'Hers' editors put a variety of brands through the wringer—front squats, sprints, and down dogs—to find the most supportive, comfortable, and, yes, stylish options on the market. Here are our favorites for lifting, running, and everything in-between.
You research the most technical training shoes to find the pair that’ll maximize your lifts, scrutinize the top-of-market strength apps to find the best one for your goals, and always have a solid new lineup of workout tights and tops to keep your apparel looking fresh.But how about your sports bras? You’ve probably got a few trusty options. But odds are good they’re past their prime—busted and incapable of giving your girls the support they need for your ever-changing regimen.We got our hands on a plethora of sports bras across a variety of brands—each with its own roster of benefits for lifters, runners, and athletes. We whittled down that list to bring you the most impressive, top-performing sports bras of the bunch. Here’s what we love about each, and what activity they’re best suited for. Upgrade your wardrobe, strap one on, and get ready to work.
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Courtesy of Chestee
The Jenny by Chestee
If you see a style like this and think, There’s no way I can rock this, you’re wrong. The Jenny bra, while unique, is very flattering. The mesh paneling adds a playful element that’s actually very subtle. I forgot it was even there while lifting. Despite the bra’s nearly backless appearance, the thick straps are supportive and comfortable. At first, the high-cut neckline felt restricting, but that feeling quickly went away. Even during plyometric moves, everything felt securely in place. Oh, and the signature padded collarbone protection? You won’t be able to front squat or power clean without it ever again. Bashed collarbones are a thing of the past. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistantBest for: lifting, but supportive enough for HIIT and running($68,thechestee.com)
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Enlite Bra by Lululemon
Rather than cramming or flattening your boobs, Lululemon’s Enlite Bra takes a revolutionary approach to support. The cups mold around each breast, individually lifting, holding, and bracing them against impact (so you won’t catch the girls bouncing with wild abandon mid-workout). The bra boasts a damn-near seamless construction—no bunching or digging—thanks to a bonded underband along your rib cage, and free-cut edges along the straps and back. The material is feather-soft and silky, yet saps sweat with ease. And, get ready for this, you’ll never have to wrestle off a sweaty bra again. With the traditional three-hook closure at the back, you simply slide your arms through the holes and secure at the back. My only complaint? The bra comes up a little high in that area where you traditionally experience bra bulge: where your armpit meets your arm, at the front of your upper body. It didn’t restrict motion, but it was noticeable. — Brittany Smith, associate editorBest for: running, lifting, spinning…everything, really($98, lululemon.com)
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Longevity Bra by Knixwear
I can say without hesitation that I’ve never been obsessed with a sports bra (at least not in the same way I’m obsessed with Millennial pink athletic apparel). That is, until I tried the Longevity Bra from Knixwear. Yes, it’s supportive, comfortable, and 100% functional—I wore it running, at yoga, and more than a few times at work, with no problems or annoyances. An added bonus (and one of my favorite features) of the sports bra is that it has just the right amount of compression to give you perfectly perky cleavage. The snug fit and reinforced bust (no underwire) are spot-on. Trust me, as far as sports bras go, this is one to get excited about. Make sure you follow their sizing chart for a perfect fit. — Erin Alexander, editorial assistantBest for: running, yoga, everyday activity($50, knixwear.com)
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Hero Strong by Reebok
The Hero Strong 1) looks killer and 2) offers a ton of support and modesty thanks to the mesh overlay. If you have a larger chest, and want a bra you can work out confidently in—no fleshy spillover, no wardrobe malfunction, no need for a T-shirt—this one fits the bill. Despite this being a medium-impact bra, I love how minimal and non-restrictive the back is. It does run a little big, however, so we’d recommend sizing down for a perfect fit. Go on and show off your hard work come back day. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistantBest for: lifting, HIIT, running($55, reebok.com)
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Stabilyx Running Bra by CW-X
If you’re not concerned with a plunging neckline, strappy back, or cute-as-hell print—you just want a comfortable sports bra that delivers high-impact support, we’ve found your match. The Stabilyx Running Bra has unrivaled motion control that’s perfect for bigger busts (up to 40DD). Within each cup is a five-point support web that more or less suspends your breasts, immobilizing them so they stay in place without feeling suffocated. Seriously, though, those suckers won’t move. Box jumps, sprints, boxing, you name it. The straight shoulder straps don’t jeopardize support in the least bit, and I love the fully adjustable back and shoulder clasps. You’ve got 18 ways to customize your fit. — Brittany Smith, associate editorBest for: running, kickboxing, HIIT classes($60, zappos.com)
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Sarah by Senita Athletics
The Sarah bra seamlessly combines function and fashion. It’s a fuller-coverage option with medium support that comes in a range of colors and prints. I’m crazy about the back storage pocket. While it’s only big enough for an iPhone 6 (without the case, for the most part), a credit card, and key, it’s budge-proof. The pocket kept my phone in place and didn’t get in the way, even during lat pulldowns and runs. The wide straps also helped keep everything in place with minimal adjusting. You can’t beat this price point either. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistantBest for: lifting, running, yoga($26, senitaathletics.com)
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Breathelux Mid by Under Armour
The Breathelux Mid is one of those miraculous sports bras you actively choose to wear all day long because it’s that damn comfortable. It has a gorgeous aesthetic—complementary color blocking, higher neckline, longer hem—and a luxurious feel against your skin. There’s a mesh lining to boost breathability and limit hot spots, bonded straps that sit flush against your skin, and thin, built-in cups that give you the shape and modesty you crave. Plus, since they’re sewn-in, you don’t have to putz around with ’em post-wash or worry about one being off-kilter. I immediately loved the key-hole detail and strappy back design, but loved it even more when it didn’t dig into my skin when I was lying down during savasana in yoga and legs raises in the gym. — Brittany Smith, associate editorBest for: Lifting, yoga, spin (medium-impact activities)($54.99, underarmour.com)
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Fit Sports Bra by Gymshark
This bra is insanely comfortable, and although it looks like a run-of-the-mill sports bra at first glance, it has some head-turning details. Namely, the side cutouts. The little flash of flesh isn’t over-the-top, and the subtle criss-cross detail at the back where the band overlaps adds style points. The thick band ensures a budge-proof fit without any pinching, and the lightweight fabric keeps the bra from feeling restricting. That said, it’s worth noting this bra may not offer enough support for larger-chested women or high-impact activities, like running. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistantBest for: lifting, yoga($28, gymshark.com)
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LVFT Performance Bra by Live Fit Apparel
How does it sound to wear a bra that doesn’t dig into your sides or shoulders? Like an impossible, wonderful dream? With the LVFT Performance Bra, it’s a reality. Thick, padded straps that don’t add bulk or look drab, lie on top of your traps, rather than bite into them. The band is a standout. There’s a soft lining that eliminates chafing. This is another great option for larger-chested ladies. Thanks to the removable molded cups and sturdy straps, you’re covered. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistantBest for: lifting, running($45, livefitapparel.com)
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JustRight Racer by Brooks
Ladies, meet your new go-to sports bra for long runs, sprints, and everything in-between. Its soft, seamless design makes it easy to get on and off (a godsend, really), while the racerback style keeps you supported without feeling suffocated. Although it doesn’t have any fancy contraptions like a designated key or phone pocket, I found I could pop my keys in the front of the bra without having to worry about them slipping through the bottom thanks to the perfectly fitted band. Sometimes simple is all you need. – Erin Alexander, editorial assistantBest for: running($48, brooksrunning.com)
You research the most technical training shoes to find the pair that’ll maximize your lifts, scrutinize the top-of-market strength apps to find the best one for your goals, and always have a solid new lineup of workout tights and tops to keep your apparel looking fresh.
But how about your sports bras? You’ve probably got a few trusty options. But odds are good they’re past their prime—busted and incapable of giving your girls the support they need for your ever-changing regimen.
We got our hands on a plethora of sports bras across a variety of brands—each with its own roster of benefits for lifters, runners, and athletes. We whittled down that list to bring you the most impressive, top-performing sports bras of the bunch. Here’s what we love about each, and what activity they’re best suited for. Upgrade your wardrobe, strap one on, and get ready to work.
The Jenny by Chestee
If you see a style like this and think, There’s no way I can rock this, you’re wrong. The Jenny bra, while unique, is very flattering. The mesh paneling adds a playful element that’s actually very subtle. I forgot it was even there while lifting. Despite the bra’s nearly backless appearance, the thick straps are supportive and comfortable. At first, the high-cut neckline felt restricting, but that feeling quickly went away. Even during plyometric moves, everything felt securely in place. Oh, and the signature padded collarbone protection? You won’t be able to front squat or power clean without it ever again. Bashed collarbones are a thing of the past. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistant
Best for: lifting, but supportive enough for HIIT and running
Rather than cramming or flattening your boobs, Lululemon’s Enlite Bra takes a revolutionary approach to support. The cups mold around each breast, individually lifting, holding, and bracing them against impact (so you won’t catch the girls bouncing with wild abandon mid-workout). The bra boasts a damn-near seamless construction—no bunching or digging—thanks to a bonded underband along your rib cage, and free-cut edges along the straps and back. The material is feather-soft and silky, yet saps sweat with ease. And, get ready for this, you’ll never have to wrestle off a sweaty bra again. With the traditional three-hook closure at the back, you simply slide your arms through the holes and secure at the back. My only complaint? The bra comes up a little high in that area where you traditionally experience bra bulge: where your armpit meets your arm, at the front of your upper body. It didn’t restrict motion, but it was noticeable. — Brittany Smith, associate editor
Best for: running, lifting, spinning…everything, really
I can say without hesitation that I’ve never been obsessed with a sports bra (at least not in the same way I’m obsessed with Millennial pink athletic apparel). That is, until I tried the Longevity Bra from Knixwear. Yes, it’s supportive, comfortable, and 100% functional—I wore it running, at yoga, and more than a few times at work, with no problems or annoyances. An added bonus (and one of my favorite features) of the sports bra is that it has just the right amount of compression to give you perfectly perky cleavage. The snug fit and reinforced bust (no underwire) are spot-on. Trust me, as far as sports bras go, this is one to get excited about. Make sure you follow their sizing chart for a perfect fit. — Erin Alexander, editorial assistant
The Hero Strong 1) looks killer and 2) offers a ton of support and modesty thanks to the mesh overlay. If you have a larger chest, and want a bra you can work out confidently in—no fleshy spillover, no wardrobe malfunction, no need for a T-shirt—this one fits the bill. Despite this being a medium-impact bra, I love how minimal and non-restrictive the back is. It does run a little big, however, so we’d recommend sizing down for a perfect fit. Go on and show off your hard work come back day. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistant
If you’re not concerned with a plunging neckline, strappy back, or cute-as-hell print—you just want a comfortable sports bra that delivers high-impact support, we’ve found your match. The Stabilyx Running Bra has unrivaled motion control that’s perfect for bigger busts (up to 40DD). Within each cup is a five-point support web that more or less suspends your breasts, immobilizing them so they stay in place without feeling suffocated. Seriously, though, those suckers won’t move. Box jumps, sprints, boxing, you name it. The straight shoulder straps don’t jeopardize support in the least bit, and I love the fully adjustable back and shoulder clasps. You’ve got 18 ways to customize your fit. — Brittany Smith, associate editor
The Sarah bra seamlessly combines function and fashion. It’s a fuller-coverage option with medium support that comes in a range of colors and prints. I’m crazy about the back storage pocket. While it’s only big enough for an iPhone 6 (without the case, for the most part), a credit card, and key, it’s budge-proof. The pocket kept my phone in place and didn’t get in the way, even during lat pulldowns and runs. The wide straps also helped keep everything in place with minimal adjusting. You can’t beat this price point either. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistant
The Breathelux Mid is one of those miraculous sports bras you actively choose to wear all day long because it’s that damn comfortable. It has a gorgeous aesthetic—complementary color blocking, higher neckline, longer hem—and a luxurious feel against your skin. There’s a mesh lining to boost breathability and limit hot spots, bonded straps that sit flush against your skin, and thin, built-in cups that give you the shape and modesty you crave. Plus, since they’re sewn-in, you don’t have to putz around with ’em post-wash or worry about one being off-kilter. I immediately loved the key-hole detail and strappy back design, but loved it even more when it didn’t dig into my skin when I was lying down during savasana in yoga and legs raises in the gym. — Brittany Smith, associate editor
Best for: Lifting, yoga, spin (medium-impact activities)
This bra is insanely comfortable, and although it looks like a run-of-the-mill sports bra at first glance, it has some head-turning details. Namely, the side cutouts. The little flash of flesh isn’t over-the-top, and the subtle criss-cross detail at the back where the band overlaps adds style points. The thick band ensures a budge-proof fit without any pinching, and the lightweight fabric keeps the bra from feeling restricting. That said, it’s worth noting this bra may not offer enough support for larger-chested women or high-impact activities, like running. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistant
How does it sound to wear a bra that doesn’t dig into your sides or shoulders? Like an impossible, wonderful dream? With the LVFT Performance Bra, it’s a reality. Thick, padded straps that don’t add bulk or look drab, lie on top of your traps, rather than bite into them. The band is a standout. There’s a soft lining that eliminates chafing. This is another great option for larger-chested ladies. Thanks to the removable molded cups and sturdy straps, you’re covered. — Rose McNulty, editorial assistant
Ladies, meet your new go-to sports bra for long runs, sprints, and everything in-between. Its soft, seamless design makes it easy to get on and off (a godsend, really), while the racerback style keeps you supported without feeling suffocated. Although it doesn’t have any fancy contraptions like a designated key or phone pocket, I found I could pop my keys in the front of the bra without having to worry about them slipping through the bottom thanks to the perfectly fitted band. Sometimes simple is all you need. – Erin Alexander, editorial assistant
