I’ve never owned a zipper-front bra before. Have to say I prefer having the hooks in the back; it can be a challenge to get this bra zipped over my chest. There are a couple little ribbon loops and plastic hooks to keep it together while you try to zip it.
I definitely recommend sizing up in the band with this brand. At least one band size, maybe two. I’m somewhere between a 30 and 32 band right now and both 34 band Shock Absorbers I have are very tight, even though they’re both used. I probably could even get away with a 36 band and still be decently supported. Cups seem spot on.
Even though it’s sized by band and cup, this is a compression style bra. I used to avoid compression but they’re really not so bad as long as they have different sizes for band and cup rather than just S/M/L.
The only sports bra I use now, I own 4. I am usually a 32 FF deco or 30 G panache porcelain plunge but in this I am 34E?! The 32 is super tight and if I get a cup bigger than E I don't get enough support. There is the slightest quad boob effect at certain times of the month but not enough to need to go up a cup size. Fantastic support! Edit: OK, I am a 30G in the deco too after a few wears the 32FF is far too loose around the ribs and uncomfortable.
It should be noted that my measurements for this bra were after I'd already been wearing it for almost 2 years! But it was great when it was still snug, it has sstretched out quite a bit now and definitely have always gotten some quad boob, but not terribly.
It was very secure and snug when I got it, but even then the straps cut into my shoulders quite a bit and I can't wear it for more than a few hours. This is fine for working out anyway and much better than the stretchy sports bras I used until I got this one! These days I'd probably order a 30FF if I were to buy this bra again, though I think I'd go for something more supportive.
This is probably my favorite sports bra I've ever tried on. It's fairly comfortable (maybe not the comfiest thing ever though that's probably at least partially due to the fact that it doesn't fit me anymore), but it is amazing at holding everything in place. It is basically an underwired compression bra and is great for high impact activities (I can run in it and be fine). Some people say that it runs small in the band, and I generally wear a 32 so this is probably accurate.
