Hello Ladies,
The last bra I added to my “out of the house” arsenal was the Panache Andorra which is now being worn on the tightest set of hooks, and the rest of my bra wardrobe isn’t looking much better. Couple the overall wear-and-tear with a cup size change, and I feel disappointed in the state of my lingerie drawer. After perusing the web researching other styles to try, I stumbled upon multiple reviews of the Rhea Bandeau bra from Masquerade by Panache (if I missed a review, comment below please):
Fuller Figure Fuller Bust
Bras I Hate
The Curvy Kitten
Windie Gardie
Invest in your Chest
Lingerie Abstracts
The design was jaw-dropping and swoon-worthy and only made better by feedback that the cups were cut generously. In short: I was in love. Since I am plagued with some color transfer issues on my bras, I opted for the “basic” black:
Sizing & Fit: Heartbreak was practically instantaneous as my (former) 30H did not fit. The band on this bra felt perfect but very firm and lacked the stretchy quality most manufacturers use. My ribcage measures almost exactly 30″; however, if I was between a 30 and 32, I would have opted for the larger size. Furthermore, if you have less cushioning around your ribs, you may want to size up for comfort. While the band was perfect, the cup was too tiny. Overflow abounded at the top, and I was unable to fully scoop all the tissue from the side into the cup. I think a 30J would have worked perfectly, and since this style stops at an H cup, I will have to continue loving it from afar. *sobs*
Materials: Because the Rhea is from Masquerade, which is Panache’s upscale line, the the materials are luxurious and high-quality. The satin simplex exterior is smooth and silky with a hint of sheen, and the wings feel soft and comfortable despite their firmness. The two hook-and-eye closures were a slight disappointment as I do prefer the standard three, but it’s only a minor quibble. Additionally, the interior of the cup is lined in a fabric that feels like a worn-in cotton so that it caresses the skin while you wear it. Finally, the fully-adjustable straps feel firm and comfortable, and the embroidery on the top of the cup and band is intricate but seems strong enough to withstand everyday wear.
Design: My initial state of lust centered on the padded half-cup design because I love the rounder shape it gives. Not to mention, this style specializes in “top cleavage” that the Invest in Your Chest ladies refers to as the Marie Antoinette “cakes on a plate” look. It’s sexy but subtle, and since plunge bras seem to be a rare breed in the H+ cup market, I’m willing to settle on a padded half-cup design instead. Furthermore, the richness of the fabric, the stunning embroidery, and the vertical seaming combine to create a bra that really looks and feels good. There’s no other way to describe it. The black lends a sultry and sexy vibe without trying too hard. Imagine this bra with a sheer robe, a garter belt, and high heels—vintage glamor at its best!
Other Comments: Size-aside, I adore this bra, and at $79, the Rhea is on the more affordable end of the upscale lingerie world.
Final Grade: A
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