Playtex 18 Hour Bra Review II

This bra review is for the Back and Side Smoothing, style 4049, Playtex 18 Hour Bra. Hanes/Playtex provided me two bras for review and this is the second of two reviews (read first review here).

Overall First Impression

The Back and Side Smoothing bra is a wirefree. The first thing I noticed about this bra was the awesome berry color! The next thing that stood out about this 18 Hour bra is that it is made with a heavier fabric (Cool Dri) than last bra I review. It definitely feels made-to-contain. There is  no threat of having a uniboob with this wireless bra as it provides lift, support and separation. On the down side, it does not have the great outer edge breast shaping that the 4745 has and that I really loved.

Features I Really Like

This bra has many of the same features as the Ulitimate Lift and Support Bra. The bra strap is a little wider and is smoothly stitched with no picking. The underside is soft but the straps do not go anywhere once in place.

It has a soft non-irritating band and flat stitches and seams.

While the bra appears to have a similar reinforced side for the outer breast area, it does not provide as much shaping as I would have liked. But the coordinating embossed fabric is a nice touch making it a pretty bra.

The clasp at the back is reinforced with a similar soft non picky fabric that is on the band.

The retail price for this Playtex 18 hour bra is $20.99 US. They go on sale on the One Hanes Place for $14.99 quite often. It is an affordable choice at the regular and sale price.

Overall Final Impression

After three days of wearing this bra I am again impressed with the quality, support, and comfort. And while it is a little sportier, it is still a pretty bra — the color rocks. I would have thought the doubled fabric would have been uncomfortable in the warmer weather but it felt breathable enough. I would even be tempted to use it as a sport bra (with a bra liner for added protection). 

This bra is labeled as a “back and side smoothing bra” but I really did not notice any difference from my other bras in this area. There was no noticeable loss of shape after a few days of wear and all stitching remained intact. I washed this bra in the regular cycle with my other reds. I hung it to dry and it still looks great.

Like the last Playtex Bra I reviewed, I am impressed with how much lift this wireless bra provides without compromising on comfort or looks. They still need to work on the outer breast shaping. But overall, it is a durable bra that holds its shape beyond the marketed 18 hours. The quality matched to the affordability make it an impressive choice and it would be painless to add a few other colors to my lingerie drawer.

Choices, Choices, Choices

After having the opportunity to review two different 18 Hour Playtex bras, I have developed a new found respect for them. I would not hesitate in recommending them. Playtex has twelve different 18 Hour bras to choose from on the One Hanes Place website. They all with slightly different features, which I am now more curious in checking out. Different features and different body compositions means it might take a few tries to find the right style. Have patience, don’t settle.

Check out the Playtex 18 hour Bra from One Hanes Place.

Read the review for the first bra they sent me.