8 best sports bras to help you run, skip and jump with bounce-free confidence

Finding the best bras is tricky enough, let alone the best sports bras. It feels that by throwing the word 'sports' into the mix shopping becomes an even more complex ball game. Ironic, as you might well be after a new bra to play ball games in…

The main focus of a sports bra is to keep your best assets close to your chest, holding them towards your body so they don’t get in the way or, worse, cause you pain as you exercise. 

This added support can be provided in a variety of different ways, but the most popular methods are through wide shoulder straps, supportive racerbacks or underwiring. There's also the question of whether to buy a bra that supports your bust through encapsulation or compression too. Or indeed, a bounce-proof blend of both technologies. 

Some sports bras, like the Panache Sports Moulded Underwired Bra, earn extra brownie points by providing all of the above in one stylish and, most importantly, comfortable package. All you need is a pair of the best leggings to complete the look. 

So, whether you're pounding the pavements on a 10k, flowing through your sun salutations or getting sweaty in an aerobics class, these are the best sports bras to invest in right now...

Best sports bras to shop now

If you’re looking for a sports bra that will support your boobs without compressing them, then this is the one for you. The light padding, underwiring and moulded cups work together to ensure there’s no need to compromise on shape. 

Comfort is at the front and centre of all the design details, from the pillowy-soft straps to seam-free inner cups. The washing instructions have even been printed directly on to the band to negate the need for niggling labels. 

Wear as a classic bra with the straps straight for a session on your yoga mat, or take advantage of the racerback clip for sweaty HIIT classes and long runs. 

Crafted from lightweight, breathable fabric with perforated mesh sides, this is a bra that works hard to keep you cool. Even better, both the cups and band are lined with a super-soft towelling cloth for maximum comfort.

Free from padding, the cups on the Anita Active Extreme Control Sports Bra are made in three separate parts. This not only ensures each breast is fully encapsulated in the cup for spill-proof support, but creates a rounded feminine shape. Housing three sets of hook and eye fastenings, the wide back band is bulkier than your average bra, but worth it for the high-level support.

More like a crop top than a bra, this medium-support style uses a super-stretchy elastane blend fabric to secure your bust. The bulk of the support comes from the racerback, distributing the weight of your boobs while still offering full flexibility of movement.

As you’d expect from Adidas, the fabric is tech-focused, teaming a power-mesh lining with moisture-absorbing properties to keep you cool and comfortable no matter how sweaty your workout. 

Cleverly concealed at the sides, the removable padding gives you the option to boost your bust. Especially handy if you have different sized boobs – you could always leave one in and take one out, to even things up. 

Active types, listen up. The Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra is your ultimate high-support solution for a wide range of exercises and sports. Its key selling point is the fully-opening, double-clasp back, letting you put bra on and take it off with ease, without compromising on racerback support. The only slight downside is that the top clasp is a little fiddly to secure.

Wire- and padding-free, this bra holds your boobs close to your body for bounce-free support. The shoulder straps are padded for maximum comfort, and relatively narrow for a sports bra, meaning they can be easily disguised under the straps of your workout vest. 

If you’re looking to make more sustainable fashion choices, this sports bra is a big leap in the right direction. By using upcycled polyamide to create their Zahara style, Tala saves 28 litres of water and 1.5kg of CO2 compared with non-upcycled polyamide. Impressive, eh?

Thanks to the high neck and zip, this style is seriously sporty and a fun way to upgrade your workout wardrobe. It is bulky, though, so would be best worn as a top as opposed to layered under a vest or T-shirt. The compression fit works together with removable padding to keep your chest under wraps as you enjoy your exercise. 

One for the yoga bunnies, this fuss-free bra will keep your bust perfectly in place as you flow through your sun salutations. The adjustable back strap guarantees the perfect fit and, as it’s narrow, is nice and easy to disguise beneath your gym top.

The double layered fabric means this sports bra dries in record time – something fans of hot yoga will appreciate. 

As it’s been designed with smaller boobs in mind, it won’t offer enough support for bigger busts to exercise in. Having said that, if you’re looking for a cosy sleep bra or something to wear around the house, then this might just be for you. 

Did you know Falke do leggings too? See our full Falke Impulse Running Tights review  

Helping to take the weight off your shoulders for medium-impact exercise, Sweaty Betty’s Stamina Sports Bra has racked up more than 1,000 reviews in order to achieve it’s 4.4 star status. 

As you’d expect from Sweaty Betty, this not only works well, but looks good, too, thanks to the wide colour choice and stand-out waffle detailing. Much more than a design detail, the waffle fabric has been placed across the back, chest and sizes to help with breathability. Team that with sweat-wicking fabric, and you’ve got yourself a dry, comfortable workout.

This bra works by compressing your breasts close to your body, while the seamless edges minimise the risk of rubbing or chaffing. 

Brilliant for keeping bigger busts under wraps during bouncy cardio sessions, this bra encapsulates each breast into a separate cup for targeted support. 

Specially designed to avoid sore shoulders, the fully adjustable straps are packed full of padding. They can be easily cross-crossed, too, for a firmer fit. 

Lightweight and breathable, the mesh fabric helps to move moisture away from the body, leaving you cool and dry. 

If you’re wearing your bra in place of a top, some colourways even feature light-reflective patterns, helping to keep you visible when running in the dark. 

How to find the best sports bra for you

To find a sports bra that provides bounce and jiggle-free support (and you don't need to be a master contortionist to wiggle into) you'll need to consider three key factors...

• Fit: Sports bras need to fit tighter than everyday bras to provide extra support. But not so snug that it restricts movement or breathing.
• Impact: The amount of support you need depends on what you're up to. Low impact refers to slow moving activities like walking and weights training. High impact covers the likes of sprint training and burpees. Medium impact is anything in-between – think dancing, cycling or jogging. 
• Compression vs encapsulation: There are two key terms to look out for when shopping for a sports bra: compression and encapsulation. Compression works by drawing your breasts into your chest, while encapsulation refers to the way in which sports bras hold the breasts within two separate cups. The latter is best suited to bigger busts, but some bras offer a mix of both, for extra-firm hold.