Getting it right: the running bra

By Christine Pellerin

Running is often lauded as a sport that requires very little gear: a pair of sneakers and you’re good to go. For women, there is one other piece of equipment that is just as crucial for comfort and performance as the all-important shoe, yet imperfections in fit and function are tolerated by most athletes out there: the sports bra.

The fact is, an estimated 75 per cent of women are dissatisfied with their sports bra because finding the right fit is just not as simple as small, medium or large. If you consider that runners range from skinny to meaty, but all along that spectrum they can be anything from flat to chesty, you realize that these two variables alone mean no single bra can claim to be the best. Add in preferences with regards to style, fabric and support and suddenly finding the right bra becomes as tough as finding the right mate; you end up kissing a lot of frogs, and sometimes you wonder if The One for you is even out there.

Meet the testers:

For this product guide, Canadian Running turned to a group of women who, like our readers, vary greatly in size and in what they look for when selecting a sports bra to help take the guess- work out of selecting which one is right for you.

Anne:

I’m a mother of three who breast-fed each of my kids earlier on in my life. Unshakeable support by far the most important feature I look out for, even more than comfort. This is the plight of a 32D runner – it will always be a little uncom- fortable. I wouldn’t wear this garment for anything else other than working out and always find relief in taking it off.

Dana:

I’m pretty small in the chest, so most bras work well for me. I can’t help but say I prefer bras that look nice! My top priority in choosing a sports bra is comfort; something that isn’t too constricting and preferably without clasps or hooks.

Caela:

Wearing a cute bra is fun no matter what you’re doing and since I’m the type of girl that likes to wear a sports bra on a regular basis, even if I’m not working out, I definitely gravitate towards options that provide both comfort and style. I like a bit of padding, but tend to get annoyed when inserts are lost in the black hole of the dryer. Seams underneath armpits are an enemy of mine.

Melinda:

I’m usually on the lookout for a supportive bra that isn’t too tight. I like my chest to be held in place nicely, not crushed. My main gripe is too much bra. So many full support bras provide too much coverage, restrict shoulder movement and are just plain ugly.

Gina:

I can’t say I find it difficult to find the right fit, and I don’t need much support. What I do look out for is breathability and moisture wicking. If it’s padded, I prefer minimal bulk, or removable cups. But when it comes down to it, I’m a sucker for a great style with minimal branding. Sometimes a cute bra can give you an instant boost of confidence. It’s a cheap thrill, but it works!

Christine:

I have a pretty narrow frame, but a decent bust. My main priority in shopping for a running bra is very high support, which usually means minimal stretch in the material. This makes it hard to find a bra that is both snug enough in the band to actually be supportive and roomy enough to accommodate the ladies.

LIGHT SUPPORT

Asics Adjust Bra $42

Dana says: This is a low to moderate support Style bra with well thought-out construction with lighter material under the bust for breathability, but thicker over the chest for good coverage. Back clasp and adjustable straps allow for a customizable fit.

Helly Hansen Dry Revolution Sports Top $50

Christine says: This bra is really light support, but very comfortable with breathable, sweat wicking fabric. Best suited as an under layer for low impact activities like light hiking or yoga.

The North Face Reversible Bounce-B-Gone Bra $40

Caela says: This bra is super attractive. I would definitely wear it without a shirt, and it’s reversible – it’s like two bras in one! The sweat-wicking, soft, smooth fabric is comfortable and non-chafing. Durable. Withstood frequent washing.

Adidas TF Molded Bra $40

Gina says: This bra is all about comfort Style featuring effective venting in the middle of the back to keep you cool, soft material and zero chafing. The thick straps prevent digging, but aren’t adjustable – either it fits you or it doesn’t. This light support bra is best for smaller chests, and is definitely pretty enough to wear on its own.

MEDIUM SUPPORT

Saucony Athlete Avenger $50

Melinda says: This bra hits all the marks: the right amount of support, light padding and a snug fit around the band to prevent rubbing and chafing. The keyhole opening at the back kept me cool, and the material was breathable overall. Perfectly suited to summer long runs.

Pearl Izumi Elite Inrcool Crop $65

Gina says: This is a no-nonesense comp- etitive racer top. Its proportions are best suited to small chests, but still offers significant support with wide straps and durable sweat-wicking material. This bra is very “elite looking” in a function over fashion sort of way. It’s not so much that but it’s not  you wouldn’t wear it shirtless, trying to be trendy or girly.

Helly Hansen Max Adjustable Bra $80

Caela says: This is a beautiful and fun bra that makes you want to wear it without a shirt. The material in the chest is fairly rigid, offering good support, while the shoulder straps have some stretch; what you gain in comfort, you also gain in bounce placing it solidly on the cusp of medium to full support. With a modern and sporty take on the hook and eye closure, fastening it for the first few times can take some getting used to.

Oakley Strappy For You Bra $50

Gina says: I loved this bra’s adorable style with contrasting strappy detail at the back. It’s supportive enough for medium impact activities like gym workouts or spinning, while still being so soft and comfortable, you almost forget you have it on.

Moving Comfort Vero Bra $44

Melinda says: I loved how feminine and fashion- conscious the design of this bra is, I would even wear it in a non-sports context. Moulded cups provided extra support and coverage, and the mesh back was great for ventilation. Perfect for a higher intensity run.

FULL SUPPORT

New Balance Comfy Conformer $60

Christine says: For larger chested runners looking for extreme support, this is the platonic ideal of a sports bra. Moulded cups make you look good by lifting, separating and supporting without adding bulk while the racer back cut and extremely supportive material feel like they are supporting the upper back, helping maintain a more upright posture. Hook and eye closure at the back and shoulder straps adjustable at the front make it easy to put on and customize the fit. If you are the type who prefers a soft and stretchy bra that you can forget is there, this isn’t for you. But if you want to run, skip and jump without seeing any movement, look no further.

2XU Endurance Bra $80

Christine says: This is a very unusual sports bra, totally  cutting edge in its design, yet is somehow reminiscent of 1980’s Madonna. I love that it is supportive enough for a large chest, but stylish enough to make me feel like a pop star out for a run.

Moving Comfort Rebound Racer $55

Anne says: Not-only does this bra offer great support Style and compression for large-chested women, adjustable straps and closures also help you get the exact fit while seamless cups help battle uniboob! Shoulder straps and band are wide for comfort, and full coverage in front make it possible to forgo the singlet.

Nike Pro Sports Bra $55

Anne says: This is quite the eye-catching top! The Style body-mapped kaleidoscopic drawings designed by Japanese artist Yuko Kanatani are absolutely beautiful. It’s also very supportive, perfect for high-impact movement situations. The Dri-Fit and Stay Cool coverage materials keep your skin fresh even in extreme heat.