SMARTWOOL – PHD® SPORTS BRA
The Smartwool PhD® Sports Bra is a high-performance bra designed for multiple outdoor activities.
The bra is constructed entirely of Merino wool. This ultra lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric is the ultimate in comfort. It’s elasticity and smoothness, not to mention the bra’s seamless design, made it seem like it wasn’t even there!
The thin criss-cross strap design helps hold the bra in place without being bulky or too restrictive. Bonus – Merino Wool is naturally stink-free, so it helps keep you comfortable during and socially acceptable after your run. The bra is also easier to care for because there’s no need for expensive sports soap to get the smell out.
The Good:
Fabric and seamless design make it ultra comfortable.
All over elasticity makes the bra incredibly supportive.
Merino wool wicks away sweat and keeps you warm and comfortable.
The Bad:
Straps and band aren’t adjustable, so doesn’t allow for adjusting if the fit isn’t perfect.
The Verdict:
The PhD® Sports Bra is an excellent choice for an active lifestyle. This bra is designed to carry you through multiple activities and performs well both indoors and out. Make sure you pay attention to the fit guide and choose the right size for you as there’s no option to adjust it.
Rating: 5/5
LULULEMON – CIRCUIT BREAKER BRA
The lululemon Circuit Breaker Bra was designed with high intensity workouts in mind so it is created to keep you dry and to give great support (with a suggested bust size of B/C cup). It is made with lycra to help it keep it’s shape and to allow it to stretch.
The Good:
Great design/fabric (especially in the “power luxtreme spray jacquard white black” that was tested).
Racerback provides an excellent versatility for tops worn overtop.
Very comfortable band under the bust and provides good support.
Made for high intensity workouts in mind, therefore sweat wicking.
Removable cups.
The Bad:
Shoulder straps are not adjustable, and they rubbed my neck making it a little uncomfortable and a bit irritated post-run.
The Verdict:
I was immediately drawn to the fabric and design of this piece. Though it did rub my neck a little bit, I still really like the other features it provided such as: support, sweat wicking material and easy care instructions. Hardly noticed it on my runs which definitely puts it in my good books.
Rating: 4/5
BJÖRN BORG x CRAIG GREEN – BRA TOP
This piece was part of a collaboration capsule with London based designer Craig Green featuring a higher cut neck, giving it layered look in the front, and a cutout in the back.
The Good:
Great fit and versatile design that can be worn on it’s own or layered.
Made from a structured material that provides excellent support.
Felt like a second-skin (so comfortable!).
Easily worn as a workout or lifestyle piece.
The Bad:
No safety features such as reflectiveness for night visibility.
The Verdict:
Not only is the design sleek & stylish it is also functional. The higher neck and the longer length was ideal on cooler runs because it provided additional warmth without overheating when layered. In addition, I really liked the comfort of this piece – while I was running, I completely forgot I was wearing this due to the comfortable band under the bust and the support it provided. I have to say, this is one of my new favourite pieces!
Rating: 5/5
OAKLEY – SESSIONS PRINTED SPORTS BRA
The Sessions Printed Sports Bra is designed for low-impact activities, such as yoga or walking. However, I found that the snug fit fabric, elastic rib cage and adjustable straps made this top suitable for low to medium impact running.
The shape is different than most sports bras, made with a mesh V-shaped inset that allows for breathability and thin straps that connect in a low design in the back. This design is supportive for larger cup sizes, which I always appreciate. It is nice to be able to get a sports bra with adjustable straps, that are not too thick, yet still offer support. I was skeptical about the fabric choice of the elastic band, my initial reaction was that it felt corse, turns out the fabric did not bother me at all while running, in fact it is very comfortable.
The Good:
Supports larger breasts with the O-FORM™ four way stretch technology.
Adjustable thin straps.
Stylish.
Breathable mesh inset.
The Bad:
Technically made for low impact sports.
The shape is rather unique.
The Verdict:
Oakley has a winner on it’s hands. The fun patterns and design shape really add to the fact that it truly is able to comfortably support you through your mid-distance runs.
Rating: 3/5
NIKE – PRO INDY COOL SPORTS BRA
Not all sports bras are created equal. It’s important to give support without suffocating, allow breathability without adding too many “cutesie” cutouts and, let’s face it, we usually want it to look good. The Nike Pro Indy Cool sports bra can deliver on all fronts.
Even though it is labeled a light support garment, the bra has the trifecta of straps; thin, adjustable and supportive. The longer band around your ribcage means that you won’t have to worry about the bra being ill-fitting or lifting throughout your run. The bonded seams create a chafe-free workout, and the always reliable Nike Dri-FIT technology allows you to stay cool and sweat-pool free no matter how long your run.
The Good:
Thin and adjustable straps.
Excellent comfort and support.
Bonded seams, means no chafing.
The Bad:
Size up, it runs a bit tight, no pun intended.
The Verdict:
If you are looking to add one sports bra to your run lineup, the Nike Pro Indy Cool sports bra is it. It’s stylish, supportive, affordable, comfortable and has the added benefit of the Dri-FIT technology. Even though it is designed for low-impact sports, the racerback design and adjustable straps create the support and comfort you want for short and long runs.
Rating: 5/5
BJÖRN BORG – RANDOM DOT SPORT TOP
The Björn Borg Sport Top is a medium support top designed for low impact activities like hiking and skiing. In spite of this, I pushed it to the extreme and used it as a sports bra during high impact running and was pleasantly surprised.
The top is made with 80% Polyamide material, which makes the bra super-stretchy. Polyamides are some of the highest resistance sportswear textiles on the market, so it’ll carry you through hundreds of runs while still looking like new. It’s also great at wicking moisture away. It stayed dry all the way through my long runs.
The cut and construction are designed to be non-chafing, and it fits like a glove. It stays put whether you’re running or cycling and feels like a second skin.
If you do decide to wear it on its own, it’s printed with an attractive black and white dot pattern and provides maximum coverage across your chest, so you’ll feel comfortable donning it solo for an indoor treadmill session.
The Good:
Material makes it ultra stretchy and comfortable.
Non-chafing, snug but not-too-tight fit.
Ultra supportive.
The Bad:
Not adjustable.
The Verdict:
The Björn Borg top is a well-made item that goes the extra mile. Despite its extreme elasticity, it’s supportive and form-fitting without being constricting. You can wear it confidently under a sports tank or on its own and trust that it will see you through all of your favorite activities.
Rating: 4.5/5
SMARTWOOL - PHD® SPORTS BRA
The Smartwool PhD® Sports Bra is a high-performance bra designed for multiple outdoor activities.
The bra is constructed entirely of Merino wool. This ultra lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric is the ultimate in comfort. It’s elasticity and smoothness, not to mention the bra’s seamless design, made it seem like it wasn’t even there!
The thin criss-cross strap design helps hold the bra in place without being bulky or too restrictive. Bonus – Merino Wool is naturally stink-free, so it helps keep you comfortable during and socially acceptable after your run. The bra is also easier to care for because there’s no need for expensive sports soap to get the smell out.
The Good:
Fabric and seamless design make it ultra comfortable.
All over elasticity makes the bra incredibly supportive.
Merino wool wicks away sweat and keeps you warm and comfortable.
The Bad:
Straps and band aren’t adjustable, so doesn’t allow for adjusting if the fit isn’t perfect.
The Verdict:
The PhD® Sports Bra is an excellent choice for an active lifestyle. This bra is designed to carry you through multiple activities and performs well both indoors and out. Make sure you pay attention to the fit guide and choose the right size for you as there’s no option to adjust it.
Rating: 5/5
LULULEMON - CIRCUIT BREAKER BRA
The lululemon Circuit Breaker Bra was designed with high intensity workouts in mind so it is created to keep you dry and to give great support (with a suggested bust size of B/C cup). It is made with lycra to help it keep it’s shape and to allow it to stretch.
The Good:
Great design/fabric (especially in the “power luxtreme spray jacquard white black” that was tested).
Racerback provides an excellent versatility for tops worn overtop.
Very comfortable band under the bust and provides good support.
Made for high intensity workouts in mind, therefore sweat wicking.
Removable cups.
The Bad:
Shoulder straps are not adjustable, and they rubbed my neck making it a little uncomfortable and a bit irritated post-run.
The Verdict:
I was immediately drawn to the fabric and design of this piece. Though it did rub my neck a little bit, I still really like the other features it provided such as: support, sweat wicking material and easy care instructions. Hardly noticed it on my runs which definitely puts it in my good books.
Rating: 4/5
BJÖRN BORG x CRAIG GREEN - BRA TOP
This piece was part of a collaboration capsule with London based designer Craig Green featuring a higher cut neck, giving it layered look in the front, and a cutout in the back.
The Good:
Great fit and versatile design that can be worn on it’s own or layered.
Made from a structured material that provides excellent support.
Felt like a second-skin (so comfortable!).
Easily worn as a workout or lifestyle piece.
The Bad:
No safety features such as reflectiveness for night visibility.
The Verdict:
Not only is the design sleek & stylish it is also functional. The higher neck and the longer length was ideal on cooler runs because it provided additional warmth without overheating when layered. In addition, I really liked the comfort of this piece - while I was running, I completely forgot I was wearing this due to the comfortable band under the bust and the support it provided. I have to say, this is one of my new favourite pieces!
Rating: 5/5
OAKLEY - SESSIONS PRINTED SPORTS BRA
The Sessions Printed Sports Bra is designed for low-impact activities, such as yoga or walking. However, I found that the snug fit fabric, elastic rib cage and adjustable straps made this top suitable for low to medium impact running.
The shape is different than most sports bras, made with a mesh V-shaped inset that allows for breathability and thin straps that connect in a low design in the back. This design is supportive for larger cup sizes, which I always appreciate. It is nice to be able to get a sports bra with adjustable straps, that are not too thick, yet still offer support. I was skeptical about the fabric choice of the elastic band, my initial reaction was that it felt corse, turns out the fabric did not bother me at all while running, in fact it is very comfortable.
The Good:
Supports larger breasts with the O-FORM™ four way stretch technology.
Adjustable thin straps.
Stylish.
Breathable mesh inset.
The Bad:
Technically made for low impact sports.
The shape is rather unique.
The Verdict:
Oakley has a winner on it’s hands. The fun patterns and design shape really add to the fact that it truly is able to comfortably support you through your mid-distance runs.
Rating: 3/5
NIKE - PRO INDY COOL SPORTS BRA
Not all sports bras are created equal. It’s important to give support without suffocating, allow breathability without adding too many “cutesie” cutouts and, let’s face it, we usually want it to look good. The Nike Pro Indy Cool sports bra can deliver on all fronts.
Even though it is labeled a light support garment, the bra has the trifecta of straps; thin, adjustable and supportive. The longer band around your ribcage means that you won’t have to worry about the bra being ill-fitting or lifting throughout your run. The bonded seams create a chafe-free workout, and the always reliable Nike Dri-FIT technology allows you to stay cool and sweat-pool free no matter how long your run.
The Good:
Thin and adjustable straps.
Excellent comfort and support.
Bonded seams, means no chafing.
The Bad:
Size up, it runs a bit tight, no pun intended.
The Verdict:
If you are looking to add one sports bra to your run lineup, the Nike Pro Indy Cool sports bra is it. It’s stylish, supportive, affordable, comfortable and has the added benefit of the Dri-FIT technology. Even though it is designed for low-impact sports, the racerback design and adjustable straps create the support and comfort you want for short and long runs.
Rating: 5/5
BJÖRN BORG - RANDOM DOT SPORT TOP
The Björn Borg Sport Top is a medium support top designed for low impact activities like hiking and skiing. In spite of this, I pushed it to the extreme and used it as a sports bra during high impact running and was pleasantly surprised.
The top is made with 80% Polyamide material, which makes the bra super-stretchy. Polyamides are some of the highest resistance sportswear textiles on the market, so it’ll carry you through hundreds of runs while still looking like new. It’s also great at wicking moisture away. It stayed dry all the way through my long runs.
The cut and construction are designed to be non-chafing, and it fits like a glove. It stays put whether you’re running or cycling and feels like a second skin.
If you do decide to wear it on its own, it’s printed with an attractive black and white dot pattern and provides maximum coverage across your chest, so you’ll feel comfortable donning it solo for an indoor treadmill session.
The Good:
Material makes it ultra stretchy and comfortable.
Non-chafing, snug but not-too-tight fit.
Ultra supportive.
The Bad:
Not adjustable.
The Verdict:
The Björn Borg top is a well-made item that goes the extra mile. Despite its extreme elasticity, it’s supportive and form-fitting without being constricting. You can wear it confidently under a sports tank or on its own and trust that it will see you through all of your favorite activities.
Rating: 4.5/5