Bridal lingerie wants to be beautiful for your big day, but if it isn’t functional too, it’s style without substance.  Your design of wedding dress may allow you flexibility in your choice of bra, but exposed and low backs call for something undisclosed.

The Serenity bridal collection by Panache is a continuity line that I happened to sample two years ago when I had a bridal photoshoot.  I reviewed the strapless bra in a 30GG where-as today I’m exploring the basque in a 30H, which is my typical Panache size these days.

*Panache Lingerie gifted me the following: Panache Serenity Basque (30H), Suspender Belt (14), Brief (14) and Thong (14).   All opinions are my own and unbiased.*

It’s worth noting that the set I have received is labelled as Masquerade by Panache, which last year rebranded to Panache Black.  This may mean that the product has since been updated.

Serenity is a sumptuous satin collection that boasts intricate embroidery and delicate trinkets.  It has a timeless appeal; sophisticated yet beautifully understated.

Like the balcony bra, the basque features the same detachable straps for the option to wear strapless or strapped.  The satin and embroidery design of the cups adorns the straps, which are essentially too pretty to hide away!

The basque features plastic boning sections to the front and the reverse, 6 in total, which are flexible  (as opposed to metal) for a softer level of support.  Like a bra, it closes with hooks and eyes – all thirteen of them!  Then to finish the functionality, there are four slim detachable suspender clips.

Owning the bra already, it was interesting to be able to draw comparisons with the basque.  Most notably, the bra’s hook and eye closure has a soft feel and a stitch-free edge making it comfortable to wear.  However, the large hook and eye closure on the basque is a completely different feel and quality.  Instead of the soft touch, it has a rough nylon feel and is stitched along the top and bottom edges, so it doesn’t feel as nice, or particularly luxurious.  I’m unsure whether this is because the basque requires a stronger and hence different closure but I do find it spoils the overall aesthetic.

As much as I anticipated Serenity to be ‘the one’, I found myself rather disappointed.  Well, you can tell from my photos that it is a very small fit.  Back when I reviewed the bra I felt the 30GG was on the small side so I’d hoped this time around a 30H would be a better size, but it wasn’t so.  The cups are a lot deeper than I needed them to be and it’s so tight.  Once I’d garnered help to fasten the basque up I was desperate to take it off again.  The front boning right beneath the cups nipped into my chest, and this worsened once I was wearing it tightly.  I always wear 30GG or 30H in Panache so it seems strange for me to consider a 32 back, but I really do think that in this case a 32GG must be required.

I also received the suspender belt (14) with a brief (14) and thong (14), which came in handy to try out as a mix and match set with the bra and then basque.

I felt most comfortable wearing the suspender and brief combination, and it looked really nice with the bra.  The brief has a substantial satin feel contrasted by a fine stretch mesh reverse which together made an attractive and yet wearable look.  I love that the lines are clean and elastic free, bar the waistband which is enclosed to the fore.

The suspender belt is heavily styled around the lace mesh with sections of satin and a plain satin reverse, and there’s four slim straps for attaching stockings.  I found the belt a little big, as I like to wear a belt around the waist as opposed to sitting on the hip, so I would probably try a 12 next time to ensure a snugger fit.

Serenity is a gorgeous set – perfect as bridal lingerie with it’s luxe satin and decadent details.  I haven’t had the best experience so far but it’s such a lovely collection I won’t be writing it off just yet!

The bra review can be found here, and a review of these stockings shall be coming shortly!

Have you tried the Panache Serenity collection?  What kind of lingerie would you consider, or not, for your wedding or any other special occasion?  As always, I’d love to hear!