The RW Takeaway: The Run Free is a pullover bra for runners who want to show off a stylish, strappy crossback.
- Medium intensity support for A to C cups
- Flattering design
- Straps tend to fold over
Price: $49
Impact: Medium
Sizes: XS to XL, A to C cups
Colors: Black, White, Paradise Blue
I have this one tank that is basically bareback, allowing glorious ventilation on hot days and the ability to show off strappy crossback sports bras. Is it weird to have a running tank reserved to flaunt such supportive undergarments? Well, sure. But bras like Athleta’s Run Free are too pretty to hide under your run-of-the-mill racerbacks.
Sustainable Support
The Run Free is similar in feel to Lululemon’s Energy Bra (incidentally, Athleta’s Hyper Focused bra is almost identical to the Energy); it is made of sleek and smooth material and has removable cups for extra oomph and nipple coverage.
The fabric is UPF 50+ for added sun protection—but by no means does this mean you should run sans sunscreen, ladies—and is made of polyester and lycra. Remember all those plastic bottles you used to drink out of (wink, wink) before utilizing a handheld or flask? They’ve been repurposed as Recycled Poly, supporting your girls and the environment.
Because the bra has no underwire and no clasps, we recommend this pullover for A to C cups who need medium impact support. Runners who are more well-endowed may require a bra with more compression.
Verdict: Run Free in, er, the Run Free When You’re Lacing Up for Short and Middle Distances
A popular critique of the Run Free amongst our testers was the straps’ tendency to twist when put on. I had to take care to flatten the straps before heading out. Usually they’d stay in place, though sometimes I’d feel one fold over on my run.
Even though Athleta describes the bra as moisture-wicking on its web page, senior editor Christa Sgobba found the fabric spongey when the weather took a sultry turn. “Since it was really humid out when I ran, I was sweating a lot, and I feel like the cups really absorbed the moisture and just felt very…full,” she said.
For short and mid-distance runs when the air’s water vapor is not beyond 80 percent, the Run Free is an ideal option. You can wear it shirtless or under that special occasion open-back singlet.
Pros
- Flattering strappy crossback design
- Comfortable, smooth fabric that won’t cause chafing
Cons
- Straps tend to fold over
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
