Patagonia Active Mesh Bra - Women's - 2008 BCS

... I'm buying two more today. Although this seems to confuse the sizing issues other reviewers have mentioned even more, I got the medium and it fits me great, even though I'm 5'1", 34B, 122lbs (yeah, I'm a bit "stockier" than most of the ladies who are brave enough to put their sizes out here, but hopefully the info will help someone else determine their size). I wear mine to climb in and LOVE it. It moves with me but stays put around my rib cage and doesn't ride up under the girls like all the other bras do. I don't know if it would be supportive enough to run in, but for climbing, it rocks... no pun intended. The only down side is that I still get the unaboob with this bra. That said, I haven't found a solution to that in a non-separated cups sports bra yet, so I'm not going to worry about it. Definitely recommended, especially at such a great sale price.

This bra is awesome! I can climb, run, ski, hike, swim in it and it still gives me support and looks cute. Its definitely the most functional sports bra I've ever worn and still looks hot. I'm not sure about the ladies who are better endowed (I'm an A/B cup), but it rocks for me.

I have a big chest (34DD). It's very difficult to find a bra that is comfortable. This bra does its job. I don't love it on its own, but if I put a regular bra under it to help keep things in place, I can do medium-impact activity very comfortably. It's definitely above average, but not perfect.

I love this bra - wear it climbing under a tack-top. It looks very cute and I have it in 3 colors. I'm size 36C/D and L fits perfect. It doesn't crate a "uni-boob" and has decent support. I wouldn't recommend it for running/biking, since the support is not quite like a hard-core sport bra (thus 4 stars), but for hiking/climbing/looking good it's a bra to go!

I hiked 50 miles and didn't feel it at all. It supported me well and I'm a D cup. I recommend it!

I've been wearing the exact same thing for 8 years now, and just hope they don't discontinue the design!

Full support with full comfort. No binding and pinching... nor straps that leave deep red marks. Also easy on and off -- no near heart attack moments trying to stretch your arm and head through...and no death grip around your diaphragm.

Also the capaline fabric is warm in winter and comfortable in summer...and dries fast too!

Full marks!

I love this bra because not only is it so comfortable, it's also so cute. The straps never chafe or rub, and the fabric wicks extremely well. I wear this bra for all of my marathons; however, I am an A-cup, and I suspect it would not have enough support during high-impact activities for anyone over a B-cup.

This bra does what it's supposed to - hold them in place...but the large seaming underneath the arms rubbed my skin off my underarms. After just one moderate ski day or a climbing session, I get big red spots under my arms. The Champion bras I got in a two pack at Costco are way more comfortable, cheaper, and are just as good as the original Patagonia bra I got 6 years ago - large, full coverage, breathable, flat seamed, and soft.

I wear mine mainly for Bikram yoga. Super comfie even when dripping with sweat. I own three of them and will surely buy more. I also wear them skiing and out n'about. Perfect for hot summer days and hiking sans-shirt.

I am 34C and I got the medium over all fit was ok. The straps come down and meet the bra right at the top of my arm pit so uncomfortable when riding a bike. It is good for hiking.

Like all the other reviewers I thought this was super cute! It's very comfratable also... the only thing I'd say is that it's probably not too great for going for a jog or anything too bouncy. I do have a C-D cup though, so for a smaller chest I'd assume it'd probably be alright. I'd stick with this one for more mild activity! Love the color and design though!

I love the thin but supportive fabric!

i wear it working out at the gym and for other athletic activities. i also love wearing it underneath a thin t-shirt. it looks very cute under oversized dressy shirts w/shoulders exposed. i think the design is very pretty & it's very comfortable. i got 1 size larger than i normally would because i wanted a more comfortable fit & it still does a good support job.

I got this same model of sports bra about four years ago and it has held up so well that I decided to get the current version. Very comfortable fit for a flat-chested gal like myself. I had the XS small before and it was a bit too tight for my 31" chest so I got the S this time around and it has been fine. My only complaint is that it doesn't dry quickly from sweat.

I got this same model of sports bra about four years ago and it has held up so well that I decided to get the current version. Very comfortable fit for a flat-chested gal like myself. I had the XS small before and it was a bit too tight for my 31" chest so I got the S this time around and it has been fine. My only complaint is that it doesn't dry quickly from sweat.

I got this same model of sports bra about four years ago and it has held up so well that I decided to get the current version. Very comfortable fit for a flat-chested gal like myself. I had the XS small before and it was a bit too tight for my 31" chest so I got the S this time around and it has been fine. My only complaint is that it doesn't dry quickly from sweat.

I like this bra so well that I have it in six different colors. I wear it for running and cycling and it is very comfortable. I recommend it for A/B women. The double-layer fabric offers lot of support. The only downside is that it takes a while to dry, but it is still my favorite.

not a uniboob. not uncumfy, lasts way too long like 2 weeks packing on the at rinsing in a creek and 2 years later it doesnt reek, too long. get a solid color its tacky in prints.

Very comfortable. Looks really cute. I use it to go boarding, running, gym, everything. I'm pretty small 36A, so pretty much anything will do.

I have tried so many sports bras. I'm like a 34b, and I bought one of these Patagonia Active Mesh Bra's one or two years ago and since then..well I have like 5 now. The wicking is 100% fantastic. I use them for climbing, training/gym, running, river trips, ice climbing, mountaineering, travel, you name it. They dry fast, wear very comfortably, and look great. The only con is the uniboob effect but who care's when you're out there doin it, and I usually choose a more relaxed sports bra for hanging around camp, etc. I mean, these are comfortable but I do get an XS vs a S which is tight for 34b but it's great for high impact sports. Maybe do a size that fits for comfort, one size down for a solid fight like when you don't want them going anywhere.

I am very happy with this bra. I would definately recommend this to a friend. It is supportive and the colors are cute too!! Way to go Patagonia!

I LOVE this sports bra! I threw out all my old ones when I started getting chafing during my marathon training. I used this bra on my first 14miler and had no chafing whatsover. I was doubtful that the compression would be enough, but for me, a 32" A/B, it's perfect. I bought 3 size small.

I have been eyeing this bra for a while b/c it seemed exactly what I was looking for. A "bustier" style bra that would work under a racerback shirt with thin straps...it would if it fit. I am a 34A and usually wear a small in sports bras. When I first got my hands on this bra the material felt a lot heavier than expected (not a neg yet) but I couldn't even fit in the Small. The medium was ok around me but it came up too high under my arms and cut in the skin which was very uncomfortable. I haven't tried on a Large but that might just end up being too wide. I guess this one is not for me.

These are divinely comfortable- got two on sale, and ended up buying another when it went on sale. These likely do not have enough support for bigger chested calls (if you look at the specs, it DOES say these are meant for A/B cups) but I am a 32C and it is enough support for my small-medium chest. PLEASE NOTE- the sizing on these *does* run pretty weird. I initially bought a medium and ended up returning for a large, as I am tall and broad shouldered, and didn't much care for the "squished armpit fat" effect that the medium gave me. I'm not really sure WHO a small would fit (a child, perhaps?) but I'd say if you are tiny (32A, maybe 32B), a medium will probably fit you and if you are anything bigger (34A, 34B, 32C) you should go with the large. I have a tiny ribcage and the large is NOT too big around for me. I suspect that if my chest were to suddenly grow a size overnight, this would still fit just fine, although I don't know that it would provide support for hard impact activities.

I've played soccer for 20 years wearing "standard" athletic bras, which are generally not very stylish, so I appreciate the cute v-shaped straps on the back, as well as the cute patterns this comes in. And, while the material feels thicker than some other sports bras, this is because it is double layered- which I also appreciate because it keeps my nips from being obvious, while other athletic bras don't always! (Sorry... inappropriate, perhaps, but truly a plus so had to be mentioned!) The back is quite open and airy because of the cut, so you don't feel suffocated by the material, and it is excellent at wicking away moisture.

Just for reference, I bought a small in the Patagonia Active Sport 24-7 Bra (A-B) and that felt looser/less supportive than the large in this bra. That one does have much thinner fabric, if that is a concern for you with the Active Mesh (for me, the thin fabric/lack of support makes it unwearable for anything except walking, really).

Out of all the bras I've tried over the years, this is my favorite so far. I bought an extra one just in case, but ended up only using the one I had on for a 7 day Utah backpacking trip. It's breathable, quick to dry, seamless, moves with me perfectly -once I got the right size. I normally get size S because I'm 34Bish but I found the straps too constricting for my tennis player/climber shoulders/back. The Medium fits like a dream over my shoulders/back and the fabric still smells decent after weeklong camps. This bra makes me feel good. and hardcore. :)

I found that it rubbed under arms. The arm holes seemed small for me, tried twice, sent both back. I'm about 5' 115 and couldn't get either the s or m to fit well, don't have big boobs, so maybe that had something to do with it.

I think Patagonia makes really quality clothing so I was very excited to buy this bra. However I was extremely disappointed. They're all very cute but don't offer me much support at all. I'm not too large 5'2'' 125 lbs 34-B and I bought a Small but I have to wear both of the bras I bought to feel supported with medium level activity (cardio at the gym, etc). I must say that wearing two of them provides AWESOME support, however even at the SAC price, that's too expensive and not how that's supposed to be. Especially when I have $10 bras that perform better.

Sports bras generally bug me - the discomfort, smushed feeling they give is less than desirable. But hiking in normal bras....not so good either. So I bought this one. I bought a medium, which mostly fits correctly. The waistband is a little loose, but the rest of the bra fits perfectly. I'm especially pleased with the strap length. I'm a 32B which is kind of a rare size. My main complaint is that I really wish sports bras would be sized more like normal bras. Yes there isn't a "cup" but you can have a small waist and a larger chest.

POSITIVE: I was a little worried about the looseness. But I went hiking using this bra for the first time last weekend and it worked great. Usually bras are irritating - but this one I didn't even notice. I was crawling over some rocks and realized what an amazing job it was doing and how comfortable and breathable it felt. I will probably buy this bra again and suggest it to friends who have the same comfort issues. I'm hoping the bra won't stretch out and will stand the test of time.

The design and comfort of this sport are pretty well up there. I order this bra 1 or 2 sizes up for comfort or for C cup. I do not use this top for running but is good for casual and biking, yoga. The top wears light soft even feeling-unlike a running bra, so you can this all day even in the heat.

I think this is a good lightweight support bra for walking, everyday wear, gym training or maybe hiking.

I am a 32A cup and got the XS, so this provides enough support, but it does tend to ride up on me if I do anything heavy duty (i.e. climbing, running).

This bra has it all- it's comfortable, it's durable, and it's fashionable. From climbing to kayaking to hiking, this bra responds, supports, and protects extremely well, and the colors and patterns are always flattering. Whether you wear it three days on an expedition or three hours in the afternoon, you will love this bra!

At 5'6, 135lb with a 34/36A, I figured the medium would be just fine. However, because of the cut of the bra, it was tight under my arms and cut in a bit more than I was comfortable with. I sent it back and got the large and have been happier with it. It sits about mid-rib cage, doesn't ride up at all, but is still a little higher under the arms than I'd like. It cuts in a little at the front of my arm pit where that fleshy bit is. But, it's comfortable and keeps the girls in their place, so I'm satisfied.

I got the black bra, which looks like it might have a little different cut than the colored ones. I got a medium, which for a 34A I thought would have been fine, but it was way uncomfortable. It cut up under my arms in the front and back, and was quite a bit tighter than I expected it to be, in a bad way.
I'm going to try a larger size, and different color in hopes that it redeems itself.

I've been using this sports bra for the last 7-8 years and it's the only one I buy. Full disclosure I haven't actually tried anything else because they keep making it year after year! I'm a size 34-B with a petite frame and I get the XS. It's simple and straightforward. Although it's HUGELY overpriced. I usually only buy it when it's on sale, but that's what you get with Patagucci!

not perfect as far as support, but it's real comfortable and super-cute. probly best for lower-impact stuff.

I had a medium when I was 36C and it was great for casual wear and climbing. Now I'm a 34B and I switched to the small. I've worn it running a few times and it does the job, but it's not my favorite for running (I like more support and less jiggle). I'd say it is best for cycling, hiking, climbing, hanging out, etc. But it all depends on how much support an individual wants while running. Overall, I like this bra a lot.

I got this one for hiking - something to absorb sweat and feel good against my skin. it did just that and it's super cuter. I would definitely not jog in this one - no support for C cup there.

I think this sports bra isgreat! it's very supportive- I'm a C cup. A small C.It's great for high impact activities and way cute under superlow v neckshirts. Material is very breathable. It's comfy! No uni boob here!

I really like the comfort and material! But I was hoping to use it for running, and its not possible since I'm a size C. Although, I'm constantly in the woods for school and work so its great for other low impact activities. I recommend it for xc-skiing, biking, hiking or just to wear around the house.

Now I wear a lot of Bra tops. I workout in them, I take them on my treks, I take them to the beach and in the summer I can wear them with skirts and shorts and cover up if necessary with a light shirt.

These Patagonia tops are great, they are soft and smooth on the skin. They are not tight fitting with hard elastic to dig in like some tops. They are easy to wash and dry and they are very pretty too. Light and easy to stow away in a bag - I bought two

Hands down (or maybe I should say, "hands off!") the Patagonia bra is the best over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder I've ever worn. It doesn't ride up when I'm working out, and it's so comfy that I don't even mind wearing it. Some sports bras make you feel constricted, but this one makes me feel free, yet supported while I'm trying to shed fat from less attractive areas of my bod!

i initially loved these sports bras - they really fit nicely when you first get them. i have now used them for a year - and after fairly regular use (i would say once or twice a week), the inside lining starts to stretch in a way where it looks lumpy from the inside. the outside still has elasticity, so it looks like you have extra bulk or uneven-ness underneath. kind of annoying because these are expensive and super cute to start with.

I have two of these and use them for climbing, backpacking, trail running... everything. I am 5'4", 120lbs, a 34/36C and a medium fits well. I'd say the bra is definitely supportive enough for everything I do. I can't say that its fits weirdly like some of the other reviewers... but maybe I just got lucky - twice.

If you buy one, you will for sure want more of these. I am a 34D and I wear these to run with another tank top (with a built in bra) and I find them very supportive. I have several of these now :o)

I wore this on a hiking trip. It was washed and dried over night. It was comfortable and not binding. I'm a very full-sized woman(more a C cup than a B), but this gave me great support without cutting into my sides. I'll certainly will recommend this bra.

I've been wearing these exact sportbras for years...they are super cute for when I like to take my shirt off but also very supportive. much cuter than all the other sportbras!!

I bought a black and white one for a recent backpacking trip. They were so comfortable and pretty supportive. I am a C cup and have a hard time finding sports bras that don't feel like armor. For some reason the black one feels a little lighter, but overall I am so happy and may get a more colorful one later. I highly recommend and was sold after I read the great reviews.

I once tried to look for other brand and style but at the end I still come back to this one!!!! This sport bra is comfortable, durable and very easy to slip on. After two years of wearing the same one, it still provides the good support. It gives good amount of support for my aerobic, cardio, weight training, biking, in fact I wear them for all my outdoor activities even when I do my gardening!!!! :o)

Totally love this bra. I have it in many different colors. I wear it trail running & it offers plenty of support. Only time I wear anything else running is during that one week each month when I need a little more support. Then I use Ppatagonia' high impact bra (small, a/b)...

love it!! I make a special load to wash this bra so I can wear it everytime I run. Forget the others. Great for A cup runners, as is my experience.

My underwear drawer contains almost no other bras but these. The varying colors are great to work more color into my different outfits - no need to hide these bra straps! Originally got them to teach and practice yoga in, but now i wear them almost exclusively.... Thanks, Patagonia!

Probably the most comfortable sports bra I've ever worn. The straps sit perfectly on my shoulders and the bottom doesn't ride up. It breathes well and dries fast. Good enough support for medium-impact activities, but probably not enough for running. I use it mainly for hiking and kayaking.

Great support and fit, good quality which is typical with patagonia. Should last years and years.

I was skeptical when purchasing this bra. I wanted a sports bra that was not as bulky and funny looking as my others. I hit the jackpot! I love wearing this bra for climbing, biking and also going out. It is super comfy. It does hold you in really tight.

i love this top. its sporty looking and functional. i am a C and it still fits just right without giving the uni-breast look i often find happens with sports bras. it is also amazingly comfortable and doesn't give me the shoulder/head strain that i sometimes get with sports bras. i also love that it has narrower straps so it looks good under tanks.

This is a great bra for an A/B cup. I just got it two days ago and now I'm buying 2 more in different colors! It's very comfortable, supportive and versatile. It causes less of a uniboob than other sports bras I have, but it's going to look sportier than a regular bra obviously.

Great bra - my wife uses it for all sorts of activities and it's held up very well (no pun intended).

It is so comfortable, and puts much less pressure on my shoulders (/trapezius) than any other sports bra, but is still supportive, at least for A/B women. It also looks good alone, as a sports top. I have 2 so far, and I wear them for yoga, frisbee, biking, tennis... I may need to get more so that I can do laundry less.

Comfy enough I bought a 2nd one.

The fabric is a little heavier than I was expecting, but the seamless-ness is really nice and comfy. So comfy that when I burned my shoulders by accident one weekend, this was the only bra I could wear until my burn went away.

I use it for hiking and biking, and plan to wear it skiing. It wicks and dries better than the seamless Champion bras I have been wearing (which are still great, but I think the Patagonia will be better in the winter for that reason).

Love these sport bras. supportive and yet still full of style. Nice to take your shirt off and have it be like a shirt and not a bra...not plain and boring. Love Patagonia always.

I have two of these, one I got in 2003 and the other in 2005 and I love them, I wear them for everything from climbing to skiing to trail running. They are very versatile, they wash up well and they last forever. They fit snug, but not to snug because that is always horrible. I would recommend two to everyone, I think I'll get my 3rd soon here.

If you're a C or larger this bra isn't good for anything other than yoga class. It's cute though but I have found with patagonia sports bras to size up. I have a 32 inch back measurement but a C/D and I have to get a Medium in this cup, the small is suffocating. It's cute and fun and a great top for yoga, if you're a B or A cup, this bra would be great for other sports!

I just bought a second Patagonia Active Mesh Bra as it's just about perfect for all of my sporting activities. My chest diameter is on the larger size of a 34A (wear bras on the loosest hook until they're stretched out) and I have these in medium. They are perfect for mountain biking, skiing, yoga, and I think I'd even be happy running in them. The straps are comfortable, and aren't too close to your neck like some sports bras so you don't see them at the neck opening of your shirt. They designs are really fun and the bra is a perfect combination of support and comfort.

These are cute, and supportive bras. Great for hiking, or climbing when it is hot.

This bra is my favorite. I wear a 34 C, and I got the medium. It's supportive without smashing your boobs into pancakes, and it wicks away sweat. Because boob sweat is gross.

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