I was recently offered some Panache lingerie to review and, because there are so many gorgeous full bust styles on their website, I had problems choosing. In the end I narrowed it down to two sets and left it up to Panache to make the choice for me but those lovely people sent me both! So you lucky readers get the pleasure of two reviews in a row.
Today’s review is of the Panache Idina balconette bra – available in sizes 28-38, D to GG cup – and the matching high waisted briefs, which come in UK sizes 8 to 20. The bra is an un-padded underwired style made from stretch lace. The bottom of the cups, the connector and the wings are all lined with cream mesh, giving a see-through effect on pale skin. I’m not sure how this would look on dark skin – it could either be a pretty design feature or a failed attempt at ‘nude’. The wide elastic straps have a soft lining for comfort, and the rings and sliders all have a pretty rose gold coloured finish.
The bra has a wonderfully comfortable construction, with the underwiring, elastic and fastenings all soft on the inside so that they don’t irritate sensitive skin. I went for my usual 32E, but the cups came up a little small, with the underwiring not reaching round far enough and the top of the cups not giving enough coverage. Thankfully, Panache swapped it for a 32F, which was an absolutely perfect fit (I snapped a close-up but managed to get a wrinkle in one of the cups because I hadn’t adjusted the strap properly – oops!). I simply cannot tell you just how much I love this bra! It’s comfortable and extremely supportive whilst also looking gorgeous. I’m seriously considering getting a second Idina balconette in a different colour! I’d definitely recommend going up a cup size and keeping the same band size to get an ideal fit, but that may just be what works best for my breast shape.
In the photo I’m wearing the high waist briefs in a UK size 16, which have a black stretch lace centre front panel lined with cream mesh, a sheer mesh back with a centre seam, and unlined lace edging across the tops of the legs. The style and use of fabric perfectly compliments the bra and, to top it off, these are very comfortable knickers indeed. I really hope Panache starts to offer some more high waisted styles as they are far less likely to dig in to squishy bums and tums, and they also have more space for using the pretty fabrics and details.
If you fancy trying this set out for yourself, the Idina range is available now at figleaves.com.
DISCLOSURE: I was sent an Idina balconette bra and high waisted briefs free to review by Panache.
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