Continuing my theme of red balconette bras, I bring you the Cleo Marcie!
I’ve never been a big fan of Cleo bras – the colours and prints have never really appealed to me. However, their new Autumn/Winter collection has changed all that. The mix of reds, blues and cute designs has really lured me in.
(Apologies for the knickers in this pic – I couldn’t find my usual plain flesh-coloured ones to wear underneath so went for what I thought was the next best thing – my Masquerade Delphi knickers in a sort-of flesh colour with very obvious embroidery!)
The Marcie set was not one I expected to love. It’s a combination of two things I don’t like in a bra: unpadded and a balconette shape. But it’s so pretty I couldn’t resist keeping it! The bra gave me a surprisingly rounded shape, which is what I prefer. As in most Panache bras, the wires are too wide for me, so there is empty fabric on the sides, but it’s not a big problem and I don’t feel it’s as minimising as other Panache bras can be on me.
I’ve got this in a 28G with the matching knickers in size 8, and it fits me absolutely perfectly. The band is pretty snug, stretching up to a maximum of 27″, so it might be worth sizing up if you are on the larger side of a 28. For me, the band fits really well on the middle hook at the moment, which gives me slightly longer than usual before I’ll have to tighten it.
As with any balconette, the wires in the centre do start to hurt me after a while, but the centre gore is quite narrow so it’s not as bad as it could be. There was also a little extra space in the underwire channel, which I made use of to position the wire slightly lower in the centre. I think I will experiment with bending the wires and perhaps sewing some padding into the centre to make it more comfortable.
Apart from the fun, young and bright designs, another great thing about Cleo bras is the price. Full price, this one is £25 for the bra and £12.50 for the knickers. £37.50 for the whole set is really not bad, and I got an extra 20% off it from Figleaves a couple of weeks ago – making it a real bargain!
I won’t say I’ve been entirely converted to the unpadded way of life, but I’ll definitely consider unpadded Cleo bras in the future – especially as some styles will be available in a 26 band next year. I’m really excited that a major UK brand has decided to do this, and I’m keen to buy the products to support this. I really hope it’s the start of something great in the small-busted market!
That bra looks great on you! And I didn’t know that 26 bands would be coming out next year. I’ll be really keen to try those, even though Cleo isn’t usually my taste
Thanks! When they first announced it I know they said 26 bands would be in ‘select styles’ for SS13, but I haven’t seen that confirmed yet. Cleo isn’t usually my taste either, and unfortunately I think ‘select styles’ will probably mean continuity styles like Lucy or Jude, neither of which are my cup of tea. Still, I really hope it’s in something I like and that it proves popular so we can have choice in a 26 band!
Just curious what size of pants you are. I wear a size 1 US and have been thinking of getting this set , but I’m not sure if the underwear will fit me .
These are size 8/XS, which is my usual size. They fit pretty true to size, unlike sister brands Masquerade and standard Panache which I find come up a little large. Hope that helps!
These are size 8/XS, which is my usual size. They fit pretty true to size, unlike sister brands Masquerade and standard Panache which I find come up a little large. Hope that helps!
Ok that should fit then , I’m about xsmall/small in undies
Hi,
Just discovered your blog and think it’s great, I only discovered my true bra size a month ago, 28F, but I think I could do with a 26 band in some of the bras I have. You talk about shortening the band and adding padding to the centre gore on balconette style bras which is something I desperately need to do. Are you able to tell us how to do these alterations?
Thanks a lot!
Megan
Thanks! I’ve got some alterations to do at the moment so I’ll try and take some pictures and get instructions up soon – it’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a while.
that would be amazing to know how to add padding to the bras.
[...] the pieces were released a few reviews popped up – one from Invest In Your Chest one from Undressed To Impress and one from Elena Davies and they all sang the praises of this gorgeous number, the Marcie bra: [...]
[...] reviews about the new Marcie from Cleo by Panache on Invest in your Chest, Sweet Nothings, and Undressed to Impress, I had a flare up of my lingerie lust (a chronic condition, I’m afraid) and snagged one for [...]
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