I usually wear a 30F in Panache because their bands are firm, but I bought this in a 28FF, the last size available at breakoutbras.com. The price was terrific, and I liked the subtle Graphite-Black coloring. A few months ago I tried on a black 28F Panache Confetti basque. It fit well except for quadboobing. Unfortunately a 28FF Panache Confetti basque wasn't available anywhere. Last week, when I saw this on sale, I gambled the 28FF Masquerade/Harlequin Delphi basque would work. The tags and labels say Harlequin, not Masquerade. The product number is 6417, which matches Bratabase's Masquerade. The appearance matches that of Bratabase's photo, except it's Graphite-Black instead of Black/Ivory.

The Delphi's fit is good, and I rated it as such, but I'd prefer the underwires to go up further under my arms. There is a bit more bulging there than I'd like. It's not obvious unless I raise my arms. I'm glad the 30F wasn't available, as the 28FF hugs my body the right amount. I find 28 bands in Panache too tight, but because the basque's compression is spread over a large area, it feels more comfortable than that of my bra bands. More of my body is being squeezed, but there's no digging in feeling at all.

I was alone when I tried on the basque. It took ten minutes to do up all 14 hooks, but I'll get faster with practice. I prefer to hook my bras in the back because it's easier on the bras and challenges my shoulder strength and flexibility. Unless I get a lot thinner, hooking this in front, even partially, and twisting it around to the back will be nearly impossible. Plus I'm worried about pulling out some hooks and eyes if I do that.

The midriff area is not tight enough to do any real shaping, but it will maintain a smooth, firm line under clothes. I'd liken the compression to that of a seamed, stretch shaping garment without boning. The silhouette is more natural looking than a waist cincher.

The Delphi's cups form a more horizontal line than the Confetti's. It's been months since I saw the Confetti, though, and I only tried it on for a few minutes, so I could be wrong.

I have slim hips, but I imagine this would flex easily to accommodate a curvier bottom half. I'm short and don't have a long torso, but as I sat wearing this for a few hours, I felt perfectly comfortable. We'll see if I feel as comfortable in it when I'm doing work in front of a computer instead of surfing bra blogs. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />

Edited to add one day later: I just tried the Delphi Basque on again. This time it only took five minutes to do up all the hooks. Yesterday I thought I couldn't wear this as outerwear because the extra rows of hooks and eyes show in the back. They will continue to do so until the thing loosens up enough to go to the third row. But if I wear a jacket open and wear a skirt or trousers over the basque, it'll work.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jan 22, 2013 Flag this

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