When I first started my bra journey I tried this bra in 28D even though I measured at 28DD. I tried it because it's so beautiful I couldn't pass it up and because I was going through a bit of sticker shock with the size I should be wearing vs. what I was wearing.
Fast forward to now and I have gained boobage and need 28E in most bras.... so of course I find on in 28DD. Still can't pass it up because I knew how pretty it was in person and when I tried it on before the fit issues seemed to be related to the cup ...size and not a shape problem. I tried it on last night... same outcome as before. It's a gorgeous bra and I love it, but it is just too small in the cups for me. I quad like nobody's business! I still really love this bra and would take it in a 28E/F if I can find someone selling it. My shape is even and projected, so someone in that shape, who measures at around a 28DD would really like this bra! Read more 81 more words
When I first tried it on, I thought it was ok, even if the gore left a red mark on my sternum after wearing it for just a few minutes. I had gaps near the gore, more so on my more shallow right breast, but I've heard that's fairly normal in this size range (28DD).
When I went to wear it for real though, I tore it off after an hour. The gore was really uncomfortable and the straps! What oxymoronic straps. They have practically no stretch. At their shortest, it almost felt like they were too tight, like they were pulling up the band. But after an ...hour they were slipping down my shoulders, clearly on the path to falling off. After I took the bra off, I periodically experienced phantom pressure against my sternum for the rest of the day. No, I really did not like that gore.
The gore took some right pressure to bend, but eventually I managed to bend it (against the table, in several spots along the gore) so that it was decently comfortable against my sternum. I haven't worn it again yet, because I'm aiming to get rid of the satin unstretchy part of the straps. I figure I'll replace it with some silicone-backed elastic I have and in the meantime, shorten the straps and maybe even move them in a bit. The only downside is that the elastic is white. I don't have any dyes, so I guess I'll just make do.
I got this bra well used, so I'm not afraid to hack it to fit me. The band is still quite firm with not a lot of stretch, so I expect it'll last me quite some time.
This is the best-fitting 28-band bra I've tried so far. I have a couple of other possibilities I haven't tried yet, but overall it seems I'm just destined for 30-band bras that I'll have to alter to fit my 27.5 inch ribcage.
Update: Decided to test drive the bent gore and use a bra clip to convert the straps to a racerback in the meantime. I had to let the straps out most of the way to do this, so it's not a solution for everyone, and it fit quite well! It fixes both the sliding and wide-set straps.
The wire width is good. The wire channels are quite thin where they meet, which is good, since technically they're sitting on breast tissue, but it's a gradual enough slope that it's not uncomfortable. I think I need the bend the wires a bit more, since right at the bottom under the gore, they're not sitting firmly against me.
This bra puzzles me. It looks gorgeous, so much so I wonder if I'm talking myself into thinking it fits - I especially love the bow and the little charm in the centre. The straps are quite wide-set, not a problem for me as I don't have especially narrow shoulders, but could be for some. The underwires are a bit too wide on my narrow roots, but they're wearable and not especially uncomfortable. The cups on the Rhea are made deliberately shallow on the bottom so they push you inward and upward, allowing for a lot of upper fullness. The band and straps are very firm - it's ...not so much that they're particularly tight, but that they don't have a lot of stretch, which means they don't adjust with your movements in the way they would if they were more elasticated. For this reason it's not the most comfortable bra I've ever owned, though it might become more comfortable as I wear it in.
Fit-wise I'm still trying to figure this one out! I got this bra in a cup size down from my usual size, not through choice but because 28E wasn't available. I think it may be technically too small on my larger left boob, as I get slight quadding and my breast extends slightly beyond the line of the cup; however because the tops of the cups are so open the bra is still wearable in this size. I'm still trying to work out if I'm filling the bottom of the cups - it's really hard to tell because the fabric is so stiff, but I think on my larger boob there may be a bit of space there, based on the marks left by the underwires. But I'm not 100% sure. So although I've marked this bra as fitting I actually don't quite know how to judge whether it fits or not - the style is so different to anything I've tried before! I've ordered a 30DD as a comparison, which will hopefully give me a bit more information to go on.
I do think the bra looks really nice when worn and gives decent Marie Antoinette cleavage, especially considering I'm small-busted. The problem comes when I'm trying to decide what on earth to wear over the top of it. Because of the inward and upward style of the bra, the shape from the side is a little bit minimised, and the lace seams are also pretty visible through clothing. So while it's flattering without clothes, when worn under clothes the shape - at least in my size range - is less impressive. Ideally I'd want a shirt with a very low-cut, square neckline, which would show off the cakes-on-a-plate cleavage. At the moment I don't own such a shirt, but the bra is so pretty it may be worth keeping it and then looking for something to wear with it. Or I could just wear it without clothes. Either way.
We seem to be very similar in size and shape (I think), and I've been eyeing this bra on Amazon for a while now! I'm not sure if I should buy 28D or 28DD, though... Was there a particular reason you sized up in this one?
I actually got this one first based on Bratabase reviews and then sized down after. The 28D fits perfect on me!
Ah, gotcha! The photos are if the 28DD though, right?
Yeah I haven't retaken photos and measured the 28D yet, but I gave the DD to a friend who's slightly bigger and the D is perfect!
river_wilde I just responded to your comment on my other cleo bra as well, but I've uploaded the new measurements and pics for all of my currently owned bras including this one in the 28D http://bra.pe/XWCq/
It is with both a heavy heart and a dose of frustration that I say: I think I'm giving up on Ardour.
I first tried Masquerade's 28D, but the cups were too small. Then I tried Panache Black's version in 28DD, but the cups were too large. Then I tried Masquerade's 28DD, and it was damn near perfect -- but the lace detail on the straps was extremely uneven. So I ordered the (apparently) last remaining Masquerade Ardour in 28DD on the internet... and the cups were a touch larger/taller (still smaller than Panache Black's version, however), causing some gapping. Not a ton, but enough to make it not ...worth $80 to me. Especially given how easily the top of the cups play peekaboo with most of my necklines.
I wanted to love it. I was determined that this was -my- bra. You know, the ONE. But I think the fact of the matter is that it is just a bit too shallow on bottom and open/tall on top for me.
It's gorgeous and it's comfortable, and it is very high quality. It's sexy, and the mulberry color is rich and wonderful (and surprisingly not too visible through lighter clothing). But I think I'll be sending this beauty back out into the world to find an owner better suited for it.
Live on and be glorious, Ardour. Read more 115 more words
I have a feeling that the Panache Black Ardour in 28D could be fitting for you.
Merana *Sigh* ...Unfortunately, I think you may be right. Lol. I've been looking around for one with free shipping and returns, but so far I'm not having any luck.
I keep my fingers crossed that you find one! Well, at least it looks like we might be close in what can fit us, if a cup size apart. That deserves further research:)
Merana I agree! Perhaps we will find that in many bras we are similar, if only a cup size apart. I will keep you posted on future bra successes and failures. :)
We are (almost) bra size twins! I'm supposed to be a 28D, but my ribcage measurement is 26.5, so I would probably fit in a 26DD. May I know if you will be listing the bras that don't work for you in bratabase?
addictedtoyou Yay boob twins! I am actually returning them to Amazon for a refund, because I can't handle even a small financial loss at the moment (this bra in particular was super expensive). BUT I may list my 28D orange animal print Cleo Maddie and my 28D Cleo Zia soon, because they can't be returned (and they didn't cost me nearly as much).
Very pretty bra with embroidered mesh covering the cup. It has one vertical seam in the cup. Band is firm like other Masquerade bras that I've tried. Sadly too big for me.
This bra doesn't work well for FOB. It's very open on top and shallow in the bottom. However the bra material is super comfy! I would recommend it for someone with a different shape
This is my new favorite bra. It's pricey but worth it particularly for girls with shallow/FoB breasts. Doesn't hurt that the quality is impeccable. The wires are a little wide on my smaller breast, but only just. I tried the 28E, but the gaping on my smaller breast when I slouch and the wide wires made me decide to stick with this size. The band is very firm, with little stretch. I measure about 68cm around and I can only just fasten it on the first hook. But I'd much rather wear an extender for a couple weeks, bras stretch out over time not shrink!
This bra possibly runs big in the cup. I had trouble filling it, which left the sides near the gore looking concave, especially since it has a center seam (which showed through the clothes I wanted to wear it with). Otherwise, it might have fit great with a smaller cup under some thicker clothes. It seemed like it would have worked well for my shallow breasts.
I love the appearance and quality of this bra, and I'm sad that the cups are so weird on me. It seems that a lot of people in this size range have had similar experiences with this bra. Although on paper it should be a perfect fit, there is just too much cup fabric for me. This bra expects a ton of projection at the gore and center, and its closed at the tops of the cups.
I am probably wrong, but I THINK I'm shallow, average root width, and even/FOB. This bra is absolutely gorgeous! It is a dark plum color with gold accents at the gore and on the band. The band is tight enough for me even on the loosest set of hooks. I could go to the middle but it feels fine where it is now. (I have a sub 28" ribcage) The seams are barely visible under tighter shirts, and are slightly itchy on the inseide, but it should soften up with washing and wearing. It expects more upper fullness than I have, which causes the lace at the top to wrincle, but the actual cup sits flush with my tissue. The wires are 1/2 to 1 in wider than my roots, but it isn't uncomfortable and doesn't seem to effect the overall fit. There is lace attached to the side of the straps which looks a little odd under tank tops etc. All in all I'm very happy!
fits much better than the 28D, although the straps are even more uncomfortably wide set, digging into my armpits if I reach forward. aside from that, the band is nice and tight and the cups seem like a decent fit.
Edit: They do actually quad a little bit. I tried to wear it recently and have decided that I just can't deal with these wide-set straps. They make arm movements a chore and it's not worth it for a bra I can only wear under thick fabrics.
This bra is so pretty. I can wear it, but it just feels too small. It doesn't feel right. I tried to make it work, but I end up taking it off and putting on a 30E. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":D" /> It's really pretty. I want to trade/exchange this bra.
The band runs firm; like a tight 28. Size-wise, I would say it tends to run slightly small. The way the seams are constructed on the cups in combination with the lace leads to a slightly lumpy profile just above the apex of the cups. It also gives a slightly pointy shape. Because with the inelastic fabric strip is sewed on at the top of the cups, the top might cut in (the thickness of the top edge of the cup leads me to suspect that it would probably show through thin clothing). The straps looks nice but cuts in at the armpits because of the way it forks. Overall though, it is quite comfortable.
It is a gorgeous bra with silver hardware detailing combined with lace. Definitely looks more expensive than it it.
My other Alice was so comfortable that when I saw the other colorway on a sale site I jumped on it. The straps are very comfortable despite being a little widely set, due to the soft satiny fabric. The band is a little snug but I know it will stretch well like the other, and once again the soft satin makes it feel alright. The lace on the cups is delicate enough that it can't be seen except under very thin shirts, so i can use these as t-shirt bras. They give me a very nice rounded and uplifted shape that I really like. Often the gore on bras starts to bother me after a day of wear, but these do not since the gore is low and also soft and silky. These are my favorite bras.
Very comfortable. The straps are a bit too widely set, but the satin material is soft so it's not too uncomfortable - I'm getting more and more used to it. I could probably use a 28E instead of 28DD, but it's not way too small and I appreciate the little cleavage boost. I love the design and the color, which is pretty flattering against my skin tone. The band does run snug, but again it's pretty soft. It's firm and doesn't stretch a lot, but could use some boning to help it keep it's shape/height. The wires hit at just the right point - not too wide.
This is a really gorgeous bra, it's incredibly soft and beautifully made. The wires are on the narrow side, and the band has more stretch to it than the Rhea. The wings are a little short, but nothing unusual for Masquerade. I often have a problem with the center gore poking with other bras, but the wires are soft malleable. It might not provide much support in larger cup sizes, though.
Ooooh, that *is* a pretty bra. Such beautiful fabric.