I love the fit and style of this bra. I've steered away from Cleo in the past because I thought they looked too juniorish in the department stores, and I've read on the blogs that Panache is a notoriously challenging brand to find the correct sizing and style compared to more low-maintenance brands like Freya.

PROS: The detailing of the blush pink lace, bow and straps give it a subtle, sexy touch without taking away from it being an everyday, multi-purpose bra. The microfiber fabric is also breathable and smooth against clothing. The fit is superb with the center goring lying flat and low, the band sitting where it should be to provide for maximal support and comfort (i.e. supporting from the band not the straps), no gap between the underwires and chest, and no overspill (re: no double-bubble/muffin top or side boob overhang) or underfill (re: no wrinkling of the bra, no gaping on top or at the sides) in the cups. I see no back fat, even with a tighter knit top. The wings come up high, but are comfortable, supportive, and offer a great, upward-and-forward-directional lift.

This is a (less expensive) happy medium between a more padded t-shirt bra and a seamless bra. If I had to order the level of padding it would look like this: more padded t-shirt bra (e.g. Freya Deco Plunge), Jude Moulded T-shirt bra, expensive spacer bras (e.g. Fantasie Rebecca--totally lusting after the red one right now), seamless cup bras (e.g. Wacoal Simple Shaping Minimizer). I will be able to wear this bra under thin t-shirts/knits (even with the lace detailing) or button-downs (a challenge since the wrong bra can have me busting out of a button-down). It also doesn't provide crazy cleavage since the lift from and plunge of the bra does not push the breasts together.

CONS: There is an inconsistency in sizing. I had read that this bra was a challenging fit. One former reviewer explained that she ordered this bra in two different sizes, noted that they were made in different countries, and one was a better fit and quality than the other. I discovered this to be true only in terms of fit and country of manufacture.

Cleo by Panache is supposed to be UK sizing. I fit best in a UK 32F or UK 30FF (re: sister sizes), depending on the fit of the band. I guesstimated that a 30 band would be the way to go on this bra, even though it only has two rows of hooks in the back (I like at least 3 rows, normally, to help distribute the pull more evenly). Knowing that someone had issues with the cup sizes and that the plunge styling might require me to go up a cup size due to the natural shape and lift of my breasts (tear-drop-shaped girls, you don't know how lucky you have it), I ordered a 30FF and a 30G.

So, which one did I keep? The 30FF, but not for the reason that you would think. The 30FF had a slightly bigger cup than the 30G. Since the band size was the same in both, the G should have been bigger. I noticed this right away not just from trying them on but also from holding them up against each other. The G fit inside the FF. Also, the 30G gave me double-bubble overspill; it looked pretty bad. Because someone had mentioned the differences in manufacturing, I checked the label. The 30G that was too small in the cup was made in China. The 30FF that fit just right was made in Thailand.

Bottom line: This is a beautiful, well-made, inexpensive everyday bra (for anyone who wears an outlier size like me; I know you can find cheaper bras if your size rests within the normal distribution curve). Try a couple of different sizes to ensure a good fit. Be aware of sister sizing (do an internet search of UK sister sizing if you don't know what that means and what your sister sizes are), as well. I know that one store mentions on their site that this particular style also has inconsistencies in band sizing, too. If you are tempted to order online, be sure to check return policies and decide if you want to try on a couple of different sizes. I opted to order with the Amazon Prime offer for its stellar shipping and return policies. Also, you might check to see if you can contact the seller for additional advice on sizing if it doesn't have a good return policy (e.g. there are some stores that have both their own website and an Amazon store; you might be able to contact them directly for additional guidance on sizing with this bra).