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Brooks Dare Underwire Bra Review

This underwire bra from Brooks is as supportive as it is versatile
Published: June 17, 2022

Overall Score: 4/5

Brooks Dare Underwire Bra

Overall Impressions

Likes:
  • Comfortable fit
  • Supportive
  • Soft and breathable material
  • Adjustable straps convert to crossback style
Dislikes:
  • Too structured for some

The Brooks Dare Underwire Bra is a supportive and secure option that offers versatility and customisation in its design. The bra features adjustable straps that can convert from a scoopback to a crossback style and a hook/eye closure in the back for easy on/off wear and a personalised fit. The built-in moulded cups and underwire structure support each breast and reduce any bounce or motion. The strategically placed perforations allow for ventilation, and Brooks' DriLayer HorsePower fabric delivers sweat-wicking properties to help keep you dry and comfortable on your run. We recommend the Dare Underwire Bra for the ladies who enjoy a minimalist design with a locked-in feel and those with larger cup sizes that need the support and security that the underwire design delivers.


Brooks Dare Underwire Bra

Features & Style

Score: 8/10

Liz: "This bra is more minimalistic in style, but its features are well-designed. The cups offer a smooth fit that comfortably supports each breast, and the underwire has a nice shape that eliminates any poking or uncomfortable pressure points. The adjustable band is wide enough to keep from digging in, and I liked how the laser-cut straps laid flat against my skin, eliminating bra lines under my tops."

Michelle: "It took me a few tries, but I liked how this bra allowed me to create a crossback style since I wear a lot of racerback tanks and prefer concealing my bra straps (because, hello, tan lines!). The underwire was comfortable, supportive, and surprisingly felt unnoticeable when wearing it, helping to lift everything rather than squishing your chest down!"

Brooks Dare Underwire Bra

Fit & Support

Score: 8.5/10

Liz: "This truly is the most supportive sports bra I have ever run in. I loved that I experienced no bounce during my runs. The fit was very comfortable and allowed me to feel “strapped” in without feeling restricted. The band felt slightly on the snug side when I first tried on the bra, but it stretched to be very comfortable within the first few wears."

Michelle: "Initially, I was intimidated by its appearance and felt a little flustered when trying this sports bra on for the first time, but that was the only discomfort I ever experienced! The fit was great, the straps were comfortable, and the underwire wasn’t noticeable (a major plus!). From long runs to shorter runs, in the gym and on the tennis court, and even at work (knowing I would get a run in later in the day), I was pleased with how it looked under my everyday clothes (compared to many other sports bras that would create the elusive "uni-boob"). I just don't like having skin flop over the straps, and this bra did not appear to have a completely seamless look, but this issue might be more specific to my body. Also, being quite tall, I sometimes felt like I needed to make sure I pulled the bra down to fit correctly but once adjusted, it stayed in place quite well. Overall, I experienced no rubbing or chafing and had no issues with any discomfort."

Brooks Dare Underwire Bra

Quality & Value

Score: 9/10

Liz: "The quality of Brooks running bras cannot be beat! Although they lean on the more expensive side, the high level of support and construction they have to offer is worth the money. I’ve had several Brooks bras over the years, and they are still in great condition after countless washes. I anticipate the Underwire Bra to last just as long."

Michelle: "I have worn and washed this bra several times through the testing period and was very happy with how it held up. It is worth noting that I don’t put my technical athletic clothes (sports bras included) in the dryer. I am confident this bra will last a while, and I will be able to rely on it week after week for support, and one I would confidently wear for race day!"



Our Reviewers

Liz

Overall Score: 9/10

I have never worn an underwire sports bra before, and I was concerned that the Dare Underwire Bra would feel too restrictive while on the run. Happily, this was not the case! While it was the most supportive running bra I have ever worn, the underwire disappeared from my mind during activity. I had no issues with bouncing and felt very secure without feeling too tight or restricted. Sometimes I feel that compression bras have to be incredibly tight to offer enough support for high-impact activities, but this bra provided the support I needed without feeling like a boa constrictor wrapped around my chest. The quality of the materials is also amazing, and the design is almost seamless, never rubbed or chafed on my skin. I also love the laser-cut straps as they offer enough stretch to keep from digging in and leaving uncomfortable red marks across my shoulders. Additionally, this bra has a lightweight feel that is incredibly breathable on sweaty runs and has enough comfort and lift for all-day support if I choose to wear it under my everyday clothes.

Michelle

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Full transparency, I don’t love shopping for bras and tend to buy simple compression bras that do the trick for all my athletic needs (runs, tennis, gym time, etc.). It was nice wearing a sports bra specifically built for active ladies that I could take advantage of on my runs, which made an obvious difference! The underwire bra offers better support than a standard compression sports bra. Because I have a broader top half, I struggle to fit between sizes of typical medium or large-sized bras, but with this bra, I didn’t notice any issues that I was in the wrong size. I felt comfortable from the first time I put it on and was able to wear my correct band and cup size without feeling like I was squeezing in or spilling out. I liked the strap options for creating a crossback or traditional scoopback. The support was super solid, and the bra felt comfortable (even with a higher level of support than what I am used to). As someone who never wears bras with underwire for my runs, I was surprised that the wire did not poke and was not annoying and noticeable. The underwire helped create a nice silhouette and added support and lift rather than smashing the chest like traditional compressions sports bras. Overall, wearing this bra made me feel a bit more confident, which always helps on a run of any distance.


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.