Part 2: Essential Guide To Brooks Running Bras
Brooks is a household name among runners as a top, running-specific brand – connecting everyone from beginner runners to elite marathoners with the gear you need to inspire confidence in every stride. Get excited because Brooks have now turned their research-driven engineering to an essential piece of sportswear no female athlete should be without…. a running bra.
Yes, you read correctly – a running bra. Brooks feel that the generic term sports bra is ready to be put on the sidelines in favour of gear that caters more specifically to your sport, to rise up (and strap in!) to meet the challenges of running.
We are thrilled to introduce you to the new Brooks range of Run Bras that are each designed with the running biomechanics of breasts in mind. In our running bra guide we’ll put each of the Brooks Run Bras under the spotlight to help you find your ideal match in terms of fit and function.
For a more in-depth look at running bra benefits and the anatomy of a sports bra, we recommend reading Part 1: How To Choose A Sports Bra To Support Breast Health.
Brooks Drive Plunge: Distraction-free support when the intensity climbs
The Brooks Drive Plunge is best suited for the runner that wants to feel ‘fully contained’ and held in the right places without compromise to breathability. This running bra has been put to work in the real-world in everything from obstacle courses to endurance runs.
Running Bra Anatomy
Support Type: Compression – Holds breasts in place and close against your chest to restrict breast movement without inhibiting your ability to run naturally.
Cups / Padding: Envelop-style pockets provide a secure home for the cups on-the-go, preventing them from shifting out of place. The cups are removable to customise the support as you wish.
Bra Band: The bra band is a standard width, making it versatile for a variety of running workouts and other high-intensity activity.
Straps: Criss-cross and V-shaped straps provide a stabilising team while allowing your upper back to breathe. The straps are wide – ensuring they won’t dig in during high-intensity activity and offer a flattering look.
Key Features: Fabric & Style
Breathability: Breathable mesh is placed in sweat-prone zones – in between your breasts and at the back to promote cool air flow – keeping you fresh for longer and free of skin irritation and chafing.
Sweat-wicking: DriLayer HorsePower fabric transfers moisture away from your skin for fast evaporation – leaving you feeling lighter, fresher and fighting off that sticky ‘sweat-drenched’ sensation during high-intensity training.
Feel: Ultra-Soft -This quick-drying performance fabric offers a lightweight and buttery-soft feel. Crafted from bluesign-certified materials, it’s a win-win for eco-conscious athletes.
Style: Pullover - A favourite choice for high-intensity training, this running bra is free of potentially irritating clasps and isn’t adjustable – yet with the right fit, it conforms to your body firmly and comfortably. Pullover styles are generally trickier to put on, but it’s well worth the effort with the trustworthy support they provide.
Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0: Ultra-versatile for all running workouts
A soft feel and modest coverage make the Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 ideal for all kind of running workouts – from shorter, faster runs to easy-going long runs. The versatile design also makes it a favourite in your rotation for cross-training without being distracted by bounce. It provides reliable support without constricting your movement and accommodates all breast shapes and sizes.
Run Bra Anatomy
Support Type: Lift and encapsulate – Ideal for a variety of breast shapes and sizes, this running bra provides a bounce-reducing fit by supporting each breast individually.
Cups / Padding: Built-in moulded cups stay in place for zero distractions.
Bra Band: A slightly elongated bra band is integrated into the running bra for smooth and 'invisible' support.
Straps: A pair of wide, intersecting criss-cross straps provide smooth stabilisation against your back. These straps are non-adjustable.
Key Features: Fabric & Style
Breathability: Perforated in key zones to promote ventilation, particularly in-between the breasts where sweat build-up is common.
Sweat-wicking: DriLayer HorsePower fabric transfers moisture away from your skin for fast evaporation – leaving you feeling lighter, fresher and fighting off that sticky ‘sweat-drenched’ sensation during high-intensity training.
Feel: Virtually seamless - The performance fabric is virtually seamless for a smooth and chafe-free fit that ensures it won’t dig in during activity.
Style: Pullover - Zero clasps provide maximum comfort and a streamlined feel – providing support that’s free of non-essentials.
Brooks Dare Racerback 2.0: Shapes to your body like a supportive second-skin
A new evolution of a favourite, the Brooks Dare Racerback 2.0 pairs a timeless racerback style with contemporary comfort. It’s a go-to for runners that prefer easy adjustability for a more personalised fit without compromise to support.
Run Bra Anatomy
Support Type: Encapsulate – provides a breast-hugging fit for smooth support and a second-skin feel. Ideal for accommodating a range of sizes while offering a bounce-reducing design.
Cups / Padding: Built-in moulded unicup.
Bra Band: A slightly elongated bra band is integrated into the running bra for smooth support. The band is reinforced to handle the high-intensity nature of running.
Straps: Adjustable racerback straps provides a non-slip fit, allowing your arms to pump freely and providing personalised support to hold your breasts in place just-right. The straps are reinforced to extend the lifespan of your go-to running bra.
Key Features: Fabric & Style
Breathability: Perforations in-between the breast allows cool air to flow in this sweat-prone zone.
Sweat-wicking: DriLayer HorsePower fabric transfers moisture away from your skin for fast evaporation – leaving you feeling lighter, fresher and fighting off that sticky ‘sweat-drenched’ sensation during high-intensity training.
Feel: Virtually Seamless -The performance fabric is virtually seamless for a smooth, chafe-free fit that ensures it won’t dig in during activity.
Style: Pullover/Adjustable - A pullover racerback style meets adjustability with a hook-and-eye clasp at the back creating a customisable and adaptable fit of the bra band.
Brooks Drive 3 Pocket: Smooth blend of support and storage
Hello pockets! The stand-out feature of the Brooks Drive 3 Pocket running bra is its multiple storage options to stash your essentials. Mesh pockets on the sides and a bonded back phone pocket provide a safe home for your phone, keys, cards or energy gels. You can shed weight by leaving your running waistpack or hydration pack for only when you really need them.
Modest coverage with a high neckline lets you run on the road, beach or trail and layer down at the gym without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction from your breasts ‘spilling’ out the top. This running bra is ready to run in all conditions.
Run Bra Anatomy
Support Type: Compression – Beats bounce by holding your bust closely and comfortably to your body – cutting down breast movement without feeling constricted or interfering with your mobility.
Cups / Padding: Envelop-style pockets provide a secure home for the cups on-the-go, preventing them from shifting out of place. The cups are removable to customise the support as you wish.
Bra Band: The bra band is integrated into the running bra for smooth support.
Straps: Wide, supportive straps stabilise your breasts on-the-move, create no-fuss support and an uncomplicated racerback design. The straps are non-adjustable.
Key Features: Fabric & Style
Breathability: A cut-out at the back allows your skin to breathe.
Sweat-wicking: DriLayer HorsePower fabric transfers moisture away from your skin for fast evaporation – leaving you feeling lighter, fresher and cooler. It fights off that sticky ‘sweat-drenched’ sensation during high-intensity training.
Feel: Smooth - Performance fabric keeps seams to a minimum to keep chafing in check. Bonded seams provide a smooth feel against your skin.
Style: Pullover – Free of clasps, this running bra isn’t adjustable – prioritising a smooth, seamless fit and distraction-free support.
Brooks Drive Interlace: Minimalist shaping, maximum style
The Brooks Drive Interlace running bra is ideal for runners that are seeking minimalism in terms of shaping, and extra oomph in terms of style with airy, interlacing straps at the back. Adjustability in the front straps and back clasp make it accommodating for a variety of bust sizes.
Run Bra Anatomy
Support Type: Compression – Compression-based support limits breast movement during activity without making your bust feel ‘squashed’.
Cups / Padding: Minimal shaping and no built-in cup creates a natural fit and subtle nipple coverage. If you’re seeking additional coverage with in-built or removable cups for a padded feel, see the options above.
Bra Band: Smooth edges and wirefree design creates a bra band that flows naturally from the rest of the garment for a distraction-free fit.
Straps: Intersecting straps allow your skin to breathe while providing a stay-put and flattering fit from road to yoga studio. The front strap offers adjustability for a more personalised feel.
Key Features: Fabric & Style
Breathability: Targeted ventilation with mesh at heat zones including at the base of the bust and at the back.
Sweat-wicking: DriLayer HorsePower fabric transfers moisture away from your skin for fast evaporation – leaving you feeling lighter, fresher and cooler. It fights off that sticky ‘sweat-drenched’ sensation during high-intensity training.
Feel: Smooth - Performance fabric keeps seams to a minimum to keep chafing in check. Bonded seams provide a smooth feel against your skin.
Style: Adjustable – Hook-and-eye clasp at the back makes it easy to put on and remove after a sweat session compared to traditional racerback styles that you must ‘peel’ off.
Hopefully this guide has given you insight on the similarities and differences in the Brooks running bra range to find the best sports bra for you. All of these run-ready bras are sweat-wicking, supportive and allow you to move naturally for distraction-free comfort and to perform at your peak.
Whether you prefer compression or encapsulation, racerback or crossover straps, no-nonsense pullover styles or an element of adjustability, Brooks has a running bra for you.
Happy running!
If you liked this, then you'll love:
Part 1: How To Choose A Sports Bra To Support Breast Health