Will The Right Sports Bra Please Stand Up?

By Jodi

When I first started running five years ago, I had no idea that an entire world of running shoes and gear existed.  I am now a more educated runner and have fallen in love with good gear.  I've managed to fill two dresser drawers with running-specific gear for every season.  I can tell you my favorite brands for running skirts, capris, pants, and shorts.  I will sing the praises of my favorite running shirts, shoes, and even socks. I've tried bras of all shapes, colors, sizes, and brands and liked them in varying degrees, but I have yet to find a sports bra that I absolutely love.  Will the right sports bra please stand up?

My first sports bra was a C9 for Target tank top with a built-in shelf bra.  Not a great option for a mom who had just weaned her fourth baby in four years, but I didn't know any better.  I was so proud of myself for being consistent at anything that didn't involve raising babies, that I bounced my way up and down my neighborhood for weeks before switching to a bra that fit better.

Part of my problem is that I don't seem to fit into any category.  My small-chested friends make every sports bra look great.  Their biggest dilemma is choosing their favorite color.  My large-chested friends have to go to running specialty stores and get fitted for bras that hold the girls beautifully in place and are comfortable to run in, but require a tank top or shirt to cover them because they are not even remotely cute.  I fall smack dab in the middle.  The shelf-bras are a no-go for me, but I don't need a high end, super expensive and supportive specialized bra either.  Is it too much to ask for a running bra that doesn't cost a small fortune, is supportive, comfy, AND cute?

My main requirement (and my biggest complaint) is finding a bra that is Headlight Proof.  Can we just say it out loud?  Running endorphins + a woman's breasts = headlights.  And it's not attractive.  We can easily power through a thin layer of material and you'd think clothing manufacturer's would realize this.  I am on a mission to find a comfortable and cute sports bra that is headlight proof without being bulky or unnatural looking from super-sized pads.

This spring Carissa bought a Handful Bra.  The design was fun, the fabric was soft and buttery, and the tag boasted this bra was made to "flatter, not flatten."  After one training run Carissa was hooked.  I happened to be in the market for a new bra after my last one chaffed mercilessly on a twenty-mile training run.  I went on the website and read more.  "This is the one and only handful bra, with the original design that combines function, feel and fashion, and supports you from workout to weekend!  The removable pads have you covered from warm-up to cool-down so you've got one - make that two - less things to worry about.  It flatters without flattening as a sports bra and as a feminine layering piece.  The handful bra supports you when you want to look, feel and perform your best." 

I am typically not a fan of removable pads, but I was desperate so I ordered one and broke it in on a marathon the next weekend.  A few months later, my Handful bra has definitely made its way into my workout rotation, but I'm not quite ready to shout it from the rooftops.  Here is my personal assessment and review of this product.

COMFORT - the Handful Bra gets five stars for comfort.  The fabric is buttery soft and feels incredible on skin.  I did notice that the first time I ran in this bra without an extra layer that my inner arm chafed on a seam.  But after a few washes, the seam softened up and the problem resolved itself.

CUTE STYLE - I'd also give five stars to the Handful bra  for cuteness/style.  I like that it isn't the shape of a traditional sports bra.  The thin, crisscross racerback straps and v-neck give it a feminine and pretty style.  It also comes in a variety of colors, including pink, which always feels feminine.

SUPPORT - My approval rating drops to three stars in the support department.  This bra is designed to be multi-purpose and because of that it only provides "excellent support for the smaller-chested fitness enthusiasts among us."  Being more in the middle range, I'm able to wear this bra but certainly don't feel tightly confined.  For my large-chested friends, I would say to avoid this bra.  You will be disappointed with the support.

HEADLIGHT PROOF - I'm torn on this one.  The removable pads make this bra completely headlight proof.  But they also add at least a cup size to whoever is wearing it.  The pads, unlike most swim suit tops, actually stay in place though and even have printed directions on how to insert them to look most natural.  With that said, I find myself wearing this bra more often than not without the pads.  And is it is definitely not headlight proof without the pads.  I'll skip a star rating since the pros and cons seem to outweigh each other.

SIZING - I'd give this bra five stars on the accuracy of the sizing guide.  I liked that the online sizing guide followed traditional bra sizes making it easy to order my normal bra size.  The one I ordered fit perfectly.

PRICE - At $42, I could buy three C9 from Target bras for the price of one Handful bra.  But it's on par for the price point that most good companies charge for sports bras.  The older I get the more firmly I adhere to the concept that good gear is worth investing in.  As a bonus, the company often has online sales for colors that are being phased out.  Right now you can buy a nude, cocoa, or pink bra for $18 AND free shipping if they happen to have your size left.  That's a screaming deal.  I'd give the price point a 4 out of 5 stars.

OVERALL RATING -  Four out of five stars.  This bra is well-made, comfortable, and cute.  I like that it crosses over from workout to casual kicking around.  I personally don't like the extra cleavage that the padding adds so I have to be creative in the Avoiding Headlights category if I choose to wear it without the pads.  The price point is reasonable and the sizing is accurate.

I had so much fun writing this review that I just took advantage of the current sale and have a Handful Bra heading my way in the mail.  Happy shopping.