Best Running Bras Ever

When it comes to running gear there are two things I will spend a lot of money on -- shoes and bras. And while you can find a shoe that cushions your forefoot, cradles your heel, mimics running barefoot, protects your ankles on uneven ground, corrects your alignment issues and fulfills pretty much any need your lower body could have, when it comes to bras, the technology seems to be stuck in the 70s.

From clasps that rub your back to straps that aren't adjustable, I sometimes put on a bra and wonder if the manufacturers bothered to ask a woman runner to try it. And so goes my quest for the best bra ever.

I'm admittedly picky in most areas of my life, but I think my criteria for the BBE is reasonable. It goes something like this: The bra must wick moisture. It must not have visible seams or lines. (How much do I hate when I have weird lines protruding through my shirt?) It should be adjustable and easy to put on. (Have you ever tried to take off a sweaty running bra that can only go over your head?) All clasps and metal should be covered or away from skin. (It seems like a no-brainer, but I have actual scars from bra hardware.) It must survive several washings with shape and moisture wicking in tact. And though this is the most obvious requirement, it is the one where most bras fail -- it must control bounce during high impact runs.

I put several bras to the test recently but only two were BBE material. Here are the ones that scored high marks:

Le Mystere
When I saw that the brand that makes slinky lingerie was entering the world of exercise apparel, I figured their bras wouldn't make the cut. But when I considered how their popular bridal bustier -- which I wore at my own wedding -- was the perfect combo of seamless and extremely supportive without being overly restrictive, I figured the sports bra was worth considering. It did not disappoint. The Le Mystere Energie Sports Bra ($62) had all those same qualities of met the BBE criteria. One note, this bra has molded cups so there's no uni-boob here, but I found the cups a bit heavy on the padding for my taste. However, I still love it enough to recommend it to you.



Champion Double Dry Action Shape Sports Bra
Champion makes a variety of great bras for runners. I've probably tried them all, but the one I keep coming back to is the Double Dry Action Shape Sports Bra. Like Le Mystere, it also has molded cups, but just enough to give shape without being overly padded. The straps never rub or slip and it manages to be incredibly supportive without underwire. One drawback: I find that these bras start to lose their shape and moisture wicking ability relatively quickly. But fortunately Champion frequently has sales and you can score this regularly $42 bra for $25 or less if you're patient.




As for the ones I can't recommend, the problems included a high number of clasps oddly located in the front that not only meant it took forever to put on, but also created a long seam that called attention to my chest when under a shirt. There were also bras with too general sizing that meant the cups fit but the band didn't or vice versa -- a recipe for chaffing and one that didn't allow for adjustments to the shoulder straps, which might work for some, but didn't fit me well.

What's your favorite running bra?

More on Running:
Find the Best Sports Bra For You
Is It Safe to Run a Marathon in Minimalist Shoes?
Go From Runner to Triathlete