A good sports bra is the key to an effective and comfortable sports. We understand how unbearable it can be to work out in regular underwear, so we have compiled the top 15 of the best sports bras according to our experts!
We divided their recommendations into three categories based on workout intensity (low impact, medium impact, and high impact) and noted the size range for each bra. “When you’re first testing out any bra from a new company, I recommend ordering numerous designs in multiple sizes,” says Athena Kasvikis, creator of Behave Bras. “All manufacturers size their items differently, which isn’t ideal for customers, but it’s a reality that you can adjust for by trying on numerous sizes at home.” She also suggests picking a style that flatters your breast shape. “Smaller breasts may benefit more from compression, while bigger breasts should try encapsulation sports bras,” Kasvikis explains.
Sports Bras That Are Best For Low-Intensity Exercises
1. Alo Yoga Lavish Bra ($58)
When it comes to low-impact activities like yoga or barre, you have a bit more leeway regarding how supportive your sports bra should be. When it comes to sports bras, Vanessa Chu, a certified yoga instructor and co-founder of Stretch’d, is primarily concerned about comfort — “There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable sports bra when working out!” — and she likes this Alo Yoga longline bra. “My major hobbies these days are low-impact exercises like yoga and SLT (and, let’s be honest, a lot of desk sitting),” she explains. “It provides excellent support while still having interesting straps on the back.” The fabric features a glossy finish and a strappy back, making it ideal for Chu, who likes to “dress up my training clothing with a stylish sports bra, especially because I will generally be seen in it for the majority of the day.” The description provides light-to-medium support and is available in sizes XS to L, which corresponds to a 36 C/D.
“I don’t need a lot of help while I’m dancing, teaching, and training,” says Rachel Warren, the Forward Space’s founding instructor. “In that case, less is more for me.” That’s why she looks for sports bras with “very minimal design,” such as this textured model from Alala, which comes in sizes XS to XL. Warren describes it as having a “lightweight, airy fit” ideal for dance and movement.
Christine Abramo, a fitness influencer, recommends Alala for low-intensity workouts, specifically this thermal bra. She claims that the bra, available in band sizes ranging from 30 to 43 inches, combines breathability and coverage with its mesh back and high neckline in front. “It’s difficult to find bras that conceal cleavage, and this bra surely does,” she claims.
“I am quite particular about my sports bras,” says Katy Schuele, a Sculpt Society trainer. “I’m not a fan of heavy straps or a lot of padding.” Instead, she prefers sports bras that provide enough support to keep her secure throughout dance-cardio sessions. The All-Access Front Row Bra, which comes in sizes XS to 2X, is one. According to Schuele, it provides “a lot of support, is really attractive, and comes in a millionent colors.”
5. Happiness Runs Square-Neck Crop From Free People ($40)
“I’m between a 34A and a 34B, so I don’t need a lot of support,” says professional dancer and actress Paloma Garcia-Lee, who suggests this crop-top-style sports bra, which comes in 12 colorful colors and sizes XS to L. She appreciates how Free People’s sportswear can be worn with leggings or jeans. “I enjoy having things in my closet that are multipurpose and can be used in a variety of ways.”
Sports Bras That Are Best For Medium-Intensity Sessions
Stacy Maharaj, another Spiked Spin teacher, understands precisely what she’s looking for in a sports bra. “It’s about fashion, support, and comfort for me,” she explains. She wants a good amount of compression for her breasts and back bulge, as well as “not too much underboob or cleavage.” Maharaj has a few bras in her rotation that she loves, and this Nike bra is one of them. She likes the unique embroidery, and she believes it’s supportive because of the snug fit and slightly wider than a typical elastic underbust band, which prevents underboob sliding. The one drawback, she adds, is that “it’s not as sweat-absorbing” as some of her other options, but if you’re one of the lucky few who doesn’t turn into a puddle five minutes into a workout, that shouldn’t be an issue. It comes in sizes XS through XL.
If you’re a heavy sweater, Maharaj suggests Old Navy’s racerback sports bra, which comes in sizes XS to XXL. “It’s incredibly trendy and perfect for support and absorbency,” she explains. “It’s also not a bad price.” Depending on the color you want, this bra will cost you roughly $15. Its (nearly) seamless appearance makes it appear much more costly and high-end. It wicks sweat and provides modest compression for a comfortable amount of support. “It’s fantastic for high-intensity exercises and training,” adds Maharaj. You also get the Girlfriend Collective look for less money.
3. Nike Pro Swoosh One-Piece Pad ($40)
Dominique Coleman, another Spiked Spin team member, likes the Spiked Spin bra and Nike, especially their Swoosh sports bras. “I adore these sports bras because of their adaptability, comfort, and sweat-wicking characteristics that keep you cool while working out,” she adds. According to her, they all provide medium support and are ideal for spin, dance, and cardio-based activities. They also don’t appear to be sweating. Each one differs slightly. For those who prefer front closures, the zipper-front Dri-Fit zips up, and a vented patch on the back of the shirt keeps you cool. The beauty of the one-piece-pad bra is that it never looks unbalanced with only one pad, and the almost similar Nike Pro version has the bonus of a mesh lining and an extra-wide band.
Because of its scooped neckline, this bra is both supportive and attractive. You’ll look terrific both during and after your workout at a post-workout brunch. “Vuori bras are wonderful for activity, such as jogging and hiking,” adds Holloway, even though it exposes more cleavage than some of the other bras on this list. Reviewers agree. One Pilates teacher thinks she could “live” in this bra, while another says it’s ideal for lifting and spinning.
Kasvikis feels this Athleta bra is ideal for women with smaller breasts. It comes in mono size up to an XL, and the V-neckline, which might cause spilling with a larger chest, will look great on a little one. It includes a wireless, encapsulated construction and a J-hook clasp that can be worn as a racerback bra. If you have more enormous boobs and wish to test them, it also comes in D to DD cups.
Sports Bras That Are Best For High-Intensity Workouts
1. P.E Nation Endurance Sports Bra ($65)
High-impact exercises like running, HIIT, and aerobics need the most excellent assistance. Chu loves a sports bra with a thicker strap, such as the one on this P.E Nation bra, for a more strenuous exercise. It’s designed for high-energy, high-impact training sessions, and she believes it’s a huge help. Because it’s simple, it might be matched with more daring bottoms. Chu mentions that it dries rapidly, so if you need to do errands after your workout, you won’t have to do it in a drenched sports bra. It is now available in sizes ranging from XS to XL.
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Two fitness professionals we talked with praised Alala’s Eclipse Bra, with trainer Brittany Watts saying, “the double-cross backing makes it super-supportive, so it’s perfect for activities with a lot of movement, like jogging or HIIT.” Schuele concurs, saying she “loves the crossing design on the back, which adds a little additional flare.” The sports bra comes in sizes XS to XL, and Watts says it’s appealing for more than just support: “It also offers a little hint of cleavage for those of us who prefer to look and feel attractive as we train.”
3. Zensah Seamless Sports Bra ($44)
“This Zensah bra is one of my faves if you don’t require a lot of support (think A cups and little Bs),” says Strategist senior writer (and resident running expert) Karen Adelson. The material is “soft and flexible with just a little of compression to hold you in,” and the bra features a higher neckline that allows it to peek out from under a tank top. While Adelson likes lime green, there are many more vibrant hues to pick from.
4. Lululemon Long Line Energy Bra ($58)
When jogging or performing any other type of high-impact activity, fitness coach Hollis Tuttle says she wears this Energy bra, which Lululemon touts as having medium-support for B to D cups. “I don’t usually wear shirts when working out, and I appreciate the extra coverage that this bra gives – I feel less bare, yet still keep cool in the center,” she adds.
5. Lululemon Invigorate Bra With High Support And B/C Cups ($58)
If you have more petite boobs, this one is available in sizes 2 to 14 and offers excellent support for B and C cups. If the multiple-strap style isn’t for you, it offers a simpler racerback design. This bra’s mesh panel is covered, yet it still allows ventilation.
