ESSENTIAL BRAS
A bra should be the first thing a new runner buys: here are four of the latest models to try
Adidas Techfit Control Medium-Support Bra
£65|XS (A-B)-XL (D-DD)|adidas.co.uk|Tester Laura
This bra really surprised me – in a good way. I didn’t hold out much hope for it when it first arrived as I’ve never found that pull-on style bras work that well for me. I generally go for something with cups and fastenings. However, this bra had a good amount of compression that keeps everything in place while still being comfortable. It didn’t eliminate movement completely, it just offers a smoother landing and shock absorption. I ran four miles in it off the bat and could have forgotten all about my boobs if it wasn’t for having to zone in on them for the purposes of this review. I usually wear a 32D in regular bras and the UK size Small worked for me. The bra is described as offering medium support but I found it performed better than many boasting high support. It also looks good and I’d happily wear it without a t-shirt.
Tracksmith Allston Adjustable Bra
£85|XS-XL|tracksmith.com Tester Laura
The great thing about this bra is that as soon as you finish your run, you can unclip the hook in the racerback and immediately feel a whole lot more comfortable. It’s something like the feeling of taking your bra off at the end of a long day at work. The bra looks great and stays faithful to Tracksmith’s traditional style ethic, and I’d have no problem wearing it without a T-shirt on hot days. It’s a compression-style bra with no cups but has the traditional hook-and-eye fastening and adjustable straps. The straps can easily convert from over-the-shoulder to a racerback fit, but I think you’re going to want them in the racerback while running for the extra support. It doesn’t give me zero movement but reduces movement enough for a comfortable run.
FreePeople Find Your Way Bra £88 | XS-XL | freepeople.com | Tester Gina
This is a high price for a sports bra that’s pretty, but also pretty unstructured and unsupportive. Billed as a highimpact bra, I think it’s more suitable for workouts or pilates than running and I found the scoop neck cut far too low on the chest. The adjustable straps at the back of the bra make it look – despite the racerback – like a regular bra and this would put me off wearing it on its own. Under a vest or tshirt, the halterneck straps are padded and pop out at the neck. This looks strange but could give useful extra cushioning under a barbell, or hydration vest. Overall, this is an expensive, comfortable bra that prioritises style over support.
UNDERARMOUR Infinity 2.0 High Sports Bra
£55|XS (A-C)-XL (D-DD)|underarmour.co.uk|Tester Kat
It’s not often I would give a piece of kit 5/5, especially a sports bra. Sometimes I feel that when you’re looking for a sports bra for running, in order to get the right amount of support, you end up with a product that chafes you at the band and digs in at the straps. However, I was pleasantly surprised and, if anything, it made me realise how little support my current bras have been giving me. I have tested this bra in the gym while heavy lifting, on a long run and during a faster interval session. I have jumped up and down and performed pre-run plyometrics. Nothing moved around my chest and it remained comfortable throughout. The straps are adjustable, the band is comfortable and, if you wish, you can change the straps to a cross-over racerback for a bit more support. It’s been washed a few times, and it hasn’t lost its shape or support. Surely designed by women for women, it’s that good… BEST IN TEST