Wow, the first review for the Alissa! Full busts represent! Actually this was a cup size or two too small for me, but it was what was available on Amazon, so here we go!
The review on Breakout Bras says the Alissa would be good for soft tissue. I absolutely concur! The first adjective I would use for this bra is "sturdy." It has a four-part cup construction with a side-support panel, all 2-ply, non-stretch powermesh throughout with a small, subtle polka dot pattern. The top cups are embellished with a floral embroidery pattern and there is a very thin band of elastic topping the edge. Containment is the ...name of the game with this one: tall wires and high wings keep everything battened down on the sides. If you find Jasmine's stretch lace doesn't keep your boobs still enough in the cups, this one is for you! If you're looking for something to luxuriate in, move along.
Alissa gives a very pleasing shape - good projection, but rounder and wider than Jasmine, while still not being east-west. More like the Tango, I think, and deeper with more forward projection than the Clara.
Downsides: Short ladies, beware! These wires gonna poke you! These are longer than even other long Panache wires. These wires hit my armpits before I can even get the bottoms up into my IMF. With that and the high wings, it's a no for me, even in the 34J and 34JJ. But if you have a lengthier torso and are looking for great support, check this one out! Read more 152 more words
It looks great on you, too bad about the tall wires. I wish I could find this bra somewhere to try it. On the other side I don't get along with it's predecessor panache Ariza at my current size. (I have a love-hate relationship with Ariza… a difficult bra but I wonder if they changed it's flaws on Alissa for the better.)
alisa, thanks! I do wish Panache would come out with a line for the under 5'5" crowd, haha.
I never saw Ariza, but apparently this one is like the Penny and Hepburn? (Never saw those either.) It's actually on sale now on @breakoutbras.
Here are the full and very useful comments by Melissa on the Breakout Bras site:
"Alissa was designed with the same body as the "Penny" and the "Hepburn" styles from a few seasons back, just with different material. The new iteration is double-lined GG to K cups for better shaping and control. Alissa offers more forward shaping than Tango because of the side support panel. This style works best for women with full but squishy breast tissue. If you have very full, plump breasts, this bra is probably going to create pressure along the neckline."
Pinniped I'm 5''6 and Ariza wires are too tall for me too. Ariza in the correct size, the wires poke me badly if I size down 1-2 sizes it's bearable but then I don't swoop and scoop, so technically there would be quadboob if I did not "scoop from top" which you should not do. :S
Ariza was discontinued in 2013 already. Back in the day it was quite popular here (I played a role in that too) because it gave a better shape than Tango and the support was just extreme. It was the most sturdy bra ever. But it's so hard to fit... I never had a Hepburn or Penny but I think they have the same cut.
Have you tried any Bravissimo bras? Wires are as sturdy and the bras are as supportive as the best Panache bras but many of them don't have these extreme tall wires under the arms.
I haven't tried Bravissimo, but I have been curious about them. They have free returns, yes? That would help. I've been limiting myself pretty much to Amazon while I'm working out my size, but if they have free returns as well that would open up the possibility to try some. Are they pretty TTS? Are there any styles you could recommend for fob and shortish roots?
Pinniped I think returns are free if you are in the UK. Outside of the UK there is no free shipping and returns sadly… The bands are true to size, on the firmer side. Cups run a bit small and a bit closed on top imo, but I'm full on top so I have to size up 1-2 cup sizes to my normal size.
I would try more of their bras (everything that Comes in my size) if it weren't for shipping and return Costs + custom fees ugh! Also there is their balconette style - the basic model is "Alana". Many balconettes are the same cut. Then their full cup cut: "Darcy" "Lacey" "Melrose" but it already starts here that Bravissimo says these have the same cut, but imo they don't and they differ quite significantly in fit. So I can't talk for all their bras only those I tried.
The bras are more supportive than Panache in the size range, wires are less painful. For example Jasmine did not much for me, the lace felt to flimsy but I really like 32JJ - Bravissimo » Lulu Bra (LN581) with the stretchy lace.
Thanks, alisa! I will check them out! The Lulu looks fantastic on you!
Thanks,Pinniped :) I also think that you would not have to size up at all with fob boobs. Bravissimo customer service is great too if you tell them which sizes your wear in other brands they can recommend a good starting size. I would not size down in band either choose your normal size or the bigger if between sizes. (I take 32 bands, 31 Inch underbust)
just found this super cheap on amazon - i wonder why its so cheap?
MY SHAPE: round, projected, even, tall roots, close set, on the narrow end of average root width.
THE TAKEAWAY: Elegant plunge style gives a more natural shape with low apex. Good for those who are wider set and/or outer full. This bra wants more separation than you'd think for a plunge! Ladies who are centerfull, look elsewhere.
DETAILS: _Love_ this elegant gray number with contrasting cranberry bow! So very pretty. I'm a fan of plunges because I'm so close set, and the gore on this is super low and comfy (the underwires overlap at the center), but unfortunately this is otherwise a shape mismatch for me. There's an internal side ...sling in the cups which pushes my breast tissue towards the center, but not only does the side sling awkwardly indent into my breasts, there's also not enough cup fabric towards the center to adequately contain my already centerfull breasts. Thank goodness for stretch lace because it partially hides this fit issue from the front; however, I still get some minor quadding out of both cups. Sizing up won't help because the cups are already about 1/4-1/2" too wide for me.
Shape-wise this is similar to the Cleo Piper, a less lifted, more natural shape. It's very slightly pointy, but no torpedo boobs like the Jasmine due to a lower apex. No cleavage to speak of. Those who are FoT might get slight cakes-on-plate if you don't quad out of the stretch lace first...
I had a feeling this might have a stretchy band, so I sized down to a 28F. It's not crazy stretchy; I'm on the lower end of a 30 band and this wears like a slightly loose 28 (stretches to about 29"). I would not recommend sizing down unless you're in the bottom of your current band size. Read more 190 more words
Thanks for this great review! I do love a grey bra,, Panache works for me more often than not, and all the information you provided is totally enabling me to order one for myself.
I am SO excited to meet this bra! This is the first 'real' bra I've purchased and have no need of a fitting request - it clearly fits!
This is a 32J in purple - which was on sale for $34 on amazon -woot!
The cups are wonderfully deep. The fabric is not stretchy, yet somehow seems to fit both my bigger and smaller side well - maybe a tiny bit of folded fabric at the inside of the top of the cups, but nothing noticeable.
The fabric is smooth and solid. The underside of the wires is lined with nice soft cloth - none of those hard itchy lace wires from my Envy and Marcie! I happen to LOVE LOVE LOVE this purple floral - I seriously wish I could wear this as a bathing suit, I feel completely covered and want to show it off to the world!
I think this might be my new best friend . . if only it came in a solid beige to wear under light colored shirts.
I've found the perfect bra for me! Ok, well maybe I could do with a 28H because the cups are a little on the small side, but the fabric is so stretchy that it doesn't matter. I feel like this bra was made for me - the shape is perfect. I have bottom-heavy, high-nippled, wide boobs and it's hard to fit them into anything (the deco also works well, but the band is too big). But this fits like a dream! And it is very comfortable - no poking wires, no rough seams. The fabric is very stretchy and yet supportive.
The best thing, for me anyway, is ...the band. Most people seem to need to go up a bandsize in this bra - I usually have the opposite problem as being 25" around my ribcage, 28 band bras are to big on me. This one is by far the best fit I've ever had - it's more like a 27 than a 28, and I can wear it on the middle or loosest hooks which is a first! If you usually buy a 28 you'll probably find this band is too tight, but for those who need an ever-elusive 26, this is a good compromise. I currently have this in berry and white.
Pros: - high quality - stretchy fabric - subtly sexy - small band size good for those who need a 26 or less
Cons: - cups a bit on the small side, go up 1 or 2 cupsizes - band will be too tight for those who usually fit a 28 - will not be flattering on all breast shapes
edit - I've requested fitting help with this as I've grown in both breasts and it no longer feels as comfortable. I still love it though! Read more 185 more words
Can you tell me how the pink and the white compare? I have it in pearl, black, and purple; the black runs a full cup size smaller than the pearl, and the purple is smaller than pearl too. I want to get a berry but I don't know how it compares! Are yours different from each other at all?
Thank you!
The white is definitely smaller than the pink in this size. I can't wear either any more, but of the two the white is more like a G than a GG. I would say the berry (pink) is a true GG.
The material in the Tango 2 is silkier than the Scarlett. The band is slightly stretchier, but not really enough to make a difference between the two.
The problem I had again was with the cups. I fit fine on the bottom of the cups, and the underwires were no problem. The top of the cup was slighly too baggy for me, but the top edge was flush against my body. It kind of looked like the top edge was pushing the top of my breasts down because I ended up with a really pointy shape. If the shoulder straps were more centred so the top of the cup was lifted, I think it would have fit fine.
I would say this bra is probably for someone who is full on top.
This bra is pretty and well made, but unfortunately creates a less than flattering shape. It doesn't lift at all, it's just kind of... there. It pushes my breasts down and slightly to the sides -- the same problem I had with the Panache Porcelain! You can see that bra and review here: http://www.bratabase.com/browse/panache/porcelain-molded-seamless-underwire-3376/28E/
Originally I tried the 28E in this, and the cups were slightly loose so I thought this one would be a perfect fit. However, this one is too tight in the cups. Also, the cups are too far apart, which contributes to the odd shape. They ...are 1.1" apart, whereas all my other bras in this size range are 0.7 - 0.9" apart. I did have a pucker at the center edges of the cups, as the 30D reviewer complained about (it's visible in my photos). This could be a symptom of the cups being too far apart as well.
I guess this brand isn't for me, which is odd, because I have a Cleo bra that I love, and that is made by Panache. If I could just combine the fit (sizing) of Panache with the gravity-defying lift of Fantasie and the style of Freya, I'd have the perfect bra. Oh well.
The cups of this bra are very low-cut. The seams are bound and non-irritating. The band, instead of being powernet or mesh like most bras, is a lightweight (almost sheer, but still firm) spandex with a shimmer to it... cool.
Color is "Chilli." Purchased from Figleaves, late Spring 2010. Read more 160 more words
It probably doesn't fit you that great because you're wearing it too low. Notice the baggy area in the bottom of the cup and the taught fabric at the top of the cup in the second picture? (Left Side shot) If this was lifted at the correct position on your ribcage it would most likely eliminate both of those problems. Perhaps try a larger band size instead. Too small of a band will cause it to sit low and make the bottom of the cup too loose with the top being too tight.
hlaleo, I have to politely disagree with you on this one. The wrinkling at the bottom of the cup on the left side is due to that side being about 1/4 cup size smaller than the other. You can see from the right side shot that the right cup fits and is at the correct spot (no wrinkling at the bottom). The only way to eliminate the wrinkling on the bottom left would be to wear the bra crooked -- I have this problem with almost every bra I own; in fact, you can see it in some of my other pictures on Bratabase. The band was the correct size. It sat perfectly level all the way around (again, you can see this in both side shots), and the center gore sat flat against my breastbone. I still think the weird shape was due to the cups being just a hair too far apart, and also the fabric being a bit too soft for support.
Not to be a pest, but it looks like both cups have wrinkling in the bottom, one definitely more than the other though. I do see now what you mean about it sitting crooked, I didn't notice that before. That can be remedied by tightening the strap for the smaller breast, or in the case of Scoliosis - the lower shoulder. As for the band, even if it's too small, it can sit level across the chest but the underwires will not be directly under the breast tissue and it causes the breasts to be pulled down. A good rule of thumb for where the center, or fullest, part of your bust should be is halfway between the top of your shoulder and crease of your elbow. If it's below that, the support is off. Just some helpful hints. If it's not needed, no worries =)
Thanks, I do appreciate it! :-) I'm a big advocate of proper bra fit. I am going to use your suggestions and play around with a couple of the bras I have, just to see if I can indeed get them to sit better.
I havent bought a new bra in ages, but 2 of my Panache Tangos were about dead, and I just thought this looked lovely and would go well under a green shirt I have w lace sleeves.
When I put it on, I admit it was reminiscent of the first time I put on a 32J Floris - fits like a glove! Ok, in the pics I point out tiny flaws - wires are a tad wide, shape is a bit . . . elf shoe? and my bigger boob is on the verge of not fitting. Also the band is MUCH stretchier than my older Panache - this 32 needs 2nd hook brand new. I already washed it and wore it for a full day, and its about as comfortable as a 32K Panache bra can be for me.
I know the pics arent great, but let me know what you think - I found a purple one on ebay, NWT, and I think I have to buy it! I love florals!
It looks great! The shimmery florals have a pretty fairy aesthetic.
ComeAtMe_Bra still looking forward to seeing it in purple tho!
It's a very pretty bra. It reminds me of the Floris from it's print & fit wise.
alisa The fit of the Floris JJ was so wide I returned it, but somehow this fits me in a K - unless my standards have dropped as I've grown. Floris was my main squeeze until I grew to a JJ. I'm struggling with weight more than i have in my whole life tho. I went on my first ever real diet and lost 12 lb and then went on hormone replacement therapy because hot flashes were waking me up every 90 minutes all night . . . and instantly gained 5 lb and then lost my motivation entirely
HI. Do you have any used bras you would be willing to sell or give away? I am your size?
I've had this bra for a while but keep forgetting to add it. My shape is projected, full on top and centre, with tall and narrow roots, soft and self-supporting tissue, and super close-set. My usual UK size is 28FF/G depending on how open on top the bra is. It's supportive being a wireless bra and great for lounging at home or taking short walks. The band is true to size and the cups provides nice lift and coverage. I would say it's projected, wide and a little bit closed on top but it doesn't have wires so these are not issues for me.
I previously owned the Panache Envy in both a 32GG and a 32H in a variety of colorways. When I gained weight, I repurchased it in a 32J in black, and eventually bought it in navy as well. This was my go to bra before the pandemic. It's supportive, gives a flattering shape, and isn't super noticeable under T-shirts. The lace is stretchy enough to handle fluctuations in size throughout the month. I wish I could find some of the other colors again so I could repurchase them in my current size.
For reference, I am projected, FOB, center full, narrow roots, and petite (4'11"). This was the first bra I kept when I started my ABTF journey, so it holds a special place in my heart despite a couple fit issues.
The band is quite tight for a 28 bra (64cm/25in stretched), but it seems to have loosened up a bit with some wear. I was wearing 34D bras previously, so that could also be why I felt the band was extremely tight in the beginning. The wires are a little too wide for me, so I feel like they flatten my breast tissue out towards my armpits and give me a minimizing look rather than pulling my tissue forward and up like my Comexim bras (which I prefer more). The wires are very firm, and the gore tacks. The cups are quite high on the sides and cut into my armpits badly. Besides that, it's a great choice for a spacer bra that provides good projection.
I've thought about getting this bra quite a few times. It looks good on you! Too bad it cuts into your armpit so badly.
This is actually a decent fit on me as well, as center full, narrow and shirt roots. I'm typically a 34E but the band on this is very firm, so a 36DD is my best fit.
Wilderness1 Thank you! I do think it's a great bra despite the cup height digging into my arms. I think that's just something I'll have to get used to in a bra that isn't modified for my frame.
When I lost weight and my old bras wouldn't fit anymore, I had to buy a new bra quickly. Panache Tango can be found at good prices on eBay and it is very reliable so I opted for that one.I find that the Tango is a very supportive and reliable bra and expecially in big cup sizes. I had many of these over the years. The band runs true to size and the cups fit slightly big, but they are not very roomy on top. So for full - on - top boobs, it is not the best option. The bra is very supportive and I don't have to ...adjust anything during the day. The quality is excellent.
What I don't like about it: the shape from the front is a bit east- west which I don't like. The wires are slightly too wide for me. The biggest problem is the center gore. I have close-set full on top boobs. The Tango bra really seperates boobs with a very tall gore. The top of the gore pushes against my sternum painfully and I get red marks. I really wanted to get out of this bra quickly at the end of the day. Oddly my 30K Tango does not hurt me at the gore, I noticed the gore is 1.5cm lower on that one. I would have to keep that in mind if I every buy a Tango again in any size... not have the gore be higher than on the 30K. (30K I wear wear with extender so it's like a 32JJ) I will keep it and wear it occasionally but continue to search for something a bit more comfortable and with a more center front shape.
My pictures I have taken 4 month ago, when I got the bra, I have lost few kg since then, so it fits a little differently but not much. Just a bit more room on top and it don't look like I spill out of the sides anymore. I will take new pics and add them soon.
I have worn it for a full day again. It is my best Fitting bra currently, but I'm so glad to get out of this bra at the end of the day. The wires are so sturdy, which is a good Thing for support but I feel like I wear a corset. The gore pushed on my sternum very badly. So bra fits, but is not comfortable.
1 month later and the bra is really too big now and I cannot make it work anymore by tightening the straps. 30K is a better fit in cups now. Read more 328 more words
I THINK I MAY HAVE FOUND MY HOLY GRAIL BRA! Or I'm a lot closer, anyway. I have never experienced a fit so perfect. I fill the cups completely with the top edge making a smooth line, and the center gore lies flat against my sternum. The band never rides up even though I can fit a whole fist under it. Whether what I have spilling out the sides -- as you can see in the back shot -- is escaped breast tissue or just fat, is debatable. But the underwire's placement is comfortable. My only concern so far is they way ...my belly causes the lace on the bottom edges of the cups to curl up at the bottom (you can see this in the front shot). I am open to suggestions on what to do about that. I must also note that is comfortable lying down, which is important to me because I like to recline in order to relax. In my current living situation, that usually means just lying in bed. Thank you, Bratabase! The last time I tried to get measured at a store, the woman doing so pronounced me a "big B." I had to take off my shirt to prove to her that I was wearing (and pushing out the center gore on) a DD-cup and she practically fell over in shock. Who knows how long getting to this size/cut combination would have taken without this website. Read more 146 more words
Omg. What was she trying to throw you in??? A 40B?????? I'm so happy you're finally comfortable and supported. You should see the way people look at me when I say I'm a 28D/DD...and I'm flat chested!
I have avoided trying the andora because of that lace/belly issue. I try to only buy bras with a smooth bottom edge
I've had luck cutting the lace off the bottom of bra bands.
LeProfessor "Throw you in", is the perfect phrase for it. She tried to toss drakefish chest in some (any) thing then collect her paycheck! This is why I give the side eye to so many "fitters."
I'm glad you found a fit that works well for you! It's a great feeling after so many mis-fits! I also have the same problem with bottom lace because my ribcage flares out. I'm not sure there's an answer. I just try to ignore it.
Me too EmmaOh , lol. Very few fitters actually know what they're doing. I also wanted to note that I am quite thin and lace that extends from the bottom of bras curls up from my tummy too! I agree with Brash5 , I just try to ignore it. It's not like it is visible under clothing. And hey, at least your 'holy grail' is still in production! Mine has been discontinued a LONG time (Mimi Holliday 28D & Claudette). Lol
I'm short-waisted (although I'm also 5'10") and honestly thought the lace would bug me - but it doesn't. It does curl up sometimes but I don't notice at all. It's also my holy grail bra.
Pretty bra, but it just doesn't work for my shape. The straps are a little padded which makes them feel very nice but also makes them kind of hard to adjust. When I did adjust the straps so they were short enough for me, it caused the wings to dig right into my armpits. The straps are also set pretty far apart, so it doesn't sit well on my slightly narrow shoulders. It's gotten really hard for me to find a bra in my size without tall cups/wings. The search continues...
I just bought this bra to try because it was finally available for Prime with free returns on Amazon. I have zero confidence it's going to fit, but it's so pretty I just had to give it a shot. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you!
Good luck! It is really pretty, and it seems like it would be comfortable too with the right fit/shape.
I'm very short-waisted and have a similar problem. However, my size is smaller and wires are shorter in my range. I feel your pain. Sigh.
So I was intrigued to see Panache was putting out a cut and sew foam cup bra, and when finally (finally), it became available grabbed one in my usual size of 34H. The initial release of Cappuccino doesn't excite me as much as the black and gold coloration coming this winter. But I'm not sure this bra is going to end up working for me.
Much to my surprise, the cups AND band were both huge! Lots of empty space along the top and too wide wires, plus I got the ol' Panache Pucker at the gore, where the edge of the cups pinched out with more empty space. ...It's not unlike what I experience in the Porcelain Elan T-shirt bra I had back at 38G. The band felt way too loose and I could stretch it out a mile, and with all the empty space it was hard to tell if this bra would work for me at a smaller size.
Believe me, I was not expecting to need a 32 band in Panache at any point in time, but I sent the 34H back to exchange for a 32H. Read more 81 more words
Oh dear, this would be my epic dream bra if only it was more comfortable and fit better! The gorgeous rich colours, the stretch lace, nice rounded profile.. I absolutely love Clara's appearance!
Tried this bra in a couple sizes (30H, 30HH, 32GG, 32H) and actually they all 'kind of' fit.. No major jumps in band and cup between sizes, stretch lace makes for a forgiving fit. The 30 band made the hard wires + gore too stabby for me. The 30HH and 32H were too full coverage for my taste. In the end I went for 32GG as it had the least issues. Clara works much ...much better for me than Andorra, which I tried (but hated) in a 30H. They're supposed to be sister cuts but I found the Andorra's cups less flattering and too tall.
However, in Clara the fit is still not great and comfort-wise it could be better as well.
Gore: too wide and too tall for my fairly close set boobs. At first it tacked like a bench screw, but I used pliers to bend the upper gore outwards. Somewhat better now, but still pokes my tissue in certain poses (reclining, leaning).
Cups: too shallow at the bottom I guess? They tend to slide down from my IMF, leaving empty space at the bottom. Hoisting the cups up makes it better (should've added a picture), but this also causes the gore to be even taller.
Wires: quite firm and long, but most of the wire length is in the gore, not on the sides. For me I don't like (or need) much side coverage, but others may find the sides too low.
Straps: are mostly ok, but as usual they're too wide in my armpit area.
Band: went with a size bigger than usual (32 instead of 30) because in this style it feels more comfortable than the 30 band.
All in all this is a gorgeous bra IMO, and like I mentioned it is pretty forgiving size-wise. If you don't like hard wires and stabby gores, sizing up in the band helps a bit.
Because of how much I like it, I'm willing to ignore some fit issues. And as for comfort, I can work a full day in Clara without it being too chafey. But because of the gore it is definitely not suitable for after-work relaxing on the couch in the evening. Matching panties are very pretty too and fit my bigger hips & bum well in UK size 14.
This is my first purchased bra since joining bratabase and using the calculator, which gave me the size 34FF as a starting point. This review is for the Idina Plunge 6966 in Latte in a 34G, and I suspect I would better fit a 34GG in this model.
Following advice on bratabase and also customer feedback on Bravissimo's website, I chose the Idina Plunge because I wanted an unpadded, everyday bra with decent coverage, but with a low-ish gore for my close-set boobs.
Although this was my first purchase, I had previously tried on a selection of bras in two UK department stores, where 34G was a ...best fit in several Freya and Debenhams own brand models and 36F a reasonable fit in M & S (where most band sizes seemed to run tight, and where FF cupsize does not exist!)
Based on this experience, and after reviewing others' feedback on the Idina plunge, I therefore sized up one cup size to a 34G from my suggested starting point size of 34FF.
On first trying on the bra, I found the band to be stretchy and comfortable but also very snug and level around my body (34 for a snug underbust measurement of 33.5, and a "break the tape" measurement of 31.5). After several hours' wear, it is still in place, and feels both firm and supportive without digging in.
The cup size I chose is OK, and the stretch lace helps to give a smooth fit, but there is slight quadding on my larger breast, and so I suspect the 34GG might be a more ideal size for me. I bought this bra from an Amazon seller and don't feel inclined to send it back, but will store this information for next time.
I think I am even/FOB in shape and the cut-and-sew cup of the Idina gives good coverage for my immediate projection. The gore sits flat against my ribcage and the wire fits nicely right around the breast, with no excess fabric wrinkles underneath (which is a problem I have found with the "smoothing" unpadded T-shirt bras that I prefer aesthetically under slim-fitting clothes, but which tend not to provide the immediate projection that I need on the bottom of the cup). Under a semi-sheer blouse, the lace pattern of this bra does show slightly, but it does not show under a reasonable quality T-shirt, so this seems a good compromise for now.
Other than the cup fit issue, this is a lovely everyday bra with stretch lace over smooth mesh-lined half cups. The straps are backed with soft lining for comfort, are fully adjustable and fit well. The hardware is a warm copper which makes an otherwise plain bra look more pretty.
The bra feels so lovely that I am going to keep it, and will probably wear it into a Bravissimo store, to give a good starting point for a proper fitting session where I can get a second opinion to help me find an even better fit.
Edited to add: after a couple of wears I am still very happy overall. I did start to feel the wire on my fullest breast side digging in after a full day of wear. It was digging into the ribcage, not the breast tissue. I noticed that the wire is actually a half inch shorter than the casing so, as I prefer a low central gore anyway, I pushed the wire round so that it comes higher up the side and lower in tbe middle. I will put a stitch in the centre to keep it this way, and make a note to myself to look for models with a low central gore but a higher side wire when I go shopping.
After trying several sizes in this bra, I finally found one that fits! I'm quite happy with the 32K it is as good as it gets! There are still some minor issues (as there are with all my bras), they are:
- wires being too wide
- gore folds over each other and digs in
- shoulder straps are too separate (bra made for a wider frame / wider shoulders than mine?) and digging into shoulders painfully
- there is some empty fabric on bottom, and some empty fabric on top, when I swoop and scoop I fill the cups but with wear the bra gets pushed down and cups are empty ...on bottom.
now positive things:
+ no quadboob, all breast tissue inside the cups
+ great shape, round, uplifted and slightly projected to the front ( no east west)
+ stable and sturdy construction
+ I'm not that much into floral prints usually but the print on this bra is just soooo pretty, the pictures don't do it justice. I love the colors https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
Oh it runs slightly generous in cups, I usually need a 32KK in Panache and I have still a bit room in the cups in the 32K Floris. Band is rather firm, size up if between sizes. Read more 101 more words
Boobs look pointy from the side. Bra is actually very comfortable to wear. I don't really like the flowers because they can show through clothing, but I find that any lace bra will even do the same thing. I find I am adjusting this bra a lot less than my Freya decos (which aren't always a good fit to begin with). I almost returned this bra because of the pointy shape, but under shirts I can't tell as much and I am very glad I kept it and wore it for the day. It feels great even if not very attractive to look at. Overall I am really impressed ...with how this bra is sitting after wearing it all day. I think I will get a couple more in different colours since it feels so good.
UPDATE: This bra no longer fits and I don't intend on repurchasing this bra again. It did not give me the nicest shape, and since this purchase I have found many other bras online that I will try first. Also, I don't have a lot of luck with soft cup bras because I have asymmetry between my breasts. Padded bras are an easier fit right now until I figure out a cheap and non surgical way to handle that.
I'm not sure why this was voted down, I think repurchasability is a big factor is determining if someone actually liked a bra. Updating a review to state that would be appreciated from my perspective. Read more 140 more words
If it doesn't fit anymore you can go and add your new measurements and then report how this bra doesn't fit for your new figure ;)
Thanks! I have added my new measurements but in various site locations it still says this bra fits so I wanted to clarify. I understand that people will want to know that it *did* fit when I was a different size, but I was getting confused and wanted to show change somehow. Should I do anything else? I am new to this new measurements and new bras that fit info... Thanks again!!
Yay!! Just received this bra like 15 minutes ago and I already love it. This just goes to show how important correct fitting is. I tried this bra in size 30D previously, and tried the original Porcelain (Panache 3376) in 28E, and they both looked awful on me because of poor fit. (See my other review here: http://bratabase.com/browse/panache/porcelain-molded-seamless-underwire-3376/28E/ )
Finally, in size 30DD I have a winner. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have a nice t-shirt bra in my size. If you've seen my other bras, you know it's been a struggle.
I hope that in the future ...Panache will choose to make this bra in band size 28 (like the original Porcelain), because this bra has to be fastened on the middle or tightest hook for me. Most of my bras are size 30, but this band is very stretchy (see measurements).
The foam lining is thin (about 1/8" ) and light -- just enough for "camouflage" as it were. The straps, comfortable; and though they look very wide set, for some reason they feel good on me and I'm not very big. Could have something to do with them being somewhat cushioned.
The lace is gorgeous and sexy, especially for a t-shirt bra! It is also very soft and non-irritating. Definitely no machine washing for this baby. The cups are very round... that t-shirt shape which is becoming an American classic (our Continental cousins don't seem to be so bothered by seams and a natural cone shape as we American girls generally are).
Summertime is here, and this should be a great item for the hot weather because the cups have a cotton blend lining and the bra overall is lightweight. My Tisha bra (Le Mystere 955), though flattering, feels like an industrial clunker next to the Porcelain Lace. I'll be having fun with this one.
Purchased from Her Room in late Spring 2010. (Incidentally, this will be my last order from this retailer for a long, long time. I will not recommend them because of customer service issues. Don't worry though! This bra is also available at Bare Necessities, Breakout Bras, and Nordstrom, among others.)
*** UPDATE *** I've been wearing this bra for a couple weeks now and I still love it... I even ordered another one from Breakout Bras. Highly recommended.
Great review of a pretty & comfy bra. I hope to own it soon too if they bring out more colors! ;) Have to agree with Herroom.com as a total nuisance having now dealt with their incompetent and snail-paced customer service for a few weeks now. Good bra find!!
It looks great on you, too bad about the tall wires. I wish I could find this bra somewhere to try it. On the other side I don't get along with it's predecessor panache Ariza at my current size. (I have a love-hate relationship with Ariza… a difficult bra but I wonder if they changed it's flaws on Alissa for the better.)