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TL; DR — good sports bra, natural shape, some compression, comfortable, medium to high support. If in doubt, size up one cup. If you like a very firm band for exercise, go down in the band (and up in the cup to compensate) or plan to use a tighter hook.
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I have worn Prima Donna bras for several years, generally something like Prima Donna Madison Underwired Bra (0162121) , or Prima Donna Deauville Underwired Bra (0161811). This is my first try at a Prima Donna sports bra.
I am used to the Panache Sport Sports Bra (5021), which I like a lot. ... This Prima Donna is similarly tall, but it hugs better at the top edge because it doesn’t have any padding. I get a natural shape with the Prima Donna, and the wires are narrow enough (unlike Freya sports bras, which tend to be wide for me and/or give me cone-boob). It’s not the same shaping as Panache, but it’s flattering.
It is difficult to scoop and swoop properly because the cups height is so high. Unlike the Panache, which has a J-Hook on the back if you want the straps centered, on the Prima Donna, you have to criss-cross them at the base of the strap prior to putting on the bra. So once the straps are crossed and tightened, there’s not a lot of room in there for scooping. I find that the center wires do float for me, but if I push a finger against them, they’re able to lie flat against my sternum. It would probably be perfect if I went up a cup, but this bra doesn’t come in a larger cup than my 34H (EU/US). The band is not overly snug so a 36H would definitely be too large in the band. I think maybe the cups need to be just a little deeper... or maybe I need to fiddle with the straps. The fabric relaxed a little once I got sweaty so I think I could shorten the straps a little more. I got a little more bounce than with my Panache, but it wasn’t painful. I suspect if the gore sat flat, there’d be very little to no bounce.
This bra is more breathable than the Panache (remember, no padding). I took my daughter to the park and was comfortable for our park trip on a hot day, followed by a couple of hours at home, and a workout afterward, all in the same bra. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to wear the Panache for that length of time (as much as I love it for exercise). The comfort and support are good enough that I can tolerate the not-quite-right fit at the gore. (I am hopeful that maybe the bra will soften with more wears and washings. I’m also working on losing a little weight so I’m OK with it being a tad small, since it’s not uncomfortable and is still supportive.)
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Updated on Sep 12, 2020 Flag this