When I opened up this package and pulled out the Fantasie Estelle in Berry, I did a double take. Did they send me the wrong bra? This looked nothing like the picture (online the color was a brighter pink), but it certainly reminded me of a bra I already had in my collection. I pulled out my Panache Colette Balconette Bra in Claret, and compared the two side by side. Styling-wise, the two are eerily similar. Both are made of double lined mesh cups with a sheer upper, both sport a large scale floral embroidery all over the cups and cradle, both ... have powermesh bands with leotard backs, and both share textured straps and simple bow trims. However, the similarities stop there.
Though the two bras measure very similarly in the cup, the fit could not be more different. Panache bands typically run large for me, and in my limited experience with Fantasie, I've also found this to be true. I ordered several Fantasie bras recently, and the bands are consistently larger than the Panache. So, if I find a Fantasie bra that is a perfect fit in the cups, I will plan to alter the band. The band unstretched on this style measures a full 3" longer than my best fitting 28E bras, and almost 4" longer than my Comexim 28 bands. Thus, the band is definitely problematic for me in this style. I would recommend sizing down up to two band sizes if possible if you are looking for a truly snug band.
I've also always had trouble with these "side support" bra cuts, and this is no exception. Actually, it's probably the most challenging side support fit that I've tried thusfar. I don't think side support is really needed in smaller cup sizes such as my size range, but for them to fit properly, I believe the cups have to be a bit wide and the band has to be snug in order for the side support panel to effectively push side tissue that wraps around under the arms back front and center. However, the cup isn't quite wide enough to do that (although I felt the cup did feel on the wide side), and clearly the band isn't snug enough, so the restrictive outer panel ends up cutting into my tissue at the sides and bottom of the cup and creating a great deal of emptiness.
In order to counteract this, I've learned that these side support bras need to be worn differently. I had to consciously pull the bra up a bit higher on the body to have the wires sit in a position where the cup shape was more natural, otherwise wearing the band/wires at my normal position effectively forced my breast tissue only into the portion of the cup that is not restricted by the side sling. However, this makes the outer portion of the cup sit right under the armpit, which is also not ideal for comfort. In addition, the fullness of the cup is not at the right point on my body, and this specific style also measures deeper in the cup than the Nadine Side Support Bra I picked up at the same time, so overall I get this orange-in-a-glass effect as a result of the cup simultaneously being too large and too small. I added my Commando Take Outs to bump me up to a 28F, and then I do fill out the bottom of the cup just fine, but it ends up giving me an extremely pointy shape.
The Nadine in a very similar cut fits much better, so I believe the proportions of this particular bra just don't work for me. I have ordered a few other side support styles from Fantasie so I should be able to gauge if there are different cuts all labeled Side Support or if one of these two bras is an anomaly.
While Panache Colette is a gorgeous fit on me, I think that the soft double mesh cup construction is key to the great fit. One thing I dislike about the Estelle in comparison is that the double lined lower cup/side sling are lined with a very firm, non-stretch tricot that has a plasticky feel. Other than that, the rest of the materials are beautiful and comparable quality to the Panache Colette. I think the straps of this style are prettier as they are a similar ribbed textured elastic with picot edging that you find in the Cleo Marcie. One other difference between the two styles is that the Estelle has elastic at the upper cup, but since the upper cup doesn't have much give, it effectively behaves as a completely rigid bra cup. There is not much flexibility at the upper cup like you would find in an elastic or true mesh upper.
I have been so drawn to Fantasie bras lately as I love the gorgeous embroidery, floral prints, and fancy trims found on their bras. I have been in the mood for feminine, romantic bras lately, but other elaborate styles like Simone Perele haven't worked out for me. I have picked up a couple more Fantasie bras to try, and despite this second fail with a Side Support style (my first one was the Elsie in 30D, which is far too small), I am not yet giving up!
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Updated on Apr 04, 2020 Flag this