A Sophisticated Notion

The most surprising trend for me in the last eight months is how much I enjoy wireless bras. For years, I only kept wireless styles in my bra wardrobe for at home wear. Now I wear them everywhere and love testing new styles. Today, it’s all about the Panache Andorra wire-free bra. When I operated the store, the original Andorra underwire design was a perennial favorite among my customers because of the constant rotation of fashion colors. However, I personally disliked how the wires and cups were too high under my arms, poking and chafing me as I moved. Would the lack of an underwire finally make me love Andorra?

Size: UK 34H/US 34K

When I realized I lost more weight in my measurements two weeks ago, my fear became whether the Andorra would still fit. Fortunately, it does! When I first received the bra, my measurements were 42” bust and 33” ribcage. The band was TIGHT, but the cups were manageable. As I moved my torso, they became slightly small but without noticeable overflow or any gaping, wrinkling, or puckering.

I kept Andorra initially because my other skin tone bras were hopelessly big in the cup. Since I frequently feed my boobs more than my mouth when I eat, I do not own many light colored tops. In fact, I have precisely four, two of which are thick enough to work with my Elomi Tori. I could always use an extender if it felt too tight on long days, and in keeping it, I would have a bra with daily functionality regardless of my location.

Image of the Andorra wire-free bra on the body, front facing


Presently, my measurements are 41.5” bust and 31.75” ribcage, and would you believe it? The Andorra is still pretty flippin’ firm! The cup size also fits perfectly. If you’re thinking of ordering this style, definitely consider sizing up in the band and possibly the cup size too for extra space.

Fit & Feel

Like the classic Andorra, the wire-free version sports a four-section two-ply cup. Two lower cup panels connect with a vertical seam for added lift while a side panel redirects tissue forward. A reinforced stretch lace upper cup contours to your shape, and fully-adjustable partially-felted straps allow for customization without painful shoulder digging. The straps also feel more inset on this style with less gravitation toward the tips of the shoulders.

The back has the same power-mesh wings which taper to three hook-and-eye closures for added smoothing and improved anchorage. The primary difference is the Andorra wire-free bra does not have the wire (shocking, no?) although it does still have the shape of the channel. The wire-free version also has a much thicker band to help support the weight of the breasts.

The band works better here with the lace Panache places along it. In the wired classic, the lace often flipped underneath the banded frame as the day wore on, causing uncomfortable and painful rubbing along the ribs. However, the wire-free band is much wider to keep the lace from twisting underneath as I move.

Because of the lack of underwire, the Andorra wire-free does not tack in the center. Smaller cup sizes may not have this issue, but my experience has always been a wireless bra rarely ever tacks above a UK E cup. Nevertheless, the composition of the cup and the reinforced stretch lace provide excellent containment. Those wanting to avoid the jiggle when they move will find something to like with Andorra.

Image of the Andorra wire-free bra on the body, side facing with arms down
The light was being a bit persnickety that day!

Finally, I mentioned the Andorra wired bra always poked and cut into the sensitive tissue underneath my arms. My ardent hope was the wire-free style would be better, and my faith was well-founded! The bra is comfortable and supportive without restricting movement. This is especially important because I often wear it while sitting at my desk typing on my laptop.

The Profile of the Andorra Wire-Free

When I reviewed the Panache Lyzy, I noted how the shape was more natural, leaning toward pointed. Not everyone appreciates this silhouette, with many likening it to “Madonna boobs” and preferring a contoured, rounded shape. Personally, the shape wasn’t a problem. The more I wore it, the more I liked it. I went from only wearing Lyzy if I had to snag something from the grocery store to wearing it as regular everyday bra. The minimized profile complemented my casual, relaxed vibe and was a welcome departure.

Andorra is definitely not relaxed. I’m impressed with how much lift Panache created with a wireless bra. It’s on par with most underwire styles. However, I would be remiss in my duties as a reviewer if I did not comment that the shape of Andorra wire-free is pointier than even Lyzy. Again, I like the shape, but everyone feels differently about the shape of their boobs.

As with Lyzy, I also took photos of the Andorra underneath a tee shirt. You can see it is definitely not as pronounced under clothes. I will also say that materials, color, print, and layers play a big role here too. I’ve worn Andorra with printed tees, sweaters, jackets, scarves, or some combination thereof without noticing the pointiness.

Materials & Price

 The Andorra wire-free bra retails for $60 and is available in three neutral options: black, warm taupe, and soft blush. Clearly, I’m wearing the soft blush, which is the most perfect match for my skin tone of any bra I have ever tried. Period. I have cool, rosy undertones to my skin, and many light colored bras in the beige family have a yellow undertone. I make do, but this is the first bra which matches my pale skin.

Image of the Andorra wire-free bra on the body, side facing with arms raised


However, I also want to commend Panache on the addition of warm taupe, a stunning color in its own right but also a beautiful alternative for mid to darker skin tones. I love how companies are finally embracing more shades of nude to match the many shades of people in this world. Progress, people!

The materials are comparable to the $66 Andorra underwired style, and no matter my feelings about the fit of certain Panache bras, I never fault the quality. Andorra is no different. The price is affordable and fair respective to the materials, design, and size range for the style. You essentially access the same fabrics as the original minus the underwire for $6 less.

Image of Andorra Wire-free off the body to show interior cup design and back wings


I will say that the bra has the classic Panache “starchy” feel when it is new, and the texture on the skin is rougher. Most of my Panache bras experienced this, but a good washing/soak alleviates the abrasive feel. I always recommend Eucalan for the lanolin which protects the fibers of the bra over time while simultaneously softening them. Once I washed the bra, the fabrics were comfy against my skin.

Aesthetics of the Andorra

Andorra, both versions, strikes me as being a pretty but basic style. There are no potentially off-putting prints, and the fashion colors are always crowd-pleasing and sophisticated. The all-over lace cup adds visual interest but features a flat, low textural profile for discreetness under thinner tops.

Image of Andorra wire-free off the body to show front of design


It reminds me of the bra equivalent of a “classic beauty.” It transforms and elevates the qualities of a basic everyday bra into something beautiful and detailed. As part of goal “Have more non-sports bra options for every day, ” Andorra succeeds beautifully. If you’re looking to branch out to wireless, definitely give this style whirl!