Smartwool PhD Seamless Racerback Bra Review
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The Smartwool PhD Seamless Racerback Bra is another example of Smartwool’s ever expanding line up of merino goods. There are no clasps in the back, adjustable shoulder straps, molded cups, or bells and whistles with this sports bra. Rather, as the name suggests, the PhD Seamless Racerback Bra is a dual layer seamless sports bra with a racerback outline and pull over design. The simplicity of this sports bra is what makes it so great.
The PhD Seamless Racerback Bra’s outer layer is composed of 76% polyester, 14% Nylon, and 10% elastane. While the inside layer swaps out polyester for merino wool. The wool is soft against your skin and Smartwool was able to transition between the inside and outer layers without any pesky seams under your arms, at the shoulders, etc, which is an amazing feat. What this means to you is comfort and absolutely no chaffing. The dual layer design was not as breathable as single layer sports bras. Smartwool incorporated a venting system along the bottom edge and at the middle of the chest, which helps to dissipate some heat/sweat. To keep the sports bra in place, there is a wide elastic band that is covered by the inner and outer layers of the bra.
The merino wool, nylon, and elastane combo is stretchy to move with you and provide ample support for high impact activity for A/B cups. If you are a C/D cup, this bra would best be used for low-medium impact activities, such as hiking, skiing, yoga, cycling. The sports bra is available in size XS to L; I felt that the bra ran a little small according to the size guide in terms of length of the shoulder straps. I ordered according to the provided size guide but found that straps felt as if they were pulling up the sports bra too high, and I have a pretty average torso length. The size was perfect in the cup region and around the rib cage.
The PhD Seamless Racerback Bra is on the higher end for price. The is likely due to the incorporation of merino wool into the lining of this garment. The merino wools benefits outweigh this added price as you can wear this garment over and over again without stinking the sports bra up, thanks to merino wools natural odor repellency. The bra is also easy to wash in a sink and dries quickly, making it great piece for adventure travelers. Overall, the PhD Seamless Racerback Bra was an excellent find and would be worth the extra money for its versatility, durability, and comfort. For more info on the PhD Seamless Racerback Bra and other Smartwool products, visit www.smartwool.com or www.amazon.com/smartwool.
