New Balance Fabulous Framer II Sports Bra Review
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While many companies have been making a sports bra or two for a long time, more and more companies are expanding their line particularly with sports bras designed for high impact activities for more endowed women. New Balance has recently grown their line of sports bras and focused on making sure women to find the perfect fit for their body and activities. The New Balance Fabulous Framer II is one of the high impact options for C/D women.
The Fabulous Framer II is loaded with features to reduce movement, prevent chaffing, disperse moisture, and adjust for optimal fit. As the name indicates the structure of this sports bra revolves around framing each breast individually from all sides to reduce movement and keep the girls in place no matter the activity. New Balance refers to their framing system as the M-frame which is built into the lining and provides structure and support from the sides and bottom. This combined with molded cups felt both supporting and comfortable as soon as I put the sports bra on for the first time.
In addition to the framing, the Fabulous Framer II features double layer paneling throughout which increases support and compression. The internal layer has less give and provides the support while the outer layer has a bit of stretch to provide the compression. After weeks of wearing and washing this sports bra, I think the double layer design also adds durability since the stretch material isn’t under as much constant stress during wear.
The Fabulous Framer II has a one inch elastic band around the bottom with specifically designed channels to wick moisture away from the skin. The elastic band is secured in the back with a hook and eye closure with three sizing options. Not only does the hook and eye closure provide sizing options, but it also makes getting in and out of the sports bra much easier although fastening the closure behind your back can be challenging.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well-designed the Fabulous Framer II was since my past experience with running brands is that even a sports bra rated “high impact” isn’t supportive enough for medium to larger cup sizes. I found it to fit true to size and provide ample support, however, I wish the straps were adjustable because I did find that to be the cause of some unwanted movement during exercise. As a short woman I run into this problem with straps on most sports bras and tank tops, so I do not think it is a design flaw by any means.
The Fabulous Framer II also has some small, but thoughtful features like mesh paneling from the straps down the sides in the front which allowed for a little bit more airflow without compromising support.
It also has a small stow pocket built into the inside center that would fit an iPod shuffle, chapstick, or a key. It also had a cord opening for earbuds.
Overall, I’m really please with the Fabulous Framer II and look forward to trying other sports bras from the New Balance line-up. It has ended up being my go-to sports bra for wearing under a tank with a built in bra, especially the NB Tonic Top, because the two combined help alleviate the issues with the straps. I never experienced any discomfort, pinching, or chaffing in this sports bra which, in all honesty, is a rarity for me when I wear them for 2-3 hour activities. It is also on the more flattering side since it doesn’t squish and gives a more natural looking shape.
With an MSRP of $41.99, I also find the price to be a little less expensive than other sports bras with similar features on the market today.
The Fabulous Framer II comes in five color options and also a slightly different model – The Fabulous Framer – that does not have the adjustable bottom band. For more information, please visit www.amazon.com/newbalance.
