Bow bustier - bustier discontinued by Coquette - review by ~LaUr3n~

I got this corset (I don't know why they call it a bustier) almost a year ago. It was the first corset I got from Coquette in a medium (previously I fit in L), so I was excited about that. Unfortunately, with a smaller size, the bust got smaller. When I lose weight, my boobs don't get much smaller, so I sacrificed a poorer fit in the bust for a better fit in the waist. I had hoped to be able to wear this out like I have with others, but the bust fits so poorly that I'm afraid a wardrobe malfunction could occur. It still is a pretty piece, just not as multifunctional as I'd hoped.

*Contents/overview: Two parts: Corset, garters

This Bow Bustier is actually a corset. It has plastic boning, durable mesh double lined material, and removable garters, straps, and bows. It has padded cups, underwire, and removable straps. It comes in sizes S, M, L, XL, and 1X/2X. The sizes run pretty true to size, but the bust is small. There is also a pink version.

*Material: Excellent, high quality

The corset is made of 82% spandex and 12% nylon, exclusive of the trim. The trim is the padding, ribbons, metal pins, hook and eyes, and the velvet detailing. The main part is made of soft mesh, which is layered. It's very durable and stretches a fair amount. There's a subtle bow print pattern. The pattern is slightly raised because it is printed in velvet over the mesh.

The ruffles are also made of mesh, but are single layered with pink trim. On the bottom the mesh has a top layer of lace. The lace is abrasive, but strong. The bows are made of baby pink, satin. They have a lot of shine and are very pretty. Overall, I am impressed with the materials.

*Design/craftsmanship: Great, except the bust

The corset is fairly traditional shaped. In has eleven pieces of flexible plastic boning. There is one front and center, two on each side of that, one on each side, andthe remaining four are in the back. On the inside of the corset is a thick band of spandex that connects all the pieces of boning allowing it to cinch in the center most part of the waist.

The bust has flexible, and lightly padded cups. They are somewhat molded so flatter chests may feel like there is space. The cups are separate from each other and have a full underwire. Compared to bra cups, they are a bit shorter which can cause problem for women who have a lot up top. For those who don't, the bounty of ruffles adds a bit of bulk to a smaller chest. A larger pink bow is pinned between the cups, but it is removable! There is also a cute pink "ribbon" that is woven through the top of the cups. This same trim is also affixed to the bottom of the corset. It is actually a pink elastic band instead of actual ribbon. Smart choice! Straps are also included and the cups have small loops on the inside of them for the straps to attach to. They are adjustable like a bra and also attach in the back.

The bottom of the corset doesn't have any tough seam work making it easier to fit over hip curves. There are a few layers of ruffles and lace which match the top, but the ruffles don't quite meet in the back.



The corset comes with two matching bows, one above each thigh. The corset also tuckers up a bit at these points. The bows here are also removable. Technically, you could re-pin them where ever you want.

The back has a hook and eye closure which has two rows of hook sizings. They are about 1/2" apart. Some didn't share the same experience, but I found this corset extremely easy to put on with no help. I put the hook and eyes on my left side and start at the bottom and then work my way up. Once all the hooks are secure, I turn it around and pull it up over my breasts. Easy as pie!

The garters are very high quality! They attach right about where the bows are in the front and have good placement in the back. They are completely adjustable.

*Cleaning/care/storage: Hand wash, plastic bag with hanger

The tag says hand wash. I've only had to spot clean. I just lay it out to dry. It comes on a pretty padded hanger with the garters in a plastic bag attached to the corset. For storage, you can use the hanger loops that are sewn into the corset.

*Sizing/fit: Runs true to size, Small bust

So for those who have an arsenal of Coquette corsets like I do, I'm make a useful comparison. The Bow Bustier is stretchier than the Polka Dot Mesh Corset, but not as stretchy as the Bow Mesh Corset (perhaps this is the reason this corset is called a bustier instead - name was already taken). So for sizing this means that if the Polka Dot corset was too tight on you, you will be fine ordering the same size, but if it fit fine, you might be able to go a size down. The opposite is true for the Bow Mesh corset. If that one fit fine or was tight, order up a size instead.

I chose the medium (a size down) knowing the Bow Mesh corset was too big on me and the Polka dot fit well. I wear the medium on the smallest size option, but it feels fine either way. This corset is supposed to fit a 8-10 dress, B cup, 36-38", 26-30" waist, and 38-40" hips. I weigh ~142 pounds (size ~8); curvy but fit, with size 34/36 D breasts. With the exception of the cup and waist, I am on the low end of the ranges. My waist is about 30" and I like the fit there. It is the bust that is the problem.


Here (above) I have my breasts lower so that they don't get cut in half at the top or spill over, but it is really uncomfortable since my boobs are actually being smashed under the cups.

Here is where they feel most comfortable, but on the verge of not staying put. You can tell that the cups are cutting in.

My Re-done Chart: For the medium - mostly true to size, fits larger in waist
Dress: 8-10
Cup: B - C
Band: 34-36"
Waist: 27-31"
Hips: 38-40"

*Possible accessories:

With this one, I'd keep it as simple as possible because the corset is so fancy. Pair it with a simple pantie, jeans, or black tight pants. A classic heel is just fine.

*Conclusion: 5 stars *****

I'm giving this 5 stars. If it were up to my subjective experience, I'd give it 4, but I don't think its fair considering the size chart being accurate. The cups are a bit short, but based on the size chart, it's not supposed to fit me anyways. If you have D breasts, you might do better sizing based on your chest instead of your waist.

Even though I have not worn this out yet, I still really love it. It's cute and feminine without going over the top. It is holding up really well and my partner has decided that it would be great for an adult type party instead of a club. I really like how it makes my silhouette look, I'll just have to wear some pasties!