6 Cotton Sports Bras That Are Comfy and Breathable AF

Sports bras have continued to level up over the past couple of years, with brands focusing on new technologies, designs, and fabrics to create options that help enhance performance—without sacrificing comfort. A recent example: Lululemon’s new AirSupport Bra, which was engineered from injectable foam. Still, even as excited as we are to see the evolution in this space, not every workout requires wearing engineered performance materials, and for those days we still reach for a cotton sports bra. Because while all the bells and whistles are nice, sometimes you just want plain chocolate ice cream instead of the brownie fudge swirl. The white cotton T-shirt instead of the going-out top. Bachelor in Paradise instead of Mare of Easttown.

Off your mat and out of the gym, a cotton sports bra is clutch if you find yourself incapable of going near anything with an underwire, as many women have in the past year. If you’ve swapped “real” bras out for sports bras, you are certainly not alone. Jessica Pfister, vice-president of Le Mystere, previously told Well+Good that compressive sports bras designed for high-impact activities aren’t great to wear all day. Instead, she recommends looking for sports bras that are light and breathable, like cotton. As a result, it won’t trap in moisture. (That’s part of the reason why cotton undies are best for everyday wear.)

While cotton sports bras have their benefits, they also have their limitations. If you’re doing an activity where you’re going to sweat a lot, like a HIIT workout, it’s probably best to leave the cotton sports bra behind. Cotton is breathable, yes, but doesn’t wick away sweat like performance fabrics do, so you could end up feeling soggy and damp. Another reason you may want to skip the cotton sports bras for sweaty, high intensity workouts: they aren’t exactly the best at keeping your boobs from bouncing everywhere. They provide light support that’s better suited for low-impact activities or, as mentioned above, instead of a “real” bra.

Plus, they’re incredibly comfy. Scroll to shop 6 cotton sports bras we’d pull on in a heartbeat

Aerie Offline OG Scoop Sports Bra — $25.00

Aerie is a go-to for comfortable basics, and this sports bra is no exception. Made from 56-percent cotton—it also contains elastane and polyester which help lift and support breasts. You can snag this supersoft sports bra in eight colors and from sizes xxs-xxl.

Pact Double Scoop Bra — $25.00

This bra is offered in six colors, ranging from the pictured yellow stripes to your basic white and black. It’s made with organic cotton (which uses 91-percent less water than conventional cotton) at a GOTS-certified and Fair Trade Factory in India. Wear it around the house and for workouts like Pilates, barre, yoga, and sculpt.

Fruit of the Loom Built Up Sports Bra — $13.00

Good things come in threes, and there’s something delightful about a set of sports bras that are ultra comfy and total less than $15. Reviewers rave about how easy they are to put on (which is not always the case with pullover styles) and how comfortable they are. “They’re honestly my daily bra because underwire is the devil’s invention,” one reviewer says, and I am inclined to agree.

Hanes X-Temp ComfortFlex Fit Pullover Bra — $13.00

This set of two sports bras comes in a multitude of colors and sizes. They’re shirred in the front, a nice detail that also helps prevent uniboob.

Cross Colours Power Revolution Progress Change Sports Bra — $44.00

The higher neckline on this option offers extra coverage, while the thicker straps provide additional support—an important for women with bigger boobs. Plus, the powerful messaging on the material may just motivate you to push through your workout.

Halara Low Support Square Neck Crisscross Sports Bra — $33.00

Halara may be best known for their TikTok-famous activity dresses, but they also carry a wide assortment of other cute items, like this cotton sports bra tank. It’s simple, but not boring, thanks to the stitching detail under the bust and the crisscross straps.

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.