I tried this bra on locally. It feels pretty good, and very similar to the Panache underwired sports bra. I almost didn't try this because my hands and wrists were getting sore from trying on multiple sports bras that all had multiple hook and eye closures. This one is encapsulation instead of compression, and the lady didn't think that I needed encapsulation, but I surprised her as this was clearly the winner of the batch.
I'm not sure if I need a cup size up or not as this converts more to a 30E than 30F, and I think I might have had a smidgeon of tissue cutting ...in on the top, but I do think it was pretty good. I like the colours and it seemed comfortable, but I had wanted to try comparing it against the Fit Fully Yours again, as I think that it fit similarly (including the adjustable j hook), but the FFY is about $65 and this one was $100. And I also wanted to try one cup size up to compare.
So while I don't own this, I thought that I would share the pics and review as I have with the other sports bras I have tried (that have had any potential).
All info is appreciated, even when the bra isn't owned by you, as each little bit adds value to the site and strengthens what it offers to all. So thank you for adding it. :-D The only thing that would have made it better would be the measurements, but I'm sure you didn't have a tape measure handy in your purse, haha. Too bad it's not a common purse essential. ;-)
I wasn't aware that there was a certain kind of breast that a women must have to "need" encapsulation, sorta thought that was a preference thing. lul. But I think it looks great on you! You prolly could get away with another cup size up, but IMO you want to avoid having extra space in a sports bra or else you just end up jiggling around which just sort of defeats the purpose to me. Shame you did have an extra measure tape on you for some quick measurements. XD
Maybe encapsulation works better if you have soft breast tissue?
I wouldn’t go up a cups size unless it really feels to small. I tried the panache sports bra in both 30E and 30F and get much less giggling in the 30E.
MamaPagan and LeProfessor yeah, I didn't think to bring a tape measure. On the other hand, I was the only person there and thus had regular communication and contact with the sales assistant so it might have been a bit awkward.
I do still want to try a size up though, if for nothing else, bra science. It might be too roomy and defeat the purpose, as said, but my soft tissue might be able to pull it off. The Fitfully Yours I tried was a 30F, but I don't recall if it's a US or UK 30F, since the company is Canadian and I don't know what sizing system they use.
As far as having the type of breasts that are better for encapsulation or compression, I don't remember exactly what the factor was that made both assistants at different locations suggesting compression over encapsulation for me. It might have been the lower size range or it might have been my soft tissue. I forget. I'm not doing a lot of exercise that's high impact (mostly just waking) so I don't know if that was a consideration or not in the suggestions.
That all said, I'm currently looking at a shock absorber bra that compression though. It's a listing here. I tried the same model last week, but in a larger size (which was just a little bit too big still) when I met up with my new bra friend, so I am trying to determine the shipping from Europe and customs limits. It won't be like this, but for the price, it's a start. :)
Thanks for the comments and feedback.
aboobaccount it's possible that the encapsulation is better for softer tissue. I think that this size is the right one, but I do want to compare. I'm going to find and link the Panache and Fit Fully Yours that I also added here a few months ago.
Adding both of these was an afterthought, so not a lot of information, and limited pictures, but I added what I had. I'm still not used to adding the stuff that I don't own/didn't buy, but I am trying to be more mindful about that.
I think I may just have to set out on trips around my lovely state of Delaware and see if I can't find some lovely bras to measure and try on. I had all but given up on finding bra's in store anymore since I am a band size 28. But I have started to see size 28 bands in Wal-Mart! Albeit they are for children and marked as needing a freaking 23" rib cage to wear they are like MC.TINY (i'll probably end up trying one on anyway XD), there is some hope I may find something some where or I may end up finding a nice taught 30 band bra to fit (or not), and post more measurements for the base. I still have a bunch of bra's sitting around here that need measurements taken, but my measure tape is just too stretched to be reliable any more.
Wow. This bra is beautiful. It's a wonderfully deep plunge and just a joy to wear; it is very comfortable. I was recommended a Chantelle due to my need of a narrow centre gore. This does have a very nice narrow centre gore and while I am truly in love with this bra it does have issues. These issues are not enough to make me regret buying this bra however I probably won't purchase another one.
Now in my research before trying on and purchasing this bra I found very conflicting stories. Most seem to say the bands ran big. Well, this hasn't been my experience at all. The ...band on this bra runs small. The unstretched band on this bra is only 22.75" which squarely puts it in the average length for a UK 28 band, not the 30/65 it is labeled. Others claimed the bands to be stretchy yet the band on this bra is quite firm IMO. I've worn this bra a few times already and it still shows no signs of stretching out quickly. I've also read the cups ran small and again I disagree. This bra is labeled as follows: FRA 80F, EUR 65F, ITA 1F, UK 30E, USA 30DDD. For a bra labeled as a UK 30E I find the cup to be consistent with standard UK bra cups.
Now for the other issues. I require narrow underwires and deep cups. Well these cups aren't deep, I find them to be relatively shallow; not Panache shallow but still a tad more shallow than Curvy Kate. The underwires on this bra are confusing. I cannot say the underwires are wide because they aren't. The ends of the underwire on the sides sit in the right spot. However the curve of the underwires out from the sides run too deep. I have narrow boobs so there ends up being this little crescent shaped area in the cup where I can't fill it because my boobs are more angular than round. It's not the bra sitting too low since the underwires imprints clearly show that at the bottom the underwire is sitting right under tissue. It just curves out too much in between those two points. This is much more defined on my smaller left boob than it is on my right. This really is by no means a deal breaker since this issue isn't even remotely bad enough to show through clothing.
The profile of this bra is quite round/minimised IMO. It is a nice even all around shape though unlike Panache which puts the fullest point of my boob about an inch below my nipple. While the cups on this bra are shallow it doesn't create quad boob on the inside of the cups like Panache did as well. While this round/minimised shape is not my preferred shape, it doesn't look bad at all. This shaping does have it's place and will come quite in handy for some of the few button front shirts I do have.
The plunge front is very deep and will work very well for a deep v-neck or those button shirts that I like to leave the top buttons undone. However, this is not a cleavage inducer. Despite the deep plunge it keeps my boobs quite separated and stops them from jiggling.
Overall, again this bra is beautiful, useful and very comfortable; there is no place where I get pain from the underwires. I just would have liked more side support, more projection and a bit more angular wire on the outer sides of the underwires. Read more 486 more words
This is the cutest I have ever felt in a bra. Band is surprisingly supportive considering that it is lacey. (My underbust measures 29” and the furthest I could stretch the bra was about 31”). The hardware (i.e., hooks, eyes, rings) is made of some nice silver tone metal. I just bought it so I’m can’t say much about the longevity of this bra. The underwire is nice and wide enough for me. This bra is designed in such a way that the bottom of the cup by the underwire lays flat against your chest and helps uplift the breasts which is great for someone like ...me that does not want a padded push up bra but has a shallow chest. (you can kind of see it in the picture where the bottom of the cup by the underwire looks like it does not contain breast tissue). The cups are lightly padded and it looks great under a fitted t-shirt from the front but at the back it looks a little weird to me because of the Chantelle logo plaque by the closure. I guess you could cut it off but I think it looks pretty when you’re wearing the bra solo.
There are only 2 things that I would change about this bra: the price and since I am a petite person (5’1”) I would also like an option for shorter straps (I have already shortened the straps to the shortest so I guess I should probably brush up on my tailoring skills because this is not the only bra that I have with this problem.)
This is in many ways close to a perfect fit for me. It is wide enough, it accommodates my tall roots and shallowish shape, the gore is nice and narrow, the band is fine for my 28 to 30 underbust. I wear it on the middle hook. The straps adjust just long enough. I need to extend them Just about all the way but I do have a rather long torso. Minor gripes include: the bow in the middle keeps rotating sideways, the decorative lace on the cups stick up a little.
Nice color on you! It does look like a good fit. Congratulations!
congratulations on finding a bra that fits and feels comfortable to wear all day. The color is so nice and the bra is so pretty and feminine. i like the lace but i also have bras that the bow does the same thing
Great colour. Odd about the lace and bow though. Is that spacer fabric?
I love my rive gauche 3-part non-T-shirt bras, so now I might just have to look into the T-shirt version of the style! I am looking to get something to replace my older T-shirt bras from Natori with anyway, they’re on their last row of hooks so the bands are just about done with being any sort of supportive. ;)
The tightest band I've found on a spacer bra. Fits true to size, not larger.
Tall cups, less good for me. I believe Fantasie Rebecca cups were slightly shorter, less plunging.
Wires seem narrow but stretch easily with the band.
One of the rounder, less minimized shapes I have gotten in a spacer bra.
Love the soft spacer material as always.
Hate the gore and split strap details. They dig in. The straps might not be adjustable enough for some.
Overall I don't like the full coverage and tall cups. Surprisingly, the underwire does stay in my IMF. I think my other moulded bras give me a better shape, so this might not be a keeper.
As many other reviewers have noted, this sports bra is very, very similar to the Panache underwired sports bra. I love the fact that this one comes in solid colors - some of Panache's solid/print mixes are hard to match (hey, it matters to me! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> ), and the bra I'm reviewing is the Peacock colorway, which is a deep, vibrant aqua. I love that it's not on the lighter, pastel side, but that it's not too deep and dark either.
Now the fit...like the Panache underwired sports bra, I do feel a little room at the apex standing up, and this ...translates to feeling more room at the top of the cup when lying down (e.g., to do abs) - I notice this more in this bra compared to the Panache model. And again, I could try a cup size down, but I was in a bind and needed something so I pulled the tags off and said screw it. It's not noticeable enough to be uncomfortable or what I would deem a bad fit - just maybe not the most ideal. I'm wondering, being projected and FOB, if this might be a better fit for shallower or FOT ladies? The cups are tall enough in any case that the issue really isn't visible and doesn't become a big deal.
It feels slightly less supportive, secure, and bounce-reducing than the Panache model, but I haven't yet tested it for high-impact cardio yet (just out for a walk), so we'll have to see. Issue could potentially be solved by using the J-hook to convert it to a racerback, but, I doubt I will ever be flexible enough to make that happen, so I personally don't include that as part of these reviews.
It's very, very comfortable - so comfortable, in fact, that when I put it on I thought I had received the wrong item by mistake as I couldn't even feel a wire anywhere! It has the same design as the Panache underwired sports bra with a tall gore that extends up past the end of the underwire - so again, for me, I'd feel comfortable wearing this out of the house with no top for a run - cute, sporty, but no visible cleavage (or nipples, which I prefer to not have visible). Read more 284 more words
So I just reviewed this bra in the bright blue "Peacock" colorway, and as sometimes happens, the bra fits slightly differently (in this case, better, for me) in a different colorway. This "Raspberry" model fits about a half cup size smaller despite all of the same measurements listed on the tag - much closer to my 30F Panache Underwired Sports Bra (5021) than this bra in the other colorway. I'm wondering if they were manufactured at different times/facilities as the tag styles are slightly different? Who knows. This model feels more secure and less gapey, with no noticeable fit issues at all for me.
I did find it ...odd that I ordered this bra (and the other color) in size 30F through Amazon, but the UK size on the tag reads 30E and the US size 30DDD (which I understood to be UK 30E equivalent). So I'm guessing Amazon is using the EU tagged size of 65F for their size selection of 30F that I ordered - just something to know.
Overall, positive review. I am in love with the deep, saturated raspberry hot pink - again, would totally wear on its own outdoors for a run in the summer. Appeared to wick sweat and control bounce well while doing mountain climbers, jumping rope, etc. during a 40-minute plyometric workout. No visible cleavage or nipples which are things I prefer to not show in sports bras. There's some orange contrast stitching, but to my eye it's not noticeable in the front unless you're looking very closely, and I like that it's not distracting from the solid-color appearance of the bra even where it's more visible on the straps. Read more 171 more words
I love my chantelle sports bra. Panache is fantastic, but I think the Chantelle cuts just a hair little lower on the chest and I love the J-hook for racerback (the panache hook is right up on my neck but the J-hook I can move to between my shoulderblades).
Yes! I do think the Chantelle is just a bit lower. I think it's nice that it has the J-hook for the racerback option, but I'm totally not flexible enough to hook it behind my back, or to put the bra on with the J-hook fastened and then do the regular hooks behind my back once it's on. Glad you like it though!!
This color is so beautiful, too. Glad it fits even better :-) Thanks for the sizing information.
Well this looks like an exact copy of Panache sports bra :O Btw I just bought 2 Panache sport bras from a clearance yesterday ;)
Good for you that the bra fits and works well! :)
Yes, it's so similar to the Panache bra! The materials are a little different but for me, the fit and the construction are very, very close, nearly identical, like many people say.
I will add measurements and photos soon. This is a great alternative to the Panache Sport underwired bra. It is equally comfortable (maybe more) and I think the fit is a bit better. Many different sizes of the Panache work for me (30DD, 30E, 32DD), but none of them seemed perfect in the cup. This one is a little more moldable to the body. If you find Panache sport UW a tricky fit, try this one!
eta: after wearing I feel this one is a tad big in the cup (a little orange in glass). The 65E is the best fit a little small in cup; still not sure which one is best for me.
label sizing on this bra is odd; this one says 30E UK, 30DDD US, 65F EU and 80F FR on the sales tag, but the bra tag says F cup for all.
When I saw this bra I thought that it was so chic and elegant that I knew that I wanted to buy it. I know its out of the usual bra sizes that I wear but I decided to go for it. I don't regret this purchase for one second. I love the fit and comfort of this bra. It just works on me. If there is one thing that I have learned its that when you have shallow and asymmetrical breasts that bras have a tendency to fit you when you would think they otherwise wouldn't. I bought this bra from another user.
This bra has puzzled me a bit. It's the first bra I got in my actual size after hunting down a store that sells 30 bands in larger cups, so I may not be a true fit expert here, but it seems to fit me quite well, and is adorable. The stitching on the straps and center gore bow is one of the little details on this bra that I enjoy greatly. However, I do have two qualms with it... I think. The underwires settle a little bit lower than usual, so there is some part of the cup that doesn't contain any breast, and no matter how ...I manipulate the position of the bra on my chest, I can't get that bottom part of the cup to move in the right way to keep me in place. When sitting slouchily, a crease will develop in the cup in about the place underwires would be on me normally. I'd hazard a guess that this bra is looking for heavier boobs than mine. Even a bit out of place, the cups fit great otherwise. My other problem with this bra is that my boobs have particularly wide roots that extend under the armpits, so to keep "armpit" fat in place I need wider cups. These may almost be too wide, because the place where the straps meet the cups sometimes rubs against the inside of my arm. So uh, this bra (on me) is a bit... quirky. Read more 138 more words
Pretty, delicate bra with soft, comfortable fabric. It feels good to wear around the house and for light activity like walking; haven’t tried to wear it for a long day yet so we’ll see. The band is very stretchy and runs large. It’s comfortable on the tightest hook but I can fit an entire hand underneath. Cups have a shallow fit especially near the bottom. There’s a bit of a fold at the bottom while it cuts into the tissue at the top. Wires seem to move a little below my IMF because of this and the stretchy band. Cups seem flattening near the center gore. This bra ...gives me a nice lift but has a bit of a minimizing effect. It looks nice and very natural under fitted t-shirts. It seems to be trying to separate my breasts slightly more than they want to be separated. It’s a flattering look under clothing. It feels like I’m barely wearing anything. It doesn’t come in a smaller band size, so I’m going to keep it and hope the band retains its elasticity over time and that the cups conform to my shape a little more. Read more 86 more words
Highly coveted bra since early in bra my journey. The woman in Nordstrom offered this to me, but I couldn't justify spending so much ($88) on a bra. I loved the fit, the pinstriped ribbon details, and soft materials. I found this gem on eBay finally for a much more palatable price in "Ocean Blue". I got a 30ddd this time and the fit is generally pretty good. The cups are quite shallow at the bottom and there is a bit of folding down there. However, they are also wide enough and the right shallowish shape, and it's extremely comfortable, so I can overlook that. I'm a 28f but the 30 band is fine on the middle hook to start with.
I just tried one of these myself and it's amazing how comfortable it is for a t-shirt bra. I think it fits so much better than all the other t-shirt bras I've tried. It's of course shallow, but much less so than many others! I wish mine had two hooks instead of one though! ;-) Beautiful color on you!
LeProfessor One hook?! How does that even work?
I love this color on you. So glad you found a better price on Ebay!
The white stitching looks really nice. It's funny how they try to save some money on a 88$ bra by using only a single hook and only in the 65D version of it.
Yeah...@Sovavosi , it's the same as my mimi Holliday super plunge & times bra..for some reason they think the smaller sizes only need 1 hook on the columns instead of 2...i don't like it. I like nice wide bands. And I have the 65C , aboobaccount , they probably do 1 hook instead of 2 in sizes b-d. I haven't looked it up though. I assumed they all had 1 hook. >.<
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.
Holds the girls down for sure! Its too big for me so I don't wear it unfortunately. I would need two cups smaller for the compression type fit I want for activities.
My fit needs: projected, immediately projected, slightly narrow, fob with tall roots (functionally even), very close set, very center full.
I love this sports bra! Definitely need to use the j hook to feel more secure. It's good for low-medium impact sports. Comes with a tight band, since I've had it for 5 years and I'm still only on the 2nd hook. Quite wide like all other sports bras but the wires do match my imf and at the very least it gives a projected and nice shape unlike the Freya sports bra
Just overall too small, I bought this before I realized my bra size had changed significantly. Extremely cute and cups are very soft. Band seems pretty stretchy.
At first I thought this was a great fit for me! With flared bottom ribs my sternum seems to "dip" inwards meaning many (pretty much all) bra gores don't tack. This one, is so close but still not flat. I can still poke one finger between. It sits very, very low. I liked that the lining is barely there, so I feel my modesty is somewhat protected but I still get a lot of flex. My issues though... The lace overlay is pretty separate from the lining, and i found myself tugging at it throughout the day. The gore feels itchy by the end of the day. For ...my 30F bust there is not enough support in this bra for all day wear. I will be saving it for nights out when I want to wear fashion or lower cut tops. The wires are nice and wide for me, but similar to anothe review, I'm guessing because the lining isn't adhered to the lace overlay that this causes it to fold under the breast. By the end of the day I want to rip it off for a more supportive bra. What I do like, however, is the high apex so there's no rough join between strap and cup. Read more 101 more words
Wires are very wide, wider than I need and I have wide roots. The wires are flexible which contributes to them acting wider when worn than measurements would indicate. However I find it comfortable anyway and like that I can tuck my tail of spence in and it stays. My shape is full on bottom/deflated and this helps round me out. The stretchy mesh at the top accomodates my tall roots without cutting in. Band is stretchy, 4 columns of hooks and I am starting it on the second to loosest one. I like that it is super thin and breathable, yet covers my nipples and nipple piercings. ...Lace and seams are pretty flat so do not show under most clothing. There isn't that much projection at the wire since the fabric has some give it's ok. The wires do not sit perfectly in my intramammary fold but close enough. Mine has a minor defect, where the wire on one side is stitched slightly lower than the other, which you can see in the middle where they meet. Nothing consequential but would expect a bit better for the price. Overall this is a really comfortable lightweight daily summer bra for me. Read more 93 more words
This is a gorgeous raspberry color. I love the adjustable J-hook vs panache's single spot J-hook. It runs tight. Sits a little lower on the chest vs panache, which fits my boobs better. I usually wear a 30-32, so I need this in a 70 band.
All info is appreciated, even when the bra isn't owned by you, as each little bit adds value to the site and strengthens what it offers to all. So thank you for adding it. :-D The only thing that would have made it better would be the measurements, but I'm sure you didn't have a tape measure handy in your purse, haha. Too bad it's not a common purse essential. ;-)