Brooks Dare Crossback Bra Review
Support That Moves With You.
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Overall Impressions
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Likes:
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Dislikes:
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Finding the perfect running bra can sometimes feel like an impossible mission. Either you feel like your boobs are smashed down or bouncing all over the place. I'm sure that we have all felt like Goldilocks when searching for the perfect bra, but with the Dare Crossback Bra, Brooks may have created the "just right".
Our testers found that the Brooks Dare Crossback Bra provides the perfect amount of support and comfort. While the crossback design makes it easy to pull over your head, it also means that the straps move with you as you run. The soft fabric features a seamless design that lies flat against the skin without digging in or rubbing, and the built-in memory foam pads provide the perfect amount of modesty without adding bulk. Our testers loved the breathable, quick-drying fabric and the extra ventilation provided by strategically placed perforations. Although the absence of adjustability may be an issue for some, our testers felt that the Dare Crossback offered a classic style with a fit and support that worked for all kinds of body shapes.
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"I actually really like this bra; it is probably my current favourite. At first, I was pretty skeptical as it does not have the same super-compressive feel as most of my other sports bras. So, even though I am pretty small-chested, I wasn’t sure how supportive it would feel. To my pleasant surprise, it provides plenty of support. And to be honest, it’s pretty refreshing to realise I don’t need to have my boobs smashed down in order to feel supported while running. The bra’s material is very high quality, and it has a light feel on skin. There is a small amount of padding built-in, but I like that it’s not so much padding that it gets soaked through with sweat. I also like that the padding is built-in, which means no removeable pads to get lost and crumpled up in the wash. It’s not the cutest bra in the entire world, but flattering enough (no uni-boob!). My only criticism is that there is no adjustability, and the straps could maybe be a hair longer for me." |
Tracie
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"I wasn’t completely wowed by the Dare Crossback when I first put it on, and the bra did not initially seem special enough to warrant the high price tag. Although it felt supportive, and I liked how easy the crossback design was to put on, the material didn't lie flat along the straps and upper sides of my breasts at first. After a few wears, my opinion totally changed. The compressive material seemed to adapt to my body for a perfect fit that had no gaping or uncomfortable, cutting seams. The cups provide the perfect amount of modesty where nothing shows through, but they also feel very breathable and not overly padded at all. This is the first bra I reach for when I head out to run or bike. It’s so comfortable, I want a second for when this one is in the wash." |
Liz
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"The Brooks Crossback bra is a staple in my rotation. It's easier to get on compared to other moulded bras, and I haven’t had any issues with chafing on my back even past the 24 kilomette mark. I will definitely be buying another one of these bras. In my size (34D) the fit was ok, it could have fit a little snugger in the cups, but the overall support was good. I do have bras that feel more supportive, but they are not quite as comfortable to wear, and I typically run into chafing issues at some point. I look forward to putting this bra on for every run." |
Kaitlin
Fit & Style
Kaitlin: "Overall, this bra has a pretty standard "sports bra" look, but I think the way the fabric smoothes you out is very flattering and classy. I was initially concerned about the lack of adjustability, but for someone with a 34D, this was comfortable without feeling like I had to strap myself in. It's also easier to get on and off than most other bras within this size range. My only issue was that this bra offers so much coverage, some of my strappier tanks don't cover the bra, but if you want a comfortable, high-quality sports bra, the Brooks Dare Crossback must be tried!"
Liz: "The bra has a classic design, but the crossback and perforated fabric gives it a touch of style. I found that this bra provides a moderate amount of support for my size 34C. I can comfortably do high-impact activities, but the bra also doesn’t feel restrictive during everyday wear. Although the straps didn’t seem to lie flat along the sides of my breasts at first, after a few wears, this bra adapted to my body for a smooth and custom-feeling fit."
Materials & Features
Tracie: "Unlike some sports bras that rub or chafe, or have weird spots of stitching, this one has really good next-to-skin comfort. The seamless construction is probably my favourite part. Sports bras also sometimes dig into my shoulders a bit, and this one doesn’t do that. The bra has a pretty simple design, which is part of what makes it really likeable. Just pull it on and go!"
Kaitlin: "This bra has very soft fabric without any buckles or velcro that could possibly cause irritations. I was able to make it through a 24 kilometre run without any chafing, which was almost a first for me. I also like how the split in the back makes it easy to take on and off. Nothing is worse than coming back after a run and struggling to take off a sweaty bra with my very inflexible shoulders."
Quality & Value
Tracie: "The material and construction are high quality. I’ve worn the bra many times, and it still looks and feels pretty much brand new. At around $99 MSRP, this is not a cheap bra. However, given that I really like it and the quality and durability seem pretty high, I am considering buying myself another one. Since a good bra is pretty important for comfortable running, I’d look at it more as an investment into enjoying my runs."
Liz: "The quality of this bra is very high. The seamless design doesn’t seem to sacrifice durability. I don’t see this bra falling apart or stretching out in the near future. Although this bra is on the high side of the price range, I think the comfort and durability make it worthwhile. I have $40-$50 sports bras that fell apart after a few months of heavy use, but I think that this Brooks Bra is going to last years. That alone makes it worth the price."
