Even if you’re not chasing PRs or training for half marathons, all runners need the right gear to move through their miles in comfort. And a supportive, comfortable, sweat-wicking running sports bra ranks high on the list of essential equipment.
To narrow the overcrowded sea of contenders, the Shape team tested a truly wild number of sports bras for more than 12,000 hours and consulted some of the top experts in the field. After analyzing everything from comfort to durability, we found these top running sports bras.
Credit: lululemon
Why We Like It
Buttery-soft feel
Steel-like support
Size: 32B-42DDD | Pads: Removable | Adjustable: Shoulder straps
The Lululemon Run Times Bra is a dream of a run bra come to life. Ladies with larger busts, you’ll feel super strapped in and supported thanks to the excellent fit and molded cups in this Lululemon sports bra.
The buttery-soft, moisture-wicking fabric has Lycra added for extra shape retention, and the adjustable shoulder straps give you the most dialed-in fit (no riding up the back, ever!). And that’s exactly what experts say is needed in a great sports bra. “A sports bra’s job is to minimize the up-and-down, side-to-side, and forward-backward motion of soft tissue… The goal is a great running workout where you are hardly aware of your breasts (or bra) because your sports bra comfortably snugs your breasts close and minimizes breast motion,” explains LaJean Lawson, Ph.D, a sports bra expert.
This is one bra that’s best used how it’s meant: for high-impact activities. If you use it for a walk, fine, but that’s like having a Rolls Royce and only driving it around the block.
Credit: Gymshark
It’s Worth Noting
Runs small, so check the brand’s size chart before buying
Ideal for chests below DDs
Size: XS-XXL | Pads: Removable | Adjustable: No
Don’t let looks deceive you. There’s more than meets the eye with the Gymshark Sweat Seamless Bra. Anything but basic, the sleek woven fabrics combine with resilient design to give you all the compression you need without any restriction when you’re on the move. Particularly perfect for smaller-chested wearers, the thin racerback straps and ribbed ribcage band lock you in while creating plenty of shape and support. It feels like a snug hug, which is basically exactly what we’re looking for in a sports bra, isn’t it?
Credit: Amazon
Size: 34B-42DD | Pads: Non-removable | Adjustable: Shoulder straps
Shoulder straps and a racer back strap? The unique design of the Champion Motion Control Zip Sports Bra Wirefree gives double the support for larger busts. Combined with a front zipper and innovative molded cups intended to prevent extra movement without a lot of extra pressure, this bra locks your girls in–no digging, jiggling, or spillage, ever.
Credit: lululemon
Sizes: 2-14 | Pads: Removable | Adjustable: No
“My go-to sports bra for running my track workouts and interval runs is the Lululemon Energy bra,” says certified running and strength coach Idalis Velazquez. “I get sweaty quickly, and it keeps me dry. I also love the fit and how durable these are.” That’s not surprising, given this sports bra is made with the brand’s Luxtreme fabric–a dream of chafe-resistant, sweat-wicking, breathable delightfulness. Combined with a small hit of added Lycra, this bra gives plenty of slick support and four-way stretch, but more importantly, shape retention. “It comes in different bright colors, so I choose depending on my day and mood,” the coach says.
Credit: Brooks
Size: 32B-40DD | Pads: None | Adjustable: Yes
Have you ever found yourself thinking mid-run, “Wow my boobs don’t feel like they’re being thrown all over the place”? Well, you will in this. Wear it as a racerback or scoop back by hooking or unhooking the back straps, then find your personalized fit by adjusting the back straps.
“Sports bras with hook closures used to scare me — imagine pounding the pavement to have the top burst open. Chills. But this one cured my fears and remains secure on every run I take it, including touch track workouts,” says Summer Cartwright, Shape’s senior editor. “I noticed some chafing along the shoulder strap on my first go, but then nothing after that, so I put this in the category of sports bras I can trust to not chafe me up.”
Why We Like It
Sleek and form-fitting
Quick-drying
Breathable
Size: XS-2XL | Pads: No | Adjustable: No
“I am in love with this sports bra!” says professional runner and 2016 Olympian Emily Infeld. “It’s so comfortable and breathable. It doesn’t feel constricting; it feels like it can move with my rib cage when I’m breathing hard in a workout.” Infeld says the cooling, butter-soft fabric is so comfortable so loves it for casual everyday wear, too. Oh, and if you hate removable cups that slide around and bunch (or fall out) when washed, worry not: The cups are the perfect level of coverage without being bulky. “It doesn’t have removable padding but instead a thicker material that serves as a gentle padding in the front,” says Infeld. “This is nice so the pads don’t get lost but it also feels like great coverage for all body types.”
Credit: Tracksmith
Why We Like It
Made one tester actually excited to run
Built-in pockets for gels, keys
Size: XS-XL | Pads: None | Adjustable: No
From the moment you put this baby on, you can tell the Tracksmith Allston Bra was made with runners in mind. Simple and streamlined yet designed with so many features distance-runners not only want but need. Two layers of performance Italian fabric deliver a luxuriously soft next-to-skin feel, while keeping you locked and bounce-free no matter how many miles you’re running. Best of all, a hidden pocket in the bra lining makes stashing your keys, card, phone, or fuel a breeze.
Size: XXS–XXL | Pads: Non-removable | Adjustable: No
Being “simple” gets a bad rap sometimes, but when it comes to sports bras there’s something blissful about a no-fuss fit. And that’s exactly why Kaitlin Goodman, head coach of Running Joyfully, calls them her go-to. “I both train and race in this workhorse sports bra,” she says. “I first started using them back in my pro days when I was an Adidas-sponsored athlete. They are not padded (which I prefer), the band is comfortable, and importantly–they don’t chafe.”
Best of all, they last: “I’m still rocking many from 2018-2020!” Goodman says.
Credit: Senita Athletics
Size: XS-XXL | Pads: Removable | Adjustable: No
When you’re increasing the intensity–busting out sprints on the treadmill or tempos on the track–you need a sports bra that can keep up. The thick, rich fabric of the Senita Sarah Sports Bra evenly distributes its compressive support, so you won’t have any issue with it riding up, pinching, or getting tight in the straps. Testers found that it’s just as comfortable to wear while lounging around as it is on the run. Oh, and there’s a pocket in the back to store your phone. So clutch.
Size: XS–3XL| Pads: Molded cups | Adjustable: No
When you’re pushing your limit, you need a sports bra that can grow–not stifle–your potential. “Living and training at high altitude has caused my ribcage to grow,” says professional runner and two-time Olympian Aisha Praught-Leer. “I need enough support, but I don’t want my breathing to be restricted in any way. This is my Goldilocks bra. I wear these for my hardest track workouts because I know I will feel good and not be distracted by any discomfort.”
An important bonus for very regular runners: This sports bra is super durable, “lasting at least a wash a week for four years,” says Praught-Leer.
Credit: Reebok
Size: 2XS-2XL | Pads: No | Adjustable: No
Some non-adjustable sports bras can get loose and floppy over time. Not the Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra. The rib cage band is one of the most comfortable bands the Shape team has ever experienced on a sports bra, keeping you snug without any digging or discomfort. The brand’s Speedwick fabric wicks sweat away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry (and, friction-free!) no matter how drenched you get. What’s more, it holds what needs holding while still being soft and pliable enough to get on and off without an extra workout.
Credit: Oiselle
Size: 32C-40DD | Pads: Sewn-in molded cups | Adjustable: Shoulder straps
Have you ever found yourself thinking mid-run, “Wow my boobs don’t feel like they’re being thrown all over the place”? Well, you will in the Oiselle Queen Bra. Soft spandex stretches to gently hold your girls, while you decide the right level of support in the positioning of the straps: adjustable shoulder straps to give you a precise fit for casual jogs, while the cross-back design creates even less bounce during your highest-intensity efforts.
Credit: Athleta
Size: XXS-XL | Pads: Removable | Adjustable: No
It can be hard to find a running sports bra that is both comfortable and supportive. A lot of times, if a sports bra is supportive, it feels like it has too much compression to be comfortable. The satiny, quick-dry fabric of the Athleta Ultimate Zip Front Bra stays soft against your skin and the front zipper makes it a breeze to take off. But don’t be surprised if you’re not quick to unzip: This bra was so comfortable that we caught ourselves wearing it around the house — not just on the run.
Credit: Target
Size: XS-4X | Pads: Molded cups | Adjustable: Shoulder straps
We’ll admit, we can be something of running sports bra snobs around here, so this affordable pick surprised us. With adjustable shoulder straps and back band, it didn’t take us long to find the best possible fit. Better yet, there was no gapping anywhere–the lightweight fabric laid flat against our skin (no weird bulging around the straps)–and we never experienced anything close to chafing. And while the All in Motion High Support Embossed Racerback Run Sports Bra shines during everyday runs, we found ourselves turning to it regularly for our non-running activities too.
“I tested this sports bra and yes, I wore it for several runs — but I also wore it for boxing, tennis, strength training, and yoga,” says Kristen Geil, NASM-certified personal trainer. “To be honest, my expectations for a Target sports bra were pretty low, but I was blown away by this one’s versatility and how often I found myself reaching for it!”
Credit: Brooks Running
Why We Like It
Buttery soft
Moisture-wicking
Fits like a second skin
Size: 30-40 AB-DDE | Pads: Molded cups | Adjustable: No
The bra has molded cups for the breasts, and a thin layer of foam-like padding in the cups that is built into the fabric of the bra, which worked out great. Laser-cut construction and minimal seaming give the Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 the most comfortable fit, especially in hot and humid weather. In spite of there being no back closure, the soft fabric was still easy to remove even after our sweatiest runs. And while we were skeptical at first, the molded cups with their thin, foam-like padding have held their shape with no signs of wear after months of testing and washing.
“Having DDs and training for marathons doesn’t go hand in hand. I’m prone to chafing everywhere, from under my boobs to above them, but somehow when this molded-cup bra is on, the chafing is minimal,” says Cartwright. “It fits on super tight but holds everything in and after a while starts to feel like a second skin. Also, it fits great under t-shirts and doesn’t cause uniboob.”
The Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 has molded cups and soft straps for a second-skin feel.
Credit: ShapeThe Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 is moisture-wicking with minimal seams.
Credit: Shape
What to Know About Running Sports Bras
- Fit: “The biggest mistake people make when purchasing a sports bra is not knowing their own body and their own fit,” says Lawson. “Buying a poor fitting sports bra can create so many problems, from chafing to lack of support.” Keep in mind that your running sports bra needs to feel secure, and be effective at holding your breasts in place. One method to use when picking out a sports bra is to make sure you can fit two fingers-width beneath the band, which ensures you have adequate room to move. “If you have the opportunity to shop in person, try on a range of different sizes,” suggests Lawson. “Forget about the number on the label and just keep trying on different brands and different sizes until you find something that is comfortable for you.” (Pro tip: Whether you’re trying the sports bra on in a fitting room of a store or in the comfort of your home, test it out by jumping around to make sure the band doesn’t ride up or you don’t experience spillage over the top.)
- Support: Considering the right amount of support for you starts with cup size (aka your breast volume). Sports bras made for larger breasts will have different features than bras for smaller breasts. “Larger breasts are heavier, move more, and are more acted upon by forces coming up through your body each time your foot hits the ground during your running stride. Larger cup sizes generally need sturdier materials, more coverage at front neckline, adjustability in straps and waistband to keep your bra more firmly in place during each running stride.”
- Design: “Your choice of running bra design relative to your individual body/breast size has a significant effect on personal fit,” says Lawson. Most sports bra designs fall into two basic categories as well as a hybrid combo of the two:
- Compression: “These styles are made of strong, spandex-rich stretch fabrics that restrict bounce by hugging your breasts close to your body,” says Lawson. “They’re generally best at busting bounce during high impact activities like running if you’re a small to medium cup size. It can be harder for fuller cup sizes (D and above) to get great fit, comfort, and support from a compression-style sports bra, which are constructed from elastic materials that simply smash breast tissue close to the body. The result can be abrasion from breasts rubbing together at center front, as well as trapping heat and sweat in between the breasts.”
- Encapsulation: “This sports bra style has an individually formed cup for each breast and often provides better fit, comfort, and support for fuller breast volumes, especially when you’re doing a high impact activity like running,” says Lawson. “They often come in the same familiar cup/band sizing (such as 38D) as everyday bras. Features like molded cups and contouring help separate, ventilate, and support each of the girls individually. In addition to more individualized cup/band sizes, there’s often more adjustability in the straps and bottom band to let you customize fit for even greater comfort and support.”
- Hybrid: “These styles can incorporate the best of both worlds, with ‘hybrid sizing’ that provides the ability to fit several conventional bra sizes with a single sports bra size, molded cups or cup panel in the bra front, and a front layer of strong compression fabric over the cups,” explains Lawson. “There may be some adjustability in the waistband or shoulder straps to fine-tune personal fit.”
- Material: Fabrics, trims and fasteners are all extremely important to consider when shopping for a running sports bra. “Running is a high-impact activity, so the materials in a sports bra need a certain amount of strength and limited stretch throughout the bra to control breast motion while still letting the rest of your body move freely,” says Lawson. “Running is also a high-energy activity which generates body heat and boosts sweat rate. So sports bras for running also need to be made of fabrics that are breathable and assist your body heat and sweat in migrating from your skin surface through the bra fabric to the outside where they can be better dissipated.” Finally, sports bra materials, stitching, and hardware can also be major sources of chafing and pain. Lawson recommends checking all fabrics and stitching by running them across the back of your hand or cheek to identify any scratchy or pokey spots, as well as watching out that edge bindings are not overly tight or lie too close to underlying bones when you try on the bra.
- Wiring and padding: You’ll definitely want to weigh what kind of cups work best for your breasts. While the idea of wires poking into your skin during a run sounds less than ideal, sports bras with underwires actually offer additional support — especially for those with larger boobs, says Renelt. And while foam-lined cups and padding can offer a touch of added support, these features are really more for modesty (read: you don’t have to worry about visible nipples when it’s cold) than about holding up your girls. So feel free to pass on the pads or opt for removable ones if you’re not too worried about nipping out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sports bra is the best for running?
“A sports bra’s job is to minimize the up-and-down, side-to-side, and forward-backward motion of soft tissue that results from the ground reaction forces and body movements during each running stride,” says Lawson. A sports bra that comfortably snugs your breasts and minimizes breast motion should be the goal. “The goal is a great running workout where you are hardly aware of your breasts (or bra) because of your sports bra.”
Should I wear a sports bra while running?
Of course, you can run without a sports bra. But whether you want to depends on several considerations, says Lawson. “If you are larger than a AA or A cup in breast volume, you will probably want a sports bra to keep breasts securely anchored to your chest and pain-free,” she says. A sports bra will also help prevent painful friction and rubbing against your nipple, as well as permanent stretching of the breast skin.
What bras do professional runners wear?
Professional runners wear a wide range of sports bra brands, styles, and sizes. This largely depends on unique and individual factors such as their body size, breast size, comfort preferences, and even their sponsor.
What is the difference between a sports bra and an active bra?
An active bra is often a synonym used to describe a type of sports bra that typically has less support or structure than most sports bras. Active bras tend to be best for low-intensity activities such as walking or yoga, or for women with very small breasts.
How do I secure my breasts while running?
Wearing a well-fitted sports bra is the simplest way to secure your breasts while running. Finding the proper amount of support that you need starts with your cup size (or breast volume). “Larger breasts are heavier, move more, and are more acted upon by forces coming up through your body each time your foot hits the ground,” says Lawson. “Larger cup sizes generally need sturdier materials, more coverage at the front neckline, as well as adjustability in straps to keep your bra more firmly in place during each running stride.”
Why Trust Shape
As a health and fitness editor who has been regularly testing all categories of activewear since 2009, Jen Ator has nearly 15 years of practically living in spandex and sports bras. A four-time marathoner and Ironman finisher, she personally knows what to look for in terms of comfort, support, and fit over the course of many miles, and has worked with women of all sizes to help them find the best sports bra for their needs. For this piece, Jen worked closely with the testing team to gain insights from our real-world test and spoke with Lawson to determine our winners for best running sports bras across various categories.
