This Amazon sports bra is the best bra I've ever run in – there, I said it!
Ever since we reviewed CRZ Yoga's Naked Feeling Leggings our office has been obsessed with the brand. Hearing just how comfortable their leggings are, I knew it was time to give the cult brand a try for myself.
A bit about me: I struggle to find sports bras that are supportive and comfortable, and even if I can, as someone with a bigger bust, they rarely look good on.
So, I took the plunge and ordered the CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Strappy High Neck Longline Sports Bra in navy and wore it to the gym the day it arrived, choosing to put it to the test with a HIIT treadmill workout and a yoga class.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
The results
Without a doubt, this is my new favourite piece of activewear. I want to wear it everywhere.
The material is soft and buttery to the touch but offers plenty of support without being too tight. I had my doubts, given its criss-cross straps, but those are more of an aesthetic feature, with the support coming below the bust and through the back.
At the front the neckline is high, which I thought might be uncomfortable. But as someone who has spent way too many classes worrying about my cleavage spilling out of my top, it was really nice to just practice yoga in a super comfy bra without a single worry I was about to flash everyone around me.
The bra does come with removable pads, but I took them out once they folded over in the washing machine – is there a padded sports bra out there that doesn't do this? Thankfully, taking them out and readjusting them isn't a huge undertaking, so don't let this deter you.
READ MORE: We review the $40 Amazon tights everyone wants
Did it pass the run test?
While gym aficionados will talk about the 'squat test' when it comes to leggings, for me a sports bra needs to pass the 'run test'. After spending 12-odd years as a semi-regular runner, I'm a harsh judge of sports bras, and whether they're supportive enough to stop any bouncing action in the chest.
The CRZ Longline Sports Bra is the best bra I've ever run in – there, I said it! Before trying it, other bras I'd worn had resulted in me having to hold my hands to my chest to prevent bouncing – but not this time. I felt totally comfortable in my body as I completed my running workout.
Is the CRZ Sports Bra true to size?
The CRZ Longline Sports Bra was true to size for me. That being said, it can be hard to know how your bra size might translate to the small, medium, and large label sizing. I'm a 10G in bras, but my small back and frame have me landing in a medium for most sports apparel. I might have gotten away with the small, but I don't like my activewear to be overly tight. The medium was a very breathable fit, giving me support without cutting into my skin.
How did the CRZ Sports Bra go in the wash?
I've thrown the bra in with all my other washing after each use, with no dramas to report. The navy colour doesn't bleed, and the fabric and stretch have remained intact. I wash it often – it's so supportive that I've been making the most of it with some pretty hard workouts – so my only annoyance is that I can't wear it for every workout. However, I might just have to get it in black, red, and white too, given how obsessed I am.
Is the CRZ Sports Bra good value for money?
Like a lot of CRZ's products, the quality of the bra has been compared to that other high-end activewear brand (yeah, that one!) just with a more affordable price point.
"I wanted this bra but didn't want to pay lululemon price. This is a great alternative. Fits great. Material is very nice and soft. Very good quality," one of the five-star reviews on Amazon reads.
And it's true, a branded sports bra will likely cost an extra $30-$50, making the $44 I spent on this one seem relatively cheap. I wear it roughly three times a week, making the cost per wear less than $1 over the span of a year.
Even if you're not in search of an alternative, this is an excellent sports bra for any active women out there.
It looks like our obsession with CRZ Yoga is to be continued...
Take a look at the rest of the CRZ Yoga collection
CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling Leggings, $41
CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Biker Shorts, $41
CRZ Yoga V Neck Longline Sports Bra, $50
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