Prana Becksa Bralette Review

This stylish sports bralette is perfect for low-impact exercises and casual coffee dates. While it does not win any awards for support, it is surprisingly supportive for what it is — a bralette. Read on to see how the Becksa measures up.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Fit

We begin our comfort and fit testing by taking note of any chafing, pinching, or spilling we experience while working out in each bra. We also consider the softness of the fabric and whether or not the bra is true to size. Because this metric depends heavily on the body type, we also assess the versatility of the fit. The Becksa Bralette performs quite well in this metric and can easily be worn on its own as a crop top.

There is no pinching, spilling, or chafing in this bralette unless you size down. The only reason to size down would be if you are in-between sizes and prefer a tighter fit. In this case, you may find that the armholes are a little tight, resulting in some spillage around the armpits. The fabric is a blend of 84% polyester (42% of which is recycled) and 16% elastane --both soft and breathable. The supportive inner layer is very stretchy and perforated for airflow, while the ribbed outer layer is soft enough that chafing is a non-issue.

The Becksa is true to size but can be sized down for a tighter fit. It is not adjustable, but the flexible nature of this bra makes it versatile. Someone who usually wears a medium can probably get away with wearing a small, or someone who wears an XXL will probably be just fine with an XL. However, we would like to see Prana offer sizes larger than an XL.

Support

Bralettes or tank tops with built-in bras are not known for their high level of support. The Becksa cannot measure up to an adjustable encapsulation-compression sports bra, but it holds its own for what it is. It works great for yoga, pilates, climbing, and other low-impact sports. Even hiking is fine, but you'll likely want something more supportive for running or high-intensity cardio workouts. During our support testing, we noted the kind of support offered (either compression or encapsulation), the stretch, and the coverage for each tested bra.

The Becksa offers support through compression from the interior bra. The thick racerback strap helps distribute weight across the shoulders nicely, and although this bralette is a lower-impact sports bra, it holds up nicely during most workouts. The smaller you can go, the more compression this bralette can offer, but it is important to note that the armpit holes may feel uncomfortably tight if you size down too much.

The inside bra is very stretchy with a tight but giving rib band. The outer layer is less stretchy, but the support mostly comes from the inner bra. However, it's important to note that the rib band is relatively thin, so those who like to have a lot of under-breast support may be disappointed. The neck is low enough to keep you cool, but the cut offers coverage and keeps everything in place, so you don't have to worry about a nip-slip mid-yoga class. The bottom of the bralette has a nice taper to it and hits just above the belly button for most people, unless you have a very long torso, offering a little extra coverage.

Style

Style is an important metric to consider, but it can be difficult to measure. For this reason, we gather a diverse group of bra-wearing humans to weigh in. After we agree on whether a bra is stylish or not, we take into account the versatility and color options available. The Becksa Bralette knocks this category out of the park.

The Becksa is well-made and eye-catching. The thick shoulder straps, racerback, and gentle neckline are flattering on most body types, allowing for just enough of your upper chest to show without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction. The ribbed outer layer gives it less of a bra look and more of a tank top look, making it just as viable an option for the gym or an afternoon out and about town. The tapered bottom allows for a little extra coverage and looks great with a pair of high-waisted jeans. Although they are mostly muted earthy tones, the color options are lovely, and small details like the stitching and a metal logo plate on the back give this tank-bra a very finished look.

Ease of Care

Not everyone likes laundry day, so garments that require extra care can be a pain. To assess this metric, we follow the care instructions, step by step, to experience firsthand how cumbersome the process is. Items like the Becksa that can be washed and dried with no problem perform highly in this department. We also take into consideration each sports bra's general durability.

The Becksa is a very low-maintenance article of clothing. While drying your clothes every time you wash them will result in a loss of elasticity, this bralette can happily make its way through a normal wash and dry cycle without any negative repercussions. After multiple washes, ours remained as stretchy and supportive as the day we received it. The high-quality stitching and durable ribbed fabric are sure to last you through many workouts, especially if you take extra care to air dry.

Should You Buy the Prana Becksa Bralette?

The Becksa lands in the middle of our test suite price-wise but outperforms many of its competitors. It is very comfortable, stylish, easy to care for, and supportive for a tank top. The fact that it doubles as a casual crop top tank is just the icing on this value cake. While it is not meant to offer mega support, it holds the girls in just fine during low to medium-impact exercises. The under bra provides enough support for yoga, pilates, or even casual hikes. The earthy tones and stylish ribbed outer layer also make this an acceptable garment for casual wear outside of the gym. This is a great option if you are looking for a versatile, low to medium-support bra that can double as a crop top.

What Other Sports Bras Should You Consider?

If the Becksa drew you in with its versatile look, but you want a little more support, consider the Girlfriend Collective Topanga. The high neck, adjustable straps, and thick rib band help keep things in place. The Vuori Long Line Elevation has a similar fit to the Becksa - the thicker rib band doesn't squeeze too tightly around the midsection, and it's made of unbelievably soft material. The Girlfriend Collective Paloma is another longline bra that's comfortable, supportive, and can double as a crop top to complete a cute outfit.