Miss Mandalay Paris
Hi all! Sorry I’ve been gone for a while! I’ve been busy with school as well as catching up with all the friends that I’ve been neglecting from said busyness. I’ve received a couple of bras in the mail since my last post, namely Miss Mandalay’s Paris and Cleo Marcie. I won’t bother to review Marcie because there are already many fantastic reviews on the blogsphere, but Paris hasn’t been talked about much, especially not in this beautiful jet black.
Miss Mandalay Paris in black, 28F
This bra is beautiful, definitely one of my favourites and truly the prettiest “basic” black bra I own. Design-wise, I love the simplicity. The satin ribbons make it feel special without being loud, and the mixture shiny and matte fabric is eye-catching. The shape is one what I prefer for everyday: natural, minimized and rounded.
Paris, three-quarter view. I reduced the blacks in the photo so you can better see the bra and where the wires hit me.
Paris features fully adjustable straps (a great change from Paige) and three sets of two hook and eye closures. The band feels almost exactly the same as Paige, which is a perfect fit on me. This is another great option for those who find they need a 26 band. The ribbon at the top of the cups does dig in slightly, definitely more-so than with Paige, so I’m not sure how much success fuller on top breasts would have with Paris. I considered sizing up, but I’m quite sure that I would have a lot of gaping and wires digging in if I did. The slight cutting in at the top of the cups never shows under clothing and isn’t uncomfortable, so I’ve decided it isn’t an issue for me.
Back view. This band is a perfect fit.
Unfortunately, not everything went perfectly for Paris and I. I noticed just today when I took off this bra that the ribbon at the top of one of the cups has begun to fray.
It looks as though the seam is detaching from the rest of the bra. I do remember noticing right when I put this bra on that it did feel looser on my bigger side, which is strange since the bigger side should be filling out the bra more, but I didn’t really think anything of it. As it turns out, the side that felt looser is the same side with the problem seam, so I think it may have been a defect. I’ve contacted Large Cup Lingerie, where I purchased the bra, to see if anything can be done. I thought about sewing it myself, but I think if I did I’d probably end up making the top of the cup too tight, and since I already have a little bit of digging that would be pretty bad.
Despite the issue of the rogue seam, I really do think this is a great bra. It’s not quite as perfect a fit as Paige, but it’s pretty darn close and the simple design as really won me over. As my lingerie collection expands, I find that the two brands that work best for me are Miss Mandalay for unlined bras and Ewa Michalak for lined. It feels fantastic to have a better handle on what works and what doesn’t. Anyone else have particular brands that they tend to stick to?
-Windie
EDIT: Large Cup Lingerie has offered me a replacement bra if Miss Mandalay has any remaining Paris bras in my size or a full refund. Further evidence of their fantastic service!
Oh you should review the Marcie too! I know there’s loads of reviews, but the more the better with every bra and I’d definitely read it 🙂 Did you like it?
I really like the Paris bra but I also found the top edge cut in. It worked under clothes when I first put it on but I found it cut in more as the day went on and it began to show, so I returned it. I’ve just realised I never published that review, even though I wrote it last year…so thanks for reminding me to do it!
Hey if you’ll read it, I’ll review it 😛 I do really like Marcie! It worked best for me on the second hook which isn’t surprising. I couldn’t believe how round the shape was when I put it on! Crazy for an unlined bra. Paris doesn’t tend to cut in much more for me as the day goes on thankfully, though if the ribbons were just the tiniest bit looser it’d be perfect.
Hm, I ordered a Paris a few years ago and had the same issue with ribbon fraying. Bummer to hear it’s still happening, but glad to hear it’s otherwise a great bra! I love the black! Now I’m seriously tempted…
Really! That’s too bad to hear it’s not just a one off, and perhaps a problem with the design of the bra. I ended up sealing the fraying ribbon with clear nail polish, which worked decently, but of course I wish it still looked like a shiny new bra.
I returned my black paris because it was a bit too large and I was a little underwhelmed with how it looked. (The shape looked great though.) However, I can’t wait for my ivory/black paige and moulin paris! I’m also looking forward to trying Ewa Michalak’s bras after the hollidays. 🙂
Jealous that you’re getting the ivory/black paige! I’d love to, but I really shouldn’t spend the money. What Ewa Michalak bras are you planning to try? Placing an Ewa Michalak order is always exciting 😀
True. Like you, I found Miss Mandalay’s unlined bras to give me the best shape, comfort and overall look I’ve tried compared to my Freya and Curvy Kate bras, so I don’t mind paying extra for something I’ll actually wear and keep without altering. I’m interested in the HP Kobalt, and the PL Amethyst (since I have a lonely purple suspender belt to go with it.) I heard one of the models on Ewa’s site is the same exact size as me (30DD) so it’s hard not to buy EVERYTHING I see a picture of her in because every bra looks so fabulous on her!
Windie how was the band size on this? Would you say it was a true 28?
Thanks =)
It’s definitely a tight 28 🙂
Thanks =)
I hate it when a 28 is really a 30 ala other bras *cough freya cough*
Pingback: Lingerie Review: Miss Mandalay Paris Bra and Briefs | The Lingerie Lesbian