Shock Absorber vs Panache
Two brands, two ways of grading a size. Here is how Shock Absorber and Panache differ in system, range and fit, and which one to choose for your shape and your problem.
Shock Absorber or Panache, in short
Shock Absorber and Panache both label in UK sizing. Shock Absorber runs firm in the band and true in the cup with average wires; Panache runs firm in the band, true in the cup, wide wires. Range: Shock Absorber 30–40 / A–HH; Panache 28–46 / D–K. Convert your measured size into each and let fit decide.
Your measured size in both
Same body, two labels. Each result is your US size converted into the brand's system, then adjusted for how that brand grades. Same system, so the label matches: the fit adjustment is the difference.
Shock Absorber vs Panache at a glance
| Shock Absorber | Panache | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing system | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Bands | 30–40 | 28–46 |
| Cups | A–HH (UK letters) | D–K (Cleo A–J; Sculptresse to J) |
| Band grading | firm | firm |
| Cup grading | true | true |
| Wire width | average | wide |
| Straps | Wide, adjustable; racerback options | Wide, well set |
| Alpha sizes | No | No |
| Tier | Mid-market | Mid-to-premium |
| Origin | UK | UK |
| Signature line | Ultimate Run: high-impact, the flagship | Envy: full-cup everyday, the flagship |
Which to try for your breast shape
| Shape | Shock Absorber | Panache |
|---|---|---|
| Full on bottom | Ultimate Run | Cleo Marcie balconette |
| Full on top | Active Multi Sports | Envy full cup |
| Shallow | Ultimate Fly | Sculptresse Chi Chi |
| Projected | Active Multi Sports | Envy, Andorra |
| Wide-set | Active Zipped Plunge | Panache Sport |
Not sure of your shape? Use the shape finder.
Choose Shock Absorber or Panache?
- you want a firm, supportive band and are happy to size the band up if between
- running and high-impact sport
- full-bust sport in real sizes
- you want a firm, supportive band and are happy to size the band up if between
- you have a wide breast root or shallow shape
- d+ everyday support
- high-impact sport in bra sizes
Both are right at the same measurement. The label differs by system and the fit by grading: start from your measured size, convert into each, and let the five fit checks decide.
What each brand is known for
| Shock Absorber | Panache | |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Ultimate Run: high-impact, the flagship | Envy: full-cup everyday, the flagship |
| Line 2 | Active Multi Sports: high-impact encapsulation | Andorra: full cup with lace |
| Line 3 | Active Zipped Plunge: front-zip high impact | Panache Sport: high-impact wired sport |
| Line 4 | Ultimate Fly: lighter, running-specific | Cleo Marcie: balconette for smaller full-bust sizes |
Shock Absorber vs Panache: answered
Is Shock Absorber the same size as Panache?
Same notation (UK), different grading. Shock Absorber: Bands run firm: if you sit between bands, take the larger band with the same cup volume (a sister size). Panache: Bands run firm: if you sit between bands, take the larger band with the same cup volume (a sister size).
Which runs smaller, Shock Absorber or Panache?
Shock Absorber. Cups grade true to the measured difference. Panache. Cups grade true to the measured difference.
Which is better for a large bust, Shock Absorber or Panache?
Shock Absorber runs to A–HH on bands 30–40; Panache to D–K on 28–46. The one whose range covers your size (in its own system) and whose wire width suits your root.
Which is better for a small bust?
Whichever grades true or small at A–C: Shock Absorber cups true, Panache cups true. Small bands need the brand whose range starts lower: 30 vs 28.
Can I use my Shock Absorber size at Panache?
Convert first (same system, so the label carries), then adjust: Panache bands run firm and cups true relative to true. The calculator above does both.
Do Shock Absorber and Panache fit the same breast shapes?
Not identically. Full on bottom: Shock Absorber Ultimate Run vs Panache Cleo Marcie balconette; Full on top: Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports vs Panache Envy full cup; Shallow: Shock Absorber Ultimate Fly vs Panache Sculptresse Chi Chi.
Opens HauteFlair’s own hub page; use your measured size there. HauteFlair is owned by the same company as Brasize.ai; that relationship never changes the sizing math, charts, or fit advice on this page. How this site makes money.