Sports Bras: 6 Bras Reviewed
To uncover the best braziers, I took my C-cup (okay, sometimes a large B), strapped them in with a selection of sporty bras and then hit the trail, ocean, gym, yoga mat and pool. Once my heart rate returned to normal, here’s what I found:
Best For: Lots of Support
Lole Sweety — $58
A close runner up to the Oakley for top of the podium status, the Sweety is a sweetie. The nylon/elastane mix hugs tight across the chest — great for running, especially for large-breasted women, but I found my medium-sized pair got smooshed, leaving me looking flat. That’s OK when I’m out for a run, but I’d never wear this by itself. With slight compression benefits and no seams, this is an awesome bra for any high-impact activity. Lole
Best For: Hot Yoga, Stand-Up Paddleboarding
LuluLemon Free to Be Bra — $42
Funky back strapping (that stays put!) and an attractive low cut, this was my favourite bra for wearing on its own. Specifically designed to dry fast, what it lacked in support it made up for in sweat-wicking and a fast-drying time. It also worked well while paddleboarding where the flat seams and silky fabric never chaffed, even when loaded with saltwater. Lululemon
Best For: Rock Climbing, Multisport
Marmot Erin Tank — $55
On first inspection, I didn’t expect much support from the two-tone Erin Tank, but the built in shelf-bra surprised me on the trail with seismic-worthy stability for B-cups and below. Bigger-breasted ladies will find it lacking for running, but fine for everything else. More modest than the other bras, this is great for times when you don’t want to be ogled — there’s no need to wear a T-shirt overtop. Marmot
Best For: Running
Oakley Breathe In — $58
The Breathe In won my Tester’s Choice for scoring a rare double: a V-cut style bra with lots of support. The only other sport bra that could match it for running jiggle-prevention was the Lole Sweety, but the Breathe In’s sexy diving neckline bumped it to the front. You don’t need to cover this cutie with a tank. It is made from a mix of moisture-moving material and highly breathable mesh, so I never overheated. Oakley
Best For: Hot-Weather Hiking
Patagonia Crossover Bra — $59
Even while sweating it out in full sun on a 25-degree uphill hike, my boobs stayed relatively comfortable. I’m told that’s thanks to the highly breathable nature of this V-neck bra’s blend of recycled polyester, nylon and spandex. Where it sags (sorry) is on support. While the shoulder straps are wide and the racer-back offers lots of pull, it just didn’t quite offer enough oomph for running. Patagonia
Best For: Backpacking
Smartwool PhD Seamless Racer Back — $70
I know what you’re thinking: wool next to “the ladies?” While not the softest Merino we’ve brushed against, the fine fibres on the inside of the Seamless Racer Back never itched and fought off stink even after repeated wearings — perfect for multi-day trips. Support was only so-so. Enough to stop a light jiggle, but not enough to run in. But the seamless design — a trick of weaving — prevented sore spots under pack straps. Smartwool
