Review updated below, as of August 8.
When I first saw this longline bra set when it came out last year, I instantly wanted and lusted after it. What’s not to love? It’s delightfully vintage. It looks like Gossard used their own drawings and prototype from the 1940s and updated it. I also adore longline bras. They give excellent shape and support and I wear them almost exclusively.
A Little Intro
Inspired by Gossard’s own super-sassy 1940′s ‘Ooh la la’ collection, this risqué range embraces true, timeless glamour and over 100 years’ experience of making you look great.
- Delicate Lace
- Wide Retro Underband
- Vintage Bow Detail
- 3/4 cup, padded, plunge bra
Buy this bra on Lingerie Please, where it’s currently listed at 50% off!
First Impressions
I was kind of disappointed when I pulled this out of the package because it didn’t look like it does in the (above) photo. But, that’s my own darn fault because I didn’t bother to look up non-styled product shots before ordering. I guess I was really excited! In the above shot, this Gossard bra and garter belt set looks as if the fabric is actually a pattern, instead of lace overlay. Still, it’s quite gorgeous. I ordered this bra in “Rose” which is a light pinky peach color, instead of the “Noir” which looks like black lace over peach. I love the satin band at the bottom, that’s probably my favorite part of the bra! A lot of longline bras don’t bother to make the bottom band cute or decorative, and this one has a chic satin band. The lace is very delicate and special, especially the parts that are unlined (below the cups).
Sizing & Fit
I got the bra in my correct size, 36D, although I wish I could have tried this on before ordering. Unfortunately, while it fit, the cut is just not for me. I was dumbfounded when I tried this on. I couldn’t figure out if I ordered the wrong size or not. I know how to measure myself properly for a bra. I’ve done it countless times. I checked and rechecked for all the tell-tale signs that this bra was too big. It fit where it was supposed to fit. The middle was flush against my skin, the band was horizontal to the floor, there was nothing spilling over or chafing, the straps weren’t tight. The band fit me perfectly, but the cups (where the pintucks are) just didn’t sit right on me. They didn’t gape much but they didn’t mould to my body either. They just kind of sat there.
I measured the band and cups with my trusty tape measure and it was almost the same, even a bit smaller, than my other longline bras, so the size couldn’t have been too big. The straps (which are only meant to support about 10% of your breasts) didn’t support me much at all. They were beautiful and stretchy, but at the same time, flimsy.
This bra is boned, but only below the cups and around the sides. The boning is plastic, of course. I found it to be kind of flimsy. It’s the same as you find in every piece of lingerie that’s meant only for the boudoir. I think the problem was that my (heavy) breasts weren’t supported much because the boning is encased in very sheer, delicate lace, causing it to bend a bit. The band at the bottom, which I love, fit well and didn’t stretch at all. However, it did ride up when I wore it for longer than 5 minutes.
The “plunge” part of this plunge bra goes down very deep and my D cup breasts looked even bigger in it. Conclusion? The cut is all wrong for my body shape. Or something… I’ve never had this problem before. I’m thinking I should have ordered the deep suspender belt instead!
I read a couple of customer reviews of this bra and no one else seemed to have the problem I had. They all mentioned that the support was great so maybe it’s just me?
Other Notes
Material doesn’t really “breathe” well. Probably because it’s mostly polyester. I’ve washed it gently by hand with mild soap and it held up well.
Garment Information: 51% Polyester, 35% Polyamide, 11% Cotton, 3% Elastane. Exclusive of trims.
Pros: beautiful material, made up to GG cup, supportive enough for most ladies
Cons: may not support bigger busts
Review Summary
Unfortunately, this bra is clearly only for pin-up style photo shoots or bedroom wowing. In my opinion, it’s not an everyday bra. It’s too delicate for that. I tried wearing it a full day (in the summer heat) and boy, that was a mistake. The lace is so beautiful, I’d wear it as bridal or special occasion lingerie only. If you order this bra, make extra sure you’re ordering the correct size. Ask for measurements and compare it to a bra you have that fits you perfectly. And be aware that this bra is made to look like a longline bra, but probably won’t support (bigger cup ladies) like one should.
*Disclaimer: Lingerie Please has kindly provided me this bra for reviewing purposes. I don’t work for them and this review is my real, not paid for, opinion. They ship quickly and communication was prompt, friendly and helpful. They have an excellent selection of Gossard Lingerie items and I will be ordering from them again in the future!
Are you an expert in bra fitting? Could you tell me if the size was too big, small, or perhaps the cut just wasn’t right for me? Comment below and let me know! I’d love to hear from you.
Today (8/8) I decided to try this bra again. I wasn’t satisfied with the way I left my review.
Here’s my update:
I get more support if I wear the straps closer to my neck, like a halter or racerback, instead of far apart on my shoulders. I don’t know why that is, but it’s something I noticed today. It looks really nice under this floral halterneck dress I’m wearing. Another thing is the cups don’t pucker out on the sides much anymore, and I attribute this to the gentle washing I did. Maybe it relaxed the resistance of the cups a bit? It does look much better than it did when I wore it out the first time.
Although, the band at the bottom still rides up. I hate that, grr.. And I still don’t recommend wearing it out if your summer is as hot as it is here! Lace and summer just don’t mix, in my book.
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