What to Look for When Shopping for Zip-Front Sports Bras

• Impact Level: Impact level refers to how much compression the bra offers, with lower impact providing less and higher impact providing more. Renelt recommends low-impact sports bras for day-to-day activities like errands, walks, and lounging, and medium-impact options for activities like yoga, dancing, and barre. For workouts like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, and kickboxing, she suggests a high-impact sports bra to help keep your chest comfortably in place.
• Sizing: It's best to look for a zip-front sports bra with bra-like sizing instead of ones sized extra-small and up, says Renelt. This will provide a more tailored fit and better support.
• Cup Style: Renelt says there are three main cup styles to choose from: three- or four-part cups, foam-lined cups, and unlined cups. Three- or four-part cups are ideal for those who prefer a supportive, lifted fit because they have different sections that form a structured shape. Foam-lined cups provide a rounded shape and fit like a T-shirt bra, but keep in mind that these cups don't add additional support, she says. Unlined bras don't have any padding and typically are the most lightweight option.
• Underwire/Wire-Free: Renelt says that underwire and wire-free bras can provide nice support. However, an underwire option will keep your breast tissue separated, while a wire-free sports bra will not, she says.

How We Selected and Tested the Zip-Front Sports Bras

To determine the best zip-front sports bras, we extensively researched dozens of options from top brands and hands-on tested six at home, wearing them during various workouts. When testing zip-front sports bras, we evaluate each based on the following key criteria.

• Fit: When assessing fit, we consider whether the bra rolls up, rides up in the back, or stays in place. Can we place two fingers between the straps and our shoulders? Is the band snug around our ribcage? Do the straps and band feel comfy? Do we notice any pinching or tightness? Zeichner says that friction from garments close to the skin can lead to skin chafing, so we also assess for that, ensuring that our top picks fit properly.
• Support: Is the bra comfortably compressive? Do our breasts stay in place? Is there any spillage? Do we feel any back or shoulder discomfort? We prioritize comfortably supportive zip-front sports bras that evenly distribute the weight of our breast tissue.
• Comfort: When evaluating comfort, we consider how the bra feels during different workouts, from low- to high-intensity. Is the fabric breathable and soft? Is the bra easy to put on and take off? Does our skin show signs of the bra digging in?
• Adjustability: Can we adjust the band and straps so the bra fits us perfectly? Are there hook and loop closures and more than three bra hooks for a more customized fit? We prioritize zip-front sports bras that offer solid adjustability and customization to ensure a comfortable, supportive, and secure fit.
• Durability: When assessing durability, we pay close attention to how well the bra holds up over time, including during various workouts and laundering. Does it maintain its structure? Does it show signs of wear and tear, like pilling, stretching, and fading? Zeichner says it's important to wash your sports bra after every wear, so we prioritize options that stand up well to frequent laundering.
• Value: After evaluating the zip-front sports bras in all other key categories, we check the price. Would we buy the bra for full price? Would we only purchase it on sale? Would we recommend it to loved ones? We prioritize options whose quality exceeds their value.

Our Experts

We spoke with experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us better understand what key features to look for in a high-quality zip-front sports bra and what to avoid. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Andrea Marcellus, fitness expert and founder of And/Life
• Marissa Renelt, assistant buyer at Burlington Stores and former bra fit expert at Bare Necessities
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions 

When should I wear a sports bra? 

Wear a sports bra whenever you work out, whether you're performing low or high-impact exercises, to avoid straining, hanging, and even pain, says Marcellus.

How should a sports bra fit? 

You know your sports bra fits properly if the band rests parallel around you and doesn't ride up at all, says Renelt. If the band rides up, that means your breast tissue is relying on your shoulder straps for support, and your band is too big, she says. If there's pinching on the side of the cup or the center gore (the part in between the cups) isn’t flat against your chest, it could indicate an incorrect cup size, and you likely need to size up. In addition, there shouldn’t be spillage or gapping at the top, sides, or bottom, she adds.

How do I measure myself for a sports bra? 

Renelt suggests measuring yourself for a sports bra using a soft measuring tape while wearing a bra. She says to measure directly underneath the bust to get your band size, then measure at the fullest part of the bust line. Finally, she says to calculate the difference between the bust and band sizes to help you select your proper cup size.

Why is my sports bra giving me a rash?

Zeichner says moisture-wicking fabrics can irritate people with sensitive skin. He adds that the elastics used in compression garments can also potentially cause allergic reactions in these individuals. If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, Zeichner recommends cotton bras or a cotton base layer under your bras. After working out, shower and wash your clothing after every wear, using fragrance- and dye-free detergent, he says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she's dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing.