Fantasie Susanna Basque Reviewed
Lately I’ve been experimenting with 30 bands, largely from Fantasie, as their cups seem to suit my shape really nicely. I’ve been trying on various styles and deciding if any are unique enough that I should have them altered down to a 26 or 28. My Fantasie Rebecca is currently in the process of being altered, and next up will certainly be the Susanna basque in the new petal pink and white colour scheme.
Fantasie Susanna basque, 30F
Considering this is a 30, I’m getting a pretty great fit from it without alterations. This isn’t too surprising as basques have so much more support coming from the back than a typical bra. A true 28 could easily wear this in a 30 without the need for alterations, but since I measure about 26 inches around my ribcage, I don’t find the basque stable enough to wear out and about. I’ve been wearing it at home a lot though, and find it incredibly comfortable for lazing about.
The materials feel excellent. The lace upper section of the cups is never itchy, the lining in the cups is silky smooth, and the closure at the back of the basque is much softer than that of any bra I’ve ever worn. I haven’t worn this basque during any real physical activity, but so far I’ve found it to be quite breathable. Erica of A Sophisticated Pair did mention in her review that wearing this basque for extended periods of time did result is some extra perspiration, but I have yet to experience that. Despite all its beauty and general comfort, this basque is not meant for all situations. I cannot bend over fully, as the boning in the front of the basque pokes me in the ribs a bit. I’ll be using this as more of a special occasion piece, under dresses, or wearing at home. I have toyed with the idea of removing the boning, but since I’m not sure that I’ll actually like it more sans boning, I’ll probably be keeping it as it is.
Given that the band size is wrong for me, I do experience some fit issues in the Susanna basque. The wires do not lay completely flat. The gore does, but the wires directly below my breasts sit away from my chest. I bent them a bit so they would sit closer, which did increase the stability of the basque, but not so much that I could wear it for a full day and feel secure. When I pull the back of the basque back though, the wires sit flat against my chest, the shape of the cups become even more lifted, and the bottom of the basque sits flat against my stomach instead of slightly away from it. The gore is a bit wide for me, measuring about an inch in width. I can normally do an inch wide gore, but since the Susanna’s gore is around 3 inches tall and my shape is pretty full in the center, it wants to sit on my breast tissue a bit. I can finagle it to sit against my sternum, but then I get a slight bit of cutting in on my larger side. I don’t consider this a deal breaker though, as it doesn’t show under clothing and isn’t uncomfortable. So basically, most of my fit issues will be solved once I have the basque altered, and the other issues are minor. Over all, I enjoy wearing this!
Notice how the back kind of bubbles out in the middle? Too loose. That should disappear once the basque is tighter.
The Susanna basque closes with two sets of 14 hook-and-eye closures, the straps are “technically” partially adjustable , but I think one could easily tighten the straps up over the more patterned part. I should mention that I don’t believe this Basque would necessarily work on everyone. I have a friend who normally wears 30s in bras, and her hips are around 40 inches. She’s an awesome hourglass shape, but unfortunately the basque didn’t quite agree with it and rolled up in the back. This piece may not be for the very curvy, or you may need to size up to get a good fit through the body.
Detail shot. Such pretty lace
Over all I’m really happy with this basque, and look forward to getting a lot of wear out of it once it’s altered. It’s the first basque I’ve ever worn and I look forward to trying more in the future. Perhaps something from masquerade next?… now I need to find occasions to wear basques.
-Windie
Hi! Thanks so much for this review. The basque looks great on you. It’s really hard to find them in my size, so like you I had to size up to a 30 in the one I got (Bravissimo Lola Luxe). For the alteration, do you just take it to someone, or do you know how it’s done? I am worried about having mine taken in because the back is mesh, but yours looks to be the same way, so if you don’t think it will be a problem, I am encouraged. If you have any insights on this, they would be greatly appreciated! I’ll probably review the Lola on Bratabase, so if you do have insights on the alteration process, I’d love to link back to it there so other people can benefit, too.
Thanks again!
Hey! I unfortunately don’t have any insights onto the alteration process. I will be taking my basque to a seamstress in a couple of weeks though to discuss altering it though, so I can certainly report my findings on the blog 🙂
Gosh that basque is pretty! I really like the print on the material. I’ve yet to try the Fantasie brand, but I’ve been wanting to get the Samantha Strapless bra, so this was really helpful with learning about their sizing. Great review!
This makes me want to buy a basque, great review 🙂
First off, how awesome is that paler color? It looks so much lovelier in your photos than it does in the promotional shots! Secondly, I am so happy to hear you like the style and plan on altering it to fit. True 28s should definitely be able to wear the 30 band without a problem, but since you are more of a 26, I can understand the trouble there. Ultimately, I didn’t keep mine because I really need a good stock of everyday bras, and I knew this was going to be for occasions only. Plus, mine arrived almost three months after I ordered it right when we’re about to hit the hot spring and summer months. It’s still a gorgeous piece though but given my climate and job, I don’t think I’d really get the wear out of it to justify the price. However, after reading your review, I’ll now live vicariously through you!
The pale colour is amazing! I much prefer it to the promotional shots, completely agree with you there. I was a bit iffy on keeping it as well just because it isn’t as wearable as everyday bras, but at the same time I’m really enjoying having one “fancy” piece of lingerie. Plus, I work in a very cold building, so I can wear this under thick sweaters without it showing through 🙂