Since I started running in high school, I would go to Target when they had their two for $25 sport bra sales, grab the brightest colors and designs, and call it day. They were comfy, supportive, and all I really needed. Or so I thought.
However, these sport bras stretch out over time – a lot. I’d have to replace them almost every year, but I thought that was normal for sport bras; when you wear them as often as runners do, spending $75 a year seems very doable.
When Valleau Apparel emailed me about their American-made fitness apparel, I really didn’t think anything of it; in fact, I’ve tried sport bras from other stores, such as Victoria’s Secret, and they never seemed to fit as comfortably as Target (I’m a simple girl). Valleau’s claim to “emphasize fashion forward patterns and vibrant colors, that make it a multifunctional line for the everyday active woman” was enticing, though, so I said I’d try them out.
I got two sport bras in the mail – the black and white one pictured above, and a mint green one (mint green is my absolute favorite color, so I thought that had to be a good sign). They felt very silky and soft, an entirely different material than I’ve been wearing the last 10 years. The straps were both different, fun strap designs, and because I have a lot of athletic tank tops with cutouts in the back, I knew I’d look super cute next time I went to the gym – if cute workout clothes aren’t motivation to exercise, I don’t know what is.
The first time I put one of the bras on, I literally felt like Cinderella being transformed into her gown; it was supportive, comfortable and cute, just like Valleau promised, and I was already impressed. Once I started working out, I nearly forgot I had it on, and women will know that finding a sports bra that doesn’t irritate you in some way is pretty difficult.
Valleau’s bras have become my favorite bras in my closet; every time I have a hard workout or long run in my schedule, I make sure that one of them is washed because comfort is the first step to motivation. The bras themselves range from $20 – $44, so they may be pricier than my Target ones, but I know they’ll last a lot longer, and look cuter too! (Tip: they run a little small, so consider going a size up if you purchase them!)
While known mostly for its sport bras, Valleau also specializes in leggings, outerwear, tank tops and shorts. After doing some research on its site, I learned that owner Katie Valleau designs all of the pieces herself in San Diego, and chooses fabric and designs she knows will compliment active women, like herself.
“The line is not focused on one particular activity, its diversity is what makes it different,” Valleau’s website says. “Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, marathon runner, or just trying to better your health, we applaud you for choosing a healthy lifestyle and we know that our Valleau Apparel pieces will make it a little bit easier and a lot more comfortable.”