So, listen, here’s the thing. By the time you get my age, you’ve definitely figured out who you are. You know what you like, what you don’t like, what you’re willing to tolerate and what you’re not. And you’ve definitely narrowed down your own personal style.
For me, it’s a nice pair of capris or L.L. Bean jeans, a basic tee in a variety of colors (with just a dash of spandex for a good fit) flats, sandals or soft leather loafers and a comfortable and forgiving, full coverage bra. That’s it.
Well, okay, a nice pair of diamond stud earrings too.
Here’s another thing. You’re definitely not afraid to speak up when something’s not working either. And when Victoria’s Secret changed the basic structure of what was once the greatest bra known to woman-kind, the Body by Victoria, full-coverage, I hung up those formerly, nice, wide and giving straps and moved on to better bra territory.
I found two more bras, the Warner’s T-Shirt Bliss and the Bali Natural Up Lift Underwire to replace the Body by Victoria and frankly, have no plans to ever return to another Victoria’s Secret, high-priced and definitely-not-built-for-comfort-bras again.( I did a review on both of those bras that you can read here if you wish. )
I recently received a complimentary sample of Warner’s “This is Not a Bra” full coverage, underwire bra, and was asked to try it on for size. So, I did. I’m already sold on Warner’s T-Shirt Bliss bra, so I was definitely willing to take this one out for a spin too. I’ve worn it for about a month or so now and here’s my honest take on it:
Comfort
This particular assessment of the bra is especially important and here’s why: I received a 38D instead of a 36D, based on the fact that I wear a 38D in the T-Shirt Bliss bra. However, I actually wear a 36D in other bras.
The 38D is a tad too big and I probably should have gotten the 36D. But, in spite of the size difference the bra is still comfortable and I am able to wear it all day without a hitch or complaint. I think that should be noted.
Another feature that should be noted is that there is a reinforced padding (for lack of a better word, but on HerRoom.com they call it “cushioned”) in the underwire area that makes the fit a little more snug and comfortable.
How many bras have you worn where the underwire dug into your girls making your daily existence miserable? That’s not an issue with “This is Not a Bra” and I will definitely give Warner’s two-thumbs up for that piece of engineering.
The band has the necessary stretch to give when you need it. The straps give in all the right places as well. Though, I personally prefer them to be just a tad bit wider.
The cups are seamless and molded with what is called “graduated foam padding for comfort and support”. I have a love/hate relationship with this new foam padding trend in bras.
Victoria’s Secret took it waaaay too far in my view. I prefer less of the foam padding because it tends to make the bra feel just a bit too stiff for my personal comfort. “This is Not a Bra” is walking the line with it in my view. However, that is my own personal comfort tastes. You may feel completely different about it.
Style & Color Choices
I received the silver/gray color of the bra. But, it also comes in blue, white, pink, red, black and couple of wild pattern colors as well. You can get a look at the style at Kohl’s website here.
It should also be noted for style purposes, the bra has a silky feel to the touch. The fabric choice also adds to the comfort level.
Price
At Kohl’s, “This is Not a Bra” retails for $34. Macy’s ran a sale on them recently for $22 and HerRoom.com also had them on sale for $28. But, at $34 regular price, it’s definitely affordable.
Rating
All things considered I will rate Warner’s “This is Not a Bra” full coverage, underwire at 4 out of 5 bra hooks. I rated it down 1 bra hook based only on the fact that I’m not a huge fan of foam padding construction. But, if you’re looking for a solidly comfortable, full coverage, underwire bra (and who isn’t?), I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in the Warner’s “This is Not a Bra”.
Sources:
“Warner & Bali Provide Affordable and Comfortable Alternatives to Victoria’s Secret”. August 20, 2010. Associated Content.com. January 27, 2011. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5673260/warner_bali_provide_affordable_comfortable_pg2.html?cat=46
Kohl’s.com
Macy’s.com
Warner’s.com
