Of the three bras I snaggeded during Curvy Kate’s massive online sale, the Scantilly Peek-a-Boo was my absolute favorite, and if I am being honest, the real driving factor behind my decision to order. For starters, it’s freakin’ green! Bright green, even! Have I not been pining after a bra this color for years?! Fabulous color aside, I was also curious to try the higher end, boudoir-inspired Scantilly line itself. The initial show-stopping collection debuted after I cut ties with the brand, leaving me to eye the stunners from a distance. Finally, I would have a Scantilly piece of my own! (Side note: No video again due to the general sheer styling of the piece.)

As with the Daily Dream and Bridget, I opted for the UK 34H (US 34K) and nervously awaited my package, unsure if I made the right decision. Luxury or higher end lines within a brand sometimes run tighter in the band, and I was afraid I needed the 36 instead. However, the 34H fits snugly but comfortably on the loosest hooks, and the cup contours well without causing my tissue to overflow or the cup to wrinkle. However, in the center, the gore makes no attempt to tack and actively angles away from my rib cage, partly because the cups are too shallow and wide for my center heavy tissue.

In the Daily Dream review, I mentioned my overall low expectations for Curvy Kate due to past shortcomings with fit. The previous bra frames were too wide and shallow for my shape, creating a slew of problems ranging from poor tacking at the center to an east-west breast shape to uncomfortable rubbing under my arms. Peek-a-boo, unlike the other two styles I received, feels more like old school Curvy Kate. The straps are super duper wide even for my linebacker shape. If I placed them at the correct spot coming from the top of the cup, they would literally not be on my shoulders. As a result, I have to move them inward sharply which in turn pulls the cup fabric into my underarm. Furthermore, the wires sit back too far on my ribs, leaving extra space between where they end and the tissue begins. While I did experience extra space with Daily Dream and Bridget, it was to such a lesser degree that my comfort level was never impacted.

Peek-a-boo, on the other hand, is not comfortable, and I say that with an exceptionally heavy heart. Of all the bras I ordered, this is the one I wanted most to work because I loved the aesthetic and color so much. Sadly, Peek-a-book is not designed for narrower breast types. On the positive side, the cup at the top is quite open to allow my balanced breast shape to sit upward without cutting into the tissue, and the four-section half-cup provides lovely lift and a forward shape, rounding the upper breast for a flattering silhouette. Average or wider set breast types, especially those with broad shoulders, may fare better with Peek-a-Boo. Personally, if the straps were moved in 2”, I could have made this work . . . and I so desperately wanted to make this work.

Because Scantilly is also a higher priced collection, the suggested retail price for Peek-a-Boo is $90. As a proud lingerie aficionado, I am open to spending more on bras because the higher priced styles often feature elements not found in cheaper counterparts, such as softer fabrics, more conscientious designs, and even technological advances in construction or fit. The most expensive bra I own presently is the Ce Soir by Avocado which retails around $100, and I love that bra. If you are a local customer, you have undoubtedly seen it peeping out from the neckline of my Bolero dresses. I was expecting something comparable in quality here, but again, I was disappointed.

First, Curvy Kate did improve on the traditional $55 to $65 styles with a higher quality, less stretchy straps, rose gold hardware, and beautiful, luxurious satin across the front. However, the single ply mesh on the cups is scratchy, especially across the nips, as are the powermesh wings. For the added price, I would have preferred a softer fabric particularly because the much cheaper Bridget actually sports a nicer mesh than Peek-a-Boo. Part of the price also derives from the design innovation as well as the size range, I’m sure. Again, Curvy Kate aims to impress with Peek-a-Boo available for 30-40 bands and DD-HH cups. Nevertheless, if someone handed me the bra and asked me to guess the retail price, I would say $75.

Aesthetically, I still love this bra. The saturated green is even prettier in person although the technical term is chartreuse (“the only liquor so good they named a color after it!”). Somewhere between a lime and a lemongrass, the color pops against the skin, especially the heavier stitching on the cups and the beautiful satin on the base. The use of rose gold hardware is a more glamorous touch than traditional gold or silver. My favorite element, however, is the playful way the breast peeks above the satin bandeau running across the bottom as it stops the style from being totally sheer and adds to its unique, luxurious feel. Since I am officially jaded about lingerie aesthetics, I feel like many bras for FF+ cups are pretty much the same variation of a few core styles. Seasons can feel monotonous, and to have a style which is so fresh and clever also be shown in this punchy, eye-poppingly verdant shade is marvelous. I just wish the fit was better!