Hello Ladies,
Earlier this year, I had some difficulties with Panache that they not only resolved quickly and amicably, but they also wanted to offer me a free set of lingerie for my troubles. When I was first properly fitted for a bra, I adored Panache, but in recent years, I struggled to find a style that I loved and fit my figure. As a result, I was excited for this risk-free opportunity to explore something new from the brand, and after much consideration, I decided to try the Andorra balcony bra.
Sizing: Despite the Andorra utilizing a stretch lace, my sales rep advised me to size up in the cup and order the 30HH, which fits beautifully. The band feels firm and snug—something I appreciate about Panache’s designs, and the cup perfectly encases my breast tissue with no gaping or spillage. Furthermore, the depth of the cups near the center gore works well for my body to ensure proper tacking of the underwire.
Fit: Featuring a 3-section balcony cup, the Andorra provides wonderful lift and shaping, and I was immediately impressed with how supported my boobs appear in this bra. Not to mention, unlike other balcony styles, the Andorra propels breast tissue forward instead of to the side. The Andorra also offers a little more coverage and hold than my other bras, which is a nice feature on days when I move around the store without any time to readjust. Additionally, I love how the bra is lower on the side and near the arm than many Panache styles; in fact, women who feel like the wires in Panache bras sit too high on the sides will be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable this style is to wear. Lastly, I feel like the bra fits my torso and stays put all while giving me great support on the sides.
Materials: The hallmark of the Andorra is the soft, breathable, and just plain comfortable stretch lace that comprises the top of the cup. Because the lace is so flexible, I can see this style working for women with a variety of breast shapes and sizes. The bottom of the cup does utilize stiffer lace, but this allows the bra to provide better uplift and support. Moreover, the interior of the cup sports a side sling to give forward projection instead of allowing breast tissue to drift to the side. Fully adjustable straps are a nice addition as well, especially for petite or short-waisted women.
Design: One of the reasons I ultimately opted for the Andorra was because I don’t have a single lace bra in my lingerie wardrobe. The majority of the bras I own are the standard balcony style with a fabric lower cup and either a mesh or lace upper section. An allover lace was a new design for me, and I really love it. The classy and romantic floral pattern in the lace lends a timeless but sexy vibe to the bra almost as though you could envision silver screen stars or pin-up models favoring the set. Extended embroidery on the strap and band along with a bow in the center are lovely final touches. Furthermore, I want to note that despite the lace design, the Andorra blends well under knit wear. The center seam is visible under some of my thinner weight or lighter color tops, but overall, this is about as versatile as the Freya Faye.
The Shorts: The Andorra shorts might be my new favorite fashion pant. First, the shorts are super comfortable because they feature the same soft, stretch lace as the bra, but the design itself is flattering too. Manufacturers often strike out with how the short looks from the back because too much coverage or not enough angles with the leg line flatten and widen the behind. However, these shorts utilize an angled cut on the rear to highlight your natural curves and give shape. As a bonus, the sheerness of the lace keeps the vibe sexy but classy. Finally, I like how these shorts blend better under my clothes, even thin jersey knits, than some of my other fashion pants.
Other Comments: With the Andorra, Panache nailed a tricky design dilemma, namely creating a fuller-coverage balcony bra with fantastic support that feels comfortable on the side and maintains a beautiful design aesthetic. Recently, I’ve experimented with the Andorra, the Cleo Lucy, and the Tango series, and this style is easily my favorite. Given how comfortable I find the bra, it wouldn’t surprise me if this becomes a style I turn to often. My former reluctance to try other Panache styles has vanished, and I’m now excited to see what new designs and colors they will create next. For example, check out the upcoming fashion color Lagoon on the Andorra plunge:
Overall Grade: A
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