Sizing in this brand Cacique by Lane Bryant seems to be different. I was told this, their 38H corresponds to a US 38F or UK 38G.
So I accidentally ended up with a bra that's approximately two sister sizes off my current size (UK 34H) when I bought this for $5 at a thrift store. I had expected to make a Franken-bra, and at the time I got it, about five years ago, I was closer to a UK 28F, but have been wearing it with no alterations as almost my only bra since I got it. (Unsure if at the thrift store for sizing being off or ...store closing or what. Also no idea where it could come from, there's rarely even DD or DDD's near me!) Great holster that will keep the girls in place. Seriously it could probably be a sports bra. After five years of being almost my only bra worn, I wish the straps would stay tightened still, but it's still a decent fit.
My natural shape is more projected and I know this flattens me out a good bit, but is also sister-sized, so while I'd rely on someone else for shape/size tests I dont think this is the best option for the most projected shape, but I dont think it's really that shallow either- more of a good sized cereal bowl shape. I fill the volume most days, depending how everything sits, but occasionally fall out under the band a little, or over the top/middle if the band has fallen down too low since I'm pretty close set (really just classic too far along the sister size issues, since I'm gapping at the opposite side of the cup if I am falling out somewhere). It's hard to compare to other shapes since I dont have other bra's in this size range. I have 34DDD's I quardraboob out of terribly, but I tried on an Elomi Cate in 34H that fit nicely if that helps you figure out my shape that's trying to fit into this bra. I consider myself fairly evenly full vertically and horizontally (2.5/5.5 shape-wise on that chart) with maybe a tiny bit more fullness towards the center horizontally. I'm close set, but as the gore is floating an inch above my sternum instead of touching, I cant say if it'd be a problem or not if it touched- maybe slightly wider gore than I'd want. I dont have any issues with the wire. I've never been stabbed by this bra in 5 years, and the wire is still safely enclosed. (I wasn't 100% if it did have a wire or just really good structuring for a long time).
Probably the best-constructed bra I've ever owned. After about 5 years of almost everyday wear there's possibly some band stretching and the straps loosen themselves instead of holding to where they were tightened. No fraying or tears or wire issues. The biggest issue is that recently the lining/padding started to show nipple bumps (mine are harder and I have modesty issues with the bumps showing) So I'm assuming the foam or whatever is starting to decay or wear out. Pretty good for 5 years of everyday wear and -the horror- washing and drying it in machines. Honestly, I couldn't expect more out of a bra. It has tried so hard to fit me. The perfect everyday bra for me. It kept everything smooth/seamless and nice under t-shirts and anything else I has on. I absolutely LOVE this bra, and I'm very sad to find out its not actually made in 34H UK/34K US or I'd go buy more. Read more 495 more words
The "cushion comfort" part of this bra is an airy foam around the underwire and bottom of the cup. I liked it because it felt like my breasts were supported by a cloud, and the extra padding gave some push-up. However, that foam compressed and wore out within a couple of weeks, turning this bra into a regular old molded balconette with a little extra thickness at the bottom.
Part of the quick wear was the quality of the bra (the band stretched out a LOT in just a couple of weeks), how incompatible it was for my shape (the underwires were too narrow), and how small it was for me (two cupsizes too small).
This bra was measured after several months of regular use and machine washing.
The bra is very sexy and looks great on the mannequin, but it's a terrible fit for me. I tried it on in 38G, 40G, and finally a 38H (my correct size in this brand) and none of them looked right on me. The bra is really better suited to someone without center/inner fullness, who needs help getting a nice lift. On me, there was too much quadding even though I finally got the correct size. The bra is too square or rectangular at the sides and then the center looked wrong because my boobs were overflowing the cups, but not in the way the bra intended.
If you ...have close-set breasts or a lot of center fullness/even fullness, don't buy this bra. But, if you have splayed breasts that are very separate and you need help getting good cleavage, this bra will give you that.
I really wanted to like it (which is why I bothered to exchange it so many times), but it's just all wrong for me. I bought the matching girdle/garter and undies, too. Unfortunately, this will be a bedroom-only bra because the shape is so weird, I can't wear it under clothes. If I can find another black and gold bra to go with the set, I might sell or give this one away. Read more 109 more words
https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Sexy and comfortable with a nice shape (a little pointy rather than melon or ball shaped). https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> typical wire squeak as I always get with cacique.
I knew this bra was the right shape for me based on other sizes I tried, but it took over a year to find the 38h because it's discontinued. how bittersweet the victory knowing ill only ever have one! needless to say, I TRY to save it for special occasions... which is difficult since it's the first (and only) bra that has ever fit correctly (and, not surprisingly, the first and only that has ever been comfortable).
I've had this bra now for over a year, regular wear and and washing in the washing machine (hang dry). Still in good shape and hasn't stretched out. The 38 band is a firm 38 (to me), and I feel pretty supported in it. The gore doesn't come close to tacking on me, and my boobs sort of meet in the middle over it, with a some quad oozing. It's a touch wide on me and I have gaping where the strap meets the cup about the size of a goofball, but you mostly can't see it under a tank top. You can see see the sides ...of the bra, however and might dig into armpits, but doesn't for me. The side boning however bends with my fat and gets uncomfortable towards the end of the day.
Edit: I am realizing that what I thought was a non stretched out band was the fact that the cup size was too small and pulling the band tight. Now that I've migrated a bit, I can only really wear them for a little while washing my other bras. They are much wider than I originally thought, about 3 finger's width from my root. Read more 95 more words
The 38" band size is teeny tiny (only 31" when stretched) and the straps cut into my armpits. I like that the cups are deep enough not to have the trampoline effect in the front, but the tiny band is a deal-breaker.
I honestly really love this bra. I love the smooth cups and the way it doesn't poke me anywhere. The band is definitely too big for me, and I plan to shorten it soon. I really love the purple base, but I don't like beige anything, so the lace on it is ew.
Everyone is right that the band sizes run small. I usually need a 34 band -- and a 36 when the band is very firm. But the H cup starts at a 38 band in this model, so what can you do? At first, the band was quite snug, but it stretched out a lot within a couple of weeks. I didn't expect great quality from this brand, though, so I wasn't surprised. I've worn this bra about 12 times, and I'm already using the second column of hooks.
It's true that it feels like your breasts are encased in a cloud when you first put on this bra. ...At least at first, it was the only bra I've found in a long time in which the straps didn't dig in painfully. It's shockingly comfortable at first, but that doesn't last very long. Still, I got this bra marked down for just $12.50. Even though the quality is not great, I don't regret spending $12.50 on it.
I have narrow shoulders and a wide root. I'm also bottom heavy and uneven by about a cup size. Unlike most with wide roots (at least so I've read), my breasts are not shallow. As a result, I usually have to choose between bras that have enough depth and bras that comfortably contain all of my side breast tissue. I've never found one gets this balance exactly right -- AND that has straps narrow enough not to fall down. This one is no exception. I do have underwire against my breast tissue on the left side, but it doesn't hurt the way most bras do thanks to all the cushioning. I also have quite a bit of gaping on the right side and some empty space at the bottom. I never have empty space there -- this bra is for breasts that have a lot of depth. Still, I couldn't go smaller because that would make the pain worse on the left side. The straps are...extremely wide set in this bra. I need a racerback strap to keep them from falling off.
In spite of the bad fit, this bra makes my breasts look fairly even, and the gaping doesn't show under t-shirts. Even though it wears out quickly, it's still one of my more comfortable bras. I have problems with straps digging in most of the time, and the straps on this bra are padded.
It's also kind of a maximizer, and I feel slightly awkward whenever I go anywhere wearing it because it makes my boobs look quite a bit larger than they are.
This bra is comfortable if you have the correct size but you need to be precise with your measurements and definitely try it on. The first time I wore this style I had a band that was too big. The bra was still comfortable but quickly became saggy because they do stretch out quite a bit. I've been able to fix the saggy band with some easy altering and because they're made well I believe it will last a long time. My biggest issue is with the straps slipping down my shoulders. I can and have altered this bra brand/style for that because everything else about it is so nice. I also recognize that my shoulders slope quite a bit for my body frame so it's a common alteration I make to many bras. I like this bra and will buy more in the future.
The back smoothing was wonderful. This bra has the most comfortable back I have ever worn. I loved that. I also love the material in terms of feel on my skin. That said, this bra is a fail. My breasts sat too low, were held flat in the center and far apart, and really had little support. The band, while comfortable against the body. stretches out half way through the day and can't really be worn comfortably a second time or extended amount of time. The cheap plastic strap hardware was very uncomfortable and itched and scratched on my skin where it attached to the bra. The fastening ...hardware was GARBAGE. The first hook was all mangled and pulled half way out after the first wash. I even fastened it and washed it on delicate in my front loader. No other bra brand does this to me except Cacique. The edges of the cups and band are not stiched but rather fused or sewn? and separated quickly. As a once in a while bra, in the proper size, this bra would be a nice addition to a collection. If you are a tough fit, need a bra for your weekly rotation, or don't always hand wash your holsters, this may not be your best bet. Read more 107 more words
Just got it and tried it on, and oh my goodness it feels amazing. I was sure the cup was going to be too big - r/ABraThatFits suggested I would fit a 38 F/G and this is an H, but it fits well. I love the padding, and it's really comfortable. I noticed as soon as I put it on my posture was better too! We'll see how it wears, but first impressions are fantastic! Not the prettiest bra in the world, but I don't care!
Second impressions after having it for a couple days: this bra is awful. The bottom of the cups wrinkle and the fabric comes up too high under my arms. I ended up being really sore after wearing this for 5 hours. Right size, awful fit.
Pretty bra. Underwire, molded cup, banded (I think), thicker straps, 4-hook closure in the sizes I tried. The lace is an overlay that stretches over everything smoothly so is only attached at the detail piping along the edges. Quality seemed decent, but I only had them on in the fitting room.
I tried it in 38H, 38G, 38F at the same time.
For me and my short boobs: The H wire was the best. G was barely okay. F was too narrow. The G cup was the best. F was insta-quad/side-boob. H way too tall. The F straps were the best. The G/H straps were way too wideset. All were too big in the band. All did not fit me with their molded cups.
I would love to try this in a 36H, but 36 is only made in C-DDD cup, according to the Cacique website.
The band was nicely snug and the cups fit true to size (though this isn't my proper size so it didn't fit true to me!), but there is boning just behind the underwires which stabbed me all day long. I'd often have bruises by the end of the day. My underbust is the narrowest part of me - I don't have a smooth line down my side from armpit to waist - so that little bulge of fat was perfectly lined up to get poked and rubbed constantly.
The band has held its elasticity for longer than other bras of the same brand, but it could just be that I wear it a lot less due to the problem with the boning.
This bra was measured after several months of semi-regular wear and machine washing.
I've been with this bra since 2009 & still have my 1st one. I'm not of the "handwash & hang to dry" bra school... mine gets worn, tossed in the wash, and dried on low with all my other clothes. 2 years of that treatment? It still looks brand new & is just now starting to show some wear in the elastic. Warning... Cacique runs small in band size & in this model, there is not alot of stretch, so plan on going at least 1 size larger than normal. Cups are close enough to size that your 1 band size up equilivent ...should be fine on most. (Ex... I was in a 36I Panache (36G UK), wear a 38H in this but can also do a 40G with relative ease.) My only complaints about this bra have to do with the strap lenght & the cut of the cup sides. I have narrow-ish shoulders & high breasts.. which leads to the straps having to be pulled all the way tight to not slip. In having to pull the straps that tight, it causes the cup right in front of the underarm to rub/dig in depending on activity. (Yes, normally the cure for both of these problems is going down a cup size... tried that... got uni-boob syndrome & still had to pull the straps all the way tight) Overall, a high quality, comfortable bra that works with almost anything you wear over it. Just cut the straps shorter, move the outer curve of the cup & give me more colors https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Oh yes...buyer beware... there are 2 versions of this bra on the Cacique/Lane Bryant website. The "modern fit" balconette is the one I have reviewed & worn for 2+ years. The "smooth" balconette is much more stretchy and has very small cut cups. (My bestie wears a 42D normally & it fit her to perfection) Read more 224 more words
Sounds like the perfect bra for me ! I have wide set pendulous boobs.