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Prana Becksa Bralette Review

This stylish crop-top bra is perfect for yoga, climbing, and hiking, and can also be dressed up for a chic look in town
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Prana Becksa Bralette Review (Voted the most comfortable option for outdoor adventures by many testers, the Becksa is a go-to climbing bra based on...)
Voted the most comfortable option for outdoor adventures by many testers, the Becksa is a go-to climbing bra based on breathability, its soft and cozy fit, and just-enough support.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Price:  $65 List
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Manufacturer:   Prana
By Kate Pitts and Haley Thomas  ⋅  Jul 16, 2024
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 23
  • Comfort and Fit - 40% 7.5
  • Support - 30% 6.0
  • Style - 15% 7.5
  • Quality - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Prana Becksa Bralette is a sleek fit for both your inner mountain-woman and cosmopolitan side. The inner bra offers enough support for low-impact exercises like yoga, pilates, or even hiking, while the ribbed outer layer is stylish enough to pair with some shorts for a staple warm-weather travel outfit. The perforations on the inner layer make it breathable, and the rib band offers some support without pinching. The neckline is also flattering and provides enough coverage to feel safe in a headstand. If you are looking for a casual workout tank top with enough support to get a sweat on, then the Becksa is one of our favorite sports bras.
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile
Doubles as a crop top
Flattering
Stylish
Breathable
Comfortable
Recycled material
REASONS TO AVOID
Low-medium support
Somewhat non-inclusive sizing
Editor's Note: This review was updated on July 16, 2024 after a complete retesting of our sports bra lineup.

Compare to Similar Products

 
prana becksa bralette
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Sports Bra Top
Editors' Choice Award
Best Sports Bra for Athletic Endeavors
Editors' Choice Award
Best Sports Bra for Everyday Comfort
Best Buy Award
Best Budget Sports Bra for Activewear
Best Buy Award
Best Value Sports Bra for Everyday Comfort
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line This low to medium-impact sports tank is at the top of the pile for yoga, outdoor adventures like hiking or climbing, and casual town dates with your friendsOne of the highest-performing bras in every category, its comfortable compression, soft comfort, and sporty style make it one of our top picks for athletesA medium-impact sports bra that hugs your curves just right and is comfortable through all the day's activitiesWe never knew how easy it could be to wear and care for a sports bra with sewn-in pads. This bra keeps you snug during your hardest moves and gives you a classic athletic styleA soft, breathable, and date night attractive bralette best for smaller chests that is a budget buy for everyday wear, backpacking, traveling, restorative yoga, and swimming
Rating Categories Prana Becksa Bralette On Performance Beyond Yoga Spacedy... Nike Swoosh REI Co-op Active Br...
Comfort and Fit (40%)
7.5
8.5
9.5
8.0
8.0
Support (30%)
6.0
8.5
8.0
8.0
3.0
Style (15%)
7.5
8.5
9.0
6.0
7.0
Quality (15%)
8.0
9.5
6.0
9.0
7.5
Specs Prana Becksa Bralette On Performance Beyond Yoga Spacedy... Nike Swoosh REI Co-op Active Br...
Material 42% recycled polyester, 42% polyester, 16% spandex 65% recycled polyamide, 35% elastane 87% polyester, 13% elastane 72% polyester, 28% spandex 86% polyester, 14% spandex mesh
Support Low impact Medium/high impact Medium impact Medium impact Low impact
Size Range XS - XL XS - XL XXS - 4X XS - XXL XS - 3XL
Support Type Compression Encapsulation and compression Encapsulation Compression Encapsulation
Strap Style Racerback Racerback Racerback Racerback Racerback
Adjustable No No No No Yes
Padded Yes, removable Yes Yes, removable Yes, sewn-in Yes, removable
Neck Line High neck High neck V neck Scoop neck V neck
Key Pocket No No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


prana becksa bralette - the becksa is a yoga teacher favorite for yoga classes. it provides...
The Becksa is a yoga teacher favorite for yoga classes. It provides excellent coverage in inversions while having a gentler compression that supports deep breathing when you move.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

prana becksa bralette - the becksa is perfect for low impact exercises like yoga.
The Becksa is perfect for low impact exercises like yoga.
Credit: Hayley Thomas

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.

prana becksa bralette - the long fit makes it comfortable for outdoor activities and...
The long fit makes it comfortable for outdoor activities and provides more sun protection.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

prana becksa bralette - we love that we can wear the becksa by itself as a workout top at...
We love that we can wear the Becksa by itself as a workout top at the gym, yoga, hiking, and lounging.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

prana becksa bralette - the thick rib band of the becksa offers light support without...
The thick rib band of the Becksa offers light support without pinching your midriff too much.
Credit: Hayley Thomas

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.
This good-looking tank can take you from gym to artist studio to coffee date in a heartbeat.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

prana becksa bralette - this low impact sports bra is also low maintenance.
This low impact sports bra is also low maintenance.
Credit: Hayley Thomas

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.

prana becksa bralette - the becksa is a stand-alone top that is attractive and functional...
The Becksa is a stand-alone top that is attractive and functional, taking you from crushing at the crag to casual lounging.
Credit: Kate Pitts

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.

Kate Pitts and Haley Thomas
 

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