It’s the new year, and it’s time to restart and refresh our workout routines. In my opinion, it’s so much more motivating to get yourself to the gym when you’ve got a functional (and stylish) workout outfit. Sometimes a solid pair of leggings, tennis shoes and a cozy sports bra or top is the final push we need to get out the door. That’s why we looked into the best sports bras — because along with looking great, activewear should be comfortable and supportive. We talked to fitness experts and trainers, plus tapped our own team of shopping experts to find the best sports bras for every build and budget.
“The truth is, there is no one best sports bra for every woman,” Stephanie Holbrook, Level 1 USA Triathlon Coach, tells us. “You should consider several factors first (like fit, breathability and support) that will help narrow your search.”
Our shopping experts used this intel to find the best sports bras for every body type and activity — whether you need something for yoga or high-intensity workouts. No matter if you’re looking for full coverage or a little more lift, we’ve got some recommendations for the best sports bras below.
And make sure to also check out our favorite strapless bras, wireless bras and push-up bras that give you extra lift.
Quick Overview
Table of contents
Update, Jan. 16, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best sports bra remains unchanged.
Related: These are the best strapless bras, the best wireless bras, and the best push-up bras we’ve found.
Best sports bra overall
Other top sports bras we recommend for 2025
Factors to consider when choosing a sports bra
Whether you’re wearing it to run errands or run a marathon, you want to find a sports bra that is both comfortable and supportive. To find the option that best suits your needs, there are several factors to consider:
Advertisement
Advertisement
-
Size: Your size may vary, depending on the brand (and sometimes the product), so be sure to check the size chart before adding it to the cart. Since sports bras are more compressive, don’t be surprised if your size differs from your normal bra size. Your cup size and types of workouts affect the type of support you should shop for. “You need to understand the support you need for your breast size and for the activity,” said Julie Lohre, women’s fitness expert, IFBB Fitness Pro athlete and certified personal trainer. “A high level of support will be critical for a woman with a C and above cup who wants to include running or bounding plyometric exercises in their exercise routine.”
-
Support range: Many people wear the wrong sports bra for the activity they’re engaging in; if you like to partake in a range of fitness activities, it’s smart to have a range of sports bras, said Laura Martin, renowned mountain biker based in the Scottish Highlands. “High-impact sports bras should be worn for high-impact sports like jumping or running. These bras tend to be more restrictive, due to compression-style support which basically eliminates bounce. They tend to have more coverage and wider straps to help with the even distribution of the weight of the breasts. Low-impact sports bras are better suited to sports like yoga or walking. They have lighter support and are more comfortable. They tend to be a more relaxed fit and are made of lighter material.”
-
Compression vs. encapsulation: Another big decision is choosing between a compression bra and an encapsulation bra. Heather Wilson-Phillips, a fitness expert, nutritionist and owner of Fitness Empire, explained the difference: “Encapsulation sports bras are usually marketed toward women who have larger breasts. They usually feature a separate cup for each breast, and give a more natural look.” Martin agreed, adding “These ‘encapsulate’ each breast to try to eliminate the bounce individually, instead of compressing the breasts against your body.” Compression sports bras are more typically what we think of when we think “sports bra.” Said Martin, “These will have a snug fit and look more like a band than two cups. They tend to be more compressing on the body. This pressure on the breasts helps eliminate the bounce and makes you feel more secure.”
-
Material: The fabric of a sports bra factors heavily into its comfort. Holbrook recommended “seeking out breathable polyester and nylon materials, as they effectively wick sweat away from the body.” While you may think cotton would be a preferable material since it’s soft and durable, that’s not the best choice. Said Lohre, “I avoid cotton because it tends to hold moisture against the body. When you are pushing hard in a workout, the last thing you want is your bra feeling waterlogged and heavy.”
How we chose sports bras
To find the best sports bras worth your money, we consulted a variety of fitness experts, trainers and our very own shopping editors. They shared factors to look for when choosing the best sports bra for various needs. We also asked this crew for their tried-and-true favorites — because there’s nothing like a firsthand recommendation! After reviewing hundreds of bestseller sports bras, top brands and product descriptions, we came down to 16 final candidates.
Sports bra FAQs
How should a sports bra fit?
According to our experts, a sports bra should fit snug but not so constricting that it digs into your skin or makes you feel like you can’t breathe: “The cups of a sports bra should fit securely, without being too tight that your breasts begin to come out the top or sides,” said Wilson-Phillips.
How do you prevent chafing when wearing a sports bra?
“Chafing is a workout mood killer. Who wants to break a sweat while wrecking your skin?” said Kim Turner, founder and CEO of sock brand Fitness Snob. “Too loose or too snug, and you’re in for trouble. Second, cleanliness is next to, well … no chafing. Get out of that bra promptly post-workout and keep it fresh by washing regularly to avoid lingering sweat or dirt residue. Third, start at the source: Be mindful when shopping for sports bras. And of course, moisture-wicking fabric and seamless designs are lifesavers too.”
Is it OK to wear a sports bra all day?
If you’re wearing a sports bra leisurely and don’t plan to break a sweat, it’s overall fine to wear it all day. However, as Turner mentioned above, you’ll want to change out of a sports bra immediately after a workout, since it has collected sweat or dirt residue.
When should you throw out sports bras?
Our experts say that your bra should always feel comfortable and supportive. When that’s no longer the case, you should replace it. The general recommendation is to replace your sports bra every six to 12 months.
Advertisement
Advertisement
