Last updated: 08-Nov-18
I am a normal-sized woman when it comes to my chest – a 38B – in fact that may even be relatively small as the average UK woman’s chest size is now 36D or DD.
Be that as it may, by ultra running average woman standards, I am massively endowed and could definitely get a job in the glamour business (I couldn’t!).
In fairness, finding a big pair of boobs in the ultra running community is a bit like searching for the mythic white tiger. So, when it comes to sports’ bra testing, they often come to me.
Photo credit: Odlo.com.
Odlo Classic High Sports Bra
Features and materials
- Unique Combination of Seamless Padded Moulding Technology (Inner Bra) and Compression (Outer Bra top Layer)
- Adjustable and Padded Straps
- Adjustable Underbust Width
- Main Fabric: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane Main Fabric 2: 75% Polyamide, 25% Elastane
- Odlo’s Functional Underwear bears the Oeko-Tex® label “Confidence in Textiles”, which certifies textiles tested for harmful substances in accordance with the Oek-Tex Standard 100. Our product meets the current human-ecological requirements: no carcinogenic ingredients, no formaldehyde, free of allergy-causing dyes, skin-friendly pH value
- RRP £26.70
When I took this bra out of the package, I was a bit alarmed because it looked so big. I have been wearing bandeau-style sports’ bras which come out smaller. This is a more classic bra shape but with much more coverage than a bra you would use for normal wear.
The fit was good but definitely on the larger side. Do not get a size up, and potentially think about going a size down if you like a tight fit.
The bra has soft, moulded cups and the straps are shaped in over your shoulders. I had been worried that they would slip as it is not a racing back style, but they stay in place perfectly. The band underneath the breasts is generously wide so there is no rubbing.
There is also a slight perforation which means it is not quite so sweaty.
You can fully adjust the straps and the underbust width to give you more flexibility in sizing.
What you really need from a bra is good hold and no chafing and this bra works on both those fronts. It feels roomy but it doesn’t chafe and you don’t bounce around like a toddler on a trampoline.
As an added plus, you also have a bit of shaping, unlike the mono boob effect of the bandeau bra.
| Score | |
| Design | 7.5/10 |
| Features | 7/10 |
| Performance | 7.5/10 |
| Value | 7.5/10 |
Photo credit: Brooks.com
Brooks Juno Sports Bra
Features and Materials
- Lightweight, perforated unicup design
- DriLayer® sweat-wicking fabric
- Built-in power mesh ventilation in key sweat zones
- Bonded front-adjustable straps with concealed hook-and-loop closure for a custom fit on the move
- Encapsulation/compression
- RRP: £39.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brooks-Womens-Juno-Sports-Bra/dp/B01H3RHZC8?th=1&psc=1
This is a best seller from Brooks and is their high impact sports’ bra. Again, when I took it out the packet, it seemed quite large but the fit was good when I put it on. This style is a racer back with clasps at the back so you can adjust the size.
I do like the fact that you don’t have to struggle and pant as you pull the bra down or back over sweaty boobs as is the case with a bandeau style.
The coverage was good across my whole back and chest area and the adjustable straps meant I could get the fit as I needed it.
The cups are not moulded as such but there is an extra thickness of material which acts as a support. The band underneath the boobs is a good width but I did find that it curled up as I was running. There was also a slight puckering at the top of the bra around the cleavage.
Neither of these caused any chafing, however, and the bra was very supportive and comfortable. No bounce whatsoever. The material is sweat wicking and there are ventilation areas for air flow.
This is a good bra which does what it is meant to, which is keep your boobs in place and minimise any movement, it also gives you a bit of shape.
| Score | |
| Design | 7/10 |
| Features | 7/10 |
| Performance | 8/10 |
| Value | 7.5/10 |
Conclusion
Both of these bras are a good option and I have definitely been seduced away from my previous slavish dedication to the Sweaty Betty bandeau. Comparing the two, I think the Odlo was slightly more comfortable whereas the Brooks gave a firmer control.
If you can, I would recommend trying on before you buy just to make sure of the fit – although I did find the fit for both true to size.
I loved the ease of getting on and off with both bras and I also liked the slightly freer feeling you get with a shaped bra while still having good control.
Have you used the Odlo Classic High or the Brooks Juno Sports bras? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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