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Bras » Curvy Kate » Reviews

  1. Wonderfull Full Coverage Bra (CK018102)

    5
    like

    32J

    Fits

    This is the 32J - Curvy Kate » Wonderfull Full Coverage Bra (CK018102). I am a 34h but chose the smaller sister size because I am losing weight and because I prefer my bands quite tight. It makes my boobs look amazing both with clothes and in the bra. I am very pleased with this bra and with the support. I don’t slouch in this bra and don’t feel the downward pull of my breasts. It is also a beautiful bra; photos don’t do it justice. When I reach my goal weight though I will probably buy better quality bras, but this is a great interim option and is often on sale, which is a win!

    Red colorway

    Updated on Dec 25, 2020 Flag this


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  2. Sheer Class Black Plunge Swimsuit (CS001605)

    5
    like

    34HH

    Didn't fit

    Let's start with the positive things: this swimsuit is good if you have a long torso! (in the past I had the issue with swimsuits that the underbust was low since they suit was too short in the body) This CK suit is made with a longer torso in mind / or suitable for taller women. So there is that.

    Otherwise I don't really have to say so many nice things about it. It looks great on the models and I think it can look great if you can make it work for you. It's not a bad construction. It did not work on me.
    First getting this ... on is a such a hassle... I needed like 15 mins to get it on. At first I thought it is not going to happen. You can only open the bra part of the suit... the rest you have to pull up over your thighs and hips. I have thicker thighs and bigger butt and barely managed to get it over it. So basically the underbust part you have to pull up over your lower body. I don't recommend if you are very pear-shaped with small underbust- won't be able to put it on.

    For swimsuits I choose 34 band but I usually wear a 32. It would never happened if the suit was any smaller. Once I had it up.. the relief. The underbust sat at my actual underbust! So the body of the suit is long enough. it is good coverage on the lower half. Then I had to do the straps up (had to remove them to get into the suit). The straps are multi-way and there is those loops on the back of the bra to put them in... Now I had the suit on... tried to reach back to fiddle with these straps to get them on... another 15 min later I barely made it and my arms hurt. You can see on my back pic on one side I could not even do it properly. Also these straps just tend to fall out the loops. I cannot imagine doing up the cross straps on your own. I think you need help putting this on and someone with you to put straps back in place when they fall off. So much about multiway- I rather not have it, if it's such a hassle.

    The band fits well, the cups are made out of stretchy swimsuit material and not lined. There is some wrinkling at the top. I'm not sure if they are slightly big on me or if it is just because I wasn't able to adjust the straps. The bra feels okay in support but I am not sure how it will hold up if the suit is wet. I find the straps a bit thin for this size. Overall - If I had no other option I might wear this - since I get coverage and the right lenght in torso and the bra covers and supports my boobsbetter than un-wired suit. But I don't think it is that flattering on me. I rather wear a tankini where the bra part is covered in fabric. While CK tankini are also a bit of a hassle to get one - they are nowhere near this! Actually I now value my unpadded tankinis from CK so much more. I just wish they would still make them, but recently they make only padded stuff. (Maybe because the unpadded isn't as supportive - why not line the bras like Elomi did on their 34H - Elomi » Essentials Plunge Bikini Top (7504) which fits and supports like a regular bra?!)
    Also you cannot expect any waist shaping from the suit. It shows your figure how it is. I mean that's okay, just wanted to share as many plus size suits claim to have a "shaping" effect.

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    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on May 16, 2020 Flag this


    • 1

      Oh, this story made me cringe! Trying to find swimsuits can be hard enough without the addition of them being impossible to put on. I have had bras from CK that made me wonder if they ever actually tried them on a person of my size, or just guessed and scaled from other sizes. Thanks for letting us all know to avoid this one! Good luck in your project of finding a great suit, they are out there! I love my Comexim bikini most of all, that is what I think you should try next 😊🏖

    • 1

      Good to know! I don't go out swimming a lot, so I haven't bought myself any swimwear in a while, but this is quite the fair warning in case I ever want to try a swimsuit in the future.

    • 1

      I did not realize reading a swimsuit review could cause flashbacks...the horror of the "swimsuit dance" is real. Inch it up, contort your torso in ways you did not know were possible and are definitely NOT fun, shift it further, oh-no-it-is-stuck, contort, spasm, bend, unbend, hop, arch, oh-no-that-is-too-far-up...

      You would think that something that is made of stretchy material would be more accommodating.

    • thanks for the review!

      Curvy Kate stopped making tankinis? I've been so out of the bra loop lately, I haven't really been tracking things. But i really wish more brands made tankinis/swimsuits in the higher cup ranges and in fun colours at that. I've been wanting to buy a new swimsuit...but I haven't seen anything that really caught my interest.

    • I'm glad my review was helpful. So the whole ordeal of trying on this suit was worth it for that. Honestly If I only had this swimsuit I'd think twice if I really want to go swimming. Also it made a Bikini just more attractive for me - at least that is easy to put on!

      Frazzleberry No no they still make them, but most of them are padded now. I don't like the thick padding of CK swimbras. It adds volume and don't even fit well as the cups are shallow. I had lots of gaping and empty space in a CK padded swimtop but the gore floated so far... that when I pushed the gore flat it revealed that the bra is too small - and shallow but the fit was so off it looked too big. (Sounds odd I know. Cn't explain better. )
      https://www.brastop.com/shop/tankinis?attribute_Brand=Curvy-Kate&attribute_Cup_Style=Non-Padded
      They only make the sheer class as unpadded tankini anymore (the other are old styles were most sizes are sold out) I think the unpadded ones are ok, here my review of one: 34J - Curvy Kate » Diffuse Tankini Top (CS4906) .

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  3. Ellace Balcony Bra (CK4401)

    5
    like

    30F

    Fits

    Not a lot to say about this one. I’ve had this bra in a 30E in the crimson and latte and they were borderline small at the time, both in band and cups. I’d wanted to try it in a larger size for a while but never sure about the size I should try. This 30F comes from a swap, so it was perfect.

    For aesthetics, like my other reviews, I really like the look of this bra. It’s a light mesh with stretch lace on top. It’s a bit of a looser weave of stretch lace so it’s very stretchy, but it’s too stretchy because my soft ... tissue in cup quads in this bra. The lower band is a thicker elastic which makes the band feel a bit looser on top than the bottom, and snugger in general.

    From a fit perspective, it’s a bit roomier in the cups for me and I fill them up better. My small side gapes some and the stretch lace wrinkles a bit. Slight in cup quadding as mentioned above due to my softer tissue being less contained in the lace portion than the tulle/mesh portion of the cups. Straps are almost too short for me and I have to let them out a fair bit, which is not common for me. Cups feel as projected at the wire as the other ones but I almost feel like I’m not getting quite as nice a shape. Wire width seems ok for my narrowish roots and cups are borderline tall for me as I have functionally short roots. This is mostly a problem with the strap connectors but it’s a pretty common problem I have with a lot of bras. And as mentioned above, it is a snug band. I’m able to wear it without my extender but it’s definitely more comfortable with. I could probably do a 32 in this. In fact, it’s pretty consistent...all but one of the Curvy Kate bras I’ve had have a bit tight in the 30 and I could probably do with sizing up.

    It’s still a lovely bra, but after a year with Polish bras, I am feeling slightly underwhelmed and less in love with Ellace as I once was.

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    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on Oct 16, 2019 Flag this


    • Looks like it's doing the job ;) I men, despite the upper/lower band disymetry.

      Sometimes I wonder on the opportunity to re-introduce a third "mid band" to provide more momentum and smoother sides.

      Long ago I remember models with shorter & deeper wings of non-stretch material.

      With firm bones somewhere at shoulder blade level and X (crossed) elastic bands forming the closure from there.

      They were very prized since the average seamstress was able to substitute elastics with fresh ones when they got "tired".

      Those often had a wide thin non-stretch mid-band.

      I guess those were German Naturana's.

    • What a bummer that you're not as pleased with this bra now! For what it's worth, it looks lovely on you and on your pictures. The shape is definitely more natural and so different from the Polish look. This color seems to work very well for you as a nude too which is great.

    • 1

      Thanks femineaaeterna and braluv.

      I still think it’s good. I think it’s maybe been so long since I have had it that I have had a change of heart on it. But maybe a different colour would bring my interests back. Maybe a 32E next time. I’m still interested in the black and champagne one and my crimson is a gorgeous colour, just too small.

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  4. Delightfull Full Cup Bra (1111)

    5
    like

    32JJ

    Didn't fit

    I tried this bra a few weeks ago. If it weren't for free shipping and returns, I wouldn't have because from other reviews here I knew it wouldn't work for me but I was also curious.

    The size I received looks like it is the best size for me in this bra. From the front it looks like it fits, doesn't it? But this bra has so many other problems! I doubt I would ever get a proper fit even in another size. The worst thing about this bra is the insanely wide wires! They go literally to my back. (Look at my back pic, I never had a ... bra fit like that!) There is so much room at the sides of the cups that is unnecesary and is just functioning as part of the band.

    The cushion at the end of the wires that should stop wires from digging in, does nothing, it even folds to outside of the cups (see back pic)... it's kinda pointless and now very well thought through. On the front there isn't so much space. The bra looks also very wide and doesn't give a very flattering look. Also it does not much to shape, support and uplift my boobs. It's just a huge fail!

    To say something positive: I like how wide and comfortable the shoulder straps are! If I look at other straps on CK bras that are so narrow that my shoulders hurt from even looking at them, that is a plus. The fabric felt nice too.

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    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on Jul 21, 2019 Flag this


    • Show all comments (24)
    • 1

      Oh god that wire is all the way on your back! Insane

    • 2

      It is insane to have the wires/cup make up so much of this bra. The band looks so tiny in the back and the wires....so painful. What were the thinking?!? Delightful is not a good name for this bra at all!

    • 1

      Wow...I'm not sure what to make of this one..the idea behind it was great, but somewhere in the execution everything seemed to go haywire..

      Those wires look painfully wide. :(

    • Yes I don't know what they were thinking?! Also the bra just came out in a new burgundy red color, so it has to sell well? I wonder who wears it? All reviews on btb have been negative so far, no one got a good fit in it.
      The bra is more "awfull" than "delightfull" ...

    • 1

      What a nightmare

    • To this day no CK bra ever worked for me. I wonder if any ever will.

    • I still wait for a positive review with pics of how the bra fits properly. I really want to see one, I don't mean a CK model pic where they "make it look great" but a real review.

    • Whoa. Those are the widest wires I've ever seen. Like you, I would adore those straps!

    • 1

      Whoa. Those are the widest wires I've ever seen. Like you, I would adore those straps!

    • 1

      I agree. I have never seen breasts on a womans back. Seriously. CK has some work to do.

    • Maybe the bra was made specifically for horizontal comfort....😂

    • 3

      Dear CK, people don't necessarily scale mathematically. Please test your ideas on real people. Signed, everyone.

    • 1

      This would be a great bra for folks with really wide set roots though. There are a few fold who have roots this wide. The demographic is pretty small though.

    • 1

      I read somewhere, buried in a comment on reddit I think, that Curvy Kate's fit philosophy is that wires need to be actually wider than the breast tissue for good support. I saw that comment twice and wondered about it both times and even tried to google more information, but couldn't find anything. Now I can't find the comment again, but these wires make me wonder if they do feel that way .

    • 1

      You can find it in one of their fit videos (I think for princess plunge maybe, or victory) Pinniped but it's a flawed philosophy. Their bras don't have enough side support (that I know of) to actually justify the wide wires.

    • Did you notice how there is not much band on the bra? I wonder if the cups would not have acted as the band If I had to size up in band size?

    • alisa Yep, I noted the band size above. It's crazy.
      How flexible are the wires? Do they feel like they are being distorted towards the back? If so, then sizing up in the band/down in the cup may help, though I would still question the band to cup ratio in general.
      I have always loved Curvy Kate designs, but never got a good or comfortable fit in them.

    • Yes, I feel like this is a + 2 or +4 band. The cup is also very big for the size I feel.

      I want to try it in 44G or 46G and serif it’s any better.

    • 1

      I look forward to reading your findings cupandahalf. It will be interesting to see how it compares.

    • 1

      MamaPagan I remember that the wires were quite soft and distorted easily. But the wires were already too wide when I put the bra on, there is just a huge side section in this cups. It's like all the volume is meant to be on the sides in this bra!
      I don't think it will work at any size for me. Also I think it's weird that they make a bra where you have to size up 2 band size and down 3-4 cup sizes to get a good fit? Who does that when they order a bra? I just go with my "usual" size when I order, either 32JJ or 32J. There must be many returns of this bra.

      cupandahalf Lets us know how it goes. I could put one in a random 36GG or so on my Zalando wish list. They stock the bra and have free shipping and returns in my country. Would be interesting...

    • alisa It really doesn't make any sense, I agree.
      My understanding is that manufacturers have the larger side cup area in the larger cup ranges for a minimizing effect of the bust, as they are under the blanket assumption that if you are large busted then you want them smaller. Yet to me, pushing them under my armpits doesn't make my breasts look smaller, but instead just makes my midsection look wider and that is not a look I want at all! Besides many breasts won't squish over and under the arms on command, so such bras tend to be painful and awkward of a fit instead. :-/

    • 2

      MamaPagan I never liked those Minimizer bras that my Mom bought for me when I was a teenager. They can't magically hide what is there anyway.

      Oh how I dislike the east- west look in bras. With a projected narrow bra like the SF I look like I have a waist and a bit more like the hourglass type.

      The wider a bra is, the wider I look on top which I dislike. Also boobs under armpits??? It's uncomfortable! I can type much better on my keyboard if my boobs are in front of me.

      It depends on body and boob shape. I remember one blogger that prefered the wide over projected look.

    • 2

      alisa I agree 100%
      Got to love our differences in preference!

    • alisa I agree 100%
      Got to love our differences in preference!

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  5. Dottie Balcony Bra (CK6201)

    So remember when I said I won't be wasting money on any more CK bras.

    Well the customer support person said Dottie is a must try! for me, and I've just been so curious why she would say that. So when I saw Dottie in this colourway for $10ish bucks (with some Black Friday discount code and whatnot), I was like, ehhhh... I'm getting it.

    Turns out... Dottie doesn't fit so bad at all (and nowhere near as bad as Ellace).

    I got it in 30GG because the same person told me I need a band size down and a cup size up and I would completely agree except for one ... thing. The wires in CK bras are awful. They bend and flex and holy crap, they are just so so flimsy--and combined with the smaller band they get really distorted and wrap around my torso. On the bright side, I get a very solid tack with the gore, and even though the wires stretch out reeeeeally far, like almost to my back far, they are not uncomfortable. This bra in general is very comfy except for the (you probably guessed it) too short straps.
    That being said, I'm toying with the idea of replacing the wires with something (if not narrower then at least) more sturdy. As well as replacing the straps with something longer.

    The cups fit pretty well to be quite honest. It's not an amazing lift, but it is lift and support. It's a three part cup made of mesh, and then on the lower part of the cup there is a layer of dotted stretch mesh over it. Kind of a weird choice, as the base mesh has zero stretch but ok I guess.
    The cup edge does cut in somewhat on my larger side. That's just how it be with me. Larger cups would definitely be too large for me.

    I'm glad to say the band has none of that weird tension that Ellace has. It's very even on top, middle, and bottom of the band. It is a very good sized band for me, the reason in most photos it looks like it rides up is because it is riding up... the straps are pulling on it like crazy!

    So overall I would say Dottie is way way better bra than Ellace (I'm so sorry, Ellace lovers. I just can't get over the bad experience with it!) I'm definitely considering getting it in black and beige!

    update: after wearing it a bit I have to admit it is comfy, it holds the shape (for what it is) throughout the day, and most importantly, the wide wire is not uncomfortable at all. The only thing I will say is uncomfortable is the short straps. I couldn't find the same colour anywhere, so I might replace them with just black tho idk how that will work. Maybe if I also replaced the bows with black ones as well. Shame though, as I was going to purchase the nude one as well.

    update / 20.01.2019.
    So I don't know if it happened because of the short straps constantly pulling up the bra even though the band was fine before, now it stretched out to the point of just being way way too loose. It rides up like crazy. Eh. They don't make it in 28 and even if they did I'm not sure I'd be purchasing it in 28 band.

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    Updated on Jan 20, 2019 Flag this


    • Show all comments (15)
    • 1

      It is a gorgeous color and looks great on you!

      Wire switchout warning: It doesn't work so well if a different width, as it shortens the band, adds twisted tension (for lack of a better explanation) and distorts the depth/projection. If it's the same general width, it works well though.

      @Sovavosi tried it last year I believe so maybe she can add more personal insight on it?

    • 2

      The wires I bought weren't tall enough to match the channel. CK has huge channels and very stretchy bands. The band pulled the wires back so much that the wires angled in and poked me in the ribs. I'm going to guess you have to get narrower wires that will fill the channel entirely, and/or harder wires like Panache to resist the band pulling.

    • 1

      Mainly what I am worried about is that it will change the shape of the cup and cups will be like...too forward and pointy... if that's a legitimate concern even...

    • 2

      I think it can do that. I haven't had success with it yet. Save the original wires, they are easy to put back in if it doesn't work for you.

    • 2

      Thank you Sovavosi : -)

    • 1

      Yes thank you! Sovavosi :)

    • 1

      I don’t really have a problem changing wires but I strongly suggest matching the wire to you breast root first. You might be surprised about how wires actually fit you.

    • 2

      Wow, I love it! I know what you mean about the wires. I think I had the same problem with them in my old 30FF Bardot. I had at least a finger width of space between the wires and my root. I wonder how a 28G or 30FF would be on me in this.

    • 1

      I think if you can find one cheap (this colour seems to be discounted everywhere) you should def. give it a try! I's miles different than Ellace.

    • I think if you can find one cheap (this colour seems to be discounted everywhere) you should def. give it a try! I's miles different than Ellace.

    • 1

      It looks like the bra, at least here, is not available in 28 bands. For some reason, I thought it was an older one that was available in 28. The 30 band for this one is possibly too big, but if it’s cheap enough, it’s probably not a problem to start with the middle hooks as it would also be part of a larger collection/rotation. But I have so many other bras in mind, so this one is probably a back burner bra.

    • 1

      I believe I read somewhere the reason for such a wide wire on CK bras is (and I'm paraphrasing here) 'the wire needs to sit away from the breast in order to offer proper support'.
      I mean, sure.
      I will say I've been reaching for this bra a lot cause I'm in an EM slump and I've just been wearing this instead.

    • Hopefully the Nazeli bra will work well for you, and open up new opportunities.

    • 1

      Yeh, I hope so.
      I mean the 70FFs still fit I just bypass any EM bras and go for this one.
      Worst is I have 65GGs coming in lol. What am I gonna do with that, the cups will prolly be way larger than 70Gs.

      And why won't she do between cups waaaaaah

    • Hugs to you hon! Just view it as an investment into your future when your breasts decide to grow again, you are ready!! Plus, there is always a chance that your new bras run a bit smaller and will fit beautifully. <3

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  6. Dragonfly Plunge Bra (SG5411)

    5
    like

    40J

    Fits

    The minute I saw this colorway I knew this bra had to be mine. I am a huge fan of burgundy, and this matched my favorite kimono, my favorite dress, and a bunch of other favorite items. I also have been wanting another Curvy Kate plunge, the 40J - Curvy Kate » Lifestyle Plunge Bra having been a good match for me. I was planning on wearing this as a bedroom/lounge bra, so the fact that the straps didn't seem sturdy and the midi longline might dig in didn't bother me. So the minute this bra became available on ebay (my usual go-to ... for cheaper bras), I snatched it up. And I have to say, I have been pleasantly surprised.

    The first thing I noticed when looking at it in person, and confirmed in pictures and measurements, is that the cup is taller towards the straps, meaning the straps aren't falling into my armpit. Effectively, having the cups taller makes the straps less wideset, a major problem I've had with other Curvy Kate plunges. The first thing I noticed when putting on the bra was the excellent support that the wide and not-to-stretchy band gives. The band extends about an inch/2.5 cms down, kept in place by very soft comfortable plastic boning on the sides. I thought this would be terrible and dig in. In fact, it keeps the band from rolling up, a major discomfort for me in other bras. The wide band means that even more breast weight is distributed away from the straps, so it's ok that they are only about a quarter of an inch wide each- their placement and the surface area of the band tension the weight away from my shoulders. I have been suffering shoulder pain lately, and after trying the bra out for about four hours I had no shoulder pain at all.

    The rest of the bra fits very well, better than most Curvy Kate plunges I've tried. Pay no attention to the gaping in the pictures- that's just because my arm is raised to take the picture. In reality, the bra gaps very slightly on my small side and is just right on my large side. The band tension is just right for me, and the plunge is fairly plunging on me- about as good as I'm going to get with a non-Comexim bra. The only problem I have is that there is not enough center room- a pretty typical problem for me. Still, the gore feels a lot more stable than on some bras I own- probably due to the band being just right.

    The sides could be slightly lower, although they certainly aren't eating my armpits. Every once in a while the wires get me a bit when I bend over. The side boning on the other hand almost never does, and the band doesn't roll up or flip. I may have to re-think my position on boning, and I definitely think I need to think about how bands support me. The wires are a good width on me, and a fairly good shape. I recently have had some changes and learned I can no longer tolerate very narrow wires, they cause part of the shoulder pain, so around 7.5-8 inch wires are best for me now as long as they are not too tall (and these wires cooperate fairly well).

    As far as the bra itself goes, it fits closer to a narrow 40JJ than a 40J, meaning that most in larger cup larger band sizes could probably size down one cup and be fine. The band is a true 40, and lovely with just the right amount of stretch, so keep the same band size.

    The look of the bra, from the black and burgundy striped bows, to the cross-dyed lace, to the thick ribbon elastic at the band, is gorgeous and soft and smooth. I love the look and feel of the bra. It's nice to wear pretty straps for once. I do feel both pretty and sexy in it, and I think the wide band has some back smoothing capabilities, which I appreciate. The cups create a rounded profile, not too east-west, and the stretch elastic on top keeps everything locked in without cutting in. It looks in my front facing picture like the mesh bulges, but that's an optical illusion.

    The mesh is firm and properly tensioned. The sewing is very nice. This is a bra which is fairly expensive, and in my mind, the quality of sewing, comfort, design, and materials match the price point, something I don't always think about Curvy Kate. This, along with 40JJ - Curvy Kate » Curvy Kate Poppy Balcony Bra (CK10011), show me that the brand is trying to improve, and perhaps some of the creative thought and quality materials they put into their Scantilly line is coming over into their regular line and making an impact on their fuller bust fits. Certainly they thought about structure when creating this bra, and I do very much appreciate that. Mostly, I appreciate that I get to wear a bra that reminds me of some of the best, most beautiful bras out there, and at my size that's a luxury.

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    Updated on Nov 16, 2018 Flag this


    • Show all comments (8)
    • 1

      I love the color on this one-far more attractive than the Ewa beige with black one of similar style.

      Glad it's comfortable and sexy too!!

    • 1

      The colour is beautiful and looks great on you!

    • Gorgeous! Those straps are alluring, and the wider wire is such a gift for those of us who need them.

    • Ohhh CUTE! I love it on you!

    • ooh, that is pretty!

    • You were right, this bra is beautiful! The colour really looks good on you, too, I can see why you like it!

    • SO Beautiful! I am also a huge fan of burgundy.:D

    • Gorgeous! I can see why you couldnt resist!

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  7. Lifestyle Plunge Bra (CK5711)

    I am close set, FOB with tall shallow roots. I needed good simple black bra so this looked perfect. The cups look like they fit well, very little wrinkling. I think they are too shallow for me because after a while the gore digs in and sometimes the cups shift down ward. The straps are slightly too short. The band sightly too tight for me. The material feels like nylon stockings. The metal circles connecting the straps and cups also dig in. Looks smooth and gives good shape under a shirt.

    Updated on Sep 03, 2018 Flag this


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  8. Poppy Balcony Bra (CK10011)

    5
    like

    40JJ

    Fits

    Have you ever needed to wear a bra as outerwear, somehow? Have you tried to match your lipstick to the color or mood of the bra? That’s how I feel about Poppy. After wanting it too much since seeing it teased in April, I finally am wearing it and I do have ruby red lipstick on and I do feel as sultry and exotic as the opium poppies printed all over this bra.

    Fit-wise, this is nearly exactly the same as my 40JJ - Curvy Kate » Vegas Balcony Bra (CK5601). Which means it’s close to perfect except for stretchy, low ... quality straps and band. Great, at least at my size, for women with shorter roots and certainly more closed off than 40JJ - Curvy Kate » Charm Babydoll (SG5207) or 38K - Curvy Kate » Sheer Joy. I have to hook the band on the last hooks so that’s a bummer, but I had the same problem with Vegas. The cups are very deep and narrow for this size: more so than Ewa Michalak. I think only Comexim makes bras with narrower wires around this size.

    The most impressive thing here is the materials. A beautiful, delicate, but firm floral lace is used on the top cups, and prevents in cup quad. If 38J - Curvy Kate » Daydreamer (5401) or Vegas was a good fit but you didn’t like the in-cup quad, this is the bra for you. The top elastic is soft and doesn’t cut in to my pre-period boobs and keeps my smaller side from gapping. And, here’s the impressive part. They even used the lace on the wing. It’s so pretty!

    The poppy fabric itself is softer than previous iterations of CK’s bonded reinforced fabrics so it’s much more comfortable to wear. It’s a beautiful darker purplier red, with tiny indigo accents. The pattern itself is a chintz or chinoiserie style- the height of fashion this season.

    The straps were a bit too wideset with this bra after wearing it once so I did my Ewa- inspired strap fix. Now they feel super secure.

    The shape is projected but rounded. It looks good with or without clothes on.

    Basically I love this bra.



    Read more
    286 more words

    Poppy print mix colorway

    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on Aug 11, 2018 Flag this


    • Show all comments (10)
    • 1

      Your review is so wonderfully written it makes me want to buy the bra, and I don't even like Curvy Kate bras! If I could vote it up more than once I would.

      Glad this one works so well for you and makes you happy :-)

    • 1

      I've seen ppl wear thin sheer tops that show their bra, or strappy tops that show their bra. and apparently its more common in europe to let the bra show somewhat

    • 1

      I’ve actually been looking for a sheer top to show off more of my prettiest bras!

    • This is really beautiful! I had not heard of it until now. The comments about no in cup quadding is encouraging. And I totally try to match my bra with things. I’m the same way with my cloth pads. I’m way more likely to choose the one that matches my underwear or outfit. ;)

    • 2

      I've never worn matching sets, because i have had so much yeast issues, I only wear cotton panties. but i have noticed i do like it when they at least color coordinate

    • 1

      This is so beautiful!

    • 1

      dbmamaz have you considered a few cloth liners that you can add to the non cotton pretty undies? Like, as a barrier layer between you and the underwear gusset? Maybe something like that might work. Don't know your full situation so pardon my suggestion if it is not something you can do.

    • 1

      Its not enough for me. I've had non-cotton panties w cotton patches. it still doenst breathe. The issue is not the contact, its the air flow

    • Ah, I see. Well, poop. I tried.

    • Its ok, I'm happy w my cotton undies. and recently I found some . . idk, bamboo or something. softer and smoother. Too high cut, but omg I've gained so much weight . . . i have no idea why any more.

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  9. Charm Babydoll (SG5207)

    5
    like

    40JJ

    Fits

    Wow. It’s been a while since I bought a Curvy Kate bra, and now I remember why I like them. The shape of this is phenomenal on me- round and sexy, no upside down 7 or pointy look like on most of my Elomis.

    Size wise this fits me almost perfectly. There is very slight orange in a glass at the bottom of the cup, but otherwise my larger side is contained, the wires are nice and narrow, and the cup is very deep at the apex, but still rounded. The sides are slightly too tall, but I mostly feel this on my smaller side ... where there is less weight and pull from my breasts to drag the side into the appropriate position.

    The shape of the bra itself is very much a low balconette- cups are fairly straight across from a surprisingly low gore. I thought it would fit like the old Bardot style but it does not- the top is shorter and more open, which works even better for me. Folks with tall roots might still find it a tad too closed however. In this size it’s definitely built for short, narrow roots, and maybe for folks who are narrow and fob.

    The band feels true to size and comfortable. The mesh is firm and umstretchy. The embroidery is soft.

    Comfort wise- cons: straps, other elastic. CK just insists on crappy narrow elastics, which is stupid because the straps aren’t supportive enough in this size. and the armpit and, to some extent, the band can dig in. Pros- the mesh, embroidery, and satin are all very soft and nice. The babydoll skirt is heavier weight and feels airy but not staticky.

    It also just looks so nice on me. The embroidery is less of a hot pink and more of a purple-pink. The embroidery itself, and the charm at the gore, are very sweet. I love the bra portion, and feel like I would like the babydoll but in a different form where I would actually wear it.

    Alterations I will make- cut the babydoll off and repurpose it sewed to a Torrid bralette I like (that is incredibly comfortable so I can lounge around the house or in bed it it). Fix the armpit and change the straps out for a pair of super comfortable Comexim or Elomi straps I have laying around.


    Read more
    307 more words

    Black/rose colorway

    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on Jul 09, 2018 Flag this


    • 1

      This looks FANtastic!! Thrilled you were able to repurpose the skirt. Awesome :-)

    • 2

      Wow! I have a 30FF in Bardot but it's just a wee bit too big. I've been thinking about trying this in the 30F. Appreciate the comparison. You think that it's still a good fit for shorter even to fob roots?

    • I can’t really speculate on fit as you’re on the opposite band/cup spectrum from me, but aesthetically it is quite similar. If you can get it and exchange it I think it’s worth a try!

    • 1

      haha love that idea to move the skirt to something more comfortable! I keep wondering if I would get any use out of an underwired babydoll . . .

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  10. Bardot Balcony Bra (SG3101)

    5
    like

    30FF

    Didn't fit

    I’ve got some very mixed feelings about this bra. It was bought from lcl0706 and we thought that it had a chance of fitting because it closed in quickly, making it small for a 30FF, and since I tend to be in 30Fs mostly, a small fitting 30FF had a chance. This bra mostly fits, but lacks in a few areas, but it’s so pretty and I love the purple and sheer black combination.

    My shape is average to low set, narrow and shortish roots (or taller roots with deflated tissue making them functionally short still), center full and relatively close set, even to full ... on bottom, with soft and malleable pendulous tissue. I need projection at the wire but only average projection at the apex. My pendulous soft tissue is sometimes deceptive.

    Back to the fit. The band is snug but not as tight as my Ellace in 30E. It’s a 3 hook whatsamadoosit. And I actually did it up right on the first try! I kinda like the support of the extra hooks but it feel like it’s an industrial band now! The wires, which don’t seem to be different from the Ellace in 30E when I lay them on top of each other or measure them, but when I put it on and secure it, are quite a bit wider than my breast tissue, and not a tiny amount, but like a finger width or more. Some of my pics illustrate this. I also feel like the side wings and edge of the cup are up in my armpit so unless my arms are in a neutral or reverse position, I get cutting in. The cups are also too big, but because of the way it closes off, I’m not sure if I can size down or not (they almost fit). I actually think I might. It’s more obviously larger on my small side, as the cup does rest nicely over my larger side, especially if I am leaning forward/over, but I can get fingers under both cups easily. And I’m not filling it up a lot more before my period, either, so it’s not really a period bra. But I get great depth at the wire and it gives me a nice supported shape, and I love the peekaboo with certain tops.

    So at this point, I do like it, but of all of my new bras, it is not the best fit on me. I’m not sure if I am going to keep or if I’m going to re-list it.



    Read more
    321 more words

    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on Apr 09, 2018 Flag this


    • Show all comments (14)
    • 3

      This is a really pretty bra on you. I can see how all the little issues add up, even though it looks good. It might be one that makes you miserable by the end of the day.

    • 1

      If you like 2 hooks, figure out which Cleo's are FOB maybe. Tho i hear they are wide in your size range (they are narrow in the top of their size range)

    • 1

      I still think this is a very acceptable fit on you but I can see where the wires are wide and how it feels like a lot of bra. The shape is lovely though and given how closed it is it’s still a toss up on if a 30F would fit.

    • 3

      This is my favorite bra of all time. I have three of them, none of which fit right now but there is no way I would ever part with them because they are so beautiful.

      If you need a smaller, less closed bra (besides Ellace), Florence fit me similarly but is more open on top.

    • 3

      I've had many bras where the fit was effectively "too big" i.e. the cup fit a little baggy, but it was not the cup volume per se that was excessive--it was the strap placement (too far out /wide-set). This meant that when I wore it, with the straps necessarily too close to one another or angled in or both, it artificially opened up extra depth in the upper part of the cup, causing the fit to be different from what the designer intended.

    • Brash5 ...it is really pretty on me which is why I’m undecided despite the fit issues. I’m not exactly miserable by the end of the day, but do feel like I have better fitting bras. But then again, it’s used and I got it for a very reasonable price, so it’s hard to figure out how I want to proceed with it.

      dbmamaz thanks. I recently got a Marcie which is more for FOT (and even to Somme extent) and the wires are a littl on the wide side, but only just barely, and seem ok. I’m waiting for a FOB style to come down in price some. Other than Lucy and Kali, are there other FOB Cleo styles? I’m not sure if I am going to get any other Cleo’s though, because the gore is a bit high...it’s higher than my Ellace and my Ellace is just as good, if not better than the Marcie.

      lcl0706 I agree. I’d still be curious to see if a 30F would fit. Especially with how it fits at the apex. It’s such a beautiful bra and I do really like it.

      cupandahalf I actually have a 30F Florence in powder blue coming. Though I’m worried about it because it was slated to arrive between April 3-11 and the tracking information stopped at March 24, which was a few days after I ordered it. So I hope that it is really on the way and not lost. I’m going to wait until Wednesday before pursuing an investigation. My Marcie was ordered a few days later and shipped from England and arrived a week ago and this one was ordered earlier and shipped from the states so I should have had it by now. There’s a Madagascar in the listings but I had wanted to wait for the Florence to arrive before deciding on getting it or not.

      wendybien yes, it’s possible that the straps are too wide and exacerbating the problem, especially given that the bra is a cup size too big. So I’d expect wider straps. I feel like I fill the main part of the cup fine, the way it is supposed to be, but not the upper part, and that a cup size down will be too small. I think it’s the wires I have the biggest issue with, and not the gapping in the cups. Though usually, if I’m at work, I eventually forget about the wires.

      Thanks for all of your input and your kind, encouraging words. All things that I have to think about. I’ve had the bra for a bit but delayed on the review because I really have/had mixed feelings about it. I’m glad I did so I could get some good feedback. Thanks again!

    • 1

      Honestly it seems like Cleo discontinued all their FOB styles. Except maybe the Piper, but I don't feel like it fits the same as the old one.

    • The fitter when I was at Scarlet in Vancouver this weekend told me that Panache has discontinued the whole Cleo line. I thought it was a bit weird. But they have a current season of stuff, right? I, sure I’ve seen a SS18 video or something. Anyone know what is going on? Was she right or just full of it?

    • 2

      Yeah they definitely do. That's very weird that she said that

    • d_queen I thought so too. I even told my friend after we left that she was full of crap.

    • d_queen & Calluna
      Panache indeed confirms Cleo still is in production:

      https://www.panache-lingerie.com/us/brands/cleo

      It includes the current line at the bottom of the page. :-)

    • MamaPagan yeah, I looked it up later and saw and sent the link to my friend. That new triangle bra looks good. I want to try it. I'm really not sure why the fitter said that. It's clear that, at least for this year, it's continuing.

    • Calluna I would assume that the fitter was just confused. The shop owner probably planned to discontinue stocking the brand line and the fitter took the news as if Panache is no longer making them. That's my theory at least!

    • 1

      MamaPagan I suppose so. This information came as I mentioned that I had a Cleo Marcie bra from that I'd recently gotten from Amazon with a credit I had from a gift, and wondered if she would allow me to try it on and have her assess it. Which she did. And it was then that she mentioned that Panache had discontinued Cleo and that was probably why there were sale/cheap bras on Amazon.

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  11. Gia Balcony Bra (CK2101)

    5
    like

    28FF

    Didn't fit

    I am very close set with outer fullness, tall shallow roots, and need immediate depth.
    This bra's gore was too wide. I altered it by moving the wire more into the armpit area so the tips of the wire channels at the gore were empty. Then I cut down the center of the gore and overlapped the empty part of the channels. Narrowing the gore caused the cups to be too narrow so I pulled on the wires to make them 0.5 in wider. Now this bra is wearable but still doesn't fit because the cups are all wrong. This bra is designed more for FOT breast with ... shorter roots, so on me I have some emptiness near the top and the top of the cups collide with my tall roots. The bottom if the cups do not have enough space which are causing wrinkles along the vertical seam. Usually when the cups of bras don't fit me it cause the bra to shift and sit uncomfortable on my ribs, but since the band is so tight nothing moves. It is comfortable unless I am slouching and being lazy. The fabric on the bottom of the bra is very stiff unlike see though fabric of most unlined bras. I wish I could find a whole bra made of this fabric with cups that fit rather then just the bottom because it would be perfect under T-shirts.
    Read more
    130 more words

    Updated on Sep 08, 2017 Flag this


    • 3

      I'm impressed by your alterations, violetknight ! Hope you find a well fitting bra soon!

    • 1

      Yay for the power of alterations! I have found narrowing the gore makes bras too narrow for me, too. I had hoped my tissue would just move into the center, which it does. But, it also still needs the space I eliminated on the sides. SIGH. Great laminated fabric on Gia. Hope you find a great fit soon!

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  12. Princess Plunge Bra (CK6011)

    5
    like

    36GG

    Didn't fit

    I'm not sure who decided to make a Pink Princess Plunge two seasons in a row, but I'm glad they did. I like this pink better, I feel like Elle Woods would have worn something like this.

    Curvy Kate really needs to work on their quality. The elastic in this bra is too narrow and stretchy to take the force necessary to hold up large breasts. It rolls and digs into my fleshy body, requiring adjustments.

    Cup is projected, narrow, and short-root friendly. Fans of Florence who want or need a lower gore will like this shape. I think this gore height is as good as it's gonna get for my cleavage. I don't think a lower gore would be supportive (even if it were manufactured) and this doesn't dig into the touching part unless I'm leaning one way or another. Asymmetry is noticeable, but not as obvious as with the Flamingo colorway.

    Rose colorway

    Updated on Sep 05, 2017 Flag this


    • 2

      Thanks for reviewing both colorways. I also found flamingo to be a bit small. Do you mind posting pics of this new color? I'd love to see the fit and color differences.

    • 1

      Sorry for the late reply. I've been out of town. I'll add some when I get back home in a few days.

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  13. Ellace Balcony Bra (CK4401)

    See my alterations on this bra to reduce in cup quadding here: http://bra.pe/YvD/

    Latte colorway

    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on Jun 01, 2017 Flag this


    • Show all comments (13)
    • so by sucking up some of the top of the cup at the wire, that reduced in-cup quadding. interesting.

    • It's weird, you would think that would create more, but it's actually that the lace isn't tensioned properly.

    • Properly for some anyway. If you had very very very full on top breasts I think it would be fine.

    • 2

      I have the same problem with this bra. Thanks for sharing. Now I wish I'd kept the one I got on sale for cheap so I could experiment on it 😁

    • 1

      Your photos are incredibly helpful!! Thanks, cupandahalf!

    • 1

      Thank you so much for doing this. Did you hand sew it or use a sewing machine?

    • 1

      I hand sewed it all.

    • 1

      Wow, your alterations made a huge difference in the fit. Looks great! Thanks for posting.

    • Sorry, one more question. If I'm not replacing wires, where would I stitch the stretch lace to? I'm not really sure I can pull it enough to stitch it to the gore, but maybe I could fold the lace over and stitch it to itself.

    • triumphof i think that would work. Or maybe you could sew the lace to the cup at the top of the cup by the strap. I would experiment.

    • So basically, cupandahalf , you converted a regular Curvy Kate Ellace Balcony Bra (CK4401) into a plunge. Cool. I spent 30 minutes looking at the measurements tables for CK Ellace and Panache Ariza.

    • But how did you obtain a 30:12 Panache Ariza Balconnet Bra (5051) to cannibalize? I thought that style was discontinued. :(

    • 1

      dfe98we they are all over eBay for under $10. Or at least they were.

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  14. Vegas Balcony Bra (CK5601)

    5
    like

    40K

    Didn't fit

    I have been waiting for this bra for at least 6 months. It is truly kitschy and ugly cute. I do believe the cut is related to Daydreamer but the banded top is stretchy, and the mesh has a bit of stretch too. I need to size down to a 38K but I had to try it in a larger size when it was available just in case. A spectacular case of way too much going on but the fabrics feel so good. I'm excited to try a 38K as soon as I can get my hands on one.

    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on May 02, 2017 Flag this


    • Show all comments (7)
    • 3

      Those flamingos are too cute!!! I love these colors on you!!

    • cupandahalf, I completely missed the flamingos! I wish I had the nerve to try Curvy Kate like Curvy Kate Princess Balcony Bra (CK6001) , although flamingos might persuade me to try CK. :)

    • 1

      lol hideous and glad you love it!

    • 1

      Ugly cute...LOL! I quite like it on you and I think they named it appropriately...hope you get that 38K soon!

    • 2

      This really is the cutest ugliest bra I've seen in a while. Lol, I wish CK worked for me, I'd buy it just to have something so wonderfully hideous in my bradrobe. Hope the size down works for you.

    • 1

      I adore the hot pink across the top of the cup. This is not a demure bra. ;-) Vivacious bra :-) :-)

    • Hope the 38K works well for you :)

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  15. Gia Balcony Bra (CK2101)

    5
    like

    28H

    Hasn't set fit

    So we meet again Curvy Kate. Not since my dalliance with some early CK models have I returned. Back then I was just beginning to buy bras in sizes outside the norm for North America. All I can say is that the early soft cup bras I had tried were kinda weird for my shape. I'm happy to report that I've had more luck with this particular shape. At a 28H in this style, I do feel the wires are about half a cm wide at the highest point and that the top of the bra cuts in a bit depending on my arm position. So it's not a homerun, by an means, but definitely an improvement for me. The only problem is actually the fact that I haven't weened myself off of lined and moulded cup bras. That and the gore is probably half an inch too high for my close set pair. Not the bra's fault at all as I have this problem with any bra that has a gore over 2.5 inches high.

    Updated on Oct 21, 2016 Flag this


    • 1

      I had a hard time weening off moulded and lined bras too but if you can find a soft cup that fits well, it definitely help. I like that soft cup holds you up but isn't so cake on a plate like a moulded bra. I actually get more control in a soft cup compared to a moulded where my breasts are sort of sitting on the cups. This looks great on you despite the little issues. Seems you are close to a perfect fit!

    • 1

      The color is so beautiful with your skin tone, too. I was pleasantly surprised by Gia, too. And Gia's replacement, Cascade, is no Gia. ;-)

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  16. Luxe Strapless Bra (CK2601)

    5
    like

    30F

    Didn't fit

    Tl;dr The most projected, narrow, strapless bra I've ever tried, and I've tried a few (VS, QT, Wonderbra, Neve, Deco, Deco shape, nameless others in stores).

    Construction:
    A nice, neutral beige. A little light on my tanned skin, but it would blend in on a lighter skinned person quite easily. The pinstripes on the band are adorably retro, as are the super cute little buttons and bow. (Seriously, I love little buttons on bras).
    This bra has cut and sew foam cups. The foam is thick and sturdy (thicker than comexim), and the cup seams are reinforced with extra cozy material. The Luxe is seamed like a halfcup with two ... vertical seams. However, it is more full coverage. The cup curves up and over the breast instead of ending just beyond the apex like your average halfcup. Somehow (*magic*) this creates a very projected style. Yes, the bottom of the bra is shallow. I have yet to find a strapless bra that isn't shallow at the bottom. But the amount of apex projection and the narrow wires (5.3") make up for it tenfold.
    In addition to all that, there is a sling on the inside of the cups to bring the boobs front and center. There is no east-west to speak of in this bra.

    The wires are extremely firm - like Panache firm. I don't like them (but I also cry when I wear some panache bras for more than 10 minutes). I've worn this bra around the house for about half an hour before the wires killed me and I had to take it off. During that time, the bra never shifted (hooray!) and my boobs didn't move once - this bra is serious boob armor. If you can tolerate firm wires, I would highly recommend this bra.

    Also, for those who care about cleavage - this bra has none - zip zero zilch. That could be because I have short roots and am FOB to even. A more FOT person might get some, but I had absolutely none (and I have very center full boobs to boot). If you like showing off cleavage, or if your strapless attire is plunging, this may not be the bra for you.

    Read more
    261 more words

    nude colorway

    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on May 29, 2016 Flag this


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  17. Temptress Plunge Bra (SG2811)

    5
    like

    40G

    Fits

    Instant comfort when I put this bra on. Got a great deal on it from Brastop.com. It will definitely be a go to bra in my bra drawer. It is hard to find a 40 in Curvy Kate so I was happy to find this one and on sale too! The black lace over a champagne color is very pretty and the materials of the bra are very soft. I was imagining a padded bra but this one is not padded but rather lined. I like it!

    Champagne/Black colorway

    Updated on May 03, 2016 Flag this


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  18. Jewel Balcony Bra (CK3401)

    5
    like

    30F

    Fits


    • 4

      Is there anything that doesn't fit you? I swear you can wear anything. Love it :)

    • 1

      lcl0706 thaaanks <3 You're the one to blame on this beauty hehehe ;)

    • 2

      I had to pass mine on as it was just a tiny bit too small on lefty & I had better fitting bras. But i still say it's one of the prettiest bras ever!

    • 2

      I have to agree with lcl0706 about everything fitting you. :) I have the feeling that CK is making smaller - less deep cups now than they used to.

    • lcl0706 yes, it's a beauty <3

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  19. Romance Balcony Bra (CK1501)

    5
    like

    30H

    Fits

    I am in heaven! This is the first time in my life a bra has fit the way they are supposed too! The gore is flat on my chest. It's amazing how it feels when a bra fits. I don't think I've even worn the correct bra in all my 27 years of bra wearing.

    Updated on Jun 03, 2015 Flag this

    1. Link to this bra
    2. Fit information
    3. Other bras that fit her
    Quality
    Excellent!
    Comfort
    Excellent!
    Bra appearance
    Excellent!

    Subscribe to updates on this entry

    • 1

      : ) CONGRATS! That's awesome to hear!

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  20. Luxe Strapless Bra (CK2601)

    5
    like

    30F

    Didn't fit

    The band ran too loose for me, and although now I realise I should have gone for a 30FF, the cup shape is incredibly rounded, projected and yet too closed for me at the neckline so it digs in. I adore the colour and the shape but it would only work for me if it was a half cup - right now its shape is more literal cup.

    This bra is not owned any more

    Updated on Apr 16, 2015 Flag this


    • Glad you posted. That's my size range, and I have a short root.

    • Do you think you could include the cup depth and other measurements? They would be really helpful! Thanks :)

    • Sorry, as it didn't fit I didn't buy it so don't have it nearby to measure

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