From the April 2012 issue of Runner’s World

Find your perfect fit among these 11 great sports bras

By Dimity McDowell & Chelsea Eaw

For most women, a good sports bra is as important as the right shoes. And as with shoes, no one bra is perfect for everyone. To help you figure out which bra works for you, we recruited 25 testers, who ranged in size from 10A to 18F, to run in the latest models. The 11 on the following pages are their favourites. Start with your cup size, then answer a few questions to find the bra that matches your running needs.

BEST FOR A/B

Do you like a little padding? Yes.
Are you more A cup then B cup? A cup.
LORNA JANE BROOKE SPORTS BRA
A bra designed to give athletic beanpoles a more feminine shape, the LORNA JANE BROOKE SPORTS BRA (AUS & NZ A$59.99) features an attractive racer back design, removable pads and comfortable straps. Smaller testers appreciated how the Brooke helped them fill out their tops without sacrificing performance. “I loved it,” said one A-cup tester. “Now I don’t look like a 13-year-old boy.” XS–L; AUS & NZ lornajane.com

Do you like a little padding? Yes.
Are you more A cup then B cup? B cup.
LULULEMON ADJUST ME BRA
Deceptively supportive, the LULULEMON ADJUST ME BRA (A$59; NZ$69) can be hidden under singlets or worn by itself (it comes with removable pads). One marathoner raved about the total coverage and flattering stripes, calling it “secure and supercute.” Testers praised the adjustable soft, wide straps that stayed comfortable hours into a run. 4–12; AUS & NZ lululemon.com

Do you like a little padding? Yes.
Where do you need to make adjustments? Shoulders.
ASICS CROSS BACK BRA
Runners with short or long bodies can customise the straps of the ASICS CROSS BACK BRA (A$55; NZ$70). The back straps and chest band, which stays anchored, work together to minimise bounce. “I didn’t notice the bra at all,” said a 12B. Another tester, after an 8K, said, “The fabric is light and cool, but the bra doesn’t put too much on display.” XS–L; AUS asics.com.au; NZ asics.co.nz

Do you like a little padding? No.
Where do you need to make adjustments? Torso.
2XU CONTOUR SUPPORT BRA
With super technical clasps, wear-testers who normally avoid back-fastening bras (for fear of them unhooking) found coming undone in 2XU CONTOUR SUPPORT BRA (A$110; NZ$105) the nearly impossible. “There was surprising freedom of movement, especially in the arms,” said an A-cup tester, who was initially unsure of its stiffness. Wear-testers raved about its support, light padding and personalised fit. XXS–XL; AUS & NZ 2xu.com

BEST FOR C/D

Are you a fan of racer or keyhole backs? Yes, racer.
NIKE VICTORY SHAPE SPORTS BRA
The NIKE VICTORY SHAPE SPORTS BRA (A$50; NZ$55) is an effective racer back for the C/D crowd, thanks in part to the tightly woven fabric around the bust. “Nothing moved,” said a C-cup after 6K on the treadmill, also citing the reinforced, no-give shoulder straps. The bra’s moulded cups use lightweight foam to keep things modest without trapping extra heat. XS–XL; AUS & NZ nikestore.com.au

Are you a fan of racer or keyhole backs? Yes, keyhole.
ROCKWEAR STYLE 1505 KEYHOLE BACK
“A simple, stretchy bra for a mid-sized bust,” surmised a 10C after pulling on the ROCKWEAR STYLE 1505 KEYHOLE BACK (AUS & NZ A$54.99). The breathable drymesh means your back stays cool, and the soft fabric allows you to run unrestricted. It’s all about comfort, says another tester: “I like to move freely when I run, so for me this was perfect.” 6–16; AUS & NZ rockwear.com

Are you a fan of racer or keyhole backs? No.
Do you prefer bras that look like a sports bra? No.
CHAMPION SHAPE SCOOP BRA
While many bras for larger chests are akin to straightjackets, the CHAMPION SHAPE SCOOP BRA (AUS A$60; NZ N/A) is sleek yet still provides ample support. Fans of structured bras will love the shapely front seams and fully constructed inner bra shelf. The underwire also keeps “the girls” separated: “It didn’t smush two boobs into one,” said a 12D after a 10K. Testers emphasised the importance of getting fitted for this bra. 34C–40DD; AUS howyouplay.com.au; NZ N/A

Are you a fan of racer or keyhole backs? No.
Do you prefer bras that look like a sports bra? Yes.
MOVING COMFORT JUBRALEE
The seam-free, contoured cups of the MOVING COMFORT JUBRALEE (A$95; NZ$115) provide a clean sports bra look, and was a favourite in the C/D crowd. It fits under form-fitting tops (“Impressive lift without being too busty,” said a 14C) and performs capably. “No chafing, and it wicked very well,” said a D. “Surprisingly supportive.” Testers liked the fun colours available. 8B–22DD; AUS movingcomfort.com.au; NZ movingcomfort.co.nz

BEST FOR DD+

Are you a fuller figure? Yes.
ELOMI ENERGISE SPORTS BRA
“Finally, a good plus-size sports bra!” raved a grateful 18F about the ELOMI ENERGISE SPORTS BRA (A$74.95; NZ$100). Curvy wear-testers were fond of the form-fitting deep side panels. “It stretched and held in all the right places,” said one tester, an F cup. The multi-panelled cups shape and lift. Each breast is encapsulated with total coverage, reducing movement without compressing. “I was blown away by how good it felt,” said a tester after a 5K. 12D–24J; AUS & NZ elomilingerie.com

Are you a fuller figure? No.
Do you prefer underwire? Yes.
SIXTY4 COMPRESSION BASIC BRA
With customisable shoulder straps, the SIXTY4 COMPRESSION BASIC BRA (AUS A$34.99; NZ N/A) offers a comprehensive dial-it-in fit. Testers loved the soft cotton lining and the slippery outer that didn’t cling to clothes. “It didn’t move or chafe and the fabric wicked really well,” reported one 10DD tester. Another DD-cup tester said: “Great if you like a non–sports bra feel.” 10C–14E; AUS sixty4.net; NZ N/A

Are you a fuller figure? No.
Do you prefer underwire? No
FREYA ACTIVE SOFT CUP BRA
“It’s rare to find sports bras in 6 or 8 with fuller cups,” says Maxine Windram, marathoner and owner of Brava Lingerie, a shop specialising in supportive D cup and over bras (bravalingerie.com.au). With V-shaped meshing through its centre for venting, and wide, padded shoulder straps, the FREYA ACTIVE SOFT CUP BRA (A$74.95; NZ$100) puts the emphasis on comfort. “There are no underwires to poke me!” said a DD-cup tester. 6C–18H; AUS & NZ freyalingerie.com

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