Note: I am not affiliated with Enell in any way, except as a very satisfied customer. I am in the process of setting up an affiliate program with an Enell on-line retailer; I want everyone to have access to this wonderful product.
Okay, this isn’t the Self-Control post I promised last time. I’m preempting the previously scheduled entry for this review. Self-Control will be here next post, I promise 
I’m not the largest-busted woman in the world, but a D-sized cup creates the problem of needing as much support as I can get and not being able to easily find a bra that provides the support. I tried many different types, but I still needed to wear two sports bras at the same time. Even then, the bras didn’t provide as much support as I needed. In frustration, I turned to the Internet, figuring there had to be something better out there.
There is. As I searched, I found one brand name came up over and over: Enell. Finally, I broke down and ordered one of their full-support sports bras. The only regret I have is that I didn’t order it sooner. The product promises ‘no bounce’ — and they’re not exaggerating. When Enell says ‘no-bounce’, it means no bounce. None. Nada. Zip. And it does it without an underwire or extra padding.
Out of the package, the ‘bra’ looks more like a vest or un-boned corset. It looks huge. Half-way up fasting it, though, I worried that it might be too small. I went and looked at the booklet that comes with it (yes, this bra actually comes with instructions) and read “When you try on an ENELL Bra for the first time …. it may seem too small at first… “. I finished putting it on. All done up, it felt tight, but not uncomfortable.
The strange thoughts that go through your head at odd times. My first thought after putting it on was “Hey, I can see my toes!”. I usually have the “shelf” of flesh between me and the ground. I ran through my poomse and some kicks and punches…it stayed put. It didn’t slide around and, more importantly, I didn’t slide around. The longer I wore it, the more comfortable it got (when was the last time you could say that about a bra?). I’ve now worn it for forms, sparring, self-defense…every aspect of taekwondo I can put it through. Additionally, it’s structured so the support comes from around the torso, not just from shoulder straps. Which means no aching shoulders or back. It’s also very difficult to slouch while wearing it; the construction is designed to promote proper back posture.
I’ve only got a couple of small complaints. One: there’s no way a tank top is going to cover it — it’s just too big. My do-boke top covers it fine, but take the top off and you can definitely tell it’s an undergarment. I don’t feel comfortable stripping down to it to lift weights or run a couple of laps, the way I could with other exercise tops. The upside of this is, though, is that if you bend way over or your gi comes untied (which did happen to me), no one’s going to see a thing they shouldn’t.
Two: the cost. With shipping included, it came to just a hair under $75. While it’s worth every penny, the cost can put it out of reach for someone with a limited budget. As much as I’d like to, I’m not going to be able to rush out and buy a second one anytime in the near future. (Though I haven’t earmarked my tax refund for anything yet. Hmmm …). Enell also makes a ‘lite’ version of their bra, which is supposed to be great for every day wear but costs $13 more than their regular sport bra. Don’t get me wrong, I think the price is more than fair for the workmanship and product design; it’s just difficult for some of us to come up with that chunk of change after school dues, uniform and sparring equipment costs, tournament and belt-promotion fees … you get the picture.
On the whole though, I cannot recommend this bra more. If you can find a way to trim your budget and squirrel away the cost, I think you’ll be happy you did.
Next post: Self-Control. I promise .
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Tags: bras, equipment, product review
