Disclaimer: Trying to hook everything by myself was impossible, so this is going to be based off of how it fit with the top fastened on the middle hook and the bottom fastened on the tightest hook. Nothing in between. Hopefully I will update this when I have the chance to try it fully fastened.
I usually wear 28E, but I ordered this in 28F for two reasons: first, the cup depth measurement for the 28E seemed a little small for me. second, most bras that can be worn as strapless are more closed on top. I have tall roots and am FOT, so I wanted to make sure ...that I wouldn't be quadding out of it.
The band runs loose. At the top, the band stretches to 29". The bottom stretches even more (31") because of the way the basque is shaped. Of course, this is less of a problem since it is a basque and has plenty of boning to keep it stable.
Because I sized up, I'd say the wires are slightly too wide for me. The wires are definitely taller/longer/more pokey than I'd like, but I suppose that comes with wearing a strapless basque. The side boning is actually more pokey than the underwires since they're more to the side and farther from the IMF. The cups themselves are extremely tall but closed on top. This makes it very hard to swoop and scoop without lifting the wires out of the IMF. However, I do think this makes it more forgiving for both FOT and FOB shapes.
I wasn't sure how to measure the gore and wing height, so I'm going to put them here instead: "Gore" height (from top of gore to bottom of cups): 4 in Total height from top of gore to bottom of basque: 13.3 in "Wing" height (from top of wing near cup to bottom of cups): 4.7 in
Some other random notes: - While wearing the basque, it appears that the outside layer of fabric is tighter because it doesn't lay flat over the gore or the underwires. - This basque does have detachable garter hooks. All the hooks and adjusters on the shoulder straps and garter straps are metal. - I ordered this from The Lingerie Outlet Store, which ships all bras in flat plastic bags. This has left noticeable creases in both cups. The crease in the left cup is near the gore and is not noticeable from the front or when wearing. The crease in the right cup is near the outside and is noticeable from the front and when wearing. In fact, when I tried it on, I almost thought it was more boning before I realized that boning inside the cups is ridiculous. It also looks like there's some sort of tiny bubble or pimple along the crease.
I only tried this on for a few minutes and with 2/12 hooks fastened, but I'd say that all in all this makes a good special occasion piece. The fit is not bad at all, especially for a strapless/convertible. The detachable garter straps are also a huge pro for me. I would definitely wear this under a strapless dress, as shapewear, or as a bedroom piece. Read more 421 more words
Bah! I was hoping a 28 would fit me better than this bra in it's 30E sister. The band felt stretched out from the start and had no elasticity. No matter how I wear this it rides up. I tried altering the band down and putting it on snug, tight, a little loose. No matter how tight it was to start out with it rode up in minutes. My 30E's band is obtuse and rides up eventually, but this one takes the cake.
It looks great. It feels so soft, inside and out. The satin material feels just like you would expect - silky, smooth, light. The cotton ...is a very soft and comfortable variety, it feels similar to inside of EM's Klaudyna.The straps are wide set and I would love to move them a couple inches inward. They're also semi-adjustable and problematic. Likely in collusion with the strap's placement and band, I could never get them to exactly the right length and they would always slip off my shoulders. The cups seemed too shallow at the very bottom for me (so, average projection? Some projection is there), and the wires were about average width. I really wish the Rheas I have would work for me, but even after revisiting them after so long, they absolutely do not.
I tried using a rixie clip and the material is too slick. All I accomplished was raking the fabric's surface. Read more 131 more words
I knew before the braswap that this bra would not be a perfect fit, but wanted to try it out anyway. Still fits much better than the bra I exchanged. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> The too wide cups I feared most, and the wires are about one finger width behind my IMF, but this doesn't actually cause any discomfort. This bra is very firm in every sense. I was expecting something similar to the Amira I used to own, which was soft with a stretchy band. Well, nope, this one is like a bulletproof vest. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> When I put it on it gave me butt crack cleavage. It looked like I would be soon falling out in the centre, but that hasn't happened even after a few hours of wear. The cups come up pretty high, but not causing any trouble for me. All in all the fit is better than expected.
This bra is gorgeous and smooth. I never wore it much because it was a cup size too big - gapes just a bit, mostly around the armpit for me. Highly recommended - I wish I could find this in 28E - Masquerade bands run nice and tight so the band fit is fantastic.
Love the look and style of this bra! I took a chance hoping this would fit and sadly it did not. I did find this bra in a 28G on ebay that worked beautifully. I think this would best fit a 28DD or possible E.
Order down a cup size or two. The band is a little stiff, but this has so much material that it's either meant for a 28H or it's supposed to be practically a shirt.
I would like to try this bra in a 28E. I think the cups run slightly large, or simply very FoT. With my soft even tissue, I love the lift of FoT bras, but sometimes can't wear them because my tissue sinks down and doesn't stay where it's supposed to. This happens in this bra because it's too wide and slightly too big (I think). It's a really lovely classic design though, which is why I want to try it again!
The Antoinette is a beautiful bra. I fell in love with the sky blue/charcoal color combination when I saw it online, and it is even more beautiful in person, where you can appreciate all the details like the little jewels on the ends of the bow at the gore. What I couldn’t tell from the pictures is that it is also made of soft and comfortable fabric which feels pleasant on the skin.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit. The wire width is the same as other Masquerade bras in 28F, but it is much shallower than any other Masquerade bra I’ve tried. I am in between sizes (28E/F), and I ...tried it in the larger size, but I still get quadboob, and going up any further in the cup would make the wires too wide. The quadboob looks particularly odd with the pointy shape of this bra, like there is one point at the apex and another at the lip of the bra. Plus I keep feeling like the thing is sliding down, which might or might not be my imagination. It is clearly just not the right shape for my above average projection.
Unlike most Masquerade bras in this size, the band has three hooks instead of just two, nor is it excessively firm, more like a regular 28 band. Read more 110 more words
The Arquette seems to have been designed with a FOT shape in mind, while I am even, so it is not a completely perfect fit for me, but it’s still good enough that I kept it and have been wearing it without issues. The only slight shape mismatches are, firstly, the fact that apex of the bra is lower than the apex of my breasts, leaving the tiniest amount of empty space below the nipple. Also, there is a slight indentation (and when I say slight, I mean it is not visible, but I can feel it when I run my fingers over the bottom of the cups) ...which runs from the lowest point of each cup diagonally up and outward for an inch or so. I suspect this is due to lack of bottom projection. As I said, it still works well enough for me, but probably wouldn’t for those who need lots of projection near the underwires.
I wear some Masquerade models such as the Delphi, Persia and Rosetti in 28E, while this one fits in 28F, so I would say it runs slightly smaller and/or shallower than those (it’s not a shallow bra, however, otherwise it wouldn’t fit me in any size). It seems to be evenly balanced between center and outer fullness. The wires are exactly the same width as every other Masquerade bra I have tried in 28F. The band is firm like most Masquerade bands, but not quite as tight as the Persia, Orla or Delphi.
I love the aesthetics of this bra, both the unusual navy and white color combination, and the eyecatching geometric embroidery. Very happy that it fits me! Read more 168 more words
I think that if the band was a bit looser and the cups were a bit smaller and the gore didn't poke... I'd LOVE this bra! It's super pretty and feels very solid but I don't fill the cups all the way and the wires are too wide for me to properly S&S as well as the gore poking me too much for me to even getting a good idea of the cup shape. I *think* that it has a lot of space for the FoB but I'm not sure exactly what shape it would be good for.
I have the antique ice version of this bra. The band is snug but comfortable. There are no defects with my bra either. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> There is gaping on top of cups.
This bra is one of my most comfortable bras right now. Some of my other bras are having problems with the Center gore wires on my breast tissue in the middle. This bra is not giving me that problem. My boobs are more close set than I thought. Also from migration from my armpits this bra is fitting really nice.
Yeah, but I think I have narrow shoulder because these bra strap feel too wide. I think if I centered them or brought them in so they are no so wide, that the cups would no longer gape.
A perfect fit! https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
I used to own an icy blue Rhea, but didn´t find matching panties anywhere, so I sold the bra. Now I got a new one which is "antique" in colour, I´d say the colour is light brown.
The fit is perfect, really. The band is very snug which I like. I would recommend this bra even to someone who normally needs a 26 band. Cups fit okay, they are very open on top and suit my shallow boobs. Wires wide enough for my wide root. Straps are okay, they adjust only partly.
This bra looks GORGEOUS but it is too small for me, both in the band and in the cup. The lace is beautiful but irritates my skin a little bit. Would be great for a 26 band or a very firm 28.
I am very happy with the Amor. Initially, I had concerns about whether I should try the 28E or the 28F, but I am very glad I went for the 28F.
The band is, as everyone else says, quite snug. However, I don't have any issues with wearing the usual 28, and I think I would prefer it over a 30. I was afraid that the cups might present typical issues that I have with plunges. Since I have wide rooted, shallow boobs, many plunges have cups that are too narrow, too deep in the bottom and middle, and too small on the top. However, I could mostly fill out the bottom of the Amor, and the quadboob was minimal. Aside from the quadboob, my only other wish is that the wings came up a bit higher to better contain me.
Appearance-wise, I was surprised by how much I liked the bra. I thought that the Sapphire color was a little boring on screen, but in person, I find the design to be sleek and the materials comfortable.
I LOVE this bra. It is so pretty, the material feels great, and it gives me a beautiful shape. The band is definitely on the tight side, so I would probably suggest sizing up unless you're like me and like really tight bands; I think a 28 band in this would be really good for someone who needs 26s. I also measure in the middle of 28E/F, so if you're somewhat in between cup sizes like I am, I suggest going with your larger size. The gore is quite pokey which I guess isn't super surprising considering that something their sister brand Cleo is known for.
Edit: After wearing ...it a few more times I've come to realize that the band is very tight, even too tight for me; I could barely wear it for an hour each time I tried. It also doesn't have enough immediate projection for me so if you often have a problem with that then I might skip on this one. It's unfortunate because like I said, it's a very pretty bra and gives a great shape. Read more 73 more words
I so, so, so wanted this to work, but it gave me the dreaded super-triangle-boob. I didn't realize when I bought it that the cup had a three-part, rather than moulded, construction, with a center seam and a separate piece on top. That's what I get for not doing my research!
The foam cups make the shape rather, er, persistent over my firm breast tissue. I've never seen my boobs look so awful, and it's even worse under clothing. SO POINTY.
Anyway, aside from the shape issue for me, I think it was a bit too small--I should have gone with 28FF and that might have helped with rounding out the pointiness. It was too risky for me so I've returned it.
But it IS gorgeous, especially in person. The color is a rich teal and the detailing is just beautiful, as in most Masquerade bras. I am so envious of anyone who has the right shape for this!
Cup height (measured up the center outside): 5.75"
I have this in the mineral blue color and it is just so gorgeous! It's my first Masquerade--I have a couple more on the way and I can't wait to see them in person.
The band is satin and nice and firm; it's the first 28 band I've had that actually felt good and not too stretchy. The flowery embroidery on the cups is on a mesh overlay and there's a pretty little ivory bow in the middle. The embroidery and seams are lovely, but visible under tight, thin shirts. There is one vertical seam on the inside of the cup and ...two on the outside.
The satin straps aren't fully adjustable and I had to tighten them all the way due to my high-set breasts. Hopefully they don't get too stretchy with wear. They are beautiful, though!
After reading other reviews, I decided to size down a cup in this and I think that's the way to go. It might be a touch too small, but in plunges I think that's what I'd prefer to potential gapping.
This bra gives great cleavage! It doesn't smash my breasts together but gives fabulous uplift and a shape that's round, but not as round as my Freya half-cups. The top of the gore (where the wires end) doesn't quite tack but I don't think it's a problem--perhaps caused by sizing down in the cup? Anyway, it doesn't bother me and the bra is very comfortable in spite of that.
UPDATE, ONE MONTH LATER: I now wish that I had gone with my regular size! I have also gained a little bit of weight and my measurements have changed a smidge and I'm quadding a bit more than I'd like in this. I'd recommend trying both your regular size and a size down if you have the opportunity (I didn't).
Also, as I learn more about narrow vs. wide roots, I've noticed that the cup seems a little too wide for my root. It's a little shallow also (I think I have fairly average projection) but fits me well anyway.
The bra is still ridiculously comfortable and I still love it! It's a great plunge. Read more 254 more words
A couple of weeks ago, I managed to find a 28F Rhea in Antique Ice and I fell in love instantly. It fit me perfectly and gave me a great rounded shape. So when I knew I needed a new black bra and when I read that the Delphi's fit and shape were very similar, I ordered one in the same size.
The Delphi is all kinds of weird on me. First, I find it in no way similar to the Rhea. The single vertical seam gives my boobs a very "facing forward" shape instead of the gently rounded one the Rhea and ...its 2 vertical seams give me. Underneath my clothes the shape is okay but when I look at myself in the mirror with just the bra on, it's not very pleasing.
Then, there's the size. It feels both too small and too big in the cups:
*Too small because the cups seem very narrow and kind of mash my breast on both sides to push it forward.
*Too big because when I'm sitting down and barely slouching, my breasts look like deflatted soufflés and there's some huge gaping going on.
The center gore fits weirdly as well: it sits perfectly when I'm standing but I can put a finger between it and my sternum when I'm sitting. I'm wearing the bra on the first hook and the way the bra fits me makes me want to use the second hook but when I do that, I can't breathe.
The straps are also a problem: they're set too much on the outside for such a forward facing bra.They give 0 support to the cups where they need it the most.
I don't think I ordered the wrong size. It's just that the Delphi doesn't suit my shape: I'm kind of heavy on bottom and I think women with heavy on top breasts would fare better than I did. It would also be a great fit for women with breasts that are closer together and more centered on the chest.
EDIT: Okay. I've had the Delphi for a few weeks now and although it's still not a perfect fit, I can make it work better than my initial review implied. Especially on "period week", when my breasts are a bit fuller on top. So, on the whole, I can't say I'm unhappy with this bra.
Overall, I like this bra. It works well for my shallow, wide-rooted breasts. There is no quadboob or gap at the top, and it encases them well on the sides. The 28F does have some wrinkling at the bottom, while the 28E has quadboob. While the gore fits fine, I do prefer a lower gore.
This bra is one of my most comfortable bras right now. Some of my other bras are having problems with the Center gore wires on my breast tissue in the middle. This bra is not giving me that problem. My boobs are more close set than I thought. Also from migration from my armpits this bra is fitting really nice.