The best sports bras
Need a lift? Want more support? Crave an insanely comfy yoga bra? Health staffers and friends—from A cup to F—worked out in 70-plus bras. Here, 15 of our faves.
C9 By Champion Seamless Cami
To buy: Sizes XS-XXl, $20; target.com
Best for: Low-impact workouts
The crossback on this steal was a hit. “I got full coverage but didn’t feel restricted,” said Tamara, a 32A. And its padding boosts smaller busts.
Athleta Barre Up Bralette
To buy: Sizes XXS-XL, $49; athleta.com
Best for: Low-impact workouts
Power walkers and yogis were pleased: “It felt like a sports bra and tank combined—but still offered support,” raved Chiara, a 32D, who wore this double-layered crop while 28 weeks pregnant.
Under Armour Soutien
To buy: Sizes XS-XL, $25; underarmour.com
Best for: Low-impact workouts
The fabric is so cozy that testers didn’t just sweat in this bra, they wore it when hanging out at home, too. Only caveat: Its low-cut V-neck isn’t optimal for large chests.
Moving Comfort Collection By Brooks Running Sure Shot Racer
To buy: Sizes XS-XL, $38; brooksrunning.com
Best for: Low-impact workouts
Visually pleasing and high performing? Check! “It really kept the boobies in place,” noted Najeema, a 34C. Plus, it was easy to take off—which, as sports bra wearers know, is a Very. Big. Deal.
Sweaty Betty Brahma Padded Yoga Bra
To buy: Sizes XS-L, $65; sweatybetty.com
Best for: Low-impact workouts
Don’t let the thin straps fool you; it definitely holds the girls up. Also, the stretchy material “was supportive without squeezing,” said Amy, a 34B.
Montiel Thalia
To buy: Sizes XS-L, $42; montiel.com
Best for: Medium-impact workouts
“The crossback gave great support,” noted Lindsey, a 36C. Our CrossFitters were split on the padding. Some liked the modesty; others found it distracting.
Calia By Carrie Underwood Inner Power Seamless Double Strap
To buy: Sizes XS-XL, $40; caliastudio.com
Best for: Medium-impact workouts
Runners, yogis, and barre hoppers were all impressed with this full-coverage strappy pick. “I didn’t have to adjust it at all during class,” remarked Jacqueline, a 34B.
adidas 3-Stripes Racerback
To buy: Sizes XS AB/CD–XL AB/CD, $50; adidas.com
Best for: Medium-impact workouts
Got a broad upper body? Just unsnap the side hook for a little extra wiggle room when slipping this bra on and off. (That clasp helps keep this supporter secure.)
Handful Worth The Monet
To buy: Sizes XS-L, $54; handful.com
Best for: Medium-impact workouts
Not only does it create nice, natural curves, but “it’s the kind of bra you want to show off under a loose tank,” said Catherine, a 34A.
GapFit T-Back
To buy: Sizes XS-XL, $40; gap.com
Best for: Medium-impact workouts
“The T-back stood out among racerbacks at spin class and wicked sweat really well,” said Christine, a 36B/C. (Alas, our D-and-up testers felt it couldn’t contain them.)
Smartwool PHD Seamless Racerback
To buy: Sizes XS-XL, $60; amazon.com
Best for: High-impact workouts
From A-cup wearers to the well-endowed, testers loved its supportive, flexible fit. “I felt I could tackle any exercise,” said Nicole, a 40F.
Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer III
To buy: Sizes 32C-38DD, $58; lululemon.com
Best for: High-impact workouts
Built like an everyday bra, this model lets you adjust the chest band and shoulder straps for a more customized fit. And let’s not forget the cute factor: “I felt sexy in a body-confident kind of way,” said Allison, a 36D, who wore it to HIIT classes.
Nike Pro Rival
To buy: Sizes 30B-38E, $65; nike.com
Best for: High-impact workouts
This molded-cup bra took a beating (sprints and burpees) and never faltered, all while shaping and lifting.
New Balance Shapely Shifter
To buy: Sizes XS-L, $52; nike.com
Best for: High-impact workouts
This super sweat wicker, which you could totally sport under a regular T, emerged from runs damp but not dripping, making our mile loggers smile. And it was light and nonsuffocating.
Fabletics Sylvia
To buy: Sizes XXS-XXL, $50; fabletics.com
Best for: High-impact workouts
MaryAnn, a 34B, was tempted to pair this airy and subtly sexy keyhole-front bra with a high-waisted skirt and rock it on the weekend.
