Bra fitting help » Center gore too high and wrinkles at top of cup?
Cleo » Zoe Balconnet (10211) » 30E 30:6
Issue resolved
This is not the right shape (or possibly the right brand) for me, though the size might be right.
Original problem
Cleo Zoe in 30E. I wanted to love this and in some respects I did - the underwire felt perfect around the underarms, sits right in my IMF, and the girls felt very well supported. The band is tight but in the usual "new bra" way (which I could get around with an extender until the bra gets broken in a little more). But the wires at the gore were AWFUL and poked me so badly it left red marks that lasted several days. There's also some wrinkling you can see on the mesh of one cup, which I think is an indication that the cups are probably too big, even after swooping & scooping.
For context, my band size recently changed and I went from 32DD, which has served me faithfully for many years down to 30DD (? Up in the air, but this was the ABTF calculator recommendation). I ordered this secondhand and foolishly forgot to check the Cleo sizing charts, so I suspect this is a cup size too big given that a 30E there is equivalent to a 30DDD in US sizing. But I'm not sure if this is just a sizing issue or if this is also a style of bra I should be avoiding given my shape (FOB, I think, but also possibly tall roots? Any input on this front would also be much appreciated). Regardless, will be re-selling on to someone who can hopefully fit her better. She's gorgeous and deserves to go to a good home.
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Suggestions (2)
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helpful
I want to say that this bra is the wrong shape for you. This bra looks too projected for your shape. It looks like it is meant for shorter roots but you have tall root, so I don’t think the wrinkling at the top is due to the cup being too big. I want to recommend you try the Freya fancies plunge bra, I think it would work better with your shape. I think you have narrow-to-average-ish roots and a tall root height meaning your need a bit more shallow cup with a good amount of projection at the wire. It’s a good sign when the wires fit, that means it’s a good size. So all-in-all I think this bra may be the wrong shape but the right size. Maybe also looking at other bra styles with taller cup heights will help encompass your tall roots too.
Updated on October 5, 2023 Flag this
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1
helpfulOh, darn. That is a really pretty bra. FWIW, Panache & Cleo bras (Cleo is the "Junior's brand" for Panache) are known for having strong wires and strong materials - some people actually need that for support, while others need softer wires and softer fabrics. Just FYI! So if the Cleo brand (or just this style) didn't work out for you, you're not alone.
I know you said the underwire looks good on the side - it does!
From the front though unfortunately there is some issues. (I think you've already figured this out though) It looks like the underwire is a good INCH or so away from where it should be. the underwire is really low. It should be 1-2 inches higher and sitting in your IMF (Infra Mammary fold) or "underboob fold."
But I think you've already figured that out that this isn't the right fit for you. Too bad, it looks cute!
Updated on October 12, 2023 Flag this
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Yeah I have a friend close to my same size who swears by Panache (and Cleo) bras because the wires are so supportive! Not for me and my shape, apparently, at least for this particular bra.
I hadn't realized the wires were too low (I'd actually assumed they were too high because of how much the gore was chafing), but on looking at the photo more closely you're totally right. Thanks for this, and agreed it's a very cute bra. Sad to see it go but hope its next owner has a better fit <3
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I think you're definitely right about the shallowness vs projection being an important piece to this. I've strayed away from bras with taller cup heights because they usually gap at the top for me, but this has been less true for plunges so I'll see if I can give the Freya fancies a go! Thanks :)