We Tested Sports Bras to Find the Best One for Each Type of Exercise (2024)

Out of the dozens upon dozens of sports bras I’ve worn over the years, this Lululemon pick has been a standout for its fit, fabric, and style. For starters, the brand’s Envital sports bra is made with an incredibly smooth material that feels buttery on my skin. And while it does have strong compression to keep busts in place for medium-impact workouts, it still has a stretchy feel that’s great for everyday wear.

The fabric is designed with sweat-wicking and quick-drying technology to keep my skin just as dry during a high intensity workout as when I’m running errands. Plus, the fabric is lightly lined with removable cups in the pockets for added coverage.

This sports bra doesn’t have adjustable straps to personalize your fit, however, it has an alternative benefit of cross-back straps that allow for a full range of motion.

For those looking for an affordable, approachable sports bra, this PUMA pick is a great starting point. First off, you can shop it on Amazon for quick, free shipping if you’re a Prime member. And for its price point, it has great breathability and fit. I like the airflow my body gets from the mesh back, and I appreciate the tight-fitting underband to keep my bust secure during quick movements. Its only con is a personal preference: I wish it had light padding for added coverage.

If you typically don’t like product tags on your clothes or undergarments, this sports bra’s included tag might be an irritating addition.

P.S. This already-affordable best-selling sports bra on Amazon is currently on sale, making it even more budget-friendly!

“For lower-impact activities like yoga or pilates, you can’t beat Girlfriend Collective,” says senior lifestyle commerce manager Mackenzie Dunn. “The material is buttery soft and smooth with just the right amount of stretch and support to be comfortable without being restrictive.”

“I appreciate the adjustable straps and generous coverage as well as the color range,” she says. “My only note is to size up for maximum comfort—especially if you are in between sizes!”

We also love how Girlfriend Collective prioritizes sustainability with this sports bra. Not only is it made of recycled materials, but you can give it new life once it starts looking worse for wear with the ReGirlfriend program.

Boasting motion-reducing compression for anything from cycling to dancing, this sports bra is a supportive choice for medium-impact workouts. “Of the dozen or so I’ve tried over the years, this Brooks running sports bra is the only one I’ve truly liked,“ says commerce editor Sarah Maberry. “I’ve been wearing it on runs and hot girl walks for close to a year, and it’s become one I automatically reach for when I’m getting dressed for an outdoor workout.”

“As a 34B, I find it comfortable and supportive, without leaving me feeling flat-chested,” she adds. “Those with fuller chests will love the slightly higher neckline and wide straps—and that it comes in different band and cup sizes as opposed to S, M, L sizing.”

Another favorite feature for Maberry? This sports bra comes with storage, including two mesh side pockets and a bonded back pocket. “The one between your shoulder blades is the perfect size for your phone (sans case), and the ones under each arm are ideal for cards and keys,” she says.

When testing this Fanka sports bra, I noticed how versatile and supportive it is for nearly any high-intensity workout. It has adjustable shoulder straps to help personalize your fit for added security. Plus, it’s easy to slip on or off with its back clasp.

It also has built-in lift technology that sculpts breasts to help keep them in place and provide support to people’s unique curves. Its breathable fabric helped keep me from feeling drenched during rigorous workouts, like long runs. A lot of that is due to the removable padding designed with over 100 holes for added airflow.

Under Armour’s Crossback Low Sports Bra is Tapp’s favorite bra for workouts—starting with the neckline. “It’s not too low, and the compression material keeps me feeling secure in all of my movements,” she says. “The back of the sports bra is cut just right, and I have enough space for my broad shoulders and back.”

“Thanks to its smooth material, it’s also cozy enough for all-day wear. It’s comfy and you can’t go wrong with the all-black sleek look,” she adds.

If you’re looking for a sports bra for large breasts that doesn’t sacrifice support or style, look to Vuori’s collection. “As someone with a larger bust, finding cute medium-support bras felt impossible,” says Prevention deputy editor Emily Goldman. “I tried Vuori’s Daily Bra, and haven’t looked back.”

Goldman has had this sports bra for a handful of months now, and she notes that it’s a reliable pick for her weekly cycling. “The thicker straps and band ensure everything stays in place, while the scoop-neck style adds a bit of sexy to my sweat sesh,” she says. “It’s not constricting and super comfy, but definitely not for high-impact workouts for those with a larger bust (though I think it could be for those with smaller chests). It’s the perfect level of support for low-impact workouts.”

While this gingham pattern is no longer available, the brand has several other colorways to stock up on.

Pepper is popular for its bras for small busts. The brand has quickly become an old-faithful in my closet for all things workout gear, starting with its Athlux Sculpting Bra. It is form-fitting to keep small busts covered and free of wires to ensure no poking or prodding.

Not to mention it also has a stunning design, thanks to its scoop silhouette along the neckline, back, and under the breasts. I find that it gives my bust more shape without gapping, which often happens when I wear a sports bra from a brand with limited sizing for a smaller chest.

The light lining is an added bonus coverage-wise, and I appreciate the stretchy material that makes it easy to slip on and off—sans any shifting as I workout.

Old Navy is home to a collection of affordable plus size sports bras worth shopping. Emphasizing its durable design that “doesn’t cost a fortune,” this is associate editor Lauren Gruber’s go-to for training sessions. “I love that it has adjustable straps and an adjustable hook-and-eye closure, meaning it’s super supportive and easy to take off—no wrestling to take off my sweaty sports bra post-workout.”

Whether you’re cross-training or tackling other intense exercises, this sports bra is built with compression for added protection. “I can run, jump, and do all kinds of high-impact workouts in this sports bra while feeling confident that my girls will stay in place,” she says. Don’t let the affordable price fool you.

Gruber also adds the “cute” design makes it great for fashion-focused athletes. “I’ve received tons of compliments on this piece, and I even prefer it to my more expensive sports bras.”

Calling all runners: This sports bra is literally built to go the distance. It has a compressive fit and can withstand repeated use thanks to shape retention technology. Its patented Inverno Blend material is designed to feel smooth on skin and dry fast for a fresher feel.

Aside from these key qualities, the sports bra also has internal storage. “It’s expensive, but I do love that it has a pocket for my phone when I run,” says commerce editor Samantha Jones.

Hoka is a Prevention-favorite shoe brand for running, walking, plantar fasciitis, nurses—you name it. But did you know the editor-approved brand also features an array of sports bras to outfit your workouts? I can’t get enough of its “Elaro” tank-style bra, which features a cropped hem I can wear from workouts to errand runs.

While it has a casual design for everyday wear, I was pleasantly surprised by its support. It is designed for high-impact workouts like runs, hiking, and training and has added breast support with its under-bust band. Its curved rear hem and racerback silhouette allow me a wide range of motion during workouts, too.

✔ Type. Kraus says sports bras fall into three types—compression, encapsulation, and combination.

• Compression: “A compression bra is usually made from one piece of strong elastic, and it works to compress breast tissue to the chest to limit breast movement,” she says.
• Encapsulation: Each breast gets support and limited movement in an encapsulation sports bra.
• Combination: This type means the undergarment has qualities of a compression and encapsulation sports bra.

✔ Consider the style. It’s important to be mindful of your individual needs. “For me personally, I have a very wide back, so I tend to go for more spaghetti strap-type sports bras or halter tops, as it gives me more range of motion,” Tapp says. Kraus adds that the key is to find your desired style with minimal seams or stitching, especially across the middle of the bra cup, so it feels smooth on your skin.

✔ Pay attention to the fit. Kraus points to the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth for tips on finding the best sports bra fit. Unlike measuring yourself for a traditional bra (you know, the tape measure under your ribs and over your bust method), sports bras sizes vary widely. “The traditional method [can] overestimate band and underestimate cup sizes, especially in larger-breasted women,” she says. So, how can you tell if your sports bra fits?

• Underband: The under band should sit firmly and level around the ribs. “Allow only a five centimeter gap when pulled away from the body,” Kraus says. “This is where most of the bra support comes from, so it’s important that the band stays level as you move around.”
• Cups: Breasts should sit fully within the bra, without spillage or gaping.
• Underwire: The sports bra’s underwire needs to follow the natural crease of the breast. “Pay close attention to the side of the cups under your arm if the cup fits,” Kraus notes. “[If] the wire is resting on breast tissue, this style of bra might not be right for your breast shape.”
• Center front: Ensure that the front of the bra lays flat on your body without lifting. If you notice lifting, Kraus recommends going up a cup size.
• Shoulder straps: Sports bra straps should sit comfortably on shoulders without sticking or sliding off. However, Kraus explains that the shoulder straps are not the main support. “Remember, your straps don’t have to be the same length on the left and right,” she says. “Most women have one breast bigger than the other.”

✔ Look for breathable materials. Kraus says sports bras should be made of breathable fabric to help keep breasts cool and avoid skin irritation. While she notes that the specific material is dependent on the environment, it should feel smooth and comfortable against your skin. “The bra should include a balance of rigid and elastic materials to reduce but not completely eliminate breast movement, as well as to minimize breast slap and exercise-induced breast discomfort,” Kraus adds.

After running thousands of miles in my collegiate and post-grad athletic career, I’ve included sports bra testing notes based on the stretch retention and comfort to withstand high-intensity exercise for up to hours at a time. Prevention editors also personally tested sports bras. I conducted additional research by reading countless customer reviews.

I also interviewed Emily Kraus, M.D., clinical assistant professor at Stanford Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, and Victoria Tapp, a certified personal trainer, for their expert insights.