By Sheri Rosenbaum
Hot
- Cool-Lite fabric provides superior moisturemanagement
- Fabric is soft against skin
- Wide open racerback with low cut armholes foradded mobility and comfort
- Keeps chest warm during cold winter rides
- Flatlock seams and no side seam prevent underarmchafing
- Cup inserts for enhanced fit and support
Not
- Pricey
Price: $65 MSRP(at time of review on sale for $39)
How obtained:Company sample
Availability:Online and Retail
RBR Advertiser:No
Support level:Medium
Fabric: 50% Merino Wool, 33% TENCEL®, 12%Nylon, 5% LYCRA®, Eyelet: 51% Merino Wool, 34% TENCEL®, 15% Nylon
Colors: Black,Marine/Black, Nightfall
Sizes: XS-XL
Fit: True to size
Care: Machinewash warm, inside out. Line dry
Finally, A Sports Bra With Moisture Management
I’m always on the lookout for new orinnovative products to test and review for RBR. This item from Icebreaker was aresult of a post in a Facebook group called Mountain Biking Ladies. Somehow thediscussion meandered to sports bras. I responded that I have been searching forone that truly wicks sweat away from my body. The problem is that you can havea great wicking base layer and jersey, but the darn sports bra is soaking wetby the end of a ride. For winter rides it’s even worse. Wet translates to beingchilled and uncomfortable.
One woman responded to the FB post byrecommending Icebreaker’s Cool-Lite Meld Zone sports bra. I had never heard ofthe company and after reading some of the 237 reviews and seeing a rating of4.6 stars, I decided to contact their marketing team and get one to testmyself.
Hands down, this is the best sports bra I’veever worn!!! Yes, it is pricey, but well worth it. Prior to wearing this sportsbra, I had to change clothes soon after finishing a winter ride. Sitting in adamp or soaking wet sports bra I’d get chills immediately. With the Icebreakersports bra, the sweat is moved away from my body and I can take my time gettingchanged. Even stick around for a post-ride chat. In addition to the moisturemanagement properties, the merino wool keeps “the girls” warm on cold days. Dryand warm is key to enjoying cold weather riding.
The Icebreaker sports bra arrived, and Iimmediately removed it from the packaging. I was a little taken aback by theremovable foam cup inserts. The company states it is for “enhanced fit andsupport.” For me they are unnecessary. Thus, I removed them and tried on thebra. The fit was spot on and the merino wool fabric was extremely soft againstmy skin. Absolutely no itching.
The bra is rated for medium support and foundit just fine for road, gravel or trail riding with no issues with bouncing (I’m a 38B and wore sizelarge). The racer back design, low cut armholes, flatlock seams and no sideseam under the arm all combine for a comfortable fit.
So, what’s this “magic” sports bra made of?The key is the Cool-Lite fabric made of merino and TENCEL which is sourced fromsustainable eucalyptus plantations. The two combined to create a soft fabricthat naturally regulate body temperature and wicks moisture. This fabric doesnot absorb odor like synthetic brands, which means you don’t have to wash itafter every wear. When it is time to wash use warm water, turn the garmentinside out so the water and detergent reach the key areas, and line dry.
A Little About the Company
In 1995, Icebreaker was created by24-year-old Jeremy Moon in New Zealand. His aim was to provide garments foroutdoor adventures with less reliance on petrochemical fibers, providing a moresustainable future for everyone – and the planet. But back then, syntheticswere king, so convincing people to buy his products would be an uphill battle.The company grew to sell in 45 countries and in 2018, Icebreaker was acquiredby VF Corporation.
The company’s philosophy is driven by thesethree principles:
- Adaptation: Living things thrive ordie based on their ability to adapt to their changing environments.
- Symbiosis: Living things worktogether for mutual benefit.
- Sustainability: Nature doesn’t wasteanything. That is a uniquely human trait.
Sustainability has become a huge push in theathletic apparel industry. This commitment to the environment is self-imposed,not government regulated. In a future article I’ll be spotlighting othercompanies that have made a concerted effort to reduce impact to theenvironment.
Bottom Line
I’ve finally found a sports bra that is comfortable AND has outstanding moisture management! You can now keep “the girls” warm and dry while working up a sweat. Made from merino wool the Icebreaker Cool-Lite Meld Zone Sports Bra is perfect for cold weather bike rides, hiking, skiing or any outdoor activity. This is definitely my go to sports bra all winter long.
