The Branwyn Essential Bralette is Adventure-Ready Comfort

My favorite bra is made from merino wool. Discard any stereotypes of what you think a wool bra might look and feel like.  The Branwyn Essential Bralette is charming in its simplicity, never itchy, and available in a sophisticated palette of neutral colors. It’s also the most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn. Over 1400 5-star reviews would suggest, I’m not the only one. It is my go-to daily bra for all seasons, all-weather, and almost all outdoor adventures. Branwyn is a women-led company out of Bend, OR that creates performance merino bras and underwear. And they’ve nailed it. 

I have worn the Branwyn Essential Bralette while on a multi-day bikepacking mission, hiking in Hawaii, lapping powder in the PNW, and rafting the Rogue River. I also wear it on days when I slouch over my computer and don’t leave the house.

The Branwyn Essential Bralette pulls over your head without any clasps, underwire, or anything that could rub or cause discomfort. This is the bra for bra-haters. Once on, it virtually disappears. The soft material is made of 81% merino wool, a renewable natural fiber with a lower life-cycle impact than polyester. I am small-chested, and I find the bralette supportive enough for daily use and almost all activities. Branwyn does make a more supportive bra for bustier humans. For high-impact sports such as running, I do opt for a more compressive sports bra.  The bralette is not padded, so cold nipples will be on display. I found the bra to run true to size.

I was sold on the comfort from day one. But it was an autumn bikepacking trip where the benefits of wool really shined. My day ended with a brutal climb. I arrived at camp sweaty as temperatures began to drop and the sun dripped behind the mountains. This is when I typically get chilled, but I noticed I didn’t have that cold wet feeling of a sweaty bra. I could focus on setting up camp before dark, rather than changing clothes to stay warm.

Merino wool is well known for its thermoregulation properties, meaning you stay cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cool. Wet clothing is one of the leading causes of hypothermia, as water pulls heat from the body 240 times faster than dry air. Wool is one of the few materials that retains some warmth while wet. The kinked shape of the merino fibers help wick moisture away from the body.  I expected a wool bra to shine while skiing or exercising in cold temperatures, but what surprised me was its comfort and performance in warm weather.

I also noticed that I didn’t mind wearing my bra for multiple days, despite the grime and sweat from a day on the bike. Merino is naturally antimicrobial, repelling stink and staying fresh longer than synthetic fabrics. Yes, I’ve shamelessly packed one bra for a week of travel.

Branwyn takes sustainability seriously, guaranteeing their wool is OEKO-TEX 100 Certified, the highest global standard that limits harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process. All Branwyn products are free of BPA and PFAS, the hormone-disrupting forever chemicals that seem everywhere, including most sports bras. 

Branwyn products feel high quality, and I can attest that the bra holds up to frequent use and washing. I rotate through three bras and have worn each 150+ days. I prefer to wash on cold and line dry, but my rate of avoiding the dryer is 50/50. I’ve never had an issue with my bras shrinking or stretching out. Another charming detail is the mantra, “Stay Golden,” stitched along the interior of the bra, a sweet sentiment that adds to my love for this extra fine merino (dare I say luxurious?) bra.