Supportive bras to minimize bounce — for every cup size and workout routine.
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A sports bra needs to do it all: be comfortable, offer excellent support, come on and off easily, maintain its shape wear after wear and look stylish. Whether you're running, walking or exercising at the gym, wearing the right sports bra can make all the difference in your workout routine (and even make it easier to work out more often!). To make shopping easier than ever, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab recently tested over 50 different sports bra styles with over 200 consumer testers to find the best sports bras for people who prefer bras for small breasts, bras for large breasts and everything in between. You can learn more about how we test sports bras — and how to find the best one for you — at the end of this article.
Basic and no-frills, this sports bra earns our top spot because it was rated the most comfortable sports bra by our testers and has medium impact support for a wide range of workouts. Its compressive fit prevents bounce, while the racerback allows for a good range of motion.
In addition to its comfort and design features, the bra aced our Textiles Lab’s durability and moisture evaluations, meaning it's built to last and can wick away sweat to keep you dry. Our panel also said it fit well and felt supportive throughout their workouts. A tester with a 34D bra size who wore it while running said, "It was comfortable, supportive and nice quality. It was also easy to take on and off and it stayed dry." A different tester with a 34C bra size noted, "It's not too heavy or bulky," while another who wears a 34B bra size said it was "not too tight or not too loose."
Size range: XXS–3XL | Support: Medium
Sports bras can get pricey, but this three-pack costs less than many other brands charge for just one. Like the Nike style, it has medium support and a racerback design, but this one also comes with removable pads. Each pack includes assorted colors, and the bra is also sold individually and as a four-pack.
This bra doesn't offer as much support for larger sizes or intense workouts. Still, it’s incredibly soft and its decent compression helps maintain a good shape. Plus, it's an Amazon best seller with over 60,000 reviews from users ranging from A to DDD cup sizes. "They fit well, have moderate support and they're very comfortable while still being flattering," said one online reviewer with a 34DDD bra size. "These are a great value for the money. "
Size range: XS–3XL | Support: Medium
Ideal for bigger chests, this supportive yet comfortable sports bra has a built-in underwire and padded cups for encapsulation — i.e., it offers separate support for each breast to prevent movement in every direction, not just up and down. The wide straps also increase support without digging into your shoulders.
Our product experts were impressed with how well it wicked moisture, so you don't have to worry about staying wet with sweat. Meanwhile, our fitness testers were wowed by its comfort and how well the bra stayed in place while exercising. One tester with a 34DDD bra size said, "There's no movement while jumping or bouncing or working out." Another tester with a 34G bra size said, "I like how supportive the bra was and how the cups covered my breasts. Nothing was popping out where it shouldn't be."
Size range: Bands 32–42 and cups C–H | Support: High
This ThirdLove sports bra features encapsulation cups designed to handle high-impact, sweaty workouts like HIIT, CrossFit and running. The wide, adjustable straps can cross in the back for racerback support, and there's a hook and eye closure for easy on and off.
The bra's full-coverage cups are hidden behind stretchy polyester/spandex fabric, which testers liked. It earned high appearance scores and showed no shrinkage after laundering in the Lab, but analysts did note that the bottom band stretched out a bit in stretch recovery testing. The inner cup fabric wicked away moisture easily, standing up to sweaty exercises. Testers were impressed by just how supportive this bra was, with straps that are "wide and stay in place." One tester also mentioned how "easy it was to put on and take off."
Testers with larger cup sizes loved that this pick offers band and cup sizing for ultimate support, but testers with smaller cup sizes found it too bulky. "This is the perfect bra for high-impact exercise," said one tester with a 40DD bra size. "It's supportive and comfortable, and it did not get in the way of exercise. 100% would recommend."
Size range: Bands 32–44 and cups A–H | Support: High
With medium compression and removable pads, this versatile Outdoor Voices bra is ideal for both low- and high-impact activities. Its thick elastic bottom band offers good lift and support and the mesh racerback offers airflow and a good range of motion. The bottom band provides a bit more coverage than a traditional sports bra, so many testers loved pairing this pick with leggings.
Testers gave this bra perfect appearance scores across the board, loving its "sporty" and "chic" look. One tester with a 34C bra size said that "everything stayed where it should, even during high-impact exercises," but she found it overall quite tight. Another tester with a 34D bra size wore this bra to all types of workouts including treadmill runs and Pilates classes. "I love how supportive this bra is," she said. "I feel lifted and supported without risk of spilling over. The mesh on the back was especially great when building up a sweat as I didn't feel sticky!" The bottom band kept its shape perfectly in stretch tests, but it wasn't as moisture-wicking as the main fabric. Note that testers reported that this style created a bit of cleavage, which some testers liked but others didn't.
Size range: XXS-3XL | Support: Medium-high
Head into your favorite studio class with confidence in this low-impact style from Athleta. With a longline design and high neck, it can be worn as a crop top or under a shirt, giving you the comfort and support of a sports bra with extra coverage and stability around the torso. It's made with soft fabric and has a built-in bra with removable pads for additional support. Note that this style is for A to C cups, but the brand also offers a D to DD version that runs up to a size 3X.
Because of its full coverage design, testers were able to bend and stretch without fear of a slip. "I love the built-in shelf bra for great coverage even without the pads," reported one tester with a 34D bra size. A tester with a 36B bra size said, "This bra is supportive without feeling constricting, making it really comfortable." Users called it "very supportive and comfortable," loving the "soft material [with] a buttery feel to it." The smooth fabric maintained its shape after laundering and stretch-recovery testing. It's designed for lower-impact exercise, so this pick didn't wick away moisture as well as other models.
Size range: XXS–XL | Support: Low
Designed with the key features for giving larger bust sizes the necessary support, Freya's sports bra also has the added benefit of a hook on the straps that convert it into a racerback. The straps are adjustable, thick and supportive, and the bra has an underwire and molded cups for extra support. We also appreciated the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
This sports bra was a fan favorite from our panel of testers, among those with cup sizes D through H. Testers liked the flattering design and the supportive encapsulation. "There was no pain from breasts moving up and down while running, which often happens, even with tight sports bras," said one tester with a 30H bra size. "I like that it has separate cups (instead of one massive uni-boob)." A tester with a 36DD bra size said, "I liked that it was like a normal bra to put on — easy to take on/off ." The downside was that some testers experienced fit issues, including spillage and tightness, so you may need to size up.
Size range: Bands 28–40 and UK cups B–H (equivalent to US cups B–K) | Support: High
For smaller bust sizes, this super comfortable sports bra offers medium support without an underwire or padding. The smooth, seamless fabric stood up to all of our Lab’s durability tests, and it was a tester favorite, especially among those with B-cups. “It gave me the support that I need without feeling tight," said a tester with a 34B bra size who wore this bra for all types of workouts. Another tester with a 34B bra size said, “It didn't feel like I was even wearing anything when working out — like second skin.”
The seamless design means there are no threads or raised seams to cause friction or irritation during workouts. It's a basic racerback design, which is ideal for upper-body movement. As a bonus, it’s reversible so you get two looks for the price of one.
Size range: XS-XXL | Support: Medium
This best-selling pullover racerback from Under Armour offers four-way stretch with a pad-free design. With medium support and high compression, it's great for cycling, strength training, boxing, yoga and more. It has wide straps and double-lined fabric for good coverage. It's available in more than 10 shades, including neutrals and bold colors.
Acing every Lab test and outperforming pricier picks, this bra wicked away moisture, held up to laundering and maintained its shape after being stretched. Our testers were amazed that the compression didn't feel restrictive. One tester with a 38C bra size shared, "I felt completely held in and supported while exercising." Some testers said their nipples were noticeable because it's padless and the bra received lower appearance scores, with some testers disliking the large front logo.
Size range: XS-XXL | Support: High
Running requires a sports bra that'll minimize bounce without chafing and feel comfortable mile after mile. This sports bra from Brooks is specifically designed for running, with a high-compression feel and removable cups for additional support. It has pockets on the side and back, but most testers didn't find it comfortable to work out with something in the pockets. GH analysts appreciate the bonded seams and edges to reduce chafing.
The ultra-smooth, sleek material easily wicked away moisture in Lab tests, and testers had a similar experience in the real world, with one saying, "I loved the fact that it really wicked away sweat." Testers appreciated the "super smooth material," and one tester with a 34DDD bra size said that she felt "supported even while running." The material is very compressive and doesn't stretch very much — we couldn't even stretch it enough to do stretch recovery tests in the Lab — so some testers found it tougher to get on and off.
Size range: Bands 30–40 and cups A–E | Support: High
Offering an impressive size range from XXS to 6XL, this sports bra from Girlfriend uses recycled plastic water bottles (RPET) and spandex to create the brand's signature comfy, compressive fabric. It has a racerback style that's designed for medium-impact exercise.
Testers with both small and large chests agree that this bra offers the ideal combination of comfort and support. "Because I have a larger chest, it is really tough for me to find a sports bra that is supportive and I feel confident in, and I fell in love with this one," said one tester with a 34DDD bra size. Another tester with a 34D bra size said, "It’s the most comfortable sports bra I’ve ever tried." Loving its flattering fit, a tester with a 34B said, "It’s a bra that makes you feel sexy working out in it, and also it's extremely comfortable." In the Lab, it washed beautifully with no noticeable changes in appearance or shrinkage. (Note that this style is hang-dry only.) The material did not wick away moisture as well as other styles, so it's better suited for less sweaty workouts.
Size range: XXS–6XL | Support: Medium
Designed specifically to minimize breast movement, this high-impact bra is ideal for runners and anyone who has a larger bust. It has unique ladder straps designed with slots that allow wearers to adjust them without losing support. Excellent features like molded cups help separate and encapsulate, and a seamless and breathable fabric prevents chafing.
The bra was designed to reduce bounce and testers loved Knix Catalyst bras for the amazing support. "I love that it has the adjustable bands around your rib cage — a rare find in sports bras and wonderful for someone with a smaller frame but bigger chest," said one tester with a 34E bra size. GH pros tested the front zip version of this bra, but most testers preferred not having a front zipper as they feared it would come undone. The sizing works a little differently with this pick so make sure to check the chart. It’s designed for 32A through 42F.
Size range: 1–8+ (equivalent to 32A–42F) | Support: High
✔️ Stretch recovery: When evaluating sports bras, we measure stretch recovery to see how well the fabric returns to its original shape after being stretched out. This test is essential because a sports bra should be able to maintain its elasticity for support.
✔️ Moisture management: We also check how well each one wicks sweat by dropping water on the inside of the fabric and measuring both the speed and distance of its spread.
✔️ Washability: We launder each bra style to see how it holds up during the wash. Using a room with specialized lighting, we evaluate color changes and follow textile industry standards to grade the swatches. We mark each bra with benchmarks to check if any shrinkage occurred.
✔️ Consumer testing: We then have real testers — people ranging from AA through H cup sizes — try them during various workouts to give us feedback on things like comfort, support, mobility and ease of use. Testers wore these bras while running marathons, attending studio fitness classes, going on long hikes and during casual walks in their neighborhoods.
In our latest review, our testers put the sports bras through more than 700 hours of exercise, and our analysts reviewed over 5,000 data points.
A variety of tested sports bras from high impact on the left to lower compression on the right with medium support styles in the middle.
The goal is to select the style that’s best suited for your size and activity level. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop for sports bras:
✔️ Type of exercise: First, consider what type of workouts you plan to do in the sports bra. For low-impact workouts like yoga or Pilates, opt for softer, lower-compression bras that'll be less restrictive when bending into poses. Cardio workouts require more support, so look for high-impact sports bras with high compression to prevent bounce.
✔️ Sizing: Make sure to check the brand’s size chart — each one is a bit different. Don’t be concerned if your sports bra size is different from your normal bra or T-shirt size. A sports bra should feel more compressive than a regular bra to hold you in, but it shouldn’t be constricting or uncomfortable.
✔️ Compression vs. encapsulation: You may see these terms in the product's description, so here’s what they mean: Compression bras hug against your body and are best for smaller cup sizes or lower impact exercise like the black Girlfriend Collective bra on the right. The navy Wacoal sports bra on the left is an encapsulation bra, which separates your breasts for individual support (and often looks more like a regular T-shirt bra beneath clothes). Bras that offer encapsulation, or a combo of compression and encapsulation, are best for larger cup sizes to prevent movement in all directions.
✔️ Moisture management: If you’re going to sweat, you’ll need a bra that wicks moisture from your skin and dries quickly so you won’t stay soaked. If you’re unsure whether a bra lives up to its moisture-wicking claim, try placing a drop of water on the inside where the fabric touches your skin. It should spread out quickly; if the water beads up, it’s not a wicking material.
✔️ Chafing and irritation: These common sports bra complaints are caused by the combination of sweat and rubbing. On top of moisture-wicking fabric, you’ll want a bra with minimal seams and stitching to help reduce friction during exercise, especially in activities like running where there’s a lot of movement. Also, make sure your bra isn't too big or too small as this can cause more chafing.
✔️ Style: There are a variety of styles to choose from, but the best one depends on your personal preferences and activity level. For upper body movement, a racerback style gives you a greater range of motion. For extra support, look for bras with an underwire and built-in cups or removable pads. If you have trouble finding a good fit, try a style with adjustable straps and hook-eye closures.
Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has been reviewing sports bras for over a decade. During this time, Lexie has created proprietary test methods, followed textile industry standards and led consumer evaluations to find the best sports bras.
Emma Seymour is the Senior Textiles Analyst at Good Housekeeping where she tested over 50 sports bras to update this story. In her five years at Good Housekeeping, she has tested all types of fitness gear, including workout leggings, walking shoes and yoga mats. She has a degree from Cornell University in Fiber Science and Apparel Design.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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