Best Sports Bras
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Comfort is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a sports bra. If the bra isn’t comfortable, you won’t wind up wearing it, and it’ll probably be a waste of your money. So, make sure that you focus on what you feel makes for a comfortable sports bra, and choose accordingly. A few comfort points that we looked into is if the bra causes chafing, how exposed the seams are, and if the bra is breathable. The straps are also an important thing to look at as well. If the straps are too thin, they may cut into your skin and cause discomfort. Some comfort features are a matter of personal preference, but making sure you feel great when you wear your sports bra is an important concept. If you are anything like me, I am always looking for an excuse to cancel my exercise, and an uncomfortable outfit would be one for me. However, even if you are dedicated and responsible, there's still no reason to not exercise comfortably and confidently.
Features
Various sports bras come with different features. Some bras offer very excellent ventilation systems, and all of the products on our list are designed to be breathable for extra comfort. Also, some bras are convertible, from U-back, T-back, to racerback, and others are not. Some feature wire, while others lack it. The desirability of these features is up to the buyer. Depending on your breast size, an underwire might be a necessity. Another feature that some bras come with is molded cups. These molded cups have a thicker material in the cup area and will keep its shape, even when taken off. We covered the variety of features each product offers on our list above to help you make the right decision for you.
Durability
Durability is usually dictated by the quality of the material you’ll find build into your sports bra. We covered durability when we discussed our products, and also discussed what makes the bras durable. The materials used to make these bras are all over the map, however, one material that won't see much of is cotton. While it is a comfortable fabric, it is not very breathable nor moisture-wicking. A lot of sports bras feature Nylon mixed with another fabric. Nylon is a great material for sports bras because it is durable and weather-resistant. The products here are all quite durable, but you do need to consider checking out materials when you make your decision.
We also considered the reviewer's remarks concerning the durability of the bras. While this still ends up going back to materials, we wanted to know if holes slowly formed or if the bra fell apart in the washing machine.
Value
The value of an item becomes another important factor to consider when you are shopping on a budget. Even if you are not, most people still want a great deal. We covered why each product above was a good value, and also examined durability and cost here. Each criterion comes together here to assess the value of a product and then we compared it to the price tag assigned to the product. The good news is that some of the affordable sports bra options we provided were also very durable and great products, so you’ll still get a great product. Unfortunately, for sports bras, there isn't typically a warranty offered. So, you will need to make sure to read the washing instructions and take care of it properly to ensure it lasts to its full potential.
Top 10 Picks
1. Zensah Seamless
Zensah’s Seamless Running Sports Bra is our favorite choice because of all of the built-in comfort this sports bra offers. You’ll wind up with a lot of support and a bra that works well to keep things together while you are active. You get a nice, soft feel with this bra, and it also works great to ventilate out sweat so you stay dry. You’ll love the breathability offered with this bra, and it also doesn’t come with an expensive price tag. So this is a great bra if you are shopping on a budget.
Read moreComfort
Zensah’s Seamless Running Sports Bra is manufactured with comfort in mind and offers a lot of features that help make this bra feel great whenever you wear it. It comes with a nice, honeycomb texture design that features a lot of ventilation. So the bra wicks away sweat, helping you stay comfortable by keeping you dry. Also, the bra is designed to be seamless so that it won’t rub or chaff, so no skin irritation is involved here, and you also get a bra that is flexible and can move with you.
Features
Zensah’s Seamless Running Sports Bra brings you a lot of nice features with its design. First, its lack of seams makes it a nice choice because it won’t create any type of skin irritation. The fabric also ventilates well to prevent you from overheating, and it also features anti-odor capabilities so you don’t have to worry about any funky smells. Also, you get racerback straps for extra comfort and support.
Durability
This bra is designed out of 94% nylon and 6% spandex materials, meaning you get a high-quality design here that is built to last. The bra is very durable by design, and it is also stretchy and flexible while still being able to retain its shape well. It’s anti-odor technology also makes it durable since it can last a long time without ever smelling terrible. You’ll get a long-lasting bra that always feels comfortable with this product.
Value
This bra isn’t priced too high considering everything it offers. It offers an affordable price for the durability of the design, and the fact that you’ll get a lot of use out of this bra also makes it a good purchase option and a great investment. With all the comfort offered with this bra, you won’t want to take it off, and you’ll love the way it feels.
2. CW-X PerformX
CW-X’s PerformX Running Bra is a nice option if you prefer a pullover sports bra with a lot of stability and comfort. And, with its great design, this bra isn’t too thick so you won’t feel like you are stuck sweating inside of it. Plus, you get a nice “support web” in each cup that helps keep the bouncing down. The fabric is also made to be lightweight and features a smooth design to prevent chafing and skin irritation, while the bra also features a lot of nice ventilation so you don’t need to worry about feeling like you are drowning in your own sweat.
Read moreComfort
CW-X’s PerformX Running Bra is designed with a lot of comforts and offers a nice support web in each cup to keep bouncing down. Also, the fabric is very smooth and doesn’t chafe or irritate the skin even on very long runs or workouts. The seams are designed to be flat so that there is no irritation, and you get a lot of support with this nice design. Plus, you’ll get plenty of breathability and ventilation with this bra’s design, keeping you dry even when you are very active.
Features
CW-X’s PerformX Running Bra offers a lot of great features that help make this a high-quality sports bra option for women. First, you get a lot of support in this design and the support web cups that keep the bounce down. The flat seams and soft materials reduce skin irritation. You’ll also get a mesh back panel that ventilates well so you get plenty of breathability and comfort. You’ll love all the features and how great they work together to make this bra feel excellent whenever you wear it.
Durability
CW-X’s PerformX Running Bra is designed with durable materials. The materials in this bra are mostly synthetic and work well to be smooth on the inside of the bra. Also, the seams are made to be flat, which adds to the durability. The bra also features 4-way stretch Coolmax fabric which adds to the breathability and flexibility of the bra but also makes the bra last for a very long time.
Value
This bra is affordably priced considering what you get with it. It is built to last so you won’t have to replace it anytime soon, and you’ll be able to use it for a long time. It provides plenty of great comfort and support, too, and it comes with an affordable price tag. So, considering the durability and design, this is a great product choice.
3. Panache Non Wired
Panache’s Non-Wired Sports Bra is designed more for women with C-E cups and is a very popular choice amongst those women. The bra has a nice, stylish look to it, which is one reason why it is popular, but it’s also very comfortable. It has an easy-to-use back closure and features a lot of breathabilities as well so you won’t have to worry about overheating when you work out. Also, there are cushioned straps on this bra, which make it feel great whenever you wear it.
Read moreComfort
Panache’s Non-Wired Sports Bra has a lot of nice comfort concepts featured in the bra. First, you get cushioned straps that are very comfortable and can be converted to racer-back if you prefer. Also, the material used in this bra is designed to breathe well, so you won’t have to feel uncomfortable in your own sweat. It also features a closure at the back that is cushioned, and the cups are seam-free to present rubbing.
Features
Panache’s Non-Wired Sports Bra comes with a lot of nice features added to the design. We like all the cushioning in the straps, and also really like the fact that this bra is easy to adjust and convert into racer-back if you prefer that style. Plus, the bra is very breathable and has a seam-free design that prevents rubbing and chaffing. The bra also helps reduce any bounce problems and provides a lot of great support.
Durability
Panache’s Non-Wired Sports Bra features durable materials. This bra is comprised out of 45% polyamide, 39% polyester, and 16% elastane materials, which means it is designed to be flexible and comfortable, but those materials also add to its durable qualities. It features a nice convertible system and anti-bounce technology which also adds to the lifespan of the product itself. You’ll get a lot of use out of this well-designed bra.
Value
This bra is priced moderately and is on the average price scale for a high-quality sports bra. So, it isn’t overly expensive, and it’s still a good value choice because of the durability that comes with this bra. You’ll have this bra for some time before you’ll need to worry about replacing it. You’ll also benefit from its nice, comfortable design.
4. Le Mystere Wire-Free
Le Mystere’s Wire-Free Sports Bra has a cute and unique look to it for a sports bra since its adorable design is quite eye-catching. However, regardless of the fashionable look, you get with this bra, it is a great option for running and training and helps provide you with the support and comfort you’ll want while you are active. You get a breathable bra that also helps keep the heat and sweat off your breasts, and the cups also have a moisture-wicking fabric in them. With its racerback style, this bra will both look and feel great when you wear it.
Read moreComfort
Le Mystere’s Wire-Free Sports Bra features a design that offers a lot of comfort and support while you are active. The cups are designed to be wire-free, which makes them feel great, and they also have moisture-wicking technology in them. There are more mesh panels on the back for excellent ventilation. Also, the shoulder straps come padded for extra comfort, and the bra won’t rub or create any problems for your skin.
Features
Le Mystere’s Wire-Free Sports Bra has some innovative features designed into it that include moisture-wicking cups that help boost the breathability of the bra. You’ll also find mesh in the back in this bra for more ventilation. Plus, the cups are wire-free and you get padded shoulder straps as well. The bra comes in a racerback style and offers a lot of support and comfort, making it a nice choice.
Durability
This bra is comprised out of 72% nylon, 28% spandex, some mesh, 70% nylon, and 30% spandex. This unique combination of materials makes the bra both comfortable and breathable, but also adds to the durability of the bra. This bra is designed to handle a lot of abuse during workouts while still giving you all the comfort and support you need while you are active. So, it is built to last you for a very long time.
Value
You will get a bra that runs in the average price range for a decent sports bra. So, this isn’t the most affordable choice, but it also isn’t overly expensive. Plus, with its durable design, you’ll be able to use it for quite some time, and that makes it a good investment. You’ll also enjoy all the comfort and support you’ll get with this bra.
5. Nux New Strappy
Nux’s New Strappy Bra gives you a wide color variety and a unique, fashionable design you’ll love. It also comes with a lot of built-in comforts, and you get some nice-looking straps as well as a great look overall so that you don’t even need to wear a shirt with this bra—since this bra doesn’t look like underwear anyway. It is very comfortable and made with a very soft fabric that won’t rub or irritate your skin at all. Also, this bra helps to hold things together and keep them in place, which adds a lot of comfort to the design.
Read moreComfort
Nux’s New Strappy Bra is designed with a racerback style, and features cushioned double straps for extra support. The straps are also adjustable so that you can get the perfect fit and always feel great when you wear this bra. Also, the fabric is very soft and won’t rub or create any type of skin irritation, so you will hardly notice you are even wearing them. You’ll get all the support you need, and a great feeling as well when you wear this bra for your runs or workouts.
Features
This bra offers several great features that add to its overall comfort and design. The bra is breathable and features a nice ventilation system, so you won’t have to worry about overheating when you wear it and work out in it. Also, you can remove the cups if you want to, or use them for the extra support they provide, and never have to worry about things bouncing around or getting in the way. Also, racerback design is a nice option for more comfort.
Durability
Comprised out of 93% nylon and 7% spandex, you get a bra that is built for flexibility, support, and comfort, but its high-quality materials also make it quite durable. You’ll get a bra that is made with a nice feeling fabric and feels great against the skin, but that fabric also makes the bra last for a long time. You won’t need to worry about replacing the bra anytime soon, and you’ll enjoy the comfort and nice feel you’ll get with it.
Value
This bra is priced moderately, so it falls in the average price range. It isn’t overly expensive, but it also isn’t on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Considering the durability you’ll get with the bra, however, it is a good investment and you’ll have the bra for some time. Also, you’ll love the comfortable feeling when you are active.
6. Champion Spot Comfort
If you are tired of squeezing in and out of a sports bra that goes on over your head, take a look at this next option. This supportive bra from Champion features a hook and eye back closure with adjustable straps. The bra is available in nearly every size but is especially great for those with large breasts. Champion says that this bra gives maximum support to C and D cup sizes and high support to DD and DDD cup sizes.
Read moreComfort
This scoop-shaped bra from Champion has found the balance between an everyday bra and a supportive sports bra. The straps are adjustable and feature a comfortable gel padding. The straps are slightly thick, as well, which helps keep them from digging into your back or shoulders. Some reviewers have claimed that there is a bit of a break-in or “softening” period with this bra. There are a couple of spots among the fabric that can rub on your skin the first couple of times you wear it.
Features
One of the most praised features of this sports bra is the fact that you don’t have to shimmy it on or off over your head! This sports bra has a hook and eye closure with three with settings. The cups are molded to provide comfort and a nice shape. Additionally, there are mesh panels added strategically to allow for breathability.
Durability
This sports bra is made from a Nylon and Spandex blend. There is a V-shaped panel on the front that features slightly more spandex, allowing for a comfortable fit, especially for those with larger breasts. From the overall construction and reviews, this seems to be a very durable option. The stitching is strong and the fabric provides a great amount of elasticity.
Value
The price of this bra changes depending on the size and color that you choose. It is available in 26 different colors and more sizes than you think of. Considering the durability and support that this bra provides, we think the moderate price makes it a steal.
7. Brooks UpLift Crossback
From the Up Collection from Brooks, this sports bra features wide mesh straps and great breathability. This is the middle size from the collection and is best for C or D cup sizes. This bra is available in five different colors and features compression qualities for added support.
Read moreComfort
Once you get used to the compression fit of this sports bra, it is very comfortable. The fabric offers four-way stretch and moves with your body, without chafing. The molded cups are seam-free and offer great support without weighing you down. The back of the bra features crossed straps that are made from mesh and the bottom band is soft and doesn’t cut into your skin.
Features
The molded cups of this sports bra provide you with great support and shape. The DriLayer fabric and mesh straps have great wicking-power and absorb and evaporate your sweat almost instantaneously. While you do still have to pull this bra on and off over your head, the back features a J-hook closure to make it easier. This particular bra is made for C/D cup sizes. This is one of three sports bras in the Up Collection. For smaller breasts, there is the UpRise Sports Bra, and for larger breasts, Brooks made the UpHold (DD-E).
Durability
The body of this sports bra is made from Polyester and Spandex. The cups themselves are made from Polyester. This duo provides you with snugness and compression in the right areas. Polyester is a strong fabric and overall, customers agree that this bra is durable. It is always recommended to hand wash it, but when that isn’t possible, you can throw it in a garment bag and wash it on the gentle cycle.
Value
The price of this sports bra is slightly higher than others but nothing to gawk at. It comes with great support and breathability, as well as the well-known Brooks Running name. It is available in five attractive colors, allowing you to choose something that matches your personality and feel confident while exercising.
8. Salomon Medium Impact
Salomon’s Medium Impact Bra is a nice option for a sports bra if you want a lot of breathability and comfort. This bra features a lot of nice mesh panels in great areas, like under the arms and between the breasts, and also is made of moisture-wicking material. Plus, this bra is a pullover design, which means it is easy to get on and off and you won’t have to worry about clips or hooks. You’ll get a lot of comfort and support for all of your workouts with this bra.
Read moreComfort
Salomon’s Medium Impact Bra is designed with comfort in mind. First, you get a lot of ventilation with this bra, since it has several mesh panels in important areas that help you to breathe and ensure you won’t be soaking in your own sweat. You also get a nice extra-wide bottom band with this bra, and that gives a lot of support and comfort. The material is lightweight, and the bra feels great when you are active.
Features
Salomon’s Medium Impact Bra offers a lot of neat features that any woman looking for a great sports bra would enjoy. First, you get a seamless bra that won’t rub or chafe that includes a fabric made to ventilate well and also feel soft. You also get the ability to adjust the bra easily so it fits well, and the pullover design makes it easy to get the bra on and off. You’ll love the flexibility and lightweight design that this bra offers.
Durability
This bra is comprised out of 100% other fibers, but those fibers are designed to be moisture-wicking and seamless. That means this bra is also very durable since it has high-quality materials that ventilate and also provide a lot of support as you move. Plus, with the pullover design, you won’t have to worry much about hooks breaking or anything poking out through your shirt while you stay active.
Value
This bra is priced quite affordable for what it offers and costs a bit less when compared to some of our other product options. Considering its low-cost, it also comes with a durable, long-lasting design, so you’ll get a lot of use out of this bra, too. That means this bra is a great investment, and you’ll also really enjoy how comfortable this bra feels when you are active.
9. Natori Contour Convertible
Natori has been in the lingerie business for a long time and if anyone knows about the female form, it’s Natori. Natori is considered a luxury brand and the price of this bra reflects that. This form-fitting and attractive bra is available in 15 different colors/prints and may just be your new favorite.
Read moreComfort
This is a form-fitting bra with stretch foam cups and an underwire. It offers a lot of support, especially to those with larger breasts size. The underwire doesn’t seem to many reviewers. Many women have ordered this bra in multiple colors and enjoy using it as an everyday bra as well. It does offer full-coverage, so you wouldn’t be able to easily wear it with a low-cut shirt. One of the few complaints that we have come across is that the straps can cause slight chafing on your back.
Features
One of the most talked-about features of this sports bra is the adjustability of the straps. They can be adjusted for length and they can also be adjusted to turn this U-shaped sports bra into a cross-back sports bra. As for the closure of bra, there is an adjustable three hook and eye closure. You won’t have to struggle and squeeze to get this bra on and off. Another “attractive” feature of this bra is the fact that it has two inner cups and provides you with a more attractive shape and definition. Reviewers say that this prevents “uni-boob.”
Durability
This sports bra is made from Coolmax Polyester and a Lycra-Spandex blend. It is strong enough to handle high impact exercise and minimize bounce. There have been some complaints about the stitching of the sports bra not being very strong, but that is another reason that these bras as always recommended for hand-washing.
Value
This is definitely one of the higher-priced items on our list. For the comfort and support that this bra provides, at this price, we would expect a bit more durability. However, it is available in 15 different colors/patterns and is loved by many. This is a great option if you are looking for a sports bra with an underwire.
10. Anita 5544 Active Air Control
Anita’s 5544 Active Air Control Wire-Free Sports Bra is designed to give a lot of support even for those with larger breasts, while at the same time, offering a lot of ventilation and breathability. Typically bras made for larger breasts don’t breathe as well, but you won’t have that problem at all with this bra. It is designed with an all-mesh design that helps cut back on heat and sweat, meaning you will feel a lot of comforts. Also, the bra features some terry cloth lining that helps keep the moisture away from your skin. You also won’t have to worry about any bouncing issues with this bra.
Read moreComfort
Anita’s 5544 Active Air Control Wire-Free Sports Bra is designed with comfort in mind. It is wire-free and has a great design for women with larger cup sizes that offer a lot of remarkable ventilation. This bra has mesh throughout it and moisture-wicking fabric, so the bra will easily get rid of the sweat and keep you dry. Also, it has a light terrycloth lining which helps keep the sweat off of your skin. You also get a bra that is easy to adjust for maximum comfort.
Features
Anita’s 5544 Active Air Control Wire-Free Sports Bra offers several nice features that make this a great all-around bra option. Designed with a lot of ventilation, this bra is very breathable and works well to keep the sweat out and away from your skin. This bra also does a great job of controlling bounce with its individual cup design. The bra won’t slip around and does a great job of making you feel great while you are active.
Durability
This bra is designed out of elastane, mesh, nylon, and polyester materials, mostly for the great ventilation and comfort that this bra provides. However, these materials are also high-quality and very durable, so you’ll get a long-lasting bra that is very durable and can last easily for some time. You won’t need to worry about replacing this bra anytime soon.
Value
This bra is priced on the more expensive end of things, but it is still a nice option for a sports bra considering what you get when you purchase it. It is durable and long-lasting, so that helps add to its value. Also, it provides a lot of great support and comfort, which is something you’ll love having if you decide to purchase it.
Sources
- The Best Sports Bras of 2017, Informatiional Running Website ,
- https://www.runnersworld.com/running-gear/the-best-sports-bras-of-2017, Informational Running Website ,
- The Best Sports Bras for Every Body Type, Informational Running Website ,
- 10 BEST SPORTS BRAS, Fashion Buying Guide ,