You may have heard rumors about the perfect running bra or even dreamt of a sports bra so magical that would make you look like a goddess and feel amazing and super-powered at the same time. Well, I’ve been wearing bras from Handful Activewear forever-ahhhh and have kinda been keeping it my little secret to being so fabulous – – but now I just need to share (I also have a Handful coupon code at the end of this post)!

So, welcome to my long-overdue Handful Bra review – hopefully it will help give you insights about the best bra for runners (and yogis, and gym, and ! I first met Jennifer, the founder of Handful Activewear, at a national running-niche retailer convention close to 10 years ago. We had a lot in common, besides sharing the same first name – both mothers, both entrepreneurially-spirited, both with a love of running, yoga and all things fitness. She hooked me up with the Handful Adjustable Sports Bra, my favorite to date and arguably the brand’s flagship, based on the years they’ve had it, it’s versatility, and all the core and limited-edition.

I remember the handoff vividly, Jennifer asked me what size I was and grabbed a Handful Adjustable Sports Bra off her sample rack and said, “it’s yours, enjoy!”  The handful bra was purple (so fun!), soft and had some nice, natural-looking padding that looked like might help compensate for my lack of curves. I ran to the convention center restroom to try on my new flattering running bra – and WOW, instant love.

I wore that purple running bra for every workout – no chaffing, super soft fabric, bands and straps that didn’t pinch, and it was moisture wicking. Three-way adjustable straps so that I could wear with multiple style tops – regular tank or tee, racer back tank and halter tops. I ordered more bras and they became my number one bra not just for workouts but for everyday dressing too (I currently own 19 handful bras, lol). Yes, I do actually get out of fitness apparel and into “real” clothes occasionally and Handful bras are flattering sports bras, super comfy and flatter (not flatten) boobs like typical, tight sports bras.

As an AA-cup kinda gal, I was very appreciative of the natural-looking, subtle curves created by the bra’s removable pads. In fact, I started ordering extra Lights Out™ Bra Pads to add to bras I already owned, they were that magical!  This is also how I discovered that Handful Activewear supports breast cancer survivors with a program that offers these and gives 12.5% of revenue from their Battle Cry Pink bras year round to YSC® (Young Survival Coalition) in recognition of the 1 in 8 women (12.5%) who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Handful Adjustable Sports Bra, as I mentioned, works really well for my not-so-curvy figure and is ideal for A, B and small Cs*.In my opinion, it’s the best sports bra made. In addition, being able to move the straps in three configurations (regular, x-back, halter), the actual straps also adjust in length which helps make the various styles fit better. Plus, I’m the person that always has to adjust the straps upward, I guess I have a small torso or something. The fabric is super soft, I have never chaffed, and the gathering in the front helps hold the bra closer to your chest as not to flash the world more than you want when bending for a toe touch or deadlift.

Handful Y-Back Bra is described by Runner’s World as “the right bra for C to D* cups who need a little extra support.” It offers secure support for running and other high impact activities.  I also like the Y-Back a lot (despite not being anywhere near a C or D) because it’s very flattering and the slightly higher neckline doesn’t look prudish, but provides a little extra cleavage and chest coverage. I feel like the Handful Y-back bra also makes my very small front look the most filled out, in a natural way. It’s soft, no chaffing either and my only issue has been that it’s not adjustable and the Y-back could be just a teensier “shorter” – but that’s just me, I have a weird body.

Handful Double Down Bra is a newer full coverage sports bra I recently tried and I love the stylish straps and ample coverage on the sides and back that is billed to “help eliminate side boob, spillage, pinching, and other unpleasantries.” It’s true, there is no side boob with the extra wider band and fabric area under the arm and around the rib cage. I know people are thinking “Jennifer, you have NO side boob,” which is technically true. But my back is wide (and specifically my lats are big) which spills over the back of bras often – I call it “lat splat”!  The Handful Double Down Bra support and comfort are both A+ and the strap design will get you lots of “ooh where did you get workout top?” compliments.  It comes with the “thin”  Lights Out™ Bra Pads which probably works well for most of y’all – minimal padding that compliments your natural gifts and also to keep any nipple action from causing a distraction. BUUUUT, with my boy-ish figure, I swapped the pads out for the thicker ones – again, so happy they sell these bra pads a la carte!

Other Handful Bras for your consideration (but I’ve not tried, so can’t properly review):

• Handful The Closure Bra: Offers a front zip closure for easy-on/off convenience no struggling post-workout pulling a sweaty bra over your head. Front mesh panel for extra coverage, yet cooler. Made in XS – XL, but looks like it would work for bigger-chested ladies. Read reviews of women who are D and DD who swear by it. Again, the care and comfort of big boobs is outside my personal knowledge base, but this bra sounds like an excellent solution.

• Handful FaV Bra: I want to try this new running bra style ASAP!  Flattering and functional, the FaV Bra has a deep V in front and cute keyhole design in the back to give you a playful look without sacrificing coverage. With that deeper neckline, I think probably works best for A, B and maybe C cups.

Use my Handful discount code THEFITFORK10 to save on your next purchase at Handful.com

*You will notice that Handful sells their bras by XS – XL sizing, not cup size – so refer to the sizing charts for the best fit. Also, some of the photos here may be of past-season colors. Handful has a core collection of colors, but is always changing up others to fit your style fresh and fun!

Note: This post contains affiliate links – I earn a small commission on each sale and proceeds help to offset expenses for The Fit Fork. Thank you!