Women's Balance Bralette
4.8
5
15
15
Soft, wicking, good support
Bought because wool will keep the temperature right, and it does. Hesitated because I have sensitive skin and do not like scratchy stuff but it is very soft (and I am super particular about scratchy. I dislike most regular T-shirts for their seams, everythings has to be flat seam or no seam etc.). Was amazed at the support it offers - obviously not a sports bra (and the sports bra version does NOT have the usual sport bra support btb), but for a light bra the support is great, much better than expected. Very comfy fit with the option to cross the straps or not. Dries quickly, wicking, and I sweat less in it than in any other technical synthetic bra that was supposed to be wicking. Thumbs up, great product!
January 11, 2012
Love this bra
Didn't think I could love a bra...but this one I do! It is styled very similarly to some of my others, but the fabric here is key. You wouldn't think wool could feel so nice against the skin, but this does. No itchiness, just soft comfort. The best part, no funky smells! I never quite understood what the big deal was about synthetics and the funny smells they could generate -- until I started to notice my other bras, and one doesn't ever really want to notice one's sports bra. Just happens I guess if you wear and sweat in something enough times. But I don't have to worry about that with this Ibex wool. I'm definitely getting another one at some point.
January 2, 2012
love it
I love this bra. I am a nursing mom who practices a lot of yoga and spends a good portion of time outdoors. I wanted a more natural material and recently fell in love with wool for its anti stink, warming/cooling properties and soft feel...although this bra is made with some stretchy materials too, it really gives the bra its support and I feel like it is a good compromise. They are expensive, but it seems well worth it. The hardware is made from durable metal, not plastic and the straps are capable of wearing either as either a racerback or a standard bra. All in all, I really love the color selection, comfort, feel, and seeming durability. I bought another one the next day. Only problem with the second one is that I noticed a fraying thread already- but it seems controlled and hopefully will not affect the longevity of the bra itself. did I mention it doesnt get stinky? i love it. great buy!
December 29, 2011
Great bra top!
This bra fits snugly, but not tight. I'm tall and the adjustable straps make it a perfect fit for any height. The merino is very soft and there is enough compression/support for moderate aerobic activities. Plus, it is adorable and could be worn alone in warmer months.
December 29, 2011
Good Product
I love this sports bra because it is comfortable and lightweight. The merino wool feels like cotton, and does not irritate my skin. The material is very thin and doesn't offer a lot of support. The major advantage this sports bra has over any other I've tried is the ability to dry quickly. On overnight backpacking trips, other bras were still drenched in the morning, so I always had to pack more than one. This item dried thoroughly, allowing me to decrease the amount of weight I had to carry.
November 8, 2011
I'm sold on wool!
I've transitioned to wearing wool over all other moisture-wicking fabrics, and not just for exercise, but casual as well. I was looking for a wool bra to complete my layering, and this Bralette fit in perfectly. It's similar in design to the Patagonia bra I was wearing. I appreciate the adjustable straps, and the overall support is sufficient for me, who doesn't require much. If you need/want alot of cup support, then I would go with a more supportive sports bra (Ibex and Icebreaker both have). I do wish the nipple area of this bra was thicker....have yet to find a company that thinks of that! : )
October 28, 2011
Really surprised, in a good way!
I was skeptical as this was my first wool sports bra purchase but as soon as I opened the package I could tell the quality was excellent. And once I put it on I loved it! The material is so soft and not too restricting like some synthetic sports bras can be. I am a a/b so the support is perfect for my size. I will definitely be buying more Ibex products.
August 4, 2011
wool is fantastic
I wanted a bra to wear during an upcoming 7 day bicycle tour in the Western US. It needed to be wool, provide reasonable support, no underwire, and maybe – just maybe – a little nice looking? This bra met all those criteria and has been a pleasure to wear. It is so nice to not have your bra trapping sweat against you for hours after you stop riding a bike. It dries fast, harbors no smell, and looks nice. Mission accomplished.
July 18, 2011
Lovely bras
I have this bralette in four colours now, and am just waiting for more. I got the first one for yoga/hiking but I notice I hardly wear any of my other bras any more, since these are just so incredibly comfortable for everyday use. Like all Ibex gear, great quality and odor resistance!
I'm 5'8 and bra size 36C, and have the bras in M. The support isn't supergood (they recommend this for A and B cup) - I wouldn't even try to wear the bra running or jogging, but for me it works perfectly for everyday, hiking and other low impact pursuits.
June 27, 2011
comfortable
Comfortable, breathable, and great craftmanship. Everything you need for outdoor activities. Love the wool material since it wicks away the moisture and you can wear it multiple times without it smelling.
April 19, 2011
Pure Woolen comfort
IF you're small in the upstairs department, this is the bra for you. Unbelievable comfort, no itch, no heat, barely know it's on. Bought these for wearing to work since I tend to get rashes from whatever it is they're making bras with these days. There's been no itch with these -- like most of Ibex wonder gear -- and they wash out nicely in the sink. Color stays true, too. Probably not enough support for more than a cycling workout.
April 4, 2011
Love it!
I've had my eye on the Ibex Balance Bralette for a while, and I'm so glad I finally pulled the trigger. I have a collection of standard issue cotton sports bras, all of which are uncomfortable in one way or another. Plus, they end up sopping wet after a hard workout or hike. I'm getting ready to go on a week-long trip to Utah, and wanted to expand my collection of wool outer and undergarments. I'm a 34 A, so I don't need a ton of support, but I do need some, especially for running, and the bralette strikes the right balance for me between restriction and comfort. I got a size small and it fits perfectly. It wicks moisture quite well, and I intend on wearing it multiple times while in Utah with no fear of it getting stinky in between washings. It's not cheap, but so far, I think it was worth the money.
April 4, 2011
Truly fab
I have the Ibex Balance Sport Bra and love it so much I wanted to try the Balance Bralette as well...love this one too! Just like the Sport bra, it's moisture-wicking, extremely comfortable, durable, soft, flattering and doesn't hold odors but it is prettier so I find I am wearing it not only as a sports bra (I use it for road cycling and the gym), but also as an everyday bra. I find it a little less supportive than the Sport bra, but as an on-the-small-side 36B cyclist that hasn't been a problem for me; it might not be supportive enough for high impact activities or more full-breasted women though. As far as fit, I find that, like the Sport bra, the Bralette also runs on the small side. Normally I wear a size medium in bras; I have both a medium and a large Bralette and while both fit, I prefer the fit of the large--the medium squashes me down more than I like. The large doesn't flatten me at all and is still supportive enough. The Bralette provides pretty good coverage too, though sometimes I need to slip in some thin foam inserts to keep the *headlights* from showing...bike jerseys tend to show a lot, sometimes uncomfortably so! But the comfort level/moisture wicking properties of merino wool is just fantastic and this ibex bralette is superb.
March 28, 2011
Perfect cold-weather sports bra
Ibex nailed it with this redesign. Like a prevous reviewer, support is not an issue for me (34A), but warmth and wicking are. This bra does both nicely. The double layer of fabric in front takes care of the cold and the single layer in back deals with the sweat. The convertible strap design is nice but this bra is so easy to get on and off with the straps crossed, I probably won't change them. The shell is a soft neutral light grey color that doesn't show under my teal and light blue lightweight wool turtlenecks. Even double-layered, the fabric of the bra is lightweight enough that I would not wear it by itself, but I bought it for winter warmth not summer wear.
March 24, 2011
Perfect for smaller gals
I've been using this bralette for several months now and I have to admit, it's love. When I have to reach for synthetic support now, I cringe.
First, a disclaimer. I'm a 34B. So, I don't need much in the way of support. If you're gifted on your upper level, this bralette probably isn't for you.
If you're in the Itty Bitty Committee, then look no further for natural, stink-free, versatile support! In the name of science, I regularly wear this little number for numerous sweaty outdoors/exercise sessions before washing. Nary a nostril would know it though, thanks to merino's odor-fighting properties.
As far as comfort, Ibex hits high notes in that category as well. I abhor wearing bras because they feel so constrictive - I like to take deep, rib cage expanding breaths. This bralette provides the coverage I need without the constraint. While I wouldn't wear it with a sheer, skin tight shirt with plunging cleavage - there would definitely be some indicators if I got cold - it does the job for everything else. It's low enough to work with most necklines. How many sports bras in your closet can you wear out to the club AND the trails?
The material is soft and grows more so with each washing. With proper care (i.e. if you're doing a load of wash with lots of zippered items, perhaps toss it in the delicates bag to prevent tears), this piece will last several years.
Perhaps a little on the pricier side but well worth it. After all, since you can wear it multiple times before washing - yes, gross perhaps but a nice time saver - it's like getting 3 - or more - bras in one!
January 3, 2011
