I originally tried Jacqueline in my normal Fantasie size of 30DD, but found that it was way too big. I figured that sizing down to 30D would fix the problem, but this size almost fits, yet isn't perfect either. The main issue is that the construction of the soft cups don't hold everything forward and in place like an underwire side support bra does. So while the cup volume is OK for me, once I move around a bit, the upper cup ends up a bit empty as everything shifts to the sides of the cups. If you fill out the cups fully, then ... this is probably not going to be an issue for you, however Jacqueline runs at least a size big, so this is the smallest size I can get.
However, I can definitely wear it with foam inserts, which is how I plan to wear this bra anyway, as a comfort option for travel. With the additional structure of foam liners, the bra gives a nice rounded shape with no shifting, so this isn't a big deal. However, my Parfait Adriana Bralettes, which have a different cup construction, don't have this issue of breast tissue shifting around to the sides. I suspect that's the nature of this soft cup construction, which is very similar to the Panache Andorra Non Wired Bra. At least in this size, the cup height is appropriate for me, and I don't get the underarm chafing that I had with the 30DD.
The band of this bra is really unique. In my size range, Fantasie bras always have 2 hooks, but this one is designed with taller wings and has 3 hooks. The hook panel is cushioned just like on the Illusion Side Support Bra, which is a nice touch. The band itself is made from very firm stretch knit, but in lieu of a traditional underwire, we get a very stable full band construction with 3/4"/1.9 cm elastic at the bottom. This is why despite the full band measurement being slightly larger than my snug ribcage measurement, it fits securely and feels quite firm. There is also a padded channel covering the seam between the cups and elastic to avoid chafing. This is an excellent band construction, and I wish more brands used this as an example!
The cups are a 4 piece construction with a side support panel. Since it is wireless, it is obviously very wide, as there is no separate gore, and the side support panel takes the place of the section of cradle between the cups and the band, giving you more flexibility in cup width. The cup is built similarly to the Panache Andorra Non Wired Bra, but the shape is different. Andorra is built for bottom fullness, but the lower center horizontal seam gave it both a slightly minimized appearance and a slightly pointier shape. In contrast, Jacqueline has a shorter upper panel, giving it a much more rounded shape. Compared to the Andorra, Jacqueline runs bigger in the cup, as the measurements of the 30DD I tried previously are a little bigger in the cup than Andorra in 28F, despite the 28F being a larger cup size.
Aesthetically, this bra is also quite pleasing. I don't think it looks matronly or overly retro, as I think it has more of a bralette styling with normal bra shaping. The cups and cradle are made from a large-scale floral stretch lace with a nice bit of texture. However, the texture may show through thin clothing, so it isn’t totally invisible. The bottom cups are lined with lightweight tricot, but the two layers are independent, so the cups don't feel hard and rigid. The upper cup is single layer lace, with a strip of stabilizing elastic. The elastic is quite stretchy, so it shouldn't cut into breast tissue and should work with tall roots (though the cups are already quite tall). Straps are wide picot edged elastic with topped on lace trip at the front that blends in seamlessly. The only trim is a small bow at the center gore.
I wish I could try one size down, but unfortunately this is the end of the size range. Do give Jacqueline a try, but go down one size, and potentially two if you are on the shallower side.
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Updated on Jul 26, 2020 Flag this