Shock Absorber makes some of the best compression bras. Unfortunately I'm not a huge fan of compression bras (boobs touch and sweat, no thank you).
It is recommended to go up a band size (or two) and keep your cup size in this and I fully agree. When I purchased this (I thought) I was a 34E (I was a 32FF). I definitely could have done with a 36F instead of 36E, but I had no idea my boobs were actually larger and so it happened the way it did.
Funny enough, when I first got it and tried it on, it BARELY fit. I could barely hook it on the ...loosest hooks and the cups were overflowing on top. Now, unfortunately the band is too loose for me, and I don't think the quadding situation is so bad anymore (as long as I don't scoop and swoop thoroughly). Now I'm not very active (my job is sedentary and so is my school and they take up 90% of my time awake), but on the occasion I am active I like my boobs to not feel like they're gonna fall out under my band, so this bra is essentially unwearable for me now. I think I would need a 34FF right now.
That being said, while it fit, it was so good. It keeps the girls in place no matter what you do (I did Yoga and rope jumping classes). The straps don't adjust long enough for me, but even so they are very comfortable. And the band doesn't roll or chafe, and is very comfortable. The inside construction of the cups is very very good and secure. I will say it does feel a little bit bulky, at some places there are at least 3 layers of fabric. But the bra overall is made of very soft fabric that didn't bother me at all anywhere.
It's also very minimalist (in black colourway). I don't like loud colours for sports bras--especially in Yoga classes I find them incredibly distracting.
So overall, I do recommend this bra for lovers of compression bras. Read more 234 more words
This is my second Ultimate Run bra from Shock Absorber, because it's my favourite running bra! I bought this from Lingerie Outlet Store, and not only was this bra on sale for really cheap, but the shipping was also cheap and extremely quick to Canada (they shipped it on March 6th, and I received it on March 13th; one week later)! I'm highly impressed.
I've had the chance to wear it a couple times now, and there is no discernible difference between this colourway and the black colourway in terms of how it fits and feels when I'm running (except being able to wear it on the loosest ...hook, whereas I have to wear my black bra on the second hooks now that it has stretched a bit). There are only two differences in terms of construction that I can see, and that is 1. they've used a wider, padded eye tape on this one, and 2. there seems to be some thin padding in the top of the straps. The only negatives are 1. it smelled strongly of chemicals right out of the package, but that dissipated quickly; and 2. there are a handful of thread and fabric ends poking out, but I really had to search to notice them, and nothing seems to be unravelling, so I consider this just cosmetic; and 3. I have to wear the shoulder straps on the tightest setting right out of the package, but as far as I can tell, the straps haven't stretched at all on my black bra, so this should be fine for the foreseeable future.
Overall, I'm super happy with this purchase! Just for a quick recap on the fit of this bra, it does run about two band sizes tight (this is a "30" band that fits quite snug on my 25.5" ribcage). I prefer this bra over my Panache Sport for running, as I like the mild compression, it doesn't feel nearly as bulky, and I feel more secure and "locked in". Read more 227 more words
MamaPagan It is surprisingly comfy! It feels really lightweight on, and I barely notice it (if at all) when I'm running.
Definitely good qualities to have in a sports bra. I am glad it works so well for you.
Looks like it scoops well right and firm at the lower breast portion without a gap. Essential as comressive support bras could sit lower and contribute to a downwards bend right where vibrations tend to delaminate the skin from the chest.
femineaaeterna I hadn't even thought about that, but you're absolutely right!
Congratulations! What a great deal! The colours are great on this too!
I love this sports bra, but it definitely runs incredibly small in the band. I have it in the white color way, and it runs a full 2 sizes small. So more like a 24G than a 28F. The straps are only ¼ of the way adjustable, which is problematic for petites and those who are high set. The band is very solid and un-stretchy and the cups are compression. This bra really is hardcore, and it helps me forget I have breasts when I exercise. It's also really cheap to buy on Amazon or Ebay, so I'd definitely highly recommend it.
This bra is good ONLY for workouts. It is very supportive (without compression) and holds things in place, but it is only comfortable for 2-3 hours at most. Around the 2 hour mark it starts to HURT. Definitely meant to be worn ONLY while working out.
It runs VERY small in the band. When I first bought it I found it very very tight. I've lost a little weight since then and now it's more comfortable. The band does stretch, but I would say it runs almost 2 sizes small.
The straps are hard to place correctly. If you try to wear them like a normal bra, they are very ...painful. The bra has a strange cut around the neck and straps, so the straps sit at a strange angle. Wear it for more than two hours, and your shoulders will ache.
It veers inward in front of the armpits. Maybe this is to allow for greater range of motion? But it means that for a large-busted woman like myself, there is some bulge of breast tissue right there. Not a big deal, but worth noting.
No, it doesn't look attractive. It's a sports bra, looks are not why I bought it. I will note, though, that it is cut so high in the front that it shows under any tshirt that is not a high crew neck. If you are intensely modest to the point of not wanting any of your bra to show, you might not like this. I don't have a problem with it though.
I use this bra for working out, but I am glad I didn't pay full price (bought it NWT on eBay) and I wouldn't buy it again. I want something more comfortable next time. Read more 179 more words
My 32E - Syrokan » No-bounce Full-support Racerback Pro High Impac is favorite bra for running but band was starting to feel loose and since they don't carry 30F I decide to by a Shock Absorber. I knew the band ran tight but I was measuring around 28in at the time so and the bra was used so figured it would work. I can fasten the bottom strap but not the top one with out an extender. My rib cage also is wider at the top then it is at the bottom(inverted triangle) so that could be a factor. I still wear it but due to ...the uncomfortable tightness I find myself avoiding it unless I have no other bras. I want to buy another one but I am unsure of what size to get because the cups also feel tight or do the cups feel tight because the bands too tight? The design is very similar the Syrokan but the fabric inside the cups is taller on the shock absorber which could be also be why the cups fit tighter. The material on the band also seems prone to pilling but that only a cosmetic issue. Read more 91 more words
I own a couple of these, and I prefer the one that is one cup size and one band size up from what I normally wear.
I find I have to get 2 band sizes up in this model from what I normally wear.
If you haven't already tried the Panache Sport range (https://www.bratabase.com/browse/panache-sport/sports-bra-5021/), I'd highly recommend considering them in the future - they boast 83% bounce reduction, & have a wide range of sizes. I've owned several & find them really comfy.
Looks like it would give a girl a ton of support
LustStarrr the panache is padded and has underwrite so it's harder to fit. The shocker absorber is very supportive along as the band fits
So, this is my second Shock Absorber Run Bra. I own a 32DD already that I'm wearing for running, and its band is still pretty tight after several uses and washes, and I wanted a less tight one for yoga and gymnastics. So here it is.
First of all, I did a side-by-side comparison and couldn't find any differences between this bra the older one, which is a Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra (B5044) (mind it has a B, not an S). Cut, fabrics, finish, sizing and band - everything is virtually the same.
Second, surprise: The 34 band feels comfy on my 27"/29" ribcage (measured firmly/loosely). It's ...firm but not restricting, and it's not shifting around when I'm moving. Perfect. The cups are quite generous and fit my boobs well, although I'm currently on the larger side of 30E. I'd say the cups *do* run 1/2 cup large in this one, but you can cheat somewhat by setting the straps tighter. If you get wrinkly cups while the straps are on their tightest setting then the cups are too large.
The support I'm getting from it is superb.
Comparing to other sports bras, I found the Ultimate Run less restricting than the Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports (4490). The fabric of the Run sports bra is more lightweight, thinner and less stretchy at the same time, with pre-shaped soft "moulds" for your boobs. So it acts more like an encapsulation sports bra, while the Active Multi is definitely a compression sports bra that works by squishing boobs closer to the body using stretchy fabrics.
Also, the Ultimate Run is waaaay lighter than the Panache Sports Bra (5021) and doesn't feel like an armor when you wear it. Plus it's machine-washable.
Let's talk about boob shape in different sports bras. While the shape I get in the Panache Sports is pretty close to a regular random moulded bra (due to the moulded and heavily padded cups), the Active Multi Sports looks rather minimizing and has some of the dreaded "mono-boob" effect going on. The Ultimate Run finds a good balance between both: It's considerably more lightweight and doesn't add padding to your shape, like the Panache does. But it doesn't flatten your boobs all out, like the Active Multi. Overall, I'm pretty impressed by the shape it creates without any wires. I guess I found my new favourite sports bra. Read more 288 more words
Whoa. The zipper. I found myself contorting my face into a myriad of positions while desperately trying to raise the zipper 1/2". Center full ladies, just move on. I spent more time fastening this one item than I spent on my entire morning routine. I brushed my teeth and hair, smeared on lip gloss, dressed, and affixed my hat in less time than required to fasten this one bra. And, when Bratabase demanded proof that this size and model existed in reality, I almost abandoned the bra because I didn't want to zip it AGAIN for photos. Deep breath.
The support is great. I love the fuschia color. The ...fabric is soft. All my tissue is covered and compressed. There are two hooks attached to the zipper casing that will prevent escapees. The band is lined in a soft, plush elastic. The straps do not adjust, but fit my somewhat petite frame well. And, despite the lengthy zipping process, I would adopt this bra if not for one glaring detraction: the cup height causes discomfort under my arm. Ouch.
Synopsis: Less center full breasts will more quickly zip into this bra. If you have center full breasts, add comedy to your life. You may require two more hands and you may guffaw....and snort as I did. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" /> Read more 113 more words
It's unfortunate that it took so long to zip up. I have a Panache sport that is so hard to hook up in the back that I was looking at zip up ones. I'm center-full and a similar size as you so I think I'll give this one a pass-I'm almost too lazy to do up 3 hooks, I can't imagine trying to spend 5+ minutes zipping myself up!
I had to tuck the girls under my arms so I could see the blasted zipper, and they kept returning to "front and center." Your idea to "pass" is sanity preserving ;-)
An Amazon review mentioned zipping first and pulling it overhead, but that leaves me with sore breasts.
Love4Pollinators I can't even imagine zipping first and then pulling it over my head. The band would either have to be way too big or I'd get stuck. I like my Panache Sport-it works pretty well the clasp is just super weird.
Is your Panache wired or unwired? I tried the unwired and couldn't breathe in a 30". Need to try a 32" next :-)
I have the underwired version. I hope to take photos and get a review up tomorrow. Getting up at 4 in the morning means it's too dark to take photos before work so I've been sitting on this one for a week or so. I'd say it fits relatively true to size.
Bratabase didn't believe the size because the manufacturer says it doesn't exist :P
I'll admit I purchased this size because it was such a good deal, and about half the price of getting a 30HH on ebay. I got this one for $15 on ebay and that included shipping.
I anticipated that the band would be the biggest fit problem and I thought I could use an extender when it arrived - but I've been continuing to lose weight and the have lost some squish around my ribcage so the band feels awesome and so secure! For most people the issue will be actually getting into this thing! I can fasten the bottom set of hooks behind my back ...but do it more around my waist and then pull the band up - this is the easiest way anyway. And I'm pretty flexible but not flexible enough to fasten the second set of hooks with the straps on - but pulling the straps up over my arms after I fasten the second set of hooks works great.
The problem is, this is the largest cup size in this band size, so a 30HH would have been a better choice (and still might not have been large enough in the cups) I have the strangest looking quadboob ever! It's just up so high! I also get some tissue pushed out of the sides by my armpits that simply wont fit into the fabric of the front. I really like how secure the non-stretchy fabric of this bra is, but in a 28 band I probably need a J or JJ and I don't believe any shock absorber bras go above an HH cup. The shock absorber US website has this sizing disclaimer: "Sizing Disclaimer: Shock Absorber follows UK bra sizing standard. Also note that the cup sizes tend to run large while the band sizes tend to run small. A good rule of thumb is to go up a size for the band and down a size for the cup. Example: If you are a 32DD, in UK sizing, it would be wise to go for a 34D."
I think that disclaimer may be perfectly correct for smaller cup sizes, but in small band/large cup combinations where a tighter band is often preferred to offset as much weight as possible, I would not recommend following their advice. My standard UK size is (I'm pretty sure now! Plus bratabase and various other sizing calculators agree) 30HH, and towards the smaller end of HH I believe, since the weight I've lost and slight decreases in my leaning, vertical and lying breast perimeters this month put me closer to an H - so a 28HH shouldn't be *too* far off, but I definitely need a bit more cup volume. If I had gotten a 32H as suggested, the band would have been way too loose for a sports bra. The cup volume might have been sufficient but what good is a fitting cup if the band isn't secure. So, sizing could be an issue. I read lots of different reports on sizing when I looked at the reviews already up and I don't have a ton to add. I would say if you like a firm band stay with your normal size or even size down. I can say that if you're a 28J, which would be my sister size, you're going to be pretty squashed and wish for more volume. I still like the way this bra fits better than any of my other sports bras though, and I can always hope for some stretch!
Straps could adjust longer, I have a pretty high set bust and they work adjusted to their longest. Thank goodness they're long enough becuse they are sooo soo comfortable, the front portion of the strap is padded and widens to 1.5 inches at the shoulder and the comfort this adds is remarkable. I can feel that the straps are there, but there's no digging, no nerve pain, no headache beginning. They're the most comfortable straps I've tried, probably in large part because I have a band that actually is tight enough to support most of the weight of my breasts, and they aren't too far apart/wide, like so many bra straps seem to be.
This is a compression sports bra. This style is my preference for intense workouts where my chest really gets in the way - even in the Panache sports bras, which use more encapsulation than compression for support. Even in the 30GG - Panache Sport » Non Wired Sports Bra (7341) that is a more compressing bra than the standard panache, I feel bulky and ungainly compared to this. For goodness sake, my overbust measurement is compressed to 37.5 inches! In the no-wire panache it's 40 inches and 42-43 in regular bras. This is the perfect amount of compression for really active stuff where breasts legitimately get in the way of arm movement. I'm going to wear this the next time I split wood, and may order another specifically to wear under my bathing suit when I swim laps. For years I've been using the ridiculously too small size "small" in champion's firmest 'ultra compression' or whatever it's called, for swimming, but I can see this bra being a lot more comfortable since I wouldn't have the issue with boobs sneaking out of the bottom elastic.
I got this sports bra because I was thinking of getting into running. The Shock Absorber 4490 has good reviews all around, it runs notoriously tight, and lucky me, there was one in my size listed on Bratabase!
[As a side note, it took about a month and a half (!) to actually finally get to me via airmail (!!!); presumably because Malaysia Post accidentally sent it on a joyride around the world first (who knows!) but sender cass_lee28 was extremely polite and apologetic about the whole ordeal. She was just about to refund me in full when the bra finally arrived. Props to her!]
Back to ...the bra. It's tight enough that, although I am technically flexible enough to do up both sets of hooks behind my back by myself, I had to get my S.O. to do it for me today because my arms were way too sore (due to an unrelated adventure on the climbing wall yesterday). Based on the measurements I took, the band currently stretches to 26in, which is tighter than my snug underbust (27) but not break-the-tape tight (25). I consider this perfect for a high impact sports bra. It's tight enough to feel, but not so tight I can't breathe.
The bra pretty much holds itself up by the band, so there's very little pressure on my shoulders. The straps are quite wide too, so it wouldn't be a huge issue either way. I found the straps to fit me just fine on the shortest setting, though as some others have mentioned, there's not much to adjust.
The cups are also fairly tight, in a compressing way, not a "too small" way. They come up high enough that even with my tall roots, I felt like absolutely everything was contained. I found it easiest to scoop and swoop BEFORE closing the upper set of hooks because ain't no way my hand is fitting in the cups after closing it all the way. Once it's on, there is zero chance of boob movement. Seriously. None whatsoever. I ran in it and didn't notice any bouncing or discomfort or anything. I pretty much forgot I have boobs. As far as performance goes, 10/10, extremely impressed; I may buy more of these.
With regards to appearance, I'm not a fan of that pink/orange combo, but who cares, it works better than literally every other sports bra I've ever tried, including the 28DD Panache Sport (underwired, moulded) and the 28D Freya Active (underwired, non-moulded) and definitely much better than everything that doesn't have hooks at the back. I don't think it's even possible for me to pull this bra over my head without undoing it first.
The cups do have another layer of fabric on the inside (lining?) which seems slightly tighter than the outside layer. This results in the *slightest* bit of wrinkling on the outside of the cups just along the seams, though I definitely do not have any room to spare on the inside. It doesn't bother me at all because it's entirely an aesthetic issue and I don't intend to wear the bra on its own.
I would absolutely recommend this bra if you need 100% boob immobilization. Read more 423 more words
This is a very comfortable bra! even though it doesn't make a very nice profile, I like it for days when I prefer my boobs beeing pushed against my chest. Sometimes I just like them beeing hold very tight https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":D" />
Growing up, I mostly only wore sports bras. (I think constantly wearing compression bras almost 24/7 (I wore them to bed) while developing, probably didn't help my case much. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" />)
However, this is the FIRST sports bra to ever fit me. Makes me face palm at myself when I think of 3 years ago, asking my mom if I could get a tank top with a built in sports bra for running. She did pick one up, and it sagged everywhere and we had to take it back. I didn't bother trying another one until a year or so later, ...in Medium. That one was tight, but not good enough for sprinting. Not even running, just jogging.
I tried this bra on and jumped around a bit, and nothing moved. I've never had a sports bra like this. Super happy with the 32D. The band is super taut and supportive. This is used, but it seriously feels like a new bra. It feels better than any of the sports bras I bought previously, when they were brand new.
I'd recommend sizing up in the band, and down in the cups, for more compression. Especially soft tissue. I'm in between soft and mildly firm, and I think I MAY fit the 32DD, but I really don't believe my boobs would be kept in place as well as they are in the 32D. It's exactly what I need and want from a sports bra.
If you have extremely firm tissue, maybe try one in your usual size (but sister size up in cups and band), and one in the smaller size+bigger band ( bigger band, 1 cup down from sister size). I'm not super firm, just mildy in some spots, so I don't know for certain, unfortunately.
I also like the general design of this. It's very simple. I like the black. I'll usually settle with colors and designs in sports bras, but in reality, I don't really like grays, whites, or super loud, neony colors. I've only ever had neons and white, cheap sports bras, like cotton/spandex, pull over bralettes, and they dirty quickly and never work.
I like the entire look and structure of this. It's exactly what I've always wanted.
The racerback feature is also really nice. I prefer racerbacks in most bras, but again, usually settle.
The shape is also good. Usually, sports bras give me weird, box boobs. I think because of the structure and design of this bra, it retains a rounded shape, while still compressing. Oh, and without wires, of course. I've never gotten a rounded shape without wires.
Not that much of that matters when you're running anyway, but sometimes I like to go out places before I go for a workout, and having box boobs just makes me feel awkward.
As for straps, I haven't readjusted them, but there are 8 slots for the hook, which are for lengthening/shortening. I mostly never have issues with straps, but this seems to adjust pretty high/low.
The cups/bra itself comes up pretty high on my chest, so I have no issues with my tall roots or anything making this a strange fit. It's pretty perfect.
Fabric is a double layered(I think), silky material, and a mesh, with a taut, elastic band.
I think I'll be sticking with Shock Absorbers for a long time. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" /> Read more 449 more words
The 36E is really great, but it has got too big band. I bought 34F (soon will be reviewed) and this one has too small band. So I guess I'm between sizes (again!). Max sports bra has got stretchier band. This one works on tightest hook. I feel supported, the fabric is really nice. But I sent it back, because of the band. Another thing – straps are great – comfortably lay on your shoulder AND they are long enough for me (it's like miracle). But in 34F the straps are again too short and it kills my shoulders. So sad that I'm not Shock Absorber girl https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" />
I'm a runner and this bra is a life-saver. Although it's now too small and I'd have to go up a cupsize or two, it used to fit me perfectly and give amazing support (still gives plenty). The band is very tight, slightly uncomfortably sometimes, but I'm convinced this is necessary for heavy sports. It just makes it difficult to breathe very deeply sometimes, but you'll get used to it.
This is the sports bra to get. If you have an 'unusual' size, be sure to check out ebay, I got mine incredibly cheap, new with tags.
I would also like to comment that the colours available are very stylish and if you're bold, you don't need a top over this bra. I have mine in peach.
I've worn this bra for a few runs now. I ordered it in my "typical" 28FF - some 30 bands will fit me and some 28 bands will fit me. I figured a sports bra should be on the tight side, so I went for the 28. The lower hook is extremely tight. I haven't yet decided if I think it's "too" tight or if it's just "extremely" tight. The higher band-hooks aren't too tight, but I'm showing just a bit of boob squished at the top. The straps for this bra, however, have a very narrow adjustment range. I cannot get them as short as I would ...like. I'm 5'5 and high waisted, so I need straps that will adjust quite short.
I have not yet experienced any stretching with this bra. I wash it in the shower with me after each run.
This bra does contain movement extremely well. My breasts are not completely stationary as I run, but movement is minimized, and is certainly in a reasonable range. I can jump, twist, turn, and move confident that my breasts will be contained and movement restricted to a reasonable (and comfortable) amount. As my breast tissue is quite malleable, I'm accepting of some movement.
I love the looks of this bra. Mine is the purple/navy combination, and purple is my favorite color. The front of the bra is certainly nice enough to be worn as an outer layer (as Bravissimo mentions in their description), but the back is both sheer and bra-like. I wear it without an additional top in the Texas summer anyway, but my mother disapproves (as I'm sure others would). Take a close look at the back shots available before you buy, if this is a concern for you. I'll try to get some shots of it up, but it seems most of the vendors have a back shot in at least one color available.
The mark down for Comfort is for the straps not being short enough. Even with that, I'd likely buy again (may pick up a lighter blue/teal one, or wait for more colors to be released). Read more 243 more words
I had major fit issues with this bra and I could only surmise that I was sold a defective bra online.
I bought this Shock Absorber for only $25 & $13 shipping (I'm in Canada and shipping is expensive!) off of the website YourBraStore.com, which is supposed to be "bra clearinghouse" of sorts for boutiques, not sure if I agree with that theory if I'm going to be pawned defective merchandise. I guess that price was too good to be true. I plan to try out this same size at Running Stores (when they open again), as I really had my hopes up for getting an ...Ultimate Run bra.
Normally this bra would run $65 ish retail. I learned after I tried this bra out that it's sold at some running stores in my area, but this try-on has turned me off of the brand. I ordered a cheaper brand (Syrokan) off amazon to tide me over until I can find something.
The fit issues, where should I begin? First of all, I knew the bands were really tight. This one was TIGHT. I sister-sized up to a 32 band, it felt like a 26 band. See pictures of the back (holy back fat, I know...I honestly wasn't aware of my fat stores until I tried to squish into this tight of a band).
Okay, the band was too tight, maybe next time will try a 34, but the CUPS?!? Way, way, way too loose (see pics). Basically, I am not supported at all, and this is accentuated by the too-tight band. This is basically natural breast shape: I would do better running in my BM Perla.
So, there's no way this was a 32F cup. How would I even describe this size, like 26KK? Is that even a size?...something was way off here. Too bad b/c I liked the colour, and I liked how the back fastens with strap over the shoulder area plus band. Will try this brand again when stores open up. Read more 230 more words
I'm so sorry this didn't work out for you! I own two Ultimate Run bras and I always choose them over my Panache Sport for running. I have both mine in 30F and my newer one still fits like a 24 band lmfao. My older one finally stretched out after like two or three years (but it's still wearable on the tightest hook). Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but did you adjust the shoulder straps to be the proper length? The wrinkling at the front kind of looks like the straps aren't properly tensioned at first glance, but it could be another issue entirely, such as the bra not being the proper proportion for you. I also don't get a great shape when I wear mine, but it really controls my breast movement when I'm running. It's not compressive so much as it encapsulates on every side and restricts movement that way. I bought my first UR at SFYS in Toronto, then I got my second from lingerieoutletstore.co.uk, where they usually have good sales and shipping to Canada is cheap and fast.
sherrach898 , eagle eye - yes, didn't adjust the shoulder straps. I've read of people having to try odd sizes (like not a legit sister). If this is the way they run, I would have to try 34D (so not a sister size at all) or even 34C. The good news with that is: those are common matrix sizes. Not to give t.m.i. (but isn't that what bratabase is for, /s...), but there just wasn't enough boob support.
I LOVE the way the back is. B/c I have an upper body injury r.n., it's good for me to have the racerback - like a different shape. I mean, I would like to try this again, and nail down what would be my best size in this bra.
I have no experience with this brand. Sorry it didn’t work out for you! Love the colour though
I returned this to the bra store, since this was much too tight for my ribs. That's why if you get a sports bra, go up a band size https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_razz.gif" alt=":P" />
QUALITY: Excellent quality, I'm already a pretty big fan of Shock Absorber sports bras and nothing felt bad about this one. Sturdy elastic seams, elastic fabric, strong mesh, wide band.
COMFORT: This was much, much too tight to wear, so it was not very comfortable at all. If I unhooked the bottom set of hooks and only hooked the ones between the shoulders, it was wearable, but wasn't providing the desired comfort or support. It hurt my chest to wear on the loosest hooks and breathing felt restricted.
DESIGN: I already love the Active Multi's hook design and overall structure, but I got this one because it was pink. And it was a really nice pink color! Salmon pink/Berry pink is nice, and I really enjoyed the contrast between the light pink bra and dark pink seams.
What I wish I had known: if you've decided to try a Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports bra my advice is to make sure it is the current model -S4490, rather than the older B4490.
I first purchased the 28HH - Shock Absorber » Active Multi Sports (4490) which is the s4490. I was overall very pleased with the appearance and support of the bra, but had some pretty extreme quadding over the top of the front portion. I wanted to try a larger cup volume and since the band was fairly tight in the 28 and HH is the largest volume Shock ...Absorber makes (in fact, some of their bras, like the Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra (S5044) only go up to G cups, which is sad - I really wanted to try that bra, it looks so secure! I suppose it is difficult to make an immobilizing bra like that in greater than G cup, so the same design probably doesn't work in larger cup sizes, but still, I wish it did!) To return to my point, I needed to try a 30HH to increase the available volume and ordered this from ebay knowing it was the older model; I just didn't think it would make a difference since the design is the same.
Luckily, you're reading this review and can be prevented from making the same mistaken assumption. The two bras are not the same at all. The fabric of the B4490 is stretchier and thinner, particularly the two layers that make up the main "cup" portion of this bra. As a result, visually it's less appealing (in the white at least) because you can see the lumpiness of the inner sling/encapsulation U-shaped layer of fabric. More importantly, the bra is less firmly compressing and even though it was fastened securely, when running I had to hold my chest to halt the bounce. Though the s4490 I have is a size smaller, I don't think that alone would make it that much more secure - especially because it doesn't really contain all my tissue as well as this bra does. For me, going up a cup size in this bra doesn't really fix the quadding problem, and the increase in band length reduces support enough to make it WAY not worth the slight reduction in quadding. I think the bra design doesn't really allow for as much upper fullness as I have regardless of the size, and since the scaling adds a little fabric everywhere, the front portion gets a little wider and a touch taller, but doesn't actually provide room for more tissue. It's more like there's just more fabric so the same amount of tissue can be spread out more, the seams don't adjust to make more space, at least not enough for me. Also, due to the stretchiness of this bra, it didn't feel as supportive and at the end of the very active day I had wearing it (running, splitting and stacking wood, hiking in the woods, plus a bunch of housework) I had the same kind of headache from the pressure on my neck that I used to get all the time before I started wearing bras that really fit. Even after I got bras I *thought* fit a couple years ago, I didn't really understand how to measure and probably had some letter-phobia, so the Panache Sport and Shock Absorber I purchased then were both 34 bands. Those bras were much better than anything I'd had up to that point, but I still had those headaches almost every day. Now that I've tried 28 bands, wearing bras is a whole different experience. For anyone with nerve issues or neck problems or constant headaches who also has heavy breasts - it's impossible to overemphasize how much a sufficiently tight band can really change how you feel. I know some women can't tolerate a snug or tight band, but for me that tightness is very, very worth it. Read more 583 more words
oh nooo I hate it when I think I'm buying the same bra and the fabric is all stretchy! it ruins the fit even for non-sports bra. I wonder if you could use the 28HH just to achieve proper compression over a nonwired Panache for containment.
I just got the S4490 and it is so flimsy and lumpy on me! I don't want to imagine how much flimsier the B4490 is...
Very short, projected, slightly narrow, even, close set, center-full breasts....
Woo! Hoo! I had not realized how much bouncing breast tissue was encumbering my want to exercise. I'm happily encapsulated, not overly compressed, and bounce-free. This will never win a beauty contest because the fit is....lumpy. Intriguing. I was concerned my very short roots would find too much unoccupied space in the cups. I'm overjoyed with the support I feel from this bra. And, an air gap is present between my two breasts which should improve cooling and reduce perspiration. Because I am extremely flexible, I have no problem fastening the upper hooks. Tall roots may not be happy in this bra because it is very shallow near the neck. Finally, I feel no pain in this bra that is omnipresent in an underwire bra. Thank you Shock Absorber!
Wow this is a tight one. My 28F - Shock Absorber » Active Multi Sports (4490) stretches to 26" and I can wear it because my BTT is 26. This one, this 30 band, I could barely get to 25" and I had to PULL.
The color is a bright coral red, (I wouldn't call it dark pink like they did, but whatever) with a charcoal gray piping on the trim. The materials are smooth and sturdy. Two band clasps in the back, straps are only about 1/4-1/3 adjustable. Sliders are sturdy and adjust easily, the front of the straps are wide, thick, and cushioned.
This particular color would be good for someone with a 24" underbust, it just isn't going to happen on anyone larger. These are great sports bras, I'm really disappointed that I couldn't even hook this because I'd love to have a second one. Times like this are when I really appreciate free returns with Amazon Prime.
OK so when people say this bra runs tight, they mean it runs TIGHT. I can only just do the band up on my 25.5-26 inch ribcage, even with the cups on my back so it's not a problem of the cups being too small. I would recommend ordering a band size up. I think it also runs fairly small in the 'cups' (not that it really has cups). I usually wear 28FF and I would probably order this bra in a 30FF next time, depending on if the band stretches out on this one. The bra is very supportive when exercising, though admittedly I guess I'm comparing that to my 4 year old 32D sports bras, so I'm not sure how it compares to other decent sports bras. I'm very happy with it though!
EDIT: The band is really tight. Like, really, really, really tight. If your ribcage is any bigger than 26 inches don't order a 28 band. I just heard stitches rip when I inhaled and I'm sitting at my computer hardly moving.
Looks comfy!