Key Points
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A high-impact sports bra is stylish, functional, and breathable.
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Lululemon, Under Armour, Sweaty Betty, Nike, and other brands offer high-support sports bras.
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A quality sports bra features adjustable straps, compression, and coverage.
Boobs are pretty great until you’re in the middle of a grueling workout. They suddenly shift from your besties to a sweaty nightmare. Like, can they please stop bouncing already?
Not only are mid-workout boob distractions annoying (and embarrassing), but the constant bouncing damages your breast tissue.
The solution? Get yourself a high-impact sports bra.
Sports bras are different from your average everyday bra. You don’t daydream about the sweet relief of ripping the sports bra off the second you get home. You can "sport" one for hours, completely unbothered.
There are many workout bras for women. There are padded sports bras and sports bras with underwire. You have sports bras with adjustable straps and sports bras for large busts. Some are considered the best sports bras for running.
Here are eight top choices, with prices as of June 2023.
Nike Pro Rival Sports Bra
With a compression fit and adjustable straps, the Nike Pro Rival Sports Bra supportive sports bra is great for large busts. It’s cute, feminine, and keeps the girls in place — even while running, jumping, and sprinting.
The Nike Pro Rival Sports Bra features a silky soft material, wireless cups, a V-neck shape that cools you down, and a stylish racerback design.
Unlike many high-impact sports bras, Nike’s Pro Rival doesn’t flatten your chest or create that dreadful “uni-boob.” Your breasts get plenty of separation, flexibility, and support during high-intensity workouts.
Price: $80
Fabrics: 100 percent nylon
Sizing: Available in 32E, 36C, & 36E on Amazon
Cons
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Limited sizes
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Holds excess sweat at the front
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Cups run big (may have to size down)
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Hard to put on and remove when sweaty
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Pricey
Lululemon Enlite Bra Weave
Looking for a splurge-worthy sports bra that’s flattering and functional? You've found it.
Hailed as one of the best sports bras for running, the Lululemon Enlite Bra Weave contains an adjustable rib band, built-in cups, and a gorgeous criss-cross back design. It stretches in all the right places and doesn’t constrict, dig in, or ride up during exercise. Finally!
Lululemon offers one of the best sports bras for intense workouts because of its exceptional coverage and bounce protection. It molds to your body and feels like a second skin.
This item features a unique weave design for breathability and support and a back closure that allows easy removal.
What more could you want?
PSA: Even if you miss Lululemon’s Summer Sale, which ends July 2, 2023, and the discounts on high-impact sports bras, leggings, shorts, and other fitness accessories, this bra is still an amazing deal, even at full price.
Price: On sale for $39
Bra Fabrics: 56 percent nylon, 44 percent lycra
Cup Fabrics: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent elastane
Sizing: 30C – 38DD
Cons
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Limited color options
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Sells out fast
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Expensive
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Straps not adjustable
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Not dryer-friendly
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No removable pads
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May have spillage or pinching near armpits (large-busted women)
Under Armour Infinity High-Impact Sports Bra
Imagine dancing your heart out at Zumba class or boxing ‘til your stress melts away — all without enduring sore breasts afterward.
Ladies, it’s possible.
Made with a compression fit and mesh panels, the Under Armour Infinity High-Impact Sports Bra provides ventilation and minimizes bounce. The adjustable X straps ensure a distraction-free workout, while the molded cups create a flattering silhouette.
This breathable sports bra keeps you cool and dry. There’s no underboob chafing, rubbing, or irritation. The bra moves with you. It’s a game-changer for sensitive skin!
The Under Armour Infinity bra features a high neckline, so you can rock it solo or wear it under a loose top.
Price: $39
Fabrics: 87 percent polyester, 13 percent elastane
Sizing: 30A – 40D, XS – XXL
Cons
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Hook closure may be irritating during floor exercises
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Cups feel slightly stiff until broken in
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Low support for DD+ cup sizes
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Runs small
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Hassle to get on and off
Adidas Stronger For It Bra
Want to feel totally unstoppable during your workouts?
The Adidas Stronger For It Bra is a high-support sports bra that empowers you to push your limits in and out of the gym. With slightly padded and feminine-shaped cups, adjustable straps, a plunge U-neck, and an elastic bust band, this bra fits you like a glove!
It’s super soft, stretchy, and breathable, with a hill-shaped hole just above the bust band’s center. Translation? Your chest gets amazing airflow.
This bra’s stylishly simple design adds a sprinkle of flair to your activewear. It’s also a very affordable sports bra for large busts.
Price: $34
Fabrics: 87 percent nylon, 13 percent elastane
Sizing: Available in 30D, 32A, 34A, & 36D
Cons
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Flares under the armpit
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Fits extremely tight
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Better for low-impact activities such as weightlifting and yoga
Sweaty Betty Ultra Run Bra
The name alone is a huge selling point. Who doesn’t love a clever rhyme now and then?
Stunning and vibrant, the Sweaty Betty Ultra Run Bra features non-padded cups for a natural fit and thick shoulder straps for cushioned comfort. The bra’s quick-drying materials enable superior airflow to keep you cool and focused while you train.
Its seamless construction reduces chafing and irritation. The bra is easy to remove, so no more struggling to pull drenched spandex over your head. Ah, every runner’s dream come true!
Choose an H-back fit (best for low-impact) or a racerback fit for added security. Sweaty Betty offers inclusive sizing in a sea of beautiful colors, including “Sparkling Pink,” “Regatta Blue,” and “Prism Purple."
Price: $68
Fabrics: 100 percent polyamide
Sizing: 30A – 38G
Cons
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Runs small
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Band tends to roll up during workouts
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Smallest and largest sizes are currently out of stock
Panache Sports Bra
Prefer a sports bra with underwire? Here you go!
The Panache Sports Bra clasps like a regular bra but functions as a full-coverage sports bra. This padded sports bra is surprisingly comfortable with plushy, adjustable straps and smooth seams. Customize your fit with an H-back or racerback style to resolve unwanted bouncing.
Although it contains underwire, the Panache bra doesn’t chafe or pinch. Want more? It’s here for the long haul. Users claim that this durable sports bra with adjustable straps lasts for years.
Price: $35 – $75
Fabrics: 49 percent polyamide, 36 percent polyester, 15 percent elastane
Sizing: 28A – 40HH
Cons
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Not ideal for cup sizes below D
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Non-removable pads
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Band feels tight (consider sizing up)
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Pricey
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Gets toasty
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Hand wash only
Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Sports Bra
Have an upcoming fun run or marathon? The Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Sports Bra supplies the confidence you seek.
With a bounce-reducing design and encapsulation support, this workout bra for women halts breast movement in all directions. It contains padded straps that are adjustable via an S-hook and a central mesh feature for body heat evacuation.
The Shock Absorber is wireless, lightweight, fast-drying, and shock-absorbing (hence the name). It feels like silk against your skin, allowing for ease of movement in all exercise activities.
This stunning sports bra for intense workouts comes in dichromatic color combinations like Purple/Turquoise and Coral/Charbon.
Price: $42 – $85
Fabrics: 55 percent polyamide, 38 percent polyester, 7 percent elastane
Sizing: 30A – 38GG
Cons
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Best for bustier women
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Some sizes and colors are currently unavailable
Reebok PureMove Bra
Slip into the Reebok PureMove Bra and feel like you are hardly wearing anything!
It’s non-constrictive yet incredibly supportive, with no hooks, underwire, or bulky padding, making it a very breathable sports bra.
Reebok’s senior innovation apparel designer Danielle Witek shares, “Many would assume that the more support a bra gives would equate to the more fabric, straps, or hooks it’s comprised of. PureMove’s design is quite deliberately the opposite. Every single detail is intentional and directly informed by years of our testing and research.”
This chic and functional bra features a higher-cut neckline for modesty and security. The motion-sense technology adapts to your body’s cues.
Whether you’re performing high-velocity movements or slower-paced activities, this intuitive bra tightens and relaxes with you. Knowing that three years of research went into this sports bra, you can confidently click "purchase."
Price: $18 – $47
Fabrics:73 percent nylon, 27 percent spandex
Sizing: XS – XXL (accommodates A to D cup sizes)
Cons
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Too much breast compression
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Not very supportive for bustier women
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Feels sticky after exercise
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Hard to take off
Take Care of Your Girls!
Wearing the right sports bra is essential for your fitness and breast health. There's no need to compromise one for the other.
On your hunt for a supportive sports bra, prioritize comfort, style, breathability, and fit. Try experimenting with a few brands to see what works best for you.
Whatever your body type, preferred exercise activity, or shopping budget, these sports bras let you confidently crush your favorite workouts.
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