We Also Tested

• We like the quality and durability of Adidas’ Medium-Support Running Pocket Bra, but we found the fit to be fairly uncomfortable. During testing, the band did not lay flat or stay in place, which was very distracting during workouts. 
• On’s Running Performance Bra is well-made and attractive, but the fit felt too compressive and constrictive. It would have been better if the band had some adjustability to allow for a more precise and comfortable fit.
• While we appreciate the support provided by Under Armour’s Infinity High Crossover Sports Bra, we found it to be uncomfortably constricting, stiff, and bulky. The side of the bra also dug into our armpits, impacting overall comfort.
• lululemon’s Energy Bra is extremely supportive for running, but we found that it runs very small. The straps felt too tight and uncomfortable during regular wear and test runs. 

Where We Stand

After testing 61 sports bras, lululemon’s Run Times Bra was our top pick for its exceptional support, soft and breathable fabric, and adjustable fit. As we continue to wear-test these sports bras, as well as new styles that come out, we will update this list with the most relevant recommendations. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Bras

• Support Type: There are two main types of sports bras: Compression and encapsulation. Compression bras hold both breasts firmly against your body, while encapsulation bras support each breast in a separate cup. If you have a smaller cup size, we recommend a compression bra, and for larger cup sizes, we like an encapsulation bra. You can also find sports bras that offer a combination of the two support types.
• Fit: Your sports bra should be snug from the first wear and there shouldn’t be any gaps or extra room. It should comfortably and adequately contain your breasts, so make sure you don’t have any spillage on the top, side, or underneath your bra, says LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra researcher and movement expert. However, a recent study showed that a sports bra that's too tight around the ribcage can negatively impact running performance. When buying a sports bra, make sure the band doesn't feel too tight or restrictive, and that you can easily take full, deep breaths when wearing it.
• Closure: Sports bras are available in various closure styles, including pullover, front zipper, and back clasp options. While zippers and clasps make it easier to take the bra on and off, some wearers prefer a seamless design with no added closure mechanisms. If you have a smaller chest, a pullover bra may be sufficient. But those with larger chests may need a zip-front or back-clasp closure for added support.
• Materials: Look for a sports bra crafted from breathable, stretchy, and soft performance materials, such as polyester and nylon. These materials effectively wick away sweat from your skin, ensuring comfort and unrestricted movement. When shopping, steer clear of cotton, as it tends to absorb moisture, leaving you feeling sweaty.
• Pad Options: Certain sports bras feature built-in padding or removable cups that provide a smooth, rounded shape and envelop each breast. Smaller-chested women may opt for padding to achieve a more flattering look, while larger-chested runners appreciate that padding offers enhanced support and coverage. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to select a bra with removable padding. 
• Straps: Your choice between crisscross, H-strap, or racerback styles depends on personal preference. But for the most support, comfort, and even weight distribution, opt for a sports bra with wide straps. Runners, especially those with large breasts, should avoid bras with very thin straps as they don’t offer enough support. Cushioned straps not only enhance the overall comfort but also help prevent chafing.
• Adjustability: Sports bras with adjustable straps and closures make it easier to get a snug, custom-like fit for optimal support and coverage.
• Sizing: To determine the correct sports bra size, consider both band and cup measurements. The band should fit snugly around your ribcage, providing a secure foundation without causing discomfort or digging into the skin. The cup should encapsulate and support your breasts without causing spillage or gaps.

How We Tested the Sports Bras

To find the best sports bras for running, we tested 61 options from top, trusted activewear brands. When wear-testing, we evaluate each sports bra based on the following key criteria: 

• Fit: First, we try on each sports bra to assess for fit in the shoulder straps, ribcage band, and cups. We test to see if we can fit two fingers between the straps and our shoulders and if the straps are too tight or loose. Then, we note if the band feels snug and secure around our ribcage and if it moves around during runs. We also pay attention to the cup size: Is there any spilling or gaping in the breast area? Sports bras receive high scores for this category if the shoulder straps evenly distribute weight and the ribcage band provides support without any digging or pinching. 
• Support: To evaluate each bra’s support level, we complete low- to high-impact exercises to see if it’s compressive enough to hold our breasts in place without feeling restrictive. We account for several things: Are our breasts centered and fully contained in the cups? Is the weight of our breasts evenly distributed? Do our breasts feel secure and supported? We prioritize sports bras that provide the support level as advertised. 
• Comfort: If a sports bra isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it—so we assess for comfort next. During regular wear and test runs, we take note of how comfortable we feel in the bra: How does the fabric feel? Is it breathable and sweat-wicking? Does the bra dig into our skin? We only recommend bras that offer proper support without any discomfort. 
• Adjustability: For sports bras with adjustable straps and bands, we assess their ease of use and determine if they help us achieve a personalized fit. If the bra has a rear hook closure, we take note of the number of row and hook options. Sports bras that have easy-to-use adjustability features receive high scores in this category. 
• Durability: Throughout testing—several weeks of wears and washes—we take note of how well the bra maintained its initial structure and overall quality. We pay attention to any signs of pilling, fading, or stretching. If the bra is padded, we also assess how the pads hold up after each wash. We prioritize sports bras that show little signs of wear and tear throughout the testing period. 
• Value: To fairly rate each bra's value, we don't look at its price until the testing process is completed. Once the testing is complete, we consider whether the price seems reasonable, if we’d be willing to pay that amount (or possibly more), or if we'd prefer to wait for a potential sale. Bras that receive a high value score are typically priced below our threshold based on our evaluations.

Our Experts

For advice on which key features runners should look for in a quality sports bra, we spoke to five experts, including apparel experts and personal trainers. More on each expert we interviewed for this piece:

• LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra researcher and movement expert
• Marissa Renelt, assistant merchant and bra fit expert at Bare Necessities
• Laura Burke, intimate apparel stylist and bra fit expert at Fit x Burke 
• Steve Stonehouse, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, USATF certified run coach, and director of education for STRIDE Fitness
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How are sports bras for running supposed to fit? 

For the best fit, ensure your sports bra is snug but comfy. You don't want the band to feel too tight around the ribcage, though, as a recent study showed that wearing a sports bra with a band that's too tight can negatively impact running performance. You should also ensure all breast tissue is in the cup, avoid tight straps for lift, and check straps or clasps aren't digging in.

What happens if you don’t wear a sports bra when exercising? 

Not wearing a sports bra during exercise can result in breast tenderness and tightness due to the stress on chest muscles and ligaments, says Burke. It can also affect posture, leading to hunching, neck pain, and headaches, as sports bras play a crucial role in supporting the Cooper ligaments responsible for structural integrity.

What kind of sports bra is best for running? 

The best sports bra for running is one that offers enough compression and support to contain your breasts and reduce bounce. All of the sports bras on this list have been wear-tested and are great options for running and other high-impact exercise. 

What sports bras do elite runners wear? 

Professional runners look for the same qualities in a sports bra as the average runner would: a snug and comfortable fit; compression and support to limit bounce; and breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities.

Should I get a sports bra with a phone pocket?

It’s completely up to your own personal preferences. Even if you don’t want to store your phone, a pocket can be useful for stashing other small essentials on the go. 

Do sports bras contain BPA? 

In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it had found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including some sports bras. We stand by our recommendations on this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, is a certified personal trainer, Verywell Fit writer, running coach, and avid runner herself. She has researched and tested countless sports bras for running in her professional and personal life. She loves the fit, coverage, and support of Brooks’ Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 so much that she has it in several different colors.