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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
A supportive sports bra is arguably the foundation for a successful, comfortable workout. For those who’ve been wearing a long-discontinued sports bra for far too long, there’s a fair chance the bra has stretched beyond its size and support capacity, and it’s time for an upgrade. Nowadays, there are sports bras for different intensities of workouts, and they come with a variety of great features like adjustable straps, compression, moisture-wicking fabric, and more.
To help you make sure that an ill-fitting bra never keeps you on the sidelines again, look for quality fabric and engineered design. We conducted hours of research on the best sports bras to wear for every type of workout. After considering dozens of styles for every body and bust type, as well as consulting with style experts for recommended picks, and evaluating styles based on quality, fabric type, fit, and size options, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall
Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra
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Amazon
Double-lined cushion gives support and compression
Hidden inner sling for larger cup sizes
Moisture-wicking to keep skin dry
Must be hand washed
Sizing may be inaccurate
Resembling a classic T-shirt style bra, the Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra delivers maximum support thanks to the external floating underwire that lifts, separates, shapes, and stabilizes the breasts. This light and sturdy sports bra is padding-free and features double-lined cups for support with added compression to keep breasts upright and tight, especially for larger busts.
Because it's constructed with soft, moisture-wicking fabric and a breathable mesh back, this bra keeps the body cool and dry during high-intensity workouts, while wide, close-set straps evenly distribute weight with a slide-and-hook closure system that adjusts in a breeze. It's available in band sizes 32 to 42, cup sizes C to H, and a wide variety of colors including black, lilac grey, nude, and more.
Price at time of publish: $66
Size: 32C to 42DDD | Colors: Various | Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Best Budget
SYROKAN Bounce Control Wirefree Front Adjustable High Impact Maximum Support Sports Bra
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Full coverage
Wide solid straps reduce pressure
Front adjustable straps for easy on/off
Velco strap material may be uncomfortable
Designed for high-impact support and shock absorption, this wireless, full-coverage sports bra delivers a comfortable fit with double-lined stretch cups and a cushioned band. Tighten the fit mid-workout—without bending over backward!—with convenient front-adjustable straps that won't stretch out and are designed to lay smoothly and reduce pressure on the shoulders.
For a breath of fresh air, this U-back bra features a front mesh panel for ventilation in addition to its smooth, sweat-wicking material. It comes in a variety of colors, from black to blue leopard and lotus red, and is available in sizes 32B to 44F.
Price at time of publish: $29
Size: 32B to 44F | Colors: Various | Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Best Low-Impact
Nike Dri-FIT Indy Sports Bra
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Tight, body-hugging feel
Removable pads
Mesh panels offer breathability in high heat
Design could be improved
Soft and light, this V-neck, racerback bra from Nike delivers all-day comfort and support with superior breathability and moisture-wicking material. Crafted with the brand's Dri-FIT technology, the technical fabric wicks moisture away from the skin to help you stay fresh and dry. From there, strategically placed mesh panels—one on each side—keep the cool air flowing.
This versatile style can be worn for both casual day-to-day wear and light to medium impact activities, depending upon one’s bust size. It's also a favorite of Ibtihaj Muhammad, a U.S. Olympic medalist in fencing. "During quarantine, when my gym closed, I became an avid runner, and the most essential piece of my kit when I go on long runs is a good sports bra," she said. "My go-to is the Nike Dri-FIT Indy Sports Bra! I love the minimalist design, Dri-FIT fabric, and the next level of comfort."
Price at time of publish: $38
Size: XS to XXL | Colors: Various | Material: 72% Polyester, 28% Spandex
Best Medium-Impact
Under Armour Infinity Mid Sports Bra
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U-shaped open back design
Smooth, sweat-wicking band
Next-to-skin feel
Hard to fasten
For cycling, strength training, boxing, and even running, this medium-impact sports bra provides strategic support with full coverage and a versatile design. Equipped with a molded, one-piece pad, this design limits breast motion while delivering a light, comfortable fit—plus, it has convertible straps that can be worn straight or crossed. It comes in a variety of colors as well as sizes XS to XL.
It's also a favorite of track and field sprinter Natasha Hastings, a two-time Olympic gold medalist: "I like the cupping and cross-back straps," she said. "It’s supportive and stylish, but most of all, it's comfortable and can be worn for workouts as well as everyday wear.”
Price at time of publish: $66
Size: XS to XL | Colors: Various | Material: 72% Nylon, 28% Elastane
Best High-Impact
CW-X Xtra Support High Impact Sports Bra
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Crisscross racerback design allows more motion range
High compression
Flat seam construction reduces chafing
Sits very high up on chest
For a bounce-free fit, look no further than CW-X's Xtra Support High Impact Sports Bra. Here, the brand's patented SUPPORT-WEB technology (which incorporates a mesh web to restrict movement) provides next-level stability that'll last through any HIIT workout. Plus, its racerback design (with a double-layer mesh criss-cross back) keeps the body cool. Lastly, it's crafted from stretchy, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with UPF protection, and its elastic band keeps it snug and sturdy.
Price at time of publish: $48
Size: 34B/C to 38DD | Colors: Black, Fig, Navy, True Navy, White, Black/Periwinkle | Material: 80% Coolmax Polyester, 20% Lycra Spandex
Best Style
IVL Collective Scallop Power Sports Bra
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Collagen-infused fabric keeps your skin smooth
No-show scoop neck
High-supporting wide shoulder straps
Anti-static
Runs one size small
Elevate any sweat session with this scalloped sports bra from IVL Collective. This simple, chic design features a scoop neck front with wide, ballet-style straps and a sleek, curved V-neck back. It also boasts a longline silhouette that hits around the ribcage for a secure, smoothing fit.
While this bra is unpadded, there are pockets to add pads if desired, and its collagen-infused fabric smooths skin, wicks away moisture, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection. It's available in black or white and sizes 2 to 12. FYI, it tends to run small, so for a less compressive fit, consider sizing up.
Price at time of publish: $88
Size: 2/XS to 12/L | Colors: Black | Material: 40% Nylon Umorfil Collagen, 38% Nylon, 22% Spandex
Best Size Range
Girlfriend Collective Simone Bra
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Large size range
Made from recyclable materials
4-way stretch
Sizing can run small
Known for its commitment to sustainability, transparency, and size inclusivity, Girlfriend Collective’s activewear collection comes in sizes XXS to 6XL and is available in an extensive range of colors, from versatile earth tones to pastels. This full-coverage, double-lined sports bra flaunts a structured fit with sewn-in cups for support, lift, and a touch of padding.
Constructed from 12 recycled post-consumer water bottles and a touch of spandex, the Simone Bra is an ultra-comfortable, soft, and sturdy sports bra for medium-impact workouts.
Price at time of publish: $52
Size: XXS to 6XL | Colors: Black, Midnight, Moss, Ivory, Plum, Earth | Material: 79% Recycled Plastic Bottles, 21% Spandex
Best for Large Band/Large Cup Sizes
Elomi Energise Full Figure Sports Bra
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Amazon
Good lift and bust separation
Can convert into a racerback
Very comfortable
Cone-like cups possibly unappealing to some
For some major lift and a spillage-free silhouette, the Elomi Energise Underwire Sports Bra provides a padding-free, non-compressive fit equipped with high-impact support for high-intensity workouts. Designed to individually lift and separate each breast, the molded, underwire, multi-part cups deliver a natural bust shape with full-coverage support. From there, microfiber support panels keep everything held in tight (while keeping you cool).
This bra is also fully adjustable with a hook-and-eye back closure and a J-hook fastener to convert it to a racerback style. It comes in band sizes 32 to 46 and cup sizes D to O, as well as a variety of classic neutrals including black, navy, nude, and white.
Price at time of publish: $50
Size: 32GG to 46DD | Colors: Navy, White, Black, Nude, Pomegranate | Material: 94% Polyamide, 6% Elastane
Best for Large Cup/Small Band Sizes
Panache Women's Underwired Sports Bra
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Bare Necessities
Reduces bounce by an amazing 83 percent
Cushioned shoulder straps
Numerous dynamic, unique colors/prints
Extremely wide size range
Must be hand washed
The Panache Underwired Sports Bra fits and feels like an everyday bra but supports each breast for a smooth and lifted shape. Designed to deliver full support for high-impact activities, it features smooth, molded cups with an ultra-comfortable silicone-encased, padded underwire to limit breast motion. The moisture-wicking performance fabric with mesh inserts keeps sweat at bay and helps the body stay dry and comfortable. Its sturdy band also keeps it firmly in place without any rubbing or slipping. It comes in a vast selection of eye-popping prints, vibrant hues, and classic neutrals, as well as in band sizes 28 to 40 and cup sizes B to M.
Price at time of publish: $38
Size: 28A to 40KK | Colors: Various | Material: 49% Polyamide, 36% Polyester, 15% Elastane
Best for Small Cup Sizes
Champion Women’s Show-Off Sports Bra
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Different, fun colors/prints
Patented concealing cups
Lightweight
Mesh material may be itchy to some
Infuse some color into your workout with this vibrant, minimalist sports bra that features moisture-wicking Double Dry technology to keep you dry all workout long. A super soft and cushioned band keeps the bra in place and prevents chafing, while mesh paneling provides extra ventilation. Although this pullover-style sports bra provides high-impact support for cup sizes A to C, it also provides medium support for D and DD cups. It's available in a wide variety of colors as well as sizes S to XL.
Price at time of publish: $17
Size: S to XL | Colors: Various | Material: 76% Nylon, 24% Spandex
Best Front Closure
Under Armour High Crossback Zip Sports Bra
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Lasting comfort
Extra-coverage, fixed performance foam pads
Next-to-skin feel
Zipper front sometimes doesn't stay in place
Made with Under Armour's signature HeatGear fabric, this comfortable and supportive sports bra keeps the body cool and dry during hot and sweaty workouts. Its sleek, smooth exterior wicks away moisture while drying almost instantly—thanks, in part, to its mesh lining and inserts, which add ventilation. From there, the bra’s four-way stretch material moves with the body, allowing for restriction-free, fluid movement. Overall, this bra delivers maximum support for high-impact workouts in band sizes 32 to 42 and cup sizes A to DD. It's also offered in several neutral color combos, including black and jet gray and white and halo gray.
Price at time of publish: $50
Size: 32A to 44DDD | Colors: Black/Jet Gray, Black/Tonal, White/Halo Gray, Beta/Sea Mist, Neptune/White | Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane
Best Padded
Chantelle High Impact Wireless Sports Bra
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Wireless comfort
Gives a lifted shape
Gently compresses
Limited size and color ranges
Score a sleek, rounded, and lifted look with this wireless high-impact sports bra from the French lingerie brand Chantelle. Boasting molded cups with built-in padding—meaning no more warped and ripped bra pads coming out of the washing machine—this sports bra delivers a defined silhouette and high-impact support. Bonus: This versatile wardrobe staple transcends sweaty gym sessions—it's just as supportive and comfortable under casual attire. It comes in a rich matte black, as well as in sizes S to XL.
Price at time of publish: $55
Size: S to XL | Colors: Berry | Material: 72% Polymide, 28% Elastane
Best for Running
Sweaty Betty High Intensity Running Bra
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Easy-moving adjustable straps
Scoop neck makes for good concealing
High-impact support
Gets discolored after a few washes
Slip into Sweaty Betty's High-Intensity Running Bra for full-coverage support during runs, HIIT, and cross-training. With a mid-rise scoop neckline and breathable mesh inserts, this sports bra offers compression but is still lightweight and quick-drying, which we love. Also nice: It's fully adjustable with a hook-and-eye back closure and straps that can be worn as a U-back or racerback style. It comes in black as well as in sizes 32 to 38 and cup sizes A to DDD.
Price at time of publish: $20
Size: 32A to 38G | Colors: Black | Material: 76% Polyamide, 12% Polyester, 12% Elastane
Best Cotton
Fruit of the Loom Women's Tank Style Sports Bra
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Available in numerous sets
Wireless comfort
Pocket-friendly
Weaker fit for larger-chested people
When comfort is the main priority, Fruit of the Loom Women's Tank Style Sports Bra delivers the ideal balance between support and coverage without restriction. Ideal for lower-impact workouts and lounging, this comfort-driven design provides unlimited layering possibilities along with a soft and stretchy, tag-less construction for irritation-free wear.
Need more convincing? It's a great value, offered in packs of three in a wide selection of vibrant and neutral colors (in both U-back and racerback fits). It comes in band sizes 34 to 50.
Price at time of publish: $26
Size: 34 to 50 | Colors: Various | Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex
Best Bra Top
Eleven by Venus Williams I Am Wonder Woman Corset Sports Bra
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Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection
Made from moisture-wicking fabric
Attractive shimmer finish
Not for high-impact activities
Channel your inner Wonder Woman in this structured, corset-style bra top. From tennis icon and superstar Venus Williams’ activewear line, EleVen, this sports bra features a longline silhouette without the addition of bulky pads or inner cups. However, there’s no question that the highlight of this piece is the glittery fabric, which keeps its sparkle wear after wear and also has built-in SPF 50 sun protection. Support-wise, it's great for medium-impact activities like weight training, cycling, power walking, or even a night out on the town. It's available in sizes XS to XL.
Price at time of publish: $66
Size: XS to XL | Colors: Plum | Material: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
Final Verdict
The Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra is our top choice on this list. It consistently garners glowing reviews for its sleek, comfortable fit and cushioned support. If you're on a budget, snag the SYROKAN Bounce Control Wirefree Front Adjustable High Impact Maximum Support Sports Bra, a full-coverage, adjustable option in a moisture-wicking fabric.
What to Look for in a Sports Bra
Adjustability
Bras with adjustable straps and closures allow for a fully customized fit. While a bra with a fixed band or straps may fit off the rack, the fabric can stretch after several wears, resulting in a loose, unsupportive fit. Choosing a fully adjustable bra enables you to continue tailoring the fit and support level based on your activity level and comfort needs.
Additionally, if you have a fuller cup size, adjustability is especially critical. Opt for a bra that has cushioned, wide, adjustable straps to help distribute weight evenly and prevent any digging into the shoulders, like the Sweaty Betty High Intensity Sports Bra. The same goes for the band—choose a bra with a wide, sturdy one that also has a hook-and-eye back closure to ensure a custom fit.
Compression
Sports bras come in compression, encapsulation, and combination styles. A stretchy, wireless, pullover-style racerback bra is a classic example of a compression bra. This support method uses compression to stabilize and restrict breast motion by compressing the breasts against the chest wall. This style of bra is best suited for smaller bust sizes. Encapsulation bras feature built-in, molded cups that individually lift, support, shape, and stabilize each breast. Encapsulation-style sports bras can also incorporate compression for optimal support, like the Elomi Energise Full Figure Sports Bra.
Underwire
Underwire sports bras offer the highest level of support for high-impact activities. Built into encapsulation style bras, a flexible underwire supports each breast individually and provides optimal bounce control, stability, shape, and separation—all of which are especially high priorities for those with fuller cup sizes.
Fabric
For a garment that’s made specifically for sweaty endeavors, it’s especially important to opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics—because nobody likes having sweat show through their bra. Non-wicking materials can trap sweat, causing bacteria to build up and lead to skin irritation. Styles designed with breathable mesh ventilation throughout allow for airflow so that skin can breathe.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Byrdie contributor Emily Stone is a health and fitness writer with experience working for lifestyle and fitness publications and activewear brands. As a fitness enthusiast and fellow shopper, she's passionate about finding reliable fitness gear and equipment that prioritizes comfort and function for people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough sports bras from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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