The outside fabric is soft and the pattern, called 'Floral Shimmer', was very pretty. Even without a shirt on is was hard to tell that the cup size was too big, there was no gaping unless I purposely tried to make it gap. I found the cups to be very comfortable but the wire was poking me in the armpit. I had some sizing issues with this bra so that could have been the reason for the uncomfortable wire.
Floral Shimmer colorway
Updated on Jun 15, 2020 Flag this
I decided to pick up this bra randomly from one of my regular eBay closeout sellers. After researching, I determined that this bra's cups are extra deep and run at least a cup large, and the silicone -lined band and detachable straps made it suitable for wear as a strapless option. I hoped this would work out as a good unpadded strapless bra, but unfortunately it was a fail.
In general, Parfait bras are pretty tough for me. The cups of every style I've tried except Charlotte run at least a size large, being very tall, wide, and deep simultaneously. The wires also have a ... very sharp U shaped curve instead of the gentle C curve that suits me better. This style unfortunately exemplifies all of these traits. Compared to my Masquerade Alice, another 30D that runs a size large in the cups, the depth is the same, but the cups are wider and taller. As a result, I would conclude that this bra really runs close to two cups large (the measurements are similar to my B. Tempt'd by Wacoal Ciao Bella in 30DDD). Thus, this would really fit a 30E best as I normally wear 30DD. I also found that the cup shape is extremely rounded, but because the wires are so wide, the fullest point of the bra sits further out on me than they should, so it gives a bit of a splayed east-west look. However, I do not believe this would be a problem if you are wearing the correct cup size as the wire width would be appropriate. However, on me, this is so wide that it's absolutely unwearable even if I did fill out the cup.
The band is firm powermesh with side boning and has silicone at both the top and bottom of the band, so I think this would make it a great strapless/convertible option, however it was hard for me to correctly evaluate the fit since the cups are so large on me. My guess is that the band is pretty TTS, though whether or not it will stay up strapless would depend on your specific measurements.
Styling-wise, the bra is much prettier than expected. I don't love the contrast color being used at the wire channels, but it looks fine on the straps and the embroidery. From the pictures, I thought that the cups were decorated with subtle beading and I was worried it would look lumpy under clothing, but thankfully this turned out to be embroidery only. The "beaded" portion are little embroidered circles that are slightly raised, but not terribly bumpy. The straps have a pretty texture and are fully adjustable. The gore has a very small bow with rhinestone charm that is subtle and tasteful. I was impressed with the quality of this bra and it reminds me of something from the Masquerade line. This is much nicer than any other Parfait bra I've tried so far.
Give this a try if you are able to order your normal band size and size down 2 in the cups, and if you usually have good luck with deep, rounded molded cup bras. I love the idea of a bra like this with convertible straps and the strapless option, and wish it had worked out!
Read more
455 more words
Pink/Raspberry colorway
Updated on Apr 04, 2020 Flag this
I have a weird history with Charlotte, as this is my third one. I despised my first one (30D black satin) and never saw myself going back to give it another try, but since then I've tried it in 28E and once again in 30D as Breakout Bras had it on deep discount.
Unlike the original black satin 30D, which was a newer generation that I purchased from Nordstrom, this one in Dusty Rose is one of the older iterations. The cups on this bra are mostly made from lightweight matte crepe, with an outer sling and cradle made from thick, heavy satin. The band is ... still powermesh and fits very snugly for the size. The fabric of this bra feels much more comfortable than I remember, and it looks nice under clothing. I like the appearance of this colorway the best out of all the ones I tried, as the color is subtle and sophisticated.
The band is nice and snug and works for me in the 30, though I prefer the 28. The 28E was a bit too tall at the upper outer cup where the straps are attached, so it creates some emptiness that I have trouble filling, and also causes some chafing. However, going down a cup size to the 30D results in a cup that's definitely too small and too short for me. I fill the volume with no issues and don't get any of the pointiness I get from the 28E on my smaller side, but the cup width is too narrow, and the top closes in too sharply into my tall roots.
When comparing the 30D and 28E side by side, it is obvious that I need the volume of the larger cup size. So, I'm happy I have been able to try both. Now I know that Charlotte is just not exactly right for me and my shape, and I'd probably fit best somewhere between 28DD and 28E with a lowered outer upper cup.
Read more
231 more words
Dusty Rose colorway
Updated on Feb 17, 2020 Flag this
I am officially giving up on Parfait bras after 3 epic fails. Unfortunately, this brand is just not for me. The main problem is that these bras are clearly not designed for my shape. Parfait bras all run on the narrow side and are a little deeper than what I'm used to. The underwire shape is always a deep U, while I am wide and shallow and need an even C underwire. However, I found that there were some differences with the two versions of this bra that I purchased at the same time, so I will comment on the differences in the ... below review (it's hard for me to conclude whether these two bras were slightly different generations or the differences were just due to production, since I already returned the original bra).
I purchased the Sandrine from Nordstrom Rack where it was a great price. The last Parfait unlined bra I purchased (Irene) was a total mess, and had heinous fabric. Thus, I was so surprised that Sandrine is actually quite beautiful, and is made from soft and silky lace! I am actually really impressed with the quality of this bra, and if it had worked out, I would've switched to this as my everyday lace style. The upper layer is made from a silky, lightweight stretch floral lace, and the cups are lined with lightweight stretch powermesh, so the cups are full stretch while still providing support. The upper panel is stretch lace with the same lining, but there's clear stabilizing tape at the upper edge, a detail I don't see often in bras. There's even a little crystal at the center gore with a 3 petal ribbon flower. Not necessarily to my taste, but certainly not as bizarre and random as the Freya center gore decorations I've come across. The Cameo Rose color is also a really pretty soft nude pink, as pretty as a nude shade can get.
However, the underwires and I still just could not get along. My guess is that the shape, volume, and projection of the cups would've worked out for me if the wires were different. Compared to the Black Sandrine, the ones on this particular bra came with more of a C curve and were a bit wider, so I tried to open them up a bit, but I wasn't able to do this successfully as I needed more than 1 cm of additional width, and I believe 1 cm is the widest you should open your underwires without affecting their structural integrity and shape. The cups definitely felt a lot better, but the fit wasn't quite there. However, I did like the shape of the cups and how they provide full coverage without feeling matronly.
Still, there was no point in considering changing the wires when the band was also too loose and not supportive. The band on this particular bra was a bit smaller than the Black, so it did feel a lot better, but after adjusting, the back of the band definitely rode up. I am not impressed with the wing construction at all, as it is just single layer stretch lace without any stretch mesh lining! The upper and lower edge elastic is also the standard narrow size and doesn't provide enough support or stability. I found that tightening the band causes the wires to pull into my body, which makes sense since it's so flimsy, and doesn't have a full band construction. The straps are also really skinny with no texture, so I imagine these will definitely slip.
Ultimately, poor band construction and horrible wire misfit can't make up for beautiful styling and gorgeous materials. I don't feel confident that I can find another Parfait style that will suit my shape and be supportive, so I think this will be my last try with the brand.
Read more
553 more words
Cameo Rose colorway
Updated on Sep 27, 2019 Flag this
I am officially giving up on Parfait bras after 3 epic fails. Unfortunately, this brand is just not for me. The main problem is that these bras are clearly not designed for my shape. Parfait bras all run on the narrow side and are a little deeper than what I'm used to. The underwire shape is always a deep U, while I am wide and shallow and need an even C underwire.
I purchased the Sandrine from Nordstrom Rack where it was a great price. The last Parfait unlined bra I purchased (Irene) was a total mess, and had heinous fabric. Thus, I ... was so surprised that Sandrine is actually quite beautiful, and is made from soft and silky lace! I am actually really impressed with the quality of this bra, and if it had worked out, I would've switched to this as my everyday lace style. The upper layer is made from a silky, lightweight stretch floral lace, and the cups are lined with lightweight stretch powermesh, so the cups are full stretch while still providing support. The upper panel is stretch lace with the same lining, but there's clear stabilizing tape at the upper edge, a detail I don't see often in bras. There's even a little crystal at the center gore with a 3 petal ribbon flower. Not necessarily to my taste, but certainly not as bizarre and random as the Freya center gore decorations I've come across.
However, the underwires and I just could not get along. My guess is that the shape, volume, and projection of the cups would've worked out for me if the wires were different, but I didn't feel comfortable bending these wires (wire width came in under 11 cm, I need around 12.5 cm, I would not bend wires more than 1 cm to open them up). I don't have any spare wires on hand that I could swap out, which would've been the better option.
Still, there was no point in considering changing the wires when the band was also too loose and not supportive. I am not impressed with the wing construction at all, as it is just single layer stretch lace without any stretch mesh lining! The upper and lower edge elastic is also the standard narrow size and doesn't provide enough support or stability. I found that tightening the band causes the wires to pull into my body, which makes sense since it's so flimsy, and doesn't have a full band construction. The straps are also really skinny with no texture, so I imagine these will definitely slip.
Ultimately, poor band construction and horrible wire misfit can't make up for beautiful styling and gorgeous materials. I don't feel confident that I can find another Parfait style that will suit my shape and be supportive, so I think this will be my last try with the brand.
Read more
385 more words
Black colorway
Updated on Sep 26, 2019 Flag this
Irene was a random online purchase from Nordstrom Rack. I purchased this simply because it was cheap and I wanted to try something from Parfait.
However, Irene is a prime example of grading gone wrong. I forgot to take measurements of this before returning it, but Irene's underwires are shaped like a horseshoe (like a U but with a more flattened, bulbous bottom and the upper ends pointed in instead of straight). This is clearly designed as a plus-size bra and graded down to a size where this shape and proportion is inappropriate. I don't think anyone with a 30D cup size has the amount of breast tissue necessary to fill out this bra, as the cups are tall, deep, and run at least a size or size and a half too big.
In addition, the fabric appeared quite cheap and was scratchy, and the wires were downright stiff. This was an all-around unpleasant bra.
Black colorway
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Sep 01, 2019 Flag this
I purchased this as a replacement for my long outgrown Bess Balconette. I still prefer the look of the balconette version of this bra. I had hoped it would fit the same as the sister cut Parfait Fiona I have in the same size. Unfortunately Bess is much more closed on top so I do get some quadding, especially near the gore, almost the exact opposite fit I have with Fiona. The somewhat poor fit does give me more of a cleavagy look than I usually manage which can be nice. The texture and quadding can show through shirts though. It's nice to have around as a fairly comfortable white bra, but if the Fiona fits you well, I wouldn't recommend Bess.
Cream and Coffee colorway
Updated on Feb 05, 2018 Flag this
Great bra, beautiful color. I love the minimalistic style. I own the Casey, but it gives pointy boobs. The Jeanie is less pointy. I have lots of center fullness that isn't enclosed by the cups, but I tried this in a cup size up and it was gaping too much. The wires of this bra are short, but are the perfect length for me as I'm high waisted. The band is rather tight for a 30, but I know it'll stretch and be more comfy over time.
Navy blue colorway
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Nov 07, 2017 Flag this
This bra has better depth than the deco but the cups are still too tall and open for me.
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Aug 12, 2017 Flag this
This was my first try with this bra, and I couldn't tell whether it fit or not. When I tried a size up it became clear -- this one is just a bit too tight, and the cups are just a bit too small. See my review of 32D - Parfait By Affinitas ยป Bess Balconet Bra (1812) for the better-fitting size up.
Cream/Coffee. colorway
Updated on Jul 18, 2017 Flag this
I love this bra, although it does not fit me perfectly. To my taste, the shape is a bit too pointed and the cups are a bit too separated, but the design... is stunning. I just love the deep blue teal and the black lace. As others have indicated, in hindsight, a bralette may not have been the smartest choice for the petite that I am: the bottom edge of the band seems to keep driving into high hips. But - I love this bra regardless. It is also my go-to bra when my breasts get firm and painful (as part of the cycle).
Updated on May 30, 2017 Flag this
It projects my shallow wide boobs, which makes my happy. My breasts do not always nicely fill in the cups. Depending on how I'm bending my body the cups are either OK, too big, or too small (top digs into breast tissue). However, this doesn't show too much under clothing, so I'm not annoyed. Would probably work better for softer breasts. The fabric is beautiful, it has a matte shine to it (I know this sounds weird). I only wish it came in size 28, the 30 is a little wide and I'm afraid it'll stretch out quickly. I'm keeping it and will see how it goes.
Updated on May 16, 2017 Flag this
Wires are too narrow for me. Depth would be okay if the wires were wider. I think because the wires were too narrow, the bottom of the bra ended up being too shallow for me. Unfortunately this wouldn't work for me in a bigger size, the wires would be wide enough, but there would be too much depth.
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Jul 16, 2016 Flag this
This bra somehow felt awkward on me. The wires were the right length, but they felt stiff and uncomfortable. The cups were just little bit too large. The silhouette the bra created was pointier than I like. This bra gives more coverage than I usually wear, which may contribute to the feeling of mismatch, as if I were wearing someone else's bra. In the online pictures before I ordered it, I thought the bra looked pretty, but in hand I thought it was kind of plain. Just not my cup of tea, I guess.
Ivory colorway
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Apr 12, 2016 Flag this
Great bra, true to size, but better for someone with a little more fullness up top. It seems to fit me, but has folds/wrinkles around the top
Updated on Mar 22, 2016 Flag this
UPDATE 12/2015: My boobs have grown a bit and now this bra is a much better fit. Even on my smaller days I fill the cup. There's still a little bit of room along the edge of the cup near the gore, I just don't have the center fullness this bra wants. On my bigger days it mostly goes away. Fiona is actually one of my best fitting bras right now.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
So I like my Fiona but we don't always get along. It needs a little more center and upper fullness than I have, but I can get away with it fine in most shirts and it makes ... my boobs look gigantic. On my bigger boobed days I pretty much fill it out (with good posture) on my bigger side and I get close on the other. I got it pretty cheap and have the matching thong (in a medium which is a bit big for me, but it was crazy cheap on ebay) so I've never felt inclined to get rid of it.
I think it runs a bit big in the cup and I mentioned above, seems suited to FoT shapes and those with center fullness. The other problem I have is that the straps fall off all the time if I'm even remotely active. They're quite wide set and only half adjustable. Even adjusted as short as they go they just kind of perch on my shoulders and they loosen themselves easily. I do love the pleated grosgrain ribbon on the straps and really wish they had worked into the panty design as well.
Read more
158 more words
Red colorway
Updated on Dec 16, 2015 Flag this
Pointy boobs + thin fabric = two cones on your chest. That was a lesson learned. My nipples landed between the lacy bit and the blue fabric, pulling the fabric forward and wrinkling the bra strangely. The underwire also didn't extend far enough out for me, and the pressure caused redness under my armpits from the brief fitting! And yet the top of the bra still gaped. I knew the gore wouldn't work for me going in, but did not expect the absolute disaster this bra ended up being on me, haha.
Blue colorway
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Nov 18, 2015 Flag this
Super comfy, but makes me look kinda flat. Came super flat, and is shedding some excess (non attached) fibers from the lace.
Black colorway
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Sep 09, 2015 Flag this
This bra is soft and pretty. I love the light grey color and the pink bow. The straps are shiny!
I think it fits true to size. Unfortunately, the whole thing is just too wide for me. The wires are about an inch beyond my breast tissue on the sides, the gore is a touch too wide, and the straps are in my armpits. I get way too much side coverage and the front is only covered on accident because everything about the bra is too large on me. My nipples are in the lace top portion of the cup and I almost have quadboob after scooping and swooping. ... I also get wrinkles in the bottom. I thought maybe I just had the front pulled down too low but put pulling it up feels wrong- after I scoop and swoop again, it creeps back down anyway.
I would say that the cups are shallow friendly which is nice to see in a non-foam bra.
Overall, this is lovely and I'm glad I got to try it! Unfortunately the shape mismatch and scaling will make me hesitate to try these again in the future.
Read more
83 more words
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Sep 05, 2015 Flag this
Good looking bra, though the wires dig in at the gore and squeak like crazy. Bending the wires might help with comfort.
Updated on Jul 23, 2015 Flag this
