I have been looking for a lightly lined plunge style to add to my collection as a "comfort bra" to wear when I need some more smoothing and coverage than an unlined bra can provide. I am also looking for something that is a true plunge and provides a low gore with more cleavage. I tried several Natori bras and while none of those worked out for me, I took a chance and randomly ordered the Chantelle Orangerie Plunge when I saw it on sale at Nordstrom Rack. Surprisingly, it fit!
Chantelle bras have typically fit me, though for a long time I was purchasing 30C ... instead of 30D before I learned to scoop. However, like many department store brands, Chantelle's bands aren't snug or supportive enough for my tastes. Honestly, that is the only flaw with this bra, as the band is on the flimsy side. If I wear it on the tightest hook, the lack of supportive wings and full band elastic means that it pulls the underwires right into my ribcage and causes them to dig in. The wings are pretty standard stretch microfiber, but the problem is that only the top edge elastic has any support. The elastic used in the band is super flimsy and springy, and because it is so narrow, even though it does run under the cups, it functionally does nothing. It doesn't provide any support. However, since I am looking for a comfort bra, this is OK, as the molded cups themselves provide enough support for me, and the band stays in place without riding up. The leotard back is a nice detail, and it's constructed with a single hook which isn't a problem for me, as honestly the flimsy band elastic is 90% of the culprit.
Now, the cups on this are a little wider and deeper than Natori Feathers, Flora, or Cherry Blossom in the same size, and the foam used is a bit thicker and firmer. I found that in Natori, I didn't have enough projection in the 30D, but the 30DD's underwires ran too high up the arms. I don't have that problem with this bra, which is awesome, as the cups fit me perfectly. So far, Chantelle molded bras in 30D tend to fit me pretty well in the cups. I also like that this has a proper lowered gore and is a true plunge. This gives me really nice shape with some cleavage. The lace overlay on the cups is smooth and soft, very similar to Natori bras. Mine has a shimmering crossdye effect that is pretty and sophisticated. Although the straps are narrow, they are firm and nicely textured, so I feel confident these won't slip. The only decoration on the bra is a small grosgrain ribbon at the center gore with an enameled C charm.
I wish Chantelle would design their bras with support and function in mind like the UK brands do, but I find that their bras are a really nice option at US department stores. If you can find a band that fits and aren't bothered by details like narrow straps, skinny bands with 1 hook, then I would really recommend this bra. No, it's not the most supportive option out there, but it is miles better than Natori when you want comfort AND functionality!
Kudos to Chantelle for consistency: I purchased two of these bras and they measured and fit almost identically!
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Updated on Oct 05, 2019 Flag this
