Bra reviews are always awkward so I’m just going to get on with it. There are two types of running bras: Compression and encapsulation. A compression bra resembles a crop top and is pulled on over the head. An encapsulation bra has two cups like a normal bra but with more support. The Runderwear Original Support Running Bra ($70) is an “encapsulation” bra—that you pull on over your head.
What I Liked
Standard Bra Sizing
Like all Runderwear bras the Runderwear Original Support Running Bra comes in standard bra sizing not generic S, M, L, XL etc. Up until I was introduced to the Runderwear line, I had no idea so many bra sizes existed beyond the usual cup sizes of A, B, C, D. It seems like Runderwear’s sizing spans the entire alphabet to ensure no girl is left out. In case my peculiar brand of sarcasm has no effect on you—I don’t blame you, it’s terrible—that was an intended pun (laugh now).
Outstanding Fit
The bra size I normally wear perfectly aligns with the Runderwear Original Support Running Bra size that aligns with my bra size. (Yes, that’s right, not telling the Internet my bra size, creepers)
Amazing Support and Comfort
I’ve worn running bras that had so much support that it felt like I was being squished to death by a boa constrictor. I’ve worn running bras that were so comfortable that they failed to provide support. My intended use for the Runderwear Original Support Running Bra has been running and I can say without a doubt that this is the best running bra I have ever worn because I feel it strikes a great balance between providing the right amount of support for running while not feeling like a straightjacket.
The adjustable straps don’t dig into my skin, the seamless design does not chafe, it’s not too high in the armpits, the bottom band is wide and soft, and it’s made from a fabric that doesn’t feel like sport bra fabric. And that unsightly ‘arm fat’ that oftentimes bulges at the armpits, even when you don’t have excessive body fat, when wearing a bra that is too supportive? That doesn’t happen as bad with Runderwear Original Support Running Bra.
Chafe-free Guarantee
Runderwear is “so confident that your Runderwear will provide the solution to your chafing, that we offer a 28 day, no fuss guarantee. If you wear our products and they cause you to chafe, we will happily refund you, it’s as simple as that.”
What I didn’t Like
Still Hard to Fasten
The Runderwear Original Support Running Bra is not the easiest to put on. Their Easy-On Support Running Bra seems much easier–as the name implies. This is a good thing because it tells me that Runderwear has listened to customer feedback and made just enough design modifications to make it easier to put on—just enough, but not totally enough. The Original Support Running Bra has both a racer back and a hook eye closure, meaning you have to pull it on first and then fasten it from the back. Which, for me, is challenging for two reasons: reduced range of motion in my left shoulder from an injury and subsequent surgery, and because I lack eyes in the back of my head.
It has two hooks and closures and three positions so lining them up is always a series of fumbling and false starts and half-hooks when I can’t see what I’m doing in the first place. This leads me to speculate on the gender of the bra designer. To be perfectly transparent, if I was a sport bra designer, I would have left off the hook and closure system on the back and just gone with the racer back so that I can pull it on over my head. But if you have no issues fastening a bra from the back this won’t be an issue for you.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt this is the most supportive and most comfortable running bra I have ever met. I predict you will agree once you try it.
Although the price point of $70 is steep, I guarantee its performance and comfort is worth the price of admission.
