The Understance Cooling Collection launched in the summer, and I had the chance to test out two of the bras and two of the bike shorts*. Understance is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately 85% of their leadership roles are occupied by women. It is also a size inclusive lingerie brand carrying 149 sizes from 28-48 bands and A-N cups (US).
When I was asked to review the collection, I was skeptical about ordering bras online. I have been a firm believer in getting properly fitted for bras. When you purchase online, you are doing the measurements. The good news is that I was offered the Understance Cooling Collection which includes two bras: the Cooling Wireless Unpadded Demi Bra and the Cooling FlexWire Unpadded Demi Bra so it was easy to match the measurements that I took to the ones online that determine the size. For reference, I am a 38H. One thing that was really helpful on the website is that each bra has product specifics so that you know everything from coverage to projection.
If you think you don’t need cooling undergarments year-round, have you ever been on a crowded subway or in a mall in your winter coat? It is just as bad as being outside on a 30- degree day with humidity.
Here is a more complete review of the Understance Cooling Collection:
Cooling FlexWire Unpadded Demi Bra – $72.00
I love this bra. It’s become a favourite. Personally, I am most comfortable in an underwire bra, and it isn’t often that I can find one that is t-shirt friendly like the Cooling FlexWire Unpadded Demi Bra. I can’t say that I found the bra cooling, but that isn’t something that I have an issue with.
Bras made for large breasts often have seams and this bra is not only seamless, but it provides enough coverage through the top and bottom so there is no cup spillage. The bra is medium support, which is more than enough for every day.
I also did not have a problem with chafing or with the straps staying on or digging into my shoulders. All in all, the fit was perfect. Follow the online instructions exactly, and you should receive a bra that is true to size. This particular line comes in five colours. I will definitely purchase an extra bra or two. The price is reasonable as well.
Buy NowCooling Wireless Unpadded Demi Bra – $65.00
While I like the Cooling Wireless Unpadded Demi Bra, I prefer an underwire. If you don’t like underwire bras, this is a good option. It is definitely a comfortable bra. It comes in the same five colours that the Cooling FlexWire Unpadded Demi Bra comes in. It is made with cotton jersey (with polyster/spandex cups) so it is breathable. I found the shaping and the security of the underwire made the Cooling FlexWire Unpadded Demi Bra a better choice for me. This is something that I wear with more casual clothes or sweaters.
Buy NowPima Cotton Ultra High-Rise Bike Shorts 6” – $28.00
The Understance Cooling Collection also comes with two pairs of bike shorts that help prevent thigh chafing. I don’t suffer from thigh chafing but I ended up loving them. The Pima Cotton Ultra High-Rise Bike Shorts were so comfortable, and didn’t make me feel any hotter which I feared would be the case. There are two other reasons that they work so well. No panty lines is one. The other, you never have to worry getting in and out of cars when you are wearing a skirt – you are covered. It was a huge bonus for me.
Buy NowSoft Contour High-Rise Bike Shorts 7” 2.0 – $28.00
This variation on the bike short is 69% modal/31% spandex, gusset: 100% cotton. They are meant to be lightly smoothing, but they weren’t restrictive or binding. They are also slightly longer and have reinforced leg openings to prevent rolling. I didn’t find that to be an issue with the Pima Cotton Ultra High-Rise Bike Shorts though. Even with the slight compression, they are comfortable and the fabric was still lightweight. I didn’t have a preference between the two, but these are longer so more suited to mid-length, midi-length or maxi skirts and dresses.
All in all, I liked all of the undergarments. The definite purchase is the Cooling FlexWire Unpadded Demi Bra. If you are someone that prefers trying on bras in person, you can find the Understance Cooling Collection and more in two locations:
- 2334 Bloor St W in Toronto’s Bloor West neighbourhood
- 1024 Robson Street in downtown Vancouver
A third location will be opening in Calgary in the near future with more stores planned.
*Items were sent for editorial consideration, opinions are my own.
