My friend Isabel has been testing the Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra. She has worn the same brand and type of sports bra (Sportjock Super Bra) for 15 years and being a creature of habit in her 50s, she said she was nervous about trying something new. However, she has been pleasantly surprised. Here are Izzie’s thoughts on the Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra.
Features of Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra
The bra combines compression and encapsulation in a sports bra for activities described as high impact, such as running, team sports and circuit training.
- Adjustable overband technology
- Sizes: 28DD to 38H
- Cup and band sizing across 43 Sizes (Saffron Yellow)
- High coverage – suitable for wearing as a standalone top
- Three row hook-and-eye clasp at rear
- Convertible between racerback or H-back styles
- 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane
- 12-month guarantee
- Price: £68
- Buy from Maaree.
Pros of Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra
Izzie has worn the sports bra on a range of runs of different distances up to 13.1 miles and from gentler to medium pace. She also wore it for a faster-paced 10k race.
These are her thoughts:
Maaree offer an on-line bra fitting appointment and consultation, which was excellent. I had clear instructions to help me to measure myself accurately and easily during an online video meeting. Mari took note of the different sports activities I regularly do and recommended a specific sports bra based on that information.
The result was a Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra that fits perfectly for my slightly unusual bra size of 30E.
I’m very happy with comfort and support. I was worried about chafing, especially from the back strap, which I’m always concerned about on longer runs while wearing a hydration pack. But I was pleased that I suffered no rubs or chafing.
Also, I suffered no chafing under the breasts because the support band is wide and well-fitted and doesn’t rub while you move.
There was no bounce when running and I was pleased that the bra didn’t restrict my breathing despite being so well fitted. I have felt my breathing restricted before when running uphill in other sports bras – for example, a very expensive Enell Sports Bra – but not with the Maaree bra.
I have also worn the Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra for a few 50-minute circuits sessions, which include skipping, boxing, weights, press-ups, etc. I can report much-reduced breast bounce according to my observant circuits partner!
In addition, I’ve worn the bra for a couple of one-hour badminton sessions. I was able to easily stretch and twist my upper body without feeling any restriction from the bra.
I was sent the cornflower blue bra to test and I really like the colour.
The bra washes well and dries very quickly.
Cons of Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra
The bra is so new that its elasticity is super-tight. That is, it’s not loose enough to allow me to put it on the right way round and clip it at the back. I have to clip it around my waist at the front and twirl it around. Maybe after a few more washes, I will be able to affix it at the back.
The price tag of £68 is expensive for a bra. This product will need to have a long life to justify the price.
The material is not quite thick enough to conceal nipples.
Conclusion: Izzie has been impressed by the Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra. There are many sizes to choose from and women can benefit from an on-line fitting consultation. The bra keeps breasts in place while taking part in high-impact sports and Izzie was pleased to report there was no chafing issues. The price is quite high but comfort is important when choosing an item that will be worn frequently. A sports bra should be well-fitting and supportive.
Note: Izzie tested this sports bra in the colder winter months of February and March in the Scottish Highlands. For this reason, she hasn’t worn it with a vest top, so she hasn’t tried the hook that converts the back straps to racerback style. She may well report back once the warmer weather arrives.