I've wanted to try the Lepel Fiore for a long time, but it isn't easily available in the US and based on measurements it seems to run 1 cup size big with a tighter band. I finally decided to go ahead and order both the Full Cup and the Padded Plunge styles from eBay now that my measurements are definitely enough to fit the 30D (though normally I would wear 30DD). Luckily it fit, and it's super comfortable! See my separate review on the Padded Plunge in 30DD if you're curious about my thoughts on that style and how it compares.
I was surprised to see ... that the fabric is so soft, as some other UK brands are notorious for stiff lace (I'm looking at you, Freya!). The cups are made from very soft floral lace, although it looks quite delicate and seems like it might snag easily. The bottom cup is double lined with soft stretch tricot, and the upper cup has a small strip of clear elastic at the upper edge. The cradle and wings are made from very stretchy matte jersey. I love the little lace up detail that connects the cradle and wings, and since I have a pinkish red bra, it looks perfectly Valentine's Day appropriate. Straps are not very wide, and taper off to a leotard back.
Overall the bra is super comfortable since the materials are so soft, but it also raises a question with me regarding durability and support. For instance, I was originally kind of hesitant to order this bra as a 22" ish band on the flat can be super tight. In reality, the elastic used on the band is pretty narrow, and the wing fabric is super stretchy, so actually the band doesn't feel snug on me at all, and I have to hook it on the tightest hook right away to have it feel secure. Therefore, I'd recommend ordering your normal band or even a band down. It's not quite as bad as Natori bands, but the amount of stretch is similar.
I also felt that the soft stretchy fabric of the cups is a bit questionable. I fill out the cups well, but I definitely don't feel supported in the same way Freya, Panache, or Cleo cups hold me in. The shape of this bra is much more natural because the bottom of the cup doesn't really do much shaping. I've also found that since gaining a cup size, my shape is really not "shallow" and should be considered round, since many bras these days tend to cut in a bit at the upper cup if they have a closed top or tighter edge. Given the flimsy lace of this bra, the clear elastic is a necessary touch, but it is a little bit tight on me. I like the wide wires and the depth, though. Since the 30DD isn't much deeper but the wires are a bit wider, I think I might give that size a try as well.
I like this bra and think it's a lovely option, but I think it's better suited for novelty wear rather than as an everyday staple piece. I might pick up a few more since it's easy to find the Full Cup style on discount. It's too bad that this doesn't come in 28E as I think I'd get a better fit in my true size.
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Raspberry Gold colorway
Updated on Feb 11, 2020 Flag this