FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Since buying the Retro Mesh Cupless Chemise, I've had a fascination with cupless items. They just seem to make me feel that extra sexiness. As much as I like garters, my main goal from this set was the bra. My search is somewhat on-going.


BRAND & COLOUR:

The Shelf Bra and Garter Panty Set is a Coquette creation made in China. I'm not normally one to go for white lingerie, but there isn't much choice when it comes to this one. I would have liked to have seen it in a black or rich purple.


MATERIAL:

This set is made from acetate satin and lycra which should be hand washed if following the tag instructions. The materials are very smooth and shiny. Naturally the satin doesn't have any give, apart from where the elastic is stretched sewn onto the garter to allow for a comfortable fit. The lycra on the other hand is very stretchy, just like you expect from a standard bra. I went for the L size which turned out to fit perfectly. In fact, as I lose weight the bra will become too loose before long. But I prefer a tight-ish fitting bra around the back so it stays put. Measurements are below:

Bra:
Just like most typical bras, this one has lycra back and sides to allow plenty of movement in your daily activities. The back features two hooks and three rows of eyes which allow it to fit from 24 ½” unstretched, up to 41” around the chest (under breast measurement). The straps are fully adjustable. Attached to the covered underwire is a piece of narrow satin on each side. I'm guessing this is just to help give a little extra support from beneath and on the outer sides. Between the two cup wires is a small piece of satin holding them together with a large white bow in the middle. This bow can be removed, but may leave a few stitch holes. Most of the satin edges on the bra are covered, but there are a few patches that are exposed and starting to fray. Being cupless, most breast sizes should be able to wear this. I have DD cups and this fits perfectly.

Garter:
Although this is suppose to be a large, it has the ability to fit the smaller end of an extra large (going by Coquette's sizing chart) with the adjustable elastic piece in the back. It has a clip that can be slid across to shorten or lengthen, the same style you'll find on bra shoulder straps. When laid out flat (opened up) with the elastic strap on the smallest, the garter measures 27” and is 39” when stretched to the maximum. It will stretch out to 44” when extended. Because of the design, it can be adjusted to anywhere between those measurements. This elastic strap is attached to the other side of the garter with a plastic hook, the same type that's used on bras that can be used with or without straps.



The garter straps are covered in the white acetate fabric which gather up unless they are stretched out. Unfortunately they can't be shortened. They hang at a length of 8” or 13” when stretched. There is a bra strap type of adjustable clip, but it will only give you ¼” and they aren't easy to move due to such a tiny area to work with. At the end of each is a large white bow followed by the plastic garter clip and a piece of ribbon that hides it. The ribbon can easily be taken off without ruining the rest of the garter, but the stitches holding the bows on are also used to attach the cover to the elastic garter strap. But that could be simply hand sewn if you really don't like the bows.
Coquette failed to zigzag or use Stop Fray on the end of the covers and it frays like crazy. On the most part, they did use it on most of the raw edges of the bows, but did miss a few small spots. In the middle front top seam is another smaller bow and a clear plastic gem – both can be removed without disturbing the rest of the stitching

G-String:

The g-string is made completely out of the lycra. There is no elastic as such for the waist band, the lycra is used as edging around the triangle and to create the stretchy waist band. Unfortunately there is no cotton lining at all and the piece that sits between the butt cheeks is up to ¾” in width. I mention this cause some of us prefer a thinner piece ( just a narrow strip of elastic) sitting back there. That being said, this one is very comfortable. Laying flat, the waist band measures 14” and will stretch out to 24”. The triangle at the top front is 4” across and 11 ½” in length un-stretched. The size tag is sewn into the top edge in the front.


CLEANING ~ PACKAGING:

Coquette's tag says to hand wash which is how I cleaned mine the first time. I think it will be fine inside a lingerie bag on a gentle cycle.
My set arrived in a clear plastic dress bag type of packaging on a Coquette plastic coat hanger. At the bottom of the bag is a sticky strip which will reseal if needed.


EXPERIENCE:

I personally prefer any kind of panties to have a cotton liner. It just doesn't seem right when a g-string fails to include one. I have been opting for the XL in lingerie pieces I have bought so far from Eden, but decided to give this one ago cause I only really wanted the bra. My hips are a size bigger than my chest, so I figured the bra would fit even if the rest wouldn't. But the set is on the larger side and I was able to fit each piece no worries.

It kind of concerns me that the raw edges of the fabric isn't zigzagged or overlocked, as it frays easily. You could use Fray Stop on the edges, but it does dry rough and would more than likely scratch or itch your skin. I know for sure that would drive me insane sitting against my skin, so I plan to just wear the set for as long as possible in comfort rather than tolerate scratchy material.

I'm giving this set - 3 stars.