I bought this bra in 32DD as they did not have a 30DDD. Band was a bit looser than many 32's I think, but I liked the bra style and other aspects enough that I made some alterations so I could keep it. That being said, I will not make too many comments on the "band fit" because of the alterations I made and will focus more on other aspects of the bra and its style.

I have the bra in both cappucino and black. Initially the cappucino felt a bit scratchier and less soft than the black model (maybe due to dyes used), but this evened out with ... some washes. I do prefer the look of the black one, the gold/bronze undertone to it makes it a bit more interesting than just plain black or the cappucino one!

Full cup coverage, but the lace and bow details make it more feminine rather than "grandma". While not "over the top va-va-voom sexy", I find these are lovely everyday understated feminine and sexy bras, and I wear both of them regularly. I also like the contrast stitch detailing on the straps.

Center gore is wider, which may be an issue for those with very narrow breasts. It really dug into me before I adjusted band, but once I had the "right" size it is very comfortable and lays very flat against my sternum so if you are in right size for you, it is probably fine.

Gives a very rounded and separated look, breast tissue is well centered to the front. I don't have any escape of breast tissue into my armpit, etc. Based on the stretch lace, and the cup style, this bra probably fits those with fuller/rounder breasts best. There may be quite a lot of wrinkling or empty space at top for those with less rounded breasts.
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Updated on Aug 11, 2011 Flag this

ABOUT THIS BRA
An unpadded, seamed, full cup, underwire bra with top stretch.
This is the Chantelle Rive Gauche with the 3-part cup (3281), not the Riva Gauche T-shirt bra.


Purchasing: Purchased in black for $58.96 using Amazon free Prime shipping & returns (not Amazon Wardrobe). Available in black, beige, and peach only. (Other sizes have fun colors.)

Band, strap, and cup construction identical to 32E (70F - Chantelle » Rive Gauche 3 Part Cup (3281)), except fabric colors (black outer fabrics with beige linings).


ABOUT ME: petite with wide horizontal oval, slightly conical breasts
* average projection (not shallow or very projected)
* average-set (one finger width of space between breasts)
* ... wide roots (extend to the mid-axillary line)
* even horizontal fullness (just barely outer full)
* short root height, average vertical placement
* mix of firm & soft tissue (front molds to shape of bra, sides push wimpy wires away)
* conical shape (but will squish to round)
* full on top (2/4 shape, not even or very full) - BUT functionally even to FOB due to short roots and soft tissue
* petite (5'3") so have narrow frame
* front (anterior) rib flares


FIT:

Band rides up. Wings too short -- flesh escapes (but not painfully pinched by upper arm).

Gore is comfortable, tacks, good spacing, height fine.

Straps are NOT too wide-set and adjust short enough.

Tail of Spence (ToS) is visible, smooth (not bulging) and happy (no painful cutting in but outer cup).

Cups: Wires enclose all breast tissue but cannot keep it inside the cup (probably b/c band is too big so wires not well supported). Upper cup is smooth on larger breast with tiny wrinkles on smaller breast (acceptable, if this was the only fit issue). Bottom of cup and apex are filled nicely (not too shallow at wire or apex).

Shaping: From the side, give an acceptable lifted, projected (good, not great), and slightly pointy shape. From the front, gives a wide (east-west) shape.

Appearance under Clothing: Seams show through a thin tee-shirt (despite marketing of smooth seams). Invisible under a boat-neck. Under a sleeveless shirt, the edge of the wing peeks out of armhole and straps show on shoulders.


ASSESSMENT & PLAN:
* Tried this model because it is recommended for average projection and center pull straps. I choose this size (UK 32DD, EU 70E) based on Bratabase measurements (cup width = 5", cup depth = 9").
* I agree with these recommendations and measurements.
* Also tried +1 cup size (UK 32E, EU 70F) but the poorly supported wire (band too big) allowed boob to escape under the wire (in the armpits) making the cups appear too big (but borderline quadding when all boob inside cup).
* Band too big, cups fit, straps fit, tail of Spence happy. Want to try in 30-band, but not made.
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Black with beige lining colorway

Updated on Jul 27, 2019 Flag this

This is really a hell of a bra. The construction is amazing. But the band is just too big, so it doesn't stay in place and the high gore chafes me and stabs my chest when i bend over. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> et tu, chantelle?! Boy i wish they made this in a 30 band. Maybe if i knew how to alter bands it could work, but my first try is not gonna be on a 90-dollar bra.

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Updated on Dec 27, 2014 Flag this

This may be one of my favorite bras. It is extremely comfortable and supportive. My only complaint (which is really just my personal taste) is that it is almost too separating. I feel like my boobs are totally front and center in this, if that makes sense. Initially, I get the tiniest bit of quadboob near the gore. After wearing for a couple of minutes, this goes away. I thought that the 70F would be a better fit, but I'm not sure about that any more. It seems that the cups are a bit on the larger side for an E, so if you are between and E ... and an F, perhaps size down. It's so stretchy that it seems forgiving. If you have a lot of center fullness, you may find that the elastic along the top of the cup digs in and gives you quadboob. That is probably the main shape issue with this bra.

As far as appearance goes, it's pretty average. It's definitely not a bra I would wear to wow my husband. There are much cuter options out there. But for a daily driver? Not too shabby. I would imagine the cut looks less matronly on taller folks with a longer torso. Shorter gals may find that the cups come up really high on the chest.
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Updated on Apr 02, 2014 Flag this

I have mixed feelings about this bra. It is well made for sure. The materials feel luxe to me, the band feels firm (unlike many of Chantelle's newer offerings), and the hardware solid. The cups are lined with a silky taupe fabric that feels smooth but makes the bra appear sheer. My favorite part is the straps, black with a cream running stitch down each side, pretty enough to not worry if they show.

But though my partner complemented the sexy appearance of the bra, I felt dowdy in it. I felt it overwhelmed my petite frame and was self-conscious of it showing over the neckline of my shirts. The gore was definitely too high for me as well.

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Updated on Feb 26, 2014 Flag this

Didn't write a review

Pink colorway

Added on Sep 22, 2016

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Added on May 10, 2017

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This bra is not owned any more

Added on Jul 16, 2021

Didn't write a review

Black colorway

Added on Jul 31, 2022

Didn't write a review

Added on Mar 06, 2015