This Cleo Jessie Padded Balconnet Bra is such a pretty bra that I scored from a seller elsewhere at a prettt decent price. It came to me in the very good previously used condition it was promised to be in and I was happy with the fast smooth transaction that took place to obtain it The bra is pretty! As soon as I had it in hand I realized it reminded me of my black Cleo Padded Juna Bra of the same 30FF size, which isn't a perfect fit but I was wearing it right before I decided to try this one on. The cups had a ...similarly placed seam, are both Padded balconetts from Cleo, and look very similar inside, with a similar gore and band width. (The Jessie has the colorful lace outside though instead of just black) I did notice the cups of the Jessie looked a little taller which worried me, I had a little space with the Jessie (I think with my short stature and possibly short roots and where my fullness is means I need shorter cups. The Jesse looked a little more projected and slightly more narrow. I have lost weight So I can technically tolerate the Gore on my Juna. But I prefer shorter gore's on plunged or would prefer both with overlapping wires in the middle, I may debate learning how to to that because even when I lose weight I am still center full and close set when supported and gores can pinch my tissue and cause discomfort. I love that cleo bras are more narrow, Cleo bras are my go to when I can't access Polish Bras. This bra would have fit better when I was a couple lbs heavier. I think because I am petite and narrow (I am 4 ft 8 and have a round rib cage with projected ribs that have a lot of depth and less width, and I have very narrow shoulders) I Think my overall size is different than the bodies bras are expected to be made for, so I think it might cause more gaping at the top of bras based on where the straps are sitting and my short roots/torso can cause that wrinkling. I Lost upper fullness with my weight loss, and may be functionally FOB and center full, but its hard to tell with my nipple placement. I am fairly projected although less so than when I was a bit heavier/Fuller. The strap placement is okay especially for a Balconett bra, I think this would fit better In. 28FF (I can only wear firm 30s on the smallest from the get go) after scooping and swooping and a few minutes of wear, I filled it better with less gaping, but there was a little more space with my smaller breast. 6 is okay for straight across width usually, my breasts have different roots so it's kind of hard to find the perfect wire width. I wish the wires overlapped because it makes this fit so much better having almost an inch between kind of pushes my boobs weird or risks pinching tissue. I Have some comexim bras coming in from other users, and want some ewas with reduced cups and overlapping wires and straps moved in whcih I have seen on here in various sizes. This bra isn't a push up, the cookie inserts in an Ewa could possibly help with my assymetry too. I may offer this to my sister wirh an extender (her 32 UB) but think the Gore may be problematic for her as well so I may eventually post on here to trade. Overall it'd a great bra and I really like it, not a perfect fit but not terrible either. Maybe it will grow on me. Read more 527 more words
I have been meaning to try the Cleo/Cleo by Panache bras for a bit. I came across a decent quality second hand Juna Balconette Bra in size 30FF and decided to give it a try.
The bra is kind of basic looking, plain black with a vertical seam running up and down the middle of the cup that is also visable on the outside. There is that classic little black how on the top of the 3inch gore between the cups. There is a 1inch wide piece of lace sewn onto and stretching down the top of each cup. Half of it is kind of floral pattern edging, ...the rest mesh-like with some tiny circular cut outs. (Hard to describe those details, ill try to ass a picture) I measured the cups at 6 inches tall before the lace and the lace adds about another inch making the cups total to 7inches tall. The additional lace may make this balconette bra even more FOT friendly. I believe I am even between top and bottom, but functionally FOB due to my root placemeant. On my period I do gain some more topfullness, or if i gain or lose weight in my chest it seems to fluctuate in the top the most. I tend to keep my eye out for bras that can maybe compensate for that.
The 30FF cups seem to fit my left breast but I always have some empty space in the bottom of the cups on the right. The wires are not too wide, which I need. the straps are a bit farther apart than my preference but I think that is just the balconette style. Read more 170 more words
It's hard to make a beige T-Shirt bra cute. But Cleo managed to surprise me. They somehow made a grandma like bra design into something actually adorable. With the stripes, lace trim and button at the center gore, I would not be embarrassed to be caught in this bra.
My shape: close set, center full, full on bottom, average/narrow width roots, tall shallow roots, semi soft tissue.
I have not worn this bra, this review is mostly from trying it on, not sure if I should keep this size, or size down one cup. However, I will say that this bra is such a surprise to me. I only ordered it because it was on sale and it had matching bottoms, so I figured why not! I also added measurements for the other two sizes I ordered: 30G - Cleo » Mimi Padded Balconnet Bra (8091) and 32F - Cleo ...» Mimi Padded Balconnet Bra (8091) . It seems to be an anomaly to me compared to all the other Panache and Cleo bras I have tried in the past because the wires don't hurt and the band is quite stretchy.
The cup is a halfcup with three vertical seams, these seams don't show under a shirt and lay flat, but the top portion (I don't know what that's called) does stick out and shows under thin shirts and tops, this is the only negative (might be too big?). The cup height is at its limit for me since my breasts are FOB (6.1'" or 15.6 cm), but it still sort of works. The width is little bit wider than what I'd like (at 5.5" or 14 cm, and I have some empty space on the sides), the depth seems small at 9.2" or 23.4 cm, but sometimes I get the feeling it's just a little bit big. The wires did not move down much during my try-on and stay put in my IMF which is a plus.
The gore height is tall, but surprisingly doesn't bother me. The band feels stretchy and feels very comfy on loosest hooks on me. The straps are okay, not fully adjustable, I'm almost at the end of their length, so they fit okay to me. They feel more wide set than other bras I have, but they're not a problem for me.
I like the polka dot pattern and the color, very playful and not at all serious. Big change from all the other bras I have. I ordered the bottoms in a size M/12 UK and they're okay, but a little bit loose so I wonder if I could size down. You can see the measurements of the bottom when you click the pictures.
Overall, I really love the shape this bra gives me, lots of oomph and very rounded and uplifted, looks great under a T-shirt. However, I do wonder if I size down to a 30F will I get an even better shape since this bra seems a little big when my breasts are at their smallest. Like it feels like my breasts "settle in" a bit and it there's gapping at the top. Do I try a smaller cup? Or will be a shape mismatch (too open up top for FOB breasts)? I appreciate any input you all might have since I'm very undecided about it! Read more 406 more words
I love this bra. I really want to get one and I passed on it when the price was good but I was really tight and frugal with my money. It’s still on my mind. I tried a 28GG in February knowing that the cups were going to be too big. But I wanted to get a better idea of the bra.
Thank you Calluna . I think this bra is pretty cute, but feel very undecided on it.
Are you thinking about sending it back?
It's hard to make up your mind when this bra gives you a great shape but you feel something is a little off, right? I have the same experience with the Cleo Lexi, which also has the same thick binding on the top of the cup and it shows through tight clothing. My Lexi is the exact same measurements as my Cleo Maddie, which does not have the same problem with gapping when I move or a thick visible binding. So, while Lexi technically fits me, I am not keeping it because I know I won't wear it due to the above issues. I feel like FOB folks do tend to have more issues with cups that technically fit but exhibit gapping when we move, since we just don't have as much tissue up there.
Do you think you will wear this bra with clothing where the above issues won't matter? Or do you think these problems will be a lot worse under clothing? I'd suggest thinking about that when you decide whether to keep the bra or size down. Good luck!
Calluna Yes I am since I could return it in store so it’s not a big deal. But I’m thinking of ordering the 30F maybe... I should order the 30F and try to compare both together side by side.
belleandblues Yes!! You totally get what I’m feeling, something feels off, but I guess I can’t quite put my finger on it...
After reading your comment and thinking a bit, I really think I should return it now. I can’t wear it with lighter colors or less “heavy” clothing/sweaters because it will definitely show the edge. I think that it’s bothering me also that it’s so open up top.
Thank you for your comment, I really think you nailed how I am feeling about this and I can definitely see what you mean about the Lexi vs. Maddie.
braluv I'm glad this was helpful! I am sitting on my B. Temp'td B. Sultry Balconette with the same consideration right now . . . it gives me a beautiful shape but I feel like something is just not quite right with it. It does fully disappear under clothing though so that's why I am still holding onto it, at least until the return window closes.
Btw, I took a look at your best fitting lined bra, the Comexim Celebration, and the measurements are really close to this Mimi. The Mimi 30F is roughly 15% smaller in cup volume than Mimi 30FF, so I would be pretty surprised if it ends up fitting better! What about giving Maddie a try? It has a top edge detail, but it's flat, so I didn't find it terribly visible under clothing. The cup height of Maddie is a little shorter, so there's not much room to gap at the top, and I think it would give you the same rounded shape you like from this bra.
belleandblues Hmm yes the Maddie looks nice. I haven’t tried that one yet. Thank you for the suggestion. I will look at the comparison stats between both. The Comexim Celebration is probably my best lined bra, gives off a great shape, has immediate projection AND is super comfy. I should really try out more Comexim lol
Thanks for the review, I am also FOB and looking for what might work for me. And the half cup style seems like it would resolve my lack of fullness at the top that often causes gapping. But then I worry that I would feel like my soft tissue might just not feel very secure, I guess? It definitely looks good on you though but go with your gut feeling.
Chaos You're welcome! Half cups can give a great profile/shape, but there's definitely more jiggling of the tissue I feel like. I also have a lack of top fullness and I love it when bras push me up to give the illusion of full-on-top, lol.
Love at first sight! Although this is not my correct size it still fits pretty good, possibly because of how stretchy the band is. I did end up getting a 30G because I had ever so slightly in bra quadding where the lace starts. I was not sure if it would get better or worse as I wore it. Also I was worried that the band would get too loose but it sure was the most comfortable band I’ve ever had on. Not too firm but yet firm enough. The center gore tacked at the bottom not the top so I also thought maybe due to the cup size. I’d like to compare the Black in 28GG/G and 30G. If you read my review on the 30G in the Tangerine color it definitely seems to run way tighter in the band so I’m curious if this is the difference in size FF to G or if it’s the color Black vs Tangerine?!?
My boobs have grown quite a bit since the last time I measured myself, so I had to order a new batch I'm pretty projected and my breasts are pretty "perky," and I'm even leaning toward full on bottom, with close-set breasts. This fit me perfectly, and it's so comfortable. I often have problems with gores digging in because I'm petite, but I didn't have that problem with this bra. I don't know why it was discontinued, but I bought a backup one just so I'd have one around.
My shape: even-to-slightly FOB, mid-height front-facing teardrop-profile (ski jump with no "jump") with tall shallow roots, low apex, lots of immediate projection underneath but moderate overall projection, wide roots with lots of side fullness and shallow tails that wrap all the way to the shoulder blade, extremely close-set center tissue (possibly a trace of natural symmastia), and very firm self-supporting tissue that when pushed out of shape will push right back.
I purchased this bra (and my 32FF - Masquerade » Florence (6151) ) about 6 months ago and tried it on for photos, but hadn't gotten around to reviewing it because it REEKED of cigarette smoke ...right through my clothes. I've had it sitting on a shelf airing out since then, and I think it's finally safe for my allergies and I am so happy because it is just too lovely and it's been taunting me for so many weeks! The combination of dark navy blue and orange embroidery is a little strange, but not unattractive. It has a single red-and-white striped ribbon bow (odd choice with the orange, I'll agree to that) at the center gore with a little gold heart pendant.
This is one of the Cleo/Panache Masquerade 2-panel half cup models. I adore my 30F - Masquerade » Maia (5221) , and this fits pretty similarly: same shape and support, although the neckline is a bit higher and there isn't quite so much Cakes-on-a-Plate, but a girl doesn't need that every single day.
The cups are comfortably lined and give a rounded profile. There's some gapping on top right now, but I suspect it's a combination of the point of my hormonal cycle today and the stretchy band, because it's better on the tightest hook, and in the photos it was not noticeable at all. Plus, the straps are pretty far apart and join the cups quite high up, right at the point of my armpit, so every motion exaggerates the buckling along the top edge - if I slouch, I can fudge enough room for all four fingers in the cup! There appears to be a slight range of apex, instead of just one real point, which should accommodate more ladies with higher apexes than mine, and obviously the bra can handle a bit more upper fullness than I have.
The band is a little flimsy, sadly, but so are the Maia's and all the other clones'. I wish they came with 3 hooks. I have a vague notion of either shortening the band or adding more elastic inside at the back of the band to give it some more life, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. It's comfortable and doesn't seem to be moving on the loosest hook, although it feels a bit firmer and more supportive on the second (snug 72.4/BTT 67.3 cm today). I do like my bands a bit snug, though.
The wires are nice and wide, and with the tall wings and high cup sides, they keep my root tails in check. They are a pronounced U shape, though, which means that the outside curve doesn't follow my IMF there (a much flatter curve shaped like the Nike swoosh, as mentioned above) so there's some slightly empty cup there. The wires are on the firm side but not terribly so, and not too flexy or flimsy.
I think there must be a magic spot on my sternum where some gores can hit that don't bother me, but 2mm up or down and it's agony all day. I have extremely close tissue, and there really aren't any gores I simply forget about, except for the Victoria Secret plunges I used to wear, but this one is right in the sweet spot and I like it.
The straps are thin, and too far apart, like I mentioned. Since the corner of the cup where they're attached is rounded to blend with the other scallops on the edge, I think I can cheat them in a bit without it throwing the whole fit off, and hopefully get them out of my armpits. Read more 570 more words
This is my third or fourth Koko bra, so I feel like I can write an accurate review at this point. This is a replacement for the Cleo Neve for me, which fit me really well but was discontinued. The fashion colors of this bra (like the Neve) have smaller cut cups, different trim, and fit very slightly different than the beige and black version. The band doesn't stretch out too much to make them unwearable, even after six months of regular use. I think the Neve may have had even a firmer band, but I think the band on this is more comfortable. I really wish it came in some softer colors but I have the coral, denim blue, Heather grey and tan.
Finally, I have something approaching my size in the rose print Mimi! I was reccommend to try the Mimi by hurrrrrmione as it might suit my FOT shape, as the Panache Petra I was wearing is better for FOB....unfortunately I still get some quadding on my larger size, but it's a much better match for my shape and I'm keeping this for the moment. The print is beautiful, I get great Marie Antoinette cleavage and it's very comfortable (the band is pretty stretchy so it's best to size down if you're inbetween sizes). I have a Mimi in 30F leopard print (which is definitely too small) ...and the rose print version has much softer, silkier fabric covering the cups. The detailing is especially lovely - the delicate lime green trim is gorgeous and makes all the difference - it really enhances the look of the bra and elevates it to something quite special for this price point. The wires are a tiny bit too wide for me, but still a lot narrower than most, especially for UK lined styles. In short, it's a bit of a treasure, and I'm very happy to have it, even if it is slightly too small in the cups. Read more 99 more words
This was the first bra I ever bought that I really loved. I have bought 5 or more of these in various sizes and colors over the past six years. I was looking forward to getting this bra in my current size because I thought it fit me really well, but after trying it on I'm less than impressed! It still gives a nice shape and the band is very comfortable, but there is gaping on the underarm area I don't remember from before. I don't know if I'm getting better at finding bras that fit or if something is just off on this particular bra (Different from earlier colorways)? Either way, I'm much more pleased with the Cleo Skye I recently purchased and this one will have to be returned.
Short, projected, slightly narrow, center full, close set, even breasts...
The first comfortable Cleo/Panache bra I've tried!! I've learned I require both center and immediate projection. This led me back to my nemesis, Cleo/Panache. Still the straps are thin, the band thin, the colors loud, and the gore too wide. However, I may create a home for Skye is my minimalist bradrobe. It is comfortable.
Prior to wearing Skye, I was wearing a 32F Curvy Kate Florence. Apparently, my breasts strongly prefer the immediate projection in Skye: they rejoiced. The immediate projection in Skye is....liberating. Combine the cut with the stretch fabric and you have one very comfortable bra. Next, ...I wore Blake. Blake is returning to Amazon. Skye is impressive.
Although the band stretches easily, please be aware that the wires overstretch just as easily. This 30FF was too shallow until I added a full extender. My underbust measures 27.5". I'm returning the 30FF for a 32E. I suspicion the wires will be too narrow in the 32E, but I don't have enough upper tissue to fill the top of the 30FF/32F. I'm short-waisted and this is a common theme: cups are too tall. Nevertheless, the bra has both excellent immediate and center projection.
The colors are harmonious but louder than I prefer. Comfort trumps appearance in my world.
From my perspective, Skye's fabric is a marked improvement of Cleo's from the past. Now, I hope Cleo focuses some effort on bands and straps. These could be exceptional bras with a few more design improvements. Read more 145 more words
This here is an EXCELLENT bra. I don't have the best history with half cups--they tend to gape on me--but this one is like magic. It's extremely round, has great projection, and even gives me cakes on a plate/marie antoinette cleavage, for the first time! If you like Polish half cups, get this bra!!
While the cups are perfect I do have a few problems with the rest of the bra--the straps are set so far apart they feel like they'll fall off my shoulders. The band is quite stretchy so I had to size down, but it gives me a big back roll. I wish Panache would take a note from CK and make 3-hook bands.
Some people have said the cups are tall but I find the opposite, they are actually the shortest cups I have measured in my size range at only 6".
The print on the cups is absolutely lovely and very modern. I do wish it continued onto the back. The whole of the bra is very soft.
I haven't measured many cups yet but I've definitely found 6-7" to be normal rather than TALL. Maybe they mean that the cups are too tall for their roots? :|a
I have to ask, are you sure this band isn't still too big? It's very diagonal on you rather than parallel to the ground. Is it cut so that it does that?
(Also I hear you on the two hooks. Panache two-hooks made me very twitchy about band size for a long time because they get uncomfortable so much faster than three-hook bands of the same tightness.)
I'm not sure what's going on with the band. I definitely noticed the diagonal position, but it's not too big, it feels slightly tight. My guess was that it's because it's so stretchy and thin, it's probably trying to get above where my back fat is, if it were a thicker and stronger band it would probably be straight.
This bra brings my breasts fully into the cup and against my chest. After breastfeeding i have stretch marks around the base and center of my breasts. In poorly fitting bras this has left me with a deflated look and spill over the tops of cups. The Juna brings all the tissue up and in to create a beautiful roundness that i haven't seen upon myself in years! - update- This has been my every day bra for a few years and is holding up very well!
This bra has a surprising amount of projection for a moulded cup. It creates a nice rounded shape, and like its unlined sisters, puts the boobs up front. That being said, it is a size too big and thus too tall for my short boobs. If I take a deep breath and stick my chest out, it looks much better, but standing and breathing normally, you can barely glimpse my boob above the cup. I want to try this bra in a cup size down to see if it works better, as it was quite comfy.
Happy surprises: Some immediate projection in a moulded bra? Whhaaatt?? Yes. No ...east-west appearance. More projected than the freya deco and freya deco halfcup.
Minor issues: The top of the cup is pretty thick, and a line can be seen under thin shirts. I'm not sure if this is because the bra is too big for me and the top sticks out more, or if it would still be an issue even if I sized down. I had some discomfort with the band, but I usually size up to a 32 in Cleos, so that may be why. Read more 87 more words
Thanks for the feedback, what can I do to improve this review?
Oops, my mistake, really sorry, there's noting wrong with your review at all ritzyrunnergurl I've reversed my vote. I had completely the opposite experience with this bra but that's probably a shape issue..
Haha, yeah it's funny how much boob shape totally changes things. I do think this bra might have been a cup size big for me - I usually wear a 30f/32e in cleos, but I suspect a 30f would be too tall for me anyway.
I have even fullness, average projection, and roots in the averageish range. I find both the Cleo Lucy (better for FOB) and the Cleo Marcie (better for FOT) wearable, but I wish the Lucy had a bit more room in the top of the cup and the Marcie a bit less. The Lily is said to be better for breasts with even fullness, so I had high hopes for it, until I got it and realized it's just a slightly improved version of the Cleo Meg.
The navy parrot print Lily fits very similarly to the Meg in the same size (30FF), except for slightly narrower wires and less ...of the Meg's weird little bubble of fabric between the horizontal cup seam (which fits me smoothly) and the top of the cup (which also fits me smoothly). There's still a little bit of wrinkling in between, but not a bubble of fabric as in the Meg. The line of coral mesh that runs below the top of the cup seems like it might be cutting in the tiniest bit, but the top of the cup itself does not cut in. I think you'd need short roots, a fair amount of top-center fullness, and high-set breasts for the Lily to fit right. It's not quite as tricky to fit as the Meg, but it's still tricky.
The center gore is fine in both height and width, but the wires are too low under my arms. I'd like a couple more inches of wire under my arms in the Lily. It looks fine under clothes (rounded, with none of the Meg's "elf-shoe" effect) and I got it on sale, so I'll keep it, but I won't be buying this cut again. So my search for the perfect even fullness/average projection bra goes on! Read more 192 more words
I have finally found a bra that fits! And, it's super cute and happy looking in the bright yellow.
At first, the band was quite tight, and I wore it with an extender, but it has stretched to be comfortable. There was the slightest gapping at the top of the cups with the slightest quad boob at the seam between the lace and the fabric. However, a tiny (¼") tuck at the apex took that away and it lays smoothly over the tops of my breasts. The seams practically disappear under tighter clothing as well.
I am quite close together with fullness ...in the center and project. After two kids, my tissue is soft on top (it wants to pillow or be cut into…no plunge bras!!). I was so happy to finally put on a bra that wasn't pushing out my tissue in the center and allowed for my breasts to come forward without cutting into them.
I also had ordered a Lucy in a 28G, but it was way too tight in the band, so I am waiting for it in a 30FF. I am also waiting for a Lily in a 30G. I am excited to feel I am finally on the right track! I have tried on so many different brands and cuts. Some were almost OK, but not quite. I would love to hear feedback as to how these three styles have worked for others.
At any rate, I'm very happy with my new yellow bra. So is my husband! I didn't realize how much he hated nude and black bras until he saw me in this happy yellow Marcie!
EDIT: I read some comments on fit issues with the Meg/Lily, where it was recommended to push the wires down in the channels so that they are pushed away from the center and more towards the outside. Genius! Gapping is gone! I removed the tucks and it fits well. I may even try up one cup size with my next purchase, but it remains supportive and practically disappears under clothes. Read more 253 more words
I grabbed this one on sale because I found the aqua/pink Lily such a perfect fit I wanted a couple more as everyday bras.
Despite not liking the parrot print, I have to admit I don't find it nearly as offensive in person as I expected to, so that's a plus.
Interestingly, the cups of the aqua/pink Lily are two layers of mesh in the lower half of the cup, and only the upper panel is a single layer of mesh. This parrot colourway is a single layer of mesh for the whole cup. Despite this, the fabric is stiffer than the aqua/pink colourway, so I suspect it'll take a couple of wears before this one moulds to me quite so perfectly (and the lack of fit on my smaller breast is therefore a touch more apparent in this colourway).
The band runs a little looser on this one, by about one column of hooks. But other than that, I don't find the fit particularly different between the two colourways.
What part of this doesn’t fit? The band?