PUBLISHED 07/18/2007
Every female runner needs the right jog bra--one that fits well, offers adequate support, wicks sweat, has smooth seams, and looks great. A tall order, for sure. And with all the sports bra options out there (what's the difference between a shimmel and a cami anyway?), it can be hard to find the perfect bra for you. So we asked more than 150 women from Making Strides, an all-women running group in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to test 20 of the newest jog bras on the market. They rated the bras on their overall comfort, support, ability to control moisture and minimize chafing, adjustability, styling, and special features. They rated these nine sports bras the best.
Light support
New Balance Tonic 2.0 Crop
The polyester/spandex-blend fabric of this top is light and breathable, and it does a great job keeping moisture away from the skin so that chafing isn't an issue. The stretch mesh that's strategically placed within the bra liner increases the top's ventilation, and the racer back has a cool extra opening at the base for maximum mobility and added style.
Wear-tester says: "The bra formed nicely to my body and had a very comfortable, light feel." --Kathy Walbert, 58
Price: $30
Sizes: XS to 2XL
Best for: A, B, and C cups
Contact: www.newbalance.com
Nike Personal Best Short Sport Top
The ultramodern look of this bra really got our wear-testers excited. They particularly liked the slices of contrasting color and the unique racer-back cut with added strap detail. But this bra feels as good as it looks. The Dri-Fit jersey material is soft, supportive, and handles sweat well. And the mesh panel that runs along the bottom of the front of the bra keeps you cool over the long haul.
Wear-tester says: "Cute enough to wear by itself, but breathable enough to wear under a shirt." --Michelle Tauber, 39
Price: $38
Sizes: XS to XL
Best for: A and B cups
Contact: nikerunning.com
Patagonia W's Active Sport Top
Soft and seamless, this top feels smooth against the skin. Varied knits on different parts of the bra enhance performance, such as the mesh in the back that increases airflow, the ribbing in the bodice that adds support, and the soft jersey weave that allows for stretch while maintaining shape. And the front fabric is doubled to cut down on transparency.
Wear-tester says: "Its wider straps proved very comfortable. They didn't dig into my shoulders." --Catherine Elwell, 64
Price: $38
Sizes: XS to XL
Best for: A, B, and C cups
Contact: patagonia.com
