14 Best Sports Bras of 2024, According to Testing

COURTESY OF THIRDLOVE AND UNDER ARMOUR

When it comes to finding the perfect sports bra, nothing beats the search for the Best Sports Bras. A top-notch sports bra needs to tick all the boxes: comfort, exceptional support, easy on-off functionality, durability, and of course, style. Whether you're hitting the pavement for a run, powering through a gym session, or enjoying a leisurely stroll, having the right sports bra can significantly enhance your workout experience. We've dedicated over 20 years to independently researching and testing sports bras to bring you the very best options. Our extensive testing process involves over 200 consumer testers and scrutinizing over 50 different sports bra styles to identify the Best Sports Bras for individuals of all cup sizes and workout routines. From petite to plus-size, from low-impact to high-intensity workouts, we've got you covered with the Best Sports Bras.

Within the laboratory, fiber scientists from GH meticulously assessed the washability, moisture management, stretch recovery, and construction features of each sports bra. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of every style, we enlisted testers encompassing diverse workout routines and bra sizes, ranging from AA-cup to H-cup sizes. These testers engaged in various physical activities, including running, dancing, playing sports, and more, collectively accumulating over 700 hours of wear in these sports bras.

Following an exhaustive analysis, the Nike Pro Swish Sports Bra consistently emerges as the top choice. Featuring a minimalist design and a compressive fit suitable for a wide range of workouts, from low to high impact, this bra excels. For those seeking a less restrictive fit ideal for yoga or Pilates, we recommend the Lululemon Flow Y Bra, crafted from a luxuriously soft fabric. Alo Yoga's Wild Thing Bra seamlessly blends functionality with style, offering a chic look suitable for standalone wear. Keep reading to discover more about our top-tested selections and our sports bra testing methodology.

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BEST OVERALL SPORTS BRA

BEST SPORTS BRAS: Nike Pro Swish Sports Bra

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This sports bra stands out as the Best Sports Bras for its simplicity and effectiveness. It has clinched the top position because our testers rated it as the most comfortable sports bra while providing medium impact support suitable for various workout routines. Its snug fit ensures minimal bounce, and the racerback design allows for unrestricted movement.

Aside from its comfort and design attributes, this bra excelled in our Textiles Lab's assessments for durability and moisture management, ensuring longevity and keeping you dry during intense workouts. Our testers unanimously praised its fit and supportiveness throughout their activities. A tester wearing a 34D bra size while running remarked, "It provided comfort, support, and excellent quality. It was effortless to put on and take off, and it remained dry." Another tester with a 34C bra size mentioned, "It's neither too heavy nor too bulky," while someone with a 34B bra size described it as "neither too tight nor too loose."

• Size range: XXS-3XL
• Support: Medium

BEST VALUE SPORTS BRA

BEST SPORTS BRAS: Fittin Racerback Sports Bra (3-Pack)

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When it comes to affordability without compromising quality, this three-pack of sports bras stands out as a steal. Unlike many other brands that charge a hefty price for just one bra, this set offers exceptional value. Similar to the renowned Nike style, these bras provide medium support and feature a racerback design, ensuring comfort during various workouts. What sets this set apart is the inclusion of removable pads, allowing for customizable support and coverage. Available in assorted colors, these bras are also sold individually or as a convenient four-pack.

While these bras may not provide the same level of support for larger sizes or high-intensity workouts, they excel in comfort and decent compression, helping to maintain a flattering shape. With over 60,000 reviews on Amazon, these bras have earned their title as best sellers, catering to users across a wide range of cup sizes, from A to DDD. One satisfied reviewer, sporting a 34DDD bra size, praised their fit, moderate support, and comfort, affirming their great value for the money.

• Size range: XS-3XL
• Support: Medium

BEST SPORTS BRA FOR LARGE BREASTS

BEST SPORTS BRAS: Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra

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For those with larger busts, nothing compares to the support and comfort of the Best Sports Bras. Engineered with a built-in underwire and padded cups for encapsulation, this sports bra provides unparalleled support by individually supporting each breast, minimizing movement in all directions, not just vertically. The broad straps further enhance support without causing discomfort on your shoulders.

Our experts were astounded by its exceptional moisture-wicking properties, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable throughout your workout. Furthermore, our testers were amazed by its comfort and stability during exercise sessions. A tester sporting a 34DDD bra size remarked, "There's no movement while jumping or bouncing or working out." Another tester, with a 34G bra size, stated, "I appreciate the bra's incredible support and the coverage the cups offer. Everything stays in place as it should."

• Size range: Bands 32-42 and cups C-H
• Support: High

BEST HIGH-IMPACT SPORTS BRA

BEST SPORTS BRAS: ThirdLove Kinetic Impact Sports Bra

THIRDLOVE

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When it comes to finding the ultimate support for high-impact workouts like HIIT, CrossFit, and running, nothing beats the ThirdLove sports bra. Engineered with encapsulation cups, it's designed to minimize bounce and provide maximum support. The wide, adjustable straps not only offer customizable comfort but can also be crossed in the back for added racerback support. With a hook and eye closure, this bra ensures easy on and off, perfect for your active lifestyle.

Constructed with full-coverage cups concealed behind stretchy polyester/spandex fabric, this bra impressed testers with its comfort and durability. It scored high in appearance and exhibited no shrinkage after laundering in our lab tests. However, analysts noted a slight stretching of the bottom band during recovery testing. The moisture-wicking inner cup fabric effectively keeps you dry during sweaty workouts, while the wide straps ensure stability and support. Testers were unanimous in their praise for the ease of wearing and removing this bra, highlighting its supportive nature.

For individuals with larger cup sizes, this pick offers band and cup sizing options, delivering unparalleled support. However, testers with smaller cup sizes found it to be too bulky for their liking. Nevertheless, one tester, sporting a 40DD bra size, dubbed it "the perfect bra for high-impact exercise," emphasizing its support, comfort, and non-intrusive design. With resounding approval, she concluded, "100% would recommend."

• Size range: 32-44 (band sizes) and A-H (cup sizes)
• Support: High

BEST MEDIUM-IMPACT BRA

BEST SPORTS BRAS: Outdoor Voices Doing Things Bra

OUTDOOR VOICES

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These years, our relentless pursuit of the Best Sports Bras has led us to discover the perfect blend of support and comfort for every cup size and workout routine. This Outdoor Voices bra stands out as one of the Best Sports Bras, offering medium compression and removable pads, making it suitable for both low- and high-impact activities. Its thick elastic bottom band ensures superior lift and support, while the mesh racerback enhances airflow and facilitates a wide range of motion. Many testers favored its extended coverage compared to traditional sports bras, often pairing it with leggings for a seamless look.

Across the board, testers awarded this bra top marks for its appearance, praising its sporty yet chic aesthetic. One tester, sporting a 34C bra size, attested, "Everything stayed where it should, even during high-impact exercises," although she noted it felt a bit snug overall. Another tester, with a 34D bra size, relied on this bra for various workouts, from treadmill runs to Pilates sessions, affirming, "I love how supportive this bra is. I feel uplifted and secure without any risk of spillage. The mesh back was particularly beneficial during intense workouts as it prevented any sticky feeling." While the bottom band maintained its shape admirably during stretch tests, it exhibited slightly less moisture-wicking capability than the main fabric. It's worth noting that some testers appreciated the slight cleavage created by this style, while others preferred less revealing designs.

• Size range: XXS-XXXL
• Support: Medium-high

BEST LOW-IMPACT SPORTS BRA

BEST SPORTS BRA: Athleta Conscious Crop

Athleta

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Enter your favorite studio class with confidence wearing this low-impact style from Athleta. Featuring a longline design and high neck, it doubles as a crop top or an undergarment, providing the comfort and support of a sports bra with added coverage and stability around the torso. Crafted from soft fabric, it includes a built-in bra with removable pads for extra support. Note that this style caters to A to C cups, but the brand also offers a D to DD version up to size 3X.

Thanks to its comprehensive coverage, testers could bend and stretch without concern of slippage. "I appreciate the built-in shelf bra for excellent coverage even without the pads," commented a tester wearing a 34D bra size. Another tester, sporting a 36B bra size, remarked, "This bra offers support without feeling restrictive, making it incredibly comfortable." Users described it as "highly supportive and comfortable," praising the "soft material with a luxurious feel." The durable fabric maintained its shape after laundering and stretch-recovery testing. It's tailored for lower-impact activities, so it may not wick away moisture as effectively as other models.

• Size range: XXS-XL
• Support: Low

BEST RACERBACK SPORTS BRA FOR LARGE BREASTS

BEST RACERBACK SPORTS BRA: Freya Active Underwire Molded Sports Bra

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When it comes to providing essential support for larger bust sizes, look no further than Freya's sports bra, renowned for being one of the Best Sports Bras. Featuring adjustable, thick, and supportive straps, this sports bra is designed with all the necessary features to minimize bounce during workouts. What sets it apart is the hook on the straps, allowing for easy conversion into a racerback style. With an underwire and molded cups, it offers unparalleled support and comfort. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric ensures you stay cool and dry throughout your workout.

Among our panel of testers, this sports bra emerged as a clear favorite for cup sizes ranging from D to H, solidifying its position as one of the Best Sports Bras. Testers praised its flattering design and the encapsulation support it provided. "I experienced no discomfort from breast movement while running, a common issue even with tight sports bras," remarked one tester who wears a 30H bra size. "The separate cups are a bonus compared to the uni-boob effect of some bras." Another tester, wearing a 36DD, noted, "Putting it on feels like wearing a regular bra — easy to slip on and off." However, some testers encountered fit problems such as spillage and tightness, suggesting the need to consider sizing up for the perfect fit.

• Size range: Bands 28-40 and UK cups B-H (equivalent to US cups B-K)
• Support: High

BEST SPORTS BRA FOR SMALL BREASTS

BEST SPORTS BRA: Calvin Klein Performance Reversible Sports Bra

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When it comes to finding the ultimate solution for smaller bust sizes, nothing compares to the unparalleled comfort and support provided by the Best Sports Bras. This remarkable sports bra offers medium support without the constraints of underwire or padding. Our Lab's rigorous durability tests have proven its resilience, making it a top choice among testers, particularly those with B-cups. "It provided me with the perfect balance of support and comfort," remarked one tester, sporting a 34B bra size, who relied on this bra for all her workout routines. Another 34B tester expressed, "I barely felt its presence during my workouts — it's like a second skin."

Thanks to its seamless design, there are no pesky threads or raised seams causing friction or irritation during workouts. The classic racerback design ensures optimal freedom of movement for the upper body. As an added bonus, it's reversible, offering two stylish looks for the price of one.

• Size range: XS-XXL
• Support: Medium

BEST PADLESS SPORTS BRA

BEST SPORTS BRA: Under Armour Armour Bra Mid Padless

UNDER ARMOUR

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When it comes to the Best Sports Bras, this top-rated pullover racerback from Under Armour stands out. Offering four-way stretch and a pad-free design, it ensures maximum comfort during workouts. With medium support and high compression, it's perfect for a range of activities including cycling, strength training, boxing, and yoga. Featuring wide straps and double-lined fabric, it provides excellent coverage and support. Available in over 10 shades, including neutrals and bold colors, there's an option for every preference.

In rigorous Lab testing, this bra consistently outperformed competitors, excelling in moisture-wicking, durability, and maintaining its shape. Despite its intense compression, testers found it surprisingly comfortable, with one 38C bra size tester noting, "I felt completely held in and supported while exercising." Although some testers mentioned that the lack of padding made their nipples noticeable, and criticized the large front logo, its overall performance earned it high praise as one of the Best Sports Bras available.

• Size range: XS-XXL
• Support: High

BEST SPORTS BRA FOR RUNNING

BEST SPORTS BRA: Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra

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For runners, finding the perfect sports bra to minimize bounce while ensuring comfort throughout every mile is essential. Look no further than the Best Sports Bras from Brooks, specifically engineered for running enthusiasts. Featuring high-compression fabric and removable cups for added support, this sports bra delivers unparalleled performance. Though equipped with convenient side and back pockets, most testers found them impractical during workouts. Our analysts at GH laud its bonded seams and edges for reducing chafing.

In both lab tests and real-world trials, the ultra-smooth material effortlessly wicks away moisture, as attested by one user: "I loved the fact that it really wicked away sweat." Testers praised its "super smooth material," with one 34DDD bra size user expressing feeling "supported even while running." While the material offers exceptional compression and minimal stretch — to the extent that stretch recovery tests were unfeasible in the Lab — some testers noted challenges with donning and doffing.

• Size range: 30-40 (band sizes) A-E (cup sizes)
• Support: High

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BEST SPORTS BRA FOR LOUNGING

BEST SPORTS BRA: Alo Yoga Wild Thing Bra

ALO YOGA

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When it comes to versatile sports bras that offer both support and style, look no further than the Best Sports Bras from Alo Yoga. Perfect for those moments when you need comfort and flexibility whether you're lounging at home or running errands. Crafted from ultra-soft, stretchy fabric, this sports bra features chic front ruching details that add a touch of sophistication to your casual outfit. Its longline silhouette sits right at the waist, while the flattering V-shaped neckline is ideal for smaller chests.

Designed for convenience, this bra is fully machine washable and dryer-safe, eliminating the hassle of removing pads. Our rigorous testing at the Lab proved its durability, maintaining its great condition even after multiple wash cycles without noticeable shrinkage. Testers raved about its "chic appearance" and "somewhat sexy low neckline," with one noting, "This would be really cute to wear as a workout top with high-waisted leggings." Another tester, with a 34A bra size, praised how it enhanced her small bust, adding, "It made my small boobs look really good and had a unique style about it." Unanimously, our testers agreed that this bra is best suited for low-impact exercise or simply wearing it as a top.

• Size range: XS-L
• Support: Low

BEST SPORTS BRA FOR YOGA

BEST SPORTS BRA: Lululemon Flow Y Bra

LULULEMON

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When it comes to low-impact workouts like yoga, nothing beats the comfort and support of the Best Sports Bras. Take, for instance, this Lululemon style, crafted with a smooth, stretchy fabric, thin straps, and a Y-back design — providing even more minimal coverage than a racerback, allowing you to move seamlessly between poses. With no wires to restrict movement, you'll feel free and unrestricted, yet it still offers shaping benefits thanks to its removable cups.

Constructed from Lululemon's signature Nulu fabric, commonly found in their yoga leggings, this bra feels lightweight and luxuriously smooth against the skin. Our rigorous testing has proven its durability and exceptional performance, particularly in terms of opacity and moisture-wicking properties. While originally designed for A to C cups, reviewers across various cup sizes, from A to DD, have all praised its comfort and support, with some suggesting sizing up for the perfect fit.

• Size range: 2-14
• Support: Low

BEST SIZE-INCLUSIVE SPORTS BRA

BEST SPORTS BRA: Girlfriend Paloma Racerback Bra

GIRLFRIEND

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We've been dedicated to researching and testing sports bras to bring you the Best Sports Bras on the market. With an extensive size range from XXS to 6XL, this sports bra from Girlfriend stands out, utilizing recycled plastic water bottles (RPET) and spandex to craft their signature comfy, compressive fabric. Its racerback style is specifically engineered for medium-impact exercise.

Testers of all chest sizes unanimously agree that this bra provides the perfect blend of comfort and support. "Being someone with a larger chest, finding a supportive sports bra that also boosts my confidence has always been a challenge for me, but this one exceeded my expectations," remarked a tester sporting a 34DDD bra size. Another tester, sporting a 34D bra size, praised, "This is hands down the most comfortable sports bra I've ever worn." Delighted by its flattering fit, a tester with a 34B bra size expressed, "It not only makes me feel empowered during workouts but also offers unparalleled comfort." In our lab tests, it maintained its appearance and shape impeccably, with no noticeable shrinkage even after washing (note that this style should be hang-dried only). While it may not excel in moisture-wicking compared to other styles, it's still a great choice for less intense workouts.

• Size range: XXS-6XL
• Support: Medium

MOST SUPPORTIVE SPORTS BRA

BEST SPORTS BRA: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra

KNIX

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When it comes to minimizing breast movement during high-impact activities like running, there's nothing quite like the Best Sports Bras. These bras are specifically designed to offer unparalleled support, making them perfect for runners and individuals with larger busts alike. With unique ladder straps featuring adjustable slots, wearers can customize their fit without compromising on support. Key features such as molded cups ensure separation and encapsulation, while the seamless, breathable fabric prevents chafing.

Testers raved about the Knix Catalyst bras for their exceptional support and bounce-reducing design. "I appreciate the adjustable bands around the rib cage — a rare feature in sports bras, especially beneficial for those with smaller frames and larger chests," remarked one tester who wears a 34E bra size. While GH professionals evaluated the front zip version of this bra, most testers preferred the non-zipper option, expressing concerns about potential undoing during activity. Sizing for this model differs slightly, so it's important to consult the size chart carefully. The bra accommodates sizes ranging from 32A to 42F.

• Size range: 1-8+ (equivalent to 32A to 42F)
• Support: High

How we test the best sports bras

• Stretch recovery: When evaluating the best sports bras, we measure stretch recovery to see how well the fabric returns to its original shape after being stretched out. This test is essential because a best sports bra should be able to maintain its elasticity for support.
• Moisture management: We also check how well each one wicks sweat by dropping water on the inside of the fabric and measuring both the speed and distance of its spread.
• Washability: We launder each bra style to see how it holds up during the wash. Using a room with specialized lighting, we evaluate color changes and follow textile industry standards to grade the swatches. We mark each bra with benchmarks to check if any shrinkage occurred.
• Consumer testing: We then have real testers — people ranging from AA through H cup sizes — try them during various workouts to give us feedback on things like comfort, support, mobility and ease of use. Testers wore these bras while running marathons, attending studio fitness classes, going on long hikes and during casual walks in their neighborhoods.In our latest review, our testers put the sports bras through more than 700 hours of exercise, and our analysts reviewed over 5,000 data points.