I am slowly getting back into exercise after having to take it easy following a pinched nerve in my neck and a herniated disc. I have a number of sports bras but one I favor is the Under Armour Women's HeatGear Core Sports Bra 1135. This sports bra has great wicking ability and doesn't give me "uniboob" like so many others. It's great for medium intensity exercise and is comfortable  as long as you get the correct size.

About The Product

The Heatgear Core Sports Bra comes in sizes XS -XL. I find it runs slightly small. I bought a Medium and it was too tight so I moved up to a size large which fits fine. It's always best to try these on for the best fit. I ordered mine online and went by the sizing chart.

My bra is black but I believe it also comes in white and navy blue. The bra has a cute white UA logo in the middle of the bra and has a lot of stretch so that the bra moves with you rather than feel like you're strapped in. Most sports bras have restrictive cups, sometimes so restrictive that my breasts are literally squashed flat. That helps stop painful bounce but it's painful in and of itself. This bra has slight cups so that the breast are separated and not as fattened although there is plenty of support.

The bra has an elastic band around the bottom to keep it from riding up, a racerback cut, and is tagless. The seams are flat and don't dig into my skin and the V neck shaping feels less restrictive and "bandage-like" than higher cut necklines.

But the real difference between this sports bra and many others is its ability to wick away perspiration and keep me dry even when I am exercising in the heat or just sweating from activity. There is a mesh back panel and other vents that keep me cool in the hottest of temperatures and the material controls odor. This bra even has ultraviolet protection built right in!

My Experience

When I purchased the Under Armour HeatGear Core Sports Bra, it appeared that size medium would fit my 36 small C frame just fine. However, when the bra came, I felt suffocated. It fit but I wanted to take it off which is a sign that the bra simply was too restrictive for me. I exchanged it for a Large and the difference was noticeable. I may have a lost a bit of support going up in size but the bra is comfortable and stops bounce while keeping me cool and feeling less restricted than the smaller size.

I wear this sports bra when I am outdoors in heat although I tend not to walk around in JUST the bra and workout pants. I usually will wear a lightweight tank top over it for modesty and because I don't have washboard abs and no one wants to look at abs that are a work in progress.

I also wear the bra indoors when I am doing medium intensity workouts that require me to bounce, jump, or just move in a way that would cause me to need support. I don't wear this for yoga or Pilates because those workouts don't call for a bra that is so supportive. This one is great for dance workouts which I favor as well as any aerobic exercise.

The bra washes and dries well. It keeps its shape and doesn't fade. I usually air dry it but have tossed it into the drier a time or two with no noticeable shrinkage.

In all, I find that the Under Armour HeatGear Core Sports Bra is well worth the somewhat steep price tag. Not only is it supportive without strapping me down but it wicks away moisture, controls odor, and moves with my body.

Buying Info

I bought my sports bra a year or two ago online at one of the sporting goods stores. I looked around and it is still out there but not as easy to find. I saw it the Finish Line and Anaconda Sport. This may be discontinued and another very similar style may be in its place. I believe the bra cost me about $35.00 -$38.00 at the time.

The Verdict

Under Armour is a good name in exercise clothing as well as other types of clothing. I like both this brand and Champion for sports bras. The Under Armour Women's HeatGear Core Sports Bra 1135 is a very good sports bra for all of the reasons I listed. Just be sure to get the correct size so you don't feel too strapped down. I believe the bra runs slightly small. I have had mine for a year or two and it is in like new shape. Now that I can start to exercise a little more intensely, this bra is back out and ready for action. I give it 4 stars. It's got so many good features and will last a long time with minimal care.

Recommended: Yes