Overall, I do not like the Antoinette. The cups are the perfect width and don't dig into my wide-rooted, shallow boobs, but two things make it insufferable. Firstly, the straps are way too far apart. I don't like that they connect to my armpit. Secondly, I can't stand how high the gore goes because it pokes my sternum. Of course, that's just the way bandeau bras are.

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Updated on Dec 20, 2013 Flag this

The Masquerade Antoinette has been coming up in my Bratabase recommendations for a while, but originally in sizes 28D and 30DD. After doing some more research on this bra, it seems that the cups run at least one size small, so based on measurements, I decided to size up 1 cup from my normal 28E to 28F.

Luckily, this turned out to be a very good fit! The cup size is great on me, though the only slight issue is that the wires flare out a bit at the top, so there's a little bit of extra room (about 1 cm) at the upper wire edge under ... my arms. However, I consider this to be a very minor issue and it doesn't create any discomfort. This is a 2HC construction, so I'd say that the Antoinette runs on the shallow side, and if you have a shallow shape, you should go with your normal cup size.

The band is wide, firm, and has 3 rows of hooks, which makes it feel super secure in this size. The powermesh used on the wings is very sturdy, and I'd love to see this on all bras. The best part about this fit is that it would make an amazing strapless bra--it's one of the few styles that stay up without straps and gives great shaping without any padding at the bottom of the cup. It feels similar to the Cleo Swim Hattie Bandeau Bikini Top that I also recently picked up.

The only issue with this bra is that the straps are really uncomfortable on me. Most of the bra strap is made of velvet, with the back 1/3 being adjustable elastic. Since this is a bandeau style, the straps are attached with a split strap in the front, and are quite wide set. I'm seriously considering removing the straps entirely and keeping this to wear as a strapless bra.

Regarding the styling, I know a lot of people love it, but I personally think it looks a bit cheap. It reminds me of the B. Tempt'd by Wacoal Ciao Bella in that it is a 2HC cut and sew foam cup with lace overlay, but the Ciao Bella is a $38 bra at regular price, and I believe this bra originally retailed for over $60. The fabric and trims don't look very expensive to me, especially compared to the Masquerade Athena, and I think that the bow with plastic beads at the center gore looks quite cheap. If you like the Ciao Bella, I think this is a very similar bra in fit and styling and could be a good option. I had expected a more sophisticated appearance though, and styling that better matches the original price tag.
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Berry/Blush colorway

Updated on Mar 24, 2020 Flag this

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This bra is not owned any more

Added on May 21, 2015

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Added on Dec 12, 2015