Girlfriend Collective Paloma Review

The Paloma offers support in the form of compression and can comfortably fit a wide variety of bodies. It doubles as a minimal crop top, and the available colors are vast and varied. The icing on the cake is that Girlfriend Collective is committed to using recycled materials and being one of the most size-inclusive activewear brands on the market.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Fit

We pay attention to whether or not our testers experience pinching, spilling, or chafing during our comfort and fit testing. We also consider fabric softness and if the bra is true to size. Versatility of fit also contributes to this metric. The Paloma performs very well in this metric, but it fits some bodies better than others.

The thick racerback strap on the Paloma is super comfy, and the ribbed rib band is stretchy enough that it doesn't unnecessarily squeeze the midsection. The fabric is made from 79% recycled plastic water bottles and 21% spandex, and it is soft yet form-fitting and breathable.

Because the Paloma is not adjustable, finding the right fit can be a little tricky. If you have particularly large lats or traps, the armpits may feel a little tight, so you will want to size up. If you have a narrower ribcage and prefer extra compression, or if you are on the fence size-wise, it is worth sizing down.

Although the sizing can take a little guessing and checking, this bra works wonders for most bodies. Whether you are lean, curvy, athletic, or fall into a mix of body type categories, the XXS to 6XL size options are very inclusive. The stretch is also very forgiving, and the longline design is comfortable.

Support

The stretch and coverage contribute to the level of support they can offer. The Paloma performs quite well in this metric with sufficient compression, ample stretch, and good coverage.

The Paloma offers some decent compression as long as you get the sizing right. Although it is advertised as a medium impact sports bra, we had no issue performing high-intensity training workouts or even running in this bra. It is important to note that you will still experience some bouncing during exercises like jumping jacks, jogging, and burpees if you have larger breasts. The thick racerback straps help keep the weight evenly distributed across your shoulders without pinching or putting too much pressure on any one spot. It may be worth sizing down if you have a smaller rib cage and want the added compression support.

The Paloma is stretchy but firm, which holds everything in nicely without spillage or pinching. The longline coverage extends lower than your average sports bra; it hits mid-rib, depending on the length of your torso, giving you the confidence you need to perform most exercises.

Style

We take a wide poll to ensure that our style metric is as unbiased as possible. We also place some weight on the versatility of each garment. If your supportive bra can double as a cute crop top, it definitely earns some extra points in the style department. We also take into account the color options available. It is no surprise that the Paloma performs very well in this category.

The longline silhouette offers a little extra coverage of the mid-section, allowing the Paloma to double as a spicy cropped tank top or an undershirt. It can be worn as loungewear or paired with jeans, and the thick racerback frames the shoulder blades nicely. The Paloma is available in a plethora of colors, ensuring an eye-catching option for everyone. Girlfriend Collective also releases limited edition colors from time to time which adds to the fun.

Ease of Care

The level of care that garments like sports bras require can be varied. Some are easily washed and dried without a second thought, while others require bra bags and airdry time, which is a bit more work. Our ease of care metric covers the general durability and the level of care each sports bra requires.

Girlfriend Collective makes their sports bras from recycled plastic bottles, which may not sound like the most durable material, but it is. The Paloma can easily carry you through workout after workout without popping a stitch, pilling, or stretching out. The care instructions suggest machine wash in cold water and lie flat to dry. It is important to follow the care instructions, but the Paloma can handle a quick machine wash and dry in a pinch.

Value

A product's value is determined by how its performance measures up to its price. The Paloma is one of the highest performing options in our test suite with a middle-of-the-road price. Considering the durability we've experienced thus far and the overall comfort, the price is more than fair. The longline and thick racerback contribute to its versatility as you can wear it as a crop top, also adding to its overall value.

Conclusion

With a longline fit and buttery soft fabric made from recycled materials, it's hard to pass up the Girlfriend Collective Paloma. The compression, thick racerback straps, and unique rib band offer sufficient enough support for most exercises, and the wide size range helps offer a versatile fit. If you are looking for an all-around comfortable, longline sports bra from a company with good ethics, this is one to seriously consider.