Knix Catalyst Review

The Knix Catalyst provides support from both compression and encapsulation. This highly adjustable sports bra is an excellent option if you're looking for a little structure on your body. It takes a bit to break in, but the adjustable nature and the memory foam-style cups make this worth your while.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Fit

A sports bra's comfort level and fit can make or break the garment. We pay special attention to any chafing, pinching, or spilling our testers experience during our hands-on testing. We also consider the softness of the fabric and whether or not each bra is true to size. This Catalyst is a very structured bra, which can be supportive, but the stiffness can be less comfortable.

When brand new, the Catalyst feels a little tight and stiff. Our testers reported some pinching in the armpits and lats, but this bra stretches out and forms to the body over time. You also may experience a little chafing where extra skin or fat spills over, but again, this feeling is temporary. The Catalyst must be broken in, similar to your favorite pair of boots or jeans, and we promise it's worth the time and effort.

Since the Catalyst is highly adjustable, it's also somewhat malleable. The thick back strap and shoulder straps can be worn on their loosest setting while you break it in and can be tightened or loosened as your body fluctuates and changes. The firm, thick fabric is surprisingly breathable, and small perforations allow for extra airflow between the breasts.

The sizing ranges from 32A to 42G, which is very inclusive. The Catalyst is great for most body types but truly shines when allowed to support bustier bodies. The sizing chart that Knix offers is accurate, but we recommend erring on the side of sizing up if you are on the fence.

Support

Sports bras can offer support through encapsulation, compression, or a combination of the two. Throughout our testing, we pay attention to how the type of support, the stretchiness of the material, and the coverage work together to keep you feeling supported no matter what style of exercise you are performing.

The Catalyst uses the perfect combination of encapsulation and compression to ensure that you are supported. The shapely cups, when sized correctly, feel a little stiff at first but form to the body after a few short wears. The highly adjustable shoulder straps and rib band work together to ensure that support is customizable to your liking. If you prefer a little extra compression, simply synch down the rib band. The high adjustability level also allows your body to fluctuate naturally without sacrificing support or comfort.

This sports bra is limited in the stretch department. It is somewhat stiff, but, as we mentioned, it doesn't take long before it fits like a glove. And, the stiffness can be an asset, as it keeps everything in place during particularly bouncy exercises. The coverage is somewhere between modest and sexy, offering up a little bit of cleavage and a natural-looking lift.

Style

Sometimes encapsulation bras look a little over-the-top when compared to their compression bra counterparts. We polled a group of folks to better understand how the general public feels about each bra. We also consider the versatility and color options available to gain a well-rounded take on how stylish each bra is and how much versatility it can offer.

The Catalyst gets mixed reviews in the category, though it still fared well. The structure and support give it more of a real bra aesthetic than a strict sports bra look. The adjustable shoulder straps are very neatly designed, and while it may not double nicely as a crop top, it does make a great t-shirt bra. The subtle arch on the sternum section is elegant, and the square-ish neckline is very flattering. The Catalyst is also available in many fun and neutral color options.

Ease of Care

Not everyone wants to hand wash and hang-dry their bras. In this metric, we consider the care instructions and the general durability of each sports bra. The Catalyst requires special care, but we feel it is worth the extra leg work.

Because of their structure and padding, encapsulation bras often require additional care. The Catalyst must be washed in cold water and air-dried. Air drying is not too big of a burden, but if you are the kind of person that can't remember to remove the appropriate garments before placing your load in the dryer, you may want to explore a lower maintenance option. As far as durability goes, the Catalyst is a very well-made article of clothing, and caring for it properly will extend its life exponentially.

Value

The value of an item is an assessment of how its price measures up to its performance. The Catalyst offers very high support through its encapsulation-compression combo, and its highly adjustable nature allows for a very versatile fit. That said, it is the priciest bra in our lineup by quite a bit. However, if your main concern is support and you don't mind paying a little extra for it, this garment is sure to not leave you with buyer's remorse.

Conclusion

This encapsulation-compression style sports bra offers amazing support, inclusive sizing, and a high level of adjustability. The break-in period requires some patience, but don't get discouraged — the comfort level is significantly higher after just a few wears. The thicker material is not very stretchy, but the memory foam-like cups and adjustable shoulder and back straps help hug your curves perfectly when adjusted properly. This bra style is not for everyone, but if you are seeking an adjustable encapsulation bra and don't mind spending a few extra bucks, there is no better option than the Knix Catalyst.