love my Andorra. Personally, I like the shape it gives me.