"When it comes to exercising, you may not realize the amount of gear that goes into ensuring a seamless workout. Sure, you can throw on a T-shirt and shorts and call it a day, but a major factor that is going to make or break your experience is what type of sports bra you wear. I’m sure we all remember those school days of holding our chests while running the mile in PE, and with the right sports bra, we can now assure you that your girls aren’t going anywhere.
Picking out a perfect sports bra depends entirely on you. It’s not quite a one-size-fits-all situation. Dependent factors include your cup size, the type of workout you’re doing, and the amount of support you want from your sports bra. Higher-impact workouts and sports are going to need a higher-support sports bra, while lower-impact workouts don’t need quite as much.
Tired of too-tight sports bras or straps that keep on slipping? Lucky for you, I found 14 of the best sports bras that work for any kind of workout.
For Low-Impact Workouts
Low-impact workouts don’t typically require more support from your bra. With workouts in this category, like walking, yoga, strength training, or barre class, a low-support sports bra will often do just fine. Low-support sports bras will usually be single-lined, have no padding, thinner or more narrow straps that cannot be adjusted, offer light compression, and can sometimes double as a workout top. If you have a lower-cup size, you might find that low-impact sports bras work best for you.
Best for Comfort
Athleta’s Warrior Longline Bra is ideal for yoga or studio workouts and is made of a soft, buttery fabric that doesn’t squeeze. It has a thicker chestband so that it stays in place but isn’t constricting or tight. It doesn’t have padding or cups but is sweat-wicking, so you can stay dry in even the hottest of hot yoga classes.
available in sizes A to DD+
Best Budget Option
If there’s one thing you take away from this article, it’s this: Do not sleep on Old Navy’s activewear! Old Navy has great-quality activewear at an affordable price. Their PowerSoft line is super comfortable to work out in since it’s stretchy but still offers light compression. This V-neck bra can double as a tank, allowing you to wear it in or outside of the gym.
available in sizes XS to 4X
Best for Style
SET Active’s workout sets are trendy and stylish, but believe it or not, they do a hell of a good job at supporting you in your workouts, too. Their iconic Box Cut Bra works for low-impact workouts like pilates and walking and isn’t too compressive. The square neckline stretches to the shape of your body and is flattering on all body types.
available in sizes XS to XL
Best for Everyday
Lululemon’s Like a Cloud fabric is made of a soft, stretchy sweat-wicking, material that is so comfortable you may forget you’re wearing a bra. This bra has soft foam cups that make for a great bra to wear day-to-day, not just for when you’re working out. It also comes in an option for larger cup sizes.
available in sizes 2 to 14
Best Amazon Pick
CRZ Yoga is one of Amazon’s top-selling activewear brands, and if you haven’t tried something yet, now’s the time to do so. (Trust us, it’s literally so many of our editors’ favorite Amazon activewear brand). This low-support sports bra can be worn in or out of the gym and is designed to move with you while keeping you comfortable.
available in sizes XS to XL
For Medium-Impact Workouts
For workouts like pilates, hiking, or light cardio, you’ll find that medium-impact sports bras are your best option. Medium-support sports bras have an ample amount of support—but not too much. They fit tight to your body, ensuring that they won’t move or slip while you’re moving. Based on the support they offer, medium-impact sports bras can either be pull-over styles or with clasps and fasteners. These types of sports bras typically have extra lining or boning to hold you in place.
Best Overall
If you want a simple sports bra that gets the job done (and still looks cute while doing so), this Lululemon bra is always going to be that girl. It has medium-impact support, so it works for a range of workouts. It’s comfortable and stretchy, yet still gives you support where you need it.
available in sizes 2 to 14
Best Tank Bra
Girlfriend Collective prides itself on producing activewear made of sustainable materials spanning a size range of XXS to 6XL, and boy, do they do a hell of a job at it. Their sports bras are more on the compressive side and can usually double as a top when not being worn as activewear. (Wouldn’t you call that girl math for getting a bra and a top for the price of one?!) Because of the compression, we’d recommend you size up for a less compressive, more standard fit or stay true to size for a true compressive feel.
available in sizes XXS to 6XL
Best Budget Option
Old Navy’s PowerSoft Cross-Strap Sports Bra is equipped with thick cross-straps and molded cups for all the support you need. It claims to provide medium support for A-C cups and light support for cups D and up. Their PowerSoft material is soft and smooth, allowing you to be comfortable throughout your whole workout.
available in sizes XS to 4X
Best for Everyday
Looking for a bra you can easily grab while you do your weekly grocery haul? This option from Target meets all the requirements for a perfect sports bra, no matter the occasion. The sewn-in cups help provide shape, while the thick straps and scoop neck help it double as a workout tank.
available in sizes XS to 4X
Best Amazon Pick
If you don’t want something too compressive, but you’re still looking for a good amount of support, this is the simple medium-impact sports bra for you. Don’t believe us? Ask the 40k+ people who’ve bought it and raved all about it.
available in sizes XS to 3XL
For High-Impact Workouts
More intense workouts usually require a high-impact sports bra with lots of support. High-impact workouts like running, cycling, HIIT, or anything that requires you to jump around or move your whole body would typically warrant a sports bra with lots of support. If you’ve got a larger bust and cup size, you probably already know the benefits of these bad boys. Most high-impact sports bras fasten with hooks or zippers but can also be found in pullover styles. They also usually have thicker straps that can be adjusted to how you like.
Best Overall
Panache’s Wired Sports Bra just might be the best of the best when it comes to high-impact options. Its molded cups define your shape while still keeping you contained. It also offers a comfort level that works for any kind of workout. Available in cup sizes B to J with a back-fastener, this is a high-quality detailed sports bra that won’t lack on shape. Trust us, no uni-boob here!
available in sizes 28 to 40
Best Zippered Option
If you have a larger cup size, you might find that zippered sports bras offer the best amount of support and control while working out. This sports bra from SheFit comes with seamed cups, removable pads, and convertible straps for ultimate customization to your liking.
available in sizes XS to 6Luxe
Best Crossback Option
Surprise, surprise, another Lululemon sports bra made the list. (What can we say? Their sports bras are that good.) This bra comes with thicker back straps for high support, optimal for running or jumping. It fastens in the back, so you don’t have to worry about pulling it over your head. Plus, the crossback straps are set in a cute formation, making it a high-impact sports bra that doesn’t skimp on style.
available in sizes 32D to 40D
Best Amazon Pick
This high-impact sports bra from RUNNING GIRL is made to move with you and keep you in place, all while it barely feels like you’re wearing anything. Adding this sports bra to your wardrobe is a no-brainer, the only difficult decision will be trying to pick what color you want out of the 34 options available.
available in sizes S to 3XL
