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The Pros, Cons and Undecideds of the Enell Sport Bra

This Enell Sport bra is purple! And shiny! Which some like; and some don't.

Remember how our dear friend Jodi helped us out back in December to put a sports bra that’s designed for the more endowed ladies to the test? Well, she’s back and here to review the Enell Sport bra in Purple Orchid ($64-$66). And exciting news for Jodi—and a new, interesting dimension to her review—she’s newly knocked up! Read on for Jodi’s thoughts on this sports bra that’ll fit up to a 52DD (and has its own unique sizing system that’s pretty cool!) and is said to answer “the prayers of well-endowed athletes.” Let’s see, shall we?

Enell Sport Bra Review

As a pregnant lady going from my first to second trimester, with my breasts growing from a 34DD to a 34F, finding a supportive bra for the ladies was crucial during this time. I started with a larger bra size larger than normal, knowing I would need some room to grow.

I have mixed reviews about this bra. When I first opened up the package, I was completely caught off guard. Not only by the color (orchid!), but also by the way I had to put the bra on. The purple color and shiny texture reminded me of a leotard I wore in the 80s. In order to get it on, I had to clip it up the front of my chest. With that said, here are my pros, cons and undecideds…

Pros of the Enell Sport Bra 

  • The clips on the front of the bra make it easy to get on and off. The first time was a bit tough (mostly because I didn’t read the instructions, which say to do it from the bottom up), but once I figured it out it, it is a great design for large-breasted women.
  • The bra really holds me in snug and comfortably, and I do not bounce at all. The full coverage literally has you covered, secure and in place.
  • The shoulder straps have just enough padding to be comfortable but not look like shoulder pads. Nice work here.
The Enell bra sizing chart is pretty darn cool.

The Enell bra sizing chart is pretty darn cool.

Cons of the Enell Sport Bra

  • Every time I wear this bra, I chafe at the very bottom where the clipping begins. The first time it happened I thought I needed to wash the bra a few times to break it in. I tried that, but the chafing continued. I think it just hits in a bad spot directly under my chest. A little bit of Body Glide works wonders here.
  • I find it pretty unattractive from the front. While I never wear a bra without a shirt over it, this bra (with the clips) shows through most of my shirts. You can see the clips, as well as the front lining. It is really made to wear with a very loose fitting shirt, which usually doesn’t happen when I am working out.

Undecideds of the Enell Sport Bra

  • The bra covers my entire back. While this might be a plus for some women, I cannot stand a bra that does this. Most of my workout tops have a T-back, and I like my back (I’m a swimmer so I need everyone to see that those are muscles back there and not just a LARGE back). This bra is impossible to wear with anything except a full sleeved T-shirt or full-back tank.
  • I find the color and material to be less than desirable. I asked several other people what they thought about it, and I definitely got mixed reviews. The younger crowd (early 20s) thought it was really cool, while the older crowd (30s-40s) were not impressed.
  • I don’t like how the bra comes up so high on my chest. I realize if it didn’t come up so high you might show a little cleavage. I guess I don’t mind this, in order to avoid having the bra so high up on my neck. However, I put this in the “undecided” section as I realize some ladies might not want to show cleavage at all.

In summary, while I am not impressed with the look of the bra, it definitely does the job for large-chested women. I have yet to find another bra that goes beyond a size “E” with this much support. If you can get past the idea that it looks funny from the front, chafes and can only be worn under loose-fitting tops, it is definitely a great bra. That said, I will probably retire the bra once my boobs are back to a normal (well, normal for me) size DD. —Jodi

A big thanks to Jodi for being our guinea pig yet again, and doing such a detailed job of sharing what she likes and doesn’t about this sports bra! Anyone else tried the Enell Sport bra? Have a similar pro, con and undecided list? Any other sports bras you’d recommend for the larger-chested lady? —Jenn

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Comments

18 Comments
  1. Ed. P says:

    My wife has one from Moving Comfort which she loves a lot. I guess it is worth a try if she has a pretty big bust size too.

  2. Loren says:

    Wow! I would of tried this bra if not for your thorough review. I want the coverage but it better feel right or I’m just wasting my money. Thanks for the honest truth!

  3. apb says:

    I have had several Enells, and have never experienced chafing. My big issue is with the coating on the clips coming off and the clips themselves rusting. It’s definitely not a cool/cute-looking sports bra, but I have no complaints about the fit! It keeps things in place, for sure.

  4. Steph Hatcher says:

    Great detailed review! It’s too bad there aren’t more colors available. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Sheila says:

    I’ve been wearing these for about 5 years. I have never experienced the chafing. It may depend on the person. As someone else mentioned, the only problem I’ve had have been with the hooks rusting. I have had them rust to the point of breaking, but the bra is generally more than a year old by then and I think I’ve read somewhere that all sports bras should be replaced every year anyway as they would have stretched and wouldn’t be as supportive anymore. The color you had is quite unusual. I normally buy white ones, but also have a black one. I’ve also seen very light pink and light blue.

  6. Megan says:

    I’m a marathoner and triathlete who also wears a 36G or H bra (depending on the maker). I was so excited when I found ENELL. No, it’s not the prettiest bra. But running holding your breasts because they’re bouncing too much isn’t pretty either. I’m never going to be out for a workout in just a bra (both because no one needs to see my pale white stomach and because I don’t need to sunburn my pale white stomach), so the look doesn’t bother me much.

    I can get away with lesser support for short runs, but marathon training requires this bra. It’s amazing. I agree that you can see the seaming through a shirt, but that doesn’t bother me. I’ve not noticed the hooks showing through though.

    I’ve not had any real chafing problems with it, but I agree – Body Glide works wonders with chafing clothing.

    I was skeptical about this bra, but I’m so glad I bought it. It’s definitely worth trying out, especially if you buy from a store that makes returns easy. If you’re on the fence, buy it, put it on, jump around a bit, and then decide whether or not you want to cut off the tags and keep it.

  7. Digamba says:

    I’m here to recommend, again, the Freya Active Underwire Sports bra. It is not pretty either, but it doesn’t come as high up the chest and it is very supportive. Plus it wears like iron–I’ve had mine for two years and it’s still going very, very strong. The back is like a regular bra/leotard back, not a t-back. It is very snug, so yoga is the only thing I don’t wear it for. I’m not sure why FBG (and other fitness bloggers) have never reviewed this bra–maybe because it is only well known among those of us with a small band/big cup combo? Some websites offer it in sizes from 28D to 38H. A good sports bra with a band smaller than 34 is really hard to find–this one works. It also comes in an unwired version, which I haven’t tried yet.

    I know some people who aren’t into the Freya like the Panache sports bra instead. It has prettier colors.

  8. Melissa says:

    I also wear the Freya and I am a 34F. About 3 years ago I was professinally fitted and this was the recommendation of the lady who helped me. I have four of them. I wear it for bootcamp as well as running and am happy with the snug fit, no bounce and the fact that I don’t get uniboob–I also experience a little chafing on long runs, but body glide fixes it.

    This is an excellent choice for me.

  9. les says:

    Moving Comfort and Enell definitely offer a good variety of sizes, but for more sporty and less of a vest look, heart and core bras have supportive cups and adjustable bands for women with C, D and DD cups.

  10. Lisa says:

    I agree the Enell is not much to look at, and really dictates the kind of shirt I can wear, but I haven’t found anything that works this well for my 34I chest while running. I have a Freya Active Underwire that is fine for lower impact stuff, like spinning, but bounces way too much when I’m running. The only thing I don’t love about the Enell is that it flattens everything – not the most flattering look, but better than the backache I get if I try to run in other bras!

  11. Lisa says:

    At a size 42 G, I have NEVER found a sport bra that didn’t prevent all that uncomfortable bouncing. Enell was the answer. Bounce is down to a manageable, comfortable dull roar. Can Zumba without thinking about my bouncing baby girls lol ! Down side- donning the bra takes skill and finesse until you get the hang of it. The first 2 times I tried to stuff myself into the bra, I developed bruises. You definitely have to start with the hooks and eyes at the bottom, and use your hand to push the breast tissue out of the way so you don’t get pinched. But after a few times, I got the hang of it, and could even put it on in a darkened bedroom so I wouldn’t wake my husband ! It is a sports bra, so I never considered wearing it under street clothes. I guess you could if you didn’t mind the “uni-boob” appearance. Anyway, It’s a GREAT sports bra for those of us who are “blessed with breasts”. Am planning to buy the purple one next- spicy!

  12. Jenolen2161 says:

    I am a 44F and also wear the Enell. I have one in black that wear for spinning. The high back doesn’t bother me (I used to be a swimmer, so I appreciate the wide straps for my wide shoulders), and it only rubs at the bottom. I honestly wear whatever I feel like on top (tank tops even if the straps don’t match up), mostly because with the black, I feel like it’s pretty obvious it’s my bra and not a fashion statement. I have a moving comfort but the style I own doesn’t hold the girls in as well.

  13. Jessica says:

    I also fully endorse the Enell for my 34E’s. My only complaint is the fact that the hooks do rust and break after a good amount of use, as noted in an earlier comment. I’ve dealt with so many subpar bras though, that replacing it once or twice a year is totally worth is for the support it offers on my runs.

  14. ENELL says:

    Hi there! We wanted to update those who commented about rusty hooks know that we sourced all over the world for hook-and-eyes that would not rust and we have found them and they’re being used in our bras. If you ever have a rusty hook problem, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team who can assist you with that.

    Also, regarding chaffing – sometimes if the fit is a little off, the band rubs the wrong way. We’re also available to help troubleshoot that if needed!

  15. Janice says:

    When I work out pretty is the least of my concerns. I love the Enell bra. I am a very full 38G. This is the only bra that will keep me from bouncing. I wear it under all types of tops, close and loose fitting. I don’t mind if the hooks show. The high neck is quite helpful if you do yoga. It keeps me from smothering in downward facing dog by keeping the breasts locked in place. If you take it for what it is, a piece of workout equipment, you’ll like this bra. The hooks do tend to rust. I haven’t experienced chafing, but I have worn a bra liner under it to absorb sweat.

  16. Jen says:

    I have been running and doing triathlons for 8 years with my 38g ladies and swear by moving comfort’s Maia. I haven’t tried an Enell but plan to.

  17. Mark loeffler says:

    I’m a man and my band size is 46 and my Brest size is 49 so what size do I need for the Enell 100 sports bra

  18. ROSAMOND PRINCE says:

    I have been wearing Enells since they first came on the market I think… I have a bunch of them because I kept replacing them when the bottom two hooks rusted out. Now the hooks are stainless steel so that should not be a problem any longer. EXCELLENT customer service too !!! By the way, not sure why this isn’t out there for everyone, but here’s the EASY way to get the Enell on, and fitting perfectly. Lie flat on your back and start hooking from the bottom—MUCH easier than trying to put it on while standing…. Thanks for a GREAT product–I couldn’t do without mine.. If the house were on fire, I’d grab the dog and my Enell(s) and evacuate..

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