Panache Sport Bra v Freya Active

I was chuffed to recently win a fab Panache Sport bra.  Winning something is always nice and it's all the sweeter when it's underwear related!

Panache Sport Moulded Underwired Bra

I'd recently reviewed a bra from the Freya Active range so it was interesting to see how these would compare.  My Freya bra is an unpadded underwired (30GG) whereas the Panache bra is a moulded underwired (28H).  I have tried out Freya's moulded version before though so I was still keen to compare the two brands.

Freya Active Moulded Bra

The Panache moulded has a very similar shape to both Freya's moulded and soft cup sports bras in that they are all offer a high level of coverage by encapsulating most of the breast tissue.  The Freya underwired's cups are not as highly cut, looking the most 'bra-like' out of all of them.  The Panache style looks more sporty in a crop top kinda way.

My Freya feels more lightweight than my Panache with it's soft, slinky feeling cups but I love the feel of Panache's fabric; it's very soft with a microfibre texture.

Freya Active Undewired Bra - lightweight and slinky

Panache Sport is a well designed piece of sports wear with every area well considered.  There is underwiring but you'd barely know it because of how well the wires are encased (which I'm told includes the clever use of silicone).  I felt absolutely no digging in whilst wearing it, despite how snug the bra fit.

Me wearing Panache Sport Moulded Bra

Freya Active Underwired has a significantly wider back fastener to the Panache, being 4 hooks deep by 4 hooks.  Panache Sport, although still a supportive width, is 3 hooks by 3 hooks.  Both hook and eye fastening pads are soft touch and non irritating; Freya is a soft handle cotton like, thin pad that lends itself well to exercise mat work, Panache has a thicker inner padding which is good for extra comfort.  Freya's Moulded bra is different to it's underwired version and Panache's in that it has a racer back in addition to an adjustable band.

Tight but well fitting and supportive

There isn't much difference in the straps; both are wide, padded and half adjustable with Freya Active's straps being slightly wider in the adjustable section.

I'm actually really liking the Panache Sport.  At first I thought the 28 back was a bit too tight but unlike Freya's 28 which I found impossible to fasten at all, I got into the feel wearing it and I appreciated it's fit.  It's super comfy and I like the combination of the underwires with the benefit of the moulded cups which altogether help reign things in.  I also can't help but feel more attracted to the look of the Panache bra as opposed to Freya's moulded bra.  It could be because the black colourway makes it look more stylish but it does seem to lift and support my boobs a lot better.  I'm really impressed with it - and it's very touchable!

Panache has recently joined forces with Breast Cancer charity Coppafeel and created a stunning bright pink bra with proceeds of it's sale going towards The Boobettes project; a group of women affected by breast cancer who are educating and advising women how to check their boobs and know the signs of breast cancer.  This is a brilliant campaign for which I hope they raise lots of funds.

Panache & Coppafeel Pink Charity Bra

Becky x

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Sports Bra Review - Freya Active 30GG

Anyone who plays a form of sport or likes to keep fit knows it's imperative to wear a good bra.  Whether you have a small bust or fuller boobs, a well fitting and supportive purpose made sports bra is necessary for the health of your boobs and ultimately, your comfort.  With the 2012 London Olympics just around the corner, we're all thinking more about sport this year!

In my lingerie stash I have a few sports bras; crop tops, soft cup bras, but I'd never tried an under wired sports bra.  I always thought an under wire would be the last thing I'd want to wear whilst working out, believing it would be painful and restrictive, so when offered the chance I was really keen to give the Freya Active Underwired Bra a go.

When I received the Active I was immediately attracted to its colour.  The striking purple magenta accented with grey gives this bra a fashion conscious edge against usually boring bland sports bra.  The bra was a 30GG and I assumed there would be no way it would fit, but I was pleasantly surprised.  The nature of a sports bra means it will be a snug fit but it wasn't uncomfortable like I'd dreaded.

Freya Active Underwired Bra in Magenta

The under wire is so rounded and wide it means it doesn't dig in anywhere at all and the firm band running along under the cups means it is actually comfy.  The fact that the fastening is a deep 4 hook wide band which is also well padded makes for a smooth, non irritating line around your back.  (I am a stickler for itchy tags and bands!)

Front

Reverse

The cups are a double layered silky fabric with a gentle sheen while the centre gore and side panels have a breathable mesh.  Its lined with Coolmax technology which is supposed to be good for keeping your skin cool whilst ridding you of sweat.  The front section of the straps are very well padded and formed with the back of the straps giving you some degree of adjustment; only around 3" worth but to be honest I didn't need it looser and it allowed more than enough room for me.

A sports bra is not just about aesthetics though so I needed to try the bra out in genuine situations I wear a sports bra for.  The most vigorous activities I engage in include using my air walker equipment and playing badminton.  Freya are actually partners with the England Netball team so I had high hopes of its superiority.

The England Netball Team

The Active Underwired bra is quite literally fantastic!  Throughout my various exercise tasks the bra stuck to my body like glue.  I experienced no rubbing or shifting and, together with the matching seamfree shorts that have antibacterial qualities, my routines were without sweaty displeasure.  I am always aware of my boob movement during any form of exercise and where I expected there to be ample boob bouncing there was none.  It was a liberating feeling that I could bounce and move without that heavy pulling.

See how I got on with the Active in my video - 

I honestly feel, hand on heart, that this is my now favourite sports bra set and I'm quite confident in getting rid of my sports bra stash.  I really believed that the under wires would be the bra's disadvantage but they actually make the style and shape that it is.

Thanks Freya for being my bosom buddy!

Becky x

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