https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 02:09:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/3#post-52746 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:58:03 +0000 carissa 52746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, if you work in NYC, we can find the bra at a store for you to try, maybe on your lunch break. lets keep in mind I'm in Dallas and have never been to NYC so really have no idea what lunch is like in the city. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/3#post-52725 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:21:50 +0000 Nicole 52725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I'm sorry the Fantasie 4500 did not fit. I hope you have better fit luck with the balcony style. I'm glad you tried something new though. You've been commenting lately on how much your body has changed recently, and that's always an indication that what used to work, may not be working anymore. As a matter of fact, I seem to have a 3 year cycle on bras--After that third year, the magic is gone and I start to find bras that were uber comfy become constantly digging or poking. Let us know how you fare with this newest attempt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/3#post-52710 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:29:32 +0000 Maya 52710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They might have it, actually. I think their stock was low when I went. Several factors caused me to believe that the economy isn't treating them too well. They just seemed to have so much less stuff in general, and certainly a lot less in my size than they used to. I think I'll go back and see if they have it, and if they do I'll buy it from them. I would hate for them to go out of business. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/3#post-52708 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:20:24 +0000 carissa 52708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Maya, it is the one you linked to. Fantasie smoothing balcony, unmolded. Style# 4520. I'm surprised your local store doesn't carry this bra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/3#post-52641 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:30:55 +0000 Kari 52641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I too find that a Fantasie balconette style works best on me. I second Hannah's suggestions to look around at Figleaves reviews. You might look at reviews on their UK site as well (figleaves.co.uk) - for some reason the comments are only included on one region's website even for the same product, so I try to cross-compare ratings before I make a purchase.</p> <p>Best of luck to you with your search! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-52635 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:56:42 +0000 HannahC 52635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oy, Maya, I am sorry the bras didn't fit :(<br /> I hate bra shopping ...<br /> You can try the Fantasie balconette next and also maybe another brand - Freya or Panache (or both). It looks like balconette will indeed be better for you. Both Panache and Fantasie have seamless balconette bras (moulded cups). Also, you can see by the star rating on figleaves which bras customers were most happy with. I remember I read on bravissimo that Freya Rio bra is extremely popular (it is lacy on top though), and also Panache Porcelain range (moulded seamless).</p> <p>It took me ages too to find a type of bra that fits me well.<br /> Good luck!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-52585 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:46:09 +0000 Maya 52585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carissa, in the post you wrote above, which balcony bra did you try on the client with a 30-32 band size after the full coverage one didn't work out? Is it this one? </p> <p><a href="http://www.figleaves.com/us/product.asp?product_ID=FE-4520" rel="nofollow">http://www.figleaves.com/us/pr.....ID=FE-4520</a></p> <p>I'm trying to decide which one to try next! It is quite a task and I can't wait until it's over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-52582 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:40:50 +0000 carissa 52582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the update Maya, you're definitely on a trek! </p> <p>The good thing is, once you find your bra you'll feel great and won't have to go trekking again for a while. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-52560 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:51:44 +0000 shana 52560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I also prefer Balcony/Balconnete bras. Most regular/full coverage bras don't fit me that great - the position of the center gore is always a little off. When I find one that is flush against my chest, the cups are too big (probably b/c I don't have enough fullness at the top of my breasts) and vice versa. I was fitted for a Chantelle at Nordstroms but I didn't like the way it pushed my breasts way out to the sides (LOL at your boobs coming out of your armpits comment). The Balcony pushes them up and together so I get good shape. I have a couple of Wacoal balconette bras that I love. Unfortunately, they are lacy and I really need a molded cup bra to wear under knits. Maybe I'll have to give the Panache a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-52530 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:19:20 +0000 Maya 52530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got my Fantasie bras today and I am definitely disappointed. Both sizes fit terribly. They were both wrinkled and puckered in the cup area, which usually means the cup is too big, but that was not the case. Going down to a D would have been much too small. I found that their advise to size down did not apply to me. The DDD was the right size but just did not look right. Both breasts were pushed off to the sides, under my arms, but they were also lifted up too high. I looked like I had two big blobs coming out of my armpits!</p> <p>I think Carissa might be onto something. I'm going to try the balcony bra. I also read this on the Figleavse "troubleshooter":</p> <p>"If there are creases in your cups you might want to try going down a cup size.</p> <p>If, however, the cup fits snugly everywhere but is gaping where the cup meets the strap, it could be that the bra is finishing too high up the chest for you. Some people are more hollow in this area than others, so square necklines that finish lower down on the chest – as in a balconette, for example – are better."</p> <p>Sounds like balcony might be better for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51789 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:47:51 +0000 carissa 51789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you make me laugh! thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51756 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:29:35 +0000 Nicole 51756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried the Fantasie balcony bra and my cups runneth over. I have not tried any other brands though.</p> <p>My husband's joke w/me is that I would show cleavage in a turtleneck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51745 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:04:20 +0000 carissa 51745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, I think we both feel the same about cleavage: we have enough so why create any more. </p> <p>The shape of the balcony is more upfront and together whereas a full-cup bra is more natural and lateral (can be under the arms for the really endowed). Most of my clients opt for balcony, even in seamless, because full-cup isn't such a flattering shape under the clothing. We're talking G/GG/H, etc. In fact I put one client in the full cup seamless by Fantasie and it was a teribble fit, the balcony was better. She had a 30-32 band size.</p> <p>And I prefer a plunge because I'm short necked/shouldered/waisted, so oftentimes the center gore shows up through the neckline. Thus husband's "I can see the bow on your bra" is less often said when I wear a plunge. The bras I wear don't create anymore cleavage, just have a lower center gore. The padded plunge bras are cleavage enhancing. Hoochy-mama. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51685 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:35:27 +0000 Nicole 51685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for linking your favorites Carissa, and Hannah.</p> <p>Personally, I can't tolerate any lace on my bras--I get incredibly itchy. Also, I think most of those bras (with the exception of the first Fantasie bra Hanna posted, which I beleive is the one I wear) are cut very low on top. I have to look for a full coverage bra. Balcony bras, plunge bras and anything cut to create cleavage is horrible on me.</p> <p>But I'm always willing to try a new bra on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51671 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:49:23 +0000 HannahC 51671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carissa,</p> <p>This just shows how everybody's body is different I have the second Freya bra - the Rio one - and while I love its design, it is awfully uncomfortable: for some reason, it digs into my ribs (and the band is not too tight). But it is so pretty that I wear it nevertheless.</p> <p>I thought the Fantasie bra I linked to from the figleaves site is unmolded. Hold on, this is the same bra on the bravissimo site:<br /> <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/seam-free-bras/fantasie/full-cup-bras/fa51-details.aspx?colour=White" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....lour=White</a><br /> This is my go-to bra, and it is unmolded.<br /> This is the T-shirt bra: <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/seam-free-bras/fantasie/balconette-bras/fa53-details.aspx?colour=White" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....lour=White</a><br /> But it runs smaller than the full-cup one, so sadly I am out of their size range :(<br /> The molded one is this:<br /> <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/seam-free-bras/fantasie/balconette-bras/fa14-details.aspx?colour=Black" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....lour=Black</a><br /> I cannot attest to this one either, because of the size issue again.<br /> Oh, and here is another (is this indeed another, or just called differently?) Panache molded bra:<br /> <a href="http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/seam-free-bras/panache/balconette-bras/pn84-details.aspx?colour=Black" rel="nofollow">http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....lour=Black</a><br /> Actually, that Porcelain range also has strapless bra (though I highly doubt its capacity to hold up full busts - or any other strapless bra for that matter) and a body.<br /> If I only were one cup size smaller ... (or one back size bigger ...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51665 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:03:45 +0000 carissa 51665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Nicole,</p> <p>My current go to bras are Freya. I wear the balcony plunge (favorite): <a href="http://www.lorettasintimates.com/Products/Greta-Plunge-Bra__FR_2321.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.lorettasintimates.c....._2321.aspx</a> and the regular balcony: <a href="http://www.barenecessities.com/Freya_product_FREYA3510_,size" rel="nofollow">http://www.barenecessities.com.....3510_,size</a>,.htm and the regular plunge.</p> <p>I don't wear a lot of knits, and the ones I do wear are structured. Plus I'm OK with a little lace or seaming showing through the fabric.</p> <p>Most of my clients purchase the Fantasie Smoothing T-shirt bra - unmolded. That molded bra is funky and I've heard from local retailers that it doesn't sell well. None of my clients like the molded version. </p> <p>For the full bust Panache has the number one selling molded bra: <a href="http://www.lorettasintimates.com/Products/Porcelain-Oasis-Moulded-Bra__PA_5071.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.lorettasintimates.c....._5071.aspx</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51534 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:46:24 +0000 Maya 51534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hannah, you relieved my headache a bit because I need reassurance that what I got is correct, hehe.</p> <p>I am wondering if this vanity sizing thing might be true. The new Chantelle bra I have is really not significantly different in size than my 32E Chantelle bras. It could just be that this particular bra runs small, but ALL the bras I tried on yesterday were 32F's. I know logically it isn't possible to be 2 different cup sizes at once, but I really don't find my 32E bras too small. They all come up to my armpit, no underwire poking or spillage at the top. It boggles the mind! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51531 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:39:34 +0000 HannahC 51531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya,</p> <p>I would say one of the 32DD or 32E should be fine. Please do tell us how is the fit when the bras arrive!</p> <p>I don't want to exacerbate your headache, but not all Fantasie bras fit more generously in the cup, just this model! I am not kidding, it is some special feature of this particular model. All my other Fantasie bras are 32H. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51473 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:55:08 +0000 Maya 51473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, it's even more complicated than that. A US DDD (which is my size now) is a UK E. I don't understand why US sizes like to tack on extra D's instead of just going to the next letter in the alphabet. I also don't understand why they just skip over the letter "I" entirely. </p> <p>My new Chantelle bra is a 32DDD US, 32F France, and 32E UK. </p> <p>Sometimes when I go to order, DDD, F, and E are all available and I have no idea which to choose. Will I get the same size no matter which I choose? I always assume they are going by American measurements, but on the Fig Leaves website, they are going by UK measurements. If I got a 32F, it would have actually been a 32G US. </p> <p>Then to complicate matters EVEN MORE, not all bras fit true to size, so you have to account for bras that might fit more generously in the cup like the Fantasie ones supposedly do.</p> <p>After all is said and done, I am still not sure that either of the sizes I ordered from Fig Leaves is correct. </p> <p>Writing about that just gave me a headache. Ugh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51461 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:48:06 +0000 HannahC 51461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole -<br /> I know! It is maddening!!<br /> The Anita sizing, for example, does not conform to anything else.<br /> BTW, Fantasie, Freya, and Panache all have DD, I think. They don't have DDD though. And the sizing is pretty consistent among these three brands. Out of these three Freya doesn't fit me well (there are many women who love Freya, though, so it is just a personal thing), so I am just ordering either Fantasie or Panache and ignoring everything else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51460 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:38:47 +0000 Nicole 51460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the US/UK sizing thing is based on a different system all together.</p> <p>For example...some US bra companies go... A B C D DD DDD then they skip E all together and go to F G.</p> <p>But most UK bra companies I've seen don't do the DD and DDD. They go A B C D E F G H. </p> <p>So a US DD = UK E and a US DDD = a UK F</p> <p>And then to complicate matters EVEN MORE!!!!! (argghhhhh) Some bra companies have their own sizing, and you have to follow their individual sizing chart, which has nothing to do with either standard. Add into that stupidity, the fact that one bra to the next is going to be slightly different and you've got a big giant bra fitting mess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51455 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:08:51 +0000 HannahC 51455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me again :)</p> <p>Yes, this particular bra from Fantasie is not moulded (the website calls it moulded for some reason, but it isn't). Nipple show-through is, therefore, a problem. I personally don't have this problem because my nipples are flat (sorry, too much information probably), but if yours are not, you might consider using it only in winter underneath thicker tops. </p> <p>Fantasie also have seamless moulded cup bras, in which there is a thicker layer of molding in the cup, so zero nipple show-through. However, these run true to size, meaning that I should wear 32H, which is non-existent Also, depending on the particular shape of your breasts, the top of the moulded cup can show through clothing (because the top is not soft). I would say moulded is best if your breasts are full on top. Hope it makes sense ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51454 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:03:42 +0000 HannahC 51454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya,</p> <p>Sorry, just saw your question:</p> <p>I can compare to Wacoal. I also, like Shiny, suspect that bra sizes in the US underwent some "vanity sizing" (although, it is not clear to me whatever vanity should be in either smaller or larger cup size), so Wacoal tends to run one cup size bigger than UK bras on me. For example, I am wearing Wacoal 32G, and 32H in all UK brands, including Fantasie, Panache, and Freya (though Freya's cut is problematic for me), except for this particular bra I linked to, in which I wear 32G. So I'd say, order the same size as you wear in Wacoal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51445 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:52:35 +0000 Maya 51445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the Chantelle bra:</p> <p><a href="http://www.herroom.com/Chantelle-3261-Basic-Invisible-TShirt-Bra.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.herroom.com/Chantel.....-Bra.shtml</a></p> <p>I guess which one I duplicate (assuming the Fantasie fits) depends on whether I'm more put off by nipple show-through or a bit of foam. The foam in this bra seems thinner than my other Chantelles though.</p> <p>I have one minimizer bra. It's cheap (Bali) because it doesn't come out much, but I do like to wear it sometimes because it helps button-downs fit better. It does not look flattering with virtually any other kind of top though. I would not use minimizers as everyday bras. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51443 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:47:50 +0000 Nicole 51443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, which Chantelle bra did you end up getting today?</p> <p>Personally, I would hold off on getting a third bra just yet. Wait til these Fantasie bras come. You may want to duplicate either the Fantasie or the Chantelle bra. </p> <p>My philosophy is you find a bra that works, then stick with it.</p> <p>BTW, Tarzy, I'm not a fan of minimizers. I even recall reading that there may be a link between them and breast cancer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51438 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:34:28 +0000 Maya 51438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ordered a 32DD and a 32E (UK size). I'll just return whichever doesn't fit. </p> <p>I am going to need to replace all my bras. I would like to have at least 3 so I need one more. Any other recommendations, Nicole, Carissa, and Hannah? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51432 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:24:33 +0000 Nicole 51432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I forgot to answer your last question about going down a cup size--Hmmm I'd say no don't do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51431 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:23:59 +0000 Nicole 51431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I beleive that is the same bra. That is the same model and the same pose that I've seen on Bare Necessities. Check the inside tag when it arrives. It should have the number 4500 in it. I'm disappointed that I missed out on that Figleaves price. I checked them too before I ordered. </p> <p>The bra does not have any padding or foam. It has two layers VERY THIN nylon material. I'm not sure if there's a better term for this, so please pardon my crassness--but nippage is a problem with this bra. It does not hide erect nipples at all. </p> <p>Tarzy, they call this bra "moulded" but it's not like a hardhat kind of moulding. If you took the bra and laid it flat on a table, the cups would not stand up on their own. I think any seamless bra has to be "moulded", unless it's made out of stretchy fabric, and that would not really serve me any! ;D</p> <p>Please let me know if this bra works for you guys. I'll be curious to know.</p> <p>Carissa...what is your current go to bra? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51383 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:52:53 +0000 Maya 51383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unless I get a convertible bra, all of my bras are going to have to be altered to fit my shoulders. I just lucked out with that one Chantelle bra. The one you wear has no padding/foam right Nicole? Is it this one? It's on sale and has a promo to go with it so I would rather get it from figleaves (if it is the same bra). Unfortunately they don't list the style number which is annoying:</p> <p><a href="http://www.figleaves.com/us/product.asp?product_id=EV-4500&#038;mci=&#038;size=&#038;colour=&#038;image=r1383-p520132-style" rel="nofollow">http://www.figleaves.com/us/pr.....0132-style</a></p> <p>Do you agree with the advice they give to go down a cup size? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-bra-question-hi-nicole/page/2#post-51378 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:27:13 +0000 tarzy 51378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole - I don't really love molded cups, but I am going to try your bra. </p> <p>I have one with that type of cups (I don't know the make, there is no tag on it) and I never wear it. But I tried it on today to compare it to my minimizers and it definitely gives me a different shape. It was like, "Oh! Hello girls!" I feel like they are very much front and center, as opposed to the minimizer which kind of smooched in and gave a rounder look. But I prefer fuller coverage than this one I have, so I'm off to Nordstrom next week to look for your bra and figure out if the sizing is the same. Do you have one to suggest that isn't molded?</p> <p>(You should get a commission from that company!) </p>