Having been won over by all the hype about the new Panache
Sports Bra, I really wanted to try it for myself. Panache bras often work best
for me, and I had really high hopes for this one. It ended up failing on me,
but only because of sizing.
For the past few years, I’ve been wearing an ungainly
combination of two underwire bras (one too small, covered with one that is too
big) with another too-small non-wired compression bra on top when I run or
exercise. As annoying as it is to wear three bras, the results are stellar—I
get absolutely no boob motion at all. This is thanks to the legendary
compression of the “Frog bra” from Title Nine. I think for women with smaller
boobs, the Frog bra might be the ultimate end of the search for a great sports
bra. It’s not being made any more, but if you check out the product page youcan see how beloved it was! And for those with medium-sized boobs (D-G) the
Frog bra would still work great with an underwired bra underneath. But I was
hoping to break free from the necessity of wearing multiple bras to exercise,
so I thought the Panache might be the best option because it’s underwired but
doesn’t have the pointy shape of the underwired Freya Active.
The Panache Sports bra is available on many sites (Amazon,
Figleaves, Nordstrom, Bare Necessities, HerRoom, etc) but is pretty expensive
and doesn’t seem likely to go on sale anytime soon. So I waited around for when
Figleaves had a promotion code and used that to get 20% off. For anyone on a
budget, I would recommend keeping an eye out for a similar voucher code to make
the price a LITTLE more reasonable.
I certainly wasn’t disappointed with the appearance or shape. I
got the bra in a 30H (the largest cup size available) and the shape was really
amazing. I would have no problem wearing this bra out in public, even to do things other than exercising, since my boobs
looked so rounded in it. Since I am usually very embarrassed by the thought of
people seeing me exercise, having a bra that gives a good shape is a really big
help to get me out there.
The bra itself is also really cute—it doesn’t look at all
like a boulder-holder and the construction isn’t visible from the front, but
covered with fabric so it looks more like a sports top than the D+ engineering
marvel that it is.
Unfortunately, despite how good it looked, the bra didn’t
deliver. I didn’t get any more support than I do in a normal bra and there was
loads of bounce going on even just jumping up and down in my bathroom.
The bra includes clips on the backs of the straps to connect
them into a racerback shape. When I clipped them together, it did help
eliminate a little more bounce, but there was still far too much motion for me
to be able to run in the bra. I also found it was extremely difficult to clip
and un-clip the racerback attachment. One of the things I look for in a sports
bra is ease of removal—when I’ve just arrived home all sweaty after a run, the
last thing I want to do is wrestle with my bra to get myself out of it. So the
racerback clips just didn’t do it for me.
Now, I don’t want to give the impression that this bra
doesn’t work. You might remember that although my underbust measures 28”around, I choose to wear a 30 band rather than a 28 for greater comfort andequal support. Unfortunately, the Panache Sports Bra doesn’t allow for me to
size up in this way. When I pulled the band tighter behind me and then jumped,
the bounce was completely gone. So if this bra came in a 28HH, it would be
amazing and ideal! Unfortunately the cups don’t go up that high, but for those
who do fit in the size range, I think this bra could do the job. Just keep in
mind that if your underbust measures 28”, you’ll NEED a 28 band in this bra to
get the proper support and encapsulation to stop the bounce. I hope to see
Panache expand the size range of this bra because it has so much potential, and
is not really a bra that you can wear in a “sister size”--it is perfect only in a band size that matches your underbust measurement. You don't need to size down, as it doesn't run big--you just need to wear the exact right size.
My next post will talk about the success I had with a
different sports bra!
I have this in a 28 band and had similar results. I did not stop to think about sizing down in the band as the 28 is as small as it goes. I even tried sizing down in the cup for some extra compression but that did not work either. I thought maybe I was abnormal because no one else has had any similar issues with this bra.
ReplyDeleteDid you try it with your compression bra over top? I thought about trying that to supplement the encapsulation to see if it would work for me that way. But it seems to defeat the purpose of buying an expensive sports bra.
I feel the same way. There's no point in keeping an expensive sports bra if I could just use a cheap balconette and compression bra and get better results! I'm really happy with the Shock Absorber, though, I'll try to squeeze in that review tomorrow or the next day.
DeleteI absolutly love this bra. But I do have to say the band fits perfectly on me in a 28. But I had to size down in the cups to get it fit right. So instead of a 28 G I'm wearing a 28FF.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get this one in the bright pink. Does anyone know when its coming out?
Love it too. Like all bras, different styles work for different people. But I have it in a 30F and adore it.
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem, even though I'm a smaller cup size. The 28 didn't feel excessively loose but as soon as I started moving I was baffled as to why people love the bra so much!
ReplyDeleteFirst problem, it is expensive and second can not ship it to Pakistan without giving a fortune to amazon in terms of shipment.
Deletehi i try this bra in 28H the back is perfect but the cups whe i stand my hands up under the cup has a little air i think to try 30H because doesnt has HH my back is 29 and my bust 40
ReplyDeleteI decided to try this bra recently and while it wasn't bad, I can't say that I was any more satisfied with it than I was with the shock absorber. That is to say, it wasn't bad, but there was still more bouncing than I would like while running. I'm not prepared to wear a second bra because it sounds uncomfortable, and I have this perverse belief that my sports bra should be designed to be sufficient on its own, although thus far bra manufacturers have been disinclined to agree with me.
ReplyDeleteRecently I tried Bravissimo's Inspire, and I have to say that was the best bra I have ever encountered. The part of my breast which was encapsulated by this bra felt like it was suspended motionless like an insect trapped in amber. Sadly, because I am full on top, there was a part of my breast which wasn't held firm, or inside the bra at all, and I had the disconcerting feeling of having a little bit of my breast bouncing around above the rest. The problem isn't solved by going up a cup, because that just leaves extra fabric near the underwire (and the fit feels odd - I don't want to be shoving my breasts *down* to get into a bra, I want them lifted up!) so I'm quite sure the 34H is the right size for me. With another 1 or 1.5 inches of bra this could be perfect, but as it is it is still the best I have found yet, and I'll probably be replacing my shock absorbers with it.
I tried the navy verson of this in a 36e and I have to agree the supports is not great. The bra looks great - take a look http://www.activesportsbras.co.uk/a~panache-ultimate-sports-bra-navy-36e.html
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if I should perhaps drop a back size but increase a cup size? Any advice?
Just brought the 30G (8G in Australia) for my 16yr old daughter and she loves it. We had it sized professionally as she needed something for when she is playing netball as well as running.
ReplyDeleteSurely everyone is getting professionally fitted and not buying off the shelf???
Hey, just wondering, as I am the same size (professionally fitted) as your daughter in normal bras, would I still be the same in this sports bra? As your boobs are squashed a bit flatter in sports bras, does that mean I should possibly go up in a cup size to compensate, or did your daughter not have this problem?
Delete... Thanks :)
- Nicole
Bra sizing varies way too much between style and brands to answer this I think - you can't beat going into the store and tying on a variety of sizes and styles.
DeleteThat is such an awesome and very stylish plus size lingerie. I like that. I hope to see more styles from you.
ReplyDeletehiiread alot for this bra iam 28HH and i went for 30H in thestart it was ok but after while i have problem with the back and i went 28H its better and i believe that you must keep your back size and go down a cup size
ReplyDeleteI think this bra is absolutely amazing, but I'm a 34G, so it fits me pretty much perfectly. I'm also really tall and my ribcage is super wide, so that may have helped, but I don't know. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but I'm glad you found one that did! :) Great sports bras can change a life!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found your site!
ReplyDeleteI bought this bra in a 32F after many frustrated months of trapezoid pain during and after long runs (10+ miles) wearing a Juno bra. What I found is that this is a great bra for shorter runs. Where my issue lies is during the longer runs specifically because of the chafing in the front of the bra. The fabric that lays between my ribs right in the middle of my chest is a little too rough for the amount of sweating and friction during a long run and creates a most uncomfortable experience especially during that first shower.
All that being said - it's a good looking bra that fits as snug as a bug in a rug around the band but the breast motion/bounce is still there, it's not uncomfortable or painful just there.
I had read such rave reviews from others about this bra that I ordered from Figleaves because no one in the area was carrying it at the time. Went back and forth three times with Figleaves to try and find a size that works... still not happy with the fit because it tends to gap at the top if I don't do the razorback clip. Despite the fit issues, I do like this as a long-ass-day bra--you know, those days where you have to run around for 16 hours.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, couldn't find a review for the Anita Sports Bra and thought you might like to give that one a try? It is not the most impressive bra when you try it on, I wouldn't have even bought it if the sales lady didn't push so hard when talking me into it, but the proof is when you do interval training with this baby. I run about a 40F and cannot express how much I love this bra because even doing burpees I don't feel boob-bruised in this bra. Thought I would suggest it...
I don't understand how you can say this. I'm a 36F and this is by far and away the best sports bra I have ever tried... and being a 36F I've tried a whole lot of them. I wear it for running, zumba, yoga and dance-class. Keeps my girls uplifted, separated, and secure with limited bouncing. My favorite thing about this bra is the super easy to use convertible-to-racerback hook option. SUPER EASY TO USE.
ReplyDeleteI bought this bra online without trying it on. I usually wear a 36DDD regular bra, but I got a 34F since I wanted a snug band. I absolutely LOVE this bra. I used to wear two bras when exercising (a regular bra and then an underwire sports bra over it) and I do not have to do that with this bra. It fits me so well and the bounce is reduced by about 95%. It is very comfortable and and not quite as expensive as some others I looked at if you find it on sale (Amazon).
ReplyDeleteThis works really great for me. The only problem I have is since I've been doing so much exercise I've lost weight so I'm going to have to buy another one in a smaller cup size. (Was a 30G, now 30F) For me this works better than any other sports bra I've ever tried (which includes Freya active wired and non-wired, Shock Absorber and Anita.) I'm very petite and I often find with sports bras that I can't adjust the straps to make them short enough. It is because they have padded straps so the adjustable bit is much shorter than on a non-sports bra. The straps on this one have much more adjustment than most other sports bras which I think helps a lot. I would say the fit on this is very standard but I do wear Panache bras a lot, or otherwise Fantasie and I find those both fit similarly. Some other bras I've tried (particularly ranges that aren't aimed so specifically at large cup sizes) I have found to come up very small in the cup so if that is the fit you are more used to then this will seem big.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how some people really love this bra and others feel it does nothing. I think it probably is a sizing issue as you say. This bra is really well designed to take most of the weight on the underband (which is a good thing because you don't want it all on your shoulders) but it probably does mean that it is less sympathetic to poor band sizing than other less structured sports bras.
this bra is a godsend I love love love it for HIIT class half marathons and also work/everyday, I own 5 I have the 28g for HIIT class and my short runs as it a tighter fit, and the 28 gg for marathons and everyday only down side is like all bras the band gives in a little and for jumping ect it becomes loose and less supportive but hey that's a great excuse to buy a new one
ReplyDeletelove love love this bra - I tell everyone I can! I run do cross-training and ride horses, this is the only bra that has given me great support -especially when preggers! I choose tight around my back and a slightly bigger cup size and this works amazingly well. I am just about to get another!!!
ReplyDeleteMy siaz under :35 inche
ReplyDeleteAbove :42
What size should i order online ?
I am a 32G usually but went for a 30GG in this and it works PERFECTLY for me. With the racerback top done up I get no bounce at all, and great support, and it even looks good under clothes as it has such a nice shape and good uplift. For me a million times better than any shockabsorber, as I can never get the straps short enough in those (I'm pretty small). Seems that definitely the band needs to be as tight as possible, but when it is, it's an awesome bra.
ReplyDeleteLove this sports bra so much! :D
ReplyDeleteI know this is an old post, but I just wanted to say I completely agree with all of Ann B's comments above, particularly about the hideous but rather amazing Bravissimo Inspire. I definitely recommend that for any larger chested lady requiring a sports bra (or I would if they hadn't temporarily stopped making it for a redesign) - other bras like Shock Absorber, which get such great reviews, just don't reduce bounce much more than standard bras, and can also be incredibly painful thanks to compression (which really isn't effective above smaller cup sizes).
ReplyDeleteThis Panache sounds like a much better looking version of the Freya Active i.e. simply doesn't eliminate bounce the way a sports bra should. It really does frustrate me the way bra companies sell these products when they aren't fit for purpose - in the case of Freya I've seen them respond to comments about it being no more supportive than a normal bra by saying that it's only for low-medium impact exercise...well then why is it sold as a sports bra?! wearing any more-or-less fitting bra will prevent some movement in low impact exercise.
The only issue with the Inspire (apart from the ugly...it really is a granny-style boulder-holder) is that bit of tissue sitting just above the bra, which hurts when I jump, but just that area as the rest of the breast tissue is held completely still. Seriously, they do not move (although admittedly, I read comments like that so often that I probably wouldn't believe it if I hadn't tried it myself).
I really hope Bravissimo create a higher neckline to cover that tissue in the redesign, which unfortunately isn't coming out until next year. They are still selling leftover stock though, so it's worth checking if they have your size (you might need to size up a cup or 2, see reviews).
Hi, just to say, I found that the band size in this bra which corresponds to my under bust measurement (34) was way too tight. I had to go up to a 36 and down a cup size. Support is ok for me but some jiggle which I can live with. And the Ultraviolet colour is amazing but difficult to find. If anyone can let me know where to find it in 36F, that would be great. Coral and grey/purple colours are also really nice.
ReplyDeleteI live in Oz. I am going to try this bra tomorrow! I am 12G and used to be a regular but since surgery cannot run because of too much movement. I have been wearing two bras and find it & just uncomfortable. Really looking forward to be able to make my own decision. I hoping that I will be the fit runner I was 8 months ago before my surgery. I do want to say a big thank you to everyone who takes the time to type their opinions on this bra. Can't wait to give mine!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteAll I can say about this bra is that for the first time in 36 years I can finally go out for a run. It does what it promises, but you need to get your true size. I usually wear a US 32DDD, I measure 30 & 39, and a 30FF is what fit me. That is, tight band and barely large enough cups. Anything larger would have not done the job as a sports bra. I felt well contained. And I RAN. Highly recommend.
ReplyDelete