the fabric is very sturdy, like a good old fashioned girdle! the seams are glued I think. so there are no itchy or weird seems to be seen through clothes. Velcro on the strap fronts. I am a 34 DD and it supports me as well as gives them a great shape. i'm not very worried about the lack of padding in front (when its cold) also it doesn't look like i smuggled a watermelon!  no there is no cleave, nor is there a defined separation of the breasts, but it looks good.