Scoop Away from My Zipper!
Written: Dec 30 '04
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Pros: Extremely comfortable; easy to get on and off; offers support.
Cons: Not a stand alone bra.
The Bottom Line: I really like this bra. I would buy another and will recommend it without hesitation.
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| jo.com's Full Review: Champion Scoop Front Zip Bra |
When I got back home in September I treated myself to several new sports bras and gym clothes. One can never have enough sports bras! However finding the perfect one is not always easy. I happen to really like my Champion Action Shape Sports Bra and have a couple of them. I own many Sports bras by Champion as well as Nike, Speedo and Hanes. I have never owned one with a zipper however. I do own one whose straps make an x in the back (criss cross) and find that very uncomfortable. When I tried on the Champion Scoop Front Zip Bra it seemed comfortable! So that was one of my purchases.
Details:
Two aspects that I really find comfortable are the scoop neck and the wide straps. I own some bras that come way up on my chest and though not uncomfortable they are not great in some classes. For example in Pilates and Yoga where I am moving my body around I like the feeling of a bit more freedom and less constriction and the Zip Bra gives me.
I will not buy any bra these days (Except those by Victoria Secret) unless they have wide straps. That is a fairly new invention and makes a huge difference in shoulder comfort. The straps on the Scoop Zip Bra sit on a really comfortable area of my shoulders and stay the same width around the back. The straps measure 1 and one quarter inch wide and are not adjustable. I have both adjustable straps and non adjustable. There are pros and cons to them. If you do not have the right size it can feel tight so make sure you are getting the right size. I do not have the same problem with these non adjustable straps as I do with those that criss cross and are non adjustable.
The back of this bra is a bit unique. It also is more scooped than I am used to. This makes it even more comfortable. Another aspect I might mention that might affect your buying decision is to think about what you wear over this bra. Although this is an attractive bra I do not consider it one I would wear alone. I do not consider it a stand alone bra. So I wear tops over it. Many of my tops are low; some are cut deeply along the sides if they are sleeveless. I like the Zip Bra because it does not show under these tops. The side of the bra cuts in a bit so it does not even show when I wear sleeveless tops.
I was concerned about the zipper. For one thing as I said this was new to me. For another I was not sure how secure the zipper would be. In other words, would it stay up and zipped? It does stay zippered. I go to classes wearing it, weight train; do cardio vascular work and wash it and still I have no problem with the zipper coming loose and unzipping at the top.
It has what is called a double layer zipper placket. What that means is that it is designed so that the fabric and not the zipper is against my skin. That was another concern – I was afraid it might be chafing. But it is not.
The bra is made of 43% cotton; 14% Lycra spandex and 43% polyester. The lining is made of 90% Cool Max polyester and 14% spandex. Cool Max is made by Dupont. It is a polyester fabric that provides high wicking (moisture control) according to the company. I have found this to be true. I really do like lines bras. I find that when I sweat, I do not feel soaked. There are worse things than soaked breasts in life but when in the gym working out it is more comfortable if they are dry!
The Champion Zip Bra has cups with seams that you can see which is why I do not consider it a stand alone bra. However these cups provide shape and support. I do not care how much a company might say that their cupless sports bra does not flatten a woman, I just do not agree. I wear a size 36B and need the support of cups. I also prefer not to look like my chest is wrapped in a bandage. So this is another reason I like it.
I really like how easy it to get on and off. Although any bra that hooks is easy to get off if you are a woman who has worn a bra that goes over the head (T style, my criss cross style) you know how difficult those are to put on. Sometimes I wear sports bras even if I am not going to the gym. This might be because we are going biking or for a walk or just for comfort. If I have just taken a shower and am damp pulling on a bra with no zipper or hooks is a joke. So this Zip Bra has eliminated that problem.
It comes in black and white. I got this one in white. The sizes are small – 32A-34B; medium – 34B-36B (my size); large 36B-38B; and extra large- 38C-40C. I find that it runs true to size. I wear a 36B in all bras and this one was no different.
The Champion logo that you will find on every Champion product is on the back.
Other information and final thoughts:
The Champion Zip Bra is for small to medium busted women with a medium MCR (Motion Control Requirements) which means it is recommended for activities such as weight training, stair climbing and biking. It is also recommended for golf and skiing. When I used to run I looked for bras rated with a high MCR but I do not run any more.
Although I do not run I do a few classes that have me doing some high intensity aerobics. I find this bra to be really nice. It offers me a lot of support without the straps digging into my shoulders. I have not had any problem with the zipper and love how easy it is to put on. You may be able to see the zipper though under some tops. If that is an issue for you, which it is not for me, you will have to reconsider this one.
This bra can be washed in warm water and dried on low. I never put my bras in the dryer however (Unless I am camping). I put them on the rack to dry and find that they last for a long time. This bra is going to run you about $33. I rarely find Champion bras on sale unless I buy them online where I do find good buys once in awhile.
Please feel free to leave me a question or comment.
Champion Action Shape Sports Bra
Champion Full Support Bra
Champion Sport Shape Bra
This is an entry in my Get Active in 2005 write off. Click the link for information and other reviews written.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 33.00
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