Please disregard wire measurement as this is a wireless bra. However, wire length was a mandatory item in listing a bra.
Updated Dec 2012 after tissue migration and new fitting techniques.
Pro: I bought this as a travel bra for long trips where I want support but no wires (not only for my comfort but to not trip the metal detectors at airports! I don't know if underwire bras do that but it did happen at the local courthouse recently). This bra will likely draw TSA attention because it looks and feels like body armor! *Even though it's not the most flattering bra, and the material is stiff and a bit ...scratchy (should get softer over time), it does the job I ask of it which is provide a non-wire, no seam bra for travel.
Con: *Five hooks is a lot, people! It would be OK with 3. Speaking of TSA, all that metal will no doubt trigger some kind of alarm. Bottom of the band rolls up--band is too big on my short (compact) torso. *Armpit boobage. These straps need to be as short as possible and the band up under the breasts as much as possible. Straps won't adjust long enough on most people as there is a small amount of adjustment possible. *You will not win any beauty contests at the gym wearing this bra, nor will you be able to finish any sprints if you are a G cup, but for low to medium impact activities, this should be OK.
I really wanted this bra to work for me because I liked the idea of the dual-layer construction. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work for me. The band was ok on the 34" (and the 32" was too tight), but it didn't move well with me. Additionally, my breast tissue didn't quite fill the top of the cups.
I did try this in the sister size down (32H), but that didn't work either. I ended up finding another sports bra that worked well for me, so I didn't explore other sizes, but a 32G or 34F may have been worth trying.
My goal is to find a bra that relieves all weight of my breasts from my neck and shoulder muscles, and is comfortable to lounge and sleep in. I have a migraine disorder that is aggravated by my breast weight. This bra fits those needs!
Straps: The straps are wide set and rest on the bone of the shoulder, not the muscle. This is critical. The vast majority of sports bras rest on the shoulder muscles or even the neck muscles. One caveat is that I wish the straps were wider, like 1.5" -- perhaps I could add pads?
Band: It has a firm 1" band that remains seated just ...under the breast fold. This significantly helps to distribute the weight between the torso and shoulders.
Support: My test for adequate support is the ability to tilt my head back, like one does to rinse off shampoo in a shower. When my breasts are unsupported, I cannot tilt my head back enough. With poor support, I can tilt my head back but it hurts. With adequate support, I can tilt my head back with no discomfort. This bra passes the test, I can tilt my head back without discomfort. This means the muscles in my neck are no longer being pulled taunt by my breasts. The second support I need is side-to-side support. When I lean from one side or the other, the weight of my breast causes neck pain. This bra keeps my breasts firmly in place preventing them from pulling on my muscles no matter what position I am in.
Comfort: I need to wear a bra 24/7, so I need one that will move with me without pain -- such as how wires dig into the rib cage. The 34 band is firm on my 32" rib cage -- borderline too tight, but is comfortable. I am aware the band is there. It isn't causing any pain to my rib cage when I slouch on the couch, or curl up to watch TV. There is significant weight on my shoulders, so I am aware of the pressure points on my shoulders as much as I am aware of the pressure of the band. But since the straps are resting on only skin and bone, I don't anticipate any further complications than merely feeling them.
This bra meets all my needs. Here's hoping I have less migraines! Read more 286 more words
Best of luck with it! I hope the hooks putting tension on the straps doesn't counter the initial good reaction. It seems like too much "support" by putting it on tighter settings might increase the stress on your shoulders and neck, so definitely be conscious of that.
The design in some ways reminds me of a nursing bra without the openings, and certainly with more adjustability.
Yes! I definitely noticed that changing the hooks has a direct impact of how much weight is on my shoulders. It appears this hook system is just an easier way of adjusting the straps. This may be convenient for me. It is a balance: the less weight on my shoulders, the more weight on my neck. I'm encouraged to see how this flexibility will work for me. I can adjust the tension on the fly depending on how I am feeling. I can even just unstrap the front panel all together if I want!
Makes perfect sense. And adjusting not just on the fly but also to /known/ settings seems like a significant feature for your application. As long as the fabric holds up enough for those positions to be significant, of course.
Makes perfect sense. And adjusting not just on the fly but also to /known/ settings seems like a significant feature for your application. As long as the fabric holds up enough for those positions to be significant, of course.
Makes perfect sense. And adjusting not just on the fly but also to /known/ settings seems like a significant feature for your application. As long as the fabric holds up enough for those positions to be significant, of course.
My apologies, not sure how that triple-posted but there doesn't seem to be a delete.
I thought I was ordering a UK size 34G. Amazon really botched on this bra, because when it arrived the label stated it was a US size 34G, which is a bit too small. However, I am going to keep it anyhow because I need a sports bra and it's not *that* poorly fitting. It has no wires in it, which I'm not sure I like, but we'll see how it holds up to my hiking and biking.
Best of luck with it! I hope the hooks putting tension on the straps doesn't counter the initial good reaction. It seems like too much "support" by putting it on tighter settings might increase the stress on your shoulders and neck, so definitely be conscious of that.
The design in some ways reminds me of a nursing bra without the openings, and certainly with more adjustability.