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Oct 22, 2024

The 10 Best Sports Bras of 2024, Tested by Editors

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The ultimate sports bra is comfortable, versatile, and comes in a wide range of

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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 can’t stand traditional underwire bras, a sports bra is probably one of your staple clothing items. A proper-fitting sports bra can help support 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 sports bra that feels good and looks good can help you feel more confident and excited about wearing it. When searching for the best sports bras, the main factors to consider are fit, support, impact level, and comfort.

To help you choose, we tested over 100 sports bras from leading brands like Lululemon, Champion, and Nike to find the best options for every workout. 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 daily.

As an Editor at Health, we are always searching for the best workout gear, especially sports bras. Since I wear a size 42DD, finding a sports bra that checks all the boxes: comfort, support, and ease of movement is crucial. Recently, I tried the Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra, and it does all that and more. The front-zip design makes it easy to put on and take off, the support is incredible, and the adjustable straps and molded cups provide a customizable fit. This bra makes me feel secure and comfortable, allowing me to focus on my workout instead of what I’m wearing.

-Lauren Paige Richeson, Commerce Editor

When it comes to finding the right fit, Laura Tempesta, bra expert and founder of Bravolution, 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 things:

Cups:

Underband:

Shoulder straps:

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 was a standout choice for everyday wear, 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 of 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.

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 tested the Lemedy Women Padded Sports Bra and found it impressively comfortable through various workouts. The bra struck the right balance between compression and comfort, ideal for low-impact activities like yoga and pilates.

Its seamless design and longer tank style offered a comfy fit, and even without adjustability, it was easy to put on and wear without clasps or hooks. Despite a minor issue with the removable pads shifting in the wash, its snug band and non-restrictive straps made it a go-to for exercise and daily wear.

The removable pads may pose an issue as they can shift or come out during washing and require readjustment. Additionally, the lack of adjustability in this bra might be a downside for individuals who prefer a more customizable fit, particularly for those with larger chests.

Health

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 the Natori Yogi Sports Bra during yoga sessions, brisk walks, and mat workouts. We noticed how amazing it felt to move around in this bra. It was extremely supportive but not constricting. The fit was perfect, with no chafing, rubbing, or gapping. It provided a secure feel, just as expected from a sports bra. It's made with a light and airy silky-soft material, allowing airflow and preventing moisture buildup.

Instead of the sliders common on most bras, we had to unhook the strap and then slide the metal hardware into one of 16 adjustments. We preferred the straps in the crisscross configuration because they were most supportive for medium—to high-intensity workouts when worn that way.

This bra is lightly padded and the tall side seams have boning.

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 sports bra for large breasts can help. The support we got from the Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra was unbeatable, especially during high-impact activities like kickboxing and jumping rope. Our chest stayed firmly in place the entire time without any bounce or discomfort, which felt like a miracle. The bra provided lift and helped with our posture throughout the entire workout.

The thick, structured fabric and customizable fit let us adjust it perfectly to our body, giving us a snug fit without being too tight. The adjustable straps, while requiring a bit of effort to get right, ensured everything stayed secure throughout the workout. Once we had everything set up, the bra didn’t budge!

While the adjustable straps and six-hook band offered support, they took some time to adjust properly.

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 looking for the most affordable sports bra option, look no further than the Fruit of the Loom Spaghetti Strap Cotton Pullover Sports Bra. At just $18 for a pack of six, they are the best bra deal we've seen. These bras were incredibly comfortable, with no padding but a soft liner that offered just the right amount of coverage. We wore them through intense Alabama summers, even while playing pickleball in 110°F heat, and they held up beautifully—no rubbing, chafing, or shifting. They’re snug but in a supportive way, never riding up or pinching. The adjustable straps make it easy to find a perfect fit, even one-handed. These are fantastic for anyone with a smaller chest, young teens, or anyone who appreciates a no-fuss, light-support bra.

These bras are not designed for high-impact activities or larger busts.

To find the best sports bras, we tested over 100 of the most popular sports bras 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.

There are three types of sports bras:

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

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.

The best way to ensure you get the right bra size is to be fitted by a professional who will take your measurements and provide personalized recommendations based on your body. To measure your bra size at home, follow these steps:

Find your Band Size

Find your Cup Size

Find your Sister Size

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

Peterson A & Suh M. Effect of Bra Style and Size on its Fit and Comfort. International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) Annual Conference Proceedings. 2016; 8: 1-2.