Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 Bra Review: Do We Dare?

What You Need To Know

LINDSAY: Ladies, we asked, and Brooks delivered. Say it with me — sewn-in bra padding. The Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 features built-in molded cups that stay in place while we stay in motion. Coming in a whopping nine colorways, there is sure to be a color for everybody. Let’s see if we dare to love it (see what I did there?) or if we just end up cross.

What we like about the Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 Bra

LINDSAY: This bra is super soft yet doesn’t sacrifice its sweat-wicking potential. It was easy to pull on, and the cross straps are connected, so you don’t have to worry about getting them untangled before putting the Dare Crossback 2.0 on. It’s lightweight and hugs the body with a good bit of stretch to move with you.

Unfortunately, there was more about this bra that I didn’t favor.

What we don’t like about the Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 Bra

LINDSAY: I’ve been on a hunt for sports bras with pockets as of late — especially cell phone pockets. Sadly, the Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 has a grand total of zero. You might be able to jam a Koala Clip in there, but it’s not a guarantee, given how strappy the crossover bands are.

I would have also liked a smaller size for comparison. I’m a proud member of the itty bitty titty committee, so it’s often hard to tell where I fall. The size guide for this one recommended a 36A or 34B. The sizes range from 30-40 AB, CD, or DE, so I opted for the 34AB and felt like it was just a bit loose in the cup size and around the underarms and shoulders. Adjustable straps may have solved the shoulder issue, but the looser fabric near the underarms was a strategic move by Brooks to maintain a good range of motion. Unfortunately, it caused a bit of chafing for me, which ain’t ideal.

I was a little sad to find that after running it through the washer and dryer, the fabric in front of the padding had loosened a bit. You know that problem with removable padding when it gets washed and wrinkles up? That’s what I’m talking about. It may have been avoided if I hung it to dry rather than putting it through the dryer, though.

Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 Bra Conclusion

LINDSAY:  Overall, the Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 is definitely a sports bra I will continue to wear and enjoy wearing. Would I pay $65 to get another one? Probably not. These days, functionality trumps aesthetics. If it’s got both, it’s a winner in my book. This bra, while wholly aesthetically pleasing, is not very functional for a high-mileage runner. However, this bra would work great for any low-intensity, stationary workouts in the gym or something like Pilates if that’s your cup of tea.

You can pick up the Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 Bra for $65 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) using the button below.

Want to learn more about how our review process works? Check out this guide.