Athleta Solace Sports Bra Review

Price: $19.97 to $49
Where to buy: Athleta (A to C, D to DD)
Size range: XXS to 3X, A to DD+ cups
Style: Compression
Adjustable straps: No
Adjustable band: No
Straps style: Crossback
Other features: Removable cups

The Athleta is without a doubt the sexiest bra of the whole batch we tried. It dips to reveal cleavage, and the back is a latticework of complicated-looking straps that you simply have to slip on over your head. It’s the only low-impact bra we tried, and true to its designation, we found it immensely comfortable provided you aren’t doing any hardcore workouts. “I did notice some more boob showing (not too much, though!) during a long plank,” wrote one of our evaluators, who usually wears a 36D. I, a 30DD, also experienced this issue during inversions and had to readjust during downward dog. I definitely would not want to be seen like that in a yoga class, though luckily I was working out in the privacy of my own home. 

The bra comes in two size categories, A to C and D to DD+; each of these categories is available in XXS to 3X sizes. This isn’t as exact as if it were offered in exact band and cup sizes, but it’s better than the straightforward XS to XL that many brands offer. 

Another evaluator, a 32A, rated this bra as one of her top picks. Though the band was slightly tight, she found it supportive enough for barre exercise, and she loved its look. “The back is the prettiest of all the bras,” she wrote, saying that she’ll probably buy another in a different color. 

Though I was frustrated with the spillage issue—the bra really is cute otherwise—I also discovered another problem: My bra had a removable cup that was insistent on trying to work its way out. This is the danger with removable cups: Sometimes they simply really want to be removed. Such was the case here. The cup would fold inside the bra when I tried to pull it on; it also got bent out of shape when I hand-washed it. (I didn’t even throw it in the washing machine!) I suspect my bra was defective because no one else reported having removable cups with an escape imperative. But it’s something to look out for should you decide to buy this bra.

It’s advertised for studio workouts like Pilates and barre; most folks probably won’t want to do any intense workouts, such as running, in it. And those with larger busts may need to deal with some spillage when jumping or doing inversions. But for those with small-to-medium-sized busts or people who simply want a cute bra to wear around town, this is a good option.