Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra Review

Ready for a real sports bra review? Today, it’s time to talk about the Knix Catalyst Front Zip sport bra. As a runner with large boobs, I wanted to try the Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra because I was targeted with an ad on Instagram. It looked amazing. The ad got me. And all the captions made me think this sports bra was going to be the best sports bra for women with large breasts.

It wasn’t.

Over all, it’s wasn’t great. There was chafing; it doesn’t offer a lot of support, there is no adjustability, and it’s very expensive. But it is easy to get on and off and it’s very size inclusive. So we have to give them credit for that. YAY SIZE INCLUSIVE BRANDS!

@kellykkroberts Re-reviewing the @KNIX catalyst sports bra. You know, this is why marketing makes me crazy. I tried this sports bra and reviewed it back in 2021. It wasnt very comfortable to run in. Tons of bounce. I like this brand. Their marketing is great. Their underwear, shorts and normal bras are so comfortable. But im always seeing their ads and it literally made me think, maybe I was wrong and I should try it again. Nope. This isn’t a terrible sports bra but it’s definitely not fun to run in. The bra itself is encapsulation with no compression so your boobs will literally smack your face. And when you have 5-10 pounds hanging off your chest bouncing around, it’s pretty distracting and uncomfortable to run in a sports bra that isn’t supportive. I think if you have small to mid size boobs this bra may be an option for you but if you have larger boobs, I don’t recommend it. ☠️ So frustrating. Totally ruined my run. I remember why I implemented a new I don’t run in every bra rule. NEXT. #SportsBraSquad #sportsbrareview #badassladygang ♬ Tense ( Dramatic Music ) - Iyan Rizki

Quick Overview

  • Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

  • Price: 4/10

  • Support: 5/10

  • Size Inclusion: 9/10

  • Getting On/Off: 9/10

  • Sizing: 1 - 8++

  • What Kelly Wears: Size 7

  • Specifically Designed for: High Impact activities.


The Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra Review

Size Inclusion

Actually really good. Goes from a 32A to a 42H. Good on Knix for size inclusion!

Their sizing is a bit different as it’s on a chart of 1 - 8+++:

  • 1 - 32A, 34A, 32B

  • 2 - 36A, 34B, 32C

  • 3 - 36B, 38B, 36C

  • 4 - 34C, 32D, 34D

  • 5 - 38C, 40C, 36D 38D

  • 6 - 32DD, 34DD, 32E, 34E

  • 6+ - 32F, 34F, 32G, 34G

  • 6++ - 32H, 34H

  • 7 - 36DD, 38DD, 36E, 38E

  • 7+ - 36F, 38F, 36G, 38G

  • 7++ - 36H, 38H

  • 8 - 40D, 42D, 40DD, 42DD, 40E, 42E

  • 8+ 40F, 42F, 40G, 42G

  • 8++ - 40H, 42H

I love a brand that is actually trying to make sizing better. Sizing like 36DD (which is one of the sizes I wear) is antiquated and outdated. It refers to Victorian shirt sizes and we don’t wear Victorian shirts. So KUDOS to Knix for actually stepping outside the norm to serve their customers.

How it Feels On

It feels great…when you aren’t moving. Once you start running, the bounce is real. Because this sports bra offers no adjustability in the straps or the band, there’s a ton of bounce. Which is painful. I also found that the zipper rubbed at the bottom. CHAFE CITY ladies.

Getting it On and Off

This sports bra is pretty easy to get on and off because of the front zip. ALTHOUGH, most front zip sport bras have a hook or clasp to ensure that you don’t bust out of your bra. This bra doesn’t which makes me REAL worried. I don’t really want to give anyone a free show.

How it Looks

It looks great. This is a very sleek looking sports bra.

The First Test

I took this bra out for a 7.5-mile run and oh did I regret it. I sent it back for a smaller size (I will give them credit, you have a window to try it and return/exchange it if you don’t like it or if i doesn’t fit). I retried the smaller size and still hated it.

Was there chafing?

Yes. There was chafing around the band and in the shoulders because it’s not very supportive. I give it a 5/10. THERE WILL BE BLOOD.

Was there bounce?

YES, there’s a significant amount of bounce which is painful. I wish there was a way to lift it up because my boobs hung low. It needs adjustability in the band and straps.

After a Few Runs and Washes

After I tried both sizes, I sent them both back.

Have you tried the Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra? What did you think?!


Kelly Roberts

Head coach and creator of the Badass Lady Gang, Kelly Roberts’ pre-BALG fitness routine consisted mostly of struggling through the elliptical and trying to shrink her body. It wasn’t until hitting post-college life, poised with a theatre degree, student loans, and the onset of panic, that she found running. Running forced Kelly to ditch perfectionism and stomp out fear of failure. Viral selfies from the nyc half marathon struck a chord with women who could relate to the struggle, and soon the women’s running community Badass Lady Gang was born.

BALG is about enjoying life with a side of running. Kelly’s philosophy measures success by confidence gained, not pounds lost. If you aren’t having fun, it’s time to pivot. Kelly is an RRCA certified coach and has completed Dr. Stacy Sims ‘Women Are Not Small Men’ certification course helping coaches better serve their female athletes. Over the years Kelly has coached thousands of women from brand new runners to those chasing Boston marathon qualifying times, appeared on the cover of Women’s Running Magazine, joined Nike at the Women’s World Cup, and created a worldwide body image empowerment movement called the Sports Bra Squad. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

http://BadassLadyGang.com
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