Does its job too well
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2015
The plight of a busty woman is finding a sports bra that acts like an underwire but feels like a shelf bra. I have yet to find my match made in heaven but this does the job...somewhat. Its a bit tight to wear all day. For an hour of exercise, its ok, but longer and it feels constraining, especially around my ribs. Its NEVER loosens up. Other bras I have start to stretch after a few hours of wear and over time, that stretch stays. This bra ain't budging- a blessing and a curse. Its solid, almost like armor; I kid you not, it can stand up on its own. But that shows that the bra is well-made and doesn't allow jiggling to happen, another big problem for big-chested girls. I do "overflow" a bit in the right cup and that's annoying because going up a cup means up in straps and that never works for me. I'm short. I need short straps and big cups. But overall, this bra does the job and is holding up really well so I can't complain. Just wish it came in more styles/colors. And maybe a front clasp for a racer-back style because using the clips on the existing straps to make the bra racer-back is difficult and makes the bra tighter. I do not love that. So, if you're of ample bosom, it may take a try or two to find the best size.
Extremely uncomfortable to put on: bra runs very small and band has no stretch
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2018
I've tried both the regular wire-free Show-Off and this underwired Show-Off, and the difference is so huge that I can't believe Champion used the Show-Off name for both. The regular Show-Off is not a bad bra, and is fairly comfortable to pull on over the head, although it runs small despite coming in simple (S-XL) sizing. In comparison, this underwire Show-Off, which comes in bra cup sizing, runs ridiculously small, and is hands-down the MOST uncomfortable bra I have ever tried to wrestle over my head, in my life, bar none.The difference between the two bras is like night and day. The regular wire-free bra is a nice matte swimsuit-type fabric that is smooth enough to glide over your skin when you pull it on. The underwire Show-Off is a rougher, coarser fabric, and it has a lot less stretch to it, which makes it much more uncomfortable to wear. Specifically, the band that goes around your upper ribcage is so rigid, that it's almost impossible to fasten behind you. It's extremely uncomfortable. And despite being my normal bra size, the bra was far too small in the cup to be comfortable or practical.The underwire version does not have a built-in racerback, although it has a hook that you use to transform it into a racerback. But because the band is so rigid, you can't expect to leave it configured this way while you pull it over your head, because it's impossible. You'll have to hook and unhook repeatedly anytime you wear this bra. In comparison, the Wire-Free version has a smooth racerback with stretch, so it's easy to pull on.If I had to find something positive to say about this bra, it would be that the Show-Off Wired has nice padded shoulder straps, whereas the regular wire-free version does not. It's also worth noting that the Show-Off Wired is much larger all around than the similar size in the Wire-Free. The front rise is higher, the sides are higher, and the straps are obviously much larger.I've attached some photos showing the bras side by side. The blue is the Show-Off Wired and the black is the Show-Off Wire-Free.
No bounce whatsoever!
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2017
I have been a long time wearer of Victoria's secret sports bras but lately I have noticed they don't support as well as the older ones did so I decided to give this bra a shot. I always wear a 36D. First putting it on, I like that it was not an over the head deal. I felt the band was too tight, though. I could barely get the last set of hooks clasped. Once I did, it have me awful back fat sticking out of over the top and I am not a heavy girl. Getting the clasp on the straps together to make it a T-back was very difficult but the trick is to slide the clasps down on the straps enough to reach. Once I got that done, it helped with the back fat issue. I went out for a 3 mile run in this bra and I have decided the difficulties are worth it. First bra ever that holds me in and up with no bounce whatsoever and completely takes the weight off. It's amazing how much better you can run when your shoulders aren't being pulled forward and you're not bouncing around. This bra gives amazing support and looks pretty ok too. The bra will loosen up some because I put it on the next day and it was much easier to hook and get the T-back clasp together. For the price, this bra is awesome. I'll be ordering a couple more.
Over all, I'd rate this bra an A-
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016
I originally ordered a 36DD, which is my normal bra size, and found the band to be VERY difficult to close. So I ordered a 38DD this time, and the band fits nicely, but feels a bit big in the cups until I latch the neck hook. I'm a fairly short person, so I have the adjustable straps as small as they go and it's barely snug enough. I wish I was able to see this in stores so I could try the 38D and see if that one is better/worse than the two I already have. I walk/jogged 6 miles in this baby and felt completely supported the entire time. It does collect your sweat though, so I highly recommend hanging or laying it out to air dry to avoid any smells.
Ridiculously padded, way too hot for running
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2020
My favorite Champion running bra (6242) has been discontinued for quite a while now. So I've been trying pretty much every other underwire to find a suitable replacement. No luck so far, especially with this one.The padding is so thick it feels like neoprene, and the cups are molded non-stretch, so if they don't fit your shape exactly, they look and feel weird.The little clip in the back to connect the straps digs into your back.The bottom band didn't bother me, as mentioned in some reviews. It's tight (had to order up a size) but I like a bottom band to be snug. It does stretch.Adjustable straps are a plus.I laughed when I looked in the mirror with this contraption on. Then packed it up to return. Still looking for an underwire running bra with a banded bottom and seamless stretch cups :[
Reviewed in Canada on March 4, 2020
I do like these bras and own several. However they fit on the small side. Other than that they are well made, stay in place better than any other bra I have owned and I love the colours.
Reviewed in Canada on December 22, 2016
This bra is awesome for larger bust ladies. I am a 38DD and it holds everything up just right - even with sprints/stairmaster/treadmill work. Also makes your boobs look awesome. Would definitely recommend!
Reviewed in Canada on July 20, 2018
Wow! I love this sports bra! The underwire separates and defines the breasts so you donât have a uni-boob but also supports them well, even with full-out running sprinting! Very nice looking, and fits as expected.
Reviewed in Canada on July 20, 2020
I purchased 2 Of these bras 5 months ago. I loved them at first but not too long after one of the back pieces snapped, leaving only one working one and the wire of the other one started poking out!
Reviewed in Canada on June 9, 2019
I do love these bras but they are or can be on the small side. The wire is not noticeable at all. Quite comfortable and stay put.
