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I put Knix's 'most supportive sports bra ever' to the test - here's my honest review

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Investing in quality workout gear is important - especially when it comes to sports bras. I consider myself to be a woman with an ample bosom that fluctuates with my weight and time of the month. I have had many a laugh whenever I come across “light to medium support” sports bras or bralettes that supposedly offer enough support throughout the day whilst delivering a cut-out lacy design that I wouldn’t mind people seeing under a tank top.

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No, when it comes to sports bras (or bras in general) I need to feel like I’m the undergarment equivalent of an armoured vest that will keep everything strapped in and moving in unison with the rest of my body.

Thankfully, there’s the Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra from Knix that makes my days of doubling up on sports bras a thing of the past.

What is it?

The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra was created to be Knix’s “most supportive sports bra ever” thanks to its performance molding cups that keep breasts lifted, separated and supported throughout the toughest workout

Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra in Berry

The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra by Knix is a great option for women requiring extra support during their workout.
The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra by Knix is a great option for women requiring extra support during their workout.

SHOP IT: Knix, $98

Knix’s latest offering is a reiteration on it’s best-selling Catalyst bra, with a new racer back design and front half-zip detail. Available in three different colours (black, berry and electric blue), the Catalyst Front Zip features the same wireless support and smoothing nylon/spandex fabric that prevents any unwanted lumps, bumps or spillage for sizes 32A to 42G

First impressions

As a fan of Knix’s LuxeLift Pullover Bra, knew that the Knix bra was going to be comfortable. My biggest concern was whether or not the Catalyst could deliver the same medium to high level of support as my other sports bras that I know and trust to keep everything in place.

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My usual bra size is a 36C - and although Knix’s sizing can seem confusing at first, I decided to follow the sizing guide and order a size 3.

The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra features wireless support - perfect for larger chested women.
The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra features wireless support - perfect for larger chested women.

I typically wear pullover style sports bras that, although they make me feel like everything’s strapped into place, can deliver the “uniboob” type look. As soon as I took the Catalyst Front Zip out of its box, I knew this was not going to be the case, since there were clearly defined cups and the option to adjust both the shoulder straps and the band of the bra to keep everything locked and loaded.

The racerback and back clasps make the Catalyst a little tricky to put on at first, but once the straps are adjusted to your liking, it’s super easy to slip on and off after you break a sweat. I was really pleased that there was no uncomfortable little roll around the band of the bra or some unflattering armpit spillage.

The Test

I wore the Catalyst for a 5km hike near our local conservation area and whether uphill or downhill, I never felt the girls move - at all. Although it can be worn alone as a workout top - the crisp, fall weather called for an oversized sweatshirt and leggings like a sporty Ariana Grande.

The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra provides tons of support during high impact workouts.
The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra provides tons of support during high impact workouts.

The only downside to the Catalyst was the boob sweat. I typically stick to black sports bras that don’t show any sweat marks, but the berry colour of the Catalyst showed two very pronounced sweat marks under each breast near the band. Although they dried quickly, I was relieved that I wasn’t wearing the sports bra alone. While it’s natural to work up a sweat an dthere’s nothing to be ashamed of, I personally wouldn’t have been comfortable).

Verdict

Despite the potentially embarrassing sweat stains, the Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra is one of the most supportive sports bras I’ve ever worn. Unlike other brands, Knix’s design focuses on being a bra first - lifting, separating your breasts - while delivering high impact support.

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Although the price is steep at nearly $100, if you have a larger chest, you know how important it is to find a sports bra (or any bra) that fits and supports you throughout each and every movement. It might be expensive for some, but to me, it’s worth it to know that you’re secure and supported while you move, bend, jump or dance.

The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra is comfortable and designed with real women and real bodies in mind. I really loved that the Catalyst is adjustable at both the band and the shoulder straps, since most pull-over styles don’t offer that option. Knix knows that finding bra or sports bra that’s stylish, offers a high level of support and comes in inclusive sizing women shouldn’t be difficult, and continues to remind women that clothes should be made to fit our bodies, our bodies aren’t made to fit into the clothes.

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