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Brooks Dare Strappy Bra Review

The Dare Strappy Bra from Brooks delivers built-in support in a stylish, breathable construction
Published: June 24, 2022

Overall Score: 4/5

Brooks Dare Strappy Bra

Overall Impressions

Likes:
  • Super breathable, lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish strappy design
  • Easy pullover
  • Versatility
  • High-quality
Dislikes:
  • No adjustable hardware for those that prefer a customized fit
  • Fabric is not entirely seamless

The Brooks Dare Strappy Bra offers a sleek pullover style with a fashionable open-back strappy design. Part of the Brooks Dare Bra collection, this bra has built-in molded cups that separate and support each breast, reducing any bounce or motion. The V-neck design and strategically placed perforations provide airflow and ventilation, and the DriLayer HorsePower fabric delivers sweat-wicking properties to help keep you dry and comfortable on your run. We recommend the Dare Strappy Bra for the ladies who prefer a pullover sports bra with lightweight, minimal coverage, and maximum style.


Brooks Dare Strappy Bra

Features & Style

Score: 9/10

Caroline: "While minimal in its coverage, this bra has plenty of style to go around! The bra features an open-back strappy design with a pullover construction, which I enjoy because I don’t have to deal with any adjustable hardware that can feel confining and time-consuming to put on and take off. The V-neck style and perforations were a nice touch in providing breathability, ventilation, and feminine flair. While I tend to favor compression bras, the built-in molded cups deliver light padding and modest coverage for a natural silhouette, which allows you to wear this bra underneath everyday clothes for versatile performance. Overall, Brooks makes you believe that you can have a functional sports bra that is also stylish and pretty to wear."

Risa: "I think the cut of this sports bra looks good. The extra straps make the design a little more appealing while keeping it minimal. Given the open-back design, a phone pocket would not be doable. The only thing that could have been nice to add for me personally would have been an adjustable band. Some women may also wish for adjustable straps and removable cups that are available in different Brooks bra models, so check out their other options for what suits you best."

Brooks Dare Strappy Bra

Fit & Support

Score: 9/10

Caroline: "The Strappy bra provided a comfortable, snug fit and I felt supported (not constricted) during my runs. I did not experience any uncomfortable bounce, and the straps stayed put. During longer distance runs, I did experience chafing from the band and its material, so I would have liked a softer, entirely seamless fabric. Because I am used to compression-led bras without individual molded cups, feeling comfortable running in an encapsulated bra may take some getting used to based on your preferences."

Risa: "I found the cups ran a bit large, and the band ran a little small. Depending on who you ask, having removable cups is a pro or a con. If you’re not a fan, you’ll probably like the built-in molded cups of this model. The Strappy bra is also a good option for women who want a sports bra that’s not super compressive. The material was soft and breathable, and the minimal design was nice, especially on hotter days."

Brooks Dare Strappy Bra

Quality & Value

Score: 8.5/10

Caroline: "I have other models of Brooks Dare and Drive bras, and they tend to be quality, durable products. Because of the lightweight construction and strappy design, I can see this bra lasting your average lifespan for sports bras, depending on the frequency of use. I tend to always hand wash and air dry my bras, which helps with longer-lasting durability."

Risa: "If you are looking for a high-quality sports bra, I would recommend the Dare Strappy Bra. This model is a little more minimal than some of the other Dare models, which cost a little more. If you want adjustable features and are willing to splurge a bit, I would opt for one of the other Dare bras instead. Overall, I think the Dare Strappy Bra is a great value sports bra that is supportive enough for any run, and I expect it to last a long time given my experience with their other models."



Our Reviewers

Caroline

Overall Score: 8/10

The Brooks Dare Strappy Bra has a beautiful design that offers a flattering silhouette and versatile performance. This bra’s style is very similar to the Dare V Neck Bra that I own, but the Strappy delivers a bit more support and a snugger fit (even a bit more fitted and less gaping under the arms than the Dare Crossback 2.0). The V-neck on the front, combined with the open back straps and perforations, allowed for plenty of breathability and airflow. I liked the lightweight material and the bra’s moisture-wicking properties, which did not leave me saturated with sweat after my workouts. I also favor a pullover design for quick and easy on/off wear, so I appreciated not having any adjustable straps, clasps, or zip closures. Overall, I was surprised that this bra offered support during my runs. I usually wear traditional compressive sports bras without individual padding instead of a bra with built-in cups that separate rather than smush and flatten the chest. It is important to note that the level of support this bra offers for high-impact activities will vary depending on your cup size. While the under band of this bra was supportive on my runs, I did experience some chafing from the fabric, so I would have liked softer, entirely seamless material to avoid any harsh rubbing or irritations on my sensitive skin. For the most part, the aesthetically beautiful design and sleek fit make this bra suitable for lower mileage runs, cross-training efforts, or athleisure wear.

RisaRisa

Overall Score: 9/10

Brooks makes the best running bras. Having a running-devoted company designing the products is a game-changer! If you want more versatility or need more support, their bras are worth the splurge. The Dare Strappy Bra specifically offered the functionality I expect from Brooks, along with one of the cuter styles I’ve seen from the brand. If between two band sizes, I recommend sizing up, as the fit is not adjustable.


Written by Caroline

Caroline is a lifelong, avid runner who enjoys the outdoors. Whether on the road or on the trail, running or hiking, being surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature is her ultimate happy place.