Thuasne Sport Eaz’ip Evolution Sports Bra Review

A new test in the range of sports bras, which is a real issue for me as for many women, with the Eaz’ip Evolution bra from Thuasne Sport. Carrying a 90D has certain advantages, but also quite a few disadvantages, especially in sports such as running and swimming (yes, you read that right… Swimming too, but that doesn’t concern the product presented). The result is very good in terms of support, but the product remains, in our opinion, perfectible.

By Beatrice Barralis – Photos: Beatrice Barralis / DR

I received a new model from Thuasne Sport, a brand specializing in medical support and compression, very popular with high-level athletes and a partner of INSEP. The Eaz’ip Evolution model features a front closure with a self-locking zip system, an elastic fabric that allows it to adapt to the body shape while ensuring excellent support, and mesh panels on the sides to limit lateral breast movement. The cups are pre-molded and seamless lined to ensure optimized breast encapsulation while offering a soft contact with the skin. The breathable mesh back and wide padded adjustable straps ensure comfort and great freedom of movement. We also note a wide band under the bust for support.

Surprises

First disappointment: the color, even before opening the box. I don’t like this nude color at all, and given the shape of the model, I feel like I’m borrowing my grandmother’s girdle. It’s starting off a bit badly. Fortunately, the bra is also available in black/blue, red/cherry, and white/blue.

Second surprise: upon opening the box, I noticed that the bra was partially unstitched at the zipper, and therefore unusable as is. There was also a small hook in the middle (intended to bring the two main parts together) with a dangling thread. For a product costing almost €55, the finish leaves something to be desired. After a bit of sewing to make it functional, I could appreciate the soft-touch fabric and the large, comfortable elastic band. But the color for me… No way! I’ll overlook it, because that’s not what I’m being asked to do.

Let’s get equipped!

Time for a fitting for the in-situation test. There’s a small fabric reinforcement at the bottom that protects the zipper, and the same at the top to prevent cold contact with the zipper and chafing. It’s well thought out, and I also notice the very reinforced and soft, even slightly thick, straps. It reminds me of backpack straps, but why not.

Except once I put my arms in and try to close the zip, it’s impossible, I can’t pull it up… I struggle for a few minutes and get annoyed, I also try to fasten the hook. Similarly, it’s impossible, so I start to think the problem is my breasts. But no, it’s the right size… We both try to close it and eventually succeed. Note that I can’t have an assistant permanently to put on a bra. 

Once closed, the model is the right size. It envelops my chest well. I feel contained and nothing moves. I feel like I’m wearing Russell Crowe’s vest in Gladiator, except it’s not at all sexy. Even if it’s not visible because it’s hidden by a technical t-shirt, I know it… And we women are picky about colors! In use, I approve of the support. The chest is well held, there’s room for the heart rate belt, it falls on the elastic without excessive compression, and the breast is secure.

The Eaz’ip Evolution is easier to remove. The zip goes down correctly. I repeat the manipulation alone later in the other direction, and it will still take me a good five minutes to put on the bra and very honestly, for me as for any woman in a hurry, like for example the Sunday runner who has an hour before preparing the leg of lamb and taking care of the children, if it takes so much time to put on her bra, the operation is not profitable.

I won’t replace my Anita bra with this one. But what doesn’t suit me will suit someone else very well. However, the color plus the zip, that’s a lot of constraining points. Technically speaking, yes, the bra fulfills its contract for extreme support for all high-impact sports. You don’t feel your breasts, and for chests like mine, it’s still very pleasant, whether during short or long efforts.

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