Handful Clothing Review – Sportsbra, Capris, and Top
Handful Apparel Line: Catchy Name, Mixed Reviews.
Handful started with the desire to “flatter, not flatten,” a stark contrast to the typical sports bra that often creates the dreaded “uniboob.” To be honest, I originally believed that their motto referred to smaller chested ladies, but this brand isn’t specific—it really does cater to those on all sides of the size spectrum. While Handful is known for their sports bras, the company now has a full apparel line, carrying tank tops, long sleeve shirts, capris, and tights. Here’s how the Handful clothes held up for long runs, short runs, trail runs, road runs, and beyond.
Handful Adjustable Bra
Fit:
I’m going to start with the fit of the Handful Adjustable Bra as I think that’s the most important aspect of a sports bras—far too many companies create bras that look good and come in pretty colors but cause chafing and coverage issues. The Handful Adjustable Bra has neither of the those problems, and looks pretty cool in the gal-uxy print, at least to me. The fabric comes up fairly high on the chest and under the arm, but doesn’t cause rubbing or chafing. Additionally, the straps are both adjustable and convertible, meaning you can crisscross the straps according to the top you’re wearing or what type of support you’re looking for. The bra is advertised as being accommodating for “the board Room, at a yoga retreat, running a marathon or wine tasting with friends” and while I usually brush this off as clever marketing copy, it turns out to be true. I wore this sports bra on a 20-mile trail run, while rock climbing, during a lifting session, and underneath a more formal blouse while in a pinch and it was comfortable every time. I tried both an XS and a S and found the fit to be similar; the difference seemed to lie more with how much coverage you want on top.
Feel:
The bra is lightweight and comes with padded inserts that I chose to remove for comfort on most runs. The inserts do prevent “headlights” from happening (the pads are called Lights Out for a reason), but I tend to find that padded inserts are bulky so generally opt to remove them. While the straps are thin, they do a good job of holding everything in place and the elastic band underneath the bust is tight but not constrictive.
Performance:
The Adjustable Bra performed far better than I imagined. The fabric was sweat-wicking, the support comfortable but not restrictive, and there were zero chafing issues or hotspots.
Sizes and Colors:
The Handful Adjustable Bra comes in a pretty wide range of colors, though the sizes are a bit confusing. I typically wear a 32B but fit well in both an XS or S. Sizes go up to XL, but I’d be a bit concerned about how supportive the bra might be for women with larger busts who plan to run in this bra. Additional color options are wide-ranging: think teal, pink, orange, black, grey, and funkier lace or gal-uxy, as shown.
Cost:
At $50, the bra is average and comparable to the $48 Oiselle Hi Ten Bra, the $40 Nike Indy, and the $52 Lululemon Energy Bra—but with the added bonus of adjustable straps and a more comfortable fit.
Worth:
This is a definite yes for small-chested women, but unfortunately I have my doubts for those with bigger busts. While it’s certainly good enough for the gym, yoga practice, or around town, it might be irritating on a run.
Peek-a-Breeze Long Sleeve Shirt
Fit:
The Peek-a-Breeze Long Sleeve shirt is meant to be an off-the-shoulders, loose and breezy top, meaning that it’s great for everyday casual wear but not so good for technical running. The sizing is loose, and despite having wide shoulders for my size, the sleeves definitely pulled down. The open back allows for the top to be worn in multiple ways, but again, isn’t great for running. I tried on both an XS and S and while the XS is baggy on me, the S was long enough to wear like a dress.
Feel:
Like the rest of Handful clothing, the Peek-a-Breeze shirt is super soft and also made from sweat-wicking material, meaning it transitions well between activities. The “peek-a-breeze” shoulders means that the top works well with a tank or sports bra underneath for a fashionable look, but again, not meant for running. The thumbholes are a nice addition and the sheer back fabric adds a pretty touch. Again, though—not words most probably consider when looking for performance tops.
Performance:
The Peek-a-Breeze isn’t advertised as a running shirt, but I’ll say it again: not worth it! I tried running in it but quickly felt like I was swimming in fabric. The open back feels too exposed, the length inhibits a proper stride, and the abundance of fabric is sweat inducing. But, as an everyday shirt, it’s a great (and cute) option.
Sizes and Colors:
Sizes range from XS to XL, but definitely run on the big side. Colors are subdued and include a dark purple (as shown), black, and grey. Not the best color options, in my opinion.
Cost:
At $60, the Handful Peek-a-Breeze shirt is on the cheaper end, especially for a top that is geared more towards everyday wear than something to sweat in. Comparable items include the $76 Oiselle Flyout Long Sleeve, the $78 Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve, and the $68 Brooks Streaker Long Sleeve Shirt.
Worth:
I’d say that it depends on how often you wear athletic clothing when not working out. I love athleisure wear for its comfort, but others prefer to be in regular clothing when not running or going to the gym. The top can pair with jeans and boots as easily as it does tights and leggings, but some women might find that the fabric is too sheer to be considered appropriate work attire. For running? No way.
Handful Squeeze Play Capri
Fit:
I wanted to like these capris, and while they look nice, they didn’t fit me well. The wide waistband and calfs felt overly tight while the fabric remained loose around my thighs and groin.
Feel:
In addition to the fitting issues with these capris, I didn’t love the feel. The fabric, while comfortable for the Peek-a-Breeze Long Sleeve, wasn’t comfortable on runs and the sheer panels didn’t add coolness but itchiness. While the wide waistband kept the capris from pulling down, the awkward fit around the groin meant that they rode uncomfortably up. Not fun. The sheer side panel and the ruching details are nice, but not enough to make up for the poor fit and performance.
Performance:
The Squeeze Play Capris didn’t perform well, despite high hopes. While on an easy hour-long run, I quickly grew tired of the sound made from the rubbing fabric and the sweat seemed to gather at the bottom of the capris. In general I felt hotter than I should have in these pants, and felt no better off when wearing them at the gym.
Sizes and Colors:
I first tried on the S, unsure of my sizing, but quickly found them to be overly large in the thigh. After switching to the XS, the waistband felt too tight but the thighs were still too large. These capris seem to be better suited to women with more of an hour-glass frame (smaller waist, bigger hips/thighs) and less-so to those with a straighter frame. Sizes range from XS to XL while colors include grey and black.
Cost:
At $70, the Handful Squeeze Play Capri is on the lower end amongst running tights and capris, with comparable items at $78 for Oiselle Pocket Jogger Running Capris, $85 for the rabbit Conejo Capris, and $98 for the Lululemon Run On Crop.
Worth:
Unfortunately these capris aren’t worth their weight for running or everyday wear. At $70, I would easily kick in the extra money for capris that are functional enough to wear while running, and comfortable enough to pair with a workday blouse or old sweatshirt.
The takeaway:
The Handful Adjustable Bra is the best sports bra I’ve tried, but I’d make sure you have the chance to try on the Peek-a-Breeze Long Sleeve and Squeeze Play Capri (no comment on the name…) before purchasing; keep in mind that the latter two items aren’t functional enough to be used on the trail.