Yes, I bought another Claudette Paramour. It is just SO COMFORTABLE. This time I went a cupsize up - in part for the variety in size (I fluctuate a lot with pms) and also because the red wasn't available in any other sizes! It is a really great color, more of a deep red than a bright one (they called it "garnet" - my birthstone!) and I love the black accents with the bow and straps. The wings and lower panels of the cups are a solid silky fabric that's very soft to the touch, and the top portion is a fine mesh, which ...is both sexy and super comfortable.
Let me sing the praises of this fit. I find that Claudette's wires are consistently pretty narrow, which is exactly what I need! After being so disappointed by other brands' wide wires and shallow cups, it's reassuring to know that some brands out there cater specifically to a narrow root and extra depth and projection. My only complaint with the fit, and it's very minor, is how high up the cup goes - I would definitely consider this a "full cup" style, not a demi or balconette. I don't have much fullness way up top by my collar bones, so there is a tiny bit of wrinkling. But, like I said, it's barely even a point against it since I love this bra in every other respect. Like the 32F, this bra has fully adjustable straps and a 3 hook closure in the back so the support is distributed very evenly across my back and there are no pressure spots.
I can't wait to get my hands on some of Claudette's newest bras! Read more 185 more words
Amazing colour! I was not expecting it to be mesh (see through), but regardless, it's a pretty sweet bra.
I love that it has 3 hooks. Love the details. The cups give a nice shape, I feel supported. The bra was definitely itchy at first, but I can wear it all day without an issue after a couple washes.
I measure 30.5-31 ribcage, and 37 bust. I ordered a 30FF.
The cups dig in a bit (spillage, but not popping out). The center gore is sitting properly, but as this is the wrong size, the wires are too low in the front and under the arms.
Claudette's smallest band (until the Spring 2013 collection comes out) is 30FF, so I bought this even though I actually wear 28G in most brands. The band fits big, as I expected, but the cups are also small. Fits more like a 30F. I ended up buying another of the same bra in 30G, and the cup feels good.
I really like the triangular shape of the cups. The straps attach farther up my shoulders than with a more balconette-shaped bra, so it doesn't rub uncomfortably in my armpit.
The quality of the bra seems great and I like the triple hook-and-eye. And the color is AMAZING! It is highlighter day-glow neon green. Love it so much!
I couldn't resist this on huge discount at Herroom. Love that it was signed by a woman to be what she wanted in a bra, & really love the muted mauve the brand offers as a neutral in place of the usual tiresome dingy beige.
Unfortunately, the band runs huge. I wear a 36GG in Freya, but as their bands run quite generous, I was hoping this would be more snug, like most US brands: Wacoal, Lunaire. But this fit more like a 40. The cups fit however, so I there's not much hope of a36G working, especially as it is stretchy cotton, & they stop at G.
The fabric is lovely: super smooth, silky cotton that felt great on my skin. And the cups were a straight across balconette shape, more like Cleo than Freya. Vertical seam with a very rounded shape; quite different from their mesh bra, which I likely won't try unless they expand the cup range.
Based on other reviews I read here, I ordered up 2 band sizes and increased cup size as well (although I miscalculated the sister size myself and added too much). It was a complete fail. If the bands ran 2 sizes too small as indicated, a 34 should have fit me, since I'm normally a 30 band. The band on this 34E was a full 3 inches longer than any of my consistently sized 30 band bras. And the cup fit was comparably wrong. Normally a 30DDD (or 30DD at minimum), my sizing error should have had the cups a bit loose but they were so empty it ...was laughable.
I purchased this bra via ebay (USA) and it did have a small stain on it (was not noted in the ad), but it otherwise is in very good condition. Maybe it was well-cared-for but also often-worn and therefore the band stretched? 3 inches is a significant increase, especially if this otherwise runs extra small. I also wouldn't expect the cups to have stretched so dramatically with them being seamed / sewn in sections, though.
Lastly, I wish I had looked for other images of this color before purchasing. The photo presented in the ad was apparently brightened significantly. I thought I would be receiving an ivory bra with carnation pink lace. What I sadly discovered upon arrival was a blandly taupe bra with bright neon pinkish-orange lace ("hot coral", apparently, although that wasn't in the listing). I had previously only seen the chocolate and ivory combo and loved the look of it. What a disappointment! Read more 157 more words
This is my first bra in the size that ABTF gave me (30DD/30E) and I do think that it's the right size but leans more toward a 30DD. It's fairly comfortable but I'm not a fan of some aesthetic parts once on and I think it's the wrong shape for me. I'm mostly FOB and center-full, fairly close-set with indenting/deflation near tail of spence, and pretty narrow-rooted with some height and some projection. I might keep it but only if I can make some alterations.
[Disclaimer - I have only tried this on and wore it around my room for a couple hours]
PROS: - Fits pretty well in the cup ...and band - Gore tacks - Felt supportive enough - Material is very soft - More natural/rounded shape than conical
CONS: - Quad-boobing when breathing out and a little while resting - Wires dig into ribs somewhat - Seems to create more separation than I would like - Inner pocket lining is visible in an odd way - Nipples are very visible especially because of the seam
NOTES: - Band is very snug but seems like it'll loosen with wear - Gore leaves red marks but isn't uncomfortable - Took some adjusting after scoop & swoop and movement - Wires are pretty narrow which was good for me - Straps are far apart (36 cm from outer edges at shoulders)
I think it could be good for people who are FOB, short & narrow-rooted, more shallow, and outer-full. Read more 122 more words
My fit needs: projected, immediately projected, slightly narrow, fob with tall roots (functionally even), very close set, very center full. I really wanted this bra to work since it has a cool design but I think it's just going to be for when I want a minimizing effect. I think it has a shallow apex projection as I don't get a lot of lift and the fact that the straps are only partially adjustable doesn't help. In addition, it has average width and the band is really tight. I think it feels more like a 28G because of how shallow it is. Appearance wise, I wish that my nipples weren't above the darker mesh part and it was a cute projected cleavagey fit so I could show it off but sigh. Maybe EM will make a bra like this but one that fits me.
One of the cheapest 30 FF/G bras I’ve seen on Amazon or anywhere else. It runs small and digs into the top, so the 30FF gave me major quadboob. 30G tacked on my sternum and overall was a lot better, however the cups were really wide for me so I returned it.
Too flat on the bottom of the cup. Considerable spillage on the top, to the point of falling out if I lean over. It's just plain the wrong shape - no size adjustment would fix this bra for me. Stays in place pretty well for a 30 band.
This bra does not fit at all but it is somehow comfortable? The band seems to fit but the gore doesn't tack. The underwires are very flexable and the the straps are kind of wide, so maybe that's the reason. It's good for wearing around the house during the summer but because of the fit issues I would not wear it out and about. The bright pink continues to bleed so it has to be washed separately from my other bras.
I've been pretty late in discovering Claudette bras, so the ones I've picked up have been from a liquidator on Amazon/eBay. I've read many reviews bemoaning the inconsistency in this brand, so I knew to expect some fit variation. The two Dessous bras I picked up in 28E and 30DD definitely had this issue. I started off with 30DD, which I determined was most likely my closest size, but also ended up trying 28E as the band on the 30DD I picked up was definitely too big.
The two colors I own are: 30DD New Classic / Elsa Pink 28E Orange Soda / Strawberry
Unfortunately, the result is that ...I ended up with a 30DD that fits well in the cup and with too loose of a band, and a 28E that is too tight in the band and fits rather oddly in the cup. Rather unsurprising as I thought I was between band sizes in this style, but still rather disappointing.
The styling of this bra is sweet and simple, and I can see why they appeal to many. It is a three-piece cup with a double layer bottom cup and single layer mesh upper cup, with relatively short wings. It is a full band design, and the elastic at the bottom of the cradle is nice and wide. Underwire consistency was a big problem here--the 30DD Dessous has a rounded C underwire, similar to Cleo Lucy/Kali, and the 28E has extremely round, half-circle shaped underwires. Another reviewer wrote that one of her underwires looked like they were put in backwards. Now I know what she must have been referring to!
Despite the wires measuring the same on 28E and 30DD, not only were they different shapes, but the cups were strangely different measurements. They are almost the same width, but the 28E is almost 1/2" deeper and has a taller cup. As a result, I could fill out the 30DD perfectly but not the 28E. The bands measure 1.2" difference on the flat, but the 30DD was so loose the band was definitely riding up, and the 28E was so tight I could barely breathe with it fastened. The stretchability of each band is different as well, which is odd since they are made from the same materials. Given the inconsistency though that other reviewers had with their bras, I am pretty sure the 28E wasn't supposed to have cups of that shape and such a rigid band. I still think that 28E would be my best fit, but now I am pretty hesitant to blindly order another color to try as these are not easily returnable.
The last issue is despite the fun, cheerful colors, the bras aren't made from very nice material. The wings are made from a perfectly nice soft mesh, the elastic isn't scratchy, and the cups are lined with a soft tricot, but the exterior of the cups are made from seriously stiff polyamide. This stuff feels a little like fishing net. Although it doesn't have direct contact with skin when worn, it's still rather unpleasant to handle. I wonder why Claudette chose such a material for delicates?
These bras are lovely to look at and fun to collect, but trying to find one that fits properly is playing a game of roulette. You have to go into it knowing you are taking a gamble, I enjoy this bra, but in terms of comfort and fit, I'll stick to my Curvy Kate Lifestyle instead!
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28E Revised Comments: I bought an extender and was able to evaluate the fit more properly. After adding 1" to the band via extender, it now feels ok. The cup shape fits my new size much better, but the overall shape is still a bit off. It is a bit closed off at the top and too projected, leaving a slightly baggy appearance at the fullest part of the cup. The underwires feel much better though. Read more 565 more words
I've been pretty late in discovering Claudette bras, so the ones I've picked up have been from a liquidator on Amazon/eBay. I've read many reviews bemoaning the inconsistency in this brand, so I knew to expect some fit variation. The two Dessous bras I picked up in 28E and 30DD definitely had this issue. I started off with 30DD, which I determined was most likely my closest size, but also ended up trying 28E as the band on the 30DD I picked up was definitely too big.
The two colors I own are: 30DD New Classic / Elsa Pink 28E Orange Soda / Strawberry
Unfortunately, the result is that ...I ended up with a 30DD that fits well in the cup and with too loose of a band, and a 28E that is too tight in the band and fits rather oddly in the cup. Rather unsurprising as I thought I was between band sizes in this style, but still rather disappointing.
The styling of this bra is sweet and simple, and I can see why they appeal to many. It is a three-piece cup with a double layer bottom cup and single layer mesh upper cup, with relatively short wings. It is a full band design, and the elastic at the bottom of the cradle is nice and wide. Underwire consistency was a big problem here--the 30DD Dessous has a rounded C underwire, similar to Cleo Lucy/Kali, and the 28E has extremely round, half-circle shaped underwires. Another reviewer wrote that one of her underwires looked like they were put in backwards. Now I know what she must have been referring to!
Despite the wires measuring the same on 28E and 30DD, not only were they different shapes, but the cups were strangely different measurements. They are almost the same width, but the 28E is almost 1/2" deeper and has a taller cup. As a result, I could fill out the 30DD perfectly but not the 28E. The bands measure 1.2" difference on the flat, but the 30DD was so loose the band was definitely riding up, and the 28E was so tight I could barely breathe with it fastened. The stretchability of each band is different as well, which is odd since they are made from the same materials. Given the inconsistency though that other reviewers had with their bras, I am pretty sure the 28E wasn't supposed to have cups of that shape and such a rigid band. I still think that 28E would be my best fit, but now I am pretty hesitant to blindly order another color to try as these are not easily returnable.
The last issue is despite the fun, cheerful colors, the bras aren't made from very nice material. The wings are made from a perfectly nice soft mesh, the elastic isn't scratchy, and the cups are lined with a soft tricot, but the exterior of the cups are made from seriously stiff polyamide. This stuff feels a little like fishing net. Although it doesn't have direct contact with skin when worn, it's still rather unpleasant to handle. I wonder why Claudette chose such a material for delicates?
These bras are lovely to look at and fun to collect, but trying to find one that fits properly is playing a game of roulette. You have to go into it knowing you are taking a gamble, I enjoy this bra, but in terms of comfort and fit, I'll stick to my Curvy Kate Lifestyle instead!
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28E Revised Comments: Due to an increase in cup size measurement, the band now feels much better thanks to more breast tissue helping to hold the band in place. It isn't perfectly level in the back, but it definitely stays in place much better and doesn't feel too big. Read more 535 more words
I love this bra but it's just a bit too closed up top which causes a bit of quadding. I am also close to my period so I may be bit larger than usual too. Otherwise, the band is secure, the bra is very comfortable and I really do like it.
I've been pretty late in discovering Claudette bras, so the ones I've picked up have been from a liquidator on Amazon/eBay. I've read many reviews bemoaning the inconsistency in this brand, so I knew to expect some fit variation. The two Dessous bras I picked up in 28E and 30DD definitely had this issue, but I saw the Paloma for a great price and decided to give it a try. Happily, this one worked for me!
As far as I can tell, Dessous and Paloma are pretty much the same fit, just in different materials. They are both a three-piece cup with a double layer ...bottom cup and single layer mesh upper cup, with relatively short wings and J curved wires. The Paloma is made from beautiful satin for the lower cups and cradle, a mesh upper cup, and a mesh band, with full elastic at the top and bottom of the band and cradle. In theory, this construction should be pretty foolproof, but unfortunately the Dessous suffers from quality and consistency problems. This particular colorway of the Paloma, however, is a solid choice.
Most importantly, the band on this Paloma is nice and firm. The same stretch mesh is used in both styles (the kind of mesh used on Cleo Marcie and Lucy wings), but it seems there is a lot of variation between colors and some are flimsy and others are firm. This seems to be a combo of the mesh and elastic, not just one of the materials. My 30DD Paloma and my 30DD New Classic/Elsa Pink Dessous measure the same on the flat, but the Dessous feels too big in the band while Paloma is a pretty good fit. I do have to put this on the tightest hook to get the cups to fit snugly, but I don't feel the band riding up at all.
The shape of the cups fits me pretty well, and I have no issues with it. However, all 3 of the underwires on my three bras look different although they measure the same. My 30DD Paloma has a sharp J hook shape, similar to Freya underwires; the 30DD Dessous has a rounded C underwire, similar to Cleo Lucy/Kali, and the 28E has extremely round, half-circle shaped underwires. Because of this, all of the cups fit a bit differently. The cup separation is also quite different between Paloma and Dessous--the Dessous cups are almost right next to each other, but the Paloma definitely has a noticeably wide center gore. I have no idea why there is so much variation as the cup construction is the same and the measurements are pretty much the same, therefore I believe this is manufacturing inconsistency.
The only part I want to point out is that the upper edge elastic on this bra is slightly tighter than the upper edge on my Dessous bras, so it slightly cuts into my roots. Since I have short, shallow roots this isn't very noticeable, but I could see this becoming more of a problem on tall roots.
Overall, a very nice bra. Claudette bras are lovely if you get one that actually fits as intended, It's a crapshoot, but since they are discontinued, you should be able to find one deeply discounted and give it a try! Read more 454 more words
I have three of these bras and the underwire has broken or popped out on each one.The band is definitely too large for me. I like how there is no padding, but the mesh can be itchy sometimes. Somehow my breasts both spill out and the cups gape.
Hmm there's some things that are different about this Dessous in comparison to the rest that I have! The underwires almost appear to be... Put in backwards?? They are very gradually slanted in the middle, and very hooked with a steep incline on the sides. While this different underwire fit gives more of an uplifted and rounded shape from the front view, it doesn't fit very comfortably under the arms, plus almost all my side view projection is gone! Very interesting.
The other major difference is how more high coverage this feels and looks. I'll admit I purposly loosened the straps on this one after reviewing how much vertical ...strain some of the cups looked in pervious pictures, yet this bra still covers more of my breast. It did measure the highest of them all across the middle, and it's even taller at the sides where the straps connect. Overall, a more full coverage fit!
Since this is a preowned bra, the band is pretty dang stretchy, and I can easily hook it on the last, tightest set immediately. I could always try to attach another layer of powermesh (but on how many bras have I said I could but then never did?).
I will cautiously open the underwire channeling and investigate what's going on with the strange backwards underwires. Then add more fit info. For now, it's too uncomfortable. Read more 121 more words
Needed an extender to get on first time, still use one. Tightest by far of the 4 I got, plus least forgiving materials. Can't even stretch to 27 inches!!
Cup depth was a bit deeper than the others at the apex. A quarter inch larger in both depth and height. Probably is what gives the cups a bit of wrinkling. (Looks more like extra fabric wrinkle than strain lines. But with an extender, straps are wide in back, so I tightened them. So maybe vertical lines are both wrinkles and strain lines?)
Center gore has some flaws, being much wider than the others (1 and an 1/8th inch, wow!), and ...channelling very assymetrical with the left higher than the right and slanted.
My least worn of the 4 because even with extender, the bra is a made a bit uncomfortable with the too-wide center gore, and cups slightly a touch too big.
Would be good for a squishier 28-band-wearing ribcage, or a firmer 26-band-wearing ribcage.
A note to add: I did buy this from a Liquidation shop on Amazon, so this may be one of the slightly flawed ones that no one bought yet/bought and returned. (Would explain the wonky gores on a few of them.) Read more 94 more words
Third in line of the 4 I got from Amazon, in order of most to least tight. I was able to get it on without an extender and can strerch it a tiny bit away from myself, but I still need an extender for now to be comfortable breathing.
Appears that left cup has a bit of lower cup wrinkling with horiztonal lines, so it might be a bit shallower at the bottom than the others.
Otherwise, once again, underwire shape is great. Straps are stretchy and comfy, despite being a bit wide with an extender.
Tiny bit of uneven underwire channeling at gore, but not too bad.
Seriously needed an extender as it was the second tightest when I bought all 4, it hurt. Wing powermesh is extremely firm with very little give. Good for long term wearout, but it means it's too tight for now.
I added pictures of both without and with an extender, including the ugly painful marks it left after digging in for only one minute of wear. It didn't fit like a "second skin," it wanted to BE my skin!!
But speaking of skin, you can see it's a very good "nude" color for me. If it's light pink color and the more yellow Sunkissed bra colors were mixed, it would be ...even more ideal. My bra for cream and white blouses right now.
Some in-cup wrinkling, which I thought was from it being too tight, especially considering there's also major in-cup quadding when I didn't have an extender. In the front view, it looks like it's almost trying to smash down the lower half of my breasts. After adding an extender the quadding was reduced but the wrinkles got larger. Maybe still straining but vertically instead of horizontally? I had to tighten the straps a small bit more with the extender, as they sat further out on my angled shoulders. The strap elastics are nice and stretchy, which always makes it difficult for me to tell if I have then too tight. It could also be slightly more inner full in cup shape than I am, as the wrinkles are not there on the sides of the cups.
Otherwise, the underwire shape is a perfect match for me, the gore doesn't dig (with an extender), and it's very pretty overall.
There's a bit of a weird gathering at the center gore when the bra is relaxes, but ot stretches flat ao I don't think it effects fit. Read more 193 more words
