Welcome to Sports Bra Week at Another Mother Runner!
We are devoting an entire week to sports bras, the piece of running gear that, we’d argue, is more critical than your shoes.
Because, as we hope you haven’t experienced first-hand, if your chest is not feeling supported and comfortable as your feet bounce along, you are, at the very least, going to be irritated, both mentally and physically.
What’s more, there’s a good chance you will be self-conscious, your delicate skin will be chafed and you will either cut your run short or just stop running altogether. No bueno.
Today and tomorrow on Another Mother Runner Gears Up, we’re going to review six of best sports bras currently available; today, we’re focusing on smaller chests (A-C), while tomorrow, we’re hitting both larger chests (D and beyond) and bras for nursing and prosthetics.
Our tester loved, loved, loved the soft and comfy material of this style. She also adored the snug, but not too snug fit, including shoulder straps and a chest band that didn’t budge. Best of all? No chafing for miles and miles.
Best for: A and B cups
Sizes: XS-XXL
Price: $32
Grab it here: thenorthface.com
“This bra is marathon-worthy!” raved our tester, who said held her tight and was very supportive, without being boa-constrictor restrictive. As she sweated it up during runs and gym workouts, she appreciated the higher coverage; no worries of spilling cleavage.
Best for: A and B cups
Sizes: XS-XL
Price: $30
Grab it here: newbalance.com
The Patagonia Women’s Barely Bra is a must for small chested women like me. It’s got removable cups to help if you don’t have much there like me, and the best part is NO CHAFING ever! I wear mine every day, but also gave it a true test in the Kettle 100 miler over the weekend and still had no chafing. Most comfortable bra ever!
I am an enormous fan of Oiselle running clothes and my drawers are testament to this! The Strappy running bra is at the top of my list. It is incredibly comfy, soft and secure. The hot, humid weather has settled into the east coast and I am finding myself shedding my shirt on runs. The Strappy bra covers me up enough so I don’t feel risqué but I at least have the illusion of feeling cooler! 5 stars to the Oiselle team for this bra!
Reporting for the 32As: Tasc bamboo performance bras I’ve worn for the past 2 years in marathons, halfs and 5Ks with NO chafing with NO BodyGlide (because I am forgetful). They are hard to get out of when wet, however.
I also like Zensah Pop seamless and Zensah Racey, which isn’t as supportive BUT which is much easier to get out of when wet!
https://www.tascperformance.com/collections/womens-sports-bras
https://www.zensah.com/collections/sports-bras
PS Thank you for the list! I’m going to try a few of these!
Can somebody explain to me why we need removable boobie pads in all of our sports bras? It’s extra material to soak up and hold sweat. If it wasn’t a bad idea, they wouldn’t be removable! I’d like to find a running bra without the double layer of material that removable boobie pads require!
I have had 2 strappy bras from Oiselle and both caused chafing in front due to the seam if I ran 6 miles or more :(
It used to be that the basic pullover t-back bra would work fine for me. Now, if the straps are not adjustable a good fit is almost impossible.
You missed the Uplift Crossback by Brooks/Moving Comfort. Easy J clasp in the back and zero chafing issues. I’m a solid 34B.
I love C9 seamless bras from Target and the Sarah bra from Senita Athletics. No bouncing & no chafing & I can wear them all day long… 36A (I have a big rib cage with itty bitty titties though)
I’m a b/c and have been happy with the Nike Swoosh sports bras… they are of the “smash ‘em down” variety but aren’t painful to put on or take off (enough but not too much compression). And they come in fun colors! https://www.nike.com/t/womens-swoosh-medium-support-sports-bra-knTPGAvo/842398-624
Thanks for starting the conversation. Great suggestions and the ladies comments are helpful too. Something for everyone’s price range.
This is a great article! I’m so glad you included a sports bra with a front zipper. Try as I might, I cannot wear a sports bra without it. While trying one without a zipper on in Target one day, I nearly had to get a pair of scissors to cut it off! It seems to be the only thing that makes me feel claustrophobic!