The 13 Best Sports Bras

By Emily Aldridge | 2021 Update

You need more than just comfort when it comes to your workout gear. While comfort and flexibility are important features, you can’t ignore all the bouncing, jumping, moving, and running that you will be doing during your workouts. Just like every other part of your body, your breasts shouldn’t follow suit. To keep your boobs from jumping and bouncing with your workout steps, you need more than a regular, snug bra.

Support your breasts with the best sports bra that fits you perfectly to avoid the discomfort, pain, and unwanted bounce. If that’s the information that you’re looking for, you have landed on the right page. We have done the digging for you to help you find the best sports bra. So whether you’re A-cup who loves yoga or a D+ cup who loves to indulge in a rigorous burnout, you will find something in this list that’s perfectly gonna work for you.

We have focused on fabric, data, and other important pointers to finalize these winners. Keep reading!  


The Best Sports Bras – My Top Picks

Top ProductsBest Features
1. Calvin Klein Performance Women’s Medium Impact Reversible Bra TopIdeal for small cup size, high-quality fabric, reversible design
2. Nike Women’s Victory Compression Sports BraComfortable design and fit, racerback design with straps, amazing compression, and support
3. Champion Women’s Show Off Sports BraAvailable in a variety of color combination and sizes, comfortable cup lining, keyhole racerback style
4. SYROKAN Women’s Workout Sports BraExcellent closure, double layer for added comfort and protection, mesh panels for adequate ventilation
5. FITTIN Racerback Sports BrasRacerback design, Widened shoulder strap for increased support, removable pads

1.

Calvin Klein Performance Women’s Medium Impact Reversible Bra Top

Solid-Performance Sports Bra

  • 95% nylon, 5% spandex
  • Ideal for small cup size
  • High-quality fabric
  • Reversible design – get two designs at the price of one
  • Proper support without padding and underwire
  • Machine wash

This one’s my top pick for smaller size breasts that do not require extra padding or underwire support. The super-comfortable reversible sports bra is great for small cup sizes and offers enough support you need for a rigorous workout. Despite the no-padding design, the seamless, smooth fabric is both comfortable and durable and keeps the boobs uplifted and firm without being too tight. The reversible style means you get to flaunt two different designs in the same sports bra.


2.

Nike Women’s Victory Compression Sports Bra

The Victorious Workout Bra

  • 88% polyester, 12% spandex; made from imported fabric
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Recommended for athletes who wear an A, B, C, or D bra cup size
  • Comfortable design and fit
  • Racerback design with straps
  • Amazing compression and support

Offering medium-level support for a variety of sizes, the Nike Women’s Victory Compression Sports bra is suitable for a variety of training activities. No wonder, Nike has secured its position as the ‘black dress’ of sports bras, since it features the best-quality sports bras suitable for high-intensity training. The range of sizes and colors available in this style makes it a top pick for women.  


3.

Champion Women’s Show Off Sports Bra

Best for a Hardcore Training Session

  • Great fit for C cups
  • Available in a variety of color combination and sizes
  • Comfortable cup lining
  • Keyhole racerback style
  • Great price
  • Suitable for high-impact activities

The high-quality sports bra with adjustable shoulders and waistband is best to give you the fit and support you need for a hardcore training session. The mesh panel design does not only enhance the look but also keeps you dry even after a rigorous cardio sprint or a long tennis match. The Champion Women’s Show Off Sports Bra is available in more than a dozen patterns and colors and checks tons of boxes that make it eligible for one of the top spots in our list.  


4.

SYROKAN Women’s High Impact Full Coverage Wire Free Lightly Padded Sports Bra

The Amazon Popular Pick

  • Excellent closure
  • Molded cups with limited stretch 
  • Mesh panels for adequate ventilation
  • High-impact proper support
  • Slightly padded with an elastic underband for more support

The SYROKAN Women’s High Impact sports bra features an excellent design that offers maximum support with light padding. The mesh panels at the front and back keep you ventilated, dry, and cool as you are indulged in a high-intensity workout. Also, the elastic fabric allows you to perfectly fit into this pullover design while offering your maximum protection. This stylish one is a popular pick, no doubt!


5.

FITTIN Racerback Sports Bras

The Most Affordable Support for Yoga

  • Racerback design
  • Widened shoulder strap for increased support
  • Removable pads
  • Full coverage design
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • Four sports bras in the price of one

Now that’s a great deal! You get four sports bras and that too under a very affordable price tag. This pack of four by FITTIN has a racerback style and offers medium support for a great deal of exercise. Designed for low-med impact activity – such as yoga – the soft and sleek feel offers all-day comfort with the right level of support you need for exercise. The clasp-free design features shoulder straps to adjust the fit while the deep plunge detailing is excellent for enhanced mobility. Definitely worth it!


6.

Fruit of the Loom Women’s Built-Up Sports Bra Set of 3

For Maximum Coverage and Comfort

  • Basic pull-over style
  • Low to medium level support
  • Full-coverage style
  • Three sports bras in the price of one
  • Comfortable cotton fabric
  • Tank-style stretch fit

Sometimes, it is best to stick to the basics! And if that sounds like you, then this one’s going to be a perfect pick for you. The set of 3 sports bras by the Fruit of the Loom offers you the right kind of comfort and support you need to keep up with an active lifestyle. Not only they’re a perfect addition to your workout gear, but they’re also popular for their range of sizes, styles, and colors. The tank-style, full-coverage sports bra is the definition of comfort as it is wireless and comes with a 2-ply stretch.  


7.

Zensah Seamless Sports Bra

The Ultimate Running Bra

  • Sweat-wicking and anti-odor fabric
  • Affordable
  • Fabric ribbing for extra support
  • Seamless design
  • Crafted with body-mapped technology for superior support
  • Full coverage racerback design

Designed for comfort and performance, this sports bra by Zensah is popular among women who love running. Enjoy chafe-free runs in this no-fuss, seamless design that’s perfectly crafted keeping comfort in mind especially for avid runners. The sports bra that looks too simple at the first glance offers just the right compression support that women with smaller chests require for a rigorous workout. The sweat-wicking, odor-free fabric is the number.1 reason why women pick it as it remains comfortable even when the sweat starts to pour out.


8.

Women’s Nike Swoosh Sports Bra

High-End Effectiveness

  • Features Dri-Fit technology
  • Stabilized tension to reduce bounce
  • Extremely comfortable with a pullover style
  • Compression fit for medium support for various training activities
  • High-quality durability
  • Excellent for small and medium bust size

The seamless sports bra could appear very basic at first glance, but it is one of the best sports gears you can add to your collection. This one by Nike features durable, high-quality fabric that offers maximum support and minimizes bounce – everything you need to get down to business! Ideal for small and medium-sized busts, if you love to get into a high-intensity training session, this simple racerback design is all you need for super effectiveness and comfort.


9.

Adidas Women’s Training Crossback Sports Bra

Excellent Support and Comfort

  • Climalite fabric to keep the sweat away
  • Scoop net with reinforced crisscross straps
  • Spacer mesh with multilayering
  • Excellent breathability with full coverage
  • Suitable for heavier bust
  • Excellent support

This one’s one of the best and most durable sports bras that you can pick to accommodate a slightly bigger bust. Not only the design offers great support and full coverage, but the crisscross back style also supports a raised neckline, which avoids accidental flashing and unnecessary exposure, especially if you are into activities that require a lot of jumping or bear crawls. The best part: it is the lightest, most comfortable fabric you can ever own as a sports bra!


10.

Wacoal Women’s Underwire Sports Bra

The Highly Supportive for Big Busts

  • Excellent for larger busts and fuller women
  • Maximum support for high-impact activities
  • Hook and eye closure
  • Outward underwire frame with shoulder strap
  • Two-ply fabric cups and mesh back to keep the skin cool
  • Maximized chaffing

Don’t misjudge the comfort of this bra based on its tough look. It is as soft and comfortable as it is supportive. With wider shoulder straps and a prominent underwire style, this one’s an amazing sports bra with a highly-supportive design suitable for strenuous activities. The style also boasts high-quality moisture-wicking fabric that allows you to focus on your high-impact workout.


11.

Under Armour Women’s Eclipse High Impact Zip Sports Bra

The Front-Zipper Style

  • Available in sizes ranging from 32A-38DD
  • Adjustable straps
  • Front zipper closure
  • A high-impact style that offers great support
  • Padded cups for a smooth look
  • Soft, breathable fabric

While zippered sports bras may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it made it to our list because some users find it much more comfortable and easy to use. A front zipper style is more convenient to get on and take off. The wireless design features a high-impact style for a great level of support with its padded cups and compression. The crisscross back style does not only offer extra support, especially for ladies with a fuller figure but also makes moving around easier. Work up a sweat without a worry in the world!  


12.

Panache Women’s Underwire Sports Bra

Perfect Bounce-Free Design

  • Plenty of colors and patterns
  • Bounce-free design
  • Wide adjustable strap for best fitting
  • Adjustable hook and eye enclosure
  • Mesh panels for maximum ventilation
  • Flattering and comfortable fit

Do not sacrifice your style and get your hands on the most stylish sports bras by Panache. This underwire style takes your workout gear up by a notch – thanks to the stylish patterns and colors. Suitable for women with larger busts, the high-quality sports bra has a breathable design with mesh panels and is perfect for a high-impact, sweaty workout. If you have a fuller figure and love running, this sports bra is a great pick!  


13.

Under Armour Women’s Armour Mid Sports Bra

Move-that-Body Sports Bra

  • Suitable for A to C cups
  • Tailored for medium-impact
  • Suitable for activities like boxing, weight training, and cycling
  • Double-layer pullover style
  • Super-soft jacquard elastic band
  • Crafted with HeatGear to deliver the next-to-skin feel

This one by the Under Armour promises more than just style. You get perfect movement management, comfort, and a natural shape – everything you need to keep up for your fitness routine. The perfect compression sports bra delivers strategic support so you can easily take it for a spin, on a sprint routine, or for your day out in Zumba, your sports bra will not let you down and will remain exactly where you want it to be. The basic yet stylish sports bra has a pull-over, crisscross back design.


14.

Glamorise Women’s Elite Performance No-Bounce Cami Wirefree Sports Bra

Get the Wire-free Comfort

  • Lightweight mesh for added breathability
  • Excellent bounce control
  • Elite performance without compromising on comfort
  • Elite design with a higher neckline for more support
  • Two-way backstretch to support a free range of movement
  • Moisture-wicking fabric

Avoid all the unnecessary show or spillage over your sports bra when you’re running, hiking, dancing, or carrying out any high-impact activity by choosing the right bra. Secure your bust with this high-quality sports bra with a higher neckline to make you feel more covered and supported. This one from Glamorise will keep you comfortable and supported with underwire cups and thick straps. The mesh overlay does not only add to the overall style but also keeps your bust comfortable while you are sweating out!  


15.

Freya Women’s Active Underwire Molded Sports Bra

Excellent for a Fuller Bust

  • Available in a range of sizes up to 40G
  • Mesh panels and molded cups for added breathability
  • Adjustable shoulder straps for a better fit
  • Hook and eye closure
  • Underwired style
  • Added support and comfort

Your big bust should not stand in the way of a great workout session or a sports activity. And if that’s a problem you have been facing, this sports bra by Freya got you covered. Featuring a stylish design, added support, and great comfort, the bra also features thick, adjustable straps for support and molded cups for encapsulation. The sports bra also features moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable while you break a sweat indulging in your favorite moves and activities.  


16.

Nike Women’s Pro Indy

The Best Sports Bra for Yoga

  • Crafted with Dri-Fit fabric
  • Removable cups for natural definition and light support
  • Racerback design
  • Adjustable elastic straps to adjust for a perfect fit
  • V-neck for ultra-lightweight comfort
  • Racerback design to support maximum movement and flexibility

If you are looking for a perfect sports bra for yoga and other low-impact activities, this one by Nike won’t disappoint you. In fact, this special Indy bra is designed with the Dri-Fit technology to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your routine. The comfortable and stylish sports bra, however, is more suitable for the smaller bust sizes and offers just enough coverage you need with supportive racerback straps.


17.

Brooks Women’s Rebound Racer Sports Bra

Best Sports Bra for Breastfeeding Moms

  • High-impact support without padding
  • Sweat-wicking fabric
  • Rear enclosure for a customized fit
  • Adjustable strap
  • Suitable for running and other high-impact activities
  • Suitable for breastfeeding moms

Runners know exactly how big of a difference the right sports bra can make. And that’s exactly what you’re going to experience with this one by Brooks. Upgrade your workout session or your running routine with this amazing sports bra that does not only gives you a chance to flaunt out a flattering silhouette but also keeps everything in place with the perfect compression support.


Buyer’s Guide

With so many options on the list, it is important to find out a sports bra that perfectly matches your custom needs. Here you will learn everything that will help you make your mind about the right sports bra. Let’s dive in right away!

Why You Need a Sports Bra

Can you ever imagine someone going for a jog in heels? Absolutely crazy, right! Just like you need a good pair of trainers before running or starting your workout regime, you need adequate support for your bust too. It is important to stick to the right gear that offers the comfort and functionality you need for a good workout.

Here are all the reasons why you need a sports bra.

Sensitive Tissue

Since breasts are just soft tissues and not muscles, they require proper support when you indulge in activities or a workout routine that would cause a lot of bounce and movement. Extreme movement can be harmful to the natural anatomy of breasts and therefore, it is important to wear a sports bra that fits perfectly to avoid all that unnecessary movement. Not only you can minimize the discomfort but also prevent sagging.

Minimizing Bounce

If breasts are not properly supported during a workout, their bouncing range can be up to 14cm. All the jumping, bouncing and moving can result in stretching of tissues causing a bad sag. Once that happens, it is almost impossible to restore them to their original shape.

Size Doesn’t Matter

When it comes to taking care of your breasts, the rule is as relevant for women with smaller breasts as it is for a woman with a bustier figure. Even sizes like 32-A can bounce and sag too. The key is to invest in a good fitting sports bra – regardless of the size – to reduce the risk of tissue damage and sagging.

Types of Sports Bras You Need to Know About

It is a very common misconception that all sports bras are the same. If you didn’t know there were different types, here’s some important information for you.

Compression Sports Bras

As the name suggests, compression bras have the ability to hold your breasts closer to your body, keeping them firm and in place. Many people call it “smooshing” but the point is that it works for varying cup sizes and is available in different fits to serve different body types.

Compression sports bras are also very comfortable as they’re wire-free and usually lightly padded. However, they may not be the best pick for bustier sizes as they can cause the ‘uni-boob’ effect, which is not very appealing. It might also cause you irritation on your skin due to constant rubbing. So if your size is D or larger you should consider wearing encapsulation sports bras.

Encapsulation Sports Bras

These bras have separate cups with wire support for each cup. This does not only offer individual support to each breast but also ensures they stay in place while reducing the bounce. An encapsulated sports bra keeps your bust safely fitted to your body. Your breasts feel comfortable and you feel fresh around your bust area even after the workout.

Encapsulation-Compression Sports Bras

This is where the two types of bras are available as a combo and boasts the best features of both types of sports bras. Not only these are great to keep your breast tight against your skin, but your breasts are also fixed in the space and individually carved out because of the separate cups.

These bras are a great choice for athletes of all sizes. It is particularly more suitable for women with fuller figures and bigger busts. Most of the bras that fall in this category also have underwires to offer additional support and structure.

Underwire Vs. Wire-free Sports Bras

Compression style sports bras are generally wire-free. This is because the style itself provides enough compression and support. The wire-free style is a popular pick as it is also very comfortable especially for people who are not used to wearing wires or have delicate skin. These also work well for low-intensity workouts you can easily find them ranging from sizes A to sizes C.

Underwire sports bras are usually encapsulation style sports bras. In this style, each breast will fit into its own socket supported and shaped by an underwire. It is highly recommended for sizes C and D+ as the wire gives extra support and appropriate fit to the body. Judging the right size underwire sports bra might take extra effort because everybody is different.

Compression Vs. Encapsulation – Which One to Buy

These terms are usually mentioned on the package. But before finalizing your purchase, you need to know what each term means. Pick a style that’s according to your bust size and suitable for the intensity of workout or activity you do. If you have small breasts then opt for compression style. These bras are usually wire-free and clasp to your figure giving you comfort and protection. On the other hand, if you have a slightly larger bust, it’s better to opt for an encapsulation style bra.

If you’re looking for comfort, support and like going for mild to high-intensity workouts, pick a bra that gives you a combination of both, i.e. encapsulation + compression. These work specifically well for larger bust sizes giving support in all movements.

Picking the Right Sports Bra – What features to look for

You cannot overlook some crucial features that will help you pick the right sports bra for yourself. Let’s find out:

Size

There was a time when the bra was more of a fashion statement instead of a support and comfort requirement for the bust. Anything that would fit would be enough. But when it comes to sports bras, the right size is everything. You need the bra for the functionality it is designed for and that’s only possible if it fits you perfectly. Women come in all shapes and sizes and finally, you can find a size that would fit the most petite girl to a size that would flatter a curvier figure.  

Support

Even if the bra fits right, it is useless if it doesn’t offer you enough support that would minimize the bounce without hindering the movement. If you feel the jiggle or if the bra has to be readjusted time and again, it is clearly not providing you with adequate support.

Factors like straps and band also contribute to the support your sports bra offers you. For a rigorous workout or running, you would need a bra that could easily sustain high-impact activities and sports. You can add a low-impact sports bra to your collection for yoga or meditation if it’s not one of the days you would’ve loved hitting the pavement.

Comfort

After deciding on the right size, the next box that you must tick is that of comfort. If the bra isn’t comfortable, it will restrict movement – as simple as that! In addition to the right size, you must also consider style and material to determine the comfort of the bra.

It is best to pick a sweat-wicking fabric that would keep you dry despite sweating and will reduce the chance of uncomfortable chafing. And while style is a more personal feature, you must consider factors like mesh paneling, adjustable straps, and seamless design as they contribute to maximum comfortability.  

Moisture Management

If you sweat a lot during your workout you should definitely go for a material that soaks and then dries up quickly to avoid chafing. If you get a chance to check the bra before buying it, make sure you do the water drop test on the inside part to see if it lives up to the claim.  If the water spreads out quicker, it isn’t the quality you should invest in.

Irritation and Chafing

The two most common problems associated with a sports bra are irritation and chafing. These can cause quite a lot of discomfort and can be the reason why the sports bra isn’t working for you. If you are uncomfortable due to the constant sweat and rubbing, it could even affect your workout or activity. Don’t give it a chance. Go for a product that has the least amount of stitching and a smooth texture to avoid soreness and brushing of the material against your body.

Styling

Your intensity of exercises, as well as your personal preference, decide what style you want to wear. There are many styles to choose from. In a workout that sports upper-body movements, opt for a racerback while for extra backing you should go for bras that have an underwire or detachable cups option. If you have a problem searching for the accurate size, try a hook-eye closure or variable straps for perfect fitting.

How to Find a Bra that Fits?

Once you’ve got your hands on a sports bra you liked, put it on, stand in front of the mirror and observe. Now stretch out your arms and start moving them in circular motions.  Your bra shouldn’t move or lift. If it does, you should try a different size.

Now start jogging or jumping at the spot. Your breasts should be adequately covered from the top and sides. In case they try to jump out, it indicates a wrong size. If you just feel a lot of motion and rubbing, then you should definitely look for a bra that offers you more support.

The key to the perfect fitting of a sports bra is that it should be firmer and slightly tighter than your regular bra. However, at the same time, it should not be uncomfortable. That’s what you need to observe while doing all these exercises in front of the mirror.

Here are some signs that will help you with the right sizing of your sports bra.

The Red Flags of Bra Sizing

  1. Spillage: Spillage occurs when the breasts are jumping out of the bra from different directions – probably from the top or sides. You should try a bigger cup size or a bra that doesn’t have a shallow cup.
  2. Straps digging in: This means that the band of the bra is too loose and is not able to support the breasts. Opt for a smaller bra size in that case.
  3. Band rolling up: This generally happens when the size is too small.
  4. Cups wrinkling or crumpling: When this happens it’s an indication that the size of the cup is too large.

Signs of the Correct Fit

  1. Supportive band: The band that settled right under the breasts should support the maximum weight. The band should allow maximum breathability without compromising on a secure fit.
  2. Smooth cups: The cups of the bra should be even and not creased or crumpled.
  3. Secure straps: The straps of your bra should be secure. They should not dig into or drop down from your shoulders with or without movement.
  4. Maximum movement: The bra should never restrict your movement while offering maximum control of bounce.

Sports Bras FAQs

1. Do I really need to wear a sports bra for running or training?

Any physical activity makes breasts bounce, even in women with smaller chests. Repetitive and continuous movements can cause pain, sagging, and soreness. Sports bras offer support that reduces the bounce. Therefore, every woman, regardless of her bust size, must wear a sports bra while exercising or running.

2. How is a sports bra different from a regular bra?

Since sports bras are designed for a distinct functionality, the main difference is that they minimize the apparent size of the breast as compared to a regular bra, which tends to maximize it. Also, the spandex in sports bras supports tight-fitting to reduce the bounce and unnecessary movement.

3. Do I need to wear my regular bra under a sports bra for more support?

This should not be necessary, especially if you are picking the right sports bra. The best ones offer adequate support that eliminates the need for another bra underneath. However, if you lack that kind of support, then wearing two bras is not uncommon.

4. How often should I replace my sports bra?

Now that’s an excellent question because most women stick to the same sports bra for years. Changes in training intensity and/or body weight can reduce the effectiveness and functionality of your sports bra with time. It is a good idea to replace your sports bra at least once in a year to make sure you get the perfect support you need without compromising on your comfort. 

5. Do I need different sports bras for multi-sport activities?

Finding just the right sports bra can be daunting, but this simple equation can make it a little easier:

Size + Activity = Support.

This means that a woman with a bigger bust who does a high-impact workout would require a super-high support sports bra as compared to a woman with a smaller bust. Adjust this equation to your custom requirements to see what options you got. In some cases, you might need more than one sports bras for multi-sport or multi-impact activities.

6. Can I use the same sports bra for yoga and running?

Each sports bra is designed differently and therefore serves a different purpose. The way one sports bra supports you could be different from the support the other one offers. You can pick a different sports bra depending on your activity level as well as your size. Refer back to the equation explained in question five for better understanding.

7. What’s the difference between compression bras and encapsulation bras?

Compression bras are great at controlling bounce as they use the material to press down breast tissues against your body. You can find different support levels in this style, which can offer plenty of hold for a range of cup sizes.

Encapsulated bras, on the hand, feature individual cups for each breast to give maximum control and support. These silhouettes are ideal for activities and workouts that result in a lot of bounce. Encapsulated sports bras are also more suitable for women with fuller busts.

8. What’s the purpose of padding in a sports bra?

Unlike a regular bra, the purpose of padding in a sports bra is not to focus on the cleavage. Sports bras have padding as an additional layer of protection and support. These tend to withstand more impact and are suitable for big busted women. Even women with small chests would feel more covered.

9. My sports bra claims to be high-support. What does that mean?

Every sports bra that claims to offer high support may not be the same. The description of each sports bra will help you understand the distinctive features of each, even if both are high-support bras. The one thing that these bras offer is the best control against bounce. But the one that matches your requirements perfectly depends on how it fits you and covers your busts. Try on different styles to experience the difference before making your mind.

10. How to take care of my sports bra? Is reading the care labels important?

Reading care labels is important because you must take care of your sports bra. This is particularly important when it comes to washing it. Some would recommend handwashing and air drying while others are suitable for machine washing. For best results, close any zipper or clasps and always place your sports bras in a pillowcase or a lingerie bag to avoid abrasion.

11. Is underwired sports bra safe for running or exercising?

Underwired bras often come with extra padding. This offers added support to women during running and exercise. Underwired sports bras, if in the right fitting, are safe for activities.

12. How should a sports bra fit?

The perfect fit for a sports bra is the most crucial element you cannot miss. The three factors that will help you decide on how a sports bra should fit include a supportive band, smooth cups, secure straps, no spillage over the top or sides of the bra, no puckering or wrinkling of cups, and no digging or falls of straps.


Conclusion

When it comes to sports bras, comfort speaks louder than fashion. And while it does not mean that a comfortable and perfectly supportive bra cannot be appealing, it does mean that you should put comfort, shape, sizing, and the overall functionality above other factors.

To help you make the right decision based on your personal preferences, we have shared the list of top 17 sports bras that you can easily find on Amazon. So do your research and invest in a good quality sports bra today to enjoy great fitness and health and feel confident about that body!