Lululemon Enlite Weave-Back Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
The top-notch Enlite Weave-Back features criss-cross and shoulder straps and an adjustable rib band. The mid-neck coverage and padded cups are engineered to soften bounce, offering amazing high-impact support. This bra is for those with larger breasts looking for high support, so the sizes range from 30C - 42DDD.
Performance Comparison
Comfort and Fit
This metric is made up of a few different sub-metrics. During our testing, we check for general comfort by assessing the fabric and noting any pinching, spilling, or chafing on the chest or armpits. Our assessment of the fit is determined by whether or not the bra features loose fabric and whether or not it is true to size. We also take into account versatility.
The Enlite Weave-Back is incredibly comfortable. If you are particularly curvy or have a longer torso, you may experience a small amount of spillage or pinching near the armpits, as the shoulder straps are not adjustable. However, because the fabric is soft and stretchy, this does not cause chafing or affect the comfort in any way, even during high-impact exercises like running. The bra is made of 56% nylon and 44% lycra elastane, while the cups are 80% polyester and 20% elastane. This combination allows for the sports bra to be thick and supportive but still light and breathable. We experienced a small amount of sweat build-up in the under-boob area, but the fabric dries quickly and doesn't hold on to odors, so you can feasibly wear it a few times between washes.
A small amount of loose fabric above the cleavage tends to fold when bringing the arms together in front of the body. This is most likely because the fabric is a bit thicker and stiffer around the breasts. The fold is not so big that you risk revealing anything mid-work-out, but it is worth noting. The Enlite is mostly true to size, but it is best to size up if you are on the fence because the shoulder straps are not adjustable. Lululemon also often runs a little small.
The Enlite Weave-Back is extremely versatile, but only for those with a cup size of C or larger. Those of us with larger breasts felt very thankful for this bra as it can be hard to find something cute AND supportive. That said, this model does neglect our smaller chested friends.
Support
Sports bra support is offered through encapsulation, compression, or in the case of the Enlite, a splendid combination of the two. This bra uses a soft cup to ensure your chest stays where it needs to be during high-impact exercises and then straps everything down through compression, which can be adjusted through the rib band strap.
The Enlite offers good stretch in the right places. The ample stretch across the shoulder straps allows for comfort during rapid movement, and the less stretchy rib strap helps hold everything up. The rib band is adjustable through a series of hook and eye closure clasps, a trusty, standard style across most bras with an adjustable rib band.
Coverage also affects the level of support a bra can offer, especially for those with a larger chest. More often than not, larger chested folk have to invest in full coverage bras to get the support they need, but the Enlite does a great job of walking the line between supportive and sexy. It is full coverage, but the middle comes to a slight V, revealing just enough.
Style
We have referred to the Enlite Weave-Back as elegant a few times already, so it will come to you as no surprise that it scored well in our style metric.
Most people with larger chests have complained at some point about the lack of supportive yet stylish sports bras available. However, most of the testers in our poll enjoyed the look of the Enlite Weave-Back. Those who did not prefer this bra typically do not like the look of encapsulation bras in general, which is a luxury that larger-breasted folks don't always get to enjoy.
The cross-back is stunning, and the subtle V-neck is flattering on most bodies. The look of this bra is pretty versatile too. The slightly higher neck looks great on its own, and the encapsulation isn't so intense that the breasts are entirely separated, making it a good t-shirt bra. The Enlite is only offered in a few colors, but Lululemon adds limited colors from time to time.
Ease of Care
While ease of care will not affect a sports bra's overall performance in the short term, a particularly high-maintenance bra may deter you from properly caring for it, decreasing its fit and performance over time.
More often than not, encapsulation bras require special care. The Enlite Weave-Back falls somewhere between easy and cumbersome. It can be machine washed in cold water but not machine dried. Even though the directions state that this bra cannot be dried, we like to push the limits. The Enlite does just fine with a tumble dry in a pinch, but drying it often may shorten its lifespan by ruining the elasticity.
Value
The Lululemon Enlite Weave-Back is worth every penny, but it costs a lot of pennies. If you've been on the hunt for something that will support your larger chest, doesn't sacrifice style, AND you plan to care for it properly, the Weave-Back is a great option. If you are the kind of person that will throw this high-quality bra in the washer and dryer with the rest of your cotton shirts, it won't last very long, and you'll be left with a bra that no longer provides the optimal support it did when it was new. And you'll be out quite a chunk of cash.
Conclusion
From the V-neck to the gorgeous criss-cross back, this sports bra is a sight to be seen. It is well constructed, stylish, and offers incredible support to those who need it most. The encapsulation-compression combination support works great for any high-impact workout but doubles nicely for more casual exercise too. If you're looking for high support for larger breasts, the Enlite Weave-Back is a great choice in our sports bra review.