My initial experiences with Parfait was with their unlined bras in 30D, and I simply hated them. The weird, narrow, horseshoe-shaped wires really soured my opinion of the brand. However, after having much success with Parfait's padded styles recently, I decided to give their unlined styles another shot. Ava is an unlined 3 piece cup with a decorative outer sling, which makes it different from Fantasie or Parfait's side support styles. I was surprised to find out that this worked out quite well for me!
It looks like the biggest issue with Parfait's bras is the underwire shape, as their bras are cut for a ... narrower shape compared to brands like Cleo and Freya. Fantasie's wires can also be a bit narrow, but the wire shape is a consistent curve, while Parfait tends to have weirdly horseshoe-shaped wires that are rather flat on the bottom with a harsh curve to create a U shape. It is this wire incompatibility that made their bras not fit me in 30D, because the cup depth was fine, but the wires did not sit right on me. Ava seems to have more flexible wires than the past styles I tried, so while they do have some of this odd shape, they flex horizontally when worn and open up to the correct wire shape for me. Still, in order to make this bra really comfortable, I will have to open up the wires a bit to keep them in this position. As is, the wires fit, but I can feel that they cause some discomfort in the current shape.
Wire shape aside, the rest of the bra works out for me quite well. Since it isn't a true side support style, the cups give me a nice, rounded shape without any weird pulling from the side support panel. Measurements are not too far off from the Fantasie side support styles that fit me well, other than the narrower wires. The diagonal upper cup is a good size and shape for me, without being too projected or closed off. There is a strip of stabilizing elastic at the upper edge, which is pretty stretchy and won't dig into tall roots or upper tissue.
The biggest difference in fit for me between this and a Fantasie bra is that the band is nicely TTS instead of overly large. I think making firm bands is where Parfait really stands out, and I have also been quite pleased with the quality of their fabrics, except in the Irene Unlined Bra and the newer versions of Charlotte. They managed to make a double layered soft lace band of medium width that actually feels firm and supportive. I wish all brands learned how to make this construction so we can have delicate-looking bands that actually do their job!
Overall, I am very pleased with the quality of this bra due to the design, fabric, and construction. The main fabric is soft printed microfiber with a slightly peached feel compared to Fantasie and Freya's printed microfiber fabric. This printed fabric is used for the main cup, cradle, and decorative outer sling. The upper cup and wings are made from double lined black lace with a soft and silky feel. Straps are medium width plain elastic, and the only decoration are three fabric covered buttons at the center gore. I think the buttons are a little strange with the overall design and think this would've been prettier with bows at the strap attachment and center gore. I also found that the print of honeysuckle, lilacs, water lilies, and freesias looks quite muddy and unattractive. The promotional photos online are totally different as the colors are bright and clear against the black background. I don't know why the print looks so dingy in person, but it's the main thing that I dislike about the bra and I am considering returning it because of this.
Despite the ugly print execution, I am pleasantly surprised by this bra, and happy with the overall fit. With a few wire adjustments, this is a better style for me than Fantasie's similar bras with huge bands. I have ordered the Parfait Unlined Casey bra in Black Rose print, hoping that it is the same fit with a more attractive pattern. Overall, another winner from Parfait!
Update: I bent the wires into a gentler C curve and increased the cup width from 11 cm to 12.5 cm, eliminating all discomfort from the wires. Now the bra fits well on the tightest hook since the band became a bit longer in the process, so I may alter down the band later.
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Black Floral colorway
Updated on Jun 27, 2020 Flag this