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When I taught group fitness full-time, I used to straight-up live in a sports bra. And, while my sweaty nine-hour days are behind me, I still make sure that my workout gear is able to keep up—because whether you're attempting crow pose, pounding the pavement, shaking on the pilates reformer, or boxing a heavy bag, a crappy sports bra can really throw you off your game. While the right type of workout bra for you will depend on your unique bod and preferred workout type, the best sports bras have a few things in common: they're comfortable, supportive, and durable enough to keep up with your workouts (and get washed over and over and over again).
Now, I've tried my fair share of sports bras myself, but while I was compiling this list of the best out there, I did what any right-minded woman would do: I asked my female friends for their recommendations. Read on for their picks of the best sports bras, as well as my own, for all types of workouts.
Best sports bras, at a glance
- Best for all types of workouts: Lululemon Energy Bra, $52
- Best convertible: ThirdLove Kinetic Adjustable Sports Bra, $78
- Best crop: Athleta Purpose Crop Bra, $55
- Best for low-impact workouts: Lululemon Wunder Train Strappy Racer Bra, $58
- Best for high-impact workouts: Athleta Invincible Bra
- Best budget-friendly: Evercute Seamless Sports Bras (3-Pack), $36
- Best with a pocket: Rabbit Strappy Pocket Bra, $55
- Best for bigger busts: Athleta Glory Bra, $69
- Best for smaller busts: Alo Airlift Intrigue Bra, $68
- Best cooling: Outdoor Voices CoolForm Bra, $58
Shop 10 of the best sports bras
Sizes: 2-14 (B-D cups) | Colors: 11 | Support level: Medium
The Lululemon Energy Bra is the sports bra GOAT in my book. I've owned this bra in probably 12 different colors over the last decade, and it's never ever let me down. I used to teach (and take) sweaty spin and yoga classes in the Energy Bra, and I still strength train, take pilates classes, and run in this style today. As someone with a smaller cup size, the medium support is perfect, and the removable cups are never wonky (even after a zillion washes). Plus, it's made with a slick, moisture-wicking material that dries quickly and features an open criss-cross back for added ventilation.
Pros:
- Durable, quick-drying material
- Versatile for all types of workouts
- Solid medium support and mid-chest coverage
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- Slightly limited sizing
Sizes: 32A-42H | Colors: 9 | Support level: Medium-High
If you need a little more support and flexibility, check out this convertible sports bra from ThirdLove. In addition to coming in an extremely wide size range (the brand has half cups, y'all!), this pick has adjustable straps you can criss-cross, as well as an adjustable clasp back. The wireless design still has plenty of support and compression for high-impact activities, but the material is plenty soft and breathable.
Pros:
- Adjustable straps and back clasp
- Convertible style
- Very inclusive size range
Cons:
- Pricier option
Sizes: XS-XL (A-C cups) | Colors: 8 | Support level: Light-Medium
The Athleta Purpose Crop is another bra I've worn the living daylights out of, and it still looks great. It's made from a soft and compressive blend of Lycra and nylon, and has a nice high scoop neck to provide plenty of coverage (you'll feel secure during yoga inversions!). The inner shelf bra has removable pads, and the style also comes in additional sizes for larger cup sizes.
Pros:
- Low crop style for bra-only workouts
- Great for lower-impact workouts like barre, pilates, and yoga
- Available in additional sizes for D cups
Cons:
- No adjustable straps
- May not be supportive enough for larger cup sizes during more intense workouts
Sizes: 2-14 (28A-42D) | Colors: 9 | Support level: Light
This soft style from Lululemon is ideal for light-intensity workouts. "I wear this bra for yoga, pilates, and barre, but also just hanging around the house because it's that comfy," says my friend Ally. "I love that it's a soft brushed fabric and, honestly, I like the way I look in it, which helps boost my confidence during a workout." Plus, it's available in two different size runs, one for A-B cups and the other for C-D cups.
Pros:
- Soft material makes it comfortable for long wear
- Flattering style with removable cups
- Light compression for low-impact workouts
- Available in A-D cups
Cons:
- No adjustable straps
Sizes: 32C—40DD | Colors: 2 | Support level: High
This bra is in heavy rotation for Well+Good's Senior Director of Commerce, Katie Maguire. The generous front coverage helps provide support during high-impact workouts for cup sizes C-DD, but don't worry about running hot, there's plenty of built-in ventilation all around. Plus, the adjustable straps and back clasp help you find your perfect fit and make it so you'll never have to wrestle it over your head (soaked in sweat, no less... eww).
Pros:
- Good coverage
- Added ventilation panels
- Adjustable back straps and clasp for easy on/off
Cons:
- Only two color options
- Pricier option
Sizes: S-2XL | Colors: 10+ in tons of multipack options | Support level: Medium
Sports bras can get pricey, which is valid if they're well constructed and durable. But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out this set of seamless bras, recommended by my friend Katie. "Returning to a workout routine after having a baby, I didn't want to commit to buying all new sports bras," she says. "These bras are very comfortable, and it’s nice to have a low price point when your body is changing so much." In addition to providing medium support, they have removable cups and an open, criss-cross back for ventilation.
Pros:
- Affordable multi-pack options
- Lots of color combos to choose from
- Seamless design makes them comfortable yet supportive
Cons:
- No adjustable straps
- May not be as durable over time
Sizes: XS-XL (A-C cups) | Colors: 4 | Support: Medium
This option comes from my ultra-running friend, Liz. She says, "I run in this bra with my phone and keys in the back pocket and never feel them—zero bounce!" The Rabbit Strappy Pocket bra is made from cool, sweat-wicking material and has a laser-cut back pocket that's wide enough to fit most phones. It provides medium compression for A-C cups and comes with removable pads so you can customize the fit a bit (however, the straps aren't adjustable).
Pros:
- Ultra-runner approved
- Wide compressive pocket to keep your stuff secure
- Lightweight and quick-drying
Cons:
- Limited sizes and colors
- No adjustable elements
Sizes: 32C-38DD | Colors: 3 | Support level: High
Bigger busted gals, this one's for you. The Athleta Glory Bra was designed for C-DD cups and offers enough support to keep up with your highest-intensity workouts. It has adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye back closure, plus molded cups to keep you feeling lifted. Best of all, the material is breathable and quick-drying, so you won't ever feel bogged down while you're getting your sweat on.
Pros:
- Adjustable straps and back closure
- Molded cups for support
- Quick drying and breathable
Cons:
- Limited colors
- Pricier option
Sizes: 2XS-L | Colors: 10 | Support level: Light-Medium
If you're a member of the IBTC (::raises hand::), check out this scoop-neck bra from Alo. The criss-cross straps are adjustable, which helps give you a lifted feeling, while the open back and added keyhole provide plenty of airflow. It has four-way stretch and great compression for A-C cups, so it's able to keep up with your next yoga flow or HIIT class.
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- Keyhole back for ventilation
- High compression despite the lower coverage
- Flattering fit for a lifted feeling
Cons:
- Limited sizing
- The lower cut may not be great for higher-impact workouts
- Pricier option
Sizes: 2XS-3XL | Colors: 2 | Support: Medium
This last pick is another from my personal bra drawer. The CoolForm Bra from Outdoor Voices is great for high-intensity workouts because it's designed with ventilation in mind. The back is open (with an adjustable clasp), and the front has a vent between the cups where I personally get super sweaty. I ran a marathon in this bra and hardly noticed it was there, thanks to the compressive and moisture-wicking material. Added bonus: if you like to run in just a sports bra, there's a reflective strip on the back for added visibility.
Pros:
- Plenty of ventilation
- Adjustable back clasp
- Made from moisture-wicking materials
Cons:
- Only two colors
- Straps aren't adjustable
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