MEDIUMTO-HIGHSUPPORT BRAS
Under Armour
Infinity Bra (High Support) $70, High Support XS to XL $50, Medium Support XS to XL $40, Low Support XS to XL Black, Nude
You’ll be invincible in this highly supportive, comfortable, great-looking bra, which feels like breastplate armour (but in the best possible way). Though the brand recommends high-support for high-impact activities like running, smaller-breasted women may find the medium-support (or even the low-support) model adequate for running. We love the back closure (for ease of getting it on and off) and the straps’ adjustability. The straps on the medium-support bra may be worn conventionally or criss-crossed.
Comes in 12 colour combinations Shock Absorber
Ultimate Run Bra
$78 Full range of conventional bra sizes
You know your bra will work for running if it works for horseback riding, which this popular U.K. dedicated bra brand claims its Ultimate model does. The Ultimate boasts “extreme” bounce control via both compression and encapsulation, and was created based on research out of the University of Portsmouth, resulting in bras the company claims reduce breast movement by up to 78 per cent. This style has two back closures for maximum support and less movement, but you’ll want to keep the top closure fastened. It has an innovative system for adjusting the padded straps so the metal hooks do not touch your skin. This bra also comes in a padded version in four colour combinations for those who prefer a little more nipple coverage and a smoother look under a shirt.
Shock Absorber
Ultimate Fly Bra
$78 Full range of conventional bra sizes Black/Grey, Black/Coral, Black/Deep Blue Water, Grey/Lime, Light Grenadine/Empire Yellow
Shock Absorber is very popular among women looking for a very supportive bra for running, and it’s easy to see why. The Fly bra is a great alternative to the Ultimate model, with many of the same bells and whistles, but with more padding in the straps and a mesh back to keep you cool. Like the Ultimate, it features two rear closures, but the straps lack the protective pads under the metal hooks.
New Balance
Power X Bra
$70 XS (fits A–C cup) to XL (fits D–DD cup) Black, Logwood, Stone Blue
This high-support bra is designed to provide maximum support for your hardest workouts, and is comfortable enough for your longest runs. The back clasp and adjustable, padded straps mean a perfect fit is within reach, and the sweat-wicking NB DRY technology and breathable, moulded cups are designed to deal with sweat and keep you comfortable throughout your run. (We also like the soft feel and smooth look of this bra’s jersey knit fabric.)
Brooks
Dare Crossback Run Bra $70 30 to 40 A/B, C/D Black, Navy
Brooks’ Dare line of dedicated running bras were made after extensive research into both the science of breast movement and how women shop for and use running bras. This bra’s seamless, built-in moulded cups conform to your shape, and its free-cut edges mean stitching (and therefore chafing) is minimized. The pullover style means no closure, making for a very lightweight, yet supportive and form-fitting bra. And it comes in conventional bra sizing, so you can nail the perfect fit even though it’s not adjustable. Another unusual feature we liked is that the bottom band is of a piece with the rest of the bra.
Brooks
Dare Strappy Run Bra $60 30 to 40 A/B Lapis, Navy
The Strappy model is similar to the Crossback in featuring moulded cups, freecut edges and an integrated bottom band, but has significantly less fabric in back, making it supremely lightweight and cool enough for the hottest days outdoors and the steamiest gyms. Like the Crossback, its perforated cups conform to your shape, and the seamless construction and Drilayer Horsepower fabric will keep you cool through your hardest workouts.
Adidas
Don’t Rest Branded Bra $55 XS to L Black, White, Glory Red, Legacy Purple
This striking-looking, lightweight, medium-support bra has super-wide, stretchy straps that practically guarantee a secure fit, with minimal bounce. It’s made with adidas’ moisture-absorbing AEROREADY fabric and mesh panels on the inside for maximum comfort. Its elastic bottom band wicks away sweat, and removable pads provide a compression fit and ample nipple coverage. An environmental bonus: this bra is made from recycled polyester.
Adidas Ultimate Bra $95 30A to 40B Black
This maximum-support, long-line bra has everything. It comes in traditional bra sizes (a sign that the brand takes fit seriously) and has a front zip – the easiest system for getting a bra on and off – which is shielded on the inside, so there’s no risk of chafing. It also provides maximum coverage, and wears like a top – perfect for warm days outside or treadmill days in the gym. Like the Adidas Don’t Rest, the Ultimate is made from recycled polyester.
Asics
High Support Bra $50 XS to XL Black
Although this bra doesn’t have a clasp, the elastic bottom band is wide enough to feel quite supportive (though possibly not as supportive as other high-support bras – larger-breasted women may prefer to use this one for their easier runs). The bra goes on over the head, fits snugly and minimizes bounce. The thicker straps and higher cut at the front also help keep everything in place, and its quick-dry fabric helps wick away sweat, while the smooth mesh backing will keep you cool in warm conditions.— CR