Running Bare - "Old Skool" Sports Bra & Leggings

Running Bare, the Brand:

The name Running Bare may conjure up a carefree image, but the Australian brand's activewear range is anything but. Repped by a running bear, Running Bare sports bras and leggings are made of quality materials that feel secure on--soft to the touch, but with a strong grip that refuses to let loose. To give additional support, most of the sports bras have either criss-cross straps or a racer back. Whether you like monochrome or patterns, you will find it in Running Bare's collection.

The Old Skool Set:

I am a fan of color blocking and the "Old Skool" set exemplifies one of the best. Navy, mauve, and white, how come no one has thought of this before? I was so keen that I got the activewear set despite the sports bra's not having any padding. Whenever I wear this set, I add a strapless bra inside, and the lines running through the top in the photos are the outline of the strapless bra. Consider the extra work well worth it.

I got the "Old Skool" set in 2019 and it has seen me through countless gym sessions in the past 4 years. The material feels as soft and elastic as when it first arrived. Because the sports bra is not padded, I don't wear it while doing anything that involves running, but weightlifting is fine. For more support, Running Bare does offer sports bras with padding, even push-up.

SMusicHDance Checklist:

• Padding for sports bra: No padding (no room for inserts either)

• Sports bra straps: Halter, with racer back

• Legging rise: High rise, wide waistband

• Legging length: Full length, as advertised

• Pockets on leggings: No pockets

• Support level: I don't wear this sports bra to run because it has no padding; I wear it for weightlifting. The leggings are good for all workout, and are squat-proof and not see-through. Sweat wicking.

• Comfort level: I love this set for working out but would not recommend it for lounging around.

• Fit: Runs true to size. Running Bare has its own size guide, based on which I should be Sz 10 (US4-6 / UK10 / AU10 / EU36). I did get Sz 10 for both the sports bra and leggings, and it is the right fit.

Please bear in mind that the US size refers to activewear size, not regular clothes. Speaking from experience, I find North American activewear sizing to run much smaller compared to that of regular clothes. A good benchmark for US activewear sizing is Lululemon, which makes activewear sized 0-20. The size you wear in Lululemon is your US size.

Buying Online:

Running Bare activewear is available through the brand's own website, which ships worldwide. Returns within 14 days of purchase (not receipt!) for Australian orders and 21 days for the rest of the world are accepted for non-sale items, but you have to pay for your own return shipping. The above terms are applicable at the time of this writing and you may refer to Running Bare's website for any update.

The "Old Skool" set came out in 2019 and the sports bra is still available inc a different colorway, although the leggings are not. *This is not a sponsored post. I acquired the products on my own and receive no compensation for any purchases made via the links.

Photographer: Thomas Paul Hannam