(This review is for the original Adriana bralette. This style has been re-released and is allegedly truer to size, though I did not have any problems with this bra not being true to size)

This is my third size of the Adriana Lace Bralette in the older version, which many reviewers have complained runs small. I have not found in my experience that it runs small at all, and I find that it fits true to size in the band and a little big in the cup, due to the high cut V neckline. I started with the 30E after reading reviews that it runs small, found the cups a little too big, tried a 32D to see how a cup size down would fit, and ultimately also picked up a 30D as I prefer the 30 band and wanted cups that didn't come up so high. So far in my size range, the only size I have not tried is my normal sister size of 30DD due to availability, but I believe that would probably be my best size, so you should just start with your normal size in this style and adjust as needed based on preferences.

The band is firm and TTS. Because it has wide, firm wings with 3 rows of hooks in this size range, even the 32 band didn't feel impossibly big on me, but I definitely prefer the 30, which is my normal Parfait band size when 28 is not available. The 30D and 32D both have 3 rows of hooks, while the 30E I tried had 4. Almost all bralettes are way too loose for me in the band to provide any kind of support, so this is a great find. The wings are tall on this style but not doesn't feel quite like a longline as the 30E did, and there is a long piece of flexible plastic boning which adds extra stability. The band is made from double layered mesh and floral lace.

Now, the trickiest part of this bralette for me is finding the right cup size because the cups are cut very high, to the point that it will show under clothing. The 30E (1 cup size bigger than my normal size) fit ok, but was a little roomy in the cup especially towards the top. The 30E's cups and neckline were definitely too high for my tastes. The 32D would be my normal cup volume and I found it to be the best in terms of volume and shape, but again, the neckline was cut too high. The 30D's cups are a little too small, giving them a slightly pointy shape, but the neckline on me is much better for my petite proportions. Therefore, I would say that choosing the correct cup size in this style is both up to technical fit and personal taste.

The construction of the cups has more shaping than a standard core sized bralette, so you can tell it's designed as a full figured garment. The 2 piece cup is seamed vertically in the middle for depth, but there's also a separate horizontal piece sewn at the bottom of the cups that acts like a bit of a cradle. I believe this piece allows the cup to have more projection and yet still be seamed smoothly into the band without resorting to shirring. The construction of the cups is much simpler than the Panache Andorra Wireless Bra, but the fit is rather similar. The inside of the cups is made from silky knit fabric and is quite comfortable, as there are no scratchy seams to be found.

The stretchy floral lace is soft and nice quality, but Parfait decided to enclose 4 layers of fabric together in the vertical seam going down the cup, so this seam is definitely visible under clothing. The upper part of the strap is wide lace and tapers to normal elastic, but the adjustable portion is quite short. I had to shorten the straps down completely. Despite these shortfalls, I am surprised by how comfortable and supportive this bralette is, and if I add foam liners for shape, I would definitely wear this out of the house. I think this would be fantastic for plane rides where comfort is paramount.

If you typically have trouble finding small band, medium or large cup bralettes, I highly recommend giving this a try! I haven't tried the new style and probably won't until there are some more fashion colors, but I am pleased to see that the new style comes in 28 bands, and I would just start by ordering my normal size of 28E in that version.

Black colorway

Updated on Jul 26, 2020 Flag this

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