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Lululemon Run Times High Support Review

Versatile, adjustable, and comfortable high-impact bra that moves and breathes with your skin in any activity, from running to yoga, without constricting your breath
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Lululemon Run Times High Support Review (The stretchy Run Times breathes with our rib cage when we pump it up.)
The stretchy Run Times breathes with our rib cage when we pump it up.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Price:  $68 List
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Manufacturer:   Lululemon
By Kate Pitts ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 16, 2024
83
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 23
  • Comfort and Fit - 40% 8.5
  • Support - 30% 9.5
  • Style - 15% 6.5
  • Quality - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Lululemon Run Times High Support lives up to its name. It wins the gold for comfort for women who move fast. When you are finding your running flow, its adjustable straps that can be worn two ways, breathable mesh panels, and soft and flexible material make it one of the easiest to move with your body. We love how it moves with our skin and feels soft in any activity, low or high impact.
REASONS TO BUY
Adjustable straps can switch between h-back or crossed
Bounce-proof support
Built-in cups for separation and compression
Ventilation mesh
Easy to take off
REASONS TO AVOID
Hook and eye closure takes work to put on
Mediocre style without a shirt

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Sports Bra for Runners
Editors' Choice Award
Best Sports Bra for Athletic Endeavors
Editors' Choice Award
Best Sports Bra for Everyday Comfort
Best Buy Award
Best Budget Sports Bra for Activewear
Best Buy Award
Best Value Sports Bra for Everyday Comfort
Price $68 List$75.00 at REI
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$66.00 at REI
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$34.95 at Backcountry
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$35 List
$24.39 at REI
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Bottom Line This versatile and comfortable bra provides support for breast sizes ranging from B to G during high-impact workouts and running. Its softness and flexibility also feel amazing for activities like yoga and daily wearOne of the highest-performing bras in every category, its comfortable compression, soft comfort, and sporty style make it one of our top picks for athletesA medium-impact sports bra that hugs your curves just right and is comfortable through all the day's activitiesWe never knew how easy it could be to wear and care for a sports bra with sewn-in pads. This bra keeps you snug during your hardest moves and gives you a classic athletic styleA soft, breathable, and date night attractive bralette best for smaller chests that is a budget buy for everyday wear, backpacking, traveling, restorative yoga, and swimming
Rating Categories Lululemon Run Times... On Performance Beyond Yoga Spacedy... Nike Swoosh REI Co-op Active Br...
Comfort and Fit (40%)
8.5
8.5
9.5
8.0
8.0
Support (30%)
9.5
8.5
8.0
8.0
3.0
Style (15%)
6.5
8.5
9.0
6.0
7.0
Quality (15%)
7.0
9.5
6.0
9.0
7.5
Specs Lululemon Run Times... On Performance Beyond Yoga Spacedy... Nike Swoosh REI Co-op Active Br...
Material 59% nylon, 41% Xtra Life lycra elastane 65% recycled polyamide, 35% elastane 87% polyester, 13% elastane 72% polyester, 28% spandex 86% polyester, 14% spandex mesh
Support High impact Medium/high impact Medium impact Medium impact Low impact
Size Range 32B - 42G XS - XL XXS - 4X XS - XXL XS - 3XL
Support Type Encapsulation Encapsulation and compression Encapsulation Compression Encapsulation
Strap Style Adjustable cross-back or tank Racerback Racerback Racerback Racerback
Adjustable Yes No No No Yes
Padded Sewn in pads Yes Yes, removable Yes, sewn-in Yes, removable
Neck Line Scoop neck High neck V neck Scoop neck V neck
Key Pocket No No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Lululemon Run Times High Support is a running bra whose material is a nylon and Lycra fiber blend that gives superb sweat-wicking, four-way stretch, and shape retention. The Run Times is available in sizes 32B-42DDD in a limited selection of pastel and classic colors.

Performance Comparison


lululemon run times high support - running stretches are comfortable because the stretchy material...
Running stretches are comfortable because the stretchy material breathes with you and the velvety lining of the band is soft against the skin.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Comfort and Fit


The Run Times gives a snug and adjustable fit for high impact without underwire. Its stretchy single-piece design impressed us with its comfort and ability to balance lifting, securing, and stretching with our body, making it a favorite fit for running.


The Run Times material has a silky soft feel against the skin, and a soft mesh lines the inside, creating a layer of air ventilation when we kick it up for speed intervals. While most high-impact bras pinch or scrape our ribs when we bend or flex, the Run Times waistband lining features a thin, velvety, soft layer that glides with our skin when we move. The Run Times is comfortable when moving across the rib cage, which we were grateful for when running and even in our bendiest yoga poses. The fit around the ribs feels comfortable and tight enough to prevent bouncing.

The Run Times moves with your body and supports your workout with excellent four-way stretch and adjustable encapsulation.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The sizing is inclusive and available in 32 B to 42 DDD, although it's good to note that our A cup testers also found a good fit because of the stretch in the fabric. It is not easy to throw on in the locker room. The three-row hook-and-eye closure takes more effort than a pullover, but we love not getting stuck in our bra after a run because the Run Times is easy to slip off when sweat-soaked. The perforated mesh in the front is stylish but also helps the center chest breathe.

lululemon run times high support - the high scoop neck offers excellent coverage for high-impact...
The high scoop neck offers excellent coverage for high-impact running while the perforated v-panel airs out the chest center.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Support


The Run Times is a highly adjustable encapsulation bra with separate cups for each breast. The encapsulation protects them with a firm hold without squishing them against the body like a compression sports bra. The Run Times stood out in our test because women of all chest sizes loved this bra for its outstanding balance of comfort, breathability, and high support.


Encapsulation bras offer firmer support and less movement for high-intensity workouts, and they usually appeal to women with larger chests or athletes doing high-impact training. Most of the high-impact bras we tested felt like an armored breastplate on the chest. The trade-off for feeling like a Valkyrie is a bra that often pinches or makes your body feel stiff. We found several high-impact bras that would squeeze our ribs, restrict chest mobility, didn't move with our skin, and impacted free breathing. However, the Run Times features a four-way stretch material whose softness and elasticity give high support, more like a second skin than a stiff breastplate. With formed cups, there are no annoying pads to shift out of place. The sculpted cups perked us up and kept us lifted and secure when jogging down the neighborhood or doing flips and handstands in a silk yoga class.

The Run Times is one of the only high-impact bras that balances the high support of a running bra with the flexible 4-way stretch you want for mobility or casual wear.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Run Times offers several design features that enhance its support. The hook-and-eye closure allows you to tailor the waistband width to your proportions. While it may be a little harder to throw on in the locker room, we didn't have any issue quickly putting it on with a hook-and-spin method. The straps are adjustable, and you can configure them as a tank for a comfortable lift for everyday wear or a cross back for exercise. The straps felt secure and didn't slip in both configurations.

The Run Times doubles as a well-fitting daily bra.
The Run Times doubles as a well-fitting daily bra.
The crossed straps add security for jazzercise or bouncy runs.
The crossed straps add security for jazzercise or bouncy runs.
The Run Times is a lovely fit for racing your personal Strava record to running errands.

Style


The Run Times is fantastic because it feels incredibly comfortable and doesn't even feel like a typical workout bra. When our testers try it on, women of smaller and larger chest sizes are impressed by how well-fitted, shapely, and satisfying it is to wear.


Opinions are mixed on the overall style of the bra. Some women thought that with the hook-and-eye closure, it too closely resembles a daily bra and are not excited about wearing it shirtless. Other women admire the sculpting and separation of the cups and love the bra's feminine and sexy look. It comes in a limited range of pastels and neutrals, and everyone agreed that they would like to see more poppy color options.

lululemon run times high support - this well-fitting bra gives a flattering and feminine look.
This well-fitting bra gives a flattering and feminine look.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Even though Lulu designed the Run Times for high-impact workouts, it's versatile and comfortable for any activity. Whether going for a morning jog or running errands around town, it's shape-flattering and comfy. It is one of the most versatile bras in our lineup, supporting the full spectrum of women's unique ways of movement. It feels fantastic in both low and high-impact activities. One of our testers is a yoga teacher and was impressed that a high-impact bra felt so comfortable during a flexibility-based Vinyasa flow.

Quality


For a high-impact bra, the Run Times has relatively simple care instructions, although washing it in a delicates bag will protect it for the long runs ahead.


The Run Times is straightforward to care for, and it is best to wash it with similar colors and machine wash it cold. Lululemon recommends line drying, which keeps the sculpted pads in top shape. Since the padding is built-in bra cups, we appreciate that there are no flimsy removable pads to have a scavenger hunt for on laundry day. The bra's care instructions caution against ironing or dry cleaning. Even after multiple wash cycles, this bra holds its shape during workouts and over the day because of added Lycra fibers in the material for shape retention.

Perforated panels in the front increase airflow around the chest.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Should You Buy the Lululemon Run Times High Support?


If you love to run, then this Run Times is unmatched for comfort, breathability, and high support for diverse cup sizes. It is a bra that most women can run in or translate to any other exercise or daily wear comfortably. A feature that makes it versatile is removable straps that you can wear straight or crossed to make it a more relaxing or supportive fit. True to its name, this is a top choice for any exercise, but Lululemon designed it for racing, trail running, morning jogs, or interval training on the best treadmills during a rainy day.

lululemon run times high support - we are impressed by how a high-impact bra feels "barely there,"...
We are impressed by how a high-impact bra feels “barely there,” giving freedom to stretch, run, and relax.
Credit: Kate Pitts

What Other Sports Bras Should You Consider?


If you want to go the distance but prefer a lightweight compression bra for running, the Girlfriend Collective Paloma is an affordable option with excellent coverage and inclusive sizing. The Tracksmith Run is ultralight and styled with a classy “racing stripe” band and feels. If you like to carry your keys or phone while you run, then you might be interested in the supportive Brooks 3 Pocket or budget-friendly Senita Sarah. If running is your passion, check out our recommendations for the best running gear and pick up your pace with the best women's running shoes.

Kate Pitts
 

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