Back in April, I reviewed the Enell Sports Bra. Since it’s been three months, I’ve decided to update that review:
Purchase Enell Sports Bra from Bare Necessities
I’m a rather large-busted women. Not as large as some, but still much larger than off-the-shelf bras were able to support. I tried many different types, but frequently found I needed to wear two sports bras at the same time. And 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.
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 in it. 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.
[Addendum 11 Aug 2009 - Three months later, and it's still as comfortable as the first day I wore it. Also, the bra shows no sign of wear at all.]
I’ve only got a couple of minor complaints:
1) As you can see above, it definitely looks like 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. It does, however, come in black, which may change that. It’s full coverage, though, does mean that if you bend way over or your gi comes untied, no one’s going to see a thing they shouldn’t.
2) The cost. With shipping included, it came to just a hair under $75. While it’s worth every penny, and then some, 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. Don’t get me wrong, I think the price is more than fair for the workmanship and quality; 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. Enell also makes a ‘lite’ version of their bra for low-impact sports or everyday casual wear. You can purchase Enell by clicking on the photo in this post.
Other product reviews:
- Original Enell Sports Bra Review
- The Self-Defense Deck
- Training Women in the Martial Arts
Tags: bras, equipment, product review
I may have to try that. I’m always looking for some variety in my sports bras. My favorite thus far is the Frog Bra from Title Nine Sports ( http://www.titlenine.com ) which is another no-bounce bra. It looks a little more like a sports top and less like undergarments than your picture above, but is a serious breast masher. This isn’t uncomfortable (it actually makes getting popped in the breasts in sparring much less painful), but it isn’t always the effect I want either.