The Ultimate Brooks Bra Buying Guide

No matter your cup size, finding the perfect running bra can feel like a chore. Sports bras often either lean toward insufficient support or seem to suffocate with their restrictive lockdown. Brooks set out to change this perception with their sports bras, which they engineered through years of research, testing, and insight. Made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics and offering either built-in encapsulated or compression-led support, Brooks sports bras deliver on performance for a wide range of sizes without compromising on style.

At Running Warehouse, we have researched, tested, and reviewed Brooks sports bras, highlighting their design elements in the chart below to help you narrow down the best Brooks running bra for you. From adjustable straps and front/rear closures to built-in or removable padding, discover the versatile design features of the Brooks sports bras to help you narrow down the perfect fit for your cup size and level of support.

Whether you are a fan of built-in or removable cups or prefer no cups at all, different padding options determine the level of support and modesty of a bra. Some Brooks bras feature built-in cups designed to complement the natural shape of the breast. These molded cups lift and divide each breast, providing a traditional, contoured silhouette and targeted support. As you might expect, the inserts are built-in, making it easier to launder because you don't have to worry about losing cups or removing/adding them before and after washing. Wearing bras with built-in molded cups also helps avoid any uncomfortable bouncing or jiggling while working out.

Conversely, other Brooks bras offer coverage options, with some featuring removable cups (e.g., 3 Pocket and Plunge 3.0), while others have no padding at all. Removable cups provide optional added protection, modesty, and support when needed. As the name suggests, they can be removed easily for versatile use, and the cups can either be a one-piece pad or individual inserts. During that time of the month, many women find that their breasts increase in volume, and removing the cups enables more room for comfort. On the other hand, when the weather gets colder, having an additional layer of padding ensures modest coverage for your girls. Non-padded cups are featured in the classic Convertible 2.0 compression bras that press the breasts against the chest and do not offer any padding. These are best suited for smaller breasts (A/B), lower to medium-impact activities, and athleisure wear.

Bra straps play an essential role in the proper fit and comfort of a sports bra. The straps should be taut and secure but not dig into or fall off your shoulders. Many Brooks sports bras offer front hook and ladder adjustable straps for a comfortable hold to ensure a perfect, dialed-in fit for your body shape. The Convertible 2.0 and Underwire bras have convertible straps that enable the wearer to change the back style from a scoopback to a crossback design, depending on individual needs and preferences. This feature is helpful if you're looking for something with flexibility in style or prefer to have your straps hidden under your tank top. Some women, especially those with smaller cup sizes, prefer a pullover bra without adjustable straps, such as the classic Crossback 2.0 and the popular 3 Pocket Bra (with a phone pocket on the back).

For a personalized fit and easy on/off wear, several Brooks bras have a rear hook/eye closure. The hook and eye closures are clasps on the back of the bra. Most standard bras feature three hooks to choose from for a customized fit. Women with larger cup sizes find bras with rear clasps (e.g., Scoopback 2.0 and Racerback 2.0) provide a more secure, "locked-in" hold when running. These bras also work well for women with larger bust sizes by delivering a supportive fit without struggling to pull the bra over the head after a sweaty workout. Bras with adjustable closures are a helpful feature for nursing moms as well. Other Brooks bras (such as the Crossback 2.0, Plunge 3.0, and 3 Pocket) have a sleek pullover style, which is ideal for women with smaller bust sizes for quicker wear and removal or for those who don't like a traditional bra fastening in their sports bras.

When it comes to the level of support, sports bras offer compression or encapsulated support. Brooks' compression-led support bras (with the option of removable cups or not having any padding at all) press the breasts against the chest to minimize movement while delivering a flexible hold that moves with your body as you run. Some women like the compressive feel that eliminates any bounce, while others prefer to avoid the flatter "uni-boob" appearance. If you like a more natural shape and silhouette, check out the Brooks bras that deliver encapsulated support, which provides a defined built-in cup structure and supports each breast individually, making it the best option for those with larger bust sizes.