“There are so many exciting features in this sports bra that make it just as fashionable as it is functional.”

As a plus-sized woman who works out regularly, I often find the need for sports bras that support me during activity and workout leggings that don’t roll as I stretch and bend. On the flip side, I want activewear that is fashionable enough to match my preferred style aesthetic so I can also wear it as I run errands before or after my gym visits. It seems I’ve found the perfect balance in INITIALE, the first collection of activewear from French lingerie brand Empreinte’s IN-PULSE line.

For this review, I put the INITIALE line to test in the gym and at home and I am glad to say that they delivered. The fabric is superb quality—Emana fiber to be exact—and the design is sleek and stylish. The sports bra is very supportive—it features built-in floating underwire that you can’t see from the outside. The lining lifts, separates, and supports as a regular bra, while the outer fabric is smooth and gives the appearance of a sports bra. The decorative, plush back straps are substantial in width and durability, but with a knit-in glitter strip detail, they deliver style also.

There are so many exciting features in this sports bra that make it just as fashionable as it is functional. From the wide g-clips at the front platform that provide the ease of versatility to criss-cross straps, to the oversized bright orange metal hardware rings where the back-strap join, each detail provides its own little piece to the pie.

The foam in the cups is lightweight and breathable, which I love because it can get hot in a sports bra during a good workout. The flexible boning at the side seam and another wide decorative elastic at the bottom band seals the deal when it comes to this active bra.

Empreinte offers the INITIALE sports bra and leggings in two colorways, graphite grey (pictured) or rosy pink.

Aside from the leggings looking so good and fitting so comfortably, they also had their fair share of unique features to offer in the functionality category. Tunneled elastic at the top of the waistband keeps this pant stationary during bending and stretching, while a tunneled waist elastic drawstring at the inside helps to pull the waist tighter for that perfect fit. The leg length hits just above the ankle bone, exactly where I like for my activewear bottoms to fall, especially since I am on the taller side just shy of 5’ 9”.

“I felt super supported in this set, but I also felt powerful and sexy!”

The metallic mesh cutouts add a touch of sexy to this legging, allowing you to show off just a little slice of those killer thighs you’ve been working so hard for.

I would wear these leggings on an off day from the gym, too, matching them with a chunky knit sweater in ivory, neon green or mustard yellow and a fresh pair of casual sneakers. Accessorize with gold jewelry to elevate the look further and I would easily make this into an athleisure look to sport on an afternoon lunch date with the ladies.

Overall, I felt super supported in this set, but I also felt powerful and sexy! I normally wear an XL in leggings and could comfortably fit into a size L in these.

Empreinte is known as a brand for their attention to detail in their bras, detail that serves all purposes of fit, quality, and style. They’ve taken that formula and carried it over to their activewear and quite frankly, I can’t wait to see what comes next from this debut!

Learn more about INITIALE by Empreinte

Website: https://www.empreinte.eu/en/index.aspx
Email:ja.lediouron@empreinte.eu

INITIALE by Empreinte Gallery