The 5 Best Sports Bras of 2023

May 18, 2024

We now recommend the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra as the bra we like best for D/DD cup sizes. We’ve also highlighted five other good sports bras and added six bras to the Competition section.

A supportive and comfortable sports bra can improve your overall workout experience, whether you’re running a marathon, tackling a set of squat jumps, or taking a yoga class. Because sizing systems vary and every body is different, finding a sports bra that fits requires some trial and error. But if you know your size and want to buy online, we’ve talked to eight experts, compared hundreds of options, and tested 31 bras with 25 panelists (band sizes 30 to 42, cup sizes A to JJ) over nearly seven years to find some great sports bras.

Prevent movement by flattening the breasts and pulling them close to the body.

Separate the breasts into cups and provide support with seaming, molding, or underwire instead of flattening them.

Use some cup definition to separate the breasts and compressive fabric to pull them close to the body.

Sports bras generally have racerback, U-back, or convertible straps. Wider straps distribute pressure over a larger area.

For this guide, we’ve divided categories loosely based on cup sizes and styles: the best sports bras for people with DD+ cups and larger band sizes, DD+ cups and smaller band sizes, D/DD cups, C/D cups, and A/B cups. (In a separate blog post, you can read more on how to find the right bra for you.) Your choice will come down to personal preference: Someone who wears a B cup may want the support and enhancement of an underwire bra that we recommend for larger cups, and someone with DD cups may feel more comfortable in a compression bra. Below we also outline the pros and cons of some other good sports bras to help guide your search, and we offer advice on how to care for your sports bra to help it last as long as possible.

This encapsulation bra with underwire offers full coverage and extra lift, as well as deeper cups and wide and comfortable straps.

If you’re looking for a lot of coverage and lift or need a deeper cup, the Elomi Energise is an encapsulation bra that comes in 61 sizes, including cup sizes up to K (UK sizing; Elomi is based in the UK) and band sizes up to 46—but the smallest band offered is a size 32. This bra has deeper cups and comes up higher on the chest and sides than the Panache (below), making it a full-coverage bra that when correctly fitted should help prevent any spillage during a vigorous workout. Its wide straps and soft, satiny fabric are comfortable, too. “The material was nice and breathable,” one 34JJ tester said, adding that the “bounce support was amazing for running and burpees.” The tester continued, “I was able to jump around, climb over ropes, and carry a medicine ball without my boobs getting in the way! Win!”

Band size range: 32 to 46Cup size range: D to O (converted from UK sizing D to K)Strap style: U-back with J-hook

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This underwire encapsulation bra offers additional support and has easy-to-adjust straps.

For support and bounce control that comes in smaller band sizes, we like the Panache Sports Wired Bra. This encapsulation bra is available in 70 sizes, including cup sizes up to J (UK sizing; Panache is based in the UK) and band sizes 28 to 40. (In contrast, the smallest band offered for the Elomi Energise is a size 32.) This Panache sports bra is well lined and comfortable, and you can easily adjust the wide straps and band (and even convert the bra into a racerback with a J-hook). A 30G tester said, “This was the most comfortable to wear for the longest amount of time.” But that same tester noted that it could do a better job wicking away sweat. When properly fitted, the Panache should encapsulate the breasts, but it doesn’t offer quite as much coverage as the Elomi.

Band size range: 28 to 40Cup size range: B to M (converted from UK sizing B to J)Strap style: U-back with J-hook

The SheFit is a high-support bra with a zippered front closure whose straps and band adjust with Velcro. It delivers a comfortable, movement-friendly wearing experience that doesn’t feel constricting.

The SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra is not subtle—one tester called it a “contraption masquerading as a sports bra”—but it wowed those who tried it with its ability to keep breast movement at bay. The SheFit is a combination bra (it uses both encapsulation and compression to reduce breast movement), and customizable adjustability is the name of its game: The inch-wide shoulder straps adjust at the front with Velcro, the band adjusts at the back with Velcro, and two internal hook-and-eye clasps bolster the front-zipper closure. Despite its complex construction, the bra moves with the body and feels lighter than its initial look lets on. The lined, wireless cups are comfortable and supportive, though the external contoured support seams don’t provide quite as smooth of a line under shirts as those some of the other bras we tried. The bra comes in 10 sizes (XSmall to 6Luxe); although SheFit’s proprietary sizing might result in more trial and error when it comes to finding the right fit, our testers all got it right on their first try.

Band size range: 22 to 49½ (circumferences, which don’t necessarily align with traditional band sizes; be sure to consult the size chart and fit tips)Cup size range: A to IStrap style: convertible crossback (front-zipper closure)

This high-support bra provides cup definition while still keeping breasts snug to prevent movement. Its U-back design makes it easy to adjust and to get on and off.

For an option that’s easier to change out of than a pull-on racerback style and has slightly more coverage, we recommend the Champion Spot Comfort U-back bra. A combination bra (it utilizes both encapsulation and compression to reduce breast movement), the Spot Comfort has seams that separate the breasts to prevent the uniboob look, and its ample side and front coverage still keeps everything secure while you’re running. With padded, adjustable, vertical straps and a back clasp, the Spot Comfort is easy to get on and off compared with a traditional pull-on racerback. Although you can’t adjust the straps on this bra as easily during exercise, some people might prefer the Spot Comfort’s U-back cut for quick changes. One 34DD tester reported still being able to “adjust the straps without taking the bra all the way off.” It comes in 18 sizes (34C to 42DDD).

Band size range: 34 to 42Cup size range: C to DDDStrap style: U-back

This medium-support compression bra for smaller cup and band sizes is comfortable and supportive, and it has a sturdy band that is unlikely to ride up.

Champion’s The Absolute Workout sports bra is a great option for people who prefer a pull-on racerback style and don’t want or need encapsulation-style support or padding. This bra has stretchy fabric that still bounces back to control breast movement while you’re running and offers a firm band for extra support. It’s a pared-down, basic bra that’s easier to get on and off than similarly styled bras, and it’s currently available in two colors and four sizes (XS through L). It’s one of the most affordable compression bras we considered, too. One tester, who tried this bra in a size large, called it a Goldilocks fit. She said, “The band was not so tight that it was uncomfortable, nor too loose that it didn’t stay in place.”

Band size range: 30 to 40 (XS to L)Cup size range: A to DDStrap style: racerback

This encapsulation bra with underwire offers full coverage and extra lift, as well as deeper cups and wide and comfortable straps.

This underwire encapsulation bra offers additional support and has easy-to-adjust straps.

The SheFit is a high-support bra with a zippered front closure whose straps and band adjust with Velcro. It delivers a comfortable, movement-friendly wearing experience that doesn’t feel constricting.

This high-support bra provides cup definition while still keeping breasts snug to prevent movement. Its U-back design makes it easy to adjust and to get on and off.

This medium-support compression bra for smaller cup and band sizes is comfortable and supportive, and it has a sturdy band that is unlikely to ride up.

To determine what makes a good sports bra, we spoke with eight experts ranging from breast-biomechanics researchers and sports bra consultants to specialty lingerie shop owners, sportswear designers, and textile scientists. We consulted Jenny Burbage, PhD, principal lecturer in biomechanics at the University of Portsmouth; Minyoung Suh, PhD, associate professor at the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University; Lori Wahl, apparel, textiles, and design instructor at the University of Idaho’s School of Family and Consumer Sciences; activewear designer Marissa Borelli; LaJean Lawson, PhD, a longtime consultant to sports bra makers, including Champion; Min Zhu, PhD, an assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology; Holly Powell, owner of The Pencil Test in Portland, Oregon; Iris Clarke, owner of Iris Lingerie in Brooklyn, New York; Mara Osborne, a representative of Enell, a brand that specializes in larger bra sizes; and Susie Macpherson, a fit expert at Panache at the time of our interview.

Over nearly seven years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing bras, along with the help of 25 testers. We’ve looked at best-bra roundups, read research papers (PDF) and articles about sports bra history and why they’re so terrible, and watched many a bra-focused video.

As of late summer 2021, we’ve compared more than 170 bras and tried 31 total finalists with testers who have cup sizes ranging from A to JJ. Testers wore the bras during runs and high-impact cross-training sessions, as well as for lower-impact activities and longer-term wear.

A well-fitting sports bra will make exercising much more comfortable, but finding one can be particularly difficult. You may have heard the statistic that 80% of people who wear bras are wearing an incorrect size. The stat doesn’t hold up (you actually don’t have just one bra size). Nevertheless, it resonates with our own experiences of wanting to scream every time we left a fitting room after trying on 10 bras, none of which fit just right. There are many telltale signs that you need to find a better-fitting bra (sports and regular bras alike), but here are a few: Your bra is so tight that it’s digging into your shoulders or sides, or so loose that your breasts are bouncing. The band is riding up in the back. The wires are floating off your rib cage or cutting into you. The center piece (gore) isn’t lying flat on your chest. The list goes on.

If any or all of those symptoms plague you, it’s time to find a bra that fits. Because sizing is not standardized across brands, getting a professional fitting (ideally, at a specialty lingerie store) is the best option, period. If that isn’t an option for you, we recommend measuring yourself using the best online calculator we’ve found, from the /r/ABraThatFits subreddit, whose moderators developed the tool over time based on professional fitting systems, personal experience, and user feedback. You can also consult a given brand’s measuring tools and customer service department for additional sizing guidance. Your best bet is to use these sizing tools as a starting point and then try on as many bras as possible.

Because sizing is not standardized across brands, getting a professional fitting (ideally, at a specialty lingerie store) is the best option, period.

When bras are a few years old or start to sag and stretch, it’s time to replace them. This is especially true for sports bras: A material’s stretch and ability to bounce back compresses breasts against the chest to reduce movement. Textile scientist Min Zhu of FIT suggested looking out for curling straps or fabric that’s puckering inside or outside the cup. Fabric can also start to pill in older bras, and these small bumps can cause chafing. (Through long-term testing, we’ve found that most of our sports bra picks last two to three years, and that hand-washing prolongs a bra’s life.)

You might find a better fit in different sizes depending on bra styles, manufacturers, and sizing systems. Here’s how to find the best for you.

A sports bra is a complex piece of clothing that employs several parts—band, straps, seams, and more—to reduce breast movement.

Breast movement can cause tension on connective tissues called the Cooper ligaments (PDF)—and it can hurt. A supportive sports bra offers backup to the body’s structures to reduce bounce, and most important, the discomfort that comes with it. Most of the support comes from the band. Biomechanics lecturer Jenny Burbage said, “You want approximately 80% of the tension to be underneath, and only up to 20% on the shoulders.” The band at the bottom of the bra should be wide, fit firmly, and provide most of the structural support. If it’s too loose or rides up onto your breasts, it can chafe.

Judging from our experience, no bra can reduce 100% of movement, but your breasts shouldn’t be leaping out of a good sports bra. Jump up and down in a bra or jog around your house or a store to test out a contender’s support.

You can find three main styles of sports bras: those that primarily employ compression, those that primarily employ encapsulation, and those that use a combination of the two. We considered all those styles when looking for bras to test.

Here’s a breakdown of each:

Compression bras prevent movement by flattening the breasts and pulling them close to the body. Usually they aren’t adjustable and come in fewer sizes. Most have wide straps and large back panels to distribute the weight of the breasts; often they are tube-shaped and known for creating a uniboob look, wherein the breasts are mushed together to look like one continuous shape. The flattening effect of compression bras can be uncomfortable (PDF), especially for people with a larger cup size, because it disfigures and constrains the breasts. At the same time, the effect can be desirable for those who want to minimize the protrusion of their breasts.

Encapsulation bras separate the breasts into cups using a piece of fabric called a gore (PDF) and provide support through seaming, molding, or underwire instead of flattening; they look like typical bras. Most encapsulation bras also use a familiar sizing system, including both cup measurements (A, B, C, D, E, F, and so on) and band measurements (32, 34, 40, 44, and so on) as opposed to basic S/M/L/XL sizing. Typically, encapsulation bras offer more, better-fitting options than compression bras. Separating the breasts can also prevent them from rubbing together and chafing during exercise.

Combination bras blend the other two styles, using some cup definition to separate the breasts and fabric to pull them close to the body. When you’re running, your breasts move laterally as well as up and down—therefore, a combination bra is best to control all types of breast movement, according to our experts.

In addition to the level and style of support, when choosing a sports bra you might consider the following:

Material: A bra’s materials should be stretchy enough to move in yet rigid enough to recover and control bounce. “Stretch is to improve comfort, but the fabric should not be too stretchy because of the bounce and movement of the breasts,” said FIT’s Min Zhu.

Our experts used the term “stretch and recovery” to describe how a fabric bounces back after being stretched to keep the breasts securely in place. “If a person is putting on the bra and has to stretch it to get it on, it needs to spring back so it supports them,” said the University of Idaho’s Lori Wahl. When you’re trying on a bra, stretch its various parts—the band, straps, and cups—to see how they bounce back.

Wicking: The best sports bras are made of a wicking material, which transports sweat from the inside of a bra’s cup to the outside so that it will evaporate more quickly. Great bras have separate layers of fabric for the inner lining and outer shell to help with moisture transportation. When it comes to the material, it’s most important to avoid cotton—although it may feel more comfortable to the touch initially, cotton will absorb moisture and get uncomfortable when you’re exercising. After a sweaty workout, when a cotton bra is wet, “it’s more abrasive, it doesn’t dry quickly, and it’s heavier,” said sports bra scientist and consultant LaJean Lawson.

Coverage: Unlike with skin-revealing lingerie, it’s crucial that a sports bra come high on the chest and sides to help control movement. You should not be spilling out of the cups. “Sideboob is boob,” said The Pencil Test’s Holly Powell. Some people prefer bras with thicker fabric or light padding to prevent the nipples from showing (aka “headlighting”). We preferred well-lined bras in our tests, but Iris Lingerie’s Iris Clarke cautioned against bras with heavy padding, which she says don’t breathe well.

Adjustable straps and bands: Most of our favorite sports bras have adjustable straps and bands, made with either Velcro, sliders, or hook-and-eye clasps, to let you tweak your fit and make sure your bra is snug. Lawson explained that when people run, there are brief times when they’re fully airborne, which can make bra straps loose or cause them to slide down the shoulders if they can’t be adjusted to the right size. As sports bras age, they also stretch; hooking the band tighter or shortening the straps can help combat this effect.

Wider straps feel more comfortable and distribute pressure over a larger area, and some straps also have padding to reduce pressure. You can find several strap styles:

Cost: A cheap sports bra isn’t necessarily of lower quality, but paying more is likely to get you a bra made of better, wicking material with more features. Especially for larger cup and band sizes, we found more structured and supportive bras to be more expensive. We have some budget options in our Competition section, but our experts and testers, as well as online reviewers, all preferred specialty bra brands. These brands also offer more granular measurements, so you’re more likely to find the right fit.

Every round, we choose bras to call in after reading all of the most recent editorial articles and reviews of sports bras we can find. We’ve looked at all the bras mentioned in more than 30 roundups—from Outside Online to Runner’s World to Bustle to The Cut to Buzzfeed to Women’s Running—to compare features based on the criteria outlined above, as well as cost and availability. In addition, we’ve consulted the bra-enthusiast subreddit /r/ABraThatFits, combing through posts and posting to inquire about people’s favorite bras. We’ve looked at Amazon best sellers, as well as at best-selling bras from specialty retailers HerRoom and Bare Necessities. We’ve looked at the high-impact bra offerings from specialty bra brands like Anita, Berlei, Bravissimo, Curvy Couture, Enell, Glamorise, The Little Bra Company, Panache, Shock Absorber, and Wacoal (including Elomi, Freya, and Goddess). We’ve also looked at bras from Adidas, Brooks, Champion, Gap, Knix, Lane Bryant, Lululemon, Maaree, New Balance, Nike, Oiselle, Old Navy, Reebok, Runderwear, SheFit, Title Nine, Torrid, and Under Armour, among other major sellers.

From a field of more than 170 contenders to date, we’ve tested 31 different sports bras with a total of 25 testers representing a range of bra sizes (band sizes 30 to 42, cup sizes A to JJ) and body shapes.

Our testers have not been immune to the common bra-fitting issues outlined above. Several people have ended up ordering incorrect sizes. We’ve asked many of our panelists over the years to measure themselves using the /r/ABraThatFits tool. Two of our panelists received a professional fitting by the staff at The Pencil Test in Portland, Oregon, a shop that specializes in D-cup and larger bras. Despite our asking testers to measure themselves using a commonly referenced resource—or ordering with confidence in the typical size (or sizes) that work for them—some have still encountered discrepancies between their calculations and which sizes actually fit them. For example, one of our testers thought they should wear a 40H, when in fact the professional fitting revealed that a 34JJ bra fit much better.

Once they have the correct sizes, our testers try on or contemplate three to nine bras and then choose two to five of them to try in earnest. They give detailed feedback on our criteria. And they wear each of the finalist bras for at least two runs and one cross-training session or an equivalent number of high-impact activities. In several cases, they continue wearing the bras for months to years after their initial testing and continue to provide long-term testing feedback.

This encapsulation bra with underwire offers full coverage and extra lift, as well as deeper cups and wide and comfortable straps.

We think the Elomi Energise offers the best blend of size options and support for people who wear larger band and cup sizes. This structured encapsulation bra uses UK sizing and comes in band sizes 32 to 46 and cup sizes D to K (US sizes D to O), encompassing 61 total sizes.

The underwire-and-gore design of the Energise lifts and separates the breasts for support instead of pressing them together. Seams on the cups provide structure to pull the breasts close to the chest to prevent bounce and movement. The Energise offers the most coverage compared with other encapsulation bras we looked at, coming higher on the chest and sides than the Panache Sports Wired Bra. Our size JJ tester said that they were able to bend over while exercising without spilling out of the top, unlike with the Panache Sports Wired and Anita Extreme Control bras. “Bounce support was amazing for running and burpees!” our tester said. “I was able to jump around, climb over ropes, and carry a medicine ball without my boobs getting in the way! Win!”

Adjustable straps and a back hook-and-eye clasp make the Energise easier to get on and off. As with many of the models we tested, you need to slide the clasp of this bra to the front to adjust it. Compared with the super-supportive, even-fuller-coverage Enell Sport, which our tester had previously tried, the Energise was easier to wrangle, especially after a steamy workout. The straps on this bra are wide enough to distribute weight but still allow for a good range of motion. Our tester used the Energise when rock climbing and running obstacle courses as well as when running.

The Energise’s material feels soft and sateen-like against the skin. It does look a bit shiny, more like the material of traditional lingerie than the matte fabric found on most sports bras. We found that the material was breathable during exercise and that sweat didn’t pool. The bra comes in a few bright colors, as well as in white, beige, and black.

In our testing, the Energise offered more support than the similar Goddess Sport bra, which is also made by Wacoal but designed for lower-impact activities.

After polling the /r/ABraThatFits community, we found that people with bra sizes ranging from 34H to 38M to 40J recommended the Energise as their favorite sports bra.

“Elomi is the biggest brand on the market for larger band and cup sizes, and it also comes in a 32 band. This is a funky-looking sports bra on, it’s Madonna-esque,” said The Pencil Test’s Holly Powell. “But it really works.”

The Energise’s seams come together at the nipple line, creating a pointy cup that many reviewers compare to Madonna’s infamous cone bra from the singer’s “Blond Ambition” tour. Powell advised us that wearing a shirt over the bra minimizes this effect. We asked a Wacoal representative about the bra’s construction; they said that the seams added necessary support.

The Energise is not available in band sizes larger than 46 or cup sizes larger than a UK size K (US size O). For larger band sizes, consider the Enell Sport. For larger cup sizes, consider the Royce Impact Free, which goes to a UK size K (US size O) and is stretchier with unstructured cups so it may have more size flexibility.

This underwire encapsulation bra offers additional support and has easy-to-adjust straps.

For people who wear larger cup and smaller band sizes, we recommend the Panache Sports Wired Bra. We appreciate this model’s range of fun colors and its sportier twist on an encapsulation style. It has sturdy, constructed cups for bounce control, it adjusts easily, and it comes in 70 total size combinations so you can find the correct fit. Even with the underwires, it’s well lined and comfortable, with wide, adjustable straps and an adjustable band. The Sports Wired comes in UK cup sizes B to J (Panache is based in the UK). Its band comes in sizes 28 to 40, a smaller total range than that of the Elomi Energise but far more inclusive than that of most models you’d find at a sporting-goods retailer.

The cups of the Sports Wired have several seams to create definition and a gore to lift and separate the breasts. Compared with the Panache Sports Non Wired Bra, the fit on the Sports Wired has been more consistent in our tests. The Pencil Test’s Holly Powell said she found that the Sports Wired offered a slightly better blend of compression and encapsulation than the Non Wired version when the bra fit correctly.

Testers appreciated the Sports Wired’s support and adjustability. A DD tester said that the Sports Wired was “probably the most supportive non-‘masher’ bra that I’ve tried, period.” Another reported: “I’ve never used a sports bra with a wire, but I didn’t feel it at all and it was very supportive.”

With adjustable sliding straps and a hook-and-eye clasp, the Sports Wired can also convert into a J-hook for added support. (This arrangement, however, can sit in a weird spot on the back for some people, causing pressure; don’t use this feature if it hurts.) The bra’s padded straps are comfortable and the cups are lightly lined, which helps prevent headlighting.

The Panache Sports Wired is a fan favorite on Reddit and Amazon. On the /r/ABraThatFits subreddit, forum members with sizes including 28GG/28H, 28H, 28JJ, 32KK/34K, 34H, 36H/34HH, and 36HH recommended this bra.

We love that the Panache Sports Wired comes in a size 28 band, which can be difficult to find for those who also wear larger cup sizes, but we wish it extended beyond a size 40. A Panache representative told us: “Our sister brand, Sculptresse, offers a non-padded version of the sports bra that goes up to a 46 band, and we continue to expand the size and style offering across all of our ranges as the demand exists.”

Some reviewers say that over time, the wire on this bra pokes out. We asked a Panache representative about this issue. The rep said that the wire shouldn’t poke out if the bra is washed according to instructions (hand-wash or gentle cycle, air-dry) but noted that most underwire bras show such signs of wear over time.

In the past, some testers with larger cup sizes have reported fit issues with the Sports Wired, comparing its cups to those on a demi-bra. (The Elomi Energise, on the other hand, offers more fabric on the cups for fuller coverage.) Our size G tester also reported that the bra didn’t wick well.

The SheFit is a high-support bra with a zippered front closure whose straps and band adjust with Velcro. It delivers a comfortable, movement-friendly wearing experience that doesn’t feel constricting.

The front-zip SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra impressed us with its effective support during high-impact exercise, a light and comfortable feel despite its complex construction, and multiple avenues of adjustment, including in the straps, band, and front closure. One of our four Ultimate Sports Bra testers, who wore a size medium for several 6-plus-mile runs (and some burpees), reported, “My ideal sports bra is one I don’t think about at all while I’m wearing it, and this hit the mark.”

The SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra is a combination bra (using encapsulation and compression) and can be worn as a crossback or a U-back. You adjust the inch-wide, non-stretchy straps by pulling them up to the desired tension and securing them with Velcro at the shoulders. (The straps are 1¼ inches wide for the six largest sizes.) The 2-inch-wide band is also adjustable, as you can cinch it at the back of the bra and secure it with Velcro. Our testers, particularly those with smaller frames, appreciated the ability to adjust the bra on the body for a secure fit.

One tester, who wore the SheFit in a size small for everything from HIIT workouts to kickboxing to weight training, has owned the bra for about a year. “The first time I wore it I was like, ‘Oh! This is how men must feel when they work out!’” she said. “It made me feel like the breasts moved with my torso in one unit.”

The bra has a zippered front closure that is reinforced with a pair of internal hook-and-eye clasps. The zipper has covered ends to help prevent catching or irritation. To put on the bra, you slip it over your head with the front zipper open. (This YouTube video demonstrates.) One tester said she was “in and out in seconds.” Another reported that it was a little fussier than she would’ve liked. “The instructions say to ‘slip into your bra like a T-shirt,’ but that was more awkward in practice than it sounds,” she said, “at least when the straps are in the X-back configuration.”

The fabric isn’t quite as soft as that of other bras we’ve tried (though by no means rough). The comfortable, wireless cups have removable pads, and while one tester thought they gave her a flattering shape, another characterized the silhouette as a uniboob. The bra’s external support seams and zipper make for less of a smooth line under shirts.

The bra comes in 10 sizes ranging from XSmall (based on a bust measurement of 29 to 32 inches and a rib-cage measurement of 22 to 27 inches) to 6Luxe (based on a bust measurement of 51 to 55 inches and a rib-cage measurement of 38½ to 49½ inches). The company says the Ultimate Sports Bra fits cup sizes from A to I.

The proprietary sizing system for the SheFit sports bra (for more, see SheFit’s size chart and measuring tips) isn’t as specific as those of our other picks, which go by band measurement and cup size. Pinning down the right fit may take some trial and error.

The SheFit relies on a fair amount of Velcro, which has the potential to lose its oomph after repeated wear, though our tester who has owned the bra for nearly a year says it’s holding up well. (She did observe that the printed writing inside the bra fades over time, so make a note of your size for subsequent orders if you think you might forget.) One tester noticed that a roughly 4-inch section of stitching on the band came undone. Another said that the pads tended to bunch up in the spin cycle of the washing machine, but they “retain their shape well enough that once the bra is dry, they pop right back into place, no problem.” (They are also removable.)

This high-support bra provides cup definition while still keeping breasts snug to prevent movement. Its U-back design makes it easy to adjust and to get on and off.

The Champion Spot Comfort is the best combination sports bra we’ve found. Its sturdy material isn’t overly stretchy, and it felt smooth on skin and wicked well during our testers’ workouts. With vertical U-back straps and a back clasp, the bra is relatively easy to put on and to take off after sweaty runs, and the adjustable straps allow wearers to dial in the fit. Its high neckline and side panels provided better coverage than the designs of other combination bras we tested, so breasts or cleavage didn’t spill out of the bra. The thicker fabric prevented nipples from showing without added padding. And after two years of long-term testing, this bra has held up well and accompanied us on many runs (and even a marathon).

The Spot Comfort’s cups are made of a firm, not-too-stretchy material that helps hold the breasts close to the chest, but the bra still provides some cup definition to prevent a complete uniboob look and feel. Compared with flimsier racerback compression bras, the Spot Comfort restricts breast movement more effectively while still achieving the same second-skin feeling—we forgot about it while running. The band and straps are firm enough to feel like they won’t stretch out when you’re moving. The straps have extra padding for comfort, and at 1¼ inches they’re wide enough to feel like they aren’t digging in yet slim enough to allow for a broad range of motion. Although arm mobility may not be a primary concern for running, it comes into play when you’re stretching and cross-training. In comparison, some of the other combination bras we looked at, such as the New Balance Shockingly Unshocking, had wide straps that ran through larger metal loops and sliders, limiting arm movement.

The Spot Comfort’s vertical straps adjust easily with sliders, and it has a hook-and-eye clasp in the back that allows for easier on-and-off than a pull-on racerback style. The sliders are in the back, so you may have to swing this bra around to your front or take it off to adjust it to your liking, but the same is true of most U-back bras.

The Spot Comfort’s material didn’t itch or chafe, and it wicked well on runs. It didn’t feel clammy during runs in the Portland, Oregon, rain or on a rugged hike in the 85-degree weather at Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas.

This bra had the best coverage of any combination bra we tried—it goes high on the chest and has larger side panels to prevent cleavage and breasts from spilling out, which is better for people with larger cup sizes. Higher necklines (PDF) on bras help prevent the breasts from moving upward, but this cut can sometimes feel restrictive. The vertical straps on the Spot Comfort help balance that out by creating a more open neckline compared with racerback straps, which can cut into the shoulders.

The Spot Comfort comes in sizes ranging from 34C to 42DDD and in six colors. It’s also often on sale.

After one washing, we noticed some fraying on the Spot Comfort’s seams. Testers have worn this bra during a marathon and other activities and enjoyed wearing it—one tester reported that the hooks on the back clasp broke after a year, but they also said they would buy the bra again because it’s comfortable and reasonably priced.

This medium-support compression bra for smaller cup and band sizes is comfortable and supportive, and it has a sturdy band that is unlikely to ride up.

There are a lot of similar-looking pull-on racerbacks available, but we think Champion’s The Absolute Workout is the best option for a basic, supportive racerback-style bra for A and B cups or for people who don’t want the added support of an encapsulation bra. The Absolute Workout is thoughtfully constructed but still affordable. It’s stretchy enough to easily get over your head but still compresses breasts well, and it’s made of a soft, comfortable material that wicks effectively during sweaty workouts.

This bra comes in four straight sizing options (XS to L) that fit a range of sizes from a 30- to 40-inch band and an A to DD cup size, and it’s usually available in several colors (for bras in more size ranges, check out our other picks or the Competition section). The Absolute Workout has a sturdier design than similar compression bras we tested; one tester said the separate band stayed put and offered a lot of support without chafing.

We like the Absolute Workout’s smooth fabric compared with the more textured feel of bras like the C9 Champion Women’s Seamless Racerback Sports Bra. The fabric on the Absolute Workout is soft without being slick, with just enough stretch to make it easy to pull on and off without sacrificing any bounce control. (Some bras are too stretchy to be supportive. For example, we stretched the Champion Freedom Seamless Racerback to three times its original size.) This bra has seams, but the front panel is lined so nothing will rub against your chest.

Coverage-wise, the Absolute Workout has side panels to keep the breasts from spilling out, and the straps and back panel are wide for extra support and coverage. “What I really liked about this bra is that it covered the breadth of my chest,” said one tester, who wore a size large. “There was no side breast tissue (that I usually lovingly refer to as a chicken cutlet) squeezing its way out.”

This tester reported that the Absolute Workout’s sturdy band didn’t chafe and wicked well. “Sometimes sweat can lead to a heightened sensation of the edges of the band or straps, and that was not the case here,” she said. This bra doesn’t have any hardware to rub against the skin, either, whereas our other picks all have clasps, adjustable straps, or even a zipper front that can feel bulky. Some testers just wanted a simple bra. The Absolute Workout is it, offering a pared-down design and a second-skin feel.

Like most compression bras, the Absolute Workout is not adjustable. It comes only in XS to L sizing, with the largest size fitting about a 36DD or 40B based on the brand’s size chart. People with breasts on the larger size of that range may find that this bra—or any pull-on racerback-style bra—doesn’t offer enough support for running or any type of high-impact workout.

Our 2019 tester who wore a size small didn’t love the fit of this bra. She also reported some headlighting and recommended wearing a shirt over the bra.

Because it’s so hard to find a correctly fitting bra, check retailers’ return policies before buying online. If you can afford it, we recommend buying a few sizes and returning those that don’t fit, especially if you haven’t had a professional fitting or the chance to try a few bras on in a store.

Amazon is an option if you enroll in Prime for free shipping and returns. Some but not all of our picks are Prime eligible, so check before purchasing—if a bra is Prime eligible, you should be able to return it for free within 30 days. Note, however, that Amazon has cracked down on “excessive” returns and exchanges, and it doesn’t always carry the full range of sizing for some of our picks. We reached out to a representative of Prime Wardrobe, Amazon’s try-and-buy (or return) clothing program, to see if bras were included in the program; they are, provided their product pages have the Prime Wardrobe designation. (Two of our top picks, the Elomi Energise and the Panache Sports Wired Bra, are eligible.)

Specialty online retailers might have more fit options. Bare Necessities accepts returns within 60 days; the company charges $5 for shipping, and bras have to be unworn and unwashed. HerRoom has a 30-day window for unworn bras with a $6 fee. (You can try a bra on and still consider it “unworn”—generally you just can’t wear it for any extended period of time or remove the tags.)

Brooks, which sells one of the other bras we like, offers a 90-day return policy even if you wear a bra, with free shipping. If a bra is unworn, you have one year to return it, one of the best policies we’ve seen. Champion, which sells two of our picks, offers a 45-day return policy for unworn bras; return shipping is free. SheFit, which sells another one of our picks, has a 30-day return policy for bras that have been washed and worn, with free shipping and returns.

The wiki site Busty Resources, in addition to providing a plethora of other bra-fitting advice, lists international online bra retailers.

Wash sports bras in between wearings—yes, that means after every workout—to prolong their life and to keep bacteria at bay. FIT’s Min Zhu said that even a warm-water rinse after a workout would suffice. “Perspiration will deteriorate the performance of a sports bra—the wicking and fast-drying properties,” she said. “It will also cause bacteria to grow, which causes a bad smell.”

After rinsing, like with most workout clothing (and bras in general), hang your bras to dry; don’t heat-dry them. Heat and chlorine shorten the life of the spandex (the stretch) of the bra, as well as any foam padding, said sports bra scientist and consultant LaJean Lawson. “The main things are to keep temperatures down during the wash cycle, don’t use anything with chlorine, and don’t put them in the dryer,” she said. Lawson also recommended having enough sports bras in your wardrobe so that you’re not held back from exercising just because you don’t have a clean, dry bra.

The average lifespan of a bra depends on wearings and washings. Puckered fabric over the cups, stretched-out bands or straps, and pilling are all signs that it’s time to retire a bra. If a bra starts to chafe where it didn’t before, this is a sign that pilling is occurring, and again it’s time to replace your bra (but hey, it had a good run).

We’re testing the Runderwear Easy-On Running Bra, a combination sports bra with U-back straps available in sizes 28D to 40J.

If you’re looking for a sports bra that creates a flattering shape for working out and hanging out: Consider the Brooks Maia (which is similar to the now-discontinued Brooks Juno, a previous recommendation for the best sports bra for D/DD cup sizes). The more structured Maia has extra-defined cups with underwires and vertical U-back straps, and it comes in sizes 32C to 44DD. Those who tried it for a recent update to this guide appreciated its simplicity, as well as its substantial though comfortable fabric, which seemed to help prevent the straps from slipping (unlike our experience with the Brooks Dare Racerback Run Bra). One tester, who wore a 34D, noted that the Maia’s underwire created a more flattering shape than other bras she tried. “I could see choosing to wear it in situations where I was going to be out the whole day and wanted to wear a sports bra, but also to look like I’m not just dressed for a workout,” she said. She also appreciated the slightly higher cut across the chest.

If you have a larger cup size and want a wire-free sports bra that is supportive and lightweight: You might like the Anita Extreme Control Sports Bra, which Iris Clarke of Iris Lingerie told us was the best-selling sports bra in her store in 2019. The Extreme Control is a U-back, adjustable bra that has a mesh back panel but no wires or excess padding. It’s a lightweight, comfortable, and breathable bra that’s still supportive for larger cup sizes; The Pencil Test’s Holly Powell told us that the inner lining helped prevent nipple chafing during exercise, as well. Our size G tester said: “The band was still pretty tight after wearing for a long time, and because this was wire-free, it did ‘smoosh’ my breasts together, which isn’t the best for sweat-wicking.” This bra comes in German sizing and doesn’t have quite as granular of a size range as our picks. Powell recommended this bra for those with DDD cups (or UK F cups) and smaller.

If you have a larger band and larger cup size and want a sports bra with a front closure and maximum coverage and support: The Enell Sport bra is a great option (the company says it fits a rib-cage measurement up to 53 inches and a bust measurement of up to 60 inches). It offers the most support of any bra we’ve tested, but its proprietary 00-to-8 sizing isn’t as fine-tuned as that of our picks, which use cup and band measurements to offer a greater range of sizes. The Enell Sport’s high neckline and corset-like design may feel too intense for some people. But this design also makes the Enell one of the best bras of any we’ve tested for reducing bounce (the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra also does an excellent job). In addition, our experts noted that this is a good post-surgery sports bra because it fastens in the front.

If you have a larger cup size and are looking for a soft, stretchy sports bra suited for lower-impact activities: The Royce Impact Free bra was a favorite of our size JJ tester, who loved that it came high up to prevent spilling and bounce. It’s a combination bra with adjustable straps and a back clasp—best, in our opinion, for lower-impact activities. We like that it has options for G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, and K cups (it comes in band sizes 32 to 40 and uses the UK size system).

If you have a larger cup size and run long distances: Powell recommends the Shock Absorber Multi Sports Max. Our size G tester liked this bra but found its fit smaller than expected. Some Amazon customer reviewers seem to agree.

Testers said that the Adidas Don’t Rest Alphaskin Sports Bra offered pretty good support. It comes in sizes 2XS to XL. Neither of our 2019 A/B testers loved the band on this bra, though: It wasn’t as sturdy or supportive as the band on Champion’s The Absolute Workout, and the raised, printed logo could lead to chafing during longer bouts of exercise.

During testing, we had a hard time getting the Anita Dynamix Star on and off due to its racerback design. The band tops out at 40, and it comes in fewer sizes than our picks.

The encapsulation Brooks Dare Racerback Run Bra—what the company suggested in place of the now discontinued Brooks Juno, a former pick for D/DD cup sizes—disappointed our D and DD testers. One tester, who wore a 34D, noticed after a 4-mile run that the clasps on the straps had loosened by about 3 inches. Another tester, who wore a 36DD, said the fit was off—too tight in some places and too loose in others. The fabric felt less substantial than that of other bras (one tester said it felt “less serious”), and for some testers it proved difficult to get on and off. Although it did fine on runs, it didn’t offer as much support for higher-impact movements. Those with larger cup sizes or a bouncing running stride may not find the support they need here.

Although we like the stylish mesh and silky fabric of the Brooks FastForward Crossback and appreciate that this bra comes in six sizes (XS through 2XL), the straps were hard for our testers to adjust. With its crossback style, we had a hard time figuring out how to get the bra on and off.

The material on the Champion Freedom Seamless Racerback compression bra felt scratchy despite the fact that the bra lacked seams. We also thought this bra was too stretchy—expanding to more than three times its original size when stretched—to offer good stretch and recovery during high-impact exercise, though it might be fine for more casual use.

The Champion Infinity Shape Heather Sports Bra and the C9 Champion Women’s Seamless Racerback Sports Bra are both seamless and made from a stretchy material with a raised, slightly grainy pattern. The Infinity Shape has a mesh-like panel at the front cleavage area and on the back panel for ventilation, while the Seamless Racerback has no cutouts. Both are overly stretchy, and we don’t think they do a great job compressing breasts to the chest. Testers said these bras didn’t offer sufficient bounce control and that the bands rolled up during medium- or higher-impact exercise, especially with inverted movements during yoga or burpees. However, the Infinity Shape may work for lower-impact exercise.

The Chantelle High Impact Sports Bra ran exceptionally small, and the cups didn’t provide as much coverage as on our picks.

We tested the Freya Sonic. Iris Clarke, owner of Iris Lingerie, said that Freya made bras with deeper cups, and she recommended this line for those who wore smaller band sizes and cups up to a K. Our size G tester didn’t love this bra, noting that it dug in during exercise. We do like that it has a J-hook for added support, but overall reviewers and experts seem to prefer our picks or the Anita Extreme Control Sports Bra.

The Glamorise No-Bounce Camisole Sports Bra is a highly rated budget bra for people who wear larger band and larger cup sizes (up to 50J). In our testing, we found the fabric itchy and thin, with no inserts or padding. Although we prefer the added support and lining of our picks, this bra is a favorite of thousands of Amazon customers.

The Goddess Sport, made by Wacoal, is designed for plus-size wearers. This bra didn’t fit our size JJ tester, and currently it doesn’t have a ton of reviews. It’s also meant for lower-impact activities, according to a Wacoal representative.

Our testers wanted to love the Knix Catalyst Sports Bra (Runner’s World gave it high marks). But it ultimately underwhelmed. “It’s great,” said one tester, who wore a size 6, “but I feel over-constructed for underperformance, all things considered.” Another, who wore a size 4, struggled with fit, noting that the bra rode up during overhead movements and didn’t provide the support she expected during high-impact jumping exercises. Several testers noted that the fabric didn’t breathe well and stayed damp for a long time post-workout. The Catalyst is also available with a front-zip closure.

A common refrain among those who tried the Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra was that it gave them a uniboob more than the other bras they tried. All agreed that it was supportive, one putting it on a par with the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra, our pick for D/DD cup sizes. One tester liked the fact that the bra can be adjusted across the top of the chest, though the tightening straps located under the arms—and the slightly higher under-arm cut—prompted concerns about chafing. (One tester noticed that the mesh sides rubbed her when she wasn’t wearing a shirt.)

The New Balance Shockingly Unshocking Bra had good coverage that went high on the chest. Its front-adjustable Velcro straps were convenient for perfecting the fit. But the metal loops that the straps went through could cut into our testers’ arms when they moved around, unlike the more minimal, all-fabric Velcro straps on the Brooks Juno. This bra also produced some headlighting because the cups were not lined.

Testers praised the support and great look of the combination Oiselle Queen Bra, which has perforated molded cups and wide, padded, adjustable straps that can convert from a U-back to a crossback. But one tester, who wore a 34D, thought the cup padding was excessive, trapping heat and absorbing sweat, and the sides of the cups were a bit too high. “I would definitely not choose this bra on a warm day,” she said. Another tester, who wore a 36D, initially thought the bra was overbuilt but grew to like it. “It just holds everything in place and provides a smooth finish,” she said. (The bra is now her top choice for running.) The band tends to run small, a detail pointed out by reviewers and confirmed by our testers. It also comes in a relatively limited selection of sizes (32C to 40DD) in comparison with most of our picks.

Putting on and taking off the Reebok PureMove+ Bra Motion Sense proved a real challenge for those who tried it—so much so that we can’t recommend it. One tester, who wore a size XS/S, extolled its breathability, comfort, and support, but the struggle to get into it was a dealbreaker. Another tester, who wore a size M/L, disliked everything about it.

Despite a promising design with higher coverage on the chest, the cut on the Sweaty Betty High Intensity Sports Bra didn’t work for any of our testers. All of them reported significant side spillage.

The Syrokan High Impact Sports Bra is a better option than the Glamorise No-Bounce Camisole Sports Bra for people who wear relatively large band and large cup sizes (up to 44F). Its cups are lined with a smooth fabric, and its band and straps feel smoother than those of the Glamorise model. But the High Impact’s mesh back panel feels rough, and its material is thin, which can lead to headlighting.

With a seamless inner lining, the Under Armour Eclipse High was a comfortable combination bra. We found the straps stretchy yet firm, and the bra had the second-skin feel of a basic compression bra. But it offered less coverage than the Champion Spot Comfort, and in our testing it didn’t convert to a racerback as it should have.

The UnderArmour Infinity High Sports Bra was deemed “fine” on almost all counts by those who tried it, but it didn’t eclipse our favorites. One tester, who wore a size large for VR cardio workouts, noted that the crossback straps were a bit tricky to sort out initially. Another (who wore a size small) found it “annoying” to take off after a sweaty workout (as many crossback bras are). But if you don’t mind the straps (and the logoed details), this sports bra could be a, well, fine choice.

An Amazon best seller that’s included in several other bra reviews and roundups, the Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra looks and feels like a standard bra. Of Wacoal’s bras, we prefer the Elomi Energise, which has more cup-size options and higher coverage.

Special thanks to Dr. Carl Baird of Evolve Performance Healthcare in Portland, Oregon, for letting us use his gym, and to Holly Powell at The Pencil Test in Portland, Oregon, for fitting testers and allowing us to take photos in her store.

Holly Powell, owner, The Pencil Test, in-person interview, February 15, 2018

Iris Clarke, owner, Iris Lingerie, phone interview, February 14, 2018

Jenny Burbage, PhD, principal lecturer in biomechanics at the University of Portsmouth, phone interview, September 4, 2015

Minyoung Suh, PhD, assistant professor at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, phone interview, September 3, 2015

Lori Wahl, apparel, textiles, and design instructor at the University of Idaho’s School of Family and Consumer Sciences, phone interview, September 10, 2015

Marissa Borelli, activewear designer, phone interview, September 10, 2015

Min Zhu, PhD, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, phone interview, March 15, 2017

LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra scientist and longtime Champion and industry consultant, in-person and email interviews, May 22, 2018

W. Yu, J. Zhou, Sports bras and breast kinetics (PDF), Advances in Women's Intimate Apparel Technology, 2016

Anna Perling

Anna Perling is a former staff writer covering kitchen gear at Wirecutter. During her time at Wirecutter, she reported on various topics including sports bras, board games, and light bulbs. Previously she wrote food and lifestyle pieces for Saveur and Kinfolk magazines. Anna is a mentor at Girls Write Now and a member of the Online News Association.

Ingrid Skjong

Ingrid Skjong is a supervising editor on the appliance team, focusing on the likes of ranges, refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers. She previously covered fitness for Wirecutter and has been an editor and writer at various lifestyle magazines. She is an avid runner and lives in New York City.

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