How to Choose the Best Sports Bra for You

This strappy-backed bra kept testers dry during strength-training sessions. “I’m a pretty heavy sweater, and I didn’t feel drenched in this at all,” said Jovian Z., a 36C.

To buy: $52; lululemon.com

Smaller-chested women called this the perfect barely-there bra. “It felt weightless, like I was wearing nothing, yet it also gave amazing support,” noted Lynn C., a 34A. Bigger than a B? You may need more hold.

To buy: $20; target.com

At first testers were skeptical, but this sporty style—which can double as a swim top—won them over. Not only was it comfortable and supportive, but “it was surprisingly flattering,” said Suzanne F., a 36D.

To buy: $92; nordstrom.com

“One of the comfiest and easiest-to-get-on sports bras I’ve ever had,” raved Maureen T., a 34A, about this cross-back number. “And I didn’t feel the need to readjust or run fingers underneath the band to make it sit flat against my chest and back.”

To buy: $49; patagonia.com 

Testers adored this roomy, full-coverage crop. “It’s excellent for spin, where you’re bending over a lot,” said Alison M., a 34B.

To buy: $44; montiel.com 

While a few testers longed for a more stylish silhouette, others, such as Margaret V., a 34D, gave it their stamp of approval for its overall fit and ability to keep the girls in check.

To buy: $48; amazon.com

“It felt so nice against my skin,” said Ariana P., a 34C, about this classic style. Jalaine J., a 36B, liked the secure fit.

To buy: $60; craneandlion.com 

This was a real crowd-pleaser, thanks to features like the adjustable band and straps. “It felt very sturdy,” said Ashley C., a 38C, who rocked it during indoor cycling. Erin B., a 34D, also liked that the wide straps didn’t dig in.

To buy: $50; zappos.com

“I really loved wearing this and thought it looked great,” said Amanda M., a 34A. One negative came up: A B-cup tester said it started to unzip during a gym session.

To buy: $70; sweatybetty.com 

Tamara P., a 32A, liked that this style slipped on and off with ease. The back straps were also a hit: “They were sturdy and stayed in place," said Janet L., a 34A.

To buy: $43; gap.com

First impression: Many thought it looked really youthful. “When I picked it up, it felt like a training bra for 12-year-olds,” said Jacqueline A., a 34B. “But when I put it on, it was the comfiest, most soft-to-the-touch bra ever.” Plus, it’s reversible.

To buy: $32; tascperformance.com

Everything from the wool fabric to the adjustable straps to the breathability wowed judges. As Kristine T., a 32D, noted, “It felt like it molded to my body in an ideal way.”

To buy: $60; amazon.com

Several testers were ready to scrap their current styles for this one. “It felt great,” said Victoria B., a 34DD. However, the seams can show through.

To buy: $45; amazon.com

]From HIIT lovers to yogis, this was a fave among the voluptuous. “It’s hard to find a ‘sexy’ sports bra as a fuller-figured woman,” noted Kalia B., a 36D. “This one looks amazing and secures the gals.”

To buy: $55; lucy.com

Granted, “it’s grandma-ish,” noted Mia K., a 34DDD, “but the support was too awesome to ignore.” Added Zoe D., a 32DD, “I appreciated the back clasp.”

To buy: $65; amazon.com

Talk about cozy—our testers didn’t want to take this one off. “I ended up wearing it all day, and I was never uncomfortable and didn’t feel restricted,” said Alex C., a 36B.

To buy: $60; lynxsportswear.com