The most productive sports should be supportive, compressive but not too tight, breathable and incredibly comfortable for any type of workout. I spent 3 months checking sports bras so you don’t have to. I looked at over 40 bras and checked 10 as I ran, practiced yoga and pilates, dressed my young children, and was active. Then, I recruited a panel of women of other sizes to review the seven most productive options.
In the end, we learned that the Nike Swoosh unfilled sports bra, a classic in the sports bra box, was the most productive sports bra we’d ever tried. But sports bras are a very subjective purchase, so we’ve also included features for high-impact activities, yoga, and athletes with larger busts. Here is a list of all the winners from our extensive testing process. At the bottom, we’ve also included potential fitness expert features.
Style: Compression | Sustain: Medium | Size range: XS to 2XL | Materials: Polyester and spandex
Best for:
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The Nike Swoosh Padding Sports Bra is a classic sports bra, and for a clever reason. The fabric is thick, with a mixture of polyester and elastane that has enough flexibility to not be uncomfortable and still holds the breasts in place. The nylon and elastane hem is soft against the skin, preventing friction. (And at least 50% of the fibers are recycled, according to Nike. )These fabrics also absorb perspiration well; After a sweaty workout, I found that the bra dries in about 30 minutes.
For only $35, this bra is a workaholic. “In fact, I appreciated how undeniable yet effective Nike was,” said one of our testers. “At first, it looks like a strip of cloth on the chest; The design is so undeniable. But then I learned that there is a lot of genius in what is undeniable. The precise proportions of this bra are amazing: the duration of the straps, the most productive aid of cutting, the comfort of the band. Now I understand why everyone is obsessed with this bra. “While Nike offers the Swoosh in a 2XL length, which will suit anyone with a cup from 40D to 42C, we think this bra is better suited for other people with smaller breasts who like compression. taste in shape.
Amazon
Style: Hybrid Encapsulation and Compression | Hold: Low to Medium | Size range: S to 3XL | Materials: nylon, polyester and elastane.
Best for:
Ignore if:
Fittin Racer Back sports bras are available in 4-packs for under $40, making them the most affordable sports bras we’ve tested. I can understand why. The Fittin bra has a hybrid construction, with compression curtains and a tight, padded encapsulation sewn around each breast. This bra stayed in position for just about any type of workout I’ve tried and presented enough for my B-cup breasts on shorter runs. But many others warned their big-breasted compatriots who were opposed to running on the Fittin: they did not find it favorable enough.
This bra was most appreciated by our evaluators who had medium-length breasts, usually in the C to D range. The Fittin bra is small, so most of us order a higher length; Those who did not feel friction under their arms. In addition, as with the most economical bras, the Fittin bra pads come out when you dry them, and some draping begins to be noticed over time. It’s more annoying than anything else, because you can simply put the pads back in place. Fittin bras are from Amazon, so you can also take advantage of the mega retailer’s pretty decent return policies.
SHEFIT
Style: Hybrid Compression and Encapsulation | Support: High | Size range: XS to 6Luxe | Materials: nylon, polyester and elastane.
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Testers who enjoyed the SheFit Ultimate sports bra enjoyed it more than any other bra they tried. It’s an encapsulated style bra with adjustable and compression straps, an incredibly thick nylon blend fabric, and a zipper on the front. I’ve tried, this one is definitely more stylish. It is also found in a wide diversity of sizes, from XS to 6Luxe (which is suitable for cup sizes up to I).
Fitting rooms who enjoyed SheFit had D-cups or more, and noticed how it held them without feeling suffocated. This is due to the elastic panels on the sides and the stitched cups, which seem less restrictive than expected. It’s not like I felt SheFit was too supportive. Everyone agreed that length was the correct resolution for SheFit, just the length of a cup.
Nordström
Style: Encapsulation | Support: High | Size Range: 32C to 42I | Materials: nylon and elastane.
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Wacoal has been making bras for women since 1946, and the Simone Sport bra with hoops has long been a favorite of women with larger breasts. Most of our testers were obsessed with the comfort of the Simone bra, even if it wasn’t the most modern option. in the range. However, if the issues of functionality are the maximum, the Simone Sport has reached that satisfying midpoint between help and comfort, and has kept everything in place even in high-intensity workouts. It’s not a bra for everyone, but if you’re suffering to find enough jumping or running aid workouts, this one is definitely worth considering. In addition to its own site and Amazon, Wacoal bras are sold online through Nordstrom, where you can retrieve them at any time.
Bridal Collective
Style: Compression | Hold: Low | Size range: XXS to 6XL | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles and spandex
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Our mid-sized testers, in the B and C ranges, enjoyed the swimmer’s back bra from Paloma Girlfriend Collective. It was my favorite bra; Made with Spandex and curtains from vintage recycled plastic bottles of the brand. (Paloma’s reputation for sustainability is almost unheard of in the yoga equipment box. )The curtains are so comfortable that I didn’t have to take off my bra, and it absorbs moisture well even hot yoga classes, at temperatures above a hundred degrees.
Our smaller breast testers found the Dove to be a bit square; This caused gaps in the sides. Our large breast evaluators thought that this compression option alone did not offer enough coverage. But if you’re in the middle of the length board, like me, you’ll probably find that Paloma is favorable enough for a workout elegance and comfortable enough to wear around the house. “It’s so comfortable that I feel like I’m not dressed in anything,” said one fitting room. “I wear it like a normal bra, even when I’m not wearing off. “Girlfriend Collective offers 30-day returns. When you’re done with any Girlfriend Collective product, you can recycle it through the brand’s ReGirlfriend program.
There is no best sports bra for everyone. With that in mind, here are some other highly rated features you might need to consider. While we haven’t tried those bras ourselves, they were highly rated by the fitness experts we spoke to.
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga’s collection of sports bras is a favorite among fitness (and fashion) lovers. “These bras are lovely and fun,” says Mar Soraparu, co-founder and wellness manager of Biân. “They have wonderful styles and cuts,” she says, adding that the functional ribbed knitted fabric is comfortable to the touch but strong enough for the medium to have an effect on the support. (Alo’s in-house team tests each piece for durability. )Note: reviewers propose to cut the length for flexible compression.
Lululemon
With inclusive sizes up to a DDD cup, Lululemon sports bras are designed for activities such as aerobics and running. “They have support bras for larger breasts that are also beautiful,” says Soraparu. They do not move and breathable cups that melt the rebound. Also great: the bracket and eyelet closure is designed to stay flat to create a simple delight when putting on and taking off this bra.
Patagonia
Almost the entire Patagonia line uses recycled materials, and the Wild Trails sports bra’s fully molded foam panel makes it an excellent selection for high-impact activities. Women have to fold their sports bra to find just the right amount of help for ultra-active sports, “but not with this one. “
Beyond yoga
Beyond Yoga’s best-selling design provides a balanced combination and perfect coverage. “Before kids, I used them for any workout as a woman with a smaller breast,” Soraparu shares. for any elegance and can be used for running, walking or even socializing if combined with fun and casual pieces. “
Objective
Target’s in-house line has attracted professionals for its cost-effective designs. “These sports bras range from $13 to $16 and are great,” Evans says. they’re comfortable. ” Part of the appeal is a perfect compatibility, which critics say creates a stylish look underneath clothing.
We tried other sports bras that were competing for this story, but didn’t make the last cut among our panel of fitting rooms, but are still popular with critics.
On Performance Bra: If you have a cup of length A or B, you may find the On Performance bra to be a option. ) and wears the On Performance bra for her weekly 4-mile runs. “It’s supportive, comfortable, and invisible when I use it,” he says. But I found that the compression is too intense for my cup size B, in addition to the rubbed straps, proving that her choice of sports bra is actually very alien to her morphology. (I also tried On’s active bra and found it just as pierced in the cups but tight under my arms and around my rib cage. . )
Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2. 0: Buttery soft and seamless, I sought to love this compression bra (with a slight nod to encapsulation through minimalist seams). And I found myself enjoying it for example after completing my tests, basically for races around the block. But the bra wasn’t a smart choice for training classes, as it extended under the armpits and into the chest. Also a little thin for a longer period of time, and each tester sent me a message asking if they had made the wrong length because of the giant gap.
Panache Underwire Sports Bra: This compression-style bra gives a nod to encapsulation, with shaped cups, but is suitable and small. Although it was intended to be a great choice for other people with larger cups, even our evaluators with smaller breasts found it to be just below average.
Champion Spot Comfort Full Grip Bra: Don’t forget this economical hybrid compression and encapsulation fastener. She wasn’t on our list of favorites, however, some big-breasted testers gave her top marks because she “just did her job. “The Spot has more fit issues than any other bra I’ve tried, but the straps are more effective than the Lululemon bra. However, because of all those adjustment issues, there is also an increased threat of friction. The cut of the bra is also interesting, with a neckline that some liked and others found uncomfortable under a shirt. It’s not the most flattering, but if you have bigger breasts and are looking for what one tester called “the utilitarian option,” the Spot is worth checking out. Fair warning: anyone who has tried this length of at least two lengths on the tape, which is tight. The length of the tape also only goes up to 42.
For this guide, I spent several hours researching sports bras. I’ve read reviews online, digested many sports bra guides, and read about bra compatibility and taste. Sports bras come in many other constructions: compression fasteners and encapsulation fasteners. being the most common, besides hybrid fasteners that combine any of the features, and I have learned that other fastener tastes will work better for other types of frames. The sports bra for you will also vary depending on the types of movements you prefer.
We also consulted several experts: Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, professor of biomechanics at the University of Portsmouth, taught us what features to look for in a bra. LaJean Lawson, a clothing expert who is an advisory board member of Utah State University’s Outdoor Product Design and Development Program, told us how to locate bras for women with giant breasts. Finally, Kim Mock, a plus-size athlete, photographer and adventurer, gave us concrete feedback on the types of bras she prefers for her active lifestyle.
These conversations helped me narrow down our list to 10 sports bras with fake reviews. Each had the features that most people will want to keep their breasts from moving. I ordered those bras using the compatibility guides on each brand’s website. , and then checked them in 3 other environments:
Everyone on the panel tried the bras the same way I did; They used them for low- and high-intensity workouts, washed them, and sent feedback.
Once this series of tests was over, I recruited six women from the Forbes Vetted team to check the bras. Its length ranged from 32A to 42DDD. Every woman on the panel tested bras the same way I did; They used them for low- and high-intensity workouts, listened to them, and sent feedback. I compiled all this knowledge into a spreadsheet that showed me the features of more productive sports bras for other people who need to perform other activities with their exclusive bodies and needs.
In short, a sports bra is a garment worn to prevent the breasts from moving during active activities. Bouncing breasts can injure the back due to strain on the Cooper’s ligaments. Sports bras were created to combat this rebound by providing help through a band around your rib cage, straps and compression on your breasts, encapsulation of your breasts or a combination of both.
Compression bras flatten your breasts with a tight material. They cannot be adjusted and tend to come in smaller sizes, only in small to giant diversifications from a cup and a band size. Compression bras are known to cause a “uniboob”. , where your breasts are crushed into a drop shape. This is especially problematic for women who have larger breasts, as it can be uncomfortable and harmful over time. But women with smaller breasts may prefer compression bras for convenience and simplicity.
Compression bras can’t be adjusted and tend to be smaller, like Nike. . . [ ] Swoosh.
Encapsulated bras separate your breasts into two cups. Most encapsulated bras have cups, some have seams, hoops or moldings to divide the two compartments. Encapsulated bras are in those familiar length metrics (a cup length and a band length), which means it would be easier to find a more favorable match for your exclusive body. You’ll also have to look for an encapsulation bra in a store, or opt for a bra that you can return for free; It rarely takes a few attempts to get the right size.
Encapsulation bras, such as the Wacoal Simone Sport rimmed bra, are available in a cup length and band length, meaning it may be easier to find a more favorable fit for your exclusive body.
“Many other people and many sports have a preference for more sensitive short models that compress and flatten the breasts,” Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, professor of biomechanics at the University of Portsmouth, told us. “But it’s not the most productive way to help breasts.
I would definitely recommend looking for more encapsulation designs. The challenge is that they are harder to tune because they are less scalable; An encapsulated bra may not have as much compatibility in shape and length. You may want to shop around a little longer to find an encapsulated bra that’s right for you.
“If the bra is only generic sizes from S to 4X, it probably doesn’t have a very good match,” agreed athlete Kim Mock. “Buying a sports bra would be more like buying a normal bra. “
Combined bras are becoming more and more popular; They combine compression and encapsulation to give you structure and structure. Runners will find this taste to be the most comfortable as compression makes it easier to move up and down, while encapsulation prevents your breasts from moving back and forth.
No bra can completely reduce breast movement, especially if you’re attending a HIIT workout or running. But your breasts at least stay in the bra, without overflowing from the top or extending sideways.
The band on the back of the bra should be comfortable, and this is the key to avoiding slipping. Ideally, the band should be on the widest side, allowing it to remain flat. Some bands are adjustable, which is useful because you can make sure it doesn’t sink into the rib cage or move. Going up or down is prohibited.
“For women with giant breasts, you need to make sure you find a sports bra that has a well-fitting back band that doesn’t run down the back,” says Wakefield-Scurr.
Adjustable shoulder straps tend to be useful for getting a smart bra that has compatibility that is comfortable and provides smart support. While I liked some of the compatibility conditions more than others in our control group, I enjoyed a Velcro or sliding style strap that helped me get better compatibility. Most of the bras I checked had straps for swimming on the back or U-shaped straps.
“The strap can put pressure on the shoulder and cause irritation,” says Dr. LaJean Lawson, an innovator and expert in sports bras. “The bigger the breasts, look for a more comfortable strap. If the shoulder strap is twice as wide, you can cut the strain on your shoulder in half.
A stylish sports bra should include spandex, so it is not absolutely stiff. But if it’s all spandex, there probably won’t be enough for your breasts while you’re moving. This is where the other fabric comes in, usually nylon or polyester. Ideally, a sports bra should also absorb moisture so that sweat moves away from the structure while you exercise. The faster the curtain dries, the better. Cotton is sometimes banned for sportswear because it does not dry quickly; Merino wool sports bras are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor adventures over long distances.
Because it can be tricky to get the right compatibility the first time, especially when ordering online, look for brands that allow you to return a product smoothly or exchange it for a new size.
Usually, you should buy a sports bra that is the same length as your regular bras. Sports bras would possibly be more compressive than your daily bra, but that doesn’t replace their length. If you’ve never measured it before, I love this Reddit consultant about bra length. Check it out and measure your breasts before asking for a sports bra.
Ideally, a sports bra should be comfortably compatible. The er straps rest flat on their ers and the band should be tight but not painful. It should not roll up or collapse. A hole in the sides is a sign of lack of compatibility.
Yes! Most of the bras indexed in this consultant are offered stylish and comfortable enough to wear every day. If you don’t like the compression of a sports bra, you can opt for a lighter option or a bra with hoops, when you want you’re not exercising. But there’s no explanation for why relegate sports bras to workouts only if you like how they feel.
“Women with giant breasts have been underserved for so long,” says Dr. Lawson, noting that breast length has been increasing for more than 4 decades or so, yet the sports bra industry, in general, has been slow to react and perceive strengths. Provide with giant breasts.
“Now there is more diversity in women’s bodies, but brands have been lazy. The bras want to be bigger and more powerful so we can all see our equipment,” he says. also attractive. “
For women with larger breasts, a bra with more volume inside the cups might be helpful. Bras should also be more structured, as the movement of larger breasts puts more force on the frame. And you want to make sure you have a band and straps to help; The thicker, the better. Depending on your build type, some women with larger breasts will also prefer a bra with a top cut, which means your breasts can’t get out of the most sensitive when you bend over.
I’m a freelance journalist who has been writing product reviews, fitness content, and more for over a decade. Before I started freelancing, I worked as a full-time editor at Wirecutter, where I edited and wrote about outdoor activities and products. Since then, I’ve worked on product-oriented content for Reviewed, Slate, Wirecutter, Gear Patrol, REI, and others. Most of my reviews on those days are aimed at fitness, outdoor activities, and equipment for babies and children.
In addition to being a writer, I am also a mom of two little human beings, a 3-year-old and a 9-month-old, and I am a qualified yoga instructor and amateur runner. I live on a city mountain and try to exercise at least four days a week, regularly Pilates or yoga. I also walk or run outside, with my children, almost every day.