The 10 Best Sports Bras of 2024, Put to the Sweat Test

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The ultimate sports bra is comfortable, versatile, and comes in a wide range of sizes.

Isabel Vasquez is a freelance writer and bilingual registered dietitian practicing from an intuitive eating, culturally sensitive framework.

Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.

In This Article

Health / Kevin Liang

Whether you’re an athlete, an avid gym-goer, or just can’t stand traditional underwire bras, sports bras are probably one of your staple clothing items. Sports bras can be helpful for supporting your breasts during workouts that involve jumping, running, stretching, or any other type of movement. Unfortunately, research has shown many people avoid physical activity due to inadequate breast support. Finding a bra you love may help you feel more confident and excited about wearing it, so it can be helpful to know what to look for to help you find a perfect fit.

When searching for a sports bra, the main factors to consider are fit, support, impact level, and comfort. We interviewed fitness instructors, OBGYNs, and bra experts to learn the ins and outs of what to look for in a sports bra. We also spoke with active individuals to hear about their favorite products. Then, we tested over 100 sports bras for four months to find the best sports bras on the market. A physical therapist on our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy regarding what to look for in sports bras, how they should fit, and whether it's safe to wear them every day.

There are three types of sports bras: encapsulation, compression, and combination.

For sports bras, the impact level and support level are often used interchangeably:

The Lululemon Run Times Bra High Support is our top pick for a sports bra because it’s stylish, gives fantastic support, and comes in a wide range of sizes. During our tests, it held us comfortably in place, ideal for intense workouts. The design, with dome-like cups and a seamless sweat-wicking blend, offers a subtle yet strong support system, ensuring everything stays in place without discomfort.This bra is versatile working well for different exercises like strength training, rowing, skiing, and running. Plus, it's durable, staying in good shape even after several washes. Adjusting the straps and band closures is easy and adds to its convenience. Although it's a bit pricey, we see it as a worthy investment because of its superb quality, performance, and longevity.

Although the bra performs well for high-impact activities, it may not be the most comfortable option for lower-impact workouts or extended wear.

We put the Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra to the test across various activities including walking, yoga, Pilates, and light weight training. Once we got the right fit with this bra, it was remarkable. The straps comfortably rested on our shoulders without any tightness or pinching, and the band stayed parallel around the ribcage without riding up.

In terms of support, it was impressively high-impact without feeling restrictive. The encapsulation and separation were exceptional, keeping everything contained and centered during our workouts. The breathable fabric and smart design made it comfortable to wear for extended periods, and it wicked away sweat effectively. While it may be a bit challenging to put on and take off due to the crossed straps, the overall performance and durability of this bra at $78 make it a standout choice, particularly for those with larger busts seeking both style and functionality in their activewear.

While excellent for intense workouts, its heavy-duty and high-impact design might not be ideal for extended all-day wear, especially for those seeking a more comfortable option for casual or low-impact activities.

We tested the Senita Sarah Sports Bra across various activities like barre, weight training, and running. The fit feels just right, providing high compression without being overly tight. We could comfortably slide two fingers between the straps and shoulders. The band snugly sits under the breasts on the ribcage, offering ample support for running without riding up or causing discomfort. During exercise, it felt secure and supportive, although wearing it all day felt slightly uncomfortable towards the end.

This bra excels in providing a high level of support with the right compression for low to high-intensity exercises, ensuring everything stays in place. It's padded, and what's great is the pads stay in place, eliminating concerns about them coming out during washes. While it offers substantial compression, it remains comfortable, featuring breathable and soft fabric. Even without adjustments, the fit remains secure and hassle-free. It holds up well to high-impact exercises and maintains its quality without signs of wear, making its price point of $32 very reasonable. Perfect for those seeking higher compression during high-impact workouts, and the added pocket at the back for a phone is a convenient feature.

The absence of adjustable bands or straps might limit the ability to achieve a customized fit, especially for individuals who require specific support or have different body proportions.

We extensively tested the Vuori Daily Bra across various activities like Zumba, walking, hiking, the exercise bike, and rowing, even for everyday wear. It's incredibly comfortable, with a classic, traditional style featuring medium-width, soft, stretchy straps.

The fit is just right, and the band's thickness provides ample support. While it offers light compression, ideal for our needs, we acknowledge it might be less supportive for those with larger breasts. The fabric's softness and structure make this bra exceptionally comfortable for various activities, from workouts to errands. Despite being non-adjustable, the recommended sizing tool on the website helped us find the perfect fit. The durability has been impressive, showing no signs of wear even after multiple washes. At $48, it's reasonably priced and a great choice for its soft fabric and overall comfort.

Some users may find the presence of substantial tags somewhat bothersome, necessitating cutting them off for a more comfortable experience.

The Nike Indy sports bra emerges as a perfect fit for smaller breasts. ts adjustable straps allowed for a personalized fit, and the band provided the right balance of snugness without discomfort. The coverage was ideal, not excessively high yet offering ample support. Despite thinner straps, surprisingly, there was no discomfort or digging into the shoulders. The lightly padded design ensured modest coverage without unnecessary bulk, a "Goldilocks" choice in bras. The breathable mesh fabric, especially on the sides and back, made it exceptionally comfortable, especially for long runs.

The absence of chafing even in well-worn spots on the back was a remarkable highlight. Washing proved effortless, with the pads staying securely in place. At its price point of $38, it's a steal for the level of comfort and performance it offers, making it our top recommendation for individuals with smaller breasts, ideal for various high-impact activities including running and HIIT.

The thinner straps might pose an issue for individuals seeking broader or more padded straps for added comfort or support. Additionally, the design being a pull-on bra with no back closure might be inconvenient for some users who prefer the ease of adjustable closures.

Research has found that those with medium to large breasts are much more likely to experience exercise-induced breast pain than those with smaller breasts. Having a well-fitting, high-impact sports bra can help. We were pleasantly surprised by the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra, a brand known as one of the best places to buy women's workout clothes. It surpassed our expectations, rivaling pricier options in performance. This no-frills sports bra proved to be a standout choice for those with larger breasts, offering an adjustable back strap and inward-curving adjustable straps for an impeccable fit.

The support it provided during runs was exceptional, thanks to a sturdy band below the breasts and durable mesh in each cup. Known for its ease of wear, this bra lived up to the reputation, offering comfort with its breathable sheer mesh and easy-to-wash material. Adjusting the bra was effortless with gel-infused sliding adjusters on each strap and three hook options at the back. The durability, attractive design, and impressive value for its cost made it a top choice, assuring long-lasting quality, support, fit, and comfort at a fraction of the price of other leading brands.

While it has a breathable mesh, it may not offer the same level of ventilation as bras made from advanced moisture-wicking fabrics.

For active teens and tweens seeking a straightforward sports bra, we highly recommend the Nike Swoosh Big Kids' (Girls') Sports Bra. Its simplicity is a standout feature—no complex hooks, closures, or pads to contend with, making it a breeze for a busy teen to slip on before a run, practice, or game. Wearing this bra during our trials instilled confidence and comfort.

The wide straps and optimal support struck the perfect balance, never too tight yet always reassuring. The dual layers of swimsuit-like fabric not only provided thickness but also ensured modest coverage. The fabric's breathability impressed us, keeping sweat and odors at bay during demanding workouts. Its construction is equally praiseworthy—the band, wide and comfortable, stayed put through intense exercises. The elastic's gentle lines prevented chafing, and the integrated stretchy straps contributed to an irritation-free experience. Remarkably durable, this bra maintained its freshness and quality even after several washes—no fading, stretching, or pilling.

The sizes tend to run larger than expected, so it's important to carefully consider sizing or possibly opt for a smaller size than usual.

Unfortunately, many brands do not offer inclusive enough sizing options for the diverse range of bodies out there. When it comes to sports bras that offer a wide range of sizes, the Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra was our top pick.

We love the comfortable, supportive material, which wicks away the sweat we work up throughout the day. The bra provided the right amount of support and compression without causing discomfort. It was quite comfortable to wear, and we often forgot we had it on due to its soft and thick fabric. The bra showed impressive durability even after multiple washes, making it a good buy for the price. We recommend this sports bra, especially for those looking for a variety of sizes.

This bra runs large in size. Even though we usually wear a Large, we had to exchange it for a Medium, which fit much better. Also, the band may not fit snugly for everyone. Some users with smaller rib cages find that the band doesn't provide the desired level of support or tends to ride up during activities.

If you’re a runner, you know the importance of a good quality sports bra. We extensively tested the Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra in running, biking, hiking, and strength training, and this bra exceeded our expectations. Despite the lack of adjustable straps, it provided remarkable support and comfort during runs and various exercises, making it our top choice for running.

In terms of fit, it stayed true to size and maintained a snug yet comfortable feel even after numerous washes. The rib cage band stood out for its exceptional comfort and ideal tension, ensuring the bra stayed securely in place. The slightly higher placement of the straps around the neck turned out to be an advantage, relieving pressure on the clavicle area. This high-impact sports bra offers excellent compression, minimizing movement and bouncing during activities, and has reflective details. Its durability and quality remained intact after multiple washes, making it a great value at $35. This sports bra is undoubtedly an excellent choice for high-impact activities like running, combining comfort, support, and durability.

The straps are positioned relatively high around the neck, potentially causing some discomfort for individuals who prefer or require more space in this area.

We tried out the Alo Yoga Airlift Intrigue Bra during yoga sessions, brisk walks, and mat workouts. Our previous struggles with sports bras included difficulties putting them on and dealing with spillage when they were a bit too tight. It provided a secure feel, just what you'd expect from a sports bra. We could easily fit two fingers between the straps and shoulders, and it didn't cause any pinching. However, the breast area was a bit tight, and we felt the need to size up for more comfort.

The color options were a standout feature, and we really appreciated its smooth fabric, even though we noticed the padding could shift after washing. This bra had a good fit overall, though slightly snug around the breasts which did cause a bit more sweat. Adjusting the straps was simple, although the band wasn't adjustable. It performed well during workouts, staying in place and retaining its support. Despite the price being higher than most, we think this bra is a great investment due to its chic look and comfortable feel.

Some users found that the bra can be a bit tight in the breast area, causing spillage or discomfort during extended wear. Also, the price point may deter some potential buyers, as it's considered relatively expensive for a sports bra, especially for those without substantial support and looking for a more budget-friendly option.

To select our top picks, we spoke with OB/GYNs, bra experts, and fitness instructors to get their insights on finding a high-quality sports bra. Then we tested over 100 of the most popular sports bras from leading brands like lululemon, Champion, Athleta, Playtex, among others over four months and accessed them for the following factors:

We consulted with the following experts for professional advice on what to look for in the best sports bras.

A properly fitting, comfortable sports bra is safe to wear every day, but if you experience discomfort or pain, it’s time to switch things up. When it comes to finding the right fit, look for bras that:

Tempesta offers the following advice for trying on your sports bra for the first time: When you are in the fitting room, adjust the underband and shoulder strap adjustments (if any) and evaluate these three things:

Cups:

Underband:

Shoulder straps:

Sports bras can be simple or have elaborate crisscrossing straps in the back or adjustable straps and pads. Some may be lower cut, revealing cleavage, while others may cover more of your chest. They are made from a variety of materials, and the ideal material for you will depend on the bra’s intended use.

On May 18, 2023, a consumer watchdog group, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), announced that they had found high levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) in workout clothing, including leggings from Athleta, Champion, Kohl’s, Nike, and Patagonia, sports bras from Sweaty Betty, and shorts from Adidas, Champion, and Nike. This information builds on research the group began in the fall of 2022. BPA is a common chemical that is known to be an endocrine disrupter, meaning it may interfere with normal hormone function. It’s been implicated in a variety of health conditions, including certain types of cancer and impaired reproductive function. According to Proposition 65, a California law enacted in 1996, the safe skin exposure to BPA is 3 micrograms per day, but CEH claims that their testing revealed the clothing could expose wearers to up to 40 times that amount. While this is concerning, we still recommend some products from these brands in our articles, as these products have not been recalled and the science of BPA absorption through skin has not been settled. To be safe, consider limiting the time you spend in activewear by changing out of those clothes after your workout.

Isabel Vasquez RD, LDN is a Latina registered dietitian who loves all types of physical activity. She counsels clients through the private practice Nutritiously Yours LLC, and her work is especially focused on helping individuals divest from a one-size-fits-all approach to health and connect with their unique needs.

Rizzone KH, Edison B, Coleman N, et al. Sports bra preferences by age and impact of breast size on physical activity among american females. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(23):12732. doi:10.3390/ijerph182312732

Brisbine BR, Steele JR, Phillips EJ, McGhee DE. Can physical characteristics and sports bra use predict exercise-induced breast pain in elite female athletes? Clin J Sport Med. 2021;31(6):e380-e384. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000831

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