Top 14 Sports Bras of 2024: Expert-Tested and Reviewed for Every Workout

30 August 2024 2638
Share Tweet

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

In This Article

When you find the best sports bra for your body and your workout, it's like finding a long-lost love. At first, you can hardly believe your luck. Then, eventually, you realize that this running sports bra isn't just a running sports bra. It's your life partner. Your reason for getting up in the morning. Your hopes, your dreams, and everything in between. Dramatic? Not in the slightest. See, there are hundreds, thousands, maybe even millions of sports bras out there, and truth be told, most of them suck. They leave you chafed, sore, and aching for hours. Thus began Shape's long journey to find the best sports bras out there for every workout and every bust size.

According to LaJean Johnson, one of the world's leading experts on breast motion, finding the right sports bra for your body type can be the deciding factor between an empowering sweat session and a battle with discomfort. And we couldn't agree more. So, we tested 100+ sports bras for 15,000 hours (probably longer, but math is hard), and uncovered some of the best sports bras for large breasts, small chests, HIIT, Pilates, lifting, walking, and everything in between.

We discovered that the best sports bras are more unassuming than you might think — often ditching superfluous designs for simple colorways. But once we put these babies on, read through all the specs, and trained in them, we uncovered what makes them so special.

Below, read on for the best sports bras tested by Shape editors.

Sizes: B - G Cups | Material: Nylon, Xtra life lycra® elastane | Adjustable: Yes

The Lululemon Run Times Bra fits like a dream! The cups scoop back smartly to evenly distribute support — no pinching, no squeezing at all. The bands and straps have soft padding for extra comfort, so they won’t dig in and distract you during a set. Speaking of straps, they’re also easily adjustable on the fly. This bra also works great for different workout intensities, staying comfy and breathable. Another thing we loved is how well it held up even after multiple washes, thanks to the durable Lycra material. The understated design doesn’t show much cleavage and keeps the girls fully contained during your workout.

Sizes: XS - XXXL | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Adjustable: No

There’s “affordable,” and then there’s “bang for the buck” — that’s the Running Girl Sports Bra. We had modest expectations because of the price point, but we were really impressed with how well it fits. Its distinct breast cups don’t squish or compress too much. Whether we were pounding the pavement, lifting weights, or testing our MMA skills, this bra held its own. The fabric is also thick enough for durability but somehow maintains breathability. Multiple washes in, it still looks fresh off the rack — vivid colors, zero pilling, and not an inch of unwanted stretching. We also love how there are so many colors (31!) to pick from. The only downsides are the non-adjustable straps and how the removable pads sometimes get twisted in the wash.

Sizes: XS - 2XL | Material: Recycled polyester | Adjustable: Yes

Scoring high on comfort and functionality, the Nike Indy kept us fully supported and comfortable, even after long runs. We love how seamlessly the band hugged around the rib cage and offered evenly distributed support. Despite being thin, the straps didn’t compromise on comfort. They’re also easily adjustable from the front. The bra has light padding that fully keeps everything in a snug fit without compressing too much. “I know this isn’t really the point of sports bras, but to be totally honest, my cleavage looks great when I wear the Nike Indy,” says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. Additionally, this sports bra has breathable mesh sides that are perfect for those super sweaty workout sessions. Though we love how it looks, the pull-on design can make it a bit hard to remove after a sweaty workout, especially for those with larger chests. Nonetheless, those with smaller chests will probably find the right blend of comfort, style, and performance with the Nike Indy.

Sizes: XS - 6X | Material: Nylon, Spandex, Polyester | Adjustable: Yes

We were really impressed with how well this bra fits larger chests! No side spillage, no gapping, just a snug fit. It cups the breasts nicely and evenly distributes support, thanks to the double racerback straps. We’re also obsessed with the thick, padded velcro straps that are easily adjustable from the front. The zip-front design is also a godsend, especially when you're drenched in sweat and want to cool down quickly. One minor complaint we have about this bra is that it tends to ride up in the front and back when doing high-impact exercises (think jumping jacks), but it’s nothing a bit of strap adjustment can’t fix. The pads also tend to move and twist in the wash, but then again, it’s a pretty common thing with sports bras.

Sizes: 32B - 40E | Material: Polyester | Adjustable: Yes

There's nothing more worrisome to runners with large breasts than trying out a new sports bra. There's so much that can go wrong: it can bust open, it can chafe your body, it can feel like a straight jacket, etc. Luckily, from the first wear on, this sports bra received the highest marks from our testers with DD+ chests.

'I'm always skeptical about 'high support' sports bras while running because you need to feel comfortable, be able to breathe, and have the freedom to move your arms,' says Summer Cartwright, Shape's senior commerce editor who wears a 32DD. 'This one doesn't restrict my normal motions while running or doing HIIT workouts, and somehow keeps the girls in place.'

This sports bra's convertible style allows wearers to choose between racerback and scoopback styles and comes with three hook options to ensure a perfect fit. While it's high support, testers found that it doesn't feel wildly compressive, and somehow adds some shaping to the bust. What's more, it's easy to get off after sweaty workouts thanks to the hook closure. What more could you want?

Sizes: XS - XXL | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Adjustable: No

Right from the first try-on, the Senita Sarah’s high compression was evident — it felt tight, but we never felt that it ventured into the “too tight” territory. We could still fit two fingers between the straps and shoulders while the band provided a snug fit under the breasts. We wouldn’t recommend this for all-day wearing since it starts becoming uncomfortable towards the end of the day, but when it came to high-impact exercises, it had no trouble keeping us supported and comfy. Did we mention that it has a pocket for your phone at the back? It has thick yet non-removable padding that some may consider a con, but at least you don’t have to worry about them twisting in the wash, right? Lastly, while the absence of strap adjustments or hook closures might sound like a drawback, our testers found the fit so on-point that these features weren’t missed.

Sizes: XXS - XL | Material: Polyester, Elastane | Adjustable: No

The Reebok Running Sports Bra has an amazing fit. It’s true to its size and nestles just right, so we didn’t have to worry about any pinching or chafing. The soft, stretchy band feels comfortable and keeps everything in place, minus the annoying ride-ups. The supportive straps also eliminate any bouncing while keeping your twins up and supported, no matter how intense your running sessions become. Additionally, the bra held up through multiple uses and washes. A small trade-off is the lack of padding, but it does compensate for it with a thick double layer of fabric. However, we did notice our nipples peek through the fabric, especially during colder days. Nevertheless, we think this sports bra will be a great running buddy, especially at an affordable price.

Sizes: 32C - 40DD | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Adjustable: Yes

The Oiselle Queen Bra fits almost dreamlike, especially when you’ve dialed in the right size. The snug straps ensure zero movement and distribute weight without issue. One of the things we love the most about it is the additional material on the band (an extra 3 inches, approximately), which provides a snug, secure fit that prevents ride-ups. However, the band sometimes rolls up when we sit down, applying pressure around the middle. It does get a bit uncomfortable at times, but it’s comfortable most of the time, especially while working out. Speaking of workouts, whether you're running, jumping, walking, or doing a rigorous HIIT session, it’s got our backs (or, more aptly, our fronts). The bra's adjustability does come with a tiny caveat. Some of our reviewers noted that it took some work and flexibility to adjust the straps while wearing the bra.

Sizes: XS - XXXL | Material: 77% Recycled Polyester, 23% Elastane | Adjustable: No

This sports bra might look simple, but our team guarantees that it'll be a savior during half-marathon training or full-marathon training, as none of our testers have experienced chafing during long miles in it. 'I'm used to my collarbone or underboobs chafing, but with this sports bra, that doesn't happen,' says Cartwright. 'It's nothing fancy — doesn't have any pockets for gels or cups for your breasts, but it's magic and I wear it for every long run, even the 20 milers.'

This bra's specifically designed with D-DD cups in mind, but if you have a smaller bust it'll still be comfy and get the job done. The racerback quick-drying design is supremely comfortable, even in hot weather. You might notice some bounce since it's medium impact, but it's nothing that'll feel uncomfortable during your workout.

Sizes: 2 - 14 | Material: Nylon, Elastane, Polyurethane (cups) | Adjustable: No

We always love a good longline bra, and lululemon’s Cloud Longline Bra is one of the best ones we’ve tried. The band and straps lay comfortably flush against the skin but weren’t restrictive. The straps have great tension and support. Also, the soft and smooth fabric as one of the best lululemon sports bras is both comfortable and breathable. Instead of removable cups, it has molded cups that are lightly padded. But despite that, we never felt like our nipples were on display. There's no adjustability, but we didn’t feel like we needed it. This bra is designed for low-impact exercises like yoga, so we don’t really recommend using it for high-impact workouts. We also wouldn’t recommend this to those with larger chests since they may find the support a bit lacking.

Sizes: XS - 3XL | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Adjustable: No

We've experienced ill-fitting sports bras leading to unnecessary bouncing, but with Harper Wilde’s Move Sports Bra, we were pleasantly protected and firmly grounded. The band and straps were tight yet kind to the skin, leaving no traces or red marks post-workout. It kept our boobs supported and in place with no excess bouncing or boob spillage. But what we love the most about this bra is its antimicrobial and moisture-wicking fabric, which absorbs sweat efficiently. Because of this, getting in and out of the sports bra was made much easier. The fabric is also durable and held up nicely in the wash with no fading, pilling, or stretching. The only downside we see is the lack of adjustability in the straps and bands, but this didn’t bother us since the fit was great. And lastly, as a nice touch, there’s a small pocket at the back to keep your phone safe and secure during runs.

Sizes: XS - L | Material: Nylon, Elastane | Adjustable: No

The Tracksmith Allston Bra checks all the boxes on a runner’s sports bra wish list. First off, it has a great fit that’s secure and compressive yet unrestrictive, making it easy to slip on and off. The straps and band also rest comfortably on the skin. Second, we didn’t experience any bothersome bouncing while running since it was very good at keeping our bust lifted and supported. Third, the lightweight fabric is moisture-wicking and kept us fresh, even on long, sweaty workouts. Lastly, we really love the secret pocket hidden between the bra lining — the perfect place to hold your phone or keys. Now, for the downsides: the straps and bands aren’t adjustable. We love how it fits, though, so we didn’t really need to adjust anything. It’s quite pricey, but we can see it being worth a splurge, especially if it means you don’t need to buy a running belt or phone holder.

Sizes: XS - XL | Material: Nylon, Elastane | Adjustable: No

This Alo Yoga Wild Thing Bra had us smitten at first sight with its cute ruched front and beautiful color selection. It's a little longer than a traditional sports bra, and we find it stylish enough to pass as athleisure. Now, performance-wise, we’re glad it didn’t disappoint. We love that the fit is flattering and supportive, offering low to medium compression.

We didn’t experience any tightness or pinching with the straps or band, and the fabric felt really soft, smooth, and breathable even after a 5-mile hike. Its moisture-wicking properties kept us relatively fresh and cool, although it may not be enough for intense, sweaty workouts. Since it doesn’t have high compression, there may not be enough support for bigger chests. This bra also has no adjustable parts, but honestly, we felt those didn’t really take away anything from the quality and performance.

Sizes: 30AB - 40DDE | Material: Polyester | Adjustable: No

If you're looking for a bra that can store your phone, your gels, your keys, and your cards, this is the one for you. The 3-pocket bra offers up storage galore, thanks to the small side mesh pockets and larger back pocket along the spine.

'This is a solid option for people looking for more storage during long runs,' says Cartwright. 'The silky fabric never gets too toasty and the storage is unmatched.'

While the back pocket can fit most smartphones, testers found the larger models like the iPhone XL to be a bit uncomfortable in motion during HIIT or running workouts, but it felt fine on walks. The compression is solid but may take some time to get used to as it is rather tight.

Shannon Ullman is a former editor for Healthline and MedicalNewsToday. She now specializes in writing health and wellness content, especially around fitness gear, clothing, and shoes. Shannon lives in Boise, Idaho, where she can be found trail running, playing pickleball, and wearing sports bras as much as she can.

Summer Cartwright is a marathon runner, certified cycling instructor, and the senior commerce editor at Shape. She has raced in the Houston Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon, Columbus Marathon, New York Mini 10k, and dozens of other events. She has expertise in running shoes, performance gear such as sports bras, and recovery equipment. Previously, she's worked with brands including Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Real Simple, Well + Good, and Best Products.


RELATED ARTICLES