The latest crop of sports bras delivers style and performance – and a healthy dose of attitude. – By Ryan Scott & Kelly Bastone.

Great sports bras are more than mere garments. They’re engineering marvels that can help runners extend their workouts, improve running form, and even avoid injury. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth in England found that excessive breast movement  can   result    in  heavier, injury-promoting landings. But a properly fitted bra can reduce breast bounce by half, making it one of the best investments a runner can make.

Easy On/Off
Melbourne Sports Bra R959

“I was able to focus on running, without worrying about bounce,” said one C-cup tester, who praised this bra’s ability to keep her feeling cool and dry throughout her runs and circuit-training classes. Soft fabrics and seams work together to prevent chafing, and the sturdy, uncomplicated straps may look cute, but they’re brawny. www.lornajane.co.za

 

Best Ventilation
Falke Sport & Street R150

The elastic straps were broader than any others tested, but the comfort didn’t stop there; soft-brushed fabric also minimised friction. Mesh inlay panels were perforated enough for adequate ventilation, and the Drynamix moisture-management system helped keep testers cool and dry.
Totalsports

 

Best Wicking
Icebreaker Merino
GT Rush Bra R699

Thanks to Merino wool, special fibres wick moisture more effectively – and as bacteria doesn’t affect Merino wool, this bra actually has the ability to clean itself, giving it a longer lifespan than any of the other bras tested.
Drifters

 

 

 

Best Value
New Balance Tenderly Obsessive R499

A three-way fitting system, designed to allow runners to adjust the straps and activate the stabilised central-front frame (lateral support), and the sculpture-moulded, padded cups. Some high-impact testers found that the thin straps cut in a little when adjusted to the required amount of tension.
New Balance Stores

 

 

 

Most Flattering
adidas Boost Bra R699

A deep V-neckline is flattering, but relies on cup construction and a tight chest band to pull the support in sufficiently. Thankfully, hotspots on the band are eliminated by a pimpled, soft-brushed cotton pattern, which distributes the pressure evenly. There’s also an extra-large soft section under the clasp, to dampen the pressure.
adidas Concept Stores

 

 

Bounce Eliminator
Puma PWR Shape R999

If zero bounce is your priority, this bra delivers. Moulded cups with extra support towards the chest band, as well as straps that are super-padded, allowing for extra-tight setting, combine to give great support and comfort that our D-cup testers enjoyed most out of all the bras tested.
Puma Stores

 

 

 

Best Feel
Triaction Seamfree Top R449

Employing a variety of stitch patterns and a thick chest band, this simple, stretchy top gave surprised testers more support than they thought they’d get. They reported that the seamless construction feels like a second skin. And the best part? Gathered seams eliminate the dreaded ‘uniboob’.
Sportsmans Warehouse

 

 

 

Best Combo
Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra R600

Two sets of clasps (on the bottom band and upper back) make this bra more onerous to put on, but once testers started running, they ranked this bra highly for a combination of support and ventilation. One tester even found relief from chronic soreness in the shoulders.
Sportsmans Warehouse

 

Best Double-Up
Puma Essential Graphic R399

When it comes to support, some runners enjoy doubling up. This racer-back option fits easily over the first layer, keeping everything locked down. There are no clasps or hooks, which makes for a simple design that won’t get snagged on the first layer. Dry Cell technology wicks moisture away.
Puma Stores

 

Max Adjustability
Anita Active from R900

Lightweight in the front, all the action takes place on the shoulders and at the back. Wide straps create a fixed X-back crossover, which pulls together with a traditional bottom band, but testers were impressed with the clever, soft and padded shoulder straps, adjusted easily from the front.
www.pvnagencies.co.za