Panache 'Marcie' Balconette Bra

If you're not experienced with UK bra size fitting, don't be deterred by the "extremely large" cup sizes you see. The (incorrect) American way of fitting requires you to add a 4-5 inches to your underbust and compare this measurement with your bust measurement. The difference will lead to your cup size: 1" = A, 2"=B, 3"=C, 4"=D, 5"=DD... The (correct) UK way of fitting requires you to simply compare your true underbust measurement with your true bust measurement. Thus somebody with 30" underbust and 36" overbust might be used to wearing a 34B (US) but really should be looking for 30E for the right support. That said, I used to wear 32C and found out I should really be wearing 30E. Thankfully Nordstrom and the Panache bra band delivered. This band is extremely true to size (not too stretchy). This is my first experience buying a softcup bra and it is very comfortable, compliments my natural shape, and is (to my surprise) supportive and sexy. I recommend this bra to anybody who is passionate about wearing the correctly fitting bra size or "abrathatfits".

Overall, I felt this bra felt quite true to size. The band was snug and the cups gave a beautiful uplifted round shape from the bottom. Unfortunately for me, the wonderful shaping fell away when I could not find a way to get the rigid lace upper cup and my very soft pendulous breast tissue to work together. The result was lots of puckering. The bright teal color is absolutely beautiful. I think that this bra might work a lot better on someone with more top heavy breasts.

The creators of this bra must not have taken into consideration that a 30E isn't actually a large bust! The gore fits incredibly high and is very uncomfortable. Otherwise the bra seems well constructed and high quality. It's a little frilly for my tastes and doesn't look seamless under clothing. If you are buying this bra for a smaller bust beware, the gore will drive you crazy unless you are already used to a very, very, very high gore. I could see it working well for a larger bust though.

I'm normally a 30H/32GG in Cleo and Panache, but this runs very tight in a 30, as well as quite full in the top of the cup. I find myself between the 32G and the 32GG, with the top of the cup in the G fitting better, but the bottom of the cup in the GG fitting the best . But this bra is so comfortable that I'm tempted to just keep both. Unlike with many Cleo/Panache bras, this has a narrow gore, which is great if you have close set breasts, and it gives you a nicely rounded shape under clothes. A beautiful bra, but consider that unless you're really very full on top, you may need to drop a cup down.

I'm 17 and a 30 G. Having a small frame, but big bust has always been a problem and having a good bra was absolutely necessary. However, for years I was stuck with freya bras because they were the best I had experienced so far. I love pretty undergarments though! It feels great when you can wear a pretty bra, but those freya bras weren't so pretty and I just didn't love them. I went out on a limb and ordered this and just fell in LOVE. It's the best bra I've ever owned. 1. It separates my breast. Living in hot hot southern California while having cleavage out the wazoo just isn't fun, so that was a major win to me that this bra didn't just smoosh them together. 2. Like I said, it's just ADORABLE. From the lace to the center bow and the color, it's just great. 3. It's really comfortable. Granted, this bra DOES need to be broken in. The under wire was poking me pretty bad (especially on the left side for some reason) but that cleared up after about a week's worth of wear. 4. It gives you shape, but isn't completely restraining. The cups are a soft fairly thin cloth that allows for maneuverability which is always fantastic! My absolute favorite bra I've ever owned, and I've gone through quite a few! I've ordered myself a second of this because I liked it so much.

This material is thin so be careful when it's get cold! I wouldn't wear this work for that reason.