Well, this is my last of the four reviews, and I waited this long because I wanted to write about my first experience with taking in a band! I finally worked up the courage to take this bra apart (somewhat), because it wasn't doing me any good sitting on my floor and not being worn. First of all, thank you to RubensNotRaphael for selling me this Lily. Lily is basically my holy grail bra, and as we all know, it has been discontinued for several years now and is becoming increasingly difficult to find. (I may be hoarding two Lilys in 28FF that are too ...big for me ATM, but should I ever gain boob weight, it will be perfect lol.)
I decided to take in the band from the hook and eye attachments, because I didn't want any bulky seams where some other folks prefer to just fold the band over itself, and I would also prefer that the straps are closer together in the back rather than further apart, which I feared would happen with some other methods. So, you can imagine my hesitation at taking in a bra band for the first time since I would be permanently, irreversibly chopping off a length of the band. My first step was to try and guess how much I should take off. I measured 0.5" inward from each attachment point of the hook and eye tape on either side of the band and marked with tailor's chalk. Then I ripped out the original seams so that I could fully remove the hooks and eyes. I chopped off approximately 0.5" of the band, but left 0.25" outside of the chalk mark, which is the part that would go back inside the hook and eye tape. Then I just folded the band over itself a tiny bit in the middle (horizontally) so that the top and bottom edges of the band would fit back inside the hook and eye tape and used a zigzag stitch to secure. I did this for both sides and gave it a try on - it was much better already, but still a bit too big. So I repeated the process, taking approximately another 0.5" off each side. This time, the band is nice and snug on the first or second set of hooks! Hooray, my experiment was a success!!
Now, the band measures 23.25"/59cm flat, and 26.5"/69.5cm stretched (a big emphasis here is that the band is really stretchy, so I can definitely pull it farther, but that would distort the wires and not be accurate to how much it stretches when I wear it)(PS. I measured in actual inches and cm's individually, I did not do a conversion, so the measurements may not be exactly the same). My stitching is NOT neat, but it does the trick! I am so happy with how it has turned out, and this makes me want to attack all my ill-fitting bras with the seam ripper lmao Read more 392 more words
Hooray! I'm so glad this worked out for you! Makes me feel better about it being a mismatch for me, somehow. I'm also super impressed by your sewing bravery. Rock on! Best!
Wow, it does looks pretty neat. I did you use a machine? And how long did it take you?
aboobaccount Yes, I used a machine. The total process, including ripping the original seams and then sewing everything back together, took less than an hour. I was also going pretty slowly since it was my first try, so I wouldn't be surprised if I could do this in about 15 minutes once I become more confident.
This one is really quite awesome! It has a stretchier band then Marcie in the same size. Could be the color of Marcie (I have it in Tangerine which seems snug) Hettie gives a me a nice rounded shape but not as lifted as Marcie. Could be due to the stretch lace on top too?!? Also I held them up to each other the wires seem to be identical except the cup space in Hettie is slightly more. I really think it’s super comfortable I seem to have problems with bras staying put at my IMF. It’s painful when they slide because the wires dig into my ribs, This has not given me any pain and has stayed put. I’m curious if I tried another size if it would be better or worse? But for now I’m holding onto this unless I find a better match! My adventure continues but I’m glad I have a keeper.
The Ellis has a beautiful floral design and embroidered upper panel. Traditional three part construction balconette bra. I have heard that cleo bras have narrow wires. For me they were on the wider side as I prefer the wires on Polish bras. The cups are great for projected breasts. Bra is smooth under thin fabrics. The bra almost gives a more conical shape; it's not very rounded. If you prefer a less rounded shape this is a good fit.
Since I received this bra used it has stretched out a bit and it fits best on the middle set of hooks.
In addition to the underwire being too wide for ...my preference I would prefer it have three hook and eye closers instead of two. The band is nice and supportive but I think it would have better support for anyone above a UK G cup with three hooks. The gore is also too high for me. I'd prefer it be 3". As someone with full on top breasts I prefer stretch lace for the upper panel, and also prefer a full cup style over a Balconette style. I do get a bit of overflow, but not enough to justify going up a cup.
Ellis (and Cleo in general) is good for people who find Polish wires too narrow, but British wires too wide, wants a smooth look under clothes, has wider shoulders, is full all over/full on bottom, likes a Balconette style, and prefer a less rounded shape. Read more 138 more words
I like it! I definitely think this fits similarly to Marcie. The cups feel good, no wrinkles or quadboob. Open enough on top not to interfere with my tall-ish roots and upper fullness. It looks a bit small in the side pictures but I think that's because I need to awkwardly push my arm back to get that shot. The gore is low and narrow enough not to sit on my close-set boobs, but not so low that I spill out of the middle. Wires are also a good width; they're not creeping into my armpits where I don't need them.
The band feels loose to me, which makes ...sense, since it's a used 30C, and I need a 28D/28DD in Cleo. It's fine on the tightest hook, and if I need to, I can always alter it. Based on how the cups fit, I think a 28D Minnie would be perfect, so I'll be looking for the red version in that size.*
Love the cute polka dot pattern -- it has a bit of a pin-uppy feel, without being too over the top. Overall, my first impression is that this one is a keeper.
Edit: After several hours of wear, the back rides up, causing the sides to dig in. I will definitely be altering the band.
*Edit: Acquired 28D Minnie. Band is perfect but cups are more closed on top?! whyyyyyyy ._.
*Edit: altered band. cups now visibly too small. Read more 129 more words
Second that! Looks like a good fit indeed. This style looks so different in your size compared to mine! At first I thought yours had no white mesh upper cup part.
thanks! yeah they make that part almost nonexistent in the smaller sizes. same with every other Cleo I've tried. -shrug-
I'm curious as to how much of that portion there will be on the Minnie I have coming to me in the mail, and how closed it will be at the top. I feel like the scaling of this 30C is perfect. I hope they didn't decide to get creative and change things in the 28DD. The pictures on here aren't too telling. That lace portion is such a problem for so many of us that I kind of feel like this Minnie is a unicorn.
I'm so happy it works for you! I have had luck taking in the bands on two bras. I did it at the hooks and eyes. You can either remove them with a seam ripper, chop off some band, and resew them, or just fold the eye section over the band and sew. In either case, you will NEED a metal thimble to push the needle through all that fabric.
Haha, this particular unicorn works for me, even with the rather large lace section in 32G. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
that's how I usually alter my bands too. seam rippers are so useful. I don't have a metal thimble, but I find that rubber ones work okay for bras, as long as you press the needle against the thickest part of the thimble, not the side... where the needle will literally stab backwards all the way through to your finger with the blunt end because bra elastic is clearly made of steel.
Yeah, what is with elastic? Every time I have to sew elastic, there is cursing and tears.
A british 3 part half cup?! Sign me in! I used to look over Mimi but when it showed up for A/W 2016 dressing up in roses, I had to jump in! And boy, what a jump!
Shape: round, projected, even, close set, on the narrow end of average root width.
Yay! This is the bra that fits! As I mentioned in my 30E - Cleo » Marcie Balconnet Bra (6831) review, the fit was excellent everywhere except the band, which was just crazy stretchy. I ordered a sister size down, to the 28F, and this fits like an absolute dream. Wearing this makes me feel embarrassed that I stuck with my terribly ill-fitting 32DD - Cleo » Marcie Balconnet Bra (6831) for so long. I legitimately thought Marcies were out of reach for me, that it was too open ...on top, the gore was too wide, etc, but it's only because I was wearing the wrong size!
The 28F perfectly encapsulates my breast tissue with no quadding or gapping of the top lace, even on my smaller side. The gore, which ends up sitting at a slant in the 32DD, is firmly tacked and comfortably narrow for my close-set breasts. The band is nice and firm. Overall, I get a lovely uplifted round shape and I totally dig the pastel blue & neon coral accents. I don't own anything like it.
The only con I can think of, and this is totally unrelated to the bra, is that the matching panties are both a smidge too tight in a UK 10 (38" hips, I comfortably wear 10s in Panache briefs, but I think they run smaller in Cleo) and I simply cannot get over the frilly lace edging. Go look it up. I feel like a fluffy cupcake princess / pastel mermaid. This would DEFINITELY be a pro for others, but it's a tiny bit too fanciful for me. The fiance says I should just roll with it https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Read more 195 more words
That fits you so well! I love that colour way but haven't convinced myself to spend the money yet. I think I might have to-lilac and coral are so cute together!
Love it!! Now I feel like I need to get this colour way even if I didn't like it before. Any chance you'd be selling your 32DD? :) I need 30e/f but 32dd would do good as well as bra to lounge around
martka00 the colorway definitely grew on me, at first I was a little skeptical since I tend towards darker colors, but I love it now! If you want the 32DD in Raspberry, you are welcome to it for the cost of shipping :) PM me!
*thinking about order from bravissimo* :D I might try it now! And other 10 bras that I put today in a basket :D
Shape: round, projected, even to FoB, close set, on the narrow end of average root width.
Holy heck, Cleo, what's with the stretchy bands lately? This is the second new colorway with a ridiculously stretchy 30 band I've had to send back (the first was a Cleo Marcie in Bluebell). It's SO stretchy you guys. I could fasten this on the tightest (!!) hook right from the get go. All the fit pictures are of the band on the tightest hook - it's a mess otherwise. On the loosest hook, there is so much gapping and wrinkling in the cup, the gore pops up off my sternum if ...I move in any direction that isn't chest forward, and the band is creeping up my back. If I move to the tightest hook, it greatly reduces the gapping and wrinkling in the cups, but it's not perfect (note the pronounced wrinkling at the bottom of the cups). The pros are that the shape is nice and rounded, the fabric is soft and comfy, and this colorway is just the best - turquoise and black look excellent together.
I'm returning and grabbing a 28F to see if that fixes the fit issues, otherwise, too bad. Read more 96 more words
Itnis amazing how different the bands are now. Skye is very stretchy. I observed the wires distort easily, too. Admittedly, however, the bras are significantly more comfortable to me now.
Love4Pollinators it's so weird! Cleo used to be known for super firm bands. For the upcoming Della floral print & Piper longline I'm going to size down to 28F right from the start. My hope is that the bands will be *consistently* stretchy, because if not - so frustrating.
Love it!!! I need to get one soon *_*
I had the same issue with the pink Blake. I started out on the tightest hooks and it was still too big!
I also let my 30E go to grab a 28F band... Love the blue though!
Oooh but I love the blue colorway so much more than the pink one. This is a very nice combo. I too am desperately awaiting the Piper release as well.
This reminds me of the color way on one of the tutti bras
revisa Yup, this is like a more athleisure take on the powder/blue noir TR Nichole :)
Id say that it reminds me about Claudette Fishnet set ;)
This bra is absolutely a new favorite! I contacted Amazon about the sizing weirdness, and they confirmed that it was mis-tagged. Luckily, 28FF is the perfect size for me after some growth so it worked out beautifully. Kayla should fit those who fit well in Lily, but it's a bit more open on top and center projected. The band runs quite large, so be aware of that. I miss the old tight Cleo bands!
Full review on the blog! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
I think this size looks a lot like the lily parrots 30F except the wires are narrower which I'm a big fan of! I'm excited to see this review. I'd love to try one.
I love it so much! I do think it's a fairly similar fit to Lily, other than the more open top (which may wrinkle and gape on people with less upper fullness).
I like openness at the top as long as it's not on a molded bra. I can never get those to get along with me
I had heard Breeze ran small in the band and somewhat large in the cups. So I was looking for a sister size, from my regular 30GG/H to a 32G or 34FF.
First tried this bra in a sale, when the only sister size left was a 36F. Not a big surprise that that didn't work out (36F - Cleo » Breeze (9025)) but I as I really loved the design and rounded profile, I wanted to try a smaller backsize.
In this 34FF, the fit is definitely much better than in 36F - although a 32G(G?) probably would've worked as well. I'm now wearing it on the ...second row of hooks. So for my shape (tall roots, upper fullness) Breeze doesn't seem to run large in the cups. And maybe one size small-ish in the band?
About the band, this is actually longer than in other longline bras I've tried (Freya Flourish & Crush, Fauve Bronte). This means (for me) that the band also doesn't flip up as much, which is great. And the length means a nice smoothed silhouette under clothes, without bulges.
Cup wise I could maybe get away with a bigger size, but there's no real quadding. Some minor discomfort where the sides are kind of poking into my armpits (which seems to be caused by the side boning? Luckily much less of a problem than in the 36F).
Edit: forgot about the straps; they are not my favorite. Pretty narrow, kind of wide set and more rigid than I prefer.
Guess Breeze still won't be an everyday bra for me, but I really love the design and it gives some good special occasion cleavage! Matching shorts are a nice fit in a size 14, for my larger 42 inch hips / butt. Read more 186 more words
Looks lovely on you!! It's such beautiful print but I can get used to longlines. I found that some Cleos I need 34D and some 32DD in cups (yeah, they're sister sizes but there was better or worst fit ) and I've tried breeze in 34D and 32DD where both in a band were tts and 32DD had better fitting in the cups.
Looks fantastic on you! Great cleavage going on :)
Thanks martka00 and roxanney (:
And yeah, sister sizing tends to work out differently for different brands and sizes, IMO. Guess it still mostly comes down to trail and error 🤔
I just love this set! It's sooo pretty! the pictures don't give this bra justice! the colour is so gorgeous! And the ruffles on the panty! stunning!! The bra is great and comfortable, but I think I will try a marcie in a size down, as the wires are too wide and I think it would bring my boobs a tad more centred in a 28F. The top is acually not completely flat, but you don't see this under clothing!
I did get this stunning set through an exchange from another user and I love it! Thank you so much!!
It looks gorgeous on you! :) Stupid wires, always causing trouble!
I have been wearing it for a couple of hours now and the wires do poke a lot in the middle! :( :'( but it is so pretty!! :(
I will just see it as a "half a day bra" :D
Would bending the wires out away from you a little at the gore help?
Would it help to bend the wires out away from you a little at the gore?
So sorry for the double entry. I entered a comment once and it didn't show up; so I entered the second comment. And now they BOTH show up, and I can't delete one. :P
So sorry for the double entry. I entered a comment once and it didn't show up; so I entered the second comment. And now they BOTH show up, and I don't seem to be able to delete one. :P
So sorry for the double entry. I entered a comment once and it didn't show up; so I entered the second comment. And now they BOTH show up, and I don't seem to be able to delete one. :P
This is such a lovely color on your skin tone!
Love it in this color! Cleos often run tight... try an extender and see if that helps with the gore. I found the Marcie failed to completely center my boobs in any size. I think it has to do with the design of the cup, not the size. Might also not be helped by the wide wires and wide-set straps. I don't think this is really a design that will bring the boobs together a the center, it is more geared to push them up if that makes any sense.
Thx wendybien, if I use an extender its too wide :/ I think I'll have to take it off after uni and then it will work :D
Wanabee: is it just pushing them away or how do you do it? Thx
If the top of the wires are poking you at the gore, you'll want to bend those tops slightly away from your sternum. It might work best if you do it while wearing the bra, if you can use enough force with your hands in that position. Then you can do it a little at a time until you achieve a good comfort fit. Gentle use of a pair of pliers with their jaws wrapped in a clean rag might help too.
What the wires are made of is important. It will affect how maleable they are, and how well they retain their new shape. But you'll just have to work with them a little to find that out. 😊
This bra had been on my increasingly diminishing list of must-tries for months. My dream bra is a padded-to-molded balconette with minimal detailing or seams to show through shirts and ideally with narrowish (but not tall) wires. What few measurements were available on Bratabase seemed to confirm that this would be the case with Mimi. My pendulous, high-set boobs consistently strike out with Cleo's unlined bras (ugh, just awful, even the magical Lily that so many rave about). I got a pretty good fit with Neve, only the wires were wide too and the gore too low.
Sadly, I struck out again with this bra. I ordered a ...32G because it was on sale even though my usual size is a 30G or 30GG depending on brand. 30G can run a little small in Cleo's molded options like Maddie (which is a total fail for me). This bra's measurements gave me the impression it would be rather shallow, so I would have thought my ideal size to be a 30GG. I'm not sure how accurate the measurements here are and will be adding mine soon. Since Cleo bands run tight for me, I figured 32G would be a fair option.
Keeping those size gymnastics in mind, this bra isn't right for me. While the wires are narrower than, say, a Freya half-cup, they are far too tall. Even though they don't really poke my armpits, they are very U-shaped. The cups are deep, not shallow like I thought. Fit wise, it seems like a cross between Cleo Juna Balconnet Bra (6461) and Cleo Maddie Moulded T-shirt Bra (7201) . It is more open on top than Maddie, but more molded than Juna, yet has the same U-shaped wires as Juna. Also like Juna, this bra only has partially adjustable straps, which is probably the only reason why it's not reaching my armpits: I can't fully get it into my IMF; at least not comfortably.
The main, glaring issue with this bra and why I will not be keeping it is that the cups are super tall. There is no place to measure cup height for Bratabase, but laying a soft tape measure from the top center edge of the cup along the curve of the cup to the base of the underwire channel (not including the band), this bra has 7" tall cups. At 5'1" with high-set and short roots, yet again I find myself wishing that I could order the "petite" version of this bra with a reduced cup height. Because of the tallness, I am literally getting a wall of bra that is empty at the top. My larger side does a little better. I am getting the most emptiness nearer to the gore. The cup is jutting out more there. This is also where my tissue wants to slide the more I wear it and move around. I am not sure if this is because it is probably 1/2 a cup size too big. A cup down might quad on the larger side. Because of this severe gaping, although the gore is quite tall, it doesn't support my breasts towards the center.
The gore: it is much taller than other balconettes I've tried, more like I would expect a true half-cup to have. I have a little space between my boobs so high gores don't really bother me, but the thickness of the underwires and channels in the center irritates my chest. It tacks hard at the top and floats at the bottom of the gore. I find it uncomfortable and would have had to bend it out if I'd kept it. I always get a little floating at the bottom due to a dip in my rib area, but never had a bra so uncomfortable at the top of the gore.
Band: I have to wear the 32G on the tightest hooks, so for this bra I would say the band runs TTS if not a little long. More like a Freya 32 than what I would have thought a Cleo 32 would be like.
Size: If I were to give his bra another chance, it would have to be in a 30G. But the cups being so tall and the partially adjustable straps pretty much rule it out, anyway. Now that I think about it, with all Cleo bras, lined and unlined, I am between a 30G and 30GG and the cups are always too tall. I may have to scratch this brand off of my list even though the styles are pretty cute.
Shape: As for the shape this bra gives, it is pretty true to the type of shape I think Cleo unlined bras give when they fit: more or less uplifted and central due to the narrower wires. There appears to be adequate immediate projection at the bottom of the cup, but not a whole lot. More than, say, 30G - Curvy Kate » Starlet Moulded Bra (CK2501) , and maybe a smidge more than 30G - Cleo » Maddie Moulded Balconnet T-shirt Bra (7091) , but less than a Cleo unlined.
Appearance: I cringed when I ordered it, but truth be told, I don't hate the leopard print. I like the minimal detail of the tiny scalloped edge and no other frilly bits. The material is soft and supple. The underwires are thick and hard, true to Cleo's usual, which I don't really like that much, but wouldn't be a deal breaker if they weren't the wrong shape/height/length.
Unless someone wants to gift me a Comexim this month, I will be waiting until next season's offerings come out to make any bra purchases. My to-try list is dwindling to next to nothing while my fail list grows. I'm so tired paying too much for bras that don't fit. My post office probably refers to me as the one who returns everything, and they wouldn't be wrong.
Bonus review note: This is the first bra I ordered from Amazon that didn't arrive damaged in the mail. They padded the cups out with paper. Maybe my complaints are having an effect? Read more 914 more words
I've been considering this bra, but based on your review I'll stay away from it. I had a similar wall of empry bra experience with the Breeze an Minnie long lines, do I suppose this cut is very similar to those.
Thanks for your comment, Charlotteke ! It's funny you mention it, because I have had my eye on the Breeze and Minnie longlines for a while. I read somewhere that the padded balcony cut must be the same as with Mimi. So I won't be ordering those, either. So sad because they are so pretty!
I know some people aren't into the young vibe of Cleo, but after years of wearing plain beige bras, I love the vibrant prints. Why do they hate my boobs? :(
I also like the Cleo's crazy print and color explosions, but I don't like to wear it all the time, which is where Ewa Michalak comes in luckily!
I am also on the lookout for a perfect half cup. The Freyas are too shallow for me, although the Patsy came close. Cleo's Juna was a bit underwhelming and that lace sticks up too much.
I am now waiting for my first Ewa chp, I have high hopes that that may be the one...
Sorry it didn't work for you :-( Amazon and damaged bras, nope mount your complaints are making a dent. Mine sure haven't. Got a couple molded bras last week, with 3 pairs of hubby's jeans dumped n top of them. And the jeans were ordered separately!!
Sc2401 I'm laughing because I actually reported my bra order "missing" when I first got home and saw the box wasn't there when it said that it had been delivered. Turned out the bra was put in the box with a pair of shoes that was ordered at least 3 days later. If they hadn't put paper padding inside, it probably would have been crushed to death.
So, this review got voted down today and I'm not sure why. I always try to be accurate and comprehensive. Let me know if you think something needs to be changed!
Some people disagree with our "tall" appraisal of the cups. I looked dwarfed in the Mimi's cups, but fill out a Gorsenia 65H unlined. Strange!
Love4Pollinators well, on my frame, the cups on a 32G are tall. I'm short and high set. If I tried this bra again in my new size, it would be in a 28FF and only then the cups might be an OK height. So it's all relative to our bodies :)
I have super short roots, so I always look at the height of cups. I can always add data for cup height when I measure bras, but I notice that that data is missing in a lot of searches. Cup height is a huge consideration for me when I buy bras, so I wish it was a standard measurement and search criteria.
Wilderness1 I agree. I think the plan is to make it standard in future... at least, I hope so.
What a strangely shaped little bra. The band is definitely tight for a 30 - for once it's a 30 band I ordered based on reviews saying it runs tight and I don't regret it - it most definitely runs very tight. I personally like having tight bands, and I do feel this is material that will stretch fairly easily. The other Cleos I've tried - Juna and Jude - were not this tight in the band, I needed 28 bands in those.
PROS: Coral color is pretty and the little bow detail on the gore is cute. Material is very soft, cups are ...molded but not overly stiff. Straps are fully adjustable.
CONS: The shape... is so weird... something about the top of the cups doesn't agree with me. It gaps on both sides but it's like they are too tall rather than too big. I feel like this bra is asking for fullness on top that I just don't have, and I'd do better with shorter cups. I could not have gone down a cup size though. If I really scoop & swoop I fill out the top briefly, but my boobs settle back down into the cups and the gapping returns. Also, there's a small bit of empty space down the inside edges of the cups, where it's like the bra material floats away from my breast. I believe I've stumbled upon a bra that has cups set too close together for my boobs. The wires are hella wide, and it's insanely shallow. Like, I had an inch of wrinkling in the bottoms of these cups.
I'd highly recommend this as THE t-shirt bra to try for those with wide roots, a shallow shape, even or FOT, and close set boobs. I can see why it's called the anti-Deco. Read more 207 more words
I have splayed-set shallow breasts and am bottom-heavy...but I don't get empty space in the bra. Of course, the bra could run differently in a 36 band than a 30? (I did not know Neve and Deco were archenemies! I wear them both.)
I can believe the Cleo Neve's cups are too tall for you. I find Cleo's cups in general to be higher coverage than I want. This has been my experience with most UK brands.
faustineli hey, if they work for you they work! They're just totally different shapes. To me the Deco is narrow & deep and the Neve is wide & shallow.
learningaboutbras it's so weird... I have about 1/2" of bra cup, from the top where the straps are attached all the way down the inside edge of the cup to the gore, that is not touching my skin. On either side. I'm gonna have to post a picture or something. I definitely fill out the bottom, sides, and middle of the cups, it's just the inside edge. But then I look on the outside edges and I don't think I'd want them any shorter or narrower - they don't rub my armpits like my Charlotte-from-armpit-hell did. This is not something my Jude does, and don't think my Juna does it but my Juna is a complete shape mismatch so there's that.
lcl0706 I keep hearing that Deco is narrow and deep, and I feel like it is a bit narrow. As for depth, I don't get the ZOMG cleavage some do, but I fill the cups fine- unlike most of Freya's other bras. Headscratcher. I recommend trying Neve on for almost anyone who's a 28 band even if it's a shoot-the-moon scenario because goshdarnit those bands are *tight*.
Yes, it is tight. My UB is 27.5" and I probably could have done a 28G, maybe even a 28FF, but I would have needed an extender for the first couple of wears. As it is, this 30 band stretches to 28.5" and I've got it comfortably hooked on the loosest hook and have worn it all day. The band should last me a while. I can see how a 28 band would be great for someone who has troubles with 28 bands being too loose.
Thank you for posting pics with the white tank top. I wondered if those little dots would show under clothing since they are a contrasting color. Why can't companies just make "nude" bras all one solid color? Don't they realize those cute little details in contrasting colors defeat the purpose of a truly invisible nude bra?
Thanks for your review, as always! :)
No problem! I do like the contrasting color as a general design choice, but I agree that it isn't ideal if you want the thing to disappear... and I would prefer that it did!
I have heard the marcie is more shallow in lower cup sizes. My issue is I get awful in-cup quadding - its a 32HH, tho, and I usually wear a J, so I am really curious if it would be better in a J. But I dont think, in your size, you'd have that problem.
dbmamaz You may get more feedback and reach a wider audience if you submit a fit request for your issue.
I am pretty sure I did a fit request, I'm not asking for help with my bra. I know its a tad small and has awful in-cup quadding and is comfortable.
I am LOOKING FOR information from ppl who own the new colorways (esp black and beige) to see if its likely I'll have less of the quadding problem with these colors now that whatever issues have been fixed
I was looking at other pictures of 30FFs and this one does look more similar to those than my 30G, so I guess it's just the shallow range cut off. It's a bit unfortunate, but it might work out OK in the end. As for in cup quadding, I had a little bit of that when my red one was like half a cup too small but it was negligible. Even though this one is a little off, there isn't any quadding, so I wonder if it's a red/respberry issue. I don't think I ever had that issue with my pink ones.
Yes, I've heard it suggested that the reddish ones are stretchier and that caused the problem. Idk, i might try a beige or black 32J some day
Love Love this bra, enough depth for my central fullness, shallower on the outside with lovely firm fabric, and the perfect height for my root so no big gap / crease between the strap and the cup. Wires enclose perfectly -gore could be narrower if the wires overlapped which would improve the bra for me (like my old Marcie) but the rest of this bra is so good that its not a huge issue. Such a pretty bra, the navy and pink is just such a great colourway and with the little charm, this bra just seems made for me.
My measurements for reference: snug 32, BTT 30.5, standing 38.5, leaning 41, lying 39. Pendulous, projected, narrowish shortish root, FOB/even (I think). I have a lot of outside fullness.
Well, this is a very cute little bra. I like the parrot print, which is actually much more subdued than my crazy neon Lucy or yellow Marcie. It's a very lightweight mesh construction, but damn, it does the job. Why can't every bra just lift like this? All my Cleos do provide a great profile, but this one is the best so far.
The band is comfortably snug on the loosest hooks, not like my Marcie which still ...practically cuts me in half after six months wear. The wires are pretty much the perfect width. The gore tacks. The straps are nicely placed and fully adjustable. I fill the cups nicely, although I have to swoop and scoop more enthusiastically on my smaller side.
There is virtually no wrinkling in the bottom of the cups. The most amazing thing, though (to me), is that they don't ride down at all throughout the day. I guess I finally got the magic combination of wire width and projection. I think this is why I find this bra much more comfortable than either Lucy or Marcie, because the wires don't move around and cause chafing. They don't seem to be any more padded or anything. The band under the cups doesn't even curl up. That might just be a first for me.
Alas, it is not perfect. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> Thanks to the combination of Cleo construction and my soft tissue, I still get the in-cup quad boob going on. I wish Cleo would figure this out and fix it. People with squishy boobs deserve better!
Except for that, I do love this bra. I think it is my best fit so far. So of course they're discontinuing it. Story of my life. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Along with the Panache Jasmine, the Lily was the best fit I had until I tried the Panache Envy. (All in 30FF, so we're pretty close in size.)
Lily's wires ride down a bit on me (my biggest bra-fitting challenge), but my Envy wires don't budge all day, due to sufficient depth at the bottom of the cups. (The Envy is similar in construction to the Jasmine, which does ride down on me a bit, except for having that extra projection at the bottom.)
So Envy and Jasmine might be worth a try, if you haven't already.
I actually do have an Envy in 32F which fits really well, too. (I'm a terrible slacker about adding my bras into Bratabase.) The shape is great right when I put it on. The only thing I find is that the material is a little too stretchy and tends to lose shape over the day. The Envy cut with stiffer fabric, but still the stretch lace on top, would probably be the best of all possible worlds.
Also, there's a Jasmine I'm watching on eBay, but I sort of promised my husband I wouldn't buy any more bras before Christmas. ha ha
The band on this bra runs tight and doesn't appear that it will stretch quickly....currently waiting for the extenders I ordered. I can wear it this way but the cups are distorting because the band is too tight for me and the underwires dig so bad they leave bruises.
Cup shape is very open on the top, I can't get it to dig in no matter what position I try. Probably the cutest bra in my drawer at the moment. It's a true red, not orangey. Mine did need some stretching on the diagonal seam as it cut in slightly but it did ...not show under shirts and was very minor. The gore is quite narrow. Overall it fits very well. I slip some comfy cups/no peek pads in and no worries about nipple show through. Seams definately show in most of my summer shirts which I don't particularly care for...but it's pretty enough that I wear it anyway. Quality wise...there were some loose threads but nothing that looks like it's going to fall apart. It gives a very rounded, uplifted, up front shape and is more supportive than Lucy....I can jog in this one with minimal jiggle.
Edited: The extenders arrived and what a difference! The underwires no longer bruise my ribs and the cups fit perfectly with no wrinkling. I needed two positions looser than the loosest hook at first and now just one. This bra is getting a lot of wear! I don't think I would go up a band size personally, just because it will last longer this way. I think this is one bra I will actually end up buying in more colors...especially the aqua that's supposed to be coming up!! Read more 194 more words
how did you stretch the seam? the same thing is happening to me but i'm not sure how to go about stretching it
how did you stretch the seam? the same thing is happening to me but i'm not sure how to go about stretching it
Just grab the puckery part on either end and stretch it. Works best while wet. Mine doesn't do it at all anymore.
Ugg, I keep trying, but the in-cup quad-boob keeps getting worse. I'm at the verge of tossing this bra! It looks so disgusting . . . like camel-toes on my boob (only the bigger side - i wonder if its worse because the cup is slightly too small on that side?)
6 months after purchase I am wearing on the final hook. After an inventory of favorite/most worn bras I realized this bra is far too loose and should have been purchased in 28H. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />
Updated on Mar 16, 2012
I have been happily wearing this bra since I bought it and the itchy part was really the bow gore and it still occurs but after several wears/washings it has subsided. Just have to make sure it's not sitting on my skin and it's good to go. One of my absolute favorite sets.
Reviewed on Nov 03, 2011
Purchased 30G + 30GG for ...comparison. My first few Panache/Cleo bras were in 30G but most felt too small in the cup in different ways based on the styles (see my reviews for Cleo-Alex unlined-cup plunge, Cleo-Jude moulded-cup plunge, Masquerade-Maia balconette). It's mostly difficult to find any stores in my area which actually choose to carry above a G-cup even though Panache makes them in some styles.
I took a chance ordering because the design is just so beautiful: the entire construction in purple feather-print is mesh but not see through like most soft cup wired bras.
This balconette style "fit" in both sizes however it became an issue of comfort in deciding which size to keep. The 30GG seems to envelope my breasts better especially when I lean over and it feels more supportive as there's just a touch more fabric in every area. As so, the straps are thicker and more on par as the width of a typical FF-G cup Freya at about 1.8cm. Gives me a pretty good shape which is more rounded than any Freya I've ever tried.
My only complaint is the gore stitching is much too itchy on the inside and so it needs a solution before I wear it again.
Measured unstretched before wearing. Purchased early-October from Figleaves. Read more 206 more words
Whoever voted this down needs to rethink their happy trigger-clicker-finger. Took a bit to finally want to wear this bra for the first time. In that time it was worth stating "Review forthcoming..." as a temporary marker. So, you're welcome for being honest.
Up front apology, I did not measure this bra because I needed to get it back in the mail to be returned. This bra was ALL wrong for me. I am seriously disappointed too because I was sooo looking forward to getting this.
Anyway, the band fit well, I have a 27" ribcage measure and the 20" band seemed just fine. The cups were a different story though. WOW - small would be an understatement. I wear a 30F in Anita and 28FF in Freya and the F in this bra is probably 2 cups sizes to small in this bra. Without even ...trying this on I knew it was not going to work.
I spoke to a representative who said that this bra runs true to size but I am not sure I agree with that assessment. I sent this back and reordered a larger size so, keeping my fingers crossed on this one.
Appearance of the product, I have some reservations, the fabric is not laminated and the top layer of fabric moves freely over the bottom layers which always causes concern about wrinkling. Also the quality of the material does not seem as good as the Freya bras I own. But this is is a cute bra nonetheless.
I was excited for a true plunge, pieced-cup Cleo since trying on the popular "Tango II" (3251). Although I liked the fit I just wasn't into the available colors enough.
After wearing a full day I can say the comfort level is great, it's a medium-high level supportive bra. Yet, I'm sad to say the shape here is very disappointing! Pointy and more Pointy! ..just like my pieced Freyas. Now with cleavage-quad-boob! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" /> The design is what really reeled me in. Sunshine Yellow with firey Red & Orange floral embroidery. Even wearing it for the first time in the middle of Winter ...I smile because it's so *cheerful*. The allover mesh material seems appropriate for hot weather since it came out SS10. It almost seems a lesser quality because, although the band is really nice and smaller than usual for a 30, I estimate it will wear out really quick. I hope the bra holds up in shape before the embroidery gives out! Kind of weird and I'm unsure if it's visible in the photos but the double-layer mesh design makes all this puckering/wrinkling on the top layer of the solid-mesh yellow of the lower portion of the cup. Strange, but it does NOT affect the fit, which is really nice and TTS, at least for Panache--can't compare to any pieced Cleo's as I've yet to try one on. Again, the design was just too pretty to pass up. For a "sale"** price bra I think the value was worth it. Overall, the set cost me less than a regular price Freya would at full price.
**A style exclusive to Bravissimo and there were plenty of available sizes when I purchased it on sale for a "mere" £14 (£22 for the Set w/Panty plus worldwide shipping equates to $50 US)
Purchased from Bravissimo, received mid-February 2011.
From Bravissimo.com: "Pop a ray of sunshine into your lingerie drawer with this zesty plunging style. Embroidered with pansies and finished with candy striped bows, this is undoubtedly a bra that brings plenty of feel good factor!" Read more 241 more words
I purchased this 30G in the color Vintage. It’s a beautiful dusty mauve color. But woooo this does not fit lol. Original review in size 30GG found here: http://bra.pe/X5mw/
The cup consists of a three part cup. Two lower parts with one upper part. Because the cup on this is clearly too small it is way too open in front for me. The cup is a lace fabric over a mauve mesh. The center gore has a tiny mauve bow and it is wire free. The center gore on this size is noticeably lower than the 30GG. The back band is a wide elastic band that has ...a pink/silver metallic stripe. The inside of the elastic band does not contain the silver pink/stripe as seen on the outside. The side wings are a mauve stretch mesh that is more stretchy than the bottom of the band or the elastic above. But I do not get the strange roll squish as I do with the size 30GG. There is a a 2x3 closure. The straps are a satin finish and has a J-hook in the back to convert it to a racer-back. This 30G has thinner elastic straps compared to the 30GG. All hardware is mauve.
If you are in between sizes, you might find it a challenge to make this work as there is a clear difference between the construction of a G and a GG bralette. I still stand by my first review of the 30GG. Great purchase on sale, would not pay full price. Read more 149 more words
Looks fantastic! Congratulations on your successful alteration/s :-)