I’m Basically Back, and The Panache Sports Bra Reviewed
I have 10 days left of University, and then I am a free bird! The number of things I have to read, finish writing and study in the next 10 days is scary, but somehow I know I will get it done. So I’m kind of done my blogging break? There won’t be any new posts for 10 days, that’s for sure, but after those 10 days regular posting will resume.
This little guy is excited, that’s for sure. Image from The Catster.com
Before I go into hermit mode for the next bunch of days, I’d like to share one of my current favourite bras: The Panache Sports bra:
Panache Sports bra, 28FF
I could sing sweet love songs about this bra, write beautiful poetry, hold a boom box over my head and confess my undying love for it… But that’s all a bit much, so instead let me just tell you about it. The Panache Sports bra is an underwired, moulded encapsulating sports bra. Prior to it, I had only experienced compression sports bras, which basically flatten and bind you down to prevent bouncing while exercising. The Panache has a very tall centre gore and pre-shaped (yet fairly flexible) cups that contain each breast separately to keep them from bouncing. I’m a complete convert to the encapsulation style! It feels more breathable when exercising (no sweaty boobs smashed up against each other– too much information?) and doesn’t cause my boobs any pain like the compression style sports bras sometimes did. I’ve tested it while jogging, and doing general exercises like sit-ups and push-ups and have literally zero complaints. This bra is godly.
I purchased this bra in a 28FF in the grey/purple colourway. The grey is a fantastic alternative to a basic black or white, and I generally prefer off-beat colours like this for my basic bra wardrobe. In my size, the cups seem to run about a half size big and the band feels like a firm 28. I have read from others though that they’ve found the band to run loose and the cups to small, and have also read the cups to run as much as two cup sizes big, so watch out! The way this bra fits you could be quite dependant on shape or size range, or perhaps previous colours may have had different fit characteristics than the newer colours. I honestly wish I had an explanation for the discrepancies in the reported fit of the bra, but I unfortunately do not. This bra is so fantastic when it does fit though that I suggest trying it in your regular size or a cup size down if you’re very full on bottom or in between sizes. Being in between an FF and G lately, this bra is pretty much perfect for me. I have a teensy bit of extra space on my smaller side some days (when I’m at the smallest part of my monthly fluctuation), but generally speaking the fit of the cups gets an A+ from me.
Check out that profile. Round, lifted, but not unnaturally so
Lift in the Panache Sport is comparable to the PL Stalowka. That’s saying something!
I think it’s worth mentioning that most of the times I’ve worn the Panache Sports bra have not been to exercise, and I actually wear it as a t-shirt bra usually. It is by far the most comfortable “t-shirt bra” I have ever worn, and as you can see, the lift and shape is comparable to EM Pl bras, a style known for their magical boob-lifting properties. Obviously, the Panache Sports bra comes up very high on the chest, so I can’t wear it under something remotely low-cut (except for tank tops, I just look athletic if it shows, so no biggie for casual wear there), but under crew necks, and some scoop necks it works just fine.
This is the only bra I own with three hook-and-eye closures. I love the stability!
Another great merit to this already fantastic bra? It’s an attractive, androgynous piece of lingerie for the full-busted lady– a rarity in a sea filled with lace and florals. Technically, most sports bras qualify as “androgynous” lingerie, but I have never seen a sports bra that delivers so well on shape and style as the Panache Sports bra, which is why I don’t really consider most sports bras real contenders for androgynous everyday bras. If you have ever felt frustrated with your options in the lingerie world, and just want a simple, supportive bra sans frills, check out this bra. It will likely nock your socks off. And with so many great colours to choose from, you’ll probably find one that you love. I sure did! Check out the amazing blue/lime colour here:
Dat colour.
Between the padded straps, padded underwires (seriously, I can’t even feel them! It’s amazing!), breathable material and J-clip for the option to wear this as a racerback, this bra is a serious winner. 10/10, would buy over and over again. Can’t recommend it enough.
Other reviews:
Bratabase- Comparison between Freya Active and Panache Sport
-Windie
I loved reading this review (and welcome back, and also thanks for the kitten)! You’re so right about the shape– I think it’s comparable to some of my favorite “regular” bras, and about the style– it really is a lovely, non-frilly alternative for full-busted women who want fewer frills. It looks fabulous on you. I wasn’t sure about the hype when it was released, but for me personally it lived up to it and exceeded it. By a lot. A whole lot. I recommend it constantly!
It’s truly one of the best things that’s ever happened to my boobs. And thanks for the welcome back! 🙂
I have customers who have told me this is the sports bra that changed their lives, and it really is a wonderful style. The only drawback I have seen is the molded cup/shape can not only impact size (as you observed) but whether the bra will fit at all. For women who lost firmness in the top of the breast, this style sometimes gapes no matter what size they try, and we need to switch up to something else.
My friend who works as a bra fitter was telling me something similar. That basically this bra is golden for some women, and absolutely will not work for others regardless of the size they try. I’m really glad I’m in the golden camp though, as it really is one of the greatest bras I’ve ever worn ❤
I adore mine (stylin’ and supportive), but the cups seem a bit full on top so I J-clip it. I may try sizing down someday.
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I love your blog, and I have this same bra! It’s amazing, they don’t even move when you’re jumping around! Best sports bra ever.
I’m the same size as you and recently bought this sports bra. I have told EVERYBODY about it. It is amazing. I really can’t speak enough praises about it. The only caveat I have for it is the optional hook in the back; it’s a little too high and can be painful for my shoulder blades.
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