Find Your Goldilocks: 15 of The Best Sports Bras Reviews for 2024
Can I get some support here?!?!
Sometimes women do not appreciate a supportive, well fitted sports bra until they have actually worn that rare unicorn.
Once you find a sports bra that fits well and supports you, there is no turning back, and you will compare that bra to every other bra you try.
I am going to talk bra’s here today. Specifically – the sports bra.
I am going to look at what makes a great (or horrible) sports bra, and how to find the best support sports bra for you. I will wrap things up with reviews of the best sports bras available in 2024.
Contents
- Why Even Wear a Sports Bra? Can’t I Just Wear Whatever Bra I Have On?
- What Makes a Good Sports Bra?
- Why it is Important to Choose a Quality Sports Bra and How that Choice Affects You
- How to Choose the Best Sports Bra
- Why You Should Invest in a High Quality Sports Bra
- Top 15 Sports Bras Reviewed 2024
- Want more?
Why Even Wear a Sports Bra? Can’t I Just Wear Whatever Bra I Have On?
Well, you could, but should you?
Many of us have had the experience of rushing to the gym from work or school, without bothering to throw on a proper sports bra.
Sure, we save some time, maybe save a trip to the house, or need to pack workout gear.
But then what happened?
We got to the gym, or the track, or the court, or box or whatever and found that things just weren’t holding up.
Maybe we were constantly adjusting straps as the slid off our shoulders.
Or we got hot and sticky from the perspiration pileup happening between our pair.
You know what I am talking about.
And don’t even get me started on jumping or doing any exercise that involves bending over.
Awkward!
You know you need a sports bra for sports. I don’t even need to tell you that. One uncomfortable or embarrassing workout experience is enough to realize it.
What Makes a Good Sports Bra?
Good Sports bra Code of Conduct.
The best fitting sports bra:
- Does not chafe
- Gives ample support for your specific sport
- Does not allow the ladies to overflow, spill or slide out
- Keeps you dry (relatively) and cool (as possible in a hot humid environment)
- Makes you feel secure and confident
Why it is Important to Choose a Quality Sports Bra and How that Choice Affects You
The vast majority of women want two things from a sports bra. Ok, three actually, although they may not admit it.
Comfort
Women want the bra to hold them in, without spilling out, while also helping them stay cool and dry as they perspire.
Support
Women want a bra that minimizes bounce and holds them in place as they move.
Looks
Most women hate the dreaded uni-boob, the look traditional compression sports bras have as they flatten the chest. It may be supportive, but it lacks femininity.
It’s not to say that the compression bra is a total bust, sometimes runners and others who engage in high impact sports prefer this style.
How to Choose the Best Sports Bra
Impact level
Consider the activity or exercise you are doing. Walking, Yoga, elliptical training and all types of machine cardio are low impact, and call for a bra that is more relaxed and comfortable.
You do not need to go all out on compression for low impact.
Running, racquetball, and gymnastics are high impact sports and you will need a bra that has both compression and coverage.
Some bras are rated for impact, on a scale of low to high, so be sure to check the bra description.
Support band-underwire-special support forces
There are two broad categories of sports bras.
Compression and Encapsulation.
Compression uses a taught elastic/lycra/spandex type material to flatten or secure the breasts, and is frequently seen in high impact sports bras and is one of the best sports bras for running for smaller breasts.
It is also common to see this type of bra among less expensive models, and those designed for smaller busts.
Encapsulation is a bra design feature that creates a separate cup for each breast, like a regular bra would. The benefit of encapsulation bras is they give a more natural and flattering look.
They are also ideal for larger breasts, as higher end quality models give better support to larger breasts than a compression style would. Encapsulation style is usually the best fitting sports bra type.
Padding – or Not?
Padding does more than add volume to the breast. Well placed padding of the correct density helps conceal nipples.
If you plan to wear this bra under a thin workout shirt or tank, and you don’t want headlights, a little padding may be just what you need.
Technical material
Technical material is one of the defining factors that separate ‘regular bras’ from sports bras.
The best workout bras have material that is designed to move moisture and perspiration away from your body to the outside so it can evaporate, instead of sitting against your skin leaving you uncomfortable.
Straps
Many sports bras are designed with wider straps and racer back builds. Wider straps are more comfortable and stay put so you are not always adjusting them as you exercise.
Racer backs allow freedom of movement and prevent the straps from falling. Look for these features on your sports bra.
How do you get this thing on?
Getting the traditional compression style sports bra on can be challenging, to say the least. This style of bra is called a pull over and is not the best sports bras for large breasts.
The styles with hook closures in the back, like a regular bra, are easier to get on. Plus they are adjustable, unlike pull over styles.
The hook closure bras tend to be more pricy, but many find the added cost worth it.
Why You Should Invest in a High Quality Sports Bra
Ladies, listen.
Once the breasts fall, only expensive cosmetic surgery will get them back up. Your breasts are made of soft tissue, with little muscle and are held up by connective tissue often refer to as Cooper’s ligaments.
If these Cooper’s ligaments stretch, they can not support the breast, and the breasts begin to sag. The blame is not entirely due to poor bra support, genetics, age, weight and pregnancies all play their part.
But…
A supportive sports bra is still an important factor in maintaining the integrity of the Cooper’s ligaments, and keeping your ta-tas upright and perky.
Dr Joanna Scurr of the University of Portsmouth Department of Sport and Exercise Science, UK explains that the breasts do not have any muscle to support them.
All we ladies have holding us up is our skin, and those Cooper’s ligaments.
Dr. Scurr explains that these Cooper ligaments are as thin as a piece of paper. Wow.
Dr. Scurr and her team performed an experiment with ladies wearing regular bras, and compared them to ladies wearing sports bras running on a treadmill. There was a visible difference in movement between the two bra types.
In addition to Backache and recurring breast pain, using a regular bra, or a sports bra with insufficient support, may lead to premature sagging.
Who wants that?
Check out this list of 15 bras and find one that supports you, before it’s too late.
Top 15 Sports Bras Reviewed 2024
Best workout bras for everyday
Panache Women's Underwire Sports Bra
- AMAZING COMFORT: Our sports bra is designed to fit like a normal bra, not like other sports bras that just compress your breasts. We also designed ours with ventilating mesh panels on the shoulders and bust as well as cushioned shoulder straps
- MAXIMIZE SUPPORT: The 5021 sports bra individually encapsulates each breast - lifting, shaping and supporting them from all sides. The adjustable back converts this into a racerback bra, which is great for running
- MINIMIZE BOUNCE: By encapsulating the breasts rather than simply strapping them down, Panache sport comfortably reduces ‘bounce’ by an amazing 83%, whilst fitting and feeling like a normal bra. Reducing the bounce helps maintain shape and perk
- GREAT FOR HIGH IMPACT SPORTS: Our bra is made to support your during any exercise, including yoga, basketball, or CrossFit. We want you to get the most out of your workout with the best activewear bra for regular and plus size women
- FIND THE PERFECT FIT: Panache strives to accommodate all shapes and sizes, but please note that our sizing is listed in UK sizes. You can use our sizing guide, conversion chart in the product images to get a perfectly fitting bra
Review: This Panache Women’s Underwire sports bra puts the breaks on the bounce. The bra is university designed and tested, and boasts 83% less bounce.
This bra does not compress, like many others do, instead it holds each breast firmly, keeping them lifted, supported and separated, not smoothed together and flat.
Pros
- Microfiber perspiration wicking material with vented mesh top.
- Underwire, wide shoulder straps and thick underband offer superior support.
- Dense, yet thin, padding conceal nipples.
- Hook and eye close make the bra very easy to get on and off.
Cons
- Some ladies have experienced problems with the wire poking through.
Takeaway
The best support sports bra for everyday use for large breasted women.
Nike Women's Pro Bra
- Racerback to give you wide range of motion
- Fabric: Dri-FIT 88% recycled polyester/12% spandex
- Flat seams move smoothly against your skin
- For medium-impact sports like cycling, dance and cardio classes
Review: This Nike Woman’s Pro bra is an excellent choice for ladies and teenagers with small to medium size breasts.
It is stylish, comes in a huge array of colors, and is made from comfortable jersey style fabric, and the band has a soft brushed interior.
PROS
- Perspiration wicking dri-fit jersey type fabric.
- Racerback for freedom of motion.
- Great for small to medium bust sizes.
CONS
- Nipples may show through, no padding.
TAKEAWAY
Comfortable and cute, best sports bras for smaller chest women.
adidas Performance Women's Supernova
- Sports bra featuring molded cups and flexible cross-back straps with keyhole
- Scoop neckline with center logoed insert
- Signature three-stripe designs at sides
- Climacool ventilation technology for heat and moisture management
Review: This adidas Supernova bra is both a sports bra and a fashion staple. It is supportive, without overwhelming the wearer with fabric.
PROS
- Made from Cliamalite, material that keeps moisture away from your skin.
- Lightly padded to conceal nipples, not removable.
- Flattering look.
CONS
- Low cut, don’t bend over.
TAKEAWAY
Attractive, stylish and supportive sports bra.
Best yoga sports bra
Natori Women's Power Yogi Convertible Sports Bra
- Hybrid sport bra with contrast trim featuring lightweight stretch foam and logo patch at left side
- Convertible adjustable straps
- Hook-and-eye closure
Review: This Natori sports bra is unique in the world of sports bras. It is constructed with stretch foam, that contains the breasts individually, cutting down on bounce, while maintaining an attractive figure.
PROS
- Convertible straps, go from racer back to standard style.
- Coolmax outer fabric keeps moisture away from your body.
- Three hook back closure, easy to get on and off, plus it adjusts.
CONS
- Runs large.
TAKEAWAY
Has enough coverage to keep you in place during ‘downward dog’ which makes it a great yoga sports bra.
Under Armour Women's Mid Printed Sports Bra
- Where we started? It all started with an idea to build a superior T-shirt
- The technology behind Under Armour's diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it's hot, ColdGear when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes
- The technology behind Under Armour's diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it's hot, ColdGear when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes.
Review: This Sports bra by Under Armour has good compression and ample coverage that will hold everything in during whatever move Hot Yoga can throw your way.
It has moisture wicking tech HeatGear fabric too, so you will feel more comfortable.
PROS
- Moisture wicking HeatGear Fabric.
- Mid level impact support.
- Compression fabric gives a snug fit.
CONS
- No padding, you may poke out.
TAKEAWAY
Long wearing, cute, supportive and with good coverage make this the best yoga sports bra.
Best sports bras for running
Shock Absorber Women's Ultimate Run Bra
- 81% Polyamide, 10% Polyester, 9% Elastane
- Hook and Eye Closure
- Machine Washable
- Racer Back Cut
- Adjustable Strap
Review: The shock absorber running bra is designed with extra wide straps and individual cups to support you while running, without creating a uni-boob.
It is not skimpy, it has ample coverage up front and even sports reflective tape for visibility if you choose to wear it without a top.
PROS
- Well padded in the shoulders.
- Moisture wicking fabric keeps you dry.
- No extra padding, fits true to size, good for larger breasts.
CONS
- No underwire.
TAKEAWAY
A comfortable running bra that looks good and won’t chafe your skin during long distance runs.
CW-X Women's Xtra Support Iii Bra
- Extra support running bra III balances comfort and support for larger cup sizes through 38DD with no underwire
- Best for BSc and D cups
- Internal targeted support web for high impact stability
- Hook and clasp back closure System
Review: This CW-X bra is made from silky material that will not chafe your skin while running. It has an innovative support design, using a 5 point web internally to hold each breast secure.
Designed for the large breasted runner.
PROS
- Designed for size B to DD cups.
- Offset seams prevent chafing.
- Racer back style.
- Moisture wicking fabric and Quick dry elastic anchor band.
CONS
- Pull on design.
TAKEAWAY
Lightweight and supportive, best sports bras for running.
Victoria's Secret Incredible Sports Bra Adjustable Strap
Review: This VSX Sports bra has a cute back, with racerback straps, keyhole, and a thick elastic anchor strap that is supportive and has hook closures, similar to a regular bra so it is easy to get on and off.
PROS
- Adjustable thick racer back straps.
- Body wick perspiration wicking fabric.
- Lightly padded, with underwire for support.
- Cooling mesh inserts.
CONS
- Some ladies notice the straps are a bit slippery and loosen during high impact exercise.
TAKEAWAY
Sexy and functional, a sports bra with style. The best padded sports bra for running.
Best sports bras for DD
Shock Absorber Women's Active D+ Classic Support Sports Bra
- Classic sport bra with V-shaped front support in two different performance-grade fabrics
- Adjustable straps
- Hook-and-eye back closure
Review: Perfect sports bra for D cups and beyond, the Shock Absorber Women’s Active D+ bra offers no chaffing, moisture wicking comfort, and support you can rely on.
It has no underwire, and no additional padding, but it still manages to be very supportive without adding bulk.
PROS
- Adjustable straps and hook closure to wear as snug or loose as you prefer.
- Individual cup lift and separate for a flattering look.
- Comfortable wide straps won’t hurt your shoulders.
CONS
- Runs small.
TAKEAWAY
Light and supportive sports bra for busty ladies. Best sports bras for DD size and beyond.
Best sports bras for large breasts
Victoria's Secret The Ultimate Maximum Support Sport Bra
Review: This Victoria’s Secret Sports bra gives ample coverage, enhances your figure with just the right amount of padding, lifting and separation, and is supportive enough for impact sports.
PROS
- Lightly padded to give a nice shape, conceal nipples and no seams under your shirt.
- Sewn in flexible underwire for added support.
- Adjustable hook latch system goes on and off like a regular bra.
- Can be worn as a racer back or classic strap style.
CONS
- Some larger breasted ladies do not appreciate the extra padding, then again, some do.
TAKEAWAY
Lightly padded, shaping, supportive, sports bra for ladies with larger breasts.
Moving Comfort Women's Plus Size Maia Bra
- REMARKABLE 2-IN-1 SUPPORT: Ideal for full-chested women, the Maia Sports Bra was designed to provide optimum support for C through E cups during medium-impact sports like running, soccer, tennis, and basketball.
- BROOKS DRILAYER HORSEPOWER FABRIC: This fabric evokes the standard measure of power, and for good reason! Get the same giddy-up in places where you need a little extra-oomph like tights and sports bras.
- MOISTURE-WICKING PROPERTIES: The signature sweat-wicking fabric pushes perspiration away from the body and towards the surface for rapid evaporation.
- SEAMLESS MOLDED CUPS: Lightweight molded cups encapsulate and compress to protect breast tissue from damaging horizontal, vertical and circular motion. Added stretch helps maintain a natural shape. Supportive underwires are enclosed in plush channeli
- THE SPORTS BRA THAT HAS YOUR BACK: Back-adjustable, gel-padded straps with internal-spacer fabric that extends over the shoulders for increased support. Four-column and three-row hook-and-eye back closure.
Review: This Maia bra is the best sports bras for large breasts and plus size ladies.
This sports bra has a hook and clasp back closure like a normal bra, so it is very easy to get on and off, it offers full coverage up front and is quite a modest bra, with good support and nice wide straps.
PROS
- Specifically designed for women with larger cups, gives them the support they need.
- Not heavily padded; has a thin pad covering the underwire and nipple for a smooth look and good coverage.
- Gel padded thick adjustable straps.
- Compression feel, keeps breast firm and secure.
CONS
- Runs large.
TAKEAWAY
Full coverage sports bra for ladies with large cup sizes.
Best push up sports bra
Victoria's Secret Pink Seamless Racerback Push-Up Sport Bra
Review: It is hard to find a push up sports bra, but leave it to Vicky to make one.
This racer back pull over style has mesh back and upper straps to keep you cool, and is well padded to enhance your figure. Designed for ladies with A to C cup size who want a padded push up sports bra.
PROS
- Push up padding and light lift.
- Mesh back panel and mesh shoulder panels.
- Racer back style.
CONS
- Not for high impact.
TAKEAWAY
If you want to add a little lift to your workout routine, this cute bra will give you just a little bit extra. The best push up sports bra we found.
Best affordable sports bras
Champion Women's Freedom Seamless Racerback Sport Bra
- SUPPORT LEVEL – Moderate support sports bra for women provides the perfect amount of support for jogging, gym workouts, and cycling.
- THE FEEL - A soft sports bra with double layered fabric that supports without the squeeze. Racerback sports bra with fixed straps feels easy on skin. Great for moderate impact exercise.
- THE SHAPE - This sports bra does not contain pads or cups.
- THE CLOSURE - Classic pullover design for easy-on, easy-off changing.
- DON’T SWEAT THE SWEAT - This women’s sports bra has Double Dry moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry during and after your workout. Meshed lined silhouette provides additional ventilation.
Review: Champion makes the best affordable sports bras including this freedom seamless racerback.
It is a pull on style sports bra made with thick compression style material, but not so tight you have to do gymnastics to get it off.
PROS
- Great at wicking moisture.
- Offers a mid level support, just enough for low to medium impact exercise.
- Washes and wears well, long lasting.
CONS
- Does not hide nipples, should they pop up.
TAKEAWAY
A long lasting affordable bra with mid level support.
Hanes Sport Women's Seamless Racerback Sports Bra
- HANES SPORT – Performance. Style. Comfort. Hanes Sport builds on our comfort heritage with innovative technologies to give you the looks that fit your life, your sport, and your style.
- KEEP COOL – CoolDRI interlock fabric wicks moisture away from skin and dries fast for cool comfort.
- RACERBACK STYLING – The racerback silhouette in this sports bra improves your range of motion.
- MODERATE SUPPORT – This wirefree sports bra offers moderate support for medium impact activities.
- MADE TO MOVE – This comfortable sports bra is made with spandex for stretch, shaping, and freedom of movement.
Review: This simple, affordable pull on style sports bra by Hanes is made with dry wick material and is seamless, which reduces chafing.
It is not padded, has no wires or cups and is a shelf style bra with fairly thick material to keep you secure.
PROS
- Medium support.
- Uses compression to hold breasts in place, but is not overly tight.
- Very affordable.
- Soft and comfortable.
CONS
- Does not conceal nipples, creates uni-boob look.
TAKEAWAY
Affordable, comfortable, light duty sports bra.
Best high impact sports bras
Moving Comfort Women's Juno Bra
- Get control of your most intense workouts in this sports bra
- Built for high-impact activities such as Tennis
- Encapsulated cups for support; compression for holding
- Natural shape maintained in molded wire-free cups
- Full range of arm mobility thanks to racerback design
Review: Moving Comfort line from Brooks Running has the best high impact sports bras, including this Juno Bra, designed for women from size B to E, who engage in high impact sports like running, horseback riding, Plyo, jumping jacks, Burpees, virtually any jolting sport.
This bras keeps you locked in, modest, without flattening or creating a uni-boob.
PROS
- Thick padded straps with front Velcro adjustment, very innovative.
- Inner is made of a ventilated silky sweat wicking material with strategically places mesh vents.
- All flat seams, plus smooth material means NO chafing.
- Adjustable straps and hook closure in the back.
CONS
- Tight and difficult to get on.
TAKEAWAY
The best high impact sports bras when support is the main goal.
Want more?
In the pursuit of perfection we have reviewed 30 of the best pieces of workout and active wear, including two of the best sports bras here.
The Bottom line: The best sports bras are bras that are supportive enough to minimize movement as you workout.
We want to hear from you. Which bra is your go-to best support sports bra? Let us know below in the comments. We are always on the lookout for a great new find.
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