The Best Sports Bras of 2026, According to Fitness Pros and Real Women
Supportive bras to minimize bounce—for every cup size and workout routine
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The wrong sports bra instantly ruins my workout. When I’m lifting weights, in a yoga pose, or running, the last thing I want on my mind is my bra. A good sports bra, like our best overall Pro Swish Sports Bra from Nike, needs to check off every box: comfortable fit, top-notch support to prevent bounce, easy on/off design, and stylish. A properly fitting sports bra can even help prevent breast pain later on.
To make shopping easier than ever, I oversaw the testing of 53 different sports bra styles in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab and with more than 200 consumer testers to find the best sports bras for people looking for bras for small breasts, bras for large breasts, and everything in between.
- Best overall: Nike Pro Swish Sports Bra
- Best value: Champion Racerback Sports Bra
- Best for large breasts: Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra
- Best for A–C cups: Athleta Interval Bra A–C
Best Deal
Pros
- Pullover style with top comfort ratings
- Sweat wicking
- Durable fabric
Cons
- No encapsulation for larger cup sizes to prevent movement in all directions
WHY WE LOVE IT: Basic and no-frills, this pullover sports bra earns our top spot because it was rated the most comfortable sports bra by our consumer testers and has medium impact support for a wide range of workouts. Its compressive fit prevents bounce, while the racerback allows for a good range of motion.
TESTING NOTES: In addition to its comfort and design features, the bra aced our Textiles Lab’s durability and moisture evaluations, meaning it's built to last and can wick away sweat to keep you dry. Our panel of consumer testers also said it fit well and felt supportive throughout their workouts. Those with bigger busts should note that this bra does not offer encapsulation for larger sizes, which would prevent breast movement in all directions, not just up and down.
A tester with a 34D bra size who wore it while running said, "It was comfortable, supportive, and nice quality. It was also easy to take on and off and it stayed dry." A different tester with a 34C bra size noted, "It's not too heavy or bulky," while another who wears a 34B bra size said it was "not too tight or not too loose."
| Size range | XS–2XL |
| Support | Medium |
Pros
- Around $20
- Moisture-wicking material to keep dy
- Racerback design for extra lift and support
Cons
- Not well suited to those with smaller band sizes and larger cup sizes
WHY WE LOVE IT: This simple sports bra from Champion packs a punch at an affordable price around $20. It features a pull-on design with a racerback for extra lift and support. The molded cups help provide shape and nipple coverage.
TESTING NOTES: The bra wicked away moisture well in our tests and provided ample support, according to our consumer testers. Therefore, this bra is a great option for moderate- to high-impact exercise. "I liked how the sports bra was soft, stayed in place while working out, and that it was very comfortable," noted a consumer tester who wore a size L. Another tester said, "It didn't cut into my back or move around much" when she wore it on a run. Some testers with larger cup sizes and smaller band sizes, however, said it had an awkward fit.
| Size range | XS–XXL |
| Support | Medium |
Pros
- Underwire lifts and separates large breasts
- Wide, flat straps for support
- Moisture-wicking materials helps you keep dry
Cons
- Takes more effort to put on
WHY WE LOVE IT: Ideal for bigger chests, this supportive yet comfortable sports bra has a built-in underwire and padded cups for encapsulation—i.e., it offers separate support for each breast to prevent movement in every direction, not just up and down. The wide straps also increase support without digging into shoulders.
TESTING NOTES: Our product experts were impressed with how well it wicked moisture, so you don't have to worry about staying wet with sweat. Meanwhile, our consumer fitness testers were wowed by its comfort and how well the bra stayed in place while exercising.
One tester with a 34DDD bra size said, "There's no movement while jumping or bouncing or working out." Another tester with a 34G bra size said, "I like how supportive the bra was and how the cups covered my breasts. Nothing was popping out where it shouldn't be." Keep in mind: It does take more effort to put it on.
| Size range | Bands 32–42 and cups C–I |
| Support | High |
Pros
- Sleek, moisture-wicking material
- Great support for small cup sizes
- Racerback design for support
Cons
- Straps aren't adjustable
WHY WE LOVE IT: Designed specifically for A–C cup sizes, Athleta's Interval Bra offers support for all types of workouts with a racerback design and removable cups. The straps are wider to help them stay put, but note that they are not adjustable.
TESTING NOTES: In Lab tests, the sleek material easily wicked away moisture, making this bra a great option for sweaty workouts. Our consumer testers agreed, sharing that they liked wearing this bra during runs, cardio fitness classes, and HIIT workouts. "This bra stayed put during my whole gym session without feeling restricting or uncomfortable," said one tester who wore a size M. "I liked that the bra wasn't bulky and was flattering on my smaller chest."
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XS–XL for cups A–C |
| Support | Medium |
Pros
- Wide, adjustable straps with racerback option for extra support
- High marks for support and comfort from testers
- Inner cups wicked away moisture easily
Cons
- Bottom band stretched a bit in durability evaluations
WHY WE LOVE IT: This ThirdLove sports bra features encapsulated cups designed to handle high-impact, sweaty workouts like HIIT, CrossFit, and running. The wide, adjustable straps can also cross in the back if you want racerback support, and there's a hook-and-eye closure for removing it easily.
TESTING NOTES: The bra's full-coverage cups are hidden behind stretchy polyester and spandex fabric, which testers liked. It earned high appearance scores and showed no shrinkage after laundering in the Lab, but the bottom band stretched out a bit in stretch recovery testing. The inner cup fabric wicked away moisture easily, standing up to sweaty exercises. Consumer testers were impressed by just how supportive this bra was, with straps that are "wide and stay in place." One tester also mentioned how "easy it was to put on and take off."
Testers with larger cup sizes loved that this pick offers band and cup sizing for ultimate support, but testers with smaller cup sizes found it too bulky. "This is the perfect bra for high-impact exercise," said one tester with a 40DD bra size. "It's supportive and comfortable, and it did not get in the way of exercise. 100% would recommend."
| Size range | Band 32–42, cup sizes B–H |
| Support | High |
Pros
- Designed specifically for running
- Compressive with removable cups for lots of support
- Updated softer feel
Cons
- Some testers found it hard to get on and off
WHY WE LOVE IT: This sports bra from Brooks is specifically designed for running, with a high-compression feel and removable cups for additional support. Analysts like the bonded seams and edges to reduce chafing. The brand recently updated this bra to give it a softer feel.
TESTING NOTES: When testing a previous iteration of this bra, the ultra-smooth, sleek material easily wicked away moisture in Lab tests, and consumer testers had a similar experience in the real world, with one saying, "I loved the fact that it really wicked away sweat." Testers liked the "super smooth material," and one with a 34DDD bra size said that she felt "supported even while running." The material is very compressive and doesn't stretch very much—we couldn't even stretch it enough to do stretch recovery tests in the Lab—so some testers found it tougher to get on and off.
| Size range | XS–XXL |
| Support | Medium-high |
Pros
- Popular among testers with small and large chests
- High marks for comfort and support
- Versatile for medium-impact exercises
Cons
- Not as moisture-wicking
WHY WE LOVE IT: Offering an extensive size range from XXS to 6XL, this sports bra from Girlfriend uses recycled plastic water bottles (RPET) and spandex to create the brand's signature comfy, compressive fabric. It has a racerback style designed for medium-impact exercise. When I tried this bra, I was impressed with how it strikes a great balance between supportive and flattering. It offered excellent lift, while the stretchy fabric molded beautifully to my curves.
TESTING NOTES: Consumer testers with both small and large chests agreed that this bra is comfortable and supportive. "Because I have a larger chest, it is really tough for me to find a sports bra that is supportive and I feel confident in, and I fell in love with this one," said one tester with a 34DDD bra size. Another tester with a 34D bra size said, "It’s the most comfortable sports bra I’ve ever tried." Loving its flattering fit, a tester with a 34B said, "It’s a bra that makes you feel sexy working out in it, and also it's extremely comfortable."
In the Lab, it washed beautifully with no noticeable changes in appearance or shrinkage. (Note that this style is hang-dry only.) The material did not wick away moisture as well as other styles, so it's better suited for less sweaty workouts.
| Size range | XXS–6XL |
| Support | Medium |
How we test sports bras
In the Textiles Lab, we tested a total of 53 sports bras and enlisted over 200 consumer testers to try them during their workouts to see how well they perform. Final picks are selected based on a combination of Lab performance data, consumer tester feedback, and factors like impact level and size range. This is what we consider when deciding on the best.
✔️ Stretch recovery: When evaluating sports bras, we measure stretch recovery to see how well the fabric returns to its original shape after being stretched out. This test is essential because a sports bra should be able to maintain its elasticity for support.
✔️ Moisture management: We also check how well each one wicks sweat by dropping water on the inside of the fabric and measuring both the speed and distance of its spread.
✔️ Washability: We launder each bra style to see how it holds up during the wash. Using a room with specialized lighting, we evaluate color changes and follow textile industry standards to grade the swatches. We mark each bra with benchmarks to check if any shrinkage occurred.
✔️ Consumer testing: We then have consumer testers—people whose bra sizes range from AA through H cup sizes—try them during various workouts to give us feedback on things like comfort, support, mobility, and ease of use. Testers wore these bras while running marathons, attending studio fitness classes, going on long hikes, and during casual walks in their neighborhoods.
In our latest review, our testers put the sports bras through more than 700 hours of exercise.
A sample of the wide range of tested sports bras from high impact on the left to lower compression on the right with medium support styles in the middle.
How do I choose the right sports bra?
The goal is to select the style that’s best suited for the type of exercise you plan to wear it for. I personally own several kinds of sports bras to wear for different types of exercise, like running, weightlifting, and yoga. Consider what type of workouts you plan to do in the sports bra. For low-impact workouts like yoga or Pilates, opt for softer, lower-compression bras that'll be less restrictive when bending into poses. Cardio workouts require more support, so look for high-impact sports bras with high compression to prevent bounce.
For upper-body movement, a racerback style gives you a greater range of motion. For extra support, look for bras with an underwire and built-in cups or removable pads. If you have trouble finding a good fit, try a style with adjustable straps and hook-and-eye closures.
What’s the difference between compression and encapsulation sports bras?
Compression bras (on the right) hug against your body and are best for small cup sizes or lower impact exercise, while encapsulation bras (on the left) separate your breasts for individual support, looking more like a regular T-shirt bra beneath clothes. Bras that offer encapsulation, or a combo of compression and encapsulation, are best for large cup sizes to prevent movement in all directions.
How do I know if my sports bra fits correctly?
A properly fitting sports bra should be comfortable to wear without pinching or rubbing and it should prevent bounce when exercising. It needs to fit properly in the band, cups, and straps. When you try on a sports bra, I recommend doing a quick test to ensure a proper fit.
1. Make sure the band fits snug under your breasts. It shouldn’t ride up and you should only be able to stick one finger under it.
2. If your breasts are spilling out the top or bulging out the sides, it is not the right fit. The material should be snug across your breasts without pinching.
3. Do a few quick exercises like jumping and downward dog to ensure it keeps everything in place.
If you are struggling to find a comfortable sports bra, we recommend going to get professionally measured. But, to measure your bra size at home, you need to take two measurements: band size and bust. Make sure you take both of these measurements while wearing a comfortable everyday bra (not a sports bra).
Band size: Wrap the measuring tape directly under your breasts to measure your band size. Round up to the nearest whole number. Bust: Wrap the tape around your back, just under your shoulder blades and around the fullest part of your bust. The tape should just skim the bra in the front.
Then, you have to do a bit of math. You subtract your band size from your bust measurement to find your band size. The difference in inches corresponds to your cup size. For example, if your bust measures 38 inches, and your band size is 34, the difference will be 4. At the link below, you’ll find a chart that shows a 4 is equal to a D cup, meaning your bra size is 34D.
Many sports bras have their own sizing charts, so knowing your band size and bust measurements helps you determine which size fits best for that brand. We also recommend taking a close look at the brand's size chart before purchasing to ensure the best fit.
RELATED: How to Measure Your Bra Size
How do I prevent chafing from a sports bra?
When I sent sports bras to consumer testers, the most common complaint was about chafing. Many think that chafing is only caused by the bra being too tight, but it is often times caused by sweat. If your sports bra feels very sweaty, it is more likely to chafe and irritate your skin. I recommend looking for moisture-wicking materials—If you’re unsure whether a bra lives up to its moisture-wicking claim, try placing a drop of water on the inside where the fabric touches your skin. It should spread out quickly; if the water beads up, it’s not a wicking material.
I also recommend looking for a bra with minimal seams and stitching to help reduce friction during exercise, especially in activities like running where there’s a lot of movement. Also, make sure your bra isn't too big or too small as this can cause more chafing.
What’s the difference between low-, medium- and high-impact sports bras?
Sports bras are often sold with low-, medium-, and high-impact specifications that refer to the level of support the bra offers. Sports bras designed for low-impact activities offer the least support and are usually made with softer materials while higher impact sports bras offer more compression, support, and lift with moisture-wicking materials. I think it’s beneficial to have all three types of sports bras if you do a range of fitness activities from yoga to running.
Can wearing the wrong sports bra cause pain?
Yes, it is possible that an ill-fitting sports bra is the cause of soreness or back pain. When your breasts bounce, they pull on the ligaments in your breast and chest, causing soreness and possibly pain long term. Straps or a bottom band that is too tight can leave indentations and even restrict your breathing. Also, sports bras that lack support can put strain on your back, which can be especially painful if you have large breasts.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate Textiles Lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she tested over 50 sports bras to update this story. Since joining Good Housekeeping in 2018, she has tested all types of fitness gear, including workout leggings, walking shoes, and yoga mats. She has a degree from Cornell University in Fiber Science and Apparel Design. Seymour regularly lifts weights and attends Pilates classes where she put most of these bras to the test firsthand.
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