Panache Sophie Maternity Bra review

All the bras in the range promise style as well as support – an essential requirement for D+ women.

Available in 53 countries, Panache is a truly international brand and sells through some of the upper-end outlets in the UK such as Bravissimo and Figleaves.

Panache Lingerie has won a number of awards including 2012 & 2013 - Sports Bra Brand of the Year at the UK Lingerie Awards, 2013 - Queens award for International Trade, 2012 - Best Maternity Bra, Bloom Awards and 2002 - Queens award for International Trade.

As such, Panache products come with a hefty price tag. You won’t find a bra for less than £25, with the Sophie Maternity bra coming in at £29.

It may sound like a lot of money, but this has become my go-to bra and I’ve well and truly had my money’s worth in just a few weeks. Treating yourself to a Panache bra is an investment.

Available to buy at Bravissimo, Figleaves and other retailers.

Is it supportive?

The Panache bra has six back fastenings allowing it grow (and hopefully shrink back) with your changing body shape. It means that it’s unlikely to become too tight or too loose during pregnancy and nursing.

Will it grow with you?

The bra will grow with me as the soft cups allow for some growth and the sturdy straps are easily adjusted.

Is it easy to clean?

The lace adds a touch of luxury that requires a bit of care, so a delicate cold wash before hanging it up to dry is all it needs

Is it comfortable?

We all know that ‘aaaaah…’ feeling when we take our bra off at the end of a long hard day. Not so with the Panache Sophie. Unlike most little numbers in my undies drawer, it didn’t irritate or annoy me all day and I felt well supported so I was in no rush to take it off.

Can you use it as sports bras?

I wore the bra during a light cardio session and during a weights training class. I felt my bosom was well strapped in with no risk of ‘popping out’ and no achy feeling after training.

Can you use it after you have finished breast feeding?

As I’m five months pregnant now, I’m using it well ahead of breastfeeding and expect it to see me through nursing and beyond.

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How does it look?

Having bulged from an already impressive 32DD to a bra-busting 34F during these early months of my pregnancy, I was somewhat deflated after recently leaving a department store clutching a plastic carrier bag with bras which were over-priced and uninspired. At a time when many of us are fretting about the huge changes to our bodies, something as simple as a sexy bra can make a world of difference.

I found the Panache Sophie made me feel good about myself, my bulging bosom and my growing tummy.

The gift wrapping and branded gift bag make it feel like even more of a treat.

How is it when feeding?

I haven’t had my little one yet, but the clips are easy to use and the cotton underlay is nice and soft. The lace is good quality too so shouldn’t irritate or scratch my baby if it gets in the way when feeding.

How does it compare to other maternity bras you have used?

The appearance and luxury feel is the biggest difference. The other maternity bras I’ve bought are perfectly practical – they just resemble the monstrosities I used to see hanging on my granny’s drying pulley when I was a kid.

This bra is beautiful, sexy and classy as well as being comfortable and functional.

What do you think of the design?

I love the design of the Panache Sophie. The inner layer, which has direct contact with the skin, is made of soft colourful cotton in bright pink. On top of that, the white lace gives a beautiful overall look without substantial amounts of lace making direct contact with your more sensitive skin.

MadeForMums verdict:

I will be recommending this bra to my friends and I’ll be stocking up on a few more to see me through the rest of my pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond.

The straps seem slightly stiffer that other maternity bras, but this is a good thing. It provides extra support and gives a real sense of sturdiness.

I have my doubts about how long the lovely white lace will keep its colour, such is the nature of lace. But overall, this is a well-strong product.

If you liked this bra check out:

• Cake Lingerie Cotton Candy Luxury Seamless Maternity and Nursing Bra
• Emily B Daisy maternity bra
• 10 of the best breast pumps
• 15 of the best buggies suitable for newborns

MadeForMums product reviews are independent, honest and provide advice you can have confidence in. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links. However we never allow this to influence our coverage. Our reviews and articles are written by parents who are professional journalists, and we also include feedback from our parent community and industry experts.