16 best sports bras for every workout, tried and tested (original) (raw)

1

Best medium impact sports bra

Shock Absorber Active Shape Support Sports Bra

Score: 90/100

Testers said this sports bra was so comfortable they almost didn’t notice they were wearing it.

The bra is designed for medium impact workouts such as cycling, and is made with moisture-wicking fabric to keep your skin free from sweat. It hits a supportive sweet spot thanks to the padded cups and provides good coverage with a mesh insert.

The bra is available in a wide range of sizes, so you should be able to find one that works for you. Some testers found it gaped or was a tad tight, so you may want to book a free bra fitting appointment in-store to be sure.

Key specifications

2

Best high-impact sports bra

adidas FactImpact Luxe Run High-Support Bra

Score: 88/100

Adidas is known for its high-quality sportswear and this luxe bra excelled on test. According to our panel, it’s stylish, supportive and comfortable. And not only did it keep their breasts firmly in place during bouncy HIIT sessions, the fast-drying fabric also kept them cool as they worked up a sweat.

The innovative design also caught our testers’ attention – it has swan hooks around the chest and adjustable shoulder straps at the front so you can scale up the support depending on your workout. The unusual clasp system takes some getting used to but, trust us, it’s worth it.

All in all, a strong contender for those who enjoy high-intensity training. Note, though, some testers found the fit a little snug around the bust, so size up if in doubt.

Key specifications

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3

Best sports bra for style

Tala SkinLuxe Tank Sports Bra

Score: 88/100

With a snazzy, strappy back and range of shades, this compression bra is our on-trend pick. It ticks all our exercise boxes too – the band is supportive enough for most activities, including hiking and Crossfit.

The luxuriously soft fabric is made with 76% recycled nylon and is lightweight to wear. It’s tight fitting though, with limited sizing options — we had to squeeze into it — so you’ll likely need to size up. However, this does mean there is absolutely no room for bouncing breasts!

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4

Best sports bra for running

Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra

Score : 86/100

Runners, this sports bra is for you. Whether you’re working through Couch to 5k or training for something a little longer, this technical design provides all the support you need to keep your boobs in check.

With adjustable racerback straps and a secure clasp, the compression bra is designed to counteract the movement breasts make when unsupported on the road — and it really works.

It’s not the most attractive design we tested, but it’s available in an extensive size range, and our testers felt snug and secure all workout long.

Key specifications

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5

Best low-impact sports bra

Under Armour Seamless Low Long Sports Bra

Score: 86/100

Low impact but high quality, this sports bra has a lot to offer. The lightly padded pull-on style has crossed straps at the back, which are adjustable too, taking the support available up a notch and making it stand out from other low-impact bras on the market.

The fabric is soft and our testers found the stylish bra — which comes in four different colours — comfortable enough to wear for their regular yoga practice, on a long walk or while relaxing at home.

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6

Best underwired sports bra

Next High Impact Full Cup Wired Sports Bra

Score: 85/100

Compression bras don’t suit everyone and if that includes you, then this wired sports bra is a must-try alternative for high-impact exercise.

With two distinct cups, there’s no chest flattening, but don’t be deceived by its resemblance to an everyday bra — this design will keep you well supported in the gym.

From our testing, we’d suggest finding a bra that’s designed with more compression for running, but for all other activities, it performed well. The adjustable straps can also convert into a racerback, and it’s made with smooth, breathable fabric.

Key specifications

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7

Best high-impact sports bra for C to G cups

Maaree Solidarity Sports Bra

Score : 85/100

Using an innovative adjustable band that sits across the top of your chest — Maaree calls it an “overband” — this sports bra is ultra-supportive for high-impact exercise. It’s expensive and does tend to flatten chests, but it’s high quality and our testers confirmed it stopped uncomfortable bouncing with ease.

It also has adjustable straps, as well as a clip to transform them into a racerback for extra security — especially handy if you’re a runner. Overall, it was comfortable for our testers and fits true to size, something that’s hard to find for bigger boobs.

Key specifications

8

Best wired sports bra for big boobs

Panache Wired Sports Bra

Score: 84/100

If you’ve got big boobs and you like the support of an underwire, this bra from the experts at Panache won’t let you down. Don’t be fooled by its simple design – our testers were mightily impressed with its array of features, including the racerback style, wide adjustable straps and hook-eye-closure, offering unrivalled support for any type of workout.

Unlike many underwired bras that rub and dig in, testers said this one was comfortable enough to wear all day long. “It’s my new favourite sports bra!” said one enthusiastic panellist. High praise, indeed.

Key specifications

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9

Best high-impact sports bra for G to K cups

Royce Aerocool Sports Bra

Score : 82/100

If you’re a G to a K cup, this design makes sports bra shopping easy. The compression bra works wonders for high-impact exercise, keeping our testers secure throughout their workouts. The style — which features adjustable straps and a racerback clip for added support — does come up small, so it’s worth trying on a couple of sizes.

It’s also comfortable enough to wear for low-impact workouts, looks good on the body, and the fabric feels high quality — making it well worth the higher price tag.

Key specifications

10

Most comfortable underwired sports bra

Energy Empower U/W Lightly Padded Convertible Sports Bra

Score: 81/100

The best sports bras can cost an arm and a leg, but for under £35, this underwired style from the experts at Pour Moi proves that doesn't have to be the case. It's supremely comfy (no digging in, chafing or poking was reported on test), easy to get on and off, and it looks good, too. Our panel couldn't get enough of the racerback style and soft form-fitting material.

Like the Dare2b offering above, this bra will provide plenty of support during high-impact sessions for those with small boobs. But, if you have a bigger chest, we'd stick to low- to medium-impact workouts when wearing this versatile bra.

It scored bonus points for its inclusive sizing — it goes up to a G cup, making it easier to find the right fit. Just note that it's hand-wash only.

Key specifications

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11

Best zip-front sports bra

Decathlon High Support Zip Up Bra

Score : 79/100

We all know that peeling off a tight, sweaty sports bra isn't enjoyable, but there’s no such problem with this Decathlon design, which features a handy front zip for easy-on, easy-off.

Zipper aside, the bra scored well among our panel thanks to details such as adjustable straps for the perfect fit, lightly padded foam cups that provide support and shaping, plus a soft fabric panel to protect the skin from the zip.

It's a great choice for activities including yoga, Pilates and barre, but our testers felt it was too bouncy for anything more dynamic. Still, at just under £25, it's great value for money.

Key specifications

12

Best for yoga and Pilates

Lululemon Align Bra

Score : 76/100

According to Lululemon, its signature Align Bra “feels buttery soft and weightless” and our testers found it lives up to its claims. Everyone said it was a joy to wear while working out or relaxing, with one enthusiastic tester saying, “I literally didn’t want to take it off!”

The stylish design went down a treat with our panel and despite having just one strap, it stayed in place during workouts, with no slipping reported. The sweat wicking Nulu™ fabric felt cool, comfortable and dried extremely quickly, making it an ideal choice for sweaty hot yoga and intense reformer Pilates sessions. Made with low-impact exercise in mind, it’s not one for HIIT classes or running, though.

Key specifications

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13

Best low-impact sports bra for comfort

Vuori AllTheFeels™ Bra

Score: 76/100

Like the Lululemon bra above, this scoop neck style from luxe brand Vuori is also a top choice for yoga, Pilates and barre.

Made with the brand’s unique BlissBlend material, the silky soft fabric is stretchy, lightweight and feels gloriously soft against the skin. It was so comfy, it even inspired our panel to work out more often! They also loved the chic racerback style, saying it looked great and made them feel confident while exercising.

Though designed for low impact activities, it scored highly in the support stakes – it stayed put as testers moved from pose to pose and didn’t rise up when they lifted their arms. It wasn’t sticky or uncomfortable when damp with sweat and it washed well.

Key specifications

14

Best for pockets

New Balance Impact Run AT Bra Top

Score: 73/100

This vibrant New Balance number is packed with innovative features. It has a small pocket at the front for storing your keys and lip balm and a secure drop-in pocket at the back for your phone – ideal if you're heading out for a run or don’t want to carry your phone around in a busy gym.

More of a crop top than a traditional sports bra, the design was an instant hit with our testing panel, who thought the length and fit were extremely flattering. It kept them supported as they ran, cycled and squatted and the DRYx fast-drying fabric prevented any pesky sweat patches.

It was a tad tricky to get on and off, but you can’t expect top-quality support without a bit of a squeeze. No chafing or rubbing was reported, and it remained soft and comfortable after numerous washes.

Key specifications

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15

Best value high-impact sports bra

H&M DryMove High Support Sports Bra

Score: 72/100

This high-impact H&M design punches well above its price tag. It features adjustable straps and a hook-eye fastening at the back, so finding the perfect fit is a breeze. Our testers said it reduced bounce effectively and gave them the extra support they needed during cardio sessions.

While some high-impact bras can feel tight and restrictive, there’s no such problem with this DryMove style. The thick straps feel comfy against the skin and the seamless design means there’s no unwanted digging in or chafing around the bust. It also ticked the box in terms of breathability and sweat wicking. Even better? The moulded cups are extremely flattering, whether you’re wearing the bra by itself or underneath a T-shirt.

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16

Best budget buy

M&S Reversible Sports Bra

Score: 70/100

There’s more to this understated sports bra from M&S than meets the eye. Not only is it easy to pull on (there’s no need to faff about adjusting straps and fiddling around with hooks), but it’s also comfortable and supportive, thanks to the wide straps and soft, stretchy fabric.

Our testers found the racerback style sufficiently supportive for low and medium impact activities, including yoga, Pilates, hiking and strength training. They also appreciated the lack of padding and wiring, with some saying they’d happily wear this bra all day long, whether running errands or lounging around the house.

What’s more, it excelled in our wash tests, maintaining its quality after several goes in the washing machine. At just £12, it’s an affordable and reliable pick.

Key specifications

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The verdict on the best sports bras

If you're into medium- and high-impact workouts, our top sports bras from Shock Absorber and adidas won't let you down. They're supportive, comfy and sweat wicking.

If you have a bigger bust, look to this under-wired option from Panache, and if you're on a tight budget, we love this reversible design from M&S, which comes in at £12.

For dedicated yogis, Lululemon's classic Align Bra is equal parts functional and stylish.

Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

Our experts at the GHI have analysed over 60 sports bras to find the very best for every type of workout, body shape and budget.

The testing was led by our former fitness testing manager, Yanar Alkayat, and our health and wellness tester, Kim Hawley. The team used rigorous protocols to assess each design against its claims.

We also asked a panel of fitness fanatics to put them through their paces during a range of high- and low-impact workouts.

Our senior health and wellness writer, Priyankaa Joshi, makes sure we’re reviewing the latest releases from established brands and ensures all your questions are answered via her detailed reviews.

Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.

She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.

Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.

Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.

Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.