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The moisture wicking and deodorizing properties of wool make us wear this bra for a few hours after running.

RW Takeaway: After testing Ibex's super comfortable and supportive sports bra in hot weather, we found that wool can be worn year-round-and it can alleviate the fear of BO stinking after running.

Price: US$65 (sports bra), US$70 (short style) Size: Small to oversized Cup size: A to D

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When I was first asked to test the wool bra in late summer, it suddenly occurred to me that our testing team was losing it. But after testing this bra, I can prove that wool is the official staple food of the four seasons.

Ibex's Balance Crop bra (also available for purchase and selection here: Balance Sport Bra) is a seamless 59% merino wool blend sports bra with odor control, antibacterial properties and temperature regulation. Although this may seem like a list of bras, it actually makes sense. Because of these characteristics, wool—especially Merino wool—is a common textile choice in sportswear. But will it stand up in sweaty summer running?

I can't stand the smell. I am very sensitive to smell, I might offend others with my BO, which is shocking. So naturally, I tend to shower as soon as possible after running. However, dear readers, I deliberately planned a shopping trip to test the deodorizing ability of this bra. What can I say except that it works. I got wet with sweat, and I didn't wash it twice after wearing it. There was nothing. Nada. Compared to my synthetic sportswear, I start to smell if I want to sweat, which is really impressive.

Test editor Amanda Furrer has a similar experience. "I think this situation will continue even after multiple washings, because most polyethylene sportswear is technically processed and will wear out unless you hand wash and dry it," she said. "Because wool naturally has these characteristics, I hope this magical deodorant effect can last."

When you think of wool, comfortable wool socks and warm, itchy wool sweaters, despite this preconception, it is suitable for both hot and cold weather. The fibers in wool absorb moisture like high-tech fabrics, especially this bra does not show sweat. Although I couldn't measure it accurately, I noticed that I felt cool and comfortable most of the time I was running, and although I was sure there was sweat on my bra strap, I didn't notice it.

Interestingly, it felt a little itchy when I put it on at first, but I was shocked when I didn't feel any bruises, tugging, tightness or discomfort throughout the run. Although most bras become more and more uncomfortable as the mileage goes by, this makes me completely forget that I wore it first.

Amanda had a similar experience. At first she noticed a slight itching, but then said, “What shocked me the most was that I didn’t want to take it off immediately after running.”

It also has a double-layer design, allowing you to feel comfortable without padding.

Although it is difficult to justify spending $65 on a sports bra, if you have the money, go for it. The reason is as follows: it is not only comfortable now, but also unlike synthetic technical fabrics, wool is very durable and can remain after countless running and washing cycles. Using more environmentally friendly alternatives to technological materials will also make you feel better, which is usually caused by non-biodegradable plastics.

We should note that this is not an ultra-high support bra. If you have a large chest, you may not feel safe enough to run, but it is still a good choice for low-intensity exercise.

Inadvertently, we also found that the gap in the bra layer (the gap in the detachable cup) is perfect for holding keys or credit cards safely while running. Although you don't want to put anything too sharp in it because you are afraid of getting entangled in the knitted fabric, this is an added benefit.