Shape: round, projected, even to FoB, close set, on the narrow end of average root width.

So, typically I fit splendidly in a UK 30E, but it's clear from other reviews that the cups run a size big in this bra. I kept my band size, sized down in the cups, and here we are with a 30DD. I haven't tried any of the other colorways, but once I heard that the Floral Shimmer ran much more narrow and projected it seemed prudent to give it a shot. And it's a great fit!

Pros: Compared to the much wider wires of the Panache bras I typically wear, these are ... nicely narrow and run about even with my tail of spence. The gore is higher than I would expect for a plunge cut, but it is more comfortable than my other high gore balconnets - I wonder if this is due to how projected the cups are? The projection is more accommodating to my center fullness, which usually leaves the gore resting uncomfortably on breast tissue. Not in this! The overall shape/side profile is VERY up, at-attention, and forward. Under shirts, it legitimately looks like I grew a full cup size or two thanks to the deep, projected cups. This could be a pro or con depending on whether you prefer a minimized look. Lastly, it's super comfy! The shiny fabric and interior cup foam is lovely and soft and it's basically invisible under (darker) t-shirts. Thumbs up.

Cons: This looks like a swimsuit. I'm not kidding! The thick molded cups coupled with the shiny print fabric give off a serious swimsuit vibe, especially paired with the matching bottoms (as a side note, I have 38" hips / 27" waist and the size small high waist briefs fit perfectly). Not a huge issue for me, just something to be aware of if you care about it. Also, if you have *any* asymmetry, the cups will not be forgiving. The bra fit perfectly to my larger breast, but I get a touch of gapping on my smaller side. It's not extreme, but again, something to be aware of especially if you have pronounced asymmetry. Cookies would probably help.

Overall, I'm very pleased. This is such a different fit to what I'm used to in my typical Panaches and Cleos, and I think I might have to hunt down more narrow, projected bras. I'm hooked.
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Floral Shimmer colorway

Updated on Aug 31, 2016 Flag this

I had long admired the Parfait Charlotte from afar, knowing that the fit would be a horrible mismatch with my shape. Luckily PetiteCollegiate reviewed the new Floral Shimmer colorway and revealed that it’s actually narrow and projected! So I couldn’t help but order this from Large Cup Lingerie during a sale, especially with the free shipping they provide. It was recommended to size down 1-2 cups for this colorway, depending on your fullness. I decided to size down one cup size since I’m more FoT, and it turned out to be quite correct. I was amazed already when I opened the package at how deep and ... narrow the cups were! Cup depth and wire width indeed measure very similar to a 60HH Comexim plunge.

Although Charlotte fits pretty well, it’s not perfect for me for two reasons. First, the cups close in quite abruptly at the top. It doesn’t cause major quadboob but I'm still bulging over near the center, especially my bigger left breast. And I cannot wear this during the bigger times of a month. I think that extremely FoT/tall-rooted girls may want to stick to their usual cup size, or skip this one. Secondly, the gore is pretty wide. It’s apparently narrower than in the previous colors, but there is still space between the wires. And well, basically any gore that is higher than 5.5-6 cm will sit on my breast tissue. The wires are firm enough to kind of tack, but not so much that they would try to stab my boobs (like Panache ones).

The band runs pretty tight, and it fits me perfectly on the loosest hooks. The cups are very sturdy. Charlotte feels very supportive and pretty comfortable. Still, I can feel that I’m wearing it, and it’s not necessarily something I’d choose to wear on a day off.

As an unpopular opinion, I was not incredibly fascinated by the new colorway of Charlotte, and would have preferred the older dusty rose or peach versions. I just loved those color combinations, and I felt that the seam pattern was more apparent and the style more vintage-looking in the solid-colored ones. However, now that I’m holding this beauty in my hands (or on my boobs) I don’t really mind so much anymore. I have never seen a pattern like this. It's just incredible.

I also got the briefs in size S, because XS wasn’t available (Large Cup Lingerie team told that Parfait had decided not to make them). Unfortunately, these were quite big on me and baggy in the back, so I returned them. However, this bra would look great with any pair of black panties.

Despite small fit issues, I’m very happy for this beautiful and original addition to my bradrobe!
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Floral Shimmer colorway

Updated on Jun 23, 2016 Flag this

I made a little comparison of Charlotte in 30E in Red and Charlotte in 30DD in new Floral Shimmer. Floral Shimmer has definitely bigger and deeper cups which are also close on top. For full review look at my blog.

Review of new cut of favourite Parfait Charlotte.

http://www.abracabra.cz/2016/06/parfait-charlotte-2.html

Floral Shimmer colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jun 22, 2016 Flag this

AbracaBra

583 reputation

26 bras

This bra is looooovely, it feels really supportive, very much like sexy scaffolding. The wires don't feel too wide on me, I think because they don't get warped when the band stretches, so they're pretty mid-width. I'd prefer a touch narrower, but they don't dig or irritate due to the width. The band is a bit big on me (I think I'm about a 30K in most bras now) but it doesn't ride up much, I think due to how wonderfully wide the four-hook band is.

I have fairly even upper/lower fullness and it works well for me on that count, but from what I gather it isn't ... the best for very full-on-top, so I think it's more a bra for in between or full-on-bottom breasts. It isn't particularly deep or shallow, it feels more mid-depth all over, which means I have slight overspill towards the centre and some empty space at the straps (I'm more centre heavy). The gore is quite tall, so it lifts very slightly due to me being close-set, and I get a bit of empty space at the bottom. I don't think this is a depth thing, I think it's down to the main issue with this bra - the very tall sides. I don't think I've owned a bra so tall at the sides before, though it doesn't dig so much as slightly irritate and get pushed down.

I'm a UK 14-16 in clothes (medium in Freya briefs, 40 in Ewa Michalak, 16-18 in Curvy Kate.) and I found the XL high waist briefs to be a good fit, if anyone was considering getting the full set. It's a lovely set, I think I will keep it, though I might have to see if it's possible to lower the armhole.
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Recently, the lingerie world has been buzzing after a certain announcement from Parfait by Affinitas. Until now they have stocked 30-40 D-G, but in June they announced that they would be expanding ...

http://www.brasandbodyimage.com/2013/09/07/feeling-peachy-in-parfaits-charlotte/

Updated on Sep 07, 2013 Flag this

brasandbodyimage

1043 reputation

88 bras

"The dainty Charlotte - Frankenbra or manufacturing error?" (a covid-induced review of a misfit bra)

The Parfait Charlotte bra is a very well-known, I'd almost say *infamous* style in the full-bust community.
It is currently way past it's heyday, but can still be found in most full-bust online bra stores. Around 2012-2013 however, Charlotte was one hell of a staple style - see the extensive list of bra-bloggers featuring it, at the bottom of this blog review: https://www.sweetnothingsnyc.com/2013/11/18/review-g-style-from-parfait-charlotte-bra-and-high-waist-brief/.

(side note: don't you miss bra bloggers? There used to be so many. Sigh.)

Since I really loved the pin-uppy appearance; I had tried two previous colorways of Charlotte (... class="mentioned-item">32H - Parfait By Affinitas » Charlotte Padded Bra (6901) 32GG - Parfait By Affinitas » Charlotte Padded Bra (6901) ) but sadly, had to admit that those didn't really work for me. The construction was really 'industrial' with super thick padding, little projection and verrry wide-set straps. The lack of projection made me size up to unmanageable amounts of bra, with excess material everywhere. If they hadn't been so darn uncomfortable, I honestly could have used them as a sports bra (or body armor, for that matter).

Some blog posts (https://www.bigcuplittlecup.net/big-little-cup-review-parfait-affinitas-charlotte-floral-shimmer-30gg-30d/ https://comicsgirlsneedbras.com/2016/06/03/parfait-charlotte-floral-shimmer-review-comparison/) mentioned some time later on, that the new 'Floral Shimmer' version (2016) was a much different fit, and aesthetically I really liked its monochromatic design! But I was still skeptical about the fit, considering the lack of wear any of my OG Charlottes ever got.

So, for the longest time, it was just on my passive wish list, maybe ending up in an eBay / BraStop basket at some point, but I never really committed to buy - and was definitely never planning on paying anything close to full price.

Fast forward to recently, when I encountered a 32G Floral Shimmer on eBay, for cheap enough that I was willing to take the chance.
However, I did notice that one thing seemed off: the ad said it had 2 hooks, in size 32G?
The way I remembered Charlotte, she had 3 or even 4 hooks, with a very thick back band overall.

After emailing the seller, they said they checked, and unexpectedly to me (I had ungraciously been counting on an error on their behalf); confirmed that this bra actually had 2 hooks?? This confused me to no end, but also made me curious... Gotta love an experiment. So yes, I bit the bullet and purchased it - and lo and behold, it's such a strange version of Charlotte!?

It did come with tags, that do say Parfait (with the logo and everything), so I don't think it's a fake / copy / rip-off.
The fabric and cup construction is exactly as pictured in reviews / other ads.

The fit, as described by BigCupLittleCup / ComicsGirlsNeedBras, is definitely different from the original Charlotte: deeper, with the apex in a different place, more similar to a Comexim plunge construction almost?

But look at those thin and flimsy shoulder straps! (they're only 1,6 cm., even thinner than the 'standard' 1,8 cm. of regular full-bust bras!)
That 2x3 hook-and-eye closure!
That meshy, stretchy band, instead of industrial harness-like strength!

It's really strange.
Like they stuck the band and straps from a 32C onto a 32G?
As you can see on both bloggers for this exact bra in 30GG (a sister size to 32G), there should have been much wider straps, more hooks, the works!

The good news: it does fit pretty well! The projection is good for a molded bra, and while the strap placement is still too wide for me, it is much more manageable than the armpit-eater Charlotte of some years back. And while I certainly would have preferred 3x3 hooks in the back, it's not unwearable. The gore is too high for my closeness, yes, but since there is no real tack, it also doesn't poke uncomfortably.

All in all, I think I like it enough to hang onto this version of Charlotte (whereas her super-strength sisters have been long-since discarded/donated): let's just call her unique and dainty!

I'm very curious if this version is around more, and whether it has been a fitting sample experiment, a factory error, or some other malformation?
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Updated on Dec 29, 2021 Flag this

After wearing molded cups from Victoria's Secret for almost as long as I've been wearing bras, but when my size changed, I realized that a lightly lined T-shirt bra wasn't as all-purpose for me as it used to be. My figure felt sad and deflated, and so when I grew out of my comfort zone (and VS's size range!) I set off in search of something more structured that would give my figure the shape I wanted.

When I put this bra on for the first time, I'm pretty sure I heard angels sing. The wider band and straps, super soft material, and tailored, structured shape are exactly what ... I was looking for. I feel supported, the underwire actually sits under my breasts instead of an inch below, and I actually have a shape again!

One thing that will take some getting used to is the additional fabric in the wings. It comes right up under my arms, so I notice it quite a bit. It's not uncomfortable, just not something I'm used to - and when looking for something with more structure and support, it makes sense that there would need to be more fabric there. After adjusting the straps and wearing it for a little while, I'm reasonably confident I won't even notice it given enough time.

The aesthetics are sweet and pretty without being too frilly or cutesy. I (usually) like my bras to have some personality but not go too wild, and this particular design is unlike anything else I've seen while browsing. Unique is good, in this case! I've also noticed that the structured feel of this bra has been constantly encouraging me to maintain better posture. Hooray for unexpected benefits!

All in all, I adore this bra. When I have the funds, I fully intend to buy more of this in different colors.
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34:8 34FF

Does it fit? Should I pad the right side?

Parfait By Affinitas

Charlotte Padded Bra (6901)

2 suggestions

Updated on Sep 05, 2017 Flag this

My namesake bra is one of the most comfortable bras I have tried on. It feels as if I have put on one of my Panache sports bras, which are my favorites in terms of comfort and "holding" power. The padded cups have the same feel and thickness, but they are sexier and prettier than a sports bra, as they should.

The straps are large compared to other bras I have, and combined with the large band (which closes with 4 hooks!) and the sturdiness of the construction, it makes for a very "secure" bra. I can totally see myself wearing that bra everyday. But as I have tried ... it on for only a few minutes, I don't know about the quality in the long-term. As it is I can vouch for its excellent construction and comfort. But can you expect less from a bra designed in France ? (what, am I not allowed a little bit of patriotic love? lol)

I bought this bra in the bronze color, which looks a little bit darker than on the brand pictures, but it's a lovely color. It could have had more satin on the center part of the bra because as it is there is only satin on the outer part of the cups and it is a little bit less glamorous than what I expected.
I like that the straps are black, it is more discreet under clothing.

Unfortunately the band is so big I can close it to the last hooks and the center gore doesn't lay flat on my sternum. In addition to that, I have a small quadboob effect which means I need one cup larger. I am going to return this bra and order the same one in 28J.

I also have the high-waisted knickers in 2XL which are also a little bit big, but they are very cute and comfortable as well and I don't feel like I have put on my grandma"s panties.
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Updated on Feb 13, 2017 Flag this

The recommendations page on Bratabase had this bra as a good match for me, though it recommended the 30E size instead of the 32DD that I ended up getting. I absolutely fell in love with this bra's retro look and bold colors, but I was really hesitant to order it. After looking at all the reviews and pictures on here for this bra, it seems to fit only a small number of people well. I'm really glad that I took the chance and ordered it anyway, because it fits surprisingly well for me.

I did have to bend the tips of the wires out a little ... at the gore, as they were a little bit uncomfortable. After I did that the gore was fine. I'm really, really glad that I did not size down in the band even though from the measurements it looks like this band should be slightly loose. The band is actually extremely firm and doesn't stretch as much as I thought it would. While it does stretch to 32", it's wide and very strong. I can wear it on the loosest hook, but find it more comfortable to wear it with a strap extender to give me a little more play in the band while it breaks in.

I did notice that after wearing this bra for about 8 hours, it left some red marks on my skin where the band and the side boning were. They faded quickly, but I've never had a bra leave marks on me before. I'm chalking it up to how wide and firm the band is. This bra isn't uncomfortable to wear, but I'm much more aware of it while on than any of the other bras I own.

This bra really "locks and loads" my breasts up high and front and center! I feel really trussed up, but not in an uncomfortable way. It looks great under shirts, but the center and middle seams do show through a little under thinner material. It was such a hit with my husband that I ordered this bra in two more colorways (hot pink and purple). Can't wait to see how those look.
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Red/Black colorway

Updated on Aug 23, 2015 Flag this

Well, it arrived! Beautiful bra, just as lovely as I thought it would be.

First of all - all those reviews the band runs tight? Not applicable to this one! I can easily hook it on the middle hooks, could do the tightest. The tag reads a 30, but to me it feels and measures like the 32's from this style. In my case, I could have done a 28. I do like the 3 hook closure and how wide the band is all around. *update* - I measured my ribcage a bit wrongly, oops. No wonder it's too big.

Cups - ... oh, so very strange. I have major gapping on my smaller breast. My left and larger breast fills out the cups, at least to the point where I don't think I could have gone down a cup size. My boobs aren't THAT much different, and usually I don't have this much of a problem with my smaller one. But you will see in my pictures once they are approved, how I have so much empty space on my right side the cup wants to fold over on itself https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":-(" />

Gore - comfortable, and I was worried about that. The last time I had this tall of a gore it was painful.

Wires - I measured 5.5"

Otherwise - the cups are pretty tall on the sides. The wire doesn't poke my underarms but the side of the cups at the top wants to rub on it. I will have to wear this one a couple of times to decide if it is a keeper or not. It's not the magical perfect bra I'm constantly searching for, but I've definitely worn worse.

*Update* - I returned it. Can't do the armpit murder https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":-(" />. Too shallow. Too wide. Story of my life.
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Wild Pink colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 03, 2015 Flag this

lcl0706

6302 reputation

165 bras

I really think this bra fit me really well, but I am returning it because I don't like how the black stripes show under all of my shirts. I tend to wear tighter fitting shirts that are thin, and I could see this bra through every one of them.

This bra was perfect otherwise, so I'm going to try some other smooth Parfaits to see if I can find my match! The center gore was perfect and the perfect width, I got some great natural looking cleavage, while my breasts still projected forward, rather than separating them out to the sides too much. The band was ... really nice and snug, much more so than my Chantelle, so I think this band was a much better fit for me.

The part where the straps attached to the cup were a little scratchy, and I think you get what you pay for with this bra. Although a great shape, I think this bra is generally cheaply made. I could tell as soon as I pulled it out of the package that it was much lower quality than my Chantelle, but I can live with that, I just couldn't really live with all the extra seams on the front, and as I kinda pinched that top fabric, I found they are not in fact connected to the inner seams but more for decoration. It just isn't plausible with the things I wear, so I'm on to the search for a better t shirt bra.
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Dusty Rose/Black colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on May 30, 2015 Flag this