You’d think that buying a bra online — one you’ve never worn before! — would be a bad idea, right?
Possibly?
But I was shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary sale last week for a bra, just because, I mean…so many weird things happen to your body after you have a baby. Everything shifts around, so your old pre-baby clothes don’t fit the same way, but that’s another story for another day…
Anyway, I was looking for a bra to replace some bras that don’t fit anymore, and I saw that this one, the Brooklyn bra by Passionata by Chantelle, had hella five-star reviews.
The Brooklyn Bra is usually $55 but currently on sale for $35, so I thought, why not? If it doesn’t work out, there’s always that awesome return policy! Also, I have experience with the Chantelle bra line.
French lingerie maker Chantelle has been around for more than 100 years. I found them one day when I went into Nordstrom to buy some bras after my umpteenth Victoria’s Secret bra fell apart (those things don’t last more than a few months). I asked the sales associate to recommend a bra that would last me, no joke, “Forever, or until the Kardashians go away,” and she recommended Chantelle. I now have three Chantelle bras, and I love them. They’re comfortable and have lasted forever (so far), but they’re super expensive, though, like in the $80 price range (!!!), so I always try to get mine on sale.
It’s still a lot to pay for a bra, but I tell myself that, ya know, you wear a bra all day, every day, and you should get one that lasts and fits well.
Because Passionata is a sub-brand of Chantelle, I hoped their bras would be Chantelle-caliber good.
Based on this Brooklyn bra? Man, it is that good. So far. Those Nordstrom reviewer ladies got it right!
Mind you, it only arrived in the mail yesterday, so I’ve only worn it for a few hours, but it fits true to size, and it’s crazy comfortable. The straps don’t dig into my shoulders, and the cups don’t cut into my skin.
I like the soft material, the lace (it isn’t itchy, yay!), and they have just the right amount of padding. They’re padded, but they aren’t so padded that my boobs feel super crunchy.
I think it’s pretty, too. My bra situation has been dire this past year… Like, beyond anti-cute. And I’m ready to be cute again. 🙂
The Brooklyn comes in a wide range of sizes, and there are three colors on sale — hot pink, black and nude. If they’re anything like my Chantelle bras, they should hold up for years. Check it out if you can, and remember, the sale only lasts through August 6th.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Arianne says
Oh girl! I need new bras. I hope I can find these here. My go-to pretty everyday bra is Natori Feathers plunge bra, but also, so expensive. On sale they are still $60 here. I love that fuchsia colour you picked!
Karen says
I’ve read that the Brooklyn is similar to Natori Feathers! I hope it works out for you. 🙂
Ali says
Those are really cute, the black one especially! I like how the pattern looks on that one.
I’ve been over Victoria’s Secret for a while now. Since I’m not a teenager, it seems like I’m not really in their target demographic anymore. Most of their bras that I try on end up pushing my boobs up to my nose, which I don’t care for. I only buy their sports bras now. For my everyday bras, I’m definitely a Soma girl, but I’ll have to check out this brand, too.
Jennifer says
Thank you so much for posting this! My shopping options in coastal Maine are really limited, especially so for lingerie. So that means I’m often buying bras online, which is like reaching into your makeup drawer for a tube of lipstick without looking at the color.
I so appreciate a bra recommendation.
Chris25 says
Do you think this would be good for large busted gals? I’m a 34C.
Pamela says
I love buying Chantelle bras during Nordie sales. When I got fitted a couple years ago in their lingerie department, this brand (the C chic bra) and the Natori Feathers bra were recommended for me specifically. I’m a 36D and they both feel great. Supportive yet comfortable. My favorite are the non-padded ones because I like less bulk.
Shadowy_lady says
34C is more average sizeed than large busted though and many styles and brands should work for you. I wear Chantelle too and I’m a 32G 🙂 I never find my size in store though and often order it online. Chantelle is very underrated but they make quality bras. Theirs and Panache bras are my favourite.
For a C or D cup I would recommend Simon Perlee bras too. I admire them all the time…so pretty!!! But they to not come in my size
janine1 says
I actually love these!! My vsc last forever 8+ years but I hand was them.
Kim says
Great rec! Who doesn’t need a better bra? Plus you’re already 1 for 1 since I love the CWX sports bras you talked about in the past. I have 3 and wear them all the time. 🙂
Karen says
Oh, those are the best. I still have my hot pink one and wear it all the time. It’s held up so well!
Kim says
Happy Friday, btw! I had to come back and tell you that I just ran across something that made me think of you. You’ve probably seen it. It was this cute cat graphic that read: Don’t Stress Meowt. HAHA! Thought you might need one right meow. 😉
A says
So funny, I recently discovered Chantelle bras! I also balk at the price tag, but it’s become necessary. I went through four different bras that all hurt, didn’t fit well, and left SCARS (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) on my chest. I was done. I initially tried them on at Nordstrom too, but you can find Chantelle on sale occasionally on barenecessities.com. I plant to basically only buy them from now on. They are super high quality, fit brilliantly, and are CUTE! I will def look into the Passionata line, the bras you posted here look fab.
Karen says
Hi A,
They make the BEST bras. Have you tried the Chantelle Rive Gauche T-Shirt Bra? It’s the best. Thanks for the heads up on barenecessities.com. I’m book marking so I can stalk the site for sales now!
emeris says
Glad you found bras that you like and are comfortable for you. Chantelle is my absolute favorite brand for bras too, Karen :). Have you tried their sports bras? Love those too because I am a busty gal and the girls don’s go anywhere when I am wearing their sports bra and no uniboob. I am used to paying a bit more for bras because I want something that is pretty and has support and will last longer than a few months. Hope you have a great Friday !!
Tatiana says
Dang, how did I miss these? Chantelle bras are my go-to bras. Always comfy and last ages. If they run true to size, I’m just gonna order a bunch on-line. I’ll return them later if they don’t fit.
SandyL says
These are lovely, going to check out if I can get them here at Nordstrom’s in Vancouver!
Melissa Valdez says
Just ordered them! I love comfy! If they happen to be cute too, even better!
Katie says
So cute!! I’m wary of ordering bras online, though, just because sizes vary so much. I normally like Aerie bras. They’re not perfect, but they last pretty well (usually 2 or so years for me) and the price isn’t bad. And in terms of that lasting power, I usually wear the same 2-3 bras in rotation, if that gives you an idea of how hard I am on my bras! I also like that they offer unlined, lightly lined, and very subtle push up fits in addition to the PUMPED UP PUSH UPS they seem to exclusively sell at VS. For me, VS fits weird, falls apart fast, and is so overpriced.
Stephanie says
Weird question, but would you say it leans towards full coverage? I just can’t wear push up bras or those plunging bras anymore. Things just don’t stay put and I end up with double boobs, it’s just not pretty.
sleepybird says
I have been wearing Chantelle for years. Mine don’t last as long as some of the others i see in the comments, but such is life as an H cup. These puppies are HEAVY and no bra lasts super long but Chantelle last longer than most. I get mine Chantelle bras on Ebay. There are always plenty that are marked NWOT. I have never paid more than $30.