Besides your running shoes, as a woman, your sports bra is the other most important — and personal — piece of workout gear that you can't go without. Regardless of your chest size, a reliable sports bra keeps your chest supported during your workout, minimizing any bounce and jiggle. This is important because while your breasts don't have any muscle, the skin and ligaments that give them their shape can stretch over time without proper support.
If you're bigger than a C cup, the struggle for a dependable sports bra is real. But truthfully, with so many boutique brands and unique styles to choose from, you just have to know where to look to find your perfect fit so you can run happy and bounce-free.
There's plenty to think about when searching for the perfect sports bra to add to your running wardrobe, but we've done the testing and read the reviews to find you well-performing sports bras. At the end of this guide, we go into more detail about what to look for in a sports bra. And because the needs and fits are vastly different for someone with an AA cup compared to someone with DD+, we've broken down our top picks by bra size.
Here are the best sports bras:
A/B cups
- Best sports bra overall: Sweaty Betty Stamina Workout Bra
- Best sports bra on a budget: Zensah Seamless sports bra
C/D cups
- Best sports bra overall: Brooks Rebound Racer bra
- Best sports bra on a budget: Champion Spot Comfort sports bra
DD+ cups
- Best sports bra overall: Panache Women's Underwire sports bra
- Best sports bra on a budget: Syrokan Front Adjustable sports bra
SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy
The best sports bra for A/B cup
The supportive under band, wide straps, and waffle detailing for extra ventilation make the Sweaty Betty Stamina workout bra an all-around winner for support and performance.
Pros: Wide under-band for support, seamless design, wide straps for added comfort, waffled fabric detailing for extra ventilation, washes well, multiple colors to choose from
Cons: Expensive, some reviewers wished it came in extra small
Sizing options: S-XL
With a compression-style bra, the band and material are especially important since these determine comfort and support. The Sweaty Betty Stamina sporta bra delivers in both departments, with a wide under band and sweat-wicking, seamless fabric.
The wider band makes this an ideal bra for high-impact sports like running, and comfortable enough for cross-training like spinning and yoga.
The Sweaty Betty Stamina's seamless design adds comfort and reduces chafing on longer runs, and the strategically placed waffling in the fabric provides extra ventilation where you'll need it most. According to the product description, it will give medium support up to a C cup, but for adequate running support, most reviewers with up to a B cup felt that it provided them with the support they needed for higher impact workouts. Those with larger busts loved the comfort of this bra, but don't recommend it for running.
The best budget-friendly sports bra for A/B cups
The Zensah Seamless is a no-fuss, affordable sports bra with a seamless design, making it a favorite among distance runners for chafe-free runs.
Pros: Seamless design, sweat-wicking fabric, ribbing on the sides and in the band for extra support, affordable
Cons: Not as much coverage across the chest
Sizing options: S/M-L/XL
While it may look simple, the Zensah is anything but. Most of its features are knitted directly into its sweat-wicking, odor-resistant fabric. The wider knitting in the back allows for ventilation, while the more sturdy ribbing on the sides and in the band itself offers more structured support without the use of underwire or additional padding.
The simplistic, clasp-free style also lends itself well to mat workouts on the days when you're giving your muscles a rest, so you can do your Savasana without anything digging into your back. If yoga isn't your thing, the Zensah's support also lends itself well to other high-impact cardio workouts.
The one main downside to this bra for some is that the material across the chest doesn't have any additional padding.
Other great A-B cup sports bras
Product Name: Athleta Ultimate Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe11296f45c23441343f07a&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
Product Name: Outdoor Voices Double Time Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe1134c19a2465ce810c686&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
Product Name: Nike Swoosh Sports Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe114c2f41f5858a30a3245&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
The best sports bra for C/D cups
The Brooks Rebound Racer is a high-impact bra that delivers support without extra padding and has adjustable straps for comfort and a customizable fit.
Pros: High impact support without padding, adjustable straps and rear enclosure for a customized fit, sweat-wicking fabric, washes well
Cons: Some reviewers feel that the sizing runs small
Sizing options: 34B-38C
While Brooks is a well-known brand when it comes to reliable running shoes, the company also makes some great running apparel. The Rebound Racer bra is the ideal bra for mid-sized chests as a high-impact sports bra that provides enough support without any padding can be a challenge.
Compression style bras don't always provide enough support for those with C or D cups, but the molded, compressive cups keep everything in place while creating a flattering silhouette. In other words, you get compression-style support without the dreaded "uni-boob" effect that can sometimes occur with this style of bra.
The sweat-wicking fabric and strategically placed mesh ventilation keep you dry and comfortable. Adjustable straps, as well as an adjustable rear enclosure, add to the comfort of the Rebound Racer, provide a more customized fit, and make it easier to get it off after a long, sweaty run.
Some reviewers did feel that the sizing was a little off, and did need to size up to find their perfect fit. It's important to note that as a compression-style bra, the fit will be snug, but it shouldn't be snug enough to make you uncomfortable.
The best budget-friendly sports bra for C/D cups
With gel-cushioned straps, wire-free molded cups, and targeted ventilation, the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra provides comfort where you need it most.
Pros: Molded cups for additional support and more natural silhouette, adjustable gel-cushioned straps, targeted ventilation, sweat-wicking material, hook and eye closure for easy on and off, multiple colors to choose from
Cons: Back clasp can be difficult to reach, some people found the flat stitching in the interior of the bra itchy
Sizing options: 34C-42DDD
A more affordable option than most, the high-impact Champion Spot Comfort bra features molded cups ideal for C and D cups that need a little extra support but don't want any underwire.
The Spot Comfort clasps in the back, which makes for easy removal, and is adjustable so you can find your perfect fit. The straps are also adjustable and gel-infused, giving you freedom of motion and preventing any shoulder chafing.
In addition to sweat-wicking and quick-drying material, mesh paneling is placed along the top and in between the cups for ventilation where you'll need it most on your sweaty, summer runs.
The inside of the bra features a smooth lining for additional comfort, and the back is tag-free to minimize any chances of chafing. We also love that this bra comes in plenty of colors, especially for hot summer days when you want to ditch as many layers as possible.
The Spot Comfort goes by traditional bra sizing (band and cup size) for a more tailored fit and goes up to a DDD cup size. Some people have found the back clasp difficult to reach, and others don't care for the stitching on the inside on the top of the bust, finding it itchy. Overall, though, the Spot Comfort is a good and affordable option.
Other great C-D cup sports bras
Product Name: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe115c1fb3ed96af364c2ab&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
Product Name: Lululemon Up For It Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe11841c7bd8571765f0d08&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
Product Name: Kiava The Nursing Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe1190c62263002b37b4a68&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
The best sports bra for DD+ cups
If you have a large cup size and need a sports bra that will keep bouncing out of the equation, the Panache Underwire sports bra is for you.
Pros: Bounce-free design, plenty of colors and patterns to choose from, wide adjustable straps, adjustable hook-and-eye closure, mesh paneling for added ventilation, encapsulation-style support for a more comfortable and flattering fit
Cons: Expensive, the sizing ran small for some people, metal rings on straps can squeak when worn as a racerback
Sizing options: 36C-40H
The Panache Women's Underwire is specially designed for women with a full bust. Notable for its ability to eliminate bounce, this sports bra combines both function and style, creating a flattering shape in multiple colors and patterns to choose from.
The Panache also has adjustable straps and an adjustable hook-and-eye closure so you can create a more customized fit. The wide padded straps are designed for comfort and are convertible if you want a racerback style.
The underwire gives extra support and shaping and is completely encased so you won't feel any uncomfortable jabbing during your run. There is a science behind the bounce-free design, as it encapsulates instead of simply compressing your breasts against your chest, making for a far more comfortable (and flattering) fit while reducing movement in all directions.
Some people have found that sizing runs small for them, and found a better fit by sizing up. Others report that the metal rings on the straps tend to squeak when worn as a racerback.
The best budget-friendly sports bra for DD+ cups
Women with a DD+ bust will appreciate the comfort the affordable Syrokan Women's Front Adjustable sports bra offers, with its wire-free, full coverage.
Pros: Velcro adjustable straps, adjustable rear enclosure, sweat-wicking fabric with mesh inserts for additional ventilation, encapsulation for additional support
Cons: Some people find the rear enclosure hard to reach, some wished there were more separation for an even more flattering fit
Sizing options: 32B-44F
It can be hard to find a sports bra that truly keeps everything in its place, looks flattering, and provides options for a more customized fit — all for an affordable price. The Syrokan Front Adjustable is a sports bra that rises to this challenge.
True to the name, the straps are completely adjustable and they can also be undone. The wide under band offers full coverage and support and prevents the bra from riding up during high-impact workouts like running. The racerback has a rear enclosure, giving the band a more customizable fit, and allowing for easier removal. Though it doesn't have any underwire, this bra uses more than compression for motion control.
It may not be the flashiest sports bra, but the Syrokan does offer a good number of color options, and its simple style allows it to look good under any running top. It also has just enough padding so it will also look flattering worn on its own.
Some people find it tricky to reach the rear enclosure or wish for even more separation, but, despite some downsides, the Syrokan is a worthwhile purchase, especially at the affordable price.
Other great DD+ cup sports bras
Product Name: Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe119cdbca41b641865f4d0&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
Product Name: Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5fe11aed62263003e43e321d&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
Product Name: Brooks Rebound Racer Sports Bra
Card Type: medium
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5dbb40262f364a46925710b9&type=medium&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%
What to look for in a sports bra
Size
Starting with the right-sized sports bra is the key to having comfort and support during your workout. Thankfully, we're moving away from the simple S/M/L and toward a wide range of sizes to choose from whether you're on the petite side or rocking a curvier figure. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and sports bras finally reflect that fact.
Comfort
Once you've determined the size you'll need, you'll be able to find a comfortable-fitting sports bra. Material and style can also determine how comfortable a bra will be. Sweat-wicking synthetic materials are best, since they'll dry more quickly and reduce the chances for uncomfortable chafing during a run. Style is very much a personal preference, but features like adjustable straps, mesh paneling, and seamless designs can all contribute to comfortability.
Support
Even if it feels comfortable at first, there's no point in wearing a sports bra that doesn't give you adequate support once you put your body in motion. If you feel any jiggle up top, or have to do any adjusting, it likely means your bra isn't fitting correctly and isn't supportive enough.
A sports bra's support comes more from the band than the straps. For running, you'll want to look for a medium to high impact sports bra depending on your size. Save the low impact sports bras for workouts like yoga or barre, when you aren't hitting the pavement. With medium and high impact sports bras, the only bounce you should feel is in your step.
Sports bra care
Once you've found a sports bra you love, the last thing you want to do is shorten its lifespan by washing it incorrectly. Doing so can cause it to lose its elasticity, and in turn its support. While no sports bra can last forever, with the proper care, you'll be able to get the most mileage out of it, and make the most of your money.
The best practice is to hand wash and air dry your sports bras, but if you do have to machine wash them, avoid using fabric softeners which ruin the effectiveness of sweat-wicking fabrics. The one thing you should avoid at all costs is putting them in the dryer with high heat, as this can ruin the elasticity of the fabric.
Check out our other great workout gear guides here
