With the pandemic, my life balance revolves around working at my computer, walking in the park, and running errands. It’s an exciting life, I know, but damn it, someone has to do it. Consequently, I rely more on sports or wireless bras for daily wear rather than underwire. The AC also does not fully function, and as I type the first draft, it is 6p.m. on a Friday evening. The temperature in the coolest part of the home is 84F (29C), and when I cook dinner in thirty minutes, the number will climb as much as 10 degrees. I constantly struggle to stay cool and wick away the boob sweat, and what bras always moisture wick? Sports bras! I picked up two Anita sports bras, but today’s review focuses on the Anita 5527 Extreme Control Maximum Support Sports Bra in the Heather Grey color.

Size: EU 80H/S 36H/UK 36FFAs I mentioned in my previous review, my tolerance for tight bands waned from Covid exposure, and despite losing weight, my band size remains closer to 34 for comfort. Selling Anita sports bras (and their bras in general) at the shop gave me insight into how tight the bands fit. For a moderately tight fit, my size is a UK 34GG to 34H. Weight loss softened my tissue, giving more flexibility with wireless fit. The US 36H cup is a size smaller than I need, which can be risky. However, not only is the style wireless, i.e., no underwires to poke sensitive tissue, but also the extreme control label translates to significant breast hold. They also do not make the US I cup yet. *hint hint*

The 36 band fits snug on the loosest hook, and the US H cup while expectedly a size small does not prevent me from enjoying and wearing the sports bra. I would recommend sizing up in the band for the Anita 5527 and down in the cup for a tighter hold or keeping your cup size the same for a moderate hold. For example, if you wear a US 38DDD/F and want to wear the style with more compression, consider purchasing the US 40D. If you prefer less compression, try the US 40DD/E.

Fit

The Anita Extreme Control sports bra combines a seamless and sectional cup together for a unique treat. The rigid exterior fabric of the cup employs a three-section design to direct tissue forward and keep it contained. However, the interior pique microfiber is seamless and hydrophilic. It feels like a soft terry cloth robe against the skin. My highest impact activity is a brisk walk or hike, but I heard from runners and athletic people that interior seams on sports bras can chap the nips. By using the ultra-soft, moisture-wicking fabric, Anita sidesteps chafing to keep you comfortable and supported.

The cup shape is also narrower, and the channeling where an underwire would sit actually rests perfectly at the end of my breast tissue. Because the cup is small, I do have overflow on the side and a smidge on the top, but the full-coverage design mitigates these fit quibbles.

Two-ply wings utilize a rigid fabric to improve anchorage to the body while four rows of hook-and-eye closures keep the bra secure. The profile of the Extreme Control sports bra is quite rounded, but the lack of underwire means there is no individual separation as with an encapsulation style. Your boobs become one in the middle. Boob sweat will happen there. But only there. The wings, underband, and cup cloth do keep you dry. I apply powder or deodorant between the breasts to stay cool. If you want a style to separate, consider the Panache Underwire Sports Bra.

Materials

In addition to the smart fabrics on the cup, the ergonomically shaped support straps are partially-adjustable in the back and lightly padded at the top and front to alleviate shoulder and neck pain. That said, any time the straps are not fully adjustable, people on both sides of the height spectrum may not be able to either tighten or loosen the straps enough. If you frequently fall into one of those categories, you may not be able to wear this style as successfully. For me, a totally average person, they work, and the padding is comfortable, especially on days I need to sit at a desk for a long time.

Instead of a heavy fabric for the wings, Anita opts for a breathable mesh with air holes for better ventilation. The four rows of hook-and-eye closures combine with the wider wings to smooth the back and sides and improve control.

Because the bra does not heavily rely on elastic or stretch fabrics, the containment is impressive. My boobs move precious little when I jump and largely stay controlled and bounce-free. I’m attempting to improve my participation in sports and physical activities, and with the Anita Extreme Control sports bra, I always feel confident bursting into the occasional sprint.

Aesthetics

I resisted the temptation to select my usual black and chose the heather grey. I love the textural element to the exterior cup because it instantly makes the bra less basic and sportier. Furthermore, the contrasting charcoal wings and accents elevate a simple style into something more visually appealing. Thankfully, companies listened to fuller bust and plus size customers about wanting to feel stylish, and the 5527 often comes in new colors. Anita also keeps fashion colors longer than one season, a great decision for those who may want a new fashion color but do not appreciate the current trend cycle.

Price

At $69, Anita provides exceptional quality for an inexpensive price. The size span is 30-46 US B-H cups (UK B-FF), a rare feat in the world of sports bras. Materials and shipping costs are on the rise everywhere, and we can expect to see the intimate apparel industry shifting prices upward to accommodate. Most comparable sports bras are in the $65-$80 range, making Anita an affordable option. With proper care, I’ve never had an issue with Anita’s longevity or quality. With increasingly tighter budgets, buying quality items which last is the smartest alternative.

Overall, I found the Anita 5527 Extreme Control Maximum Support Sports Bra (okay, the name is a bit of mouthful) to be an excellent mid-to-higher impact option, but it also makes a comfortable at-home bra too.

P.S. In an unrelated note, I wrote this review over two weeks ago, but I once again caught Covid! Cue scene: Blogger drops to knees in the rain and shakes fist at the sky screaming “Nooooooo!” Thankfully the vaccine and boosters meant I was only down about 10 days with no chest congestion, but something about that stupid virus causes me debilitating migraines. I spent a lot of time in a dark room doing nothing but succumbing to existential dread.