Girlfriend Collective Paloma Review

The Paloma offers support in the form of compression and can comfortably fit various bodies. It doubles as a minimal crop top with vast and varied available colors. 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 paid attention to whether or not our testers experienced pinching, spilling, or chafing during our comfort and fit testing. We also note fabric softness and whether the bra is true to size. The versatility of fit also contributes to this metric. The Paloma tops the charts for comfort and is one of the most versatile fits for exercise or daily wear.

The thick racerback strap on the Paloma is super comfy, and the ribbed rib band is stretchy enough, not unnecessarily to squeeze the midsection. The Girlfriend Collective promotes sustainability and makes the material from 79% recycled plastic water bottles and 21% spandex for a super-soft feel on the skin. The high-coverage bra is smooth, form-fitting, and breathable.

Finding the right fit can be tricky because the Paloma is not adjustable. If you have massive lats or traps, the armpits may feel tight, so you will want to size up. If you have a narrower ribcage and prefer extra compression or are on the fence size-wise, it is worth sizing down. Although the sizing can take a little guessing and checking, this bra is an excellent and versatile staple 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

Stretch and coverage contribute to the level of support that sports bras offer. The Paloma performs exceptionally well in this metric with sufficient compression, ample stretch, and high coverage.

The Paloma offers some decent compression as long as you get the sizing right. Although Girlfriend Collective advertises the Paloma 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 spot. It may also be worth sizing down if you have a smaller rib cage and want some added compression support.

The Paloma is stretchy but firm, holding everything 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 comprehensive 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 earns extra points in the style department. We also take into account the color options available. It is no surprise that the Paloma is widely popular for its colorful and multi-use style.

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 many colors, ensuring an eye-catching option for everyone. Girlfriend Collective also releases limited edition colors occasionally, adding to the fun.

Quality

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 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 washing in cold water and laying flat to dry. It is essential to follow the care instructions, but the Paloma can handle a quick machine wash and dry in a pinch.

Should You Buy the Girlfriend Collective Paloma?

With a longline fit and buttery soft fabric 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 vast 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 that won't cost you an arm and a leg, this is one to consider seriously. It is one of the most versatile bras on the market and an essential piece for women who need a bra that can transition between different occasions.

What Other Sports Bras Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of a bra that doubles as a top, the prAna Becksa Bralette is another option with removable pads. If you want versatility but more support, the On Performance has sculpted pads giving athletes lightweight breathability. The Lululemon Run Times High Support has a feminine fit and is made for high impact and running but is styled like a casual bra, making it versatile for daily wear and travel.