The Sternum Compression Bra by Isavela is sold as a “Sternum Compression and Symmastia Prevention Bra” for post breast surgery compression. Yet it does have other uses, one of which was my reasoning for buying it: I use them as sleep bras, to avoid the side sleeping chest wrinkles!
I tried this one earlier this year in the small, but that was too big in the band, so I opted to order it again in the XS.
The Small is supposed to be for ribcage measuring 24-28”, while the XS is for 20-24”. I ordered two XS this time, both reviewed here, but also tried two in Small ... as noted, reviewed together under the Small size. I will add that data within this review for comparison purposes. I only took “bra” on photos for the Small, as these all look the same, and I don’t feel there is any additional value in adding more “bra” on photos for this design. That being said, if someone does want to see how it looks on compared to the Small, or how it looks worn under a regular bra, etc. just let me know and I will upload some photos as requested. ☺
Now for the details! The band of the XS measures smaller than the Small at 24.1” to a max of 33” on the first and 24.4” to 32.5” on the second. I am not sure why the 2nd one feels firmer in the band, but it does! Either way, for a band intended for a 20-24” ribcage, these are still much longer than they should be. My two Smalls measured 25.25” and 26” to a max of 34” for both.
The wing of both XS is 2.15”, with 0.7” straps. The gore is 6.5” tall on the first yet 6.38” on the second, with 0.75” wide at the narrowest part. The wings of the Small were the same 2.15”, with gore and straps being slightly wider at 0.75”, and a center gore height of 6.25” for one and 6.65” for the other. This center gore is created by overlapping of the strap crossover so they obviously have some manual variations of crossover.
The band is wide at 1.5” giving a secure feeling without dig in. This is nice as I wear them to sleep in only and don’t want the dig in.
The band has 4 sets of hooks, and three rows of eye loops.
The great thing about these sternum bras is not only do the stop the chest wrinkles in the morning; they also keep the breasts separated so you get less night sweat issues. This would be a great feature for those who are prone to between the breast friction and irritations.
It can also help keep space between the breasts during the day and can be worn easily under a regular bra. Doing this also adds a bit of a buffer from the underwire digging into the ribs as the wires of a regular bra rest on the band of the sternum bra instead of the ribs directly. This also means the gore wires rest on the sternum bra crossover instead of digging in as well. Wearing under a bra would also allow for more comfort for those wider than needed gores on some bras. This can additionally aide in a better bra fit for those with close set center full breasts, as it gently separates the breasts allowing for more space at the center gore for the bra to fit into. ☺
The straps are fully adjustable, yet I find them just long enough completely let out, so this would be an issue for those with lower set breasts.
Overall, I just love these things!
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Black colorway
This bra is not owned any more
Updated on Dec 01, 2018 Flag this