B+W people film suggestions

For years I have photographed mainly in color as a portrait photographer. Now I am doing some B&W figure work. I have grown accustomed to the smooth skin tones of portrait films. Being without a darkroom, I've been trying T400CN, but the contrast is so biting that I can see every pore on my model's skin. I'm not a big fan of brutal reality, and I'd like to be a little kinder to my model! I also don't necessarily want to use diffusion all the time. Does anyone have any suggestions for a smoother, more flattering B&W (traditional) film? I realise you can alter contrast through exposure and development times, but I will be relying for now on a commercial lab, so I'd like to keep things simple and control as much as possible in camera. A few years back I tried Agfapan APX100, but found it a bit grainy for my liking. That was in 35mm, and now I shoot 645, so maby this would not be so objectional, as it did have very pleasing tonality. Anyone have any suggestions?

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