Prana Becksa Bralette Review

This stylish sports crop top is perfect for low-impact exercises and casual outings with friends. While it may not win any awards for support, it is surprisingly versatile for many activities. Read on to find out why the Becksa stands out as a time-tested winner for warm days spent climbing, hiking, doing yoga, or traveling – so stylish, you don't need to bring a shirt.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Fit

Our comfort and fit testing begin with noting any chafing, pinching, or spilling experienced while working out in each bra. We also consider the softness of the fabric and whether the bra is true to size. Because this metric depends heavily on body type, we also assess the versatility of the fit. The Becksa stands out for its ability to be a comfortable fit for most bodies in low-impact activities and double as a flattering crop top.

This bralette is designed to be comfortable with no pinching, spilling, or chafing as long as you choose the correct size. The Becksa is true to size, but if you are between sizes and prefer a tighter fit, you may consider sizing it down. However, be aware that sizing down may make the armholes feel a little tight, which could cause some spillage around the armpits. Someone who usually wears a medium can get away with wearing a small, or someone who wears an XXL will probably be OK with an XL. However, we want Prana to offer more significant sizes than an XL.

Although the Becksa is not adjustable, the material is flexible and easy to get on and off. One thing we appreciated about the fit is that the elastic waistband is not constricting and falls below the ribs, making it one of the easiest for unrestricted breathing, which is why our testers loved it for low-impact activities where you need to catch a deep breath like yoga or getting in a flow state on a multi-pitch trad route. The bralette is made from a blend of 84% polyester (with 42% being recycled) and 16% elastane, making it soft and breathable. The bra features a supportive inner layer that is stretchy and perforated for airflow, while the textured ribbed outer layer is smooth on the skin.

Support

During our support testing, we noted the kind of support offered (either compression or encapsulation), the stretch, and the coverage for each tested bra. 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 if you want a relaxed fit for yoga, pilates, and climbing, it is hard to find a bra better suited for all-day comfort while you are on the go.

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. However, our testers found it unsuitable for running, and for people with larger chests, you may find too much bounce for your burpees. Women with smaller chests love the coverage and the versatility that it offers.

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

Style

Style is an important metric to consider, but it can be challenging 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, we consider the bra's versatility and color options available. The Becksa 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 provides more coverage than the average sports bra and looks sleek as a supported crop top with a hiking skort or high-waisted jeans. The fabric has built-in UPF 50+ and offers sun protection for the areas of skin it covers. The Becksa mostly comes in classic solids or muted earthy tones. Small details like the stitching and a metal logo plate on the back give this tank bra a polished look.

Quality

On laundry day, some garments require extra TLC - time, lots of maintenance, and cleaners to be maintained. To assess this metric, we follow each bra's care instructions step by step to sort the high maintenance from the load-and-go bras. We also take into consideration each sports bra's general durability. Pieces like the Becksa that can be machine washed and dried with no durability issues perform highly in this department.

The Becksa is low-maintenance. Drying your clothes every time you wash them will result in a loss of elasticity. Still, this bralette can happily go through a regular 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 will surely last you through many workouts, especially if you take extra care to air dry.

Should You Buy the Prana Becksa Bralette?

The Becksa is mid-range price-wise but outperforms many competitors. It is comfortable, stylish, easy to care for, and supportive for low-impact adventures. 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, dancing, climbing, or hikes. The earthy tones and stylish ribbed outer layer also make this an acceptable garment for casual wear outside of the gym. This is an excellent option if you are looking for a versatile, low to medium-support bra that can double as a trendy 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, whose high neck, adjustable straps, and thick rib band help keep things in place. The Girlfriend Collective Paloma is another longline bra that's comfortable, supportive, and can double as a crop top to complete a cute outfit. We love this bra for outdoor adventures, and you don't need a shirt to pair it with a pair of great hiking pants.