The Best Sports Bras

Finding a sports bra that’s comfortable, supportive, and genuinely works for your training can be harder than it should be. From easy runs to high-impact workouts, the wrong fit can be distracting, and the right one can make all the difference.

To help you find a sports bra that truly works, we’ve rounded up our top picks across a range of activities and body types. This guide breaks down the best sports bras for running, high- and low-impact workouts, and different chest sizes, so you can choose with confidence and focus on your training.
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Why trust us?

Runna exists to help people train better. We know how much the right kit can impact comfort, confidence, and performance.

Our team lives and breathes running, and we apply that same performance-first mindset to the gear we recommend. Every sports bra in this guide has earned its place by being reliable, comfortable, and well-regarded by runners and fitness communities alike.
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How to choose the right sports bra

The best sports bra for you depends on how you train, how much support you need, and what feels comfortable on your body. With so many styles available, breaking it down into a few key factors can make choosing the right one much easier.

1. Match the support level to your activity

Different workouts call for different levels of support.

- High-impact activities like running and HIIT usually need maximum support.
- Medium-impact training such as gym workouts or easy runs benefits from a balance of support and comfort.
- Low-impact movement like yoga or Pilates typically works best with lighter support and more flexibility.

2. Decide between compression and encapsulation

- Compression bras press the chest against the body and are often simpler in design. They tend to work well for smaller chests and lower- to medium-impact workouts.
- Encapsulation bras support each breast individually and usually offer more structure. These are often preferred for higher-impact activities and larger busts.

Some high-support bras combine both for added stability.

3. Get the fit right

Fit is just as important as support. A sports bra should feel secure without being restrictive.

- The band should sit firmly around your ribcage without riding up - this is where most of the support comes from.
- Straps should feel supportive but not dig in or slip. Adjustable straps can help fine-tune the fit.
- There shouldn’t be gaping, rubbing, or pinching, and you should be able to breathe comfortably.

If it feels uncomfortable standing still, it’s unlikely to feel better once you start moving.

4. Consider fabric and breathability

Sweat-wicking, breathable fabrics can make a big difference, especially during longer or warmer workouts. Look for materials that dry quickly and feel soft against the skin to help reduce irritation.

Seam placement also matters - flat seams or seamless designs tend to be more comfortable during repetitive movement.

5. Think about practical features

Depending on how you train, small details can make a big difference:

- Adjustable straps or bands for a more personalised fit
- Front-zip or hook-and-eye closures for easier on and off
- Pockets if you like to carry essentials hands-free
- Wired vs non-wired depending on your preference for structure and separation
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Best sports bras for running 

Running places repeated impact on the body, which means a good running sports bra needs to do more than just feel comfortable at first try-on. The best options stay secure through constant movement, manage sweat effectively, and remain comfortable over time - whether you’re heading out for a short easy run or spending hours on your feet. These picks stand out for how consistently they perform while running.
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Best overall running bra: Brooks Racerback 2.0 Sports Bra

The Brooks Dare Racerback Run Bra is designed specifically for running and uses moulded, seam-free cups to provide support without excessive compression. This construction helps reduce bounce while maintaining a smooth, streamlined feel against the skin.

The racerback design keeps the bra stable during movement, and the pullover style eliminates hardware that could cause irritation on longer runs. It’s a strong all-round option for runners looking for a running-specific bra that works comfortably across different distances and paces.

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Best sports bra for running with pockets: rabbit UtiliBra-vo

The rabbit UtiliBra-vo is built with integrated storage, including a secure back pocket designed to hold small essentials like a phone, keys, or fuel. The pockets are positioned close to the body to minimise movement while running.

Despite the added functionality, the bra maintains a supportive, close-to-body fit. It’s designed so that carrying items doesn’t compromise comfort or stability, making it a practical choice for runners who prefer hands-free storage without wearing a belt or vest.

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Best for easy runs and everyday miles: Sweaty Betty Power Icon Bra

The Sweaty Betty Power Icon Bra is a medium-support, compression-style bra that works well for lower-intensity running and everyday training. It offers enough support for steady miles without the firm feel associated with high-impact bras.

The pull-on design and comfortable fabric make it easy to wear for shorter runs, recovery days, or mixed workout sessions. It’s a dependable option when comfort and simplicity are more important than maximum support.

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Best for high-impact running: Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra

The Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra is designed specifically for high-impact activity and focuses on firm compression to limit movement. It uses a structured, non-padded design and a secure fit to reduce bounce during faster running or interval sessions.

It’s less flexible than lighter options, but that’s the trade-off for the level of stability it provides. For high-impact running where bounce control is the main concern, it delivers consistent, reliable support.

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Best for running in hot weather: Oiselle Hi Twenty Bra

The Oiselle Hi Twenty Bra is a lightweight, pullover bra with a minimal design aimed at improving comfort in warm conditions. Its reduced bulk and breathable construction help heat escape more easily during runs.

Because it doesn’t feel heavy as you sweat, it works well for summer running or warmer climates. It’s best suited to runners who want a simpler, more breathable option for shorter to mid-length runs.

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Most comfortable for long runs: Janji Infinity Sports Bra

The Janji Infinity Sports Bra is a medium-support, unpadded pull-over bra made with Janji’s smooth Groundwork knit fabric and a powermesh lining for breathable, lightly compressive support. This layered construction helps provide steady support while remaining comfortable over extended periods.

The smooth fabric and stable fit reduce the likelihood of irritation building up over long distances, making it well suited to longer runs. Many versions also feature reversible styling! For runners prioritising comfort and consistency over time, this is a strong long-run option.

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Best high-impact sports bras

High-impact workouts create repeated, forceful movement, which means a sports bra needs to prioritise stability, structure, and a secure fit. The best high-impact bras focus on minimising movement while remaining comfortable enough to train in regularly. Here are our top picks.
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Best overall high-impact - lululemon Run Times Bra (High Support)

The lululemon Run Times Bra is a high-support bra designed specifically for running and other high-impact activities. It features encapsulation-style cups that support each breast individually, helping to limit movement without relying solely on compression.

Adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye back closure allow for a more customised fit, which can be especially helpful during high-impact workouts. The overall construction provides a secure, structured feel while remaining comfortable enough for longer or more demanding sessions, making it a strong all-round high-impact option.

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Best for large breasts & best for adjustability - SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra

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The SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra is built around customisable support, which makes it particularly effective for larger busts and high-impact training. Its fully adjustable shoulder straps and underband allow the fit to be tightened or loosened as needed, helping to reduce movement during intense workouts.

This adjustability makes it easier to achieve a secure, supportive fit than with fixed-size bras, especially for those who struggle to find enough support in standard sizing. The high-coverage, structured design provides a very secure feel, making it a reliable option for high-impact activity where stability is the priority.

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Best encapsulation - Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra

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The Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra uses a true encapsulation design, supporting each breast separately rather than compressing the chest as a whole. This structure is combined with an underwire to provide added stability and shape during high-impact movement.

Encapsulation bras like this are often preferred by those who want strong support with separation, particularly during running or other high-impact training. The result is a secure, supportive fit that feels structured rather than restrictive.

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Best versatile option - Oiselle Queen Bra

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The Oiselle Queen Bra is designed to adapt across different types of training, thanks to its convertible strap configuration. This allows the fit and feel to be adjusted depending on the activity, while still offering the level of support needed for high-impact movement.

The bra provides a structured, supportive fit suitable for running and other intense workouts, while the convertible design adds versatility for those who want one bra that works across multiple training styles.

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