*UPDATE: After wearing through a 10 hour shift at work.* It is quite evident that my body is not used to wearing such a firm band as I felt a bit sore after wearing the bra all night. After sitting in this bra for my hour long drive to work it became very apparent where the bra was in fact sitting on my breast tissue. The wires in this bra a VERY firm and started to feel like they were digging into me while I was sitting, but while i was standing I did not feel it much, if at all. When I took the bra off I had ...clear as day red marks on my breasts in the shape of the cup all the way up to where the cup connects to the straps. I could also feel my tissue hanging over the cup on the armpit side. I have NEVER worn a bra where my breasts actually stayed in the same spot all night, that they certainly did in this bra! It stopped all movement better than a sports bra (or at least any sports bra that I've worn) . Even though there is no space between the wire channels at the Gore, the wire was still sitting on my breast, only slightly uncomfortable and I am hoping this uncomfortable feeling would go away with a correct size cup. I do wish the bras under wires came up hire at the side than in the middle, I think the Gore may be too high for me...It started to become uncomfortable after about 6 hours and I found myself pulling it away from chest every now and again, giving it a little scratch. The wires do not fill the wire channels so perhaps I could push the wires to the outside from the inside? Put a stitch or two in place to keep it from moving? I do not have much experience with bras, but if the bra does not "soften up" with wear I may sew a soft, plush fabric along the under wires and band seems. They are not itchy or abrasive, they're just not super plush and soft. *Original Review* I was REALLY looking forward to getting this bra. I wasn't quite ready to get an unlined bra, so I ordered this. The pictures on Amazon and here deceived me into thinking it had a fabric lining underneath the mesh cup. The dual layered mesh does a good job at holding breasts and not being too sheer. It's really quite comfortable. This band is much smaller than Freya's, it's even smaller than my Lascivious bra. I stretched it to 26", I did not feel comfortable stretching it any further. This is my second 28D bra I bought, post-BtB size. The mesh of this bra is not stretchy at all. Which made measuring the depth fairly easy for me. It feels like the wires are too narrow, but not uncomfortable. The Gore is pretty much nonexistent, with the cups wire channels directly next to one another. The fit of this bra depends on how I tighten the straps. If I have them tightened fully, the top and side of the cup pushes into my breasts causing quading on both sides of cups. Medium tightened is how I have it in the pictures, I have a bit of quad going on. Slightly loosened straps gets rid of quading but causes some oddly placed wrinkles on the cup. I'm not a huge fan of the shape this bra gives me... in a tight cami it is a natural-ish shape with a bit of point and with a loose shirt it is all pointy shape. I have posted pictures. I know I have pointy (maybe conical) boobs, which is one of the main reasons why I have always run away from non-padded bras. I am trying to open my mind to them. I don't think this bra does much for me....no apparent shaping or intense lift.....I definitely count this as a win, and may sew a thicker, stiffer fabric inside the cup for more shaping. Read more 574 more words
When you're first trying new bras, you might find you're swooping a lot, but this is simply due to ill fitting bras mooshing the breast tissue flat and towards the underarms (migrated tissue - not scientifically proven, but WAY too many cases to say it doesn't exist) and it all needs to be gathered toward the front again, but if the tissue is trying to escape all the time, then you'll want to start with wider wired bras. Of course, you may just have wide roots, but whether it's migrated tissue or wide roots, you definitely don't want underwires sitting on breast tissue, comfortable or not, to prevent more breast tissue damage. Tutti Rouge has wide wires. I know there's a chart for brands from widest to narrowest wires across the same size, if I find I'll link it to you! :) The cups are definitely too closed for your tall roots. And a good tip is to have the straps as loose as possible, but tight as necessary. So shouldn't dig in, but shouldn't sag and fall off too. Most of the support (80% or more) should be in the band. If the straps make that much of a difference, I would write the bra off as not the best design since it's so reliant on the straps to shape them. And there are definitely unlined bras that make rounded shapes; Ewa Michalak and Panache make tons. You can look at my Panache Marcie photos; I am very upside-down 7 shaped and the Marcie makes me very rounded, just as 1 example. Hopefully some of that made sense and was helpful haha I'm kind of ranting after a tiring day of work. :P
It did indeed make sense Slava-Zone! I updated this review after wearing the bra for a ten hour shift at work. This bra, THIS BRA, (lol) definitely kept my tissue from moving around. I definitely need a larger cup in this bra. I loosened the straps more for my shift and the shape didn't change much, I'm thinking that the fabric was just very stiff when I first got the bra. I am hoping that it is mostly migrated tissue and my roots become more narrow with time, because I really love many polish bra's (comexim, Kris Line, both ewa's...and the list goes on) and I want to be able to wear their bras!
i really like this bra! the color is a gorgeous deep wine red, the materials are comfortable (mesh and something silky feeling), and its very, *very* close to fitting. i would say its probably the closest fit ive found yet. and to top it off, i got in on sale on the claudette website with matching (also comfy) panties! ive had it for a little while now, but ive only worn in about 3 or 4 times.
i love that the straps arent too wide, finally! the band fit on the first hook right away, though they stretch quickly due to the thin mesh material its made of, and ...i not think the second hook is probably better. currently, on the first hook i can fit a fist underneath, but the band doesnt ride up, so im still good. the back is U shaped, and the band has 3 glorious hooks. the wires feel nice and narrow, though a little bit short on the underarms. ive marked them as fine however, because its honestly a tiny quibble and i want this bra as 'Fits' for recommendations.
for most bras, i shove the wires from the gore down (where theyre usually too tall and wide) so that they are taller in the underarms, and then its fine. for this bra, the gore area doesnt feel too wide or too tall, but i shove the wires anyway to get more armpit coverage. all that seems to happen is that i lose a little bit of lift, but eh. i generally quad towards the center of my breasts anyway (i think im center-full) so im not hugely concerned with not having the gore there because it would probably eventually irritate me. if i was any good at sewing, i would see about taking in the gore so that empty space went away, but the mesh makes me nervous.
i do get a little bit of wrinkling in the upper part of the ups, near the straps, and the mesh section feels like its a bit looser than its meant to be. given that i have very little upper fullness, im not surprised, and because the cups is stretchy i dont get any gaping so its not visible under shirts. i think it does mean i fill the cups out less, so my shape is much more of a natural tear drop than a round one, and i have some definite bounce while wearing this. that issue is one of the reasons i say this isnt perfect for me- i would like to feel more secure in the cups and more lifted. i dont think sizing down would help, because its more a shape issue than a size issue. i get this in nearly every 3 piece cup, and this one only works because of the stretch mesh. if it were another bra, like a freya 3 piece, i get a lot of cutting in along the top edge and huge empty space in the upper half of the cup.
my main issue is that it is *very* clear where my nipples are in this bra. i imagine some of that is because my apex isnt where the bra wants it, so my nipple is right at the seam between the mesh and the silk half, where it shifts around a bit (not irritating, but does make it a bit...peaky during wear). combined with the soft cup of this bra (not padded like freya half cups im used to), and it makes it where im not completely comfortable wearing this with a thin t shirt.
all that being said, this bra is hella comfy, and i probably going to get some more! now if only they made it in a nude...
UPDATE 4/18/17: this is a work bra for me now (aka an 'i dont mind if it gets ruined' bra). the band stretched pretty fast, so even on the tightest hooks it rides up a little after a few hours of work. it now measures 29 flat and easily stretches to 36. the material doesnt really hold me down much, so not a whole lot of support, and the too short wires at the side means some tissue escapes as the day goes on too. its not bad for work, since i moving around a lot and i dont mind readjusting or really care about shape, but i dont chose it when i want to go out or care about my appearance. Read more 637 more words
I can't get over this gorgeous colorway, Gothic Grape. In most lights it looks black. As you see from the label shot, it's an amazingly deep purple. My first 3-hook bra; I like that feature. I need a 3-hook extender since I am 36.5. This is a great bra for mmediately projected, FOB/even or slightly FOT shapes. Cup runs large compared to Panache. I feel more supported than in Freyas. I think I'm going to keep it!
Update 3/8/17. This is now my running bra. This scrap of lace and wire keeps my breasts from moving or shifting. Very comfy. I want another!
Update 3/24. Extender no longer needed. I want another in gothic grape, but no 36F. May need to go to 38E Or 34FF sister size, or just cave and buy the blue colorway.
It's... not horrible. Which is good enough for me! I love the colors - hot pink and beige - and I've been lusting after a Dessous like this for awhile. I know it's not a perfect fit, but i like it. I also love that they made this in 3 colors that could be a "nude."
I tried this in 28F first, but found the band ran tighter than in some other colors! 30E fits much better - the band slightly smaller than true to size. It's great on my 29-30" underbust!
I don't think this color is horribly shallow, and the wires don't measure that wide ... however, the ...wires are flexible and stretch with the band, leading to a bra that is too shallow and wide on some. I can wear an extender with this to get slightly narrower wires, but as it is the slight wideness doesn't bother me and the wire stays in my IMF.
There is a bit more wrinkling than on me than I would deal with in most bras, but I'm just too in love with the colors. I wore it today under a thicker band T and it worked great. I wore it under a white tank top and flaunted the pink straps and seams, and it was cute. Read more 106 more words
After trying other colors of this bra, I accepted the fact that the bands ran super stretchy. And then this bra. The band hardly stretches to 27"! To cups are narrower at only 5", but the wires stretch easily and become super wide on me if I make this bra fit using an extender. I would recommend this to someone with a true 28" underbust or smaller, it's not cutting it for my 29-30" underbust.
This is the colorway I have been wanting for forever, and after trying this bra I believe a 30E will be a decent fit. It's so gorgeous. The pink is more hot pink than in stock photos. Ordered one already..
The cups on this bra are unfortunately too short and closed on top for me. I wouldn't recommend it for FoT shapes, and even shapes may want to size up. The cup depth is under 8 inches, where most of my unlined bras in this size are 8.5-9". I think sizing up might help these issues for me.
I thought, despite the small cup depth, the fabric would be stretchy and forgiving. It really isn't! It's not nearly as soft as I thought it might be, but it might get better with wear.
Closed and short--a bra for me ;-) ;-) I had hoped this was soft. Thanks for your review!
It's still $14.99 in the Encore sale if they have your size!
I have one too. I thought it was soft enough but short and closed off. Gave me bubbling in the right size
Oh and the right size for me was a cup size up :) - but it had the bubbling. I've just made this confusing. I just meant to say the cup runs about 1 cup small and also it's short and closed on top. And even if you size up its not for people full on top or with tall roots
I think I've found my perfect fit! This bra arrived in the mail today courtesy of annabellynn–thank you!–and is exactly what I was looking for, particularly after trying on a couple 32's and getting discouraged.
This bra is lavender mesh/lace with black straps, edging, and bow. It's quite sheer and does show my nipples, but not to the point where they stick out through clothing. The band is firm, the straps aren't too wide-set, and the bra itself is just very pretty.
The reason why I'm ranking this bra as only "okay" in comfort is because the black lace that borders the bra is a little scratchy. Because of that fact and the fact that the top seam shows through at least some clothing, I don't think this will be an everyday sort of bra for me. However, it's certainly something I'd wear out for an evening, and I'm just thrilled to find something that seems to be the right fit! I'll definitely be checking out other bras by Claudette and/or Bratabase's recommendations for similar bras.
Yay :) everyone says this a hard bra to fit - if you buy it in other colors you may find that it fits more shallow or the band is looser.
Thanks for the info, annabellynn! I don't know if I'm going to buy this bra in other colors given the slight scratchiness of the lace, but I'll keep what you said in mind if I check out other Claudette models.
Whoops, sorry annabellynn! Tagged the wrong person. Meant Love4Pollinators! Don't know where my brain is today.
The best fit I've had from one of these yet - could do with a 28 band, but the band isn't as big as others I've tried. Probably fits 30-31" NWT. It seems more supportive and somehow better fitting than the navy/lime green one I tried, not sure exactly what is different though.
The bow is oversized and it's adorable. The cups are tall but fit better than most full coverage bras I've tried. The plunge is low. The mauve is pretty. I think I want to hold out for the colorway I've been lusting after most though - beige with hot pink trim.
Iam so glad it fits you! :) have you tried American Tan? it fits very similar!
I'll keep that in mind! Didn't you have another that was brown with pink trim? I think it was called Chinchilla? Does that one fit differently? So hard to tell with these bras :)
I used to have it, but it was wide and put my boobs on the side - one of the worst claudetted that i ever owned :( same with navy and pink
This is too small. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> But it's close, and I plan to lose a few more pounds, so I will keep it for now. I have 30F's that work OK, and the gores tack, but I like the more supportive wires and straps Claudette uses for the FF's and G's. The band feels too tight because the cups are too small. I know this because I have humongous quad-boob and the gore doesn't tack. So a 28G would probably work for me in Periwinkle/Cream Soda.
I am a huge fan of Dessous in general but the band on this one is much shorter than expected for a 28; it only stretches to 25.75 inches! Great if your ribcage is only 25"; mine is unfortunately 28". I can't speak to the fit, other than that the cups are wider than the 30FF cups I had in earlier seasons. Anyway, a great option if you normally wear 28FF or G, but find the bands ride up. Beautiful color scheme. Wish it fit.
I am a huge fan of Claudette Dessous. This color in particular is so fun and pretty. Not to mention that it disappears under clothes-- even white t-shirts!!! A Claudette 30G fits pretty comparably to a Cleo 32F. I unfortunately can't wear this sexy little stunner anymore, because it's too big, but it was one of my favorites for a few months when it fit. I've moved on to 30F Dessous now, but if they still sold this one in smaller bands, I'd be snapping it up in a smaller size.
I really wanted to love this bra. I like it but it doesn't have enough immediate projection. Looks lovely when I first put it on but over the course of a half hour or so the wires are pushed down approximately a little more than a finger's width of empty fabric and I go from bubbling in the inner quadrant to quadding on the top and the band riding up slightly in the back. Wearing it on the second set of hooks helps stabilize the band and keeps the wires from sliding down quite as far. Surprisingly the Garnett almost acts as a nude under ...a lot of my shirts. The black trim can be a give away though. I bought two recently since the shipping was the same from encore and I'd read so many good things about them. Dessous is a pretty decent fit for me too but I don't find them comfortable enough to wear all day. I get in cup bubbling and on top as quadding as the day goes on. I'm wondering if there is any difference in projection between the colors. I've found there to be with Dessous. I think going up a size might be enough to get me the extra depth I need, but I'm concerned it might be too big then.
Adding update: I finally got around to trying the black one I bought at the same time- the depth is slightly deeper and it's enough that it fits well without quadding and slips down out of the imf considerably and noticeably less. It's still about the same amount too wide- unscientifically 1-1.5 fingers' worth which is about 3/4 of an inch.... Based on these measurements I do best in a bra for width around 4.5" but that is almost impossible to come by. I found the straps pretty scratchy at first but now they've soften after a couple wears Read more 224 more words
I just ordered the black paramour in the same size the red, so on Monday I can probably let you know if the measurements are different. I'm hoping the black is slightly bigger in the cup.
I've never owned a cotton bra before. I thought this would be a fun bra to try. I wasn't expecting much from the fit and went for the largest tolerable band size with the largest cup size. As expected, it's a bad fit. I'd compare it to my 30G - Claudette » En Dentelle Lace Underwire Bra (101012005). The shape it gives me is identical. The band is definitely too loose and the cups cut in at the top. I do like that it's cotton, however I have pokey nips and I'll want to have nip covers if I leave my condo. I might remove the wire and just wear it around as a lounging bra. I'm reluctant to because I fear my boobs will slip out of the bottom.
Though I am closer in size to a 28DD, I ordered the Dessous in 30D as well on a whim since it appears to me that the cups start getting taller around there and that's what I need. Indeed, it works a good deal better than the 28DD - Claudette » Dessous Mesh Underwire Bra (CD2000) that I purchased in the same order. The wire no longer digs, and I can fiddle with my breast tissue to get it in some semblance of filling out the cups in an aesthetically pleasing manner. I still have a bit of gap in the upper portion, but it's not much of a problem to me. Just like the 28DD, wires are slightly too wide, but that's negligible as well. Band fits as well as I can expect a 30 band to fit; that is, not perfectly, but well enough.
The Dessous makes me angry. Every time I see it listed in my bras I get upset that it was such a terrible awful absurdly ridiculous fit. I wanted to love this bra. I wanted to buy it in every color and feel sexy and comfy and fun every day. Alas, it was not to be. Here's the story...(there is a tl;dr at the end)
The Claudette Dessous had a revival a while back (a few months before I got this bra). 1)Loveclaudette.com opened up their encore shope so people could buy older season Dessous's at superb discounts (I'm talking $10-20 for a brand new bra). 2) ...Its sheer. Sheer=sexy 3) OMG delightfully awesome-time color selection! Neon green! Purple! Teal! Peachy pink! 3) *AND MOST IMPORTANTLY* People were raving about how this bra fit projected boobs despite being shallow.
See, I have projected boobies. I love me some unlined freya mostest, followed by EM SM models, then EM S, Comexim, and Cleo. I have a want-hate relationship with Freya deco and half-cups due to their shallowness. All Parfait gores gape on me for the same reason. So when I saw reviews stating that the Dessous worked for projected boobs, I wanted it. I desired it. I needed it.
When Devil May Care Lingerie went out of business, it was a sign. They had two Claudette Dessous left, both in 28G. Most other reviews strongly recommended sizing down in the band due to stretchiness, and either suggested keeping your regular cup volume or going up one cup. Since I usually wear a 30F/FF, the 28G seemed like it would be a dream come true.
It was all lies.
First, the band is stupid small. This model (peacock colorway) only stretched to 27 inches, and even stretching that far pulled the super soft wires way wide. Second, even when wearing with an extender, the wires were way, way way too wide. Like halfway to my back wide (I like EM narrow bras). Third, there is no immediate projection, so I got wrinkling/empty space at the bottom of the cups no matter how I adjusted. Fourth: The gore soft tacked at best. It mostly just floated a hair or two above my chest. Fifth: Quadboob + top of cup wrinkling. Probably due to my shorter roots and center-heavy shape. Taller roots or a fot shape might have filled out the top of the cup without the quadding. Sixth (just because I'm on a role here): wide set straps in my armpits. Not enough to chafe, but enough to annoy.
Needless to say, a terrible, terrible fit on me, and I wanted to love it so badly.
tl;dr: Does ***NOT*** work for projected boobs. My projected, narrow-rooted, center-heavy, short rooted, even/fob, firm-ish boobs made a mockery of this bra. Read more 357 more words
Ugh, this is why I haven't taken the plunge yet on the great deals on the Encore site. Worse yet, it seems different colorways and different years ALL fit entirely differently. And I don't have enough experience with either the brand nor this model to know which years/colorways fit one way or another. From what I've read (which is admittedly not much), the older ones. way down the bottom of the Encore site, have the most narrow wires and are better for those needing projection.
ginganinja you're absolutely right. Just looking at the pictures, some are tall, some are short, some measurements show just how stretchy they are, while the ones I tried definitely weren't.
I got my mom a dessous (she's a 34DD, a little empty and pendulous, so needs more immediate projection than most matrix brands offer) and she loves it! It makes me want to try them again, but I'm afraid of disappointment again...
Dessous is not my friend either. Has very little projection near the gore, not an option for centre full projected shapes. If the wire width worked, there was not enough projection, when I went up in cup size, the cups ended up under my armpits... And I've seen and touched much better quality mesh. Not impressed so far.
I decided the other day I wasn't going to buy anymore Dessous bras. As much as I love the way they look (on their models), they don't work with my shape. Fwiw, the only 2 Dessous thst I've come across that have any sort of projection have been the peacoat longline and the lipgloss snakeskin. That's it. I actually had to size down (get my actual size) in the snakeskin. I wanted to try the American tan in 30f, but I'm not going to place any orders. (I would if the shipping was free)
I've tried 3 different colors and two difference sizes.... Unfortunately it seems at least season to season there has been some changes. I found the American tan to work great for me and I'm relatively projected but I had a seafoam green that was way too shallow. I wish on here the measurements were broken up by color or year. I have a paramour now and it's a little too shallow but I like. But after it settles down I get w little quading especially closer to the gore. I'm not willing to try them for full price at all but I'm willing to swap for them or get them from somewhere with free returns.
P.s. Some of the bands are stretchy compared to a Cleo but not necessarily to a Freya
I think it's mostly how they change their fit like every freaking season that's really maddening. I just got a sandstone & navy Dessous in 28G off BTB - the band easily stretches to 30 and the cups are very narrow and projected. Once I alter the band I'll really like the bra. But I know It's a total crapshoot with Dessous and that's why I won't be trying any more of them.
Im really surprised, as this one is sister size to 30E and there is big difference in the fitting between Paramour and Dessous. Theyre both closed on top, but this one fits almost perfect - minimal quadboobs but nothing major. The band is bit on the loose side - im closing in the middle and on the last hook with no problem. Wires very comfy, and material nice and soft. Also, i really like the dark red colour that looks very nice on my pale skin. would love to find fitting briefs!
I bought this in hope that I will finally have my dessous! unfortunately this 30E its at least one size too small. However, it is very comfy! But thats all good things about this bra. Im not fan of the print - but because I was buying 2 Claudettes from one seller - i didnt mind that much. The wires are so narrow and short that are digging into my breasts. Cups are very closed on top, but probably just because the bra is too small - I still need to try 30F/FF. Straps are fully adjustable which is an advantage.
I really like this bra. The colour is very nice and the shape is nice and round. The top of the cup is much stretchier than my Claudette Dessous. The satin fabric looks wrinkly but the wires are in my IMF so there's nothing to be done about it. More coverage than the Dessous as well.
I originally didn't think this bra fit me, but I've now washed it and adjusted the strap length to be the same as my other Claudette and, lo and behold, the gore is tacking and the top is cutting in much less than before. I actually love this bra now. The shape is nice and round and much nicer than my pointier Freya mesh cups. I'm wearing this one today to be able to tell how comfortable it will be. I don't know if this is a Claudette thing, but both don't have inner tags showing the size. The band also feels more solid now and I'm wearing this on the largest set of hooks. I would be interested in finding more Claudette bras in possibly a 30FF. I know this bra won't fit leading up to shark week.
I don't know how many of this cut you've tried but I'd found different colors have different projection. I do fine in American Tan, but had a lot of problems with seafoam with khaki
Ahh the Dessous Longline! I'd coveted this thing for so damn long. I loved the fact that it was unlined and that, unlike my Freya halfcup longlines, this had "boning" to keep the band from bunching and folding. Also, I'm a sucker for the coral and grey combo. So when this bra went on sale, I jumped on the opportunity and ordered my best fitting size in their Dessous model.
The bra arrived looking very attractive in its packaging. I quickly put it on. The verdict? Well, let's just say you'll rarely hear me say this about any bra I add, but it looked pretty bad on me. So ...bad, in fact, that it was eye twitch inducing. The band was way too loose and it threw off everything else fit-wise. On regular Dessous bras I can get away with a too loose band and slightly not enough immediate projection at the bottom of the cup because of my boob shape. It's not ideal, but I can make do for a few hours of the day. However, with the Dessous Longline, it's not going to work. The shallowness issues really affects the already loose band and causes it and the wires to float away from my body. There's what I call a "triangle of floating" that is formed from the panel of fabric that extends from below the gore to the bottom of the band in front. The wires are definitely not coming near my IFM. It's incredibly annoying and uncomfortable.
For this bra, I would recommend you going for perfect sizing. Sister sizing and hoping for the best did not work out in my case. Read more 167 more words
When you're first trying new bras, you might find you're swooping a lot, but this is simply due to ill fitting bras mooshing the breast tissue flat and towards the underarms (migrated tissue - not scientifically proven, but WAY too many cases to say it doesn't exist) and it all needs to be gathered toward the front again, but if the tissue is trying to escape all the time, then you'll want to start with wider wired bras. Of course, you may just have wide roots, but whether it's migrated tissue or wide roots, you definitely don't want underwires sitting on breast tissue, comfortable or not, to prevent more breast tissue damage. Tutti Rouge has wide wires. I know there's a chart for brands from widest to narrowest wires across the same size, if I find I'll link it to you! :)
The cups are definitely too closed for your tall roots. And a good tip is to have the straps as loose as possible, but tight as necessary. So shouldn't dig in, but shouldn't sag and fall off too. Most of the support (80% or more) should be in the band. If the straps make that much of a difference, I would write the bra off as not the best design since it's so reliant on the straps to shape them.
And there are definitely unlined bras that make rounded shapes; Ewa Michalak and Panache make tons. You can look at my Panache Marcie photos; I am very upside-down 7 shaped and the Marcie makes me very rounded, just as 1 example.
Hopefully some of that made sense and was helpful haha I'm kind of ranting after a tiring day of work. :P