Feel supported and stylish on your next run with these kit essentials – including the latest running sports bras, tried and tested…
Best running sports bras
Nike Swoosh Flyknit High-Support Padded Bra
£79.99, nike.com
At a glance
- Stretchy and figure-hugging material for support plus comfort
- Strategically placed perforations for the ultimate in air flow
- Available in sizes from an A-G cup
What the brand says: With a new elevated design and support in all the right places, the Nike Swoosh Flyknit Bra will keep you feeling secure through your entire workout. Ultra-stretchy fabric on the back makes changing a breeze, and the traditional adjustable hook-and-eye clasp lets you find the perfect fit. While smooth, soft-covered side seams keep you feeling comfortable, the sweat-wicking tech and perforations give you the ultimate airflow, so you can keep pushing through. Made from at least 50 per cent recycled polyester fibres, the sizes run from an A-G cup.
What we say: First up, a confession: I’m always a bit wary of high-impact sports bras that don’t come in traditional cup-sized bra sizing (i.e. 32A, 34B, 36C, etc). I struggle to believe they can be supportive without a recognised fit. This bra has put paid to that theory. And to be fair, although it’s not as simple as looking for a 34B, for example, it does come with specifics – you have to find your usual size (XS-4X) and then your cup size (A-G). That’s perhaps why it really does beat the bounce, whether sprinting or box jumping. The other thing I love about this bra? Its super-smooth and oh-so-comfy next to your skin material. Sports bras, especially running ones, can be a bit clunky, with straps and hooks that dig into your skin when you do other forms of exercise such as sit-ups – this bra isn’t like that. If you’re someone who trains functionally, you can easily transition from run to burpee to front squat to butterfly sit-up without any discomfort, and you’ll feel totally sweat-free thanks to its perforated fabric. Available in Black/Dark Smoke and Grey/Photon Dust, it’s a stylish bra that you’ll be happy to wear on its lonesome when doing a super-sweaty workout, too. A real winner.
Pour Moi Energy Strive Bra
£34, pourmoi.co.uk
At a glance
- Wide shoulder straps to accommodate heavier breasts
- Converts into a racer back for extra support
- Available in sizes from a D-H cup
What the brand says: Look great and feel protected with the Energy Strive Full Cup Sports Bra. This non-wired and non-padded bra supports your bust and gives you a great shape while feeling light and comfortable thanks to the stretchy and breathable material. Perfect for high-intensity sports and running, the soft microfibre cups will keep you cool no matter how sweaty your workout gets. The cushioned straps are also adjustable, meaning you can convert it into a racer-back style. Available in D-H cup sizes, it provides high-impact support for those with larger busts.
What we say: You don’t often find a great running bra for larger breasts, and when you do they’re often really hard to get on and off, so I was delighted how easy this one is to slip into. It’s so comfy I also wear it for low-impact activities (e.g. yoga), but when running, its compression style kept me super secure with minimum bounce – just make sure the back and shoulders straps are not too loose. True to size, it’s available in black, white, leopard/lime and black/rose.
Best waterproof trousers for women
Complete the kit
Runderwear Anti-Chafing Briefs
£18, runderwear.co.uk
Made with super-soft, sustainable and seamless fabric that wicks sweat away from your skin quickly to prevent chafing. Now available in a new white colourway.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 shoes
£140, newbalance.co.uk
Offer the perfect blend of comfort and performance for everyday road runs, with a breathable engineered mesh upper and plush cushioning underfoot.
A-Game Quarter Zip Fitted Training Top
£45, uk.a-gameactive.com
Made from sweat-wicking fabric with mesh panels for optimised ventilation. The form-fitting design also features four-way stretch and handy thumb holes.
Rab Talus 2-in-1 Shorts
£80, rab.equipment
Perfect for distance runners who don’t want to carry a backpack (multiple pockets store up to 22 gels). They come with stretchy inner shorts and a body-hugging fit.
