Finding a pick of the best sports bras for you can be a tricky endeavour. Unlike a regular bra, there's so much more to consider, and while there are many designs and brands to discover, not every type will be suitable for everyone.
What size you are, what support you're looking for, and personal preferences like style and colour will determine which sports bra is best for you. But as well as choosing the specific sports bra, you'll need to bear these three factors in mind when deciding where to buy a sports bra as some brands cater to some styles more than others.
Here, we outline the three types of sports bras you can consider when looking for your perfect fit, along with a few tried-and-tested, woman&home-approved favourites in each category to consider from top names like Sweaty Betty, Pour Moi, Panache, and Shock Absorber.
The quick list
We typically think of compression styles when we think of a sports bra: designed like a crop top and pulled on over the head, often with racerback support. They hold breasts tight to the chest to prevent movement for those with smaller cup sizes (A to C), although there are lower-impact options for those with larger chests.
Better suited for those above a C-cup, an encapsulation design supports each breast individually in an underwired structure - but it's not as uncomfortable as it sounds. This style is often secured at the back with a traditional hook-and-eye closure and may come with padded inserts on the cups.
The best choice for those wanting a high-intensity sports bra, as the name suggests, combination or hybrid designs offer the best of both worlds - encapsulation and compression. Also secured with a hook-and-eye closure, sometimes with an additional J-hook on the shoulder straps to turn the single straps into a racerback for further support.
Best sports bras
Compression
A compression sports bra is often the type we think of when we think of a sports bra. "It tends to come in a crop top style that you pull over your head and compresses breast tissue close to the body to minimise unwanted movement," says Jess Grace, expert bra fitter at Boobydoo, a specialist sports bra website.
Most suitable for those with A to C cup size, a compression sports bra is designed to support those with smaller chests.
You can buy compression sports bras in many different styles, making it a suitable design for all kinds of exercise, from low-impact yoga and Pilates to gym workouts. While many people do higher impact exercise in compression bras, given that it's the most popular type sold, it may not be the best choice for workouts like running where you have a little more bounce to deal with. Instead, encapsulation or hybrid styles may be a better option.
The Sweaty Betty Stamina Sports Bra is one of the best compression options for those D-cup and below - and it's often found in the Sweaty Betty sale. This design features waffle-textured fabric across the back, chest, and sides to help with breathability and seamless edges to prevent chafing. Its almost-5-star rating on the website is well deserved.
Buy if: You want a brightly-coloured sports bra that's comfortable to wear even in higher temperatures and in (very) sweaty workouts.
Avoid if: Your cup size is higher than a D.
Suitable for cycling, hiking, and other medium-impact activities, this Decathlon sports bra is an excellent, affordable option in the compression department of sports bras. It has a racerback design, allowing full freedom of movement, and is made from breathable, sweat-wicking fabric. So no matter your chosen activity, you'll stay comfortable.
Buy if: You're between 32C and 38D and looking for an everyday sports bra without breaking the budget.
Avoid if: You're more concerned about quality than price and want a sports bra that's going to stand the test of many wears.
The Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra is a good choice for those with a larger chest, compressing breasts comfortably with some (but limited) encapsulation as well. I've had mine for almost four years now and it's my go-to for anything from yoga workouts to a gym session. Available in back sizes 30 to 40 and cup sizes B to HH and in multiple colourways.
Buy if: You're above a B cup looking for extra support during exercise at lower intensities.
Avoid if: You want a sports bra for running or other high-intensity activities.
Jess Grace is an expert bra fitter at Boobydoo, where she has been working for three years. She is an avid runner and taking on her first half-marathon in September this year.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation bras tend to offer more support than compression bras, Grace says. "They have a more defined cup structure to separate the breasts and give more shape for maximum support," she says.
For this reason, they tend to be among the best sports bras for larger breasts. “If your breasts are large, you may hate that undefined, squashed-together look you get from typical compression crop top style sports bras that flatten your breasts against the chest wall," says Pour Moi garment technologist Lois Siciliano. "Choosing a sports bra with underwire [like an encapsulation bra] can avoid this, as it keeps breasts both separated and fully supported."
While encapsulation bras do tend to come with an underwire, you can get some in non-wired styles that still provide great support.
Made from sweat-wicking materials and with a racerback design, the SYROKAN high-impact sports bra is a great choice for those looking for support in the sweatiest workouts - including HIIT, running, and hiking. It has a flattering v-neckline, lightly padded cups for added comfort, and is available in many colours.
Buy if: You're between 32B and 42F and looking for unique support during high-intensity workouts.
Avoid if: You'd rather not have underwire or padded cups in your sports bra.
The Energy Reach sports bra from Pour Moi is a great option for medium-impact exercise like walking and gym workouts. You'll find the underwire and light padding offer just the right amount of coverage, comfort and support, while the lower neckline creates a flattering shape, much like a regular bra. It can be secured with a J-hook at the back if you're looking for a little extra support.
Buy if: You want a chafe-free sports bra for medium-impact exercise.
Avoid if: You don't want padding in a sports bra.
This is an encapsulation sports bra made for high-intensity activities - including running. It offers full coverage with an underwire and four-section cup design that separates and holds each breast as you move. The Elomi Energise sports bra also features a J-hook, turning the regular straps into a racerback for additional support when needed.
Buy it if: You are a 34G or above and looking for the ultimate support.
Avoid if: You're smaller than a 34G.
Combination
A combination style, or hybrid as it's known, offers the best of both worlds with an encapsulating design and compressive fit. "The cups tend to provide separation of the breasts but there's usually a layer of fabric over the top to create a compressed feeling," says Grace. It's a great option for comfort and support, so often ends up being one of the best high-impact sports bras as well.
Most combination sports bras are made without underwire too, since the additional fabric over the top of the breasts provides the added support.
They are the best choice for high-impact activities like running and HIIT workouts and those with larger chests.
The Zero Gravity Running Bra sits among the woman&home team's favourites - much like the brand's Power leggings. It's made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials that get more comfortable as you sweat, so it's the perfect choice for runners out for distance. You won't have to worry about chafing here either with a seam-free construction and super soft stitching.
Buy if: You want a reliable running bra, you're between an A and D cup, and you want a bra to pair with your pick of the best running shorts for women from Sweaty Betty.
Avoid if: You're looking for a sports bra under £50.
All Panache sports bras come with encapsulation cups, making it one of my go-tos for sports bras. This one is classed as a combination bra, however, as it also features fabric over the top for additional hold and support. It has a wide band to support the breasts from below and thick shoulder straps which can come together at a J-hook to create a racerback for more support. Available in sizes B to J.
Buy if: You want a sports bra without an underwire.
Avoid if: Underwire makes you feel more secure in your workouts.
The Shock Absorber D+ sports bra is my personal favourite of the bunch for those with bigger boobs. As well as a comfortably compressive design with encapsulation cups that support without too much pressure, this bra has straps that are thicker and slightly padded around the shoulders. I find this further helps alleviate the pressure of wearing a tight sports bra. It's available in limited colours - but I have it in every one, just in case they sell out.
Buy if: You want a long-lasting, hard-wearing sports bra for high-intensity activities and you're above a 30D.
Avoid if: You're particular about colour - this bra only comes in white or black more often than not.
How to choose a sports bra
- Find the right support: "A good level of support is a crucial part when exercising," says Tash Curry, fitness coach, and former professional dancer-turned-boxer. "It's important to wear a well-fitted sports bra that minimises the amount of breast movement for good support and comfort during exercise." How you wear a sports bra is very important, so if you're in doubt, book a consultation online with your chosen brand or head to a specialist sportswear store.
- Choose a bra for your cup size: "Bra sizing is the most important element in finding the perfect sports bra," says Curry, who works with Another Round as a senior coach. "More than 85% of women are not wearing the right bra. A bra is meant to support you as you work out and give full support. Therefore, I would suggest always looking for a brand that offers cup sizes to ensure there isn't spillage and you get proper support."
- Is it moisture-wicking? No matter the activity - whether you're doing yoga as a workout or intense hiking - you'll probably sweat in your sports bra, so choosing the right material to cope with this is important. "If you don’t look for a sports bra with a proper breathable, wicking fabric then be ready for some chafing. Sports bras should also be made from wicking fabrics that direct moisture away from your skin. This will keep you dry and comfortable during your workout," she says.
- Focus on the band support: "A correctly fitted bottom band will offer more support when working out. The wider the bottom band, the more support, and it should be supporting most of the weight on your chest."
- Focus on the bra straps: "While we are on the subject of support," she notes, "Having secure straps is a must and you should ensure they aren’t falling off your shoulders." If you have larger boobs or want to do higher-intensity exercise like HIIT or running 30 minutes a day, you might find slightly wider straps can help take off additional pressure.
- Read the reviews: "Remember just because a sports bra says it’s suitable for high-intensity exercise doesn’t mean it is," expert bra fitter Jess Grace reminds us. "Always read reviews (ideally from someone with a similar cup size to you) and look for something officially bounce-tested if possible."
Tash Curry spent 20 years on stage as a former professional dancer before switching her dance shoes for boxing gloves. Victorious in her first boxing match, Tash decided to qualify as a LesMills body combat instructor and group exercise trainer. Shortly after, she completed her Level 3 Personal Training qualification.
What are the different types of support in a sports bra?
There are three types of support a sports bra can offer, named after the different types of exercise you can do in them: low impact, medium impact, and high impact. Here, PT Tash Curry reveals the key differences between all three:
1. Low impact
"These provide minimal, gentle compression and support," Curry says. "They're suitable for lower intensity workouts with less bounce such as yoga, Pilates, and strength training." You won't want to wear a low-impact sports bra for anything more vigorous as you won't feel supported.
You'll often find compression sports bras in this category. These are sports bras that work by compressing the breasts to prevent bouncing. They tend not to have a front or back closure and you normally can't adjust the support - you pull it over your head like a crop top.
2. Medium impact
One step up, medium-impact sports bras are a great middle ground between low- and high-impact bras. "These offer moderate support and can be worn for activities like cycling workouts, in the gym, and walking," Curry says.
A medium-impact sports bra will often be a compression or combination design, so you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to finding the best sports bras for you in this category.
3. High impact
High-impact sports bras tend to offer more compression, have a more supportive band at the back, and may be a better choice for those with larger breasts. "High-impact sports bras offer bounce-free support during running, HIIT training, and any other high-intensity workout," she says.
Encapsulation and combination sports bras fit into this category. These both work much like a regular bra with a front or back closure and a strong band, and the breasts are supported separately. Some do come with underwire as well but most don't.
Can you wear a sports bra every day?
It depends on the design, the experts say. "A high-impact sports bra is designed to be worn during fast and excessive movement and because of this, it's not intended to be worn all day," says Grace. However, a soft, comfortable, and looser-fitting compression bra may be designed for and suitable for daily wear and physical activity.
"We understand that some people’s daily lives involve a lot of movement and wearing a normal bra isn’t practical. In this case, opting for a low/medium impact level bra would still give you extra support but be more comfortable for longer durations and everyday wear," she says.
How often should you replace a sports bra?
It's best to replace a sports bra every 6 to 12 months, says Curry. "This depends on how much you wear it but generally, the bra elasticity decreases with use, which means the bra loses its stretch and becomes less supportive," she explains.
It'll last even longer if you know how to wash gym clothes properly, as sports bras often degrade in the washing machine over time as well. Never put your sports bra in the tumble dryer.
If your bra is still comfortable and working for the activity you're doing, there's no need to replace it. "The most important part of finding a sports bra you like is that it should feel good, it should fit right for you, and have you feeling your best when working out."
