We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Clothing Bras & Underwear The 11 Most Comfortable Sports Bras, According to Our Testers and a Bra-Fit Expert With options from Anita, Under Armour, and Champion By Kate Watson Kate Watson Kate Watson is a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE, focusing on fashion and beauty content. With an eye for detail and a love for deep-dive research, Kate strives to deliver engaging stories that make shopping for what you need (or just want) easier. Her words have also been featured in Bridal Guide magazine and NeimanMarcus.com. People Editorial Guidelines Published on September 26, 2024 06:15AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tested What to Know Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People/Jen Maldonado The right sports bra makes you feel comfortable and confident, but true comfort goes beyond soft, stretchy material. Finding the correct fit and support level for your size and activity plays a role, too. Experts Say “Sports bras are designed to reduce movement, minimize bounce, and keep the bust secure during activity. This is important for comfort and preventing pain, irritation, and long-term damage to the breast tissue and ligaments.”—Kimmay Caldwell, undergarment educator and Self Love Coach To find the most comfortable sports bras, we spent 270 hours testing 15 different styles. We tested during high-impact activities like running, boxing, HIIT, and elliptical workouts, as well as lower-impact activities like yoga, pilates, strength training, and walking. We considered the fit, support, comfort, adjustability, and value of each sports bra — and more than half of our list earned a rating of at least 4.5 out of 5. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Anita Maximum Support Sports Bra at Anita.com Jump to Review Best Overall (Cheaper): SALE Under Armour Crossback Sports Bra at Amazon $35 $25 Jump to Review Best for High Impact: SALE Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra at Amazon $45 $32 Jump to Review Best for Low Impact: Aerie Real Me Hold Up! Sports Bra at Ae.com Jump to Review Best for Large Chests: SALE Glamorise Camisole Sports Bra at Amazon $47 $33 Jump to Review Best for Small Chests: Gymshark Minimal Sports Bra at Gymshark.com $30 Jump to Review Best Design: lululemon Energy Bra High Support Zip-Front, B–G Cups at Lululemon $68 Jump to Review Best Design (Cheaper): CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Womens Y Back Sports Bra at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Hanes Racerback Sports Bra at Amazon $21 $13 Jump to Review Best Athleisure: SALE Alo Yoga Wellness Bra at Aloyoga.com $68 $40 Jump to Review Best Overall Anita Maximum Support Sports Bra PHOTO: Anita View on Anita.com Star Qualities Comfortable and supportive with adjustable straps Underwire support without the wire Well-ventilated with sweat-wicking material Back clasps for easy removal Red Flags Adjustable straps but won’t crisscross Most expensive but worth it! The Anita Air Control Deltapad stood out for its balance of comfort and support during high-intensity workouts. Our tester gave it a perfect score for fit and feel, highlighting the wide adjustable straps and slight shoulder padding. The hook-and-eye clasp on back was handy for its customizable fit and easy removal, particularly after an arm workout that would've made pulling it overhead a struggle. Our tester called this the “most supportive” sports bra she’d ever worn, praising its underwire-like construction that delivers exceptional support without the discomfort of a traditional wire. The mesh-like material provided cooling ventilation during strength training and HIIT workouts without transferring sweat to her shirt. We wish the straps could crisscross for a little extra support, and it’s the most expensive bra we tested, but our tester considered it worth the premium price for its quality and stylish, functional design. Band Sizes: 30–42 | Cup Sizes: A–H | Colors: 12 | Materials: Nylon, polyester, and elastane PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Experts Say “This is actually one of my all-time favorite sports bras! Anita is German, and the engineering on this bra is top-notch. The sizing, adjustability, and breathable material all add up to a great fit.” –Kimmay Caldwell Best Overall (Cheaper) Under Armour Crossback Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $35 $25 at Amazon $27 at Underarmour.com $35 at Dick's Star Qualities Secure yet comfortable fit Durable and true to size Supportive for large chests and high-impact Red Flags Not adjustable Visible padding This Under Armour bra also hit the sweet spot for support and comfort, particularly for those with a larger chest. Our tester, who wears a 36DD, tried the extra-large and said it fit “really well.” It provided a snug, secure fit without being too tight or causing pinching or spillage. She was impressed by the support it gave during HIIT workouts, rarely requiring her to hold her chest during jumping jacks or high knees to avoid discomfort. The only downside is that its fit isn't adjustable and its padding is somewhat visible. Overall, this is a practical and affordable option for keeping everything in place during workouts while still being comfortable enough for daily wear. Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: 97 | Materials: Polyester PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best for High Impact Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $45 $32 at Amazon $46 at Walmart $45 at Zappos Star Qualities Secure and supportive, with adjustable straps Front closure for easy removal Sweat-wicking material Red Flags Some tightness and discomfort with all-day wear For high-impact workouts, you need a supportive, no-bounce sports bra that prevents spillage and gapping while keeping sweat at bay. This Champion pick does just that. The hook and front-zip closure allow easy removal and lend extra chest security, while the adjustable straps ensure a custom, snug fit. At $35, it's a great value and strikes the perfect balance of stability, comfort, and freedom of movement. However, our tester shared that it felt “freeing” to take off at the end of the day, so it might not be best for extended wear. Sizes: 34B–42DD | Colors: 4 | Materials: Polyester, spandex PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best for Low Impact Aerie Real Me Hold Up! Sports Bra PHOTO: Aerie View on Ae.com Star Qualities Buttery soft material True to size Great for extended wear Red Flags Thin, non-adjustable straps Absorbs sweat rather than wicking away For low-impact activities like yoga, barre, and pilates, a sports bra should move with you, not against you. This buttery-soft option from Aerie is ideal for just that. Its thin (though non-adjustable) straps and minimal padding offer unrestricted movement, making it a dream for extended wear or lounging at home. Plus, the minimalist design and double crisscross back are cute when worn solo. Unfortunately, it absorbs sweat rather than wicking it away, which might be uncomfortable, particularly in a heated studio. It’s a solid pick at a discounted price, but it might not be worth the full retail value if you’re looking for a more versatile, supportive bra. Sizes: XXS–XXL; D/DD cup sizes available | Colors: 4 | Materials: Nylon, elastane PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best for Large Chests Glamorise Camisole Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $47 $33 at Amazon Star Qualities Comfortable Breathable material Great for casual wear Red Flags Material doesn't wick away sweat Less adjustability than others Small mesh fabric felt uncomfortable If you're on the hunt for a bra for large breasts, our top pick also earned a spot on our best plus-size sports bra list thanks to its full coverage and bounce control — a suitable option for running. However, our tester (size 32D) sized up, which resulted in less compression and support for high-impact activities. They preferred it for casual wear because of its exceptional comfort and since the material is breathable but doesn't wick away sweat. The wide straps and higher neckline support larger busts, but the small mesh fabric detail may be uncomfortable for some. Our tester wasn’t a fan of the hook-and-eye closure on the back, but it does mean extra chest security and easy removal. Overall, this bra is an accessible option for cup sizes C to J. Sizes: 34C–50J | Colors: 11 | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Pro Tip! Caldwell shares common signs a sports bra isn’t the right size of fit:The band riding up The straps digging in or slipping offBust spillage or gaps in the cupsChafing or discomfort during movementExcessive bounce Best for Small Chests Gymshark Minimal Sports Bra PHOTO: Gymshark $30 at Gymshark.com Star Qualities Supportive despite plunging neckline Very adjustable, with multiple removable straps Super comfortable and stylish Red Flags Less adequate coverage for larger chests This Gymshark sports bra offers support that's light yet adequate despite its plunging neckline and lack of padding. These factors make it best suited for those with small chests. According to our tester (size 32C), the sweat-wicking fabric is “really nice” and “super comfortable,” providing freedom of movement during low-impact activities and extended daily wear. It also effectively wicks away sweat during yoga and treadmill walks. We also love its unique design, which has four adjustable, removable straps that can be worn as a halter or kept in place for extra support. While it provides great comfort, style, and value, the lack of coverage might lead to spillage for those with a larger bust and may not offer enough stability for high-impact activities. Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: 7 | Materials: Polyester, elastane PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Design lululemon Energy Bra High Support Zip-Front, B–G Cups PHOTO: lululemon $68 at Lululemon Star Qualities Great design with adjustability and front closure Super supportive and compressive for high-impact Extra security with front zip Sweat-wicking material Red Flags Pricey Some dry sweat staining (it did wash out, though) True to size, but order correctly or it will be very tight Fitness and athleisure enthusiasts love Lululemon for its sleek aesthetic, high-quality materials, and functional features — and this sports bra is no exception. The snug, crisscross design zips on and off easily after high-impact activities, while the front zipper adds a cool, sporty vibe for those who prefer working out without a shirt or tank. It effectively wicks sweat; temporary sweat stains did appear but washed out easily. At $68, it’s a splurge, but we think the design and functionality make it worth the price. However, the tight, compressive fit around the ribcage may cause discomfort or back spillage, so be sure to get the right size. Sizes: 32B–40D | Colors: 4 PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People/Laura Gurfein PHOTO: People Wash Tip! “[Hand-washing is] gentler on the fabric, helping the bra last longer. Machines can be harsh on things made from elastic or knits, essentially what a sports bra is. While everyday bras can be washed every three to five wears, sports bras tend to get sweaty and should be washed after each wear.”—Kimmay Caldwell Best Design (Cheaper) CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Womens Y Back Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon Star Qualities Very supportive despite thin straps Soft and comfortable Sweat-wicking material Red Flags Material prone to fuzzies Padding a bit too substantial Perhaps too tight for all-day wear Who doesn’t love a good dupe? This sports bra looks like Lululemon’s Nulu sports bra but costs $20 less. The Amazon pick has a similarly soft yet slightly thicker material that effectively wicks away moisture and hides sweat stains. Despite the thin, non-adjustable straps, it’s surprisingly supportive for running, HIIT, and lifting weights. Our tester noted that the substantial padding felt a “bit too sturdy” for their liking, and they wished the super-soft fabric didn’t attract towel fuzzies. That said, it’s an excellent value for those seeking a comfortable, stylish sports bra that’s supportive enough for just about anything. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 34 | Materials: Butterluxe fabric, polyamide, lycra PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Budget Hanes Racerback Sports Bra PHOTO: Hanes $21 $13 at Amazon View on Hanes.com $17 at Kohls.com Star Qualities Highly compressive for high-impact workouts Moisture-wicking material Great price Red Flags Potentially uncomfortable for larger busts Not comfortable for all-day wear Non-adjustable straps The most affordable sports bra we tested is from Hanes, and we've seen it on sale for under $13. Its highly compressive fit, especially around the band, provides no-bounce, chest-stabilizing support. That makes it ideal for high-impact activities like running. The sweat-wicking material keeps you dry and the high-coverage design is modest enough to wear on its own. However, the tight fit can feel uncomfortable with extended wear and may be too restrictive for lower-impact exercises like yoga or pilates. While the bra lacks the comfort and adjustability of pricier options, our tester said, “It works great for what it is.” Consider this an ultra-affordable, no-frills choice for cup sizes A to D. Sizes: XS–2XL | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester, spandex PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Athleisure Alo Yoga Wellness Bra PHOTO: Alo Yoga $68 $40 at Aloyoga.com $41 at Bloomingdales Star Qualities Super comfy Lightly supportive for large chests Good for low-impact activity Red Flags Soft fabric doesn't wick moisture Not compressive enough for high-impact activity Thin material slightly shows bra padding Alo Yoga has become a favorite off-duty uniform for A-listers like Jennifer Lopez and Kendall Jenner, and we understand why after testing its Wellness Bra. Our tester said the soft, stretchy ribbed fabric felt comfortable enough to sleep in (which, as anyone who’s worn a bra to bed knows, is saying a lot). The size large fit her 36DD chest “perfectly,” with no pinching, spillage, or tightness. Because of its light support and lack of compression, adjustability, and sweat-wicking capabilities, it’s best suited for wear when walking, traveling, running errands, or light activities. While the $68 cost is steep, its durability and comfort make it a worthwhile investment for those who regularly wear athleisure. Sizes: XS–L | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester, TENCEL™ Lyocell, spandex PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Tank Style Lemedy Tank Top Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $24 $20 at Amazon Star Qualities Comfortable for all-day wear Adjustable padding and secure fit Sweat-wicking material Under $20 Red Flags None we could find The all-in-one convenience of a sports bra tank makes getting ready for workout classes a breeze — and they're also easy on the wallet. For a fraction of the cost, this tank’s sleek design and comfortable fabric rival the Lululemon Align Tank. The lightly lined design and adjustable pads offer a snug yet flexible fit without pinching, gapping, or bunching. It effectively wicks sweat away, keeping you comfortable for all-day wear and various workouts, from yoga to low-impact cardio. It’s not adjustable and may leave light marks around the ribcage, but it fits true to size. Sizes: S–XL | Colors: 20 | Materials: Nylon, spandex PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Other Sports Bras We Tested Adidas Training Medium Support Good Level Bra Padded: This Adidas pick has a compressive fit that's ideal for those with large chests who need support for cardio and weight training. That said, our tester found the tight fit uncomfortable and felt that the sizing runs small. Athleta Ritual Adjustable Bra: This bra offers light support with crisscross straps and a high-cut neckline to prevent spillage. However, the straps are thin and prone to stretching, the tag is irritating, and the soft material absorbs sweat rather than wicking it away. The price feels too high considering all of those issues. Enell Full Coverage High Impact Sports Bra: This Amazon find has next-level support to minimize movement during high-impact activities like running, but it can feel very tight and restrictive, leading to underarm chafing and difficulty breathing. Running Girl Criss-Cross Back Padded Strappy Sports Bra: This Amazon sports bra offers light, comfortable support for casual, all-day wear but falls short for intense workouts due to its lack of sweat-wicking capability and adjustability. The material also tends to attract lint, and the padding is awkwardly large. What to Know About Sports Bras Consider Your Activity Level Caldwell explains that high-impact activities like running, boxing, and HIIT require sports bras with extra support to minimize bounce. “Choose compression-style cups, which press the bust close to the body to keep everything in place,” she says. She also suggests an “encapsulation style that works around the bust for a more defined shape and support without crushing." That matches our best overall pick, the Anita Air Control Deltapad, and our best for high-impact, the Champion sports bra. Caldwell says softer, less restrictive styles are ideal for low-impact activities like yoga, pilates, and walking, as they allow for a comfortable range of motion. The Aerie sports bra is a perfect example of this with its buttery-soft fabric, thin straps, and minimal padding. We also suggest the Alo Yoga Wellness Bra, which scored the highest for comfort alongside our two best overall picks. Correct Bra Sizing Is Important Finding the right fit is essential for comfort once you know what activity you'll be doing in your sports bra. Here are Caldwell’s tips for finding the right size for you. Measure Your Band and Bust: She says to use a soft measuring tape around your ribcage under your bust to find the band size and then round up to an even number. Then measure the fullest part of your bust and subtract that first even number band size to find your cup size measurement. Example: 40-inch bust size minus 36-inch band size equals a 4-inch difference, which would be a D cup. Check Size Guides: “Brands often have size charts, which may vary. Compare your measurements to their specific guide to get the right size, especially when shopping online.” Look for Adjustable Features: “Adjustable straps or back closures can help fine-tune the fit, especially if you’re in between sizes.” The Anita Air Control Deltapad has both. Test the Fit: For online purchases, read reviews for fit tips online, and order multiple sizes if there’s a good return policy. Go to a Pro: “This is especially important if your bust is fuller, your size has changed, or you are looking for high support.” Take Proper Care “Proper care keeps [sports bras] in top shape so you can wear them longer,” says Caldwell, who shares some of her best care tips: Wash in cold water with a lingerie bag, use lingerie or swim detergent, wash by hand when possible, and never use the dryer. She also suggests having enough sports bras “to rotate so that the elastic can relax and you're not wearing and washing too often.” Consider Your Budget The sports bras we tested cost from $10–$89. The Hanes sports bra is the most affordable pick on our list, but it lacks the comfort and adjustability of higher-priced options, like the Anita Air Control Deltapad ($89). Your best bet for balancing cost and value is the Under Armour Women’s Crossback Mid-Impact Sports Bra, our best overall (cheaper) for $35. Behind the Scenes To find the most comfortable sports bras, eight testers wore 15 styles, including tank tops, compression bras, popular brand dupes, and bras with alternative closure mechanisms. To account for the diversity of styles and body types, each bra’s fit, support, comfort, adjustability, performance, and value were considered individually rather than against each other. Fit: Upon receipt, we assessed the bras for defects. We tried them on, noting any pinching, tightness, spillage, or gapping in the straps or band. We also noted sizing accuracy.Support: We tested how well each bra stabilized our chest during various workouts ranging from low to high impact and if it was too thin or bulky if it had padding. Comfort: We noted how each sports bra felt for situations including long workouts and all-day wear. We assessed whether it affected our range of motion, left any marks or indentations on our skin, was easy to put on and take off, and if the material effectively wicked away sweat.Adjustability & Performance: We also evaluated each sports bra’s fit-perfecting features, such as adjustable straps or bands, and how well they enhanced the overall wear experience. Value: After wearing and washing each sports bra at least three times for various activities, we determined whether the cost appropriately reflected the quality and benefits. Why Trust PEOPLE? Kate Watson is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE who has seven years of experience in fashion writing. For this story, she combed through the testing insights and reviewed each sports bra’s features, silhouette, sizes, prices, and reviews to compile well-rounded reviews of each. She considered which sports bras are best suited for certain activities, chest sizes, and budgets. Watson also interviewed a bra-fitting expert about finding the best sports bra size and fit, properly caring for sports bras, and what factors to consider when shopping for a comfortable sports bra. Our Expert Panel Kimmay Caldwell, also known as The Fitters’ Formula, teaches comfortable, confident bra fitting. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.