First, I just want to preface this review by stating that I ordered this size being fully aware that the band would be too big for me. My best fitting size right now is actually 30JJ or 32J (I am wearing most of my 32 banded bras on the tightest hook), but there are very few options for sports bras above HH cup. I have tried the Freya Active underwired sports bra before, but the shape was too pointy and spread east/west for me to feel comfortable wearing it. I decided to give this one a try because: 1) I read reviews that the ...band was quite snug and 2) this bra relies on compression rather than encapsulation, so I figured that'd give me a little wiggle room to work with even it if didn't fit perfectly.
So, the fit.....well, the band is definitely too big. I tried it on the tightest hooks immediately and still could pull it from my body. It did feel comfortable, though. The cups may even be a tad bit on the small side as well; after I scooped and swooped, I had quadboob (and my boobs felt like they were up to my neck.) I love the straps, though. Every bra I own is guilty of having straps too far apart, so I immediately fell in love with the pulled in straps on this bra.
I jogged in place for a minute to test the bounce control, and it actually wasn't too bad, considering the band was too large. I can imagine in the proper size, this bra would allow NO movement! I think for now this bra will work fine for my purposes, and if I don't get tons of life out of it, I'm not too disappointed since I didn't pay much for it. I'd much rather wear this one bra than 2 or 3 cheap Champion stretchy sports bras like I have been doing for the past few years. I'm in terrible shape, so it will probably be some time before I will graduate to needing anything for really high-impact activities anyway.
Did I mention it was pretty? I am soooooooooo sick of black and white bras, so I love how fun the colors are. It might make me actually want to exercise!
Also, I wanted to add that it was refreshing to see a company actually put the correct US size on their label (since most companies seem to put the US & UK size as the same when they're clearly not!) Read more 328 more words
Best sports bra I've ever used - I have it in 2 colours and it fits wonderfully. It has pretty high coverage and keeps me pretty much wobble-free. There are 2 sets of 2 hooks at the back, which really improves the support given - I have another sports bra that just has the usual one set of 3 hooks, and it's definitely not as supportive.
It does fit pretty tight, but if it was any looser I don't think it would provide as much support. It's still pretty comfortable though, despite being very tight, partly because of the wide straps and two sets of hooks at the back ...which spread the tightness out a bit rather than being concentrated in just one spot. Also, no underwires means I could happily wear it all day (and night) if I wanted to.
This would probably work well as a minimiser under higher-necked tops too, it flattens me out quite a bit!
I've had my white one for some time now and it's stood up well to being worn 2-4 times a week and being washed (in a machine) on a regular basis. It's still just as supportive as when I first got it. Read more 91 more words
I am normally around a UK 30F, but this bra seems to fit pretty tightly, especially in the band. There's no way I could get into my usual band size, seeing as the 32 band was about right on the biggest hooks. Unfortunately, the department store where I buy my bras (The Bay in Canada) doesn't carry any bras in double-letter sizes, so I couldn't find the 32FF I would've preferred.
The bra is very comfortable, although because it's a sports bra, it doesn't really separate the breasts. It's also very good at controlling bounce during activity, and the styling is unique. It's ...made so you can wear it as gym outerwear, so be aware that if you want to wear it under clothing, the seams will likely show a bit. It's also thicker than a regular bra, so before you get used to it, it can make you feel a little too hot.
I've got three bras of this model and size, all of which I've taken in a bit at the back. The oldest two are two years old and I still wear them, although I've had to take them in more at the back to compensate for the stretching of the band. They're very high-quality bras and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Read more 117 more words
I’m between a 30 and 32 band right now, and my 34 band Shock Absorbers were feeling tight, so after a lot of searching (why is this brand so hard to find now?) I found this replacement. The 36 band was definitely the right decision. It is actually that tight! Which means if you’re a 26 band in an H cup or smaller in need of a sports bra, you should definitely check out their 30s.
The cup size is about right as 36DD is a distant sister size to the 30FF I’ve been wearing day to day. It’s a little roomy and I could probably do a 36D, but it was really hard to find that size for some reason. The small bit of extra space doesn’t compromise support, anyway.
I appreciate the the red and blue as opposed to the usual boring black.
When I first was given this bra, I wore a 28E Cleo Lily as my only fitting bra. That's about five years ago, and at the time, this could have in theory been a bralette sort of thing - but it was too tight for lounge wear, and the cups were too big. So it hung out in a drawer until i tried it on for a fit check half a year ago - and what do you know, it fits?! So now that this fits, it is my only sports bra. And boy is it GOOD.
COMFORT: So I set the comfort to "Good" because it is a ...sports bra, and it's not comfortable to wear outside of excersise. The band hurts my ribcage/underbust when I'm not actively focused on the excersise. That being said, it is the optimal sports bra for my current activity type and level. It holds everything in place, there's no jiggle, there's no finnicky straps or mechanisms that rub the wrong place, etc. The person that gave it to me did hardcore martial arts with this bra, and today it's a perfect fit since they stretched out the band just enough by wearing it for high intensity excersise. I tried a brand new 32F shock absorber and I could barely breathe, so this being a perfect fit all these years later is magnificent. Since this is a compression and not an encapsulation sports bra, the breasts are squished together and onto the chest wall. Excellent for support! I love it! No bounce! But not good for sweaty excersise boobs!! My only real issue with this bra is the boob sweat. Ho boy, the boob sweat. I'm considering getting a cookie (removable pad for evening out the fit in bras) of sorts, or making one, to have between the boobs so they're not wet when I take off the sports bra.
QUALITY: Absolutely solid construction. Wide elastic band at the bottom, all cup edges are elastic, wide straps, several different pieces of fabric for maximum hold and support. And the thing that drives it home for me: the 4 hooks in sets of 2. The support isn't only relying on your IMF and underbust/ribcage, but is distributing it to between the shoulder blades as well. I will admit that it's not always the easiest to hook this bra, but the shoulder hooks are about as hard as the underbust hooks - I have flexible shoulders so the top hooks aren't super hard, but it's an awkward angle. The bottom hooks are actually a little difficult to clasp, because the band is so tight. When it comes to the straps, I have no issue with them not being fully adjustable. I have a relatively long torso so I don't struggle with straps not adjusting short enough. I really like the thicker part of the straps since it's that part of the straps that rest on the top of my shoulders, and it's that spot that bears the most weight.
DESIGN: I'll admit also that I don't super enjoy the fabric color choices of this bra. The dark floral pattern isn't really my thing, and the blue is too dark so it's not a very satisfying color combination. I like flashy and bright colors, so this bra is just a little plain. It looks okay when I'm wearing though, and honestly the fit is really the most important thing about this bra. Fit first, design second, when it comes to sports bras. Read more 473 more words
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.
Awesome bra for runners with a small band and large breasts. It does not restrict me in my movement and in contrast to the Panache Sports bra, the racerback hook does not cause me pain and is in the right place. The material is very comfortable and soft (also easy to wash and dry), and still feels nice if you`re all sweaty.
The "cups" (no real cups, just some extra space) work nicely with my breasts (FOB, not too wide, very soft), there is no spilling on top or on the sides. My breasts stay where they are, even during intense workouts. As with all Shock Absorbers I ...ever had, the band of this bra is very tight (I need to go up 1 band size) and does not stretch out quickly.
Edit: I would like to point out that the band of this bra does not appear to stretch out at all after 50+ uses (1h of running each). Do not buy this bra in a band size which is too tight under the assumption it will soon stretch out! Read more 74 more words
Very short-waisted, center full, close set, immediately projected, omega shape, slightly narrow breasts....
This Shock Absorber model is well-suited for shorter roots and short-waisted physiques. However, its size range is more limited than other models which poses a problem for me.
Because it is so lightweight and simultaneously supportive, I long for this bra to fit. Additionally, this model is a good choice for those who dislike j-hooks and pull-over sports bras. It allows for center projection and separates a bit. Airflow is important in high temperatures https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
Although it creates the "upside down seven" shape, it feels comfortable everywhere except under my arm at the top edge of the cup. I need a millimeter or so more space than the bra allows. Because it is not made in a 34FF, I may purchase a 36F and hope the scaling doesn't dwarf my short-waisted, petite stature. We'll see...
Tall and/or low-set users, look for another option. Shorties, rejoice! This may fit.
I've tried this when I was a bit thinner (in a 28H I think, or 30H) and I didn't like the support. No underwire? Somehow did not work for me even though I am very short and petite too :( The only 2 sports bras that seem to work for me are the Freya active underwired (this is very trusty) and the panache sports bra. The former didn't stock 28H (I think now they do??), leading me to panic when I was in my country (Asia not known for busty women), and led to a torn ligament, which has resulted in my getting plump from lack of exercise, and right now trying to lose it....
Ouch! A torn ligament sounds painful! I so hope this injury heals quickly for you, lorraineyang101
Just curious have you tried one cup size down? I think the unused height here suggests you might. Since there are no wires, it won't cause pinching, and it could help with the underarm issue
wendybien Yes, when my breasts were smaller I tried the 32F.
I have a watermelon red with grey trim colourway and the tag says S4490 which is the newer version of this model. B4490 is the older but it still floats around eBay too.
My measurements are 26" and 34" leaning. Even to FOT, shallow, average width, close-set, tall roots. Usually wear 28E in lieu of easy-to-find 26Fs.
So this is a 30DD. But this bra model is notorious for running very snug in the band. And I know that oddly some colourways run even smaller. And I used to own two B4490s in 28DD that were veryyyyy tight. So I chose to size up but I should not have. I bounce up top a little more than I'd prefer. Also the straps don't shorten as much as I need. I should have got a 28E or F. I wish it were an inch taller too for my really tall roots but I wish that about every bra.
This bra is a very different cut. The Flexiwire is pretty useless since it doesn't come up in the middle so my breasts aren't separated. Plus, it's kind of stiff and it sticks out on the sides and rubs against the insides of my arms.
The band is tight enough to make deep breathing slightly uncomfortable. Maybe it would loosen over time. I think the cup size is correct and I didn't get much bounce, but my breasts are not fully encapsulated so they touch in this bra. The sides are too high and the straps cut in at the front.
I think the Active Multi Sports is a better cut for me so I'll continue to search for it in 36FF or even 38F at a reasonable price.
Ugh about the poking wires! Hope you find the Active Multi Sports soon :-)
I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for, but I'm a big fan of Moving Comfort sports bras. Most of them tend to not have underwires and are either unicup or molded cup designs. They do have the Moving Comfort Maia Underwire Sports (350011) version that has underwires. Maia tends to run a little large in the cup size. If you're looking for minimal bounce and don't care about wires, the Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra (350025) , Moving Comfort Rebound Racer (350037) , and Moving Comfort Fiona Sports (350003) provide great support. I've worn all 3 styles for runs and never have any bounce issues. The Fiona is comfortable to wear all day as well. I routinely wear one of my Fiona and the Maia bra at work rather than regular bras. If you're interested in the Moving Comfort brand- check out the Brooks website. You can order any bra w/ free shipping and free returns. You can return items that don't fit w/in 1 yr of purchase for a full refund if you haven't actual sweated in it. You can return used items w/in 90 days that you have used/sweated in for free, but you'd have to check with Brooks on whether you get to exchange it or get a partial refund (I don't think you get a full refund).
I've looked at Moving Comfort but then some reviews said that Fiona and Maia fit differently since Brooks took over and the quality has suffered. Between that not knowing which size to try I've avoided that brand so far. I think Dick's Sporting Goods stocks the Fiona so maybe I'll try one on there.
finallygotboobs I can't comment on the old Maia, but I have both the newer Brooks and older Moving Comfort Fiona styles- I like the Brooks version better. I think the quality is probably similar. I know a lot of people complained about the band material not being as tight or something along those lines since Brooks took over, but I actually like the band better. I'll get chaffing from old style at the band if I don't use deodorant or body glide, but not at all with the flat band style.
I have 34DD Fionas and like the fit; my current measurements here put me at around 30G if that helps for sizing. They go up to cup size DD, but clearly their sizing is a little different. If Dick's doesn't have a full range of sizes, definitely check out the Brooks website- they have way more size options and better color schemes usually than local stores carry.
RoadRunner thanks that gives me a starting point. I wear 34G in Panache so I could try Fiona in 38DD.
The description says medium impact, but against my measurements, I run in this with only the slightest bounce so it feels like high impact.
XS works well for people of 26 band sizes as it's so small and firm. I'm 26" UB and if this band were any tighter IDK if I'd attempt wearing it cause it takes some effort to get this contraption on and I always need someone else to hook the straps cause they're on your upper back and I can't see there. But it's worth it after you can run in comfort. Anywho, For me, the cup area is too small. the top cuts into my tall roots. For reference I'm 26e, shallow, and even.
Third try is a charm! I've tried this bra in 30FF, 32F, and now in 30G... and I have a perfect fit! I have Love4Pollinators to thank for this bra! My shape is soft, lower set, even to FOB, narrow, and slightly centre full.
This shock absorber is a poppy red (almost coral orange) with grey accents. It is a compression type bra, and it has two rows of hooks on the back band (two upper, two lower, in a split band). The band is firm and has some stretch but doens't stretch to 30", which offers a lot of support without movement.
This bra encloses all my breast tissue without letting any escape with the bouncing, which I appreciate, and it also compresses without making me feel too squished (the smaller 30FF I tried allowed tissue to escape and I felt very squished). Although the bra squishes across my tail of spence, I don't find it uncomfortable at all because the bra doesn't slide around when I exercise.
This bra is great for my omega-shaped, center full, close-set breasts.
It pulls a bit too tightly across the top of the cup and 1/8" of my breast escapes out the top while jumping. I'll need to wear this a bit longer to determine whether or not I can tolerate the tightness across the top. Generally, my breasts/lymph nodes/tendon protest loudly after a few minutes when a cup pulls across the top near the strap/underarm.
However, the discomfort I often feel in the bottom of sports bras' cups is not present here. It feels like my breasts have enough space in the bottom. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" />
It is likely I may need the 32FF, but this may work well enough for my needs during my two smaller weeks. One exercise session will reveal the answer https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt=";-)" />
This is an encapsulation style bra, but it is fully a compression bra on me. Shock Absorber bras are too tall near my shoulder in my correct size. So, I sized down--the source of compression.
The band is wide and supportive. Additionally, the band sports (pun intended) 3x3 fasteners without a racerback or j-hook. It fastens like a typical bra--effortlessly.
The cup is too shallow for my 30FF projected breasts, but it provides comfortable bounce minimization without padding. I will thoroughly appreciate the lack of padding when our sweltering summer arrives. I'm not a jogger, but I play Kinect Sports Track and Field and Boxing daily with my daughter. This bra will be fantastic for Kinect Sports.
EDIT: After 30 minutes walking around in this bra, the top of the cup is too compressive and my lymph nodes began complaining. However, this bra provides the least movement of any sports bras I tried so far. Perhaps I will try the 32F UK and hope the cup is shorter.....
This bra has a ridiculously tight band. It fits like a 26G, and it is in fact a 30F. This works for me, but that's a big heads up for others who are looking to buy this bra. I've heard it still runs two band sizes small in the other end of the size range as well. Other than that, the bra does a really good job of reducing bounce and minimizes quite a bit, as is to be expected from a compression sports bra. Sometimes it's tricky to get in and out of, and sometimes I'm not actually a fan of how tight it runs; sometimes it ...just gets too uncomfortable for me. The other issue I have is with the straps. They're only partially adjustable and I was nearly on the tightest setting when I first bought it, so by now the straps are a little too loose, but I don't wear it very frequently so it may be even worse for someone who wears it more frequently. Other than that, I've had it for at least two years and several size changes, and it still works for me whether I'm a 26FF or 26GG because it doesn't have wires. I mean it's not ideal when I'm at the small or the large end, but it still does fine. I don't usually do super intense workouts anyway, so it's not a problem for me. Read more 128 more words
I've mixed feelings about this. I'm SUPER happy that I've found a perfect hold-em-down sports bra which fits my 25 inch ribcage like a wearable vice. I can run, play tennis and hockey with this bra without feeling my titties jiggling everywhere. However, it weirdly wrinkles at the side of the cup and I've a little bit of armpit fat going on. I'll make do with it.
It certainly... looks too big? Is the wrinkling only in the outer fabric, can you tell? And have you tried a 28D for comparison?
rainbrasspetals , the 28D was digging in, like I had heaps of overhang. The wrinkling is only on the outer, though the seam in the inside seems to be stretching.
This is a great bra! I have a 26.5" ribcage and the 30 band fits me nice and tight. The cups run a little big and look a tad lumpy or wrinkly, I might want to try a 30C. There is no foam in the cups, yet this bra is a lot less minimizing than the Moving Comfort Rebound Racer (350037). It does control all bouncing extremely well during jumping jacks, jumprope, leaping, etc.
The two sets of hooks in the back are tricky. I am able to reach the upper set because I have extremely flexible shoulders.
My old, ratty Shock Absorber bra, saver of boobs. If I hop up and down, my boobs do bounce a bit, but this bra *is* at least 5 years old – but it still works, on the second pair of hooks! The straps are wide and don't dig in, the bra is comfy and has kept its color surprisingly well. All in all, <3.
I sister sized up from my usual 30G to a 32FF, which worked well. I may even be able to get away with a 32G.
There are two things I don't like about this bra: 1. The front of the band doesn't have much stretch to it, and it pressed into my ribs in a really painful way. 2. The top hooks are really difficult to fasten. I had to twist my arms in a really uncomfortable way to be able to fasten them (I'm surprised I was even able to).
For the pain issue alone I'll be returning this. It's not that the band is too tight, I can definitely pull it away from my body like my usual bras, but for whatever reason my ribs really hate it.
Because the 32E - Shock Absorber » Active Multi Sports (4490) Dark Floral measured one band size small, I figured this one would too, but it's closer to two. I could stretch it to 26" and that's it. I could barely fasten it and it hurt my lats for the few seconds I had it on, so no modeling pics of this one.
Anyway, my 28F - Shock Absorber » Active Multi Sports (4490) also measures about 26", the difference, I think is use. I've had my 28F forever, it's been washed and worn more times than I can count and the materials are not as stiff and unforgiving. I could probably wear this one too with enough time (or when I cut and am less fluffy), but it was the most expensive of the three I bought so I'm sending it back.
I marked quality as "okay" the Dark Pink at least shows consistency with both sizes running two bands small, but the Dark Floral isn't as consistent.
I've always felt that the shock absorbers are tiny!
Srsly, I tried a 30 and it was a 26 for sure.
I wonder if they use the +4 method.