Tuesday, 2 July 2013

Panache sports bra review

Sports bras are important for women who exercise, no matter what bust size you are. With any bra you need support and comfort and with exercising you need it even more. I had been using the cheapest sports bra I could find that came in my size (which happened to be from M&S) it was adequate for a low impact gym workout but I wanted to start running outdoors and not just on the pavement so I was keen to try out the sports bra by Panache which offers a little more support.

Panache is a British brand that specialises in lingerie for bigger cup sizes, and they've recently applied their fuller bust fit to sports bras. It claims to reduce bounce by 83% which is great news for runners out there. I have already written about Panache bras on my other blog and I've been a long time fan of the brand so I had high hopes for this one.


Currently, most sports bras for larger cup sizes rely on compression to reduce bounce which results in that horrid uni-boob look  Panache bras support each breast separately with under wire and a moulded cup which gives a much more flattering shape under clothes. I found the bra very comfortable, the straps are padded and there is padding along the under wire so this sits nice under your bust rather than digging in. The are three hooks on the back which give a nice, firm support and the neckline isn't too high so doesn't show under my vests and t-shirts. I also wore this bra to a sleepover and kept it on all night (worry about falling out in my sleep, lame) and it felt like I didn't have a bra on.

I can't say if the bra reduced bounce by 83% but it's the best supporting bra I own and I may purchase this in another colour. This bra would be great for those who work out and do yoga with a little cropped top on because you could wear this on its own.


Panache provided the bra for review purposes but also sent a little running kit. I'm sporting the bumbag (I'm calling it that but apparently it's a running belt), pedometer and reflective arm band in the photos above. I've always just hit the pavement with my iPod and not much else. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to running so it was great to get some kit that ensures I'm safe and hydrated when I'm out for a run.

What are you essential items for running? Have you tried the Panache sports bra?
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9 comments:

  1. Unknown2 July 2013 at 20:21

    Thanks for this review - my old faithful has become so baggy I now wear two saggy sports bras! Time to treat myself!

    xXx

    http://ohsogawjess.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. Gem2 July 2013 at 21:25

    I really liked this one, it has a racer back option too which is handy. Much more flattering than a regular sports bra x

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  3. Laura3 July 2013 at 08:11

    Great review, thanks! I'm wearing a Shock Absorber sports bra at the moment which is very supportive but does do the uniboob thing a bit and is slightly high cut so shows under vests (although it's red and blue so at least not a hideous colour!). I'm planning to get refitted for a regular bra soon so will ask them to fit me for a sports bra as well to make sure it's still OK.

    I've recently got back into running - I'm doing the Zombies, Run! 5k app at the moment which is really fun - and my essential bits are my keys, iPhone (with my app and music on it), and proper running shoes. I've got a travel money belt that I bought for going backpacking last year and use that to hold my stuff as my running leggings don't have any pockets, but might progress to a backpack in the winter as I'd like to take a hoodie for the walk back to my flat from the park or if it's raining and some water as well.

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    1. Gem3 July 2013 at 09:38

      This is still fairly high compared to a regular bra but is far less ugly than most sports bras. As you can see in the photo, it's not high up at all and you can't see this under my tshirt. I recommend Bravissimo for a bra fitting, they always get the best fit for me and will take plenty of time to make sure you get the perfect bra.

      A little backpack would be a great idea, you can tighten the straps up so it doesn't bounce around.

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  4. Anonymous3 July 2013 at 09:58

    I really do need to buy a sports bra. I'm terrible :/
    I feel like my boobs are too small to need it. Seriously.

    I'm starting to train for the Cardiff Half Marathon in October. Will I see you there Gem? :)

    xo

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    Replies
    1. Gem3 July 2013 at 10:07

      maybe a 5k race for life type thing would be better, a half marathon would kill me!

      During repetitive or high impact sport the breasts bounce and pull on the ligaments, forcing them to stretch. Once these ligaments have stretched they stay this way which leads to sagging eeek. Worth trying one on I think x


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  5. Unknown5 July 2013 at 20:10

    this is a great review and think it's basically a really important piece of 'equipment'- without a good sports bra you cant really reach full potential! big or little boobies!

    thank you for sharing hun xx

    girl from the third floor

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  6. Unknown17 July 2013 at 20:01

    What a great review. I was just looking for information on plus size bras, specifically sports bras. I have a hard enough time trying to find regular bra's but when it comes to sports bras, I thought I was out of luck. I'll have to look into one that's shaped like this. I never knew that they actually came in a shape that fits your chest. I always thought of sports bras as chest flattening. Thanks again for this great review.

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  7. Georgia Blogger31 August 2021 at 11:27

    Great post, thanks for sharing! It's really difficult to find well-fitting bras in larger cup sizes so it's great to read such a comprehensive review.

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