How to Choose the Best Sports Bra for You

Finding the best sports bra just for you can be tough. There are so many questions you have to ask: does the fabric rub in places it shouldn't, or does it disappear against the body? Will it wick sweat and dry fast during even the most intense HIIT workouts, or will it absorb perspiration like a sponge? Does it dig into your armpits or ribcage, or does it feel just right? And most importantly, is it supportive enough for your favorite workout? 

We know you don't have an unlimited activewear budget to try out all the sports bras out there. That's why Health staffers and friends tested 70 of the newest models to find the ones that checked all our boxes—support, fit, comfort, and style. The best sports bras of 2017 come in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and cuts, including super-trend looks like high necklines, strappy details, and mesh panels. (Prefer a classic T-back sports bra? We have those too.) Prices range from $20 to $93. 

Meet the 16 standout low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact sports bras. 

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