It took me about 20 years of running, plus having a baby and learning more about sports bras to FINALLY start investing in good bras for running. Seriously, up until 3 years ago I ran in cheap bras from Walmart and Target and I didn’t even replace them when they had holes in them. But that has changed! Let’s talk about the importance of a good sports bra and how to choose the best Brooks Run Bra.
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How to Choose the Best Brooks Run Bra
Why is a Good Bra for Running is Important
Over the last 40 years Brooks has been researching how to perfect the sports bra for women runners. That’s how they came up with the Run Bra- a bra designed specifically for running. Running is a high impact sport and we need to have enough support without chafing, skin irritation, or any other discomfort. A good bra should also be easy enough to put on and fit comfortably.
What should you look for in a Sports Bra
I think its important to figure out which features you prefer. Do you want adjustable straps? Hook-back closures? Removable pads? And honestly since I wear my Koala Clip so much I am always considering if I will be able to slide it into my sports bra. (By the way: you can save 10% at the Koala Clip site with the code LISAS10)
One thing to note if you happen to be a breastfeeding mom- there are some bras with shoulder straps that open so that you can easily feed or pump right before or after your run. These were the two bras I wore all the time when I was breastfeeding- the Fiona and Juno. (I got these when I was pregnant and needed extra support).
Related: The Best Nursing Sports Bra for Runners
Recommended Bras and Pros and Cons of Each
The two categories of Run Bras that Brooks offers are the Dare and the Drive. The dare has “a locked-in feel with distraction-free comfort” and the drive has “compressive, flexible support”. I’ve found that I really like certain bras in each category!
Dare Criss Cross Run Bra
This is a really fun bra with a different design. I actually find this style to be the least supportive so I don’t wear it for long runs or hard workouts. I also haven’t tried it with my Koala Clip. I love the color and it’s very comfortable.
Dare Crossback Run Bra
I have two of these in different sizes. The black one is bigger and I wore it when I was breastfeeding. Now it rubs little bit under my arms because its too big. The red one is smaller and fits well now. It feels very supportive and holds my Koala clip well. Great for solo runs outside and even long or hard runs.
Dare High Neck Run Bra
I’ve only had this for a few weeks and I really like it so far! It’s something I would run in by itself because its more like a cropped shirt that a sports bra. It looks a little funny under a small tank top or t-shirt because the front neck goes so high.
Dare Scoop Back Run Bra
This is another one from my breastfeeding days thats slightly too big now. It was great last year with a good amount of support. I didn’t use my Koala Clip with this one because of the low back style. I think it might be tricky to get it to stay in place.
Dare V-Neck Run Bra
This is another bra with a fun design. It’s hard to see in the picture but there are small straps in the back that criss-cross. It’s comfortable but doesn’t provide me with as much support as some of the others. And I’ve used it with my Koala Clip but it does get a little tricky to make sure it will stay in place.
Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra
This is my #1 favorite bra right now! I love everything about it- the perfect amount of support, the high neck, a pocket for my phone and other pockets on the sides! No need for a Koala Clip for this one but you could certainly use it if you wanted to. I have a feeling I will be getting alot of use out of this in the coming months.
Drive Interlace Run Bra
This bra doesn’t have padding so it’s much thinner. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it but I really like it! It has hook eye closures and fun straps in the back. I haven’t tried my Koala Clip with this one yet but I think it would work fine. I feel like this one really holds me in but its so comfortable and I don’t notice that I’m wearing it at all.
Drive Mesh Run Bra
I’ve only had this one for a week but I’ve already worn it a few times! This is another one I would wear by itself without a shirt. I love the fun design and high neck. I think it would be tricky to use a Koala Clip but I’ll probably give it a try and see how it goes. This one has removable pads.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are so many options of run bras that Brooks has created. I think most runners will be able to find something that works for them. There is also a lot of great info in this Sports Bra Tips for Runners post by Run Happy Expert Alexandra Will. You can also use Brooks’ Bra Finder for find a run bra that will work for you.
Even if you don’t go with Brooks, make sure you are using sports bras that are comfortable and supportive, and that you are replacing them regularly! And if you need more support, check out these 4 Best Sports Bras for Large Busts (+ the Worst) from The Mother Runners!
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What is your favorite sports bra brand?
Are there certain features you always look for in a sports bra?
I remember you mentioned the “Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra” in your Mother Day gift post and I was surprised that I had never heard of this bra before.
A bra with pockets is genius! How easy is it to put in/take out your phone in the back pocket?
It’s easy when you don’t have a shirt on yet, or if you’re just wearing a tank top. When I’ve tried to put it in under more layers or a shirt that go up high it gets trickier. I guess you do need some good arm mobility to reach around back there though!
Wow. So many types of bras!
I’m don’t need much support. Handful bras are my favorite. I do have a few lululemon ones (on sale) that I like too.
Thanks for the tips.
I’ve heard great things about Handful! I don’t need much support either but I definitely notice the difference when I wear something thats higher quality vs cheaper and worn out.
It is very challenging for me to find a running bra with enough support to hold me in as a DD. It is a work in progress! I do think the Brooks bras have come a long a way in terms of support. I like the underwire adjustable one.
I haven’t tried the underwire ones. Its great that they have an option thats more supportive for those who need it!
My sports bras are so old, I’m sure I need to replace them. I find it so hard to find ones I like. Target had one I liked but discontinued it. That Dare Crossback looks comfortable. I might give it a try.
You know its bad because all my Target and Walmart ones were purchased like 6+ years go. I don’t even know if they make them any more! I’m so glad I started to collect some newer ones.
Thanks for a super helpful post! I’ve never worn Brooks bras before, but I have my eye on the Drive 3 Pocket and the Drive Mesh- always looking out for bras I can wear with no shirt. These both look super cute ( and- pockets!!! Why has no one thought of this before?)
The pockets are so helpful! I have never really been one to run in just a sports bra, mostly because of the low quality ones I used to wear. But now that I have some with fuller coverage Im much more likely to run in just a bra.
Such great options!
A good bra is critical to the sport, and this is a good reminder to get one that suits you and fits properly.
Yes!! Since I don’t need a ton of support I didn’t pay much attention to them before. But now I’ve learned that its really important for everyone to wear a good one!
Hmmm…I will admit that I have SO many cheap sports bras that are in need of retirement! I bought a couple of nursing sports bras and they work great, but you’ve got me thinking that I’m really missing out with all the great options from Brooks! The high neck designs are really appealing!
I really like the high beck ones more than I thought I would! I think I just really like alot of coverage without too much padding.
Some of those bras look great! I’m afraid I’m one of those who just goes for the cheapest bras (not having a whole lot to support lol).
That’s how I was too for so long! But now I really notice the difference when I wear a higher quality one!
My sports bras are a few years old and I need new ones. This is so helpful! I’m especially intrigued by the pocket bras.
Having a sports bra with pockets is amazing! I end up wearing it at least several times a week.