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you know when you see something and think “hmm, nice but not for me” then you see a ton of absolute babes wearing it and you’re like “yeah, ok, i NEED THIS”? this was me with this cleo by panache ‘taylor’ set. i don’t know what it was about it that didn’t sell me on it at first, but the more i saw it the more i knew i needed it – so as soon as i saw it land at brastop* (now sold out) i snapped it up! cleo by panache* are definitely one of my favourite fuller bust brands, i unfortunately can’t wear many of the main panache range bras as the wires just don’t agree with my shape, but cleo kills it time after time for me and their designs are really bringing fashion forward style to the DD+ market.
the look
the taylor set is here to prove that big bras can be sexy and fun! the leopard print eyelash lace is gorgeous in a contrast of coral orange and black, with the elongated lace panel at the front adding a faux-longline effect. someone pointed out to me that the lace looks like an old agent provocateur style, and after a little googling it does look like it could be the same fabric as AP’s ‘effie’ range – which i find super interesting considering the difference in price point (and goes to show that more goes into lingerie pricing than just the fabric costs). are full bust bra dupes a thing, like when you love a piece of make up but want a cruelty-free or cheaper version of it…?
taylor’s cups are quite full coverage and meet double strap detail at the apex before joining fully adjustable shoulder straps. black rings and slider hardware keeps the look seamless throughout the design. the matching brazilian brief is nice and simple in black mesh with matching leopard lace panels and a trendy cut-out to the centre front waistband, and helps balance out the fuller cut of the bra.
the fit
incase you’re not aware, my regular bra size is a 28G – this normally fits comfortably in cleo styles. the taylor bra wasn’t available in 28 bands at brastop*, so i went for my sister size of 30FF and i’m glad i did! the band is super firm, fitting perfectly on the loosest set of hooks, so i’d definitely recommend popping yourself up a back size (and down a cup to sister size and keep the same cup volume!). the band is made from a firm powermesh which really holds its shape throughout wear, fastening with two hooks on three columns. the cups are a 4-part construction with lamination for a rigid, non-stretch fit to ensure great uplift and support. taylor is listed as a balconette style, but personally i would consider it more of a full cup shape. it sits high on my chest offering fuller coverage at the top, and because of this it does dig in ever so slightly along the neckline where my breast tissue is still quite firm, but isn’t noticeable.
in terms of shape, the cup feels nice and projected which seems to be standard for most cleo bras in this range (at least from my experience) and doesn’t sit too wide at the apexes. the underwires sit nicely at the centre gore and along my breast root without extending too far back under my armpit, and don’t dig in throughout the day.
the brazilian brief coordinate features an elastic binding on the rear leg edge which means it doesn’t sit entirely smooth under clothes but has some flexibility to the fit. i opted for a size 10 which fits perfectly on my 39″ hips, and comes up to a nice comfortable rise. the gusset length for me personally could do with being a little longer at the front, but overall isn’t too bad.
the verdict
i’ve really warmed to this style over time, and can’t imagine not having it in my collection at this point! it ticks all my boxes – good support and fit, comfortable to wear, and looks gorgeous to boot. if the UK lockdown lifts any time soon i will definitely be wearing this as a crop top with my denim shorts this summer (anything to reduce the amount of layers i have to wear in the heat!) and it will probably be worn in my outerwear rotation as much as it will in my lingerie rotation. if you’re looking for something a little edgier for fuller busts, definitely try this style out.
taylor is available in cleo’s standard size range of 28-38 D-J (limited sizes remaining) retailing at £34 for the bra, while the brief comes in at £15 in sizes 8-18.
what do you think of this set – love it or hate it? i’d be interested to see this in a snow leopard inspired colourway – white, pale grey and an icy blue would look so chic and bridal.
xo, the lingerie princess
