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September 2026 Update: We spent the summer months testing 9 new sports bras and comparing them to the 81 bras we’ve already tested. We kept some tried-and-true standouts, like the perfectly simple Tracksmith Run Bra and the great-value Nike Swoosh Medium Support. We found a new sports bra we loved wearing on its own—the Athleta Circuit Train Bra—and added a race day pick—the Bandit Stamina Scoop Neck Race Crop—for its smart pocketing and overall compressive, performance-oriented comfort. Fall marathon, anyone?
With a ridiculous number of sports bras on the market, finding the right one for you can be tough. We’ve spent hours running, hiking, biking, strength training, climbing, and basically living in new sports bras over the past three years to home in on the best combinations of fabric, support, and styling.
Best Sports Bras: At a Glance
The Reviews
Best Value
Nike Swoosh Medium Support
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Pros and Cons
+ Fixed cups mean no pads to lose
+ Durable, long-lasting comfort
– Pads, if you’re not a fan of them
One tester has been wearing an earlier version of this sports bra for close to 20 years. “It’s been all over the world while keeping me comfortable running, cycling, hiking, Nordic skiing, and more,” she says. The simple pull-on bra wicks sweat and stays comfortable for hours. The newest version of this do-anything, durable bra comes with built-in light padding (no slipping, no losing the padding in the wash) and is made from sustainable, recycled polyester materials. Its $42 price point makes it among the least expensive sports bras out there, and while it’s classified as “medium support,” it can function as high support across a range of activities for smaller chest sizes. It also lasts for-e-ver.
Fastest Drying Sports Bra
Patagonia Live Simply Bra
Sizes: XXS–XL
Pros and Cons
+ Minimal and comfortable
+ Dries extremely quickly
– Can fit a little loose under the arms
We’ve worn this bra while hiking in 106-degree heat, during sweaty weight-lifting sessions, while running in all sorts of weather, and while jumping in and out of lakes. This great sports bra remained comfortable throughout all of those athletic activities and even while working at a desk for hours.
Its bonded seam construction lies flat and smooth with zero irritation, and the extremely lightweight, soft, 100 percent polyester tricot fabric dries ridiculously quickly (the fastest-drying bra we’ve measured in the lab). We appreciated that, along with the antimicrobial treatment (HeiQ Mint), it combated odors when we kept the bra on after workouts. Because it doesn’t contain Spandex, the comfortable sports bra isn’t as supportive as some others, but it also doesn’t stretch out as much. It’s best for low-impact activities or for A-C cups.
Best for Large Chests
Title Nine AC Sports Bra
Sizes: 32-40, B-F
Pros and Cons
+ Ventilates well
+ Can be worn as an everyday bra
– Mesh panels could be softer
– Pricey
Our C-cup-and-up testers appreciated how this bra both supported them and breathed remarkably well. The sports bra supports without the assistance of underwire, and without creating a uni-boob. The soft, curved band lies comfortably against the skin and transitions to meshy paneling that separates the breasts. Two padded triangle inserts enhance coverage, and adjustable shoulder straps help dial in the fit. Testers noted that the bra gave them a “feminine shape,” which can be hard to come by in a sports bra.
“This is a bra you can wear for an endurance workout or intense gym session,” said a tester. “You can even wear it under work clothes for a midday workout without anyone suspecting you’re wearing a sports bra.” Testers did note that the mesh can feel scratchy, especially during prolonged wear, but they liked how well the bra breathes and the combination of minimalist feel with maximal support.
Best Sports Bra with Phone Pocket
Rabbit Hydration Trail Bra
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
+ Carries phone or fluids comfortably
+ Lined with odor-fighting material
– Runs small
Even if this sports bra didn’t carry anything, we’d love it for its compressive support, comfort, wicking ability, and odor-resistant lining. But we loved it even more for the ingenious, convenient way it comfortably holds the included 250mL soft flask or a phone.
On their own, the bra’s soft, slightly padded shoulder straps ranked high in comfort, and testers praised the interior pads for staying in place. Using the pocket for hydration was perfect for short summer runs when we needed fluids but wanted to skip the running vest or handheld bottle. And among all the bras we’ve tested for carrying our phones, this is the most comfortable overall, holding it without bouncing and providing easy access.
“I’ve run, mountain biked, hiked, road biked, and walked in this bra in temps ranging from 40s to 80s, and it has excelled at keeping me comfortable in all conditions,” said a tester.
Best Sports Bra for Race Day
Bandit Stamina Scoop Neck Race Crop
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
+ Multiple pockets for storage
+ Crop length feels racy
– Narrow phone pocket requires futzing
As soon as we pulled on this crop-style sports bra, we felt fast and ready to charge. The compression from the polyester/spandex blend, combined with an interior shelf bra, proved plenty supportive for fast efforts, and the material breathed well and dried quickly. “I had zero chafing, even in hot conditions,” raved a tester. Multiple testers of all ages and speeds reported that they didn’t like crop tops until wearing this bra.
Three pockets provide ample, secure storage. We liked the center back pocket for stashing our phones—it does a great job minimizing movement and is “surprisingly comfortable and effective,” said a tester. (The narrow cut of the pocket, however, requires some futzing to slide the phone into.) Side mesh pockets work great for gels, keys, or other small items.
Best Simple Running Bra
Tracksmith Run Bra
Sizes: XS–XL
Pros and Cons
+ Luxurious fabric feels great
+ Dries quickly
– Supportive up to B+ cup only
We’ve been reaching for this bra for several seasons now, and it’s become a classic part of our running kit. The premium Italian materials — a high-stretch nylon/elastane blend — strike the perfect balance between stretch and support while feeling fantastic against the skin. Not only does the material wick sweat and dry rapidly, but it also maintains its shape, even through frequent use.
The thick elastic rib band provides additional support and features Tracksmith’s signature racing stripe that—honestly—makes us want to run fast.
Best High-Impact Sports Bra
Athleta Interval Sports Bra
Sizes: XS-3X, A-C, D-DD
Pros and Cons
+ Multiple size options
+ Zero chafing
– Can be difficult to get on and off
The recycled polyester/elastane blend of this sports bra is smooth and luxurious against the skin, breathes well, and wicks moisture away efficiently. The cut-out design on the back improves airflow and adds style. We found this design provides a balanced level of support and compression, making it highly effective for all kinds of high-impact activities. One tester commented, “I absolutely hate feeling like my boobs are bouncing around when I run, but this one delivers.” The Interval Bra comes in many size combinations, which allowed us to find just the right fit.
Best Low Impact Sports Bra
Left on Friday Flex Tank
Sizes: XS–XL
Pros and Cons
+ Luxurious material
+ Great-looking on its own
– Could be more breathable
– Gaps a little at the low back
Swimwear veteran Left on Friday enters the sports bra arena with this cropped top featuring a built-in shelf bra. Crafted from the brand’s buttery-soft blend of nylon and Lycra, this top feels fantastic against the skin.
Its aesthetic appeal makes it a go-to for yoga, Pilates, hiking, and more. “I will SUP in this for sure and meditate on the dock in the sun,” said a tester. “It’s so cute that I’ll wear it both on its own to hike and layered under an SPF button-down. I can imagine unbuttoning or removing the shirt altogether and still looking clothed. I’ll also pack it for adventure travel because it’s so versatile and packable with the promise of quick-dry.” Another tester highlighted the premium construction. “This fabric is incredibly smooth and silky. This feels totally high-end and sophisticated. It feels snugly compressive, but not tight.”
Note: This bra is best for A-B cups, and maybe C-cups during low-impact activities.
Best Sports Bra with Sewn-in Padding
Brooks Chaser Padded Bra
Sizes: XS–XXL
Pros and Cons
+ Good-looking on its own
+ Sewn-in padding doesn’t budge
– Not as quick-drying as some
We were excited about this bra before we even put it on; its dashing good looks, soft materials, and flat seams promised a perfect blend of comfort and style. In the field, it didn’t disappoint. Testers across the board found this bra flattering and functional. “This is a very comfortable bra!” exclaimed one who wore it for running and yoga.
The crossover straps are a highlight, offering extra support with a stylish flair. We especially adore the sewn-in padding: It’s the ideal thickness and doesn’t budge like removable padding tends to (driving us insane).
“This bra is supportive enough without squishing or giving that monoboob look,” said a C-cup tester. “It’s easy to get on and bounce around in and still feel supported.”
Best Sports Bra for Wearing with a Pack
Pruzan Hourglass Marathon Bra
Sizes: XS–XL
Pros and Cons
+ Breathable mesh liner
+ Crop cut looks good when worn on its own
– Outline of removable pads shows through
The Pruzan Hourglass Marathon Bra impressed us with its thoughtful construction, particularly the thick shoulder straps and flat seams that sit flush and chafe-free under a hydration vest. The seemingly simple pullover racerback combines a compressive nylon/elastane outer shell with a strong but soft elastic rib band to provide reliable support for medium- to high-impact activities.
The interior is lined with a breathable mesh that wicks moisture efficiently, while a generous keyhole cutout maximizes airflow across the back.
“This bra is up to the task of supporting your chest on longer runs without one hint of chafing and without feeling restrictive,” said a tester. “This bra has impressive support and looks good,” said another.
Best Sports Bra for Wearing on Its Own
Athleta Circuit Train Bra
Sizes: XS-XL, A-C to DD+
Pros and Cons
+ Comes in multiple size and cup options
+ Good value
– Paper tag rubs (but can be cut out)
Made out of a highly compressive recycled polyester/elastane blend, the Athleta Circuit Bra proved supportive across a range of activities. It’s lined with a light mesh paneling that wicks sweat away from our skin, keeping us comfortable. “This is a cute bra that worked as hard as me in the studio, the gym, and on runs and hikes,” said a tester. “It doesn’t bunch or pull and has no uncomfortable spots (aside from the tag which I quickly cut out), no matter what a workout brings.”
We liked the feel of the wide shoulder straps and bottom band, and loved the interesting look of the backside—two thin straps on the right, one thick on the left. The cute styling stood out enough for us to single this bra out as our favorite for wearing on its own.
Most Versatile Sports Bra
Salomon Shkout CORE Bra
Sizes: XS-XL
Pros and Cons
+ Smooth seams make it comfortable under a pack
+ Can be worn on its own comfortably
– Longer shoulder straps don’t work for everyone
This is a bra we keep reaching for, no matter the activity. It’s a simple compression bra made from a polyester/elastane blend that’s soft against the skin and has just the right amount of stretch. Smooth, flat seams mitigated chafing, whether under a pack in dry Colorado or in the East Coast humidity.
We like the absence of hooks or loops on the back, which didn’t compromise the great fit for testers of a variety of sizes and shapes. “I wore this running, hiking with a backpack, lifting weights, doing yoga, and going to Pilates,” said a tester. “It was comfortable for all activities, stayed put, kept my chest where it belonged, and looked good on its own or peeking out from my tank top.”
How to Choose the Best Sports Bra
When shopping for sports bras, you need to consider four factors: intended usage, comfort, support, and breathability.
Usage
Are you looking for a bra to wear on its own or under your clothes? Will you be wearing it with a running hydration pack or hiking backpack? Do you want to be able to do yoga, Pilates, or other exercises on your back (so you don’t want clasps or hooks back there)? Do you need your bra to carry your phone (or do you always wear a pack or pockets elsewhere)?
Comfort
Comfort is personal. Nothing can replace trying on the bra to ensure it fits your body and the fabric feels good against your skin. Each brand sizes their bras differently, so be sure to try on a range of sizes.
Support
When it comes to support, different sports bra categories like “low impact” and “medium support” can be confusing because brands define them differently, and the amount of support needed for various activities varies by individual. In general, sports bras marketed for low-impact activities like yoga, hiking, or cycling will offer less support and technical features than those for high-impact activities, like running or HIIT classes. On the flip side, sports bras designed to offer higher support may be less breathable and more constricting.
If you have a small cup size, you may find that low- and medium-support sports bras work perfectly well for high-impact activities, but women with larger cup sizes often need those “high support” sports bras even for some low-impact activities. Whatever you choose, know that the bra’s underband—the most important part for support—should fit securely but not so tightly that you can’t breathe. The straps should not dig into your skin or leave red marks when you take the bra off.
Breathability
Too much sweat buildup in a sports bra is not only uncomfortable but also unhygienic, trapping bacteria on your skin and back. Sport-specific fabric blends—often made with polyester, nylon, or merino wool—should have strong moisture-wicking properties, and bras made of thinner fabric will allow more heat and perspiration to pass through.
How We Tested Sports Bras
- Number of testers: 13
- Number of bras tested: 9 this season, 90 total
- Hours working out in test bras: 800+
- Toughest testing conditions: Running and scrambling on Corsica’s 120-mile GR20 trail. Close second: Two hours of whitewater paddling, followed by hiking from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim with a full backpack.
Over the past four seasons, we’ve put 90 sports bras through their paces. Our testing grounds have included everything from road and trail running, mountain biking, and HIIT to lower-impact activities like alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, yoga, chasing toddlers (or teenagers), and even sleeping. This season, we tested 9 new sports bras daily over four months, mostly during a severely hot summer. We then measured their performance against past category winners. For a sports bra to make our short-list, at least two testers had to agree on its comfort and functionality. From there, we narrowed down the contenders based on sport-specific performance, style, and value.
Meet Our Lead Tester
Lisa Jhung lives and works in Boulder, Colorado, where she writes, edits, and tests gear by participating in a variety of outdoor winter sports, including running (road, trail, and full-on mountain), Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and dog walking. She also does yoga and lifts weights, sometimes by carrying flagstones around her yard and doing overhead squats and chest presses with a digging bar. She likes to get sh** done while strength training.
- About the Author
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I have worked in the environmental education field for over 20 years, including work at zoos, aquariums, nature centers, and now state parks. My goal over the years has been to help people connect with nature and the animals that live there. I love taking people who find nature scary or intimidating and showing them how fun it can be. I have worked with wolves, cougars, monkeys, snakes, alligators, and sharks. My mom keeps asking me why I work with predators so much. She wishes I’d work with bunnies instead!
I love reading, scuba diving, kayaking, and anything else that involves water. I am not much of a hiker, but I love sitting in the forest and listening to the wind. I will travel anywhere you want me to go, and I genuinely believe seeing how others live, and love is the best way to understand others. One of my favorite memories is when I was accepted into a wolf pack that I worked with as a teenager. Two juvenile males sandwiched me between them and gave me a hug-—nothing like being the middle of a wolf sandwich!
