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The best sports bras for women work the hardest during a workout. Whether you’re in the middle of your downward dog or nearing the end of a 5K race, you don’t want any distractions, especially due to a lack of support. Most of all, you don’t want to fidget with a sports bra that’s uncomfortable or poorly designed.
That’s why so much goes into the best sports bras for women. They’re engineered to fit a range of activities from high intensity to no impact at all (a.k.a. your comfiest lounging moments), allowing you to focus on your favorite exercise or leisure activity. Most have three key details in common: “A great sports bra needs support, comfortable straps, and high-quality fabric,” Abby Gordon, VP of design and merchandising for Alo Yoga, told Bazaar.
With the permanence of athleisure, however, sports bras are designed for far more than epic sweat sessions. “Sports bras are no longer just for working out; they’ve become fashion staples,” the expert continued. “The trend of wearing activewear as casual wear has boosted the demand for sports bras that offer comfort and style. This evolution empowers our customers to go confidently from workouts to their daily routines, making a bold statement in the gym and their everyday lives.”
So, how do you determine the best sports bra for serious intensity versus chilled-out days? “High-impact sports bras generally have more significant support, prioritize moisture-wicking materials, and are common to have wide or adjustable straps,” Gorden explained. “In contrast, others are created with expanded, breathable, lighter materials for low-impact activities like yoga or Pilates.”
It’s best to own both types of sports bras so you can tailor the amount of support and comfort you’ll need for different activities. “While high-impact bras provide the necessary support during intense workouts, comfy, low-impact bras offer comfort and versatility for day-to-day routines,” Gordon added. She recommended wear-testing several different styles to find one that suits your personal preferences.
Now that you’re ready to shop, ahead discover the 15 best sports bras for women that will let you sweat or chill out in style.
With a speedily-attracted cult following, Vuori delivers on modern yet timeless activewear that performs. The fabrics are the secret sauce—they feel oh-so-good for serious sweat sessions as they do off-duty. This sleek scooped square neck and back silhouette is a fan favorite, with over 600 glowing reviews. If that doesn't convince you, how about this so-fresh shade of green? Delightful.
Colors: Black, green, light blue, dark green, gingham
What reviewers are saying: “Admittedly, I have a love/hate with sports bras, and have always felt that you either compromise support or comfort. You don't usually get both. This is the bra that proved me wrong. It is supportive while still allowing you to breathe normally (sounds terrible, but true for so many other bras I've tried). The fabric is as wonderful as all other clothing I've come to expect from Vuori—soft, comfortable, washes like a dream. I told a co-worker who also loves Vuori that I will likely never buy another brand of sports bra again.”
Alo’s Wild Things Bra is a best-seller that’s updated seasonally in new colors as well as versatile neutral shades like black, white, and grey. “It’s made from our signature compression airbrush fabric, perfect for sculpting and performance support,” Gordon said. “It combines the best elements of a bra and crop top, allowing me to style it with my tennis skirts or trousers for work.”
Colors: Black, grey, white, ivory, clay, plum, macadamia, taupe, french vanilla
What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits great, comfortable, durable, stays in place, and they last forever!”
While many sports bras come in only band sizing, this Lululemon style, designed for high-impact activies, offers a wide range of cup sizes with a hook-and-eye closure, allowing for more personalization and a better fit.
Material: Bra: 59% Nylon, 41% Xtra life lycra® elastane; Bra lining: 71% Nylon, 29% Elastane; Wing: 73% Nylon, 27% Xtra life lycra® elastane
Colors: Blue linen, strawberry milkshake, pink peony, black, dark olive
What reviewers are saying: “This bra is stylish, keeps the girls up, and it doesn’t dig into my shoulders like other sports bras do. Super great for people with a larger chest like myself. Also this is officially the only sports bra I can wear on a run. It improves my workout experience so much to feel comfortable and supported like I do in this bra!”
With sizes ranging from XS to 6XL, Girlfriend's racer-back sports bra is a comfortable and modern option. It’s made from a soft, compressive material that uses recycled plastic bottles and can be re-recycled again through the brand when you’re ready to try a new style.
Material: 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 21% spandex
Colors: Blood orange, glass, citrine, black, ivory, navy, and more
What reviewers are saying: “The Paloma is supportive enough for running and is one of girlfriend’s most flattering bras. I tend to avoid wearing it for yoga since it’s low cut and very compressive, but I like to use it for anything high intensity. I wear a large in all girlfriend bras and the Paloma definitely fits the tightest.”
Nike's classic racer-back sports bra offers medium support, meaning that you can wear it during various activities, from spinning to dance cardio. The sweat-wicking, adaptive material quickly recovers its shape so you can stay comfortable throughout your workout.
Material: 72% polyester/28% spandex. Mesh: 81% polyester/19% spandex. Back lining: 72% polyester/28% spandex. Pad back fabric: 100% polyester. Pad: 100% polyurethane.
Colors: Violet, white, black, stardust red, and more
What reviewers are saying: “I needed something a step up from department store sports bras and was eager to try this one. I mostly wear sports bras for strength training workouts in a gym. This one is now the best one I own! It’s a good thick fabric without being heavy, so I don’t have to worry about it ripping or falling apart. The fabric wicks moisture well too so I don’t end up feeling soggy. It’s super supportive and comfortable. I like that the cups are sewn in so I don’t have to worry about them. It washes well too. A great bra.”
You love On Running for the cult sneakers, but don't sleep on the brand's growing assortment of workout clothes. Try this lightweight bra with strappy back details and slight padding around the bust for activities like yoga or weight training.
Colors: Lavender, black, white, grey, cobalt
For some women, adjustable and convertible straps are the ideal option, allowing for versatility and support depending on your workout needs. Swap the straps from straight-over-the-shoulder to racer-back (and back) easily. Oh, how chic is the mesh detailing?
Sizes: 32-40 band, B-DD cups
Colors: Black, grey, floral print, and more
What reviewers are saying: “This is my new favorite sports bra. I now own 5 of them! You do have to get a size larger, both band and cup. But the fit, style and versatility is great. If you need a little extra support, you just fasten the back to make a racerback. And you can do that while it's already on!”
This V-neck style is a more fashion-forward take on the sports bra and can easily be worn solo with high-waisted leggings or layered under a shirt. This one fits the bill if you enjoy hot-girl walks or yoga with a less-structured bra option.
Colors: Grey black, white, navy, chai, sage green, and more
What reviewers are saying: “Most comfortable and soft sports bar I own. 36D and the medium fits perfectly. I tend to forget I even have the bra on it is so comfortable. From running, to yoga, to lounging around the house, it has become my go-to bra on my days off.”
Hiking doesn’t require the same level of tight support as more high-intensity workouts. This stylish V-back crop can be worn with matching leggings or styled with your go-to hiking gear.
Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex bluesign® approved fabric
Colors: Black, white, navy, pink
What reviewers are saying: “I’m obsessed with this top. The low-cut back makes me feel so cute and put-together. I’m usually between a small & medium, but I sized down to a small for tighter support in this top. It feels supportive enough for tennis, pickleball, hiking, etc. I love it!”
For low-impact workouts or sporty styling, this fashion-forward bra from Live the Process makes workout wear feel fun. The cute cap sleeves and elongated crop silhouette offer coverage, while the twisted and spiced back delivers a major moment. Wear it with coordinated leggings for a directional matching workout set look or style with wide-leg trousers and sneakers while out and about.
Colors: Chili flake, dragon fruit, black, mother of pearl
For high-intensity workouts, a tight fit is essential. Even better if the moisture-wicking fabric is consciously crafted like this lightly-padded design, made with yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic.
Sizes: S A-C, M A-C, L A-C, XL A-C, L D-DD
Material: Body: 79% recycled polyester, 21% elastane interlock; Mesh: 82% recycled polyester, 18% elastane mesh
What reviewers are saying: “I’m a 30F and have never found a well-fitting sports bra until I purchased this one. Beyond fit, it is extremely supportive and comfortable.”
Sometimes you just want to keep things simple. District Vision’s sports bra is sleek and streamlined, a pull-on racerback style that’s ideal for those who like to run in a bra with midlevel support. A smart design addition: the hidden pocket that allows you to stow your keys while you run.
If you love Bandier's best-selling Center Stage sports bra, you're sure to swoon over this ribbed iteration. It offers slightly less compression than the signature version, making it perfect for moderate activities and even lounging if that's your vibe.
Those with large breasts may prefer an underwire sports bra for additional support and structure like this ultra-secure style crafted of so-soft moisture-wicking fabric. With over 2,000 reviews, this Wacoal design, featuring thick, supportive shoulder straps, will hold you in sans unconfirmable digging.
Colors: Black, nude, garnet rose, lilac grey
What reviewers are saying: “I wear a 42DDD and I absolutely LOVE this bra as an everyday bra and as a sports bra. I wear it on both sides depending on if I’m heading to the gym or out to run errands, and it’s comfortable both ways, honestly. Great support. I have no regrets. I plan to buy a few more.”
I get so many compliments whenever I wear my Nylora Marta Top sports bra. However, it's become my absolute favorite for more than the accolades (though they're a confidence booster, for sure!). It's incredibly soft on my sensitive skin and super supportive without feeling constricting. (It's crafted of four-way stretch fabric with removable padding that I, as a smaller-chested gal, very much appreciate for extra shaping.)
I love the squared neckline, angular straps, and slightly longer silhouette as well—it's perfect with the coordinated high-waisted leggings on its own, so I never feel overly exposed in public.
Color: Ash, light pink, black
“The number one rule of thumb for a sports bra fit is it should be tighter than an everyday bra,” Gordon said. “A snug fit around your ribcage is the key to a proper, supportive sports bra.”
She added that finding a sports bra with high-quality fabric ensures durability and long-lasting comfort. “At Alo, we’re weaving together style and technology to create sports bras that elevate.”
“Sports bras for individuals with larger chest sizes often have specialized features that provide essential support, comfort, and functionality,” Gordon explained. “These features include wider and adjustable shoulder straps, moisture-wicking fabric, and racerback or wide-back designs."
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
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