My Playtex 18 Hour Bra Review and Giveaway

Playtex and ALL YOU magazine reached out to a group of bloggers to test drive bras from the Playtex 18 Hour collection, and to sponsor a giveaway of the bra line for their readers. I was very excited to have the chance to participate, not only to try out the Playtex 18 Hour line (which I’ve never tried) but also because I can offer you, the readers of this blog, a chance to try the brand as well. (If you want to skip the review and go straight to the contest: details and entry here.) [Contest now closed.]

While I’ve been a great fan of the Playtex commercials, as witty commentary and as one of the few brands that highlights curvy women in ads, I had never tried any bra from Playtex. Admittedly, I’m a bit of bra snob (see my post on my $200 bra as an example), but on a more practical level, I’ve never found a bra without an underwire that I really felt gave me adequate support.

The claim to fame on the 18 Hour line is wirefree support and comfort cushioned straps for all-day wear, so I was very curious to see if these bras really delivered.

I’ve been wearing either the 18 Hour Ultimate Lift and Support (4745) or the 18 Hour Seamless Smoothing (4049). I’ve been impressed with both bras, but my favorite of the two is the Ultimate Lift and Support. I decided to do a ” blind” test drive of the bras, without reading about the specifics of the bras. When I put on the Ultimate Lift and Support, I immediately noticed just that, lift and support, and thought to myself,” This is the most lift I’ve ever gotten from a wireless bra.”

The current commercials for the 18 Hour line focuses on the comfort straps, and I’ve got to say, they’ve nailed the straps. I’ve always had strap slippage issues (I’d rather have a loose strap than a strap that digs), and the straps on both models are amazingly comfortable and didn’t budge a millimeter. I can say, without hyperbole, that this may be the best strap design ever.

For extended wear, both bras were comfortable, and the Cool Dri fabric did a good job of reducing moisture on these 95-deg+ Atlanta summer days (not bone dry, but not dripping wet, either). The Ultimate Lift and Support gave more support (as might be expected) than the Seamless Smoothing, but both wore well.

Thus, I can definitely recommend the Playtex 18 Hour line when you are looking for all-day comfort with support. I’ve attached some specfics about the bras I tried below, but you can see the entire Playtex line at http://www.playtexfits.com.

So, how do YOU get to try a bra from the 18 Hour line? Visit this post for contest details and to enter. Registration ends August 28, 2011. [Contest now closed.]

Style 4745: Ultimate Lift and Support

Provides the girls with extra support and lift; cushioned straps alleviate dig-in

http://www.playtexfits.com/bras/styles/4745

Style 4049: Seamless Support

Moisture management cups; smoothes back and side bulges! Cushioned, no-slip straps prevent dig-in.

http://www.playtexfits.com/bras/styles/4049

Contest Details and Entry Here

About the Giveaway Sponsors:

The 18 Hour bra provides full coverage for long days.  This bra is for the woman juggling a busy schedule and looking for a bra that won’t budge, slip, or create discomfort.  It features moisture-wicking fabric for breathability, a soft underband to reduce chafing, and wirefree cups.  Visit: http://www.playtexbras.com/bras/collections/18-hour.

ALL YOU is geared to the value-driven woman, published by Time Inc. and sold on newsstands at Walmart stores nationwide and by subscription.  One of the hallmarks of the brand is their connection with real women and their celebration of women of all shapes and sizes.  Visit www.allyou.com  for money-saving recipes,ideas and coupons that help you create your weekly shopping list.Plus a Daily Free Sample!