I acquired this Envy quite cheap, secondhand from the buy/sell/swap subreddit. It's definitely been worn a few times (judging by the wear on the tag-- the lace itself seems to be in mostly solid condition). Also, it's possibly been put in the dryer, or in the washer, as the underwire seems to be slightly warped (though this could also be from age). The lace/band around the underwire won't seem to lay flat, but it doesn't affect the fit. I wanted to try the Envy, as it seemed that it might be deep enough in the cup, if loose in the stretch lace top. When I got it, I ...was right-- very comfortable, wasn't sliding out of my IMF nearly as badly, and the top lace was gaping like wild.
I decided to do a little experiment, given how inexpensive the bra was to begin with. I figured, if I ruined it, oh well-- now I know what definitely won't work. What I did was cut along the side of the stretch lace against the side panel of the bra, on each side. I also cut about .5" along the bottom (making an L shape and freeing the edge of the lace from the side panel of the bra). Then, I pulled the stretch lace tighter, about .5" or so at the widest point, and sewed it back on in an angle, so that the excess lace on the side made a triangle shape-- the widest point being at the top of the cup, the tip of the triangle at the bottom corner.
Doing this small and easy alteration proved to make all the difference-- there was now no gaping along the top edge at all. Of course, doing this does have one drawback-- as I only narrowed the top of the cup but not the bottom part of the cup, there will be a slight "nipple" in the fabric by the corner of the lace/side panel due to the extra fabric on the bottom accommodating for the shorter length of lace on top. However, it is barely noticeable, and definitely cannot be seen under shirts. If it were possible to do the alteration on the other side of the cup, the sides where the lace attaches near the gore, I think the alteration would come out a little nicer-- but there is just no extra room to sew. I'll also admit that I did this project as a complete novice seamstress; I can barely sew a button. The black textured lace on the outside of the bra saved my ugly stitches-- they are completely hidden in the fabric/color.
I also noted that I had a nicer, more rounded shape after tightening the lace-- which makes sense. The gaping, loose lace was not providing any extra support, while now it is. Overall, I don't think I would attempt this with a brand new, expensive bra. This is probably best saved for cheaper ones that you don't mind ruining, but I am pleased to say that this is officially my best fitting bra. Having wide/short roots with a lot of projection has proved to be a challenge for me... sometimes, you have to be creative! Read more 422 more words
black colorway
This bra's measurements have been altered
I cut the stretch lace on top near the side panels, pulled it about .5" tighter, then restitched it in place. This prevents the stretch lace from gaping like crazy.
Yay for successful alterations....and cheap bras ;-) ;-)
Love it! Would love to see pictures of the alterations. There are a few bras I would like to do this to.
Sounds like a significant improvement! I, too, would love to see pictures. I'm having trouble visualizing all the steps.
I will post them up shortly! :) Just gotta get my photographer (my boyfriend) to help me out. I meant to take some of the bra before I did the alteration, but forgot until I had already finished the first cup. I will comment back when they're up!
I'm going to add these pictures to my bratabase listing as well, but here is the imgur album that has some captions/explanations. Let me know if you have any questions/what you think! :)
You know, looking at these pictures, the wires look like they are way too narrow for me. Maybe the could stand to be slightly wider, but truthfully, I was very comfortable in this bra. If anything, the wires could be a bit shorter, though.
I've tried a few sizes of the Idina plunge now, and it fits me very strangely. It's close in a lot of ways, but doesn't quite work for the shape of my breasts.
First thing first, it runs small in the band and in the cups. It's not unusual for me to end up in a 36 band because of my v-shaped back, but the 34 hurt and created huge underarm rolls. As others have said, definitely consider going up a band size and a cup size.
The Idina is a beautifully made, relatively plain bra with pretty details. The copper-toned hardware is a nice touch, and the lined lace ...is soft and comfortable from the beginning. I think I must be exactly between cup sizes in this bra. The E was too small all over. I had some quadboob that the elastic at the top of the cups seemed to make worse, and, while I liked the side support, the wires were definitely sitting on breast tissue under my arms. The F, though, feels too big in several ways. The wires are (finally) in the right place to contain my wide wide roots, but now there's gapping at the top of the cups (although the elastic helps) and the cups are deep enough that I can't fill the bottom, either.
The gore is quite tall for a plunge, and while I'm sure a lot of people would appreciate that as a feature, it's not comfortable for me. While I don't want to let go of a bra that has wide enough wires, I'm giving up on the Idina now. I wanted to like it, but it just doesn't work. Read more 170 more words
This is an old size (I've lost a bunch of weight) which I've since donated. I'll be reviewing my current 32G size shortly.
This smooths everything out and works well with bottom-heavy breasts. No cleavage, everything separated and encapsulated, although since my breasts are pretty separate anyway that's no issue. One issue I ran into was the underwires being long and poking me in the armpit in this size- my breasts are set high, so if you are similar or petite otherwise you may experience a similar problem.
Unlike other Panache bras I've tried, the band is reasonably stretchy. Comfy when I was that size, I didn't feel like I was being cut in half.
When the fitter put me in this bra, it was great, but when it arrived by mail, it had the four-boob effect that I can't stand. Perhaps the fitter's bra had been stretched out over time.
I'm going to exchange the F for an FF to see if that fixes the problem. I've been told that Panache created the FF to meet the fuller cup needs between an F and a G.
My experience with my other Panache FF, which is very comfortable, makes me think I can expect the same from this one. I've only worn it for fitting, however, so can't comment on real life wear.
Purchased at Deuxieme Peau in Montreal QC in May 2023. The main fit issue is the wrinkles at the top. This bra is the favorite one of my now ex-boyfriend, due to the color and the additional cleavage straps.
The wires on this are too narrow for me, which causes them to stretch and then pivot away from my body, causing the top of the gore to dig in. This a beautiful bra, and even looks good on me. But it doesn't fit my shape so it hurts. It's a great shape, good lift, good fabric and build quality.
Overall good quality. The lace is as soft as I could probably expect and the fabric feels high quality. However, the gore comes up quite high and digs into my sternum, the bottom of the band rolls slightly and the straps are not fully adjustable.
I’ve worn Clara before at a different size. This particular bra seems stretchier than I remember but is a different colorway. The shape of the cup is definitely wider than that of the Envy and Jasmine, as well as less projected, but isn’t uncomfortable, nor does it look weird. The outer top of the bra, where straps meet cups, fits very well with my Tail of Spence. There is no quadding at the top of the bra. I have to make sure I pull the bottom of the cup up as far as I can because my IMF is less rounded than the wires of the cup.
Very similar to the Envy and Sculptresse Chi Chi, both also by Panache. Gives great lift and projection but holds the boobs separate so it doesn't create a cleavage. Also comes with beautiful matching underwear.
Very comfortable, good shape, smooth and invisible under clothes, and even gives good cleavage. Prettier than most T-shirt bras due to the golden colour and slightly shimmery straps.
When I first wore it I found it very tight and quite painful. The gore bruised my sternum and I thought I'd made a mistake in buying it. However, after a few days' wear it became much more comfortable and now I can hardly tell I have it on.
This is a great bra for FOB shapes with soft tissue, since the stretchy lace allows the bra to conform to the upper breast rather than gapping. I had to size up in the band, it runs small (I'm usually a 34FF).
Bluebell colorway
This bra's measurements have been altered
Bent the underwire ever so slightly away from the body, didn't really affect measurements.
Slightly pointy profile, similar to the Andorra but not quite as bad. The center gore lays flat but there's some pressure against my sternum at the top of it. The wires may just need to be bent a bit, but I'm still undecided if I'll keep it or return it. My nipples rest juuust at or above the seam where the solid cup meets the lace top, so that's a bit awkward and doesn't help the shape issue.
Pointy profile, strange cup shape in general. The side cup support sort of squishes then it goes into a full lace - kind of uneven? Band seems a shade tight. Will likely return.
I am decently projected, so most bras gap at the gore and have extra room at the top and sides of the cup. This bra, however, is perfect. It not only supports, it lifts the girls up. It felt a little tight at first, but I got used to the snug fit.
It is pretty smooth, but the seams are slightly visible under thinner, tighter clothing,
Yay for successful alterations....and cheap bras ;-) ;-)