I'm kinda surprised there's not more reviews about this bra, I think it's a good alternative to the Deco strapless. Seems to have a bit more immediate projection, cups are more closed off on top, and the material is just more comfortable. So far no digging or poking, and the molded cups are smooth but softer and a bit more flexible than the Deco. The wires are stiffer than Freya wires, so less likely to stretch or distort as the band is fastened.
First impressions, as I've only had this for an hour.
Band - this is the tightest Parfait band I've ever met. No need ...to worry about the 30 band, it only stretches to 27.5" but it feels less firm than my Koko 27.5" band so I think it will stretch out with wear. I can clasp it on the loosest hooks, but it kind of distorts the shape of flexible cups so right now have an extender on it for a bit more comfort and to keep it true to shape until it breaks in some. Wings are quite tall and the band has 4 rows of hooks, thankfully I happened to have a 4 hook extender lying around. Not sure what I think about the 4 hooks, they're harder to do up behind my back for sure! A 30FF isn't exactly giant-heavy-boobs that would really NEED 4 hooks, but since it's strapless I think I'll appreciate the extra-wide band and support. There is side boning in the wings, which was the absolute death of me in my Deco strapless, but so far this one isn't painfully poking my ribs.
Cups - similar to the Deco, except with the difference of the material I already mentioned, and the cut of the top of the cups. They're a pretty good fit on my boobs, no quadding or gapping. They give more east-west spread than I'm used to but it's unnoticeable under shirts, and this is not a bra for sexytimes. It's very utilitarian in its appearance. If it weren't for the cute heart shaped charm on the gore it would be quite boring. The European Nude color works on my skin tone, but I can see fairer skin tones not being a fan of it. It's not a particularly attractive shade of nude. The gore height is quite comfortable - higher than the Deco but not nearly as high as the Fantasie Smoothing Strapless that I swear tried to meld with my sternum and poke my heart.
I wouldn't recommend this bra as one to wear with deep plunging spaghetti strap tank tops, and for that reason I'm going to keep either my Koko or Neve strapless (once it arrives). But it appears like it will serve its purpose. I always whine that I'd like a strapless with cups short enough not to peek out of the armholes in my tank tops, but quite frankly I don't think that's gonna be available, or practical, in my size. So, that's what bandeaus are for and why I've got a collection of different color bandeaus to layer over my bra and under my tanks.
I'll update this review later if anything starts to dig or stab me. Read more 443 more words
Excellent review. For a low coverage strapless, I recommend the Ewa Michalak ones. I have a Toffi (discontinued) and Black. I'm trying to decide whether I need to go up a cup size for the strapless. I wear 65F in her 3D styles, which are also wonderfully low coverage. However, the 65F Toffi doesn't give me as good a shape. I have the Toffi and Black strapless bras in 65FF as well. I have to do a lot of trying on of bras and clothes before I'll be able to decide.
That was probably more bra angst than you needed to know.
I love the looks of EM's toffi strapless, and the looks of the Mleczny strapless, but have been very hesitant to order from EM and haven't been able to find them for sale here or eBay. Plus I'd have no idea what size haha. There's been a Mlcenzy strapless in a GG listed on here (maybe still is) but the measurements look too big for me, especially the width which is reported at 7"
The strapless bras are quite low coverage. An EM 30GG strapless may possibly fit you, but it would end up as full coverage as your others.
The bummer about the Toffi is the inside has that stiffish foam, and the foam is white. I dislike white in bras because they are hard to keep white. It's the only bra I'm willing to have in white. The other white bras I plan to dye.
It sounds like you've got the makings of an excellent strapless bra adventure! Thanks for your reviews.
No problem. I feel it's pointless to write a review saying "it fit" or "it didn't fit" and that's it. I try to write reviews with information and details I'd want to see when looking for reviews. Isn't that what this database is for?
I heard the Mlcenzy is stiff, unfinished foam too and gets hot and sweaty in the summer. I don't mind stiff cups in a strapless especially, the more support the better, but unfinished and sweaty do not appeal to me.
Right now my best width is 5.5-5.8 and depth of 9.5 seems to always work out, and I have soft tissue that gets along well with a variety of shapes. The thing about my 28FF Koko strapless is I really needed it in a 28G or 30FF, and the cups are so tall, so even though it's a deep plunge for deep V necks it's not really truly low coverage on the sides, and going up a size will likely make the cups even taller. It's tall and flat and tends to flatten me out. But it's stiff and highly supportive! I have the same-cut Neve strapless on order in a 30FF and hoping it's just roomier enough in the cups without being too tall for my armpits. Once it gets here I'll probably get rid of my Koko and be good with 2 strapless bras for now, one nude and one black. Someday I may hunt around for a lower coverage strapless, but I have 3 other bras on my "want list" that are higher priority at the moment lol!
Just had to say this is a wonderfully detailed review. I mean, it's *helpfully* detailed!
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. Read more 220 more words
curious about the photos to see if I can help you decide!
I don't think I can rid myself of my Charlotte...decisions, decisions...
They show up on my end, but I haven't gotten the approval notification yet. I've had this thing on for 15 minutes and my armpits are mad at me. I think, unless the side fabric softens or wears down or something, that will be the killer for me here. I did the best scooping & swooping of my life & still have gapping on my right side but definitely could not have done a 30F on my left. I'm pretty disappointed at the moment.
I guess you're right...it's not the one :(
it does soften up! I love my two charlottes but i thought they were going to kill my armpits at first
That's good to know!
So after a couple hours I'm thinking the straps are too wide. They don't fall off my shoulders but if I pull them close together with a clip in the back and make it a racer back, it's more comfortable on my armpits. Doesn't stop the gapping on the right side, though.
I'd try a 30F, anyway, if you can find one to try with return shipping like on Amazon. It could solve the gapping and the strap width, and only cause minimal overflow on the larger side. You never know.
Or actually, you said the band was loose? Try a 30F and a 28FF, if you can.
Well the band on this bra is bigger than I expected it to be based from the measurements on this site, and all the reviews that it ran tight. But I wonder if mine is just a minority? I don't know. The measurements on the 28FF band would be too tight if that's what I really got. That's why I didn't order a 28 band to begin with. But my bra measures 2" longer than the table here on BTB... ugh!
Oh and if the wires are even a tiny bit narrower on a smaller cup size it'll be a no go for sure. They are barely wide enough as it is.
Your breasts are going to vary in size at different points in the monthly hormonal cycling. I kept the Panache envy 32F for that exact reason, though most of the month it's not quite big enough.
valentine556 I had that exact thought earlier today... I just realized my boobs are a bit tender and I believe AF is on the way. Give me a week or so and this bra may be hilariously too big in the cups! But hey, it would serve a purpose for one week per month.
oh and myfashioninsider are the pics showing up yet? I never got the "approved" notification.
I think so, your bra is pink, right?
Yup!
Shark week is usually the one that any water retention I may have been experiencing is reduced, but my research has indicated that the breasts are at their fullest at approximately the time in the cycle where your chance of getting pregnant is the highest.
I'm wearing this one around for the 2nd day and ugh. My armpits. It's so cute and I loooove how it contains my muffin back & I hate to let it go but I don't think this is gonna work for me. My armpits feel rubbed raw. Plus the band is on the tightest hook easily, and I don't think the cup width will allow me to go down to a 28FF. Theoretically they should be the same but man these wires could not be one iota any narrower. So frustrating how a bra could be too narrow in the wires but too wide in the straps. I'm afraid any bra that contains the back roll/muscle will be too wide in the straps :-(
Parfait padded/t-shirt/half padded style tend towards being shallow in my experience. The un-padded are wildcards.
Try a 28G then. It's a teensy bit smaller in the cup depth, has a smaller band, and the wire width is the same.
I know sometimes when a bra is a bit too big in the band AND the cups, I find going down in the band and keeping an equivalent cup is usually the best option for me, whereas going down in the band and the cups is often too much. Ex. Freya Deco, my 32F got too big in the band and the cups, I replaced with 30FF, and it's perfect. Maddie and Darcy-- 32FF's got too big everywhere, bought 30G's, which are perfect. However, replaced my too big Patsy 32F with a 30F, and I quad out.
That's helpful courtnelius If I get this one sold I'll look for a 28G. Right now I'm like, prioritizing my want list with my budget and what I've got left that I'm trying to move lol
valentine556 I always thought I was shallow-ish. I definitely need the wide underwires. But having that much side of the cup/strap/whatever rubbing on my armpit is a no. It's possible to structure a bra without that - like my Jude is even wider wires but the straps set closer in. The Charlotte just isn't designed for frame apparently.
I can't believe I managed to overlook this bra for as long as I did! I LOVE this bra!! Since I've set out on my personal little bra quest in search of the proper size, I've been paying Freya way too much attention. Lol, don't get me wrong, I still love Freya, and their bras are a great fit on my girls, for the most part. But I've been kind of "playing it safe" with that brand and have been hesitant to venture out into other brands since I haven't been having much luck.
I wanted something in the lines of a t-shirt bra, smooth cups, lined, but ...without all that padding. I already own several Decos, and thought they were the best thing since sliced bread after finding my size in a few different Deco models. But the more I wore them, the more uncomfortable I realized they were. I've read a ton of reviews on the Parfait Casey and Jeanie, and many have compared them both to the "Deco Rival!" So, naturally, I just had to try one. Surely, nothing beats Freya's infamous Deco, right? Well, I would definitely say that Parfait has! I'm not even sure I can go back to wearing my Decos now after putting this bra on!!
Where to start?! I guess what I like most about the Jeanie is the cup - the cup on this bra is MUCH softer and less firm than the Deco, not stiff at all. The cups on this bra conform to your shape unlike the Deco where your boobs conform to the cup. The wires are a bit on the wider side but I prefer that to the Deco's narrower cups, which usually cause me to quad boob like crazy! They do come out kind of far, under the arm, but it's not bothersome at all. The gore is perfect for me and low enough for my close-set boobs. After an hour or so, the gore on the Deco starts to dig into my sternum and becomes a bit uncomfortable. That doesn't happen at all for me with the Jeanie. The straps aren't as thick as the Decos, nor as wide, but seem to be quite comfy. And I LOVE that there are 3 rows of hook and eyes, and 3 columns. I feel much more supported in this bra. I won't be "Wowing" anyone with knockout cleavage in the Jeanie but I wasn't really looking for that. I don't feel like my boobs are being smushed in together with the shallow cups of the Deco, they're somewhat deep on the Jeanie for a "contoured" t-shirt bra. I just measured this bra (30FF) at 9.5" deep which is PERFECT for me - no gaping but no quad boob either. Just a nice smooth line. The band does feel somewhat tight for a 30. I mostly wear 28 bands and I am able to wear the Jeanie in a 30 on the loosest hook without it riding up and it still feels snug.
I absolutely, most definitely recommend this bra, especially if you had fit issues with the Deco. This bra seems much more suited for FOB than the Deco, but appropriate enough for other shapes as well (I have more of an even, round shape). It's very comfy, gives a great shape and is really supportive. I love the purple Panther colorway, too, it sort of makes this plain, simple bra a bit sexier and fun! I think I just found my new favorite bra!!!
Update: Ok, so after wearing this bra a few more hours, I noticed a flaw https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> Tears. Lol. The straps are placed too far out for me. It doesn't cause them to fall off my shoulders, but they do dig in by my underarm and its a little uncomfortable. And the cups are very tall, esp on the sides. Read more 544 more words
I wanted to try out Charlotte for a long time and now I had the chance. I got this bra pretty used, but it still fits decently. The colour is pretty darn great and I like the shape it gives me.
Not quite projected/big enough on bottom for my FOB breasts, and a bit too loose in top. Watch out for short strap problem! Although the gore is too high for me, it would probably fit comfortably.
I have this in Berry coloration. I really love it and it's my new favorite bra. Definitely doesn't fit great, and the straps are too far apart for my liking, and the gore levitates away from my sternum... but it's still the most comfortable bra I own and makes me look way thinner.
I own this bra in 2 different colors: this pink one and a bronze one. I am completely and utterly positive that they are the exact same size and that the only difference is the color. Interestingly, though, this pink bra has 3 hooks, while the bronze has 2; the bronze comes up much higher in the cups, while the pink is almost like a balconette; and the pink fits MUCH smaller than the bronze. The pink 30FF gives my ~28FF boobs quad boob when I thoroughly scoop and swoop, and I only fill about 3/4 of the cup of the bronze one — I gap heavily on ...top. The bronze cuts into my armpits, as does the pink, but the bronze seems to come up much higher so it’s worse.
Well, beyond the extremely weird sizing discrepancy between two bras in the same size, here goes my review of the pink one. It’s a 30 band, but it’s plenty tight on the loosest hook, and I have about a 26.5” snug underbust. It’s not very comfortable because I find the seams a little scratchy and it straight up refuses to sit in my IMF. I can move it up to sit in my IMF, but it’ll just keep slipping down and it’s also super uncomfortable that way. I think the shape is too shallow for me. Because the cups are a little small, the gore doesn’t sit flat, though I don’t have comfort issues there. The straps are wide-set for my frame but not as much so as other bras I have — they don’t slip down much. I’d recommend this bra for someone on the shallow end of the spectrum, and I’d be sure to buy/order it from somewhere with free returns; I’m not sure if this sizing discrepancy continues across sizes or across different colors than the two bras I have, but it’s worth being cautious. Read more 211 more words
I tried this one twice, 28K in Purple and 30K in Ice Blue, back when I was a 28K. The 28K was way too small (gore over 4 fingers off my sternum with quadding), too wide (armpit eater), and too shallow. The 30K didn't quad but also was way off the sternum and way too wide. Both bands were ridiculously long and stretchy! There was definitely more than a cup difference between the two. Yes, very inconsistent in the sizing. I was tempted to buy a few more when Amazon had them for under $10 with free returns just for the science and data of it, but waited too long and the price jumped back up, haha.
I viewed this one as a great cradle bra for firm implanted breasts to create massive cleavage.
Please don't take offense, it's not meant nor implicit, but this bra results are very similar to a "minimizer".
The very small projection angle of the lower cups kills it all IMHO.
It's either a pattern scaling-up discrepency or an invitation to take 2 pairs of socks in account while sizing.
Short rooted, close set, slightly narrow, center full, even breasts...
Note: These wires distort easily. If the cups feel especially shallow, you may want to use an extender.
This is my first Parfait bra. I appreciate the three column fastener and supportive band. The straps are perfect for those who prefer narrower straps. Still, I prefer Curvy Kate and Comexim's more substantial straps. The bra is minimalistic and easy to wear under tight knits.
The cups are a bit tall near the strap for me, but that is a fit issue I experience in most molded bras. These cups can accommodate moderate projection. Both shallow and somewhat projected tissue may ...happily fit. It slides out of my IMF quickly, but I expected that.
The molding expertly hides prominent nipples and creates a very smooth, rounded appearance under tight knits.
The gore is delighfully low. But, it presents the same problem every plunge has so far: there is mot enough space for center projection. I'm returning to balconettes because plunges are not working for me.
Because I practice minimalism, this is not a bra I need to keep.
I am sorry this doesn't work for you. I been trying to think of some solution to help but they just don't make plunges that fit the way we need them. Balconettes also fit me better but they sit on tissue. Don't give-up there's a perfect bra out there for everyone. :)
violetknight Every bra is an adventure, eh? :-) :-) It has wonderful qualities and I'm grateful I could try it without travelling to a store :-) :-)
What a sultry looking bra. I loved this bra when I saw it on Zulily, and just had to have it (and its matching sheer shorts with garter straps!). Once I got it though, I never wore it. Seriously. It sat in my bra drawer for months. I'd pull it out, try it on, admire it, and put it back.
The basic description: The bra I'm reviewing is a 30FF, leopard print Leslie. The Leslie is a balconette style (not as full-cupped as the Florence balconette, but higher than a halfcup). It's got three hooks in the back (a feature I love) and wide, (non convertible, shame) straps. The ...wires are soft and flexible, like the Parfait Kimberly balconette and demi styles.
So why don't I wear this bra?
First, as I've noticed with Parfait bras, it created a bit of an east-west effect on me. On someone with less center-heavy boobs, it may just create a classic hourglass shape, but on me it was definitely out to the sides a little too much.
Second, the gore never really tacked on me (once again thanks to my center heavy boobs). Under a shirt, I just looked wide and shallow, and I tend to prefer the front/center/narrower appearance of unlined freya bras and cleos. If I'm going for a wide-shallow look, it better have lots of cleavage, and the Leslie does not provide.
Third, as much as I admire the appearance, the fabric and the seams show under tight shirts (The sheer black/leopard overlay on the bra is not flush, you can shift it away from the molded cup below it). Finally, I bought this bra because I think its sexy and sultry and hot. But I don't get any cleavage at all (very surprising for me, as the Kimberly balconette gives me plenty). So while I love the look of this bra, it is neither functional enough nor cleavage-y enough for me to actually wear it for anything. Read more 219 more words
My shape: slightly shallow teardrop/FOB with super wide/tall roots and very close-set tissue in the middle
This review is for the darker Nude colorway.
I won this bra as part of an underwear set in a blog contest and was thrilled because it was the first bra I was going to get that fit me properly. Well, after I exchanged it for the right size, because as it turns out, it didn't actually run small in the band OR the cups... but now I can't say enough nice things about the customer service at Affinitas, who were super helpful, very accommodating, and fast! Nicest people ever.
Ok, back to the bra: ...The nude color is not actually nude on someone as pale as I am (or really anyone who hasn't been tanning for a few months...), but that isn't really noticeable under clothes. On the other hand, it's very pretty for a t-shirt bra. I only wish I could have gotten another one in the blue colorway when it was still available.
The cups are very stiff. This is good for a lot of people, and fine for me most of the time, although they do gap a little when I let my shoulders fall forward. They give a lovely rounded shape, though, and it's like wearing boob armor.
My only issues with this bra are the wires, which are too narrow for me, and the angle the cups are cut in on the outer top edge. The straps are rather far apart, so this probably is part of the issue, but it really is the shape of the cup. It cuts into the soft tissue around my underarm and shoulder if I don't keep my shoulders pulled back in perfect posture all the time. I mean, it's great motivation to stand up straight, but it still hurts after a little while. I am hoping this will resolve itself at least a little after another wash or two.
All in all, a great bra. I am really glad I own it, and the strap thing won't stop me from wearing it as much as I can.
6 month Update: This bra actually shows through a lot of my thinner shirts now, for more reasons than just the dark color: the top of the cups has curled out and now there is an inescapable ridge that can only be hidden by decoration or a neckline, or perhaps a thick woven fabric. On the plus side, it no longer cuts in under my arms as much, and it is still as armor-y as ever. It also doesn't appear to have stretched at all, but I have lost some weight or gained some muscle or something and now it is pretty obviously too loose on me. I'd sell it because it's still in great shape, but I don't think anyone would want it because of the ridge on the cups. Le sigh. Read more 374 more words
I think this is a very good example of what a properly fitted bra can do. I'd pretty much given up on the idea of my wide breasts having cleavage but this delivers majorly. It gives that "baby's butt" touching cleavage like the add-2-cups bras i used to wear did, except that it also fits and supports me. It feels very firm everywhere, definitely not a "forget you're wearing it" bra, but during try-on it didn't seem like it was going to be painful. I'll report back if it is. I would recommend this as an alternative if the Freya Deco didn't work for you. I could never find a size or style in that that worked for me but this definitely works better for my deep, wide, short shape.
I decided to try this bra after trying the half cup version. The bra itself is very attractive and I'm a fan of the eyelash lace details. There is a charm in the centre that is a nice finishing touch, but it was not stitched on properly and came loose.
Fit-wise, it's not ideal for me. It's about 1-2 cups too small. I'm having problems filling the bottom of the cup because it's too shallow in this size. The wires are also too narrow and is sitting on some tissue at the sides. The gore is spacing is too wide for me and sitting on quite a bit ...of centre tissue. Sizing up to a 30G may help with some of these problems but likely not all.
Other specs to note: the straps are not fully adjustable but this is due to the lace detailing on the front part of the strap so it appears to be a good compromise, especially if you don't need to adjust it too much higher. The band can stretch quite a bit but it's a snug elastic. I've never worn this for longer than a few minutes to take pictures, so I can't comment on whether the band wills stretch out. If it's anything like the bands on my other Parfait bras, it won't easily lose its elasticity. The satin cups are more sophisticated than the fabric covering on my Decos.
I love the Charlotte! Love! This is my best fitting bra so far I think, and while I generally prefer unlined bras the support and shape of this one has been just unbeatable. Plus it dyes really nicely. I love the Dusky Pink color of this bra, (I found the high waist panty runs large in this color though) it could almost pass for a neutral if it didn't have the black,of course then it wouldn't look so nice. I have found that the straps get a bit of fraying at the connection points after several wears though this does not affect the fit or sturdiness of the bra.
Absolutely gorgeous lace, very sexy lowcut balconette style. But for me anyway, the straps were too wide set and pinched in the armpit area. I'm not sure if it was because of that or not, but the inner support sling pulled in a funny way, almost like it was too small for the rest of the cup.
This bra is a beautiful purple, not too dark or too light. It is sexy, but you may have to give it some time like I did. (This could just be that I am new to well fitted bras, unpadded/unmolded bras, half cups, and three hooks).
At first, top of the cup did cut a little into my boobs. I got it on sale so I couldn't return it. After wearing it a little more, the cups have loosened a bit, so a G might have been too big after extended wear. I am not used to three hooks, but over time got accustomed. One thing I do not ...care, maybe because I'm used to molded bras, is it does make my boobs look more pointed. My boobs have a slight point without a bra and this bra takes it up a few notches to create "rocket" boobs. So I don't wear this bra with anything thin or light enough. It is nice and light, which is why I got it (along with I got it on sale). But this isn't my everyday bra.
Also, maybe I was bloated when I first got it, the band seemed way tighter than Freya's 30FF (new). But as I said, worth breaking it in a little bit. Seems well made and it is nice to have a sexy bra for once in my life!
Pros: Beautiful, fits well after breaking it in, similar enough to Freya's 30FF (after a few wears)
Cons: You have to break it in, causes rocket boob Read more 147 more words
I have a few other Parfait by Affinitas bras in the 30F-FF range and they fit me pretty well. This bra is so pretty but it doesn't fit. At all. For starters, the band is significantly shorter than the Casey and Jeanie bras. The cup is also a different shape and gave me a very east-west sideways look. The underwires don't stay in the correct place and I get awful quadboob. The gore doesn't tack and it mushes into my breast tissue, along with the underwires. I tried it with a band extender and the cups still don't work. Unfortunately I ordered it online and removed the tags before I tried it on, foolishly assuming it would fit because other 30FF bras from that brand seemed to fit me. Whomp whomp.
Another beautiful Parfait by Affinitas bra. It's a decent fit for me, just not my preferred style. It would be great for a sweater or heavier shirt, not for t-shirts for sure. There's not as much lift as with the padded version in my opinion, but still gives a good shape, though a bit more separate than I like, but then again, I have a pretty decent gap between my breasts and don't need any extra help there https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
I have to say that this bra is my favorite at the moment. I’m currently wearing a 30FF, but will be reordering it in a size 30G because I need a little more cup for my breast. This bra runs a little tighter in the band, something I appreciate because I measure 26 inches under my bust and most all my 30 band bras ride up my back even on the tightest hooks. The fabric is nice, the straps are a softer cotton feeling elastic, and the straps are fully adjustable. I also love that in this size, 30FF and up, it has three rows of hooks. I should also mention that the price is affordable. I find myself reaching for this bra over my Freya Deco.
*I added a picture comparing the Parfait Affinitas Jeanie (4801) to the Freya Deco (4234). Both of the bras in the picture are a 30FF. You can clearly see that the Freya bra runs way bigger in the band compared to the Parfait Affinitas.
Fits great in the cups and gives a very nice shape with a pretty low cut. There's nothing fancy about the design, so it hides well under tees, but I don't think anyone would ever call it sexy. The back has a 3 hook closure, which may help with smoothing in some cases, but for me seems to allow it to float up a little more than other styles with more of a leotard back. The side wings are tall and rather rigid, but not painfully so. Otherwise, it's very comfortable, but not quite "forget I have it on"comfortable. The molding in the cups has a very long memory, which is probably a good thing overall. I know this because it was shipped in non-original packaging that allowed one of the cups to partially turn inside out, and I'm still struggling to get it to flip back.
Excellent review. For a low coverage strapless, I recommend the Ewa Michalak ones. I have a Toffi (discontinued) and Black. I'm trying to decide whether I need to go up a cup size for the strapless. I wear 65F in her 3D styles, which are also wonderfully low coverage. However, the 65F Toffi doesn't give me as good a shape. I have the Toffi and Black strapless bras in 65FF as well. I have to do a lot of trying on of bras and clothes before I'll be able to decide.
That was probably more bra angst than you needed to know.