I'll have to review this again in a few months for sure, but as of right now, with a few modifications I have never had a bra look like this on my body before.
The pictures I took made me REALLY see my own shape, what I'm supposed to look like in a bra and what support is supposed to feel like. I learned that I don't like too tall a gore, which led to me learning how to modify gores and wires and I bought some meshy athletic fabric that's coming for me to pad a little bit behind the gore and behind another itchy spot. I learned ...that I had quilting soap in the back of my closet and that you can use that for bras!
The uncomfortable parts: I've worn sports bras for... pretty much my entire bra life. So having a real band is taking some getting used to. The gore itches like mercy and I'm not quite sure why, I'm hoping it was excess soap but I'm going to probably sew a tiny thing on the inside to protect my skin from it, and I'm going to bend the wires a bit so it isn't touching as hard. The part where the bra cup turns into the strap has some lace that itches as well so if you have super sensitive skin you might have to do a little modification of this bra.
I don't know what it'll be like in six months, but as of 3/17/2017, Panache is getting some money from me. Read more 151 more words
So beautiful on you! Hope the mesh helps; itchy is not an adjective I want associated with my bra ;-)
wow, that does look great on you!
Thank you so much! I'm kind of body-negative toward myself, and seriously, posting this bra to this site and to the ABraThatFits Reddit was an amazing experience.
<3 <3 Let the love flow :-) :-)
So beautiful on you! Bratabase really helps us all feel better. We are all different and we are all beautiful in our lovely lingerie.
Looks beautiful! Congratulations on finding a bra that makes you feel good about yourself! It's amazing how a properly fitting bra can lift your spirits and give you a nice confidence boost! As time goes on, you may start to get more used to lace and mesh and snug bands. Good luck with your future purchases!
Congrats on finding a bra that brings out your beauty! I too have issues with scratchy bits, but can usually address them in one or more of the following ways: --When "clear" thread is cut too long, it pokes. Carefully trimming back those unruly threads works wonders. --Bra tags can be tacked down to not poke and rub with a well placed stitch or two. --Rough new fabrics can be given a helping hand at break in with a gentle application of a fine grit sandpaper or emery board. This should be VERY done judiciously so as not to ruin your garments. --Pharmacies sell something called "moleskin" in the foot care section that is soft/plush and can be applied over areas like gores that may be too stiff/uncomfortable in a new bra. There is usually an adhesive backing but if you aren't handy with sewing, this can be a real boon. --I have gone as low tech as overlaying a problematic part of a new bra with a piece of whatever soft fabric of have laying around, then settling myself into it. This won't work as well when it warms up but I'll worry about that when winter ends. :) Enjoy you bra journey!!
This bra, people. This bra. Why is nobody talking about this bra? I. Love. This. Bra.
Okay, Okay. I know. Different strokes for different boobs (that sounds sort of wrong, doesn’t it?). I know lots of people just don’t care for the T-shirt bra aesthetic. However, as a SAHM, T-shirts are basically my uniform, so I am happy to have finally found one that fits, is comfortable, and looks good both in and out of shirts.
On with the review.
As the name says, it’s a moulded spacer foam bra. I’ve never had much luck with moulded bras. I never managed to cram myself into a foam dome when I ...was still stuck in the matrix. I’m guessing I was a 32E then (prior to babies and breastfeeding, which seems to have permanently biggered them) and was wearing 34DD, so technically a sister size and not insanely wrong. But I was always too projected for any of the T-shirt bras I ever tried. And I tried a lot, since that’s mostly what was available. Spacer foam is much lighter and more flexible than the typical moulded foam.
I have tried a couple of other spacer bras. I had a @Fayreform Profile Perfect 32FF briefly that I got off ebay. Holy crap. You think Panache wires are stiff? That thing left semi-permanent grooves in my ribs. I was definitely a 32FF then but the cups were too tall and too deep for me. So uncomfortable I don’t even want to try it in another size. I also tried on a @Fantasie Rebecca a couple of years ago at a boutique and was completely underwhelmed with the shape it gave me. This bra does looks a bit like that one. I knew this bra was a risk but it was cranberry and Butterfly Collection had it on sale so …
Well, it’s pretty much perfect. Wire width good, enough projection, gore tacks, band just right. My boobs aren’t lifted like in my unlined Cleos, but they’re lifted enough for me, and the shape is just infinitely better under clothes. It is minimizing in that it seems to hold the breasts close to my body, but not flattened out like every other minimizer I’ve ever tried on. Let me put it this way, my boobs are nicely separated but there is no east-west action. It is by a mile the most comfortable bra I have. The spacer foam is very light and I think it will be fine for summer (although, technically, nothing is good for the hot and humid summers we have here). I have a little bit of gaping on my smaller side, but it is not bothersome and absolutely does not show under clothes.
I know some people might think it’s a boring bra, but I think it’s lovely in an understated way. Of course, cranberry is one of my favourite colours. There is some tone-on-tone embroidery on the mesh around the cups. There is a bow at the top of each cup where it meets the straps, as well as the obligatory bow on the gore. Band has two hooks. It has a j-hook so I even have the racer-back option for summer, but I have not tried it yet.
I’m sort of between sizes right now. When I ordered this, my 32FF unlined bras were still fitting OK and I ordered down a size as per recommendations. Well, since then, I lost a few more pounds and suddenly all my 32FFs just collapsed on me. Even my Envy 32F, which was always on the small side, is getting a bit floppy. I think because the spacer foam is a bit stretchy I could actually size down to 32E and this issue would disappear.
Of course, Butterfly Collection shut down about two weeks after I got this bra. I went back to order another one, but was too late!! Sob, sob. It hasn’t really shown up on clearance anywhere or on ebay yet, since I guess it’s still so new. I need, need, need the champagne colourway of this bra … but I need to be patient because the best price I can find is just utterly ridiculous, even before duty and shipping are factored in. Oh, Canada, Y U such a bra desert? (Sorry, this is supposed to be a review, not a rant!)
Very short roots, projected, slightly narrow, even, close-set breasts....
Having previously tried this bra in 28G, I knew I needed a longer band to comfortably narrow the gore without creating the need for an extender. The wire channel is .75" longer than the wire. So, moving the wire as far as possible to the underarm creates a gore 2.1" tall. Still, the gore at that height is too wide. The gore narrowing alteration remains necessary. From my perspective, this gore is wide and close-set breasts will be forced to alter it.
Close-set users: When a wire is sitting on my breasts, the cup often feels too wide. However, once the ...breast is free from from the wire tether, the wire lifts the breast rather than sits on top of it. And, the cup width is no longer too wide. Until I overlapped and narrowed a gore, I did not understand how profoundly the gore width effected fit for my breasts. In fact, I thought my breasts were wide-set when I started my journey 8 months ago.
Because the band is too big, there is little support. But, narrowing the gore will shorten the band by nearly an inch. Then, the band will fit more snuggly. Because the immediate projection is not enough for my breasts, there is empty space in the bottom of the cup. Compared to other molded cups, Panache Cari has good immediate projection: Lulu Tout Madeleine has better immediate projection.
This bra is easy to wear and meets my simple list of requirements for an everyday bra.
I thought this would be similar to the Panache Envy (and got it on sale). I got my Envy size, the 32F. The band fits fine and I fill out the bottom of the cup…The problem is the top of the cup. After breastfeeding, I’m much more bottom heavy (sagging, really)- and it shows. I can’t fill the top of the cup, even with my larger side (my left is bigger than my right). While the side support does bring things to the front (which I definitely need), the overall shape is a bit more…torpedo than round.
I’ll keep it for “Around the House” use, but not to go out in public. It’s fairly comfortable, but bra doesn’t work for me overall. I’ll buy another Envy instead of this.
If you’re more Even or Top-full, this might work better for you. Especially if you need side-support.
My breasts are firm, projected, average to slightly wide roots. I found this bra to provide a very nice, round shape. The band itself is also very pretty, wit the lace details. I think the band is a bit on the firmer/less stretchy side, but not intolerable (my "base" size is 30G but I sister size to 32F/FF for comfort in most bras). Although I do think this bra generally fits well (gore tacks, level band, no cup quadding), I suspect that the band may feel slightly tighter because I'm in between cup sizes, like a 32F 1/2. I will be trying a 32FF for comparison.
Shape: firm tissue; projected; a lot of immediate projection; full on bottom; even-to-centre full; close set; splayed, short and narrow roots.
This bra was far too big in the cup for my smaller boob. Wrinkling at the top and apex of cup on smaller boob to the point it was just wobbling around in there unsupported. Wrinkling at the top on bigger boob. One good thing was there was enough immediate projection for me so no wrinkling at the bottom of the cup on either boob - miracles can happen! Wires are 2cm too wide for me, and the cup size issue exacerbated the feeling of this - the outer cup was not filled by boob at all. Wire height is fine. Gore tacks and is short so no sitting on tissue or digging for me. Would be comfortable if it fit the smaller boob.
I ended up sizing down a cup size to 32E which fits better. Unusual for this style which normally recommends sizing up.
My shape: FOB, projected, short roots, center full.
I believe the gore is too tall for me (not sure if I like those tall gores, or if they work for me - I'm used to wearing V.S. bras that are quite low gore) as it seems like it's pressing on my sternum after just a short time. I think the cups fit perfectly, even though the ABTF calculator put me at 30F today, this is technically one cup larger/one band bigger. Anyhoo, I ordered this bra from Amazon so she's going back! Was awesome to try this bra on though. The cups are like a perfect match for ...my breasts, I mean, the cups fit so well.
This is the first time I remember in my entire life putting on a bra and then smiling : ) The cups fit that well.
Before I was stuffing myself into 32DD/34DD V.S. bras - these new size attempts are much better! Although I honestly am surprised that the 32 band didn't fit me, it feels good, but it's too loose already. The other two bras I currently own in my "new sizing," are both too tight in the band. (Or are they too small in the cups?) They're both longlines, so they're difficult to do the "upside down and backward" thing with the band. But they both don't work for different reasons than that (cup shape). I need a more narrow and projected shape: was told by a bra-fitting lady from SFYS (I don't live Toronto, and I've never used their store, but I was emailing them about a bra...) that the Panache Envy is most similar to Ewa Michalak BM style? Sooo, yeah...kind of in between the 30 and 32 band r.n.
I'm going to return this, but I still have 4 more bras coming in the mail from Amazon, lol. Trying to figure out my true size - in this model it looks like it would be 30FF, which is supposed to arrive on Friday, so we shall see : ) Also, I'm going to compare to Panache Jasmine. This was a great experience trying on this bra for my Bra Odyssey quest, a near success!!
Also, you can tell that this bra is totally "nude" on me. When I was looking at the thumbnail pictures on my phone, it looked like I was naked. Read more 288 more words
I’m going to echo bubblegums feedback in that panache gores kill me! Seriously, I find them particularly high and firm and cannot deal with them at all. I’m also centre full and I bet that is why you’re having the same issue. Good luck with your next bra!
Aww, thanks margesimpson ! I appreciate it...have only discovered my actual bra size abt a month ago. I've recently had a very *modest* weight loss (like about 8 pds since Dec) and so I was googling online calculators to try to figure out my dress size and then bra size. Well, wouldn't you know it, I came across the "A Bra That Fits" online calculator (I remember I was using another calculator, I believe it was this one https://www.omnicalculator.com/everyday-life/bra-size which uses the outdated +4 method, and I said to myself "that's not right!" so I kept searching).
Anyway, I ordered a couple of bras, and then after just a few weeks, I kind of start to feel burned-out looking for my ABTF, LOL. But then I started to have patience and I started to feel better about it. This is a wonderful resource, as well as the ABTF community of Reddit and there's one on FB group. I also like @theirishbralady on Instagram, she kind of just goes over the facts. It's so life-changing, right?
Anyway, well, I feel so much better that I'm not stuffing myself into the wrong sizes anymore; they were totally not flattering either! : )
I'm excited to try Comexims, but I actually ordered them last week from Breakout Bras. I can track the package from the US, but not here in Canada, so I will only get a few notifications, not tracking like Canada Post, I believe. Breakout Bras gave me a 20% off coupon when I started to put bras in my online shopping cart, then just left them overnight; they try to tempt you. But then I had to order 3 bras to get the Free Shipping. So, yeah, we'll see how that goes! : ) Take care!
Oh that’s exciting! I hope the comexim bras work out for you. The sizing is tricky but I think it’s totally worth it to figure it out. They are light as air! Ps I totally got exhausted from trying to find abtf too. I took a break from it and when I got back to it felt much better.
Yeah panache wires and gores are brutal on me too, so I totally sympathize with you. You could try a Panache Ava/Ana plunge which is lower than the balconette but, I personally felt like it was still digging in my sternum (though it was also too small in 30F). The EM BM is a lower gore and narrower all over. I think you’re going to like them much more.
* 3 part seamed cups, flat lace across the top and along the boning on the sides. Smooth tricot on the outside, soft cotton on the inside. Closed on top, so not good for tall roots. But yet it has a lot of projection at the apex. (I filled out the cups fine, but the top cut in a lot, especially near the arms.) * The seams on the cups showed a lot through a T-shirt. (Granted, if you're wearing this under a bridal gown with lots of lace and beadwork, you'd never notice the seams, but if the dress is simpler or has a plain top, you'd probably see the seams through it.) * The gore is very tall. Would not work for a low-cut dress. (Wasn't painful per se, but would be very uncomfortable for extended wear.) * The band feels true to size. Snug but not painful. Good support. Silicone along the top & bottom of the band, and in the front under the cradle.
This is a molded/padded/T-shirt style cup, which normally spells trouble for me with my super-projected top-full close-set breasts, but the fit isn't too bad here. The gore tacks, and there's no quad-boob. The support FEELS good, but I'm concerned that the band is riding too low on me. Also, there's a fair amount of dentability on the outside of the cup.
The wings are smoother than I thought they'd be (the lace is only on the outside), but a little bit of lace hangs down over the edges, which can cause some issues for my sensitive skin.
Now that I've worn Polish bras I realize just how wide this cup is on me. It's really eating about half my armpit.
This bra has very good projection at the wire--I couldn't believe there was no gap at the bottom. I like that the top is very smooth so it creates no line under clothing; however, the thick middle seam does. Band runs true to size.
This bra is very comfortable except for the strap attachment, which sits right at the crease of my armpit and is a bit painful. The shape is pretty pointy, especially on my smaller breast where I don't quite fill the apex as much as the other side. It's quite closed on top, even on my smaller side where the lace wrinkles a bit it still effectively lies flat. I LOVE the pink houndstooth print. The band is a bit stretchier and more true to size than most Panache bras which honestly is a plus to me.
It separates a little more than I like, but all in all the most comfortable and well fitting bra I've ever owned. I have a narrow ribcage, small frame and wide root breasts with average projection. The cups are a perfect depth, the underwire is slightly more narrow, and really it just fits my body beautifully. The material is very thin, no lining, so getting cold is very visible through a top. I wear a camisole or thin tank top under my shirts to help combat. I'm not comfortable with my nipples on display lol Still, I highly recommend.
I really wanted to like Panache Jasmine (6951) but I either have to get a bigger cup size or scrap it all together. The Pros: Comfortable and not too bright or distracting. It would have been the 1st mostly black bra I have since finding bras in my size. Looks like an actual balconette in the true sense, since the mounds of my breast are uncovered. Cons: The cups are really forgiving and stretchy. I suppose if I had firmer breast this wouldn't be a problem, but since I have soft, pendulous breast, and full on bottom they overpower the cups and my boobs hang a bit low. This is why I'm not sure if a bigger cup would make a difference. I didn't find this bra to be as supportive as I would like.
Another bra I've never worn, despite owning for 3+ years!
The lace is very pretty and feminine and the pattern doesn't really show, even under cotton shirts. My breasts fill the cups and the back is snug for a 32 band, so it doesn't slide around, even though I prefer a 28 or 30 band these days. I love that the straps are removable, which I guess is why I've kept it for so long.
Unfortunately, this bra is uncomfortable on me. The wire is very high in the wing and center, presumably to add more structure to the band, so that your breasts will be supported without the straps. ...For me, this turns out to be painful. This problem is exacerbated, I'm sure, by the wire width, something I hadn't paid attention to at the time of purchase. I now know that very narrow wires suit me better.
Appearance-wise, this bra gives my breasts a somewhat pointy shape, which isn't my favorite.
Overall, I would recommend this to someone who prefers wide wires and has experienced no problems with high wires in the past. Read more 73 more words
Gorgeous bra -- soft lace. I also have the bra in 32FF, which is better for me. I get a slight quadboob, but it's not bad. The stretch lace makes the fit pretty forgiving. Good for soft breasts.
Not enough support. The cup is perhaps too large, but hard to tell. The top of the center gore was digging in, but if I pressed the bottom of the cup against my ribs it felt better. The bottom of the cup wrinkled -- I felt the "urge to hoist." It's a very pretty bra, if it fit! I returned it.
I am very pleased with the Porcelain Viva 6701 bra. I have wide root breasts that start near my underarm. This bra completely encases my breast tissue comfortably. I fill the cups well without overflow. Beneath a thin knit top, the cups look smooth, with an uplifted, rounded shape.
The size, shape, comfort and appearance are very good for me. I would purchase this bra again.
This bra fits similar to the Envy, I think. The side support brings me forward (which is needed after breastfeeding) and it does give some lift.
The only weird thing is the material. The lace is pretty, but will stretch out a little when you Swoop & Scoop (you know, when you reach your hand in there). The edges will turn up. The other thing is the non-lace material. It’s a mesh, which is soft (don’t get me wrong), but it wrinkles terribly. It’s two-layered. So, even if the bottom layer lays flat against you, the top layer gives this odd wrinkly appearance. It will look like it doesn’t fit.
I'm a bit new to bra specifics, but I hope this review will be helpful. I bought this used, so the band was already stretched out a bit as well as the upper lace (which may be why the upper lace isn't lying flush). The band is quite tight. Stretched to the max, it the band goes to 32 inches, but resting on my table it's at 26 inches, which is a bit comical (though, I don't know, maybe that's normal?). I suggest sizing up in the band. For the cups, the bottoms fit fine, but the cup wrinkles on my left smaller boob, and it shows ...quite badly through shirts. People have recommended the Envy as a projected bra, but it seems I need an even more projected one. I'll probably end up folding in and sewing the cups a bit in as it's not returnable. Otherwise, it seems to be of good quality, and it looks very cute, especially in pink. Perhaps if I got a 34DD the bra would fit better (I was expecting the band to fit a 32in chest, sadly. I'll probably buy non-elastic band extenders also.) Read more 85 more words
So beautiful on you! Hope the mesh helps; itchy is not an adjective I want associated with my bra ;-)