Very good fit and support, best sports bra I have tried! Also very comfortable. BUT: band size runs small. I am a 30 (65 cm) but had to take 32 (70 cm) in this one. Cup size is normal though.
Since I'm currently having some issues getting a new Panache Sport in Switzerland without spending a fortune, I started looking for alternatives and found this one on offer on Amazon, so got it quite cheap. First of all, I should have bought a cup size up. The 32 band fits me well, but the cups are definitely a bit small. They mostly cut into my tissue under my arms, which I feel is partially just a side effect of my boobs being pushed against me. I also get a bit of quadding above the cups. Seeing that they end quite high on my chest, I don't think that's ...ideal. (When I really swoop and scoop, I get lots of cleavage.) I suspect all of these issues would be at least improved by going up a cup size. For comparison, I usually wear a 30H to 30HH, but saw the band on this wasn't as stretchy as my normal bras. However, I just wore it for a 15-minute cardio workout and it felt very secure, so I will likely keep it just for that. Read more 77 more words
This is the only bra that I trust to keep me locked down while I run. It's not exaggerating to say that this bra *allows* me to run. It shockingly eliminates bounce on my big, soft, heavy, jiggly boobs. I guess it's a compression style bra (uniboob-style, not separate cups), but it doesn't flatten or smoosh me like a cheap Champion would (my leaning bust is 40", and my overbust in this is 37"). So I'm not sure how it works, really???
The band sizes on these are just literally wrong - this is a 32G but the stretched band is 30" even - so if you're considering this model, definitely size up in the band. For the record, I usually wear a 30GG in UK bras (Cleo, Panache etc).
I'm sure in time I will be able to fasten this myself, but I needed help at first! That said, this bra is very well made, comfortable once I get it on, and limits movement, which is what I need. I like how wide the band is, it sits comfortably and doesn't roll up on my rib cage. Straps sit close to my neck, which is fine with me since I won't be using this for everyday. I haven't owned a sports bra for a long time, and never a compression or encapsulation bra, but I am in the process of losing some weight and this will definitely help with that. The feel does take some getting used to, but I think that is just due to my never having worn this style of sports bra. Thanks to charlielheureux!
A sports bra that locks my breasts down completely while running! Fantastic! I don't even think about my breasts once while running, which is a first! The 28 band is very tight on me, even given my 26" ribcage. If I were a true 28" ribcage I would absolutely definitely size up to 30. And there's even another set of hooks higher up that connects the straps together for even more support. I've read about other women buying a band size up for this and other Shock Absorber bras but I think if you do you're sacrificing support, especially considering bras stretch out over time. One gripe I have is that I wish the straps could be made tighter. There's just not a lot of option for adjustment.
I think this one is a bit stretchier band-wise, since I've had it for about a year less and it's a teensy bit stretchier. Still, it's very very firm (almost uncomfortably so).
This is the only bra I can run in; it keeps things completely locked down. It is a standard compression-style sport bra, but because the band is so firm (almost uncomfortably so) and the compression is so strong, there is no bounce. (It also makes me look much, much flatter.) I can't wear this for long, and I wouldn't call it comfy, but it allows me to run which is something I simply did not have the ability to do before.
There are two sets of clasps in the back (with two hooks each), but I can only reach the lower one behind my back without help. But I usually just go with that one undone; it's secure enough with just the one fastened.
This model just runs shallow in the top. In fact, I'm uncertain this model would work for those with tall roots. And, it is shallow in the center. This shallowness helps create separation without a wire, but it pushes center-full, close-set, soft tissue toward the sides. Consequently, my breasts and lymph nodes collide into the side seam along the top of the cup. My short -waisted physique dilemma: compressed breasts/quadding or encapsulated breasts/screaming lymph nodes. Pick one. This dilemma repeats itself often. It is most apparent, however, in sports bras. Sigh.
Still, this is a sturdy, work horse of a bra which will provide years of superb support.
This bra band is so firm I have to have help hooking it on from my partner. The support is amazing and can run and jump and nothing moves. After a while the armpit area starts to hurt because the band is so tight, but worth it for the support.
Tight! I was looking for a sports bra in a 26 band and this is right between a 26 & a 28! The band only stretches to 27". While the white is opaque, my nipples do show through sometimes. This thing is comfortable. So comfortable I want one just for when my breasts are swollen and obscenely sensitive. I fell asleep after working out and still wanted it on when I woke up. The wings are high enough to secure me, but low enough to stay clear of my armpit swamps. I can get away with a few wears before washing it. Little of the strap is adjustable, meaning that ...the straps are a bit long for me (I'm high set) Despite the straps I can forget I have breasts with this on. They move very slightly when jumping or moving suddenly, but I don't feel them and forgot about them while running. Compared to being constantly annoyed and trying to hold my breasts down (in a bra) before, this sports bra is an absolute treasure! I'm ordering more in the white and dark grey colourways while they're still $25> on Amazon, because one of these is not enough. I'm really hoping the dark gray fits the same.
Lastly! I saw it mentioned that the older B4490 is thinner and stretchier than the newer S4490. I got a B and, well, you read the review. Maybe I got lucky, or maybe it isn't an issue for 30DD but it for other sizes, or just certain batches? I don't know. The mesh fabric and seams do show through on mine much more than the stock photos, but the texture didn't show through my shirt.
This bra is wonderful. Filled with very helpful features, and a perfect fit for those with my measurements. The bra has 2 clasps: 1 for the band, and 1 near the base of the neck (nape). The additional clasp further reduces bounce. The straps are wide and adjustable in length (although it is a little difficult to get the plastic hook out of the very unusual adjustable portion. This is a good thing once the hook is in place -- there is no chance of it slipping out during exercise. The regular band is very tight, but the clasps/hooks don't dig into your skin because the area is ...padded(!). Everything is very breathable and quick-drying. The bra as a whole does compress my breasts to the point where overnight wear, for example, would not be possible. However, this contributes to its function as a high-impact sports bra meant to be worn only during such activities. The model I got features 2 pinks: both are very cool toned, and super cute against neutral or cool skin. I love love love this bra and will purchase more as cute colours are issued in my size just in case it is ever (foolishly!) discontinued. Read more 94 more words
Edited review because I realized it was a 32F that I received not a 32FF as indicated by seller. This is my second Shock Absorber and it is preloved. My first is a 30FF but the volume was too small and the band is really tight. I received this 32F, which is now a bit too loose in the band, but still very wearable. I like bands to fit around 29 inches, and this one goes to about 30.5" measured to the last set of lower hooks. I will be searching for this bra in 30G as I think the right band does provide better stabilization for jumping around. I normally wear 30F unlined and 30FF lined.
These bras are great! The band definitely runs about a size small. I've had numerous models over the years, and love them for yoga, dance, and aerobics, where I would rather not be wearing an underwire but need serious compression.
Short waisted, center full, close set, omega shaped, projected, shortish roots...
I've tried a few sports bras and encountered a fatal flaw: most bite into a tendon because they are too tall near the shoulder.
This is short enough to not bother the tendon in front of my shoulder, super supportive, and impressively bounce reducing. No seams chafe my skin. The materials are soft. The padded straps distribute the weight of my breasts comfortably.
However, the cup is shallow and collapses. Sigh. It is imperfect. But, it does what I need it to without biting anything and I can wear it comfortably for several hours. If I sized up into a larger size, ouch: my tendon suffers every time. I'm confident running in this bra would be uncomfortable because of the shallow cup. Kinect Sports and yoga, however, will cause no problems. No padding. Better for warmer weather than Panache Sport. And, with 100F+ temperatures for several months, I need a lightweight, supportive sports bra.
Panache Sport Non-wired bra is my first choice for winter. However, just thinking about wearing Panache Sport when temperatures are above 80 degrees F makes me nauseous. And, I've learned the racerback fastener pulls the top of the cups into a tendon. Sizing down reduces the tendon bite, but reduces the amount of time I can comfortably wear the bra. Now, I'm experiencing more comfort in non-racerback sports bras. N102 is not a racerback and provides an incredible amount of holding power with a few pieces of fabric. N109 is fuller coverage and a better selection for taller roots than N 102.
Lightweight, power lifter this Shock Absorber is. ...Wow! This 32F pulls to one side, because I need a bit more projection. And, quadding shows in both cups. If available one size larger (32G UK), I would have a very comfortable, supportive, summer exercise bra.
The band is delightfully supportive, the straps well-padded, and the fastener protection pad/gel excellent. Note: straps are perfect for petite and or high-set users. However, taller users will be terribly disappointed. Also, the apex is located lower in the cup than N109; making this a good option for short roots. NOTE: N102 runs one size smaller than N109.
Like several other Shock Absorber models, the seams are thoughtfully positioned and the fabric does not chafe.
These are excellent sports bras for hot, humid climates. And, the support is better than Panache Sport Non-wire.
