This review can be summed up as: oh my god the fit of the Haussman, just WOW NO. Because I'm pretty sure the infamous Cleo Jude fit me better than this bra! So I tried it out in a 70G (or by ridic American sizing: 32DDDD) because I had better luck with an unpadded Chantelle bra in 70G - not amazing, but way better than this thing. I should have known, because the Haussman has molded cups, and internet research has told me that Chantelles run pretty narrow, so really, what was I thinking? No, what made me want to shoehorn my wide set, bottom heavy boobs into this model ...were the underwires ENCASED IN PADDING. Or some sort of foam. Either way, it looked so comfortable!
When it comes down to the fit, this bra was all sorts of wrong for my breasts. First, after I scooped and swooped, there was some weird lumpy wrinkling going on down at the bottoms of the cups, you know, where my breasts WEREN'T. Then, the tops of the cups cut into my breast tissue but somehow managed to have gapping at the same time? Like, when I bent over, or twisted my upper body around like I was looking behind me, there was gapping in the upper corners of the bra where it met the straps, almost like the strap positioning and top of the bra were too wide for my shoulders or frame. No matter how I positioned my boobs, there was either the wrinkling at the bottom of the cups, quadboob, gapping or ALL THREE at the same time. I just couldn't win with this bra. The straps also could only be adjusted halfway, and they seemed a little too loose. In addition, I had to fasten the band on the tightest hooks for a snug fit (which isn't surprising because I'm kind of between band sizes :/ )
It's too bad, because even with all these fitting flaws, the Haussman was quite comfy. This may not be the most sexy or elegant of bras, but if you have breasts that are somewhat close together and/or narrow and are looking for a comfortable T-shirt bra with some padding, you might have better luck with this bra than I did. Read more 268 more words
The first thing I noticed about this bra is that the underwire pressed uncomfortably into my sternum. After bending it outward a bit, the pressure was relieved enough to be able to wear it. However, the material (particularly the straps) are too itchy for me to wear for more than an hour or so.
I also don't quite fill out the bottom of this bra. The top and sides are fine but the bottom wrinkles, though not noticeable under clothing.
This review is for the Chantelle Rive Gauche T-back Spacer Bra 70D, colour Cappuccino.
General comments:
This was an impulse buy. I don't think I'd ever even have considered buying this bra had it not been for the fact that all my other bras (minus the lovely Rhea) are impossibly uncomfortable at the moment. The reason is that it's simply not my style: narrowly placed straps and racer backs make my already wide shoulders appear even wider. They're also not ideal for the wide-necked shirts I like to wear. Furthermore, higher centre gores and more horizontally cut cup edges (half cups) work better for my shape and give me a ...more fitting cleavage than deep plunges like this. Furthermore, this 70D should technically be too loose in the band, is slightly too small in the cup, and also in other respects is not a perfect fit. And yet I bought two ...
Bra description:
A front closing plunging racer back design with plain and seamless, soft, very slightly stretchy cups made out of ultralight foam-like 'spacer' knit. The back is made out of a super soft stretch lace backed with soft, sheer, stretch mesh. The thin, smooth straps are embellished with a contrasting running stitch detail. Silver coloured findings and front closing clasp with Chantelle logo. Small silver coloured tag on the right bottom side with Chantelle brand name. The whole appearance is simultaneously plain, somewhat utilitarian, yet somehow delicate, feminine and fresh as well -- in my opinion a successful yet difficult to describe blend, really.
This is my first experience with 'spacer' knit and like Vee ('boobies in clouds') I can only sing its praises. It's really quite miraculous stuff: super soft, ultralight and slightly stretchy, but at the same remarkably supportive. It gives a flattering, smooth shape without feeling bulky or stiff. Nipples might show through very slightly. I'm quite smitten with the stuff and I'll definitely stay on the lookout for more in this material.
Bra fit:
I measure 27" underbust (tightly) so for all practical purposes I have no business donning a 70 band. I tried a Rive Gauche three-part cup some time ago and I was positively swimming in that band so I did not expect this one to come even close, especially since it's a non-adjustable front closing design. Truth be told, this band IS a tiny bit loose on me, but to my surprise it fits MUCH closer than any other 70 band I've tried and it doesn't noticeably ride up. It's not ideal (please please please expand your size range, Chantelle!), but it stays in place with wear and is definitely good enough for the 'around the house' purpose I had in mind and to cover for those days I simply cannot wear any other bra.
The cups are maybe (half?) a cup size too small, but the material is so forgiving that it's almost impossible to quadboob in this thing. The little bit there is on my larger side is not noticeable under clothes. A bigger problem is the 'centre gore', or what to call it: I have space between my breasts, but the cups on this bra are ever so slightly too far apart even for me. It doesn't help that the gore is very low either as my breasts like to spill towards the centre. The wires are the correct width for my shape, but in combination with the low, wide centre gore they do not quite enclose my breasts as they should at the centre front. Due to my breast size fluctuating throughout the day and the (too) loose band this part actually seems to float a bit occasionally but as nothing actually pinches or hurts I'm not too bothered by that. On 'fuller' moments I also get a bit 'orange-in-a-glass'. Again, this does not cause any discomfort so I'm not bothered by it.
Usually with cups that come up this high towards the straps I don't quite fill them out towards the top. However, this doesn't seem too much of an issue with this bra. IF there even is excess space there, thanks to the forgiving material it really is not noticeable. The armhole is slightly tight though -- it's simply cut too straight -- for my short upper torso and high-on-chest breasts, which is something I might try and change if I finds it bothers me more than it should.
The shape this bra gives me is actually quite good. It's nothing compared to the super rounded and lifted 'Regency' cleavage my beloved Rhea gives me but it's a separated, understated, and natural look that's perfect for 'around the house' and even though it's ever so slightly East-West it's not unflattering on my frame. Instead of 'up and out' this bra keeps my breasts close to my chest and more how and where they are naturally. The best thing, however, is that it really makes my breasts appear nice and round and anything but pointy which is one of their natural features I'm none too keen on. And the cups are just so soft! I keep touching them, because they just feel yummy!
Conclusion:
For me this bra is a typical case of comfort over style -- or even fit. I would have liked to try it in 70E/32DD (how does the Chantelle sizing go?), but that size wasn't available and I'm thinking it would not solve the issues I have in this size: I personally think that the biggest problem is the centre gore, in combination with the deep plunge cut, which simply isn't ideal for my shape. Had the gore been narrower and the wires higher (and the band smaller ... 65E/30DD or 65F/30E might have been 'perfect' as far as it's possible for me to achieve perfection in this cut) this bra might have just as well been designed for me. Despite it's imperfections it felt so immensely comfortable that I had already decided to get it anyway when luck struck: it was on discount, 50% off! So I bought two and can now enjoy a bit of 'around the house' decadence in both Cappuccino and Black https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" />
I'm definitely going to try other Chantelle models as well. I've been in love with demi's like the Rive Gauche and C-Chic Sexy for some time already and now that I've first hand experienced the quality, comfort and shape of this bra I'll willingly take a too large band. If necessary I can always alter it down. Read more 969 more words
The Chantelle seems to fit in the band and cup (40DDD), as it stays in place thanks to the single stays on each side of the cups, and there's no breast tissue coming out the top or sides of the cups (which is not generally a problem for me). However, the underwires creak when I move, and it makes me think that the cups are too small. There's NO extra room in the cups (and the cups even hold me in just a little, I feel hugged) as there's no give in the cups at all and very little in the band, which I consider to ...be a good thing. Despite this, the bra is comfortable. It's most certainly a full coverage, and the straps don't cut into my arms (which is usually a problem for me).
The Chantelle is not as pretty as the pictures make it look, and mine arrived with a flaw with the lace on the edge of the right cup, which is really annoying. I bought this bra from the Nordstom website, which says that 40DDD is equal to a 40F, but the tag on the bra said it was equal to a 40E, and I tend to agree with the tag, as I normally wear a 40F, and this bra feels a little more snug in the cup (not in the band) than I'm used to. Read more 130 more words
The fitter described this as a bra that fits anyone. Unfortunately not me, but I'm not sure it's the bra's fault. I bulge out of plunges with wear, although at first the cups were nice and flat. The pattern is subtle and pretty. I think that if it fit me, this could be an every day bra. It isn't uncomfortable, though as with most 36 bands I've tried, it just stretches too far.
This was the bra that the fitter at Nordstrom used to fit me, and it is absolutely fantastic. I don't usually go for bras this lightly padded, but I love the way it fits itself to my breasts - the padding is just enough so that my nipples don't show through at all, but the cup completely molds itself to my breasts, and feels fantastic. The straps don't fall even when I slouch, which has always been one of my biggest issues with bras. Of course, the lace means it isn't wearable as a t-shirt bra, but a thin camisole or a thick shirt can solve that problem. ...I almost want to buy another one in black - I could see this becoming a great bra!
What surprises me most about it is how great my cleavage looks even without any padding. It's no push-up, but in a low-cut shirt, I'm hopeful that it will impress.
The straps are ridged on top, which you can feel against your skin if you shrug your shoulders high enough, and it's not the most pleasant feeling but otherwise this bra is totally awesome. Read more 81 more words
This is a decent everyday bra. I could've gone up a cup size, but this one has enough Ds to be serviceable and comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the purple color disappears under shirts even better than the black version (that is, if you happen to be a female whose natural skin color is a great deal darker than what the lingerie companies call "nude" ).
After a few months of ownership, the bra's band has stretched considerably. Would size down if you are already wearing the bra on the smallest hook. It has also become more obvious that I could have gone up a cup size. In the future, I'll have to keep in mind the difference between UK and US cup sizing.
Thought 32 might be too tight so I ordered a 34H. I need a 32, maybe I (US). Can't fill out the bottom of the cup and the straps are a bit too wide, but not as wide set as my Fantasie that keeps slipping off my shoulders. We'll see once I start wearing it. The underwires poke into my armpit, but again not as bad as the other one.
Do I sound like I'm settling? I am. I will keep this one because it fits better than most of the others I have. Even though I don't fill out the bottom (despite scooping and pulling up the ...band and all sorts of other tricks), I think the bra gives me a nice shape. And I have been wearing a reasonably correct size for about a year (and not consistently), so I probably still have some remigrating going on. The bra seems well made.
Update: Dec 2012. Armored breastplate. Wires poke into my armpits. Finally bent them slightly and they feel much better. Feel like they drag my breasts down a little--perhaps because the band is too big. Read more 80 more words
This is the best bra I have ever owned. The three-part cup and underwire is exactly what I need to support my breasts, i.e., keep them up, separated, and from sagging down or out. It's beautiful, sexy, and comfortable all day. I was concerned about chafing and discomfort from the underwire and sides being a bit high. Once I got used to the *feeling* of having this particular support, I did not find it uncomfortable. For someone with very soft, sensitive skin, the lace at the sides combined with the higher side may prove uncomfortable. Specifically, this would be when wearing a ...top with a roomy or knit stretchy armscye which does not optimally prevent the upper, inner arm skin from touching the outer side of the bra, higher up toward the armpit while active (particularly when reaching high or lifting something of significant weight and then lowering arms). I recommend the Shimera camisoles to gently smooth the torso silhouette, and prevent this from being an issue. This is a very high quality bra. It has flawless construction, the materials will not wear out, the elasticity allows comfort and movement without breaking down over time. It has not stretched out, nor has it come apart anywhere. The hooks in the back have not pulled out, and they are a good quality hook that do not bend out of shape. This bra runs at about $88. That's an expense I consider seriously before recommending. Instead of buying three or four bras without this level of support, quality, durability, and gosh-darn prettiness, I consider this a worthwhile investment. Read more 172 more words
This is a great t-shirt bra, very simple in styling, nothing fancy about it, but perfect for an everyday bra for me. It's a good fit other than the band, but at the time I got it, I was unable to find a 30 band, which would, I'm sure, fit much better, as the band on this is a bit big. I'll keep it though, as it is fairly comfortable, and I may have the band altered a bit to fit better if needed.
Great lift and side support for someone with pendulous breasts and who is in need of torso definition due height and body shape issues. Separates the breasts but does not push the breast tissue to the side, as I have found some bras do (e.g. Elomi). Instead the side sling construction brings the breasts forward, but without creating too pointed a breast. This is great is you are like me and have lost your torso definition due to multiple pregnanancies and weight gain. My one criticism is that the underwire pokes into my underarm as I am short (5'/152cm).
After a long, grueling, and unsatisfactory fitting at Nordstrom's, they mailed me this bra (as they didn't have it in the store and the one the next size up was too loose in the band and not right in the cup).
It is very snug to get on, but the band fits well enough. Nothing pokes, boobs are contained.
However... after wearing it for some hours, I notice that the center boning starts to irritate my sternum, and later the wires start to irritate my ribs. I am left with red marks in these areas after wearing it all day. And, it is definitely one that needed ...breaking in. When I first put it on, I had to take it off after a couple minutes. Then I forced myself to wear it once, washed it, wore it again under some duress, and then it was reasonably fine.
It is not my #1 go-to bra because of the comfort issues, but I do wear it.
It's attractive, but if you have dark areolas or pokey nipples, they'll show through the lace. Read more 73 more words
Also love this! Chantelle 4evah! Consistent cup sizes between the two I have (85 G FR). This C-Chic is one of the cheapest Chantelle bras, and I think it's a great place to start if you're looking at the brand. Supportive, and makes my boobs feel like Bs again! The band on this one is like an average to generous 32 I would say (compared to the tight 32s from Elle McPherson, whereas the Chantelle 32 Rive Gauche is inching up into a tight 34).
Marked on label as a US 32ddd, UK 32 E, and EUR 70F. In reality, it definitely fits like a US/ UK 34 band. Cup size runs slightly less than a size small- it fits pretty close to a US 32dd in the cup. On the plus side, it really is a beautiful bra and is extremely comfortable. The cups are spaced closer together than what is typical on a 32ddd, so it gives me a much more rounded shape than usual. On the negative size is it's not at all true to size ( a problem I seem to have with all of Chantelle's bras.) While the quality of the construction is high, the materials will stretch out quickly.
I. Love. This. Bra.! It's beautiful and it fits me pretty well. At first I thought the band was too tight (I had to get used to wearing a 34 band instead of a 36), but it fits great. I love the look of the lace and the bow in the center. The lace does show through when wearing a t-shirt, so it's best not to wear it with thin fabrics
The purchase of this bra was at the recommendation of an overly-pushy sales person in a high-end specialty lingere boutique. After being measured, this is what I wound up with, the center gore between the cups doesn't sit flat against my breastbone, she told me I wouldn't find a bra that would since my ribcage is so small, and the underwires ride up under my armpits, she told me that is because it is a full cup bra, evidently I was in a very gullible mood that day because I shelled out $80 for this ill-fitted item. Anyway, this is a high-quality bra, the quality of the material and the workmanship are top-notch, what you would expect. However, the shape of this cup is odd. Aside from the size issue, this cup has a slightly pointed shape, of which I am not a fan.
Rides high under the armpit for me. A little roomy at the top inner armpit area that I don't fill in. The underwire also tends to be squeaky when you move. IT creaks and groans https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Does not give enough lift
This bra does not flatter me at all. I have soft tissue so the straps pull the lace cups too much causing a weird shape. Loosening the strap helps a bit but not enough. Gore digs in. A cup size up might help but overall this bra is not for me.
I first tried this in a 32e but the cups and band felt big so I sized down to 30E and the cups are still big. Gives me cone boob, wrinkles at top, and straps are too wide. Don't think I can do a 30D because the wires aren't very wide and I need a bit more coverage. Sad because I love the lace on this one
If you cannot return the bra, and you like the look and fit overall, you could tack down the lace at the the gore with a few stitches. I have revived a number of bras this way.
This helps a lot! Thank you!