Marathon Season or Pockets Season
Marathon season is here, and like always, runners start searching for the best race-day gear. Some already have their setup dialed, while others are just figuring it out for the first time.
For years, every brand promised the perfect sports bra. “We did research, we listened, this time we nailed it.” And then, a year later, those bras quietly disappeared. None of them lived up to the hype.
Then Bandit showed up and changed the game. A small, independent brand made something so obvious yet revolutionary: bras and tops with working pockets. And they nailed it. I mean, it is not only pockets for sure, fit, materials and everything, but pockets playing huge role here.
In general, the idea of a back pocket still seems like the best solution for carrying a phone. In my opinion, other pockets are more optional — front pockets might not be great for bigger items unless the bra has a really tight fit (and then I feel like I can’t breathe). More items also mean more weight, which can lead to chafing, plus heavier materials that don’t dry quickly. Light materials do not go well with pockets, same as very stretchy, so it must be stretchy yet light and with pockets. I guess in 2025 we just trying to make it happen while cars are driving themselves.
But we’re not talking about everyday bras here these are for race day, when you need everything to stay in place. For my ideal training bra, I’d even add some bands to hold a jacket to the back pocket.
Like I said before, over the years we’ve seen some great ideas pop up here and there, but they never stuck. Nike, for example, had lots of good bras with pockets — but they’re all gone now. We can only imagine why.
Anyway Bandit leading the way and getting better every drop, others will come along very soon.
Here’s what I’ve tried and seen for this marathon season:
Bandit Running
- Pockets: Back pocket for a phone (yes, it actually works), side stash pockets and some gel size pockets on the back for gels.
- Materials / styles:
- Stamina — stretchy, reliable classic
- Cadence — more support
- Striped Cadence — lighter, extra stretchy
- Gridlock — lightest option
- Race top vs bra: Bandit makes both bra styles and a race top style. Best to try them on to see what works for you fit can vary. For me, some of the bras feel snug in the armpit area, so I usually prefer the race top with its more open cut at the arms.
- My take: Best pocket system on the market right now. Secure phone pocket, gel side pockets exactly where you need them. Could they refine it? Sure. But in a few years, Bandit did what big brands failed to do for decades.
Tracksmith Allston Bra
- Pockets: One front pocket.
- My take: Supportive, light, and the pocket actually works for gels or keys. I wouldn’t stick my phone in there, but for small items it’s solid. I used to run in it a lot, even with the phone in front and it can chafe but in general it is great bra, especially if you are ok with tighter fit the pocket might work well for you.
Brooks 3-Pocket Sports Bra
- Pockets: Three total — back pocket for a phone + two side gel pockets.
- My take: Great material, nice fit, supportive, and the phone pocket doesn’t bounce. Super practical for racing. I have the old style, and with the update it is hard to say which one better, but I still see old style online for sale.
Janji W’s Long Bra
- Pockets: Large back pocket that can fit a phone or even a soft flask.
- My take: I have not try this one, but I saw it at REI — the fabric feels amazing, soft but durable. Sadly not available in my size at the time, but it’s high on my wish list.
On Running Pace Pocket Bra
- Pockets: Three total one large front pocket + two side pockets. Plus elastic loops on the back to tuck a tee or light jacket.
- My take: Ambitious design you can carry gels, keys, even a soft flask. The front pocket is huge, but I’d be cautious with a phone for long runs (can bounce). The side pockets feel safer for small things. Fit runs a bit big, and fabric is on the heavier side. Definitely worth trying if you want max storage. Still do not get why so huge pocket in front.
NNormal Trail / Cropped Top / Sports Bra
- Pockets: 3 total — one small pocket around the neck (with a clip / keyring elastic), plus two waist/side pockets (one medium, one large) built into the body.
- My take: I really like how NNormal treats the top/vest hybrid. The three-pocket layout is smart: the neck one for small essentials, the side ones for gels or a soft flask. The bigger issue for me the sizing, the top is huge and not compressive so meaning bouncing and chafing. So size down for sure. I have tried only small and it’s pretty big to hold anything substantial.
Have not try those
Adidas
Run Pocket Medium Support Bra
Adizero Running Gel Pocket Crop Top
- Run Pocket Medium Support Bra:
- Pockets: Multiple hidden stash pockets for gels, keys, or cash.
- Adizero Gel Pocket Crop Top:
- Pockets: Zip chest pocket, Back and side mesh pockets
HOKA Race Day Bra
- Pockets: our storage pockets for stashing ice
- My take: Fabric feels great, but I worry the pocket sits too low and might chafe with anything heavier than a gel. In general seems ike it might work, but a this point it has too much coverage and lots of pockets, so easier to go with the vest.
It’s nice that there are finally some options on the market, but in the past most brands didn’t even seem to test their designs. They just ran marketing campaigns, launched products, and then those products quickly disappeared.
The fact that the biggest brands still don’t have solid race-day tops is frustrating. And saying that only a small brand had to push them to do something doesn’t sit right either.
From my experience, bras and tops are a complicated topic — but it’s definitely not impossible. It just feels like the big players never really tried.
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