Claudette have, quite literally, burst on to the scene following the release of their ‘Neon Dessous’ collection. With a loyal following from top blogger The Lingerie Addict for what seems like forever, I recall seeing the brand on her blog and falling in love with the simple yet effective design in those gorgeous acid bright colours. The brand even made her ‘Favorite Lingerie Brands of ‘ list. Quite a feat indeed! When I heard on The Lingerie Buyer that Claudette were set to introduce 28 bands, I contacted the brand’s Director Bok Goodall to express my excitement. It’s always refreshing to hear of companies who have my size
I never fail to be impressed by new companies venturing into smaller band sizes, especially ones that are so unique and exciting like Claudette! Bok kindly offered to send Becky and I some sets to try, and since their 28 bands aren’t yet in circulation I opted for a 30F. This was a bit of a mistake on my part as I was fitted recently as a 30FF by Panache’s expert fitters, but at the time I suspected a 30F would be best. Unfortunately the bra was an awful fit and I felt that I would definitely need a 30FF in future. Out of curiosity, I tried on Becky’s 30G, and to my bewilderment, the cups fit pretty much perfectly! Some notable issues, however, include just how much I had to tighten the straps.
I had each strap tightened to the max – and once I had I left they were at a perfect length. I also felt like I would have benefitted from a 28GG, but obviously I’ll have to wait for one of those. It’s crazy that I might need that size, since I’ve spent most of my ‘true bra fit’ life in a 28FF and currently more like a 30FF, so to be a GG cup in this bra is a little strange. But it’s just a label, after all. The fit of the cups is quite unlike any that I’ve tried so far. The cups come up very high and the shape is quite spread out and much shallower than brands like Freya. It wasn’t something I was used to at all but it was really very comfortable and supportive. The high cut shape, rather than looking rather mumsy and frumpy actually looked rather charming and vintage-y, and reminded me of the amazing Huit 8 bras that I can’t wear.
The fabric wasn’t the softest, but it certainly wasn’t irritating on my skin, and was rather robust and the thicker material felt supportive. Let me first of all mention the colours. They are absolutely incredible and a breath of fresh air to the safe black, white and ‘nude’ capsule collections that many brands churn out. Above are just a FEW of the colours available in the range, and I think you’ll agree that they’re just stunning and nothing like any other brand around at the moment. The current size range is quite modest, stocking from a 30-38 band and a A – G cups, but Bok has expressed her keen intention to expand this as soon as possible. This is something that both Becky and I would benefit from, so the sooner the better please, Claudette!
And now for Becky’s review!
When Cheryl text me saying that Claudette were kind enough to send us a set each, I was over the moon. Ever since pictures started circulating of these neon beauties, I was smitten. Despite my long quest for a green bra, I settled on the shocking orange and pink combination, thinking it’d be perfect for the summer (whenever THAT turns up). These pictures really do not do the colours justice. They are are simply incredible; super bright neons reminiscent of a highlighter pen, which is definitely not a bad thing. I see colours like these on the high street, and get grumpy thinking about how fun they’d be to wear so I was thrilled to finally be able to wear them in my size, hooray! A cheeky flash of the pink flash, or a peep at the mouth watering orange in a loose fitting t-shirt is my new favourite look, and I cannot wait to do this all summer long. And even if it is hidden under your clothing, what better way to put a spring in your step?
I love the colour clashes, and the bows keep it feminine along with the detailing along the cups and back strap in the pink – less rave, more girly fun! The cups (and matching knickers) are super sheer, kind of like the Freya Arabella, and I really like that. The seams still cover nips, something which I can struggle with as mine sit quite highly, and I think that’s thanks to the gorgeous, bias cut of the cups. But onto the fit. I opted for my usual size of a 30G, but honestly I think a 30GG would have been spot on. As Cheryl described, the cut is a little unusual yet unbelievably comfortable. With any review, I like to wear the bra for at least a full day and I could not get over how comfortable I was. It felt like the bra really worked for my shape, cradling them yet still giving me a decent amount of natural cleavage. I’m definitely going to be on the look out for bras in this cut again.
The gore didn’t quite sit flush against my chest, yet the wires encased all my breast tissue and double boob was solved with some strap loosening/tightening. I’m certainly willing to put up with these teething problems until more sizes come out and whilst I won’t be wearing this set every day, I’m certainly going to be parading it about this summer. At least if I get lost at a festival, a lift of my top and the neon should guide me to my tent! The back band was a little generous and the straps did need a bit of tightening like Cheryl but the fit wasn’t a complete disaster. I know I know – we shouldn’t be advocating a fit that isn’t great, but who DOESN’T have a slightly ill fitting bra they love just for aesthetics?
