Small bust, big heart

When Nicola at Perfectly Petite Lingerie first chatted to me about the “new for Autumn 2010″  small cup bras from Panache Atlantis, she described them as fabulous. Available in AA-C cups at Perfectly Petite, the selection includes basics and problem-solving designs, which Nicola thought were spot on for her small-busted customers. Was this enthusiastic sales patter, or a real breakthrough for us little-chested ladies? Nicola challenged me to decide for myself — and promptly despatched the Wire Free Bra for me to road test. Here’s what I thought:

Panache Atlantis Solutions wire free bra, £18, Perfectly Petite Lingerie Seller's blurb: This wire free bra is part of the "enhanced" range from Panache Atlantis Solutions. Using graduated foam cups, it offers subtle shaping and lift with a smooth finish. Available black, nude and white, in cup sizes AA-C, and from 30 for band width.
Looks	On the peg, this bra looks like a good quality, but very simple, T-shirt bra. The fabric has a satiny sheen and the sweetheart shape of the cups looks cute. On a small-busted woman, the look is more impressive. It gives oomph: not mindblowing cleavage, but a nice roundness that's gratefully received.	4/5
Fit	I tested a 32AA cup size and the fit is immaculate: no straps digging in, perfect cup size and comfortable band. Just like a second skin.	5/5
Comfort	Comfort can't be faulted with this bra. There are no niggles at all -- in fact, I'm finding it hard to part with it on "wash day".	5/5
Uplift	The graduated foam cups provide a "shelf", gently lifting the bust to create a natural, but fuller looking chest.	5/5
VERDICT	Overall, a really great, everyday bra, offering a smooth, gently curvy look underneath clothing, as well as excellent comfort.	19/20

Tags: 30 band size, AA-cup bra, bra review, T-shirt bra, wire free bra

How excited was I to receive this pretty Firebird bra from Jennifer at Lailides? Let me tell you… very!

Design wise, it really is an original… made from French lace with a beautiful peacock pattern. It’s the sort of garment you want to prance about in and show off, not unlike a peacock I guess.

The price tag’s not cheap, but if you’re after something decadent — either for yourself or someone special — it does have a luxurious look and feel. Here’s what I thought…

Firebird bra, $68, Lailides Seller's blurb: Not only is the Firebird bra exquisite, its soft-cup styling makes it exceptionally comfortable. Made from French feather-detailed lace with a scallop-edge, this French bra has a mesh back, swimsuit hook closure and adjustable straps. 50% nylon, 32% polyester, 15% lycra, 3% other. Colours: white/peacock. Sizes: 1-4 (Size 1 fits 30-34 AA-A and Size 4 fits 36-38 A-B)
Looks	This oh-so-delicate bra is quite special to look at. The French lace mimics the pattern of peacock feathers, with subtly shimmering gold and green detail. The scalloped edge is wonderfully feminine; the gold swimsuit hook fastener and strap adjusters are perfectly suited to the dainty proportions of the straps and back.	4/5
Fit	I tested a size 1 bra, which fit my 32AA cup size well. I can see that those with a little fuller chest (32A) could also wear this size comfortably, as there is plenty of give in the stretch lace. The band width, however, may be a bit stretched for the 34AA and 34A wearers.	4/5
Comfort	The soft-cup and fine, second-skin fabric make this bra quite comfortable. Due to the swimhook closure there's no opportunity to adjust band size and I did experience a little bit of rub from the band around the back.	4/5
Uplift	This bra provides gentle support, but it's not the style to opt for if you want to boost your bust.	3/5
VERDICT	A not-cheap, but nonetheless beautiful bra. The price buys a sophisticated, feminine, original design that's beautifully made.	15/20

Tags: 32AA, A-cup, AA-cup, B-cup, bra review, French bra, lace bra, soft-cup bra, triangle bra