Product Reviews: Champion Sports Bra & Zip Fleece Jacket

Get ready for a whole lotta pics (and me in a bra, sorry).

First up: The Champion Compression Vented Sports Bra

Product Description:  "At last...a compression sports bra that plays up your prettiest curves. Its secret? Contoured front seaming, designed to flatter your figure."

• Super-sleek stretch knit helps stabilize bust to minimize painful bounce.
  (High Support: great for high-motion workouts.)
• Double Dry fabric technology wicks moisture to keep you dry.
• Breathable mesh lining allows cooling ventilation.
• Mesh-covered keyhole back adds extra cool where it counts.
• Covered elastic bottom band gives added support and comfort.
• Tag free for non-chafe softness, with stay-put racer-back straps.
• Nylon/spandex

Description found HERE.  Normally retails for $30, on sale for $19.99!

When I first tugged/shimmied/wiggled into this bra I was worried I might suffocate.  I think I might have worked up a sweat just putting the thing on!  It was beyond tight, and my girls were smooshed into submission...but hey, it's about how the bra "works" right?  The straps are very sturdy, and despite being tight, it was not chafing me anywhere.  My only gripe was that my shoulder blades felt a little constricted by the openings in the back and the material was tight.

I've actually worn this sports bra a few times and noticed right from the beginning that there was limited "bounce" (an excellent thing for sure!).  When they say High Impact, they mean it.  This bra has quickly become one of my favorites and over some time has stretched out and fits much better than at first.  And, I'll be the first to admit that when I see something is "Moisture-Wicking" I kind of think it's gimmicky, but now I'm convinced it isn't.  Let's just say that after I took this off, my skin was completely dry, but the bra was wet from my workout.  Holy cow!  It does wick sweat!

Pros:

Breathable & moisture-wicking (!)

Snug, and actually keeps the girls in place

Tagless

Excellent price for the quality

Cons:

Shoulder openings: a little small for the "swimmer's" shoulders (My suggestion below)

Not really a con, but it's pretty hilarious to try to get in/out of!

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Next up:  Champion Double Dry Microfleece Full-Zip Jacket

Product Description:  "Warmth without weight.  This sleek women's jacket keeps you warm and dry yet never looks heavy or bulky."

• 
  
  Plush microfleece fabric feels fabulous, inside and out. (It's brushed on both sides for unbelievable softness.)
• Built-in Double Dry system wicks moisture for quick-dry comfort.
• Shapely (non-chafe) seams flatter your feminine curves.
• Non-binding mock-neck collar protects you from wind and chill.
• Bar-tacked kangaroo pockets warm hands, hold small essentials.
• Stretch binding accents hood...reinforces cuffs and hem.
• NOTE: Fashion colors have contrast insets and contrast trim.
• 100% polyester microfleece

Description found HERE. Normally retails for $38, on sale for $18.99.

I don't normally run in fleece simply because I get hot and quickly.  But for the sake of science and to see how this jacket adds up, I took it out for a spin on Tuesday night.  Oh boy, it kept me warm even though it wasn't too bad outside temp-wise (about 45 degrees).  I ended up going 6 miles at a fairly swift pace of 8:09 for the majority of the run.  Quite personally, I'm not fond of the feeling of wet fleece (reminds me of a wet blanket), and this jacket saw a fair share of perspiration.  However, it did not chafe at all and stayed put throughout the miles.  Plus, it's incredibly soft and has a cozy, neck-warming collar.  If you like to run in fleece, then it's definitely an excellent buy for a great price...use the extra money you save for race fees. ;) 

Pros:

Extremely soft

Keeps you warm

Non-binding fit

Pretty colors

Excellent price for the quality

Cons:

It's just not meant for me for running purposes (it could work for you!)

This jacket is now my go-to cover up on any day, and looks great with my jeans and sneakers. I love it for lounging, just not for running.

For more information check out http://www.championusa.com/ or become a fan of Champion on Facebook.

Many thanks to the people of Champion for providing me with this great gear. :)

**Note: All reviews are based on my own personal experience with the specific product that I was provided with.  I received these products free of charge from Champion and was not compensated for my review.**