Oh look, it’s got polka dots, guess what I think of it?
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
You are correct: I love it. When Parfait asked me if I’d like to review a set, I jumped at the chance. I’m just starting to size into Parfait’s main collection (I previously reviewed the G+ versions of Charlotte and Alexis), and I’m always on the lookout for a good non-padded bra. With hits of bright red and a pretty sheer black-dotted mesh overlay, Kitty was my first choice! [Note: while Parfait generously provided this set for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Appearance
Kitty is a new style for Fall/Winter 2014, and the collection includes an unlined bra, a padded bra, a bra-sized babydoll, a molded plunge bra, a hipster, a thong, a boyshort, a Brazilian brief, and a brief (whew!), all available in both all-black versions and the black/red versions I chose. I requested the unlined bra (which Parfait calls a “wire bra”) and the coordinating hipster.
The bra features a three part cup in my favorite cut, with the outer bottom panel connecting directly to the strap. I find this type of construction gives me a lot of lift and an up-front-and-center shape. The two bottom panels are bright red with the sheer black mesh overlay, and the top panel features a double layer of sheer black dotted mesh, trimmed with a short frill. The satin ribbon at the center gore is trimmed with tiny black sequins. The black shoulder straps feature decorative pleating on the front and are partially adjustable. The band closes with three rows of three columns of hooks and eyes and features flexible boning under the arms for support and to prevent the band from curling or rolling.
The matching hipster features a lined center panel and sheer mesh back and sides. The waist and legline are trimmed with the same short frill as the bra, and the ribbon trim at the center waist also has a small sequin detail. I hadn’t really realized there were sparkles on this set, and I love them! It makes it feel festive and special.
Clik here to view.
How badly do I want to reach into this picture and yank that one stocking up so that it’s level with the other? SO BADLY.
Fit
I’m still in the la-la-la-who-knows-what-size-I-wear wilderness of being between both band and cup sizes, which means when I try a new bra on I really have to try about 6-8 different sizes before I hit the right combination. I find that Parfait’s bands run true to size, if not a little firm, so I stuck with my older (larger) band size. I went with the slightly smaller cup volume, and to my surprise, it felt great! I’d say the cups are generally true to size, but if you’re in between sizes it might be worth trying a smaller one.
The cups don’t offer quite the same depth and projection that you’ll get in, say, Marcie by Cleo or Jasmine by Panache, and I had to do a lot of scooping and swooping to make sure everything was arranged just so. The gore doesn’t tack as firmly or securely as other bra styles (which is good for those of you who find intensely-tacking-bras a little painful), but I found that once I got everything in position, it didn’t move all day. It provides a more low-key profile than I’m used to with other bras, but I don’t dislike it: sometimes I want a more minimal look without sacrificing good fit.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
I’m between sizes in knickers as well, and while I went with my larger size here, I probably could have sized down. They’re not falling off by any means, but I might have gotten a slightly more secure fit in my smaller size. In general they seem to run true to size, though, and I love the rise: it’s not super high-waisted, but it’s not so low that I feel like the waistband will roll under my belly all day.
Comfort
I really, really like wearing this set. The wires feel sturdy and secure, yet the materials feel soft and light. I get a secure fit without a super-projected-boost, which is great for days when I don’t necessarily feel like going full va-va-voom-boobs on everyone. This set feels cute without being juvenile, festive without being covered in sequins, and sophisticated without being staid. I knew I’d like it, but I had no idea how much. This is one of my favorite sets of the season.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
SPEAKING OF THE SEASON: Would you like to cozy up to some free lingerie? (I am hilarious.) Check back tomorrow, because Parfait is generously sponsoring a giveaway for my readers, just in time for the holidays!
Kitty Wire Bra ($49) and Hipster ($26): available in sizes 30-40 D-G and XS-XXL. Parfait uses the UK cup sizing conventions, so the progression goes D, DD, E, F, FF, G.
Be sure to check out the gorgeous and festive babydoll version too!
Fringed Hold-Ups: Henry Holland (discontinued, similar available at Figleaves).
Photos: Lydia Hudgens