Hello Ladies,
Last January, I tested the Cleo by Panache Lucy in black, and while the bra fit better than the previous Panache styles I tried (remember this was before Andorra and Jasmine came into my life), I was not overwhelmed with love. Thinking the style would never work for me, I pursued other options and abandoned the Lucy for greener pastures. Recently, however, I’ve discovered the majority of my issues with the Cleo line derive from poor sizing choices. Certain bras require you try the perfect size in order to determine if the style will work for you while others, such as the Panache Andorra, can still indicate whether the bra is worth continued consideration even if the size is not right. Cleo is definitely in the former category!
The Lucy in 32H in early January 2012.
For my new dalliance with the Lucy, I chose the 30H (my usual Freya and now Cleo size), and let’s just say I did not suffer from a lack of love this time around! My heavier breast tissue feels lifted and secured in the bra without the design covering too much chest. Even though the band on the Lucy stretches easily, I did not want to size down to the 28; however, women who are between band sizes should consider this. The embroidered top cup also sits perfectly flush against the skin without any overflow or puckering. Because the fabric is less flexible, women who need contouring fabrics should probably skip this design. In fact, like many of the Cleo bras I have tried, Lucy better suits women with equal fullness or fullness on the top of the breasts. Bottom-heavy breasts may encounter problems with cup wrinkling at the top.
The center gore on the Lucy is wider than the Zia or Marcie but still narrow enough to work for my close set breasts. The gore itself is actually splayed so that it narrows at the top but swoops outward at the bottom. This design feature may account for why both Dezi and I like the bra despite having different breast shapes. Furthermore, the underwire on the side extends just far enough back to encompass my breast tissue but not so far as to pull the cup uncomfortably into the side of my arm or to press into my ribs. On the side, both the wings and the underwire do not sit too high on the torso which feels refreshing.
Great fit aside, my favorite feature of the Lucy is the wonderful shape. Providing the forward projection many fuller-busted women crave, the Lucy creates a high, rounded profile which looks naturally lifted and supported. There isn’t even the hint of a point, so women with madonnaboobsphobia will not be intimidated by a conical shape. In fact, I find this bra works well under body-conscious tops because the profile and silhouette are so flattering, and the cute embroidery on the upper cup as well as the sporadic flowers on the bottom are rather discreet.
Despite an unseasonably cool winter and spring, temperatures will eventually rise here, and when they do, the lightweight quality of the mesh cup and powernet wings will ensure I stay cool in on hotter days. My only caveat is the two hook-and-eye closures in the back, but I’m starting to get used to the sensation. If you want to hear more about my thoughts on the Lucy, check out the video below:
For another opinion, check out the reviews from these fab bloggers: Fuller Figure Fuller Bust, Bras I Hate & Love, Voluptuously Thin, Lingerie Abstracts, Bras & Body Image, Quest for the Perfect Bra, Sophia Jenner, and Undercover Lingerista!
Fully-adjustable straps are nice, and the band of the bra feels comfortable and supportive without being too wide. Overall, this bra feels like a mature, grown-up girl’s version of the red bra that is sexy but also sophisticated too. Love it!
