Best Sports Bras for AA to D Cups of 2024
Supportive and Comfortable Sports Bras for Running, Hiking and Outdoor Pursuits
January 31st, 2024
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The best sports bras offer support, wick sweat, and feel comfortable enough that you forget you’re even wearing it. The problem is that a good sports bra often seems like a unicorn or yeti: fun to dream about but seemingly impossible to find, whether you’re small-chested or well-endowed.
We at Treeline Review know this all too well, and for this reason, we went on a quest to find the best sports bras on the market for people of all sizes. We tested 25 sports bras so you can spend less time searching and trying on and more time getting after it—whether running, skiing, backpacking, doing yoga, or doing high-intensity workouts.
We tested the best sports bras for people who fall into the A-D cup range for this review. If you’re looking for the best sports bra in larger cup sizes, you can see our review for DD+ sports bras here.
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Comparison Table for Sports Bras
| SPORTS BRA | TREELINE AWARD | SIZES | SUPPORT / IMPACT | STYLE | COMPRESSION OR ENCAPSULATION? | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athleta Ultimate | Best Medium Impact Read review |
XXS - XL | medium | racerback | compression | nylon, spandex |
| Brooks Drive 3 Pocket | High Impact Read review |
30-40/ AB/ CD/ DDE | high | high neck racerback | compression | synthetic |
| Prana Becksa Bralette | Best Low Impact Longline Read review |
XS - XL | low/medium | crop racerback | compression | recycled poly blend |
| Ortovox 185 Rockin' Wool Sport Top | Best Wool Read review |
XS - XL | low | racerback | compression | merino wool with elastic band |
| Girlfriend Paloma Racerback | Best for Everyday and Plus Sizes Read review |
XXS - 6XL | medium | racerback | compression | recycled plastic, Spandex |
* Prices reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
The Best Sports Bras for A-D Cups
After researching over one hundred sports bras on the market, we tested 25 different styles to find the best sports bra for everything from yoga to running and even backcountry adventures.
BEST MEDIUM IMPACT SPORTS BRA:
ATHLETA ULTIMATE SPORTS BRA
Bra size availability: XXS-XL
Support/Impact: medium
Style: racerback
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: nylon/spandex
Features: removable cups
What we liked: versatility, style, comfortable waistband, supportive enough for everything but running, price
What we didn’t like: slower to dry
It’s nice to have a bra in your closet that you can throw on for just about any activity. And for this, we love the Athleta Ultimate Sports Bra. This medium impact bra has all the essential features we love in a bra without any unnecessary frills.
It has a comfortable, lightly compressive fit, a breathable racerback design, and comes in various fun, stylish colorways. The Athleta Ultimate is our winner for Best Medium Impact bra for its versatility and ability to performs well and looks good doing it. We like the inclusivity of the sizing on this bra, which is available in sizes 1X-3X. We also tested it for our larger cup-size sports bra guide.
ATHLETA ULTIMATE SPORTS BRA
This bra has a compression style with a scoop-neck front and removable cups for added shape and modesty. The removable pads are easy to take in and out, and we found them to be comfortable, though our tester prefers to wear this bra (and any bra with removable cups or pads) without them.
We tested this bra across a wide variety of activities, from morning yoga and indoor gym workouts to hiking, skiing, and even backcountry ski touring. Our tester is a size 34 C/D and found this bra to be supportive enough for just about everything except running. We also had an A cup tester for this bra who echoed that it was comfortable and supportive from yoga to running to hiking. Both of these echo customer reviews saying it is supportive enough for running, too.
The drying time wasn’t a problem for gym workouts and wouldn’t be much of an issue in warmer weather outside, but when we worked up a sweat in winter temps in the mountains of Colorado, it was easy to get chilled with a damp sports bra. Because of this, we wouldn’t recommend this bra for long days or multi-day treks into the backcountry; but for just about everything else, this workout bra offers excellent performance, comfort, and style.
For a comfortable and stylish workout bra that’s good for all but the highest impact activities, we love the Athleta Ultimate bra.
Best High Impact Sports Bra:
BROOKS 3-POCKET RUN
Bra size and cup size availability: 30AB-40DDE
Support/Impact: medium impact
Style: high neck racerback
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: polyester/spandex
Features: Removable cups, cell phone pocket, ribcage pocket for keys/ID
Clever designs are great–if they work. The Brooks 3-Pocket Run Bra not only worked well as a high-impact sports bra, but the pockets held keys, phones, and even credit cards without extra bulk or chafing. We appreciated the high-cut coverage design when running and jumping to prevent spillage without the bra feeling constrictive. The Drive 3-Pocket has enough compression the chest compact without restricting deep breaths.
This workout bra outperformed every other one in our test for the highest support for running and other high-impact activities. If you’re looking for a high support bra for running and gym workouts and every high-impact activity in between, the Brooks 3 Pocket is our top choice.
BROOKS DRIVE 3 POCKET RUN SPORTS BRA
Brooks is a running company that was one of the original inventors of the sports bra. The Brooks Pocket Run is one of the bestselling sports bra models at REI and is Brooks’s most popular model of sports bra.
A compressive, four-way stretch fabric helps hold everything in place. This bra offers ample coverage for a structured and supportive sports.
The fabric allows ample airflow, so back sweat was manageable. Overall, the material dries pretty quickly, which is what we want for a high impact / running sports bra.
The Brooks 3 Pocket Run has a wide bra size range for a high impact / running sports bra model with waistbands running from 30 to 40 and cup size from A to E. We had three testers on this bra, an A cup, a C-cup, and a D-cup. Our D-cup reports it fits loosely, but the A cup and C cup testers found it to be snug. Moral of the story: try it on first or order two sizes from a store with easy returns.
When our main tester tried it on for the first time, it took some effort to get it on. During the first workout, the bra felt snug, but the fabric does give a bit; this is how a high-impact running bra like this should fit. After another wear and a wash or two, the bra fits perfectly snug. It has maintained its support and compression over many runs to plyometric exercises in the gym.
When it comes to sweat management, this running bra does incredibly well, which is great for running. It was only bested by our overall best sports bra for wicking moisture (that goes to the Ortovox, which is a low-impact sports bra). It’s also among the fastest drying bras we tested.
We like this bra so much that it’s also a winner in our Best Sports Bras for D+ cups. The difference is that for people with D cups and up, it’s better suited as a medium impact bra. Most people with AA-C cups find the design and high cut work well together as a high impact sports bras. After all, this bra is specifically designed for running. Still, if you are concerned, check out our high impact and running winners in our Best Sports Bras for D+ cups.
Best Low Impact Longline Bra:
Prana Becksa Bralette
Bra size availability: XS-XL
Support/Impact: low/medium
Style: crop racerback
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: recycled poly blend
Features: interior shelf bra, removable cups, UPF 50+
What we liked: coverage, comfort, style, versatility
What we didn’t like:
Good coverage, light compression, and maximum comfort: These are the critical qualities of an excellent low-impact crop bra, and the prAna Becksa Bralette delivers on all this and more. The prAna Becksa bralette is our favorite sports bra for yoga and other low-impact workouts for its coverage, comfort, and style—and wins our award for best low impact sports bra.
The Becksa Bralette is a racerback style longline crop bra with ample coverage, so it’s versatile enough to be worn underneath a shirt or on its own with leggings or other athletic wear. It has a soft, ribbed polyester blend fabric that offers light compression and an ultra-comfortable feel while maintaining technical features like breathability and sweat-wicking. This bra became our go-to for low-impact activities throughout testing, and it’s now a staple for our tester’s morning yoga practice.
PRANA BECKSA BRALETTE
The Prana Becksa bra performed the best in our test of longline cut bras with excellent support for folks of all sizes, as well as superior breathability and moisture management.
The Becksa Bralette was updated last year for a more scoop-neck cut in the chest, a straight crop bottom, and some fresh colors. We tested this new version.
The bra comes with removable pads, though our tester prefers wearing it without them.
The Becksa offers the perfect amount of coverage, and even when we found ourselves in inverted yoga poses, the bra held everything in. We could focus on the workout movements rather than adjusting clothing.
Beyond yoga, mellow hikes, and casual wear, this bra lacks the support of others in our test. But, much like the low-impact Smartwool bra, this bra is comfortable enough to wear while sleeping.
Despite the extra material from the high coverage cut, the Becksa Bralette performed well with sweat management. While it doesn’t offer quite as much breathability as the Smartwool or Outdoor Voices bras, we never found ourselves soaking the bra with sweat, even during hour-long power yoga sessions.
The prAna Becksa longline is the best cropped design sports bra that we tested due to its superior support of cup sizes A to D.
People on the smaller cup spectrum have long loved prAna bras. Unlike other prAna bras we’ve tested, this one offered enough support, coverage, and comfort for our D cup tester. (We also tested the prAna Everyday Bra, and our D cup tester found herself falling out of the bra, even though it was appropriately sized. However, our A and B cup testers loved the Everyday Bra.)
PRANA BECKSA LONGLINE VS. ATHLETA CONSCIOUS CROP
The Becksa Longline has a similar design to the popular Athleta Conscious Crop (see review in honorable mentions below). However, we found that the Becksa has better support and served cup sizes A to D better than the Conscious Crop.
Additionally, we think the updated Becksa Bralette fits true to size, with our B cup tester wearing a small and our C/D cup tester wearing a medium. The Conscious Crop had sizing issues for our C/D cup tester and customer reviews reflect this.
The Becksa Bralette is also recommended by the testers at Gear Junkie; everyday customers give it 4.8/5 stars out of 130 reviews on prAna’s website.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, technical, and stylish bra with ample coverage and a cropped style for yoga and other low-impact activities, the Becksa is our top pick.
Best Wool: Ortovox Rockin’N’Wool Sport Top
Bra size availability: XS-XL
Support/Impact: low
Style: racerback
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: 100% merino with elastic band
Features: all wool, super breathable
When you’re deep in the backcountry, moisture management, and odor control matter more than just about any other feature when it comes to your next-to-skin layers. After dozens of days of extended, high-output activities in the backcountry, we’ve fallen in love with the Ortovox Rock’n’Wool Sport Top for low-impact multi-day activities in the wilderness. It was our winner for Best Backcountry sports bra last year, but due to availability and sizing issues, we now think the similar Smartwool Seamless Racerback is a better option for most people.
ORTOVOX ROCKIN’N’WOOL SPORT TOP
Ortovox Sport Top has a wide band and is the only sports bra we tested made of 100% merino wool
In our research phase for this story, we came across a handful of bras that had merino wool blended with synthetic fabrics and bras that had bits of merino lining; but this is the only bra we found that's made of 100% merino wool (aside from the elastic support band). For this reason, the Rock’N’Wool Sport Top stands out as the most breathable, fastest-drying, and best sweat-wicking bra in our test.
However, because the central part of the bra is all wool with no spandex, nylon, or poly materials blended in, it is also the lowest impact bra in our test. Still, we think this is fine for backcountry pursuits when compression and support are not top priorities, but odor control and moisture management are non-negotiable.
The Rock’N’Wool Sport Top is a racerback style sports bra made entirely from sustainably-sourced merino wool, with an elastic underband for light support. There is mesh-woven merino in both the front center of the bra and on the back for maximum breathability. It offers enough support for light impact activities like hiking and backcountry skiing.
Along with its superior moisture-wicking and odor management, this bra stood out as the most comfortable in our test. It’s easy to forget you’re even wearing a bra, so much so that we even found it to be comfortable enough for sleeping. This combo of features makes the Rock’N’Wool ideal for multi-day backcountry adventures when space in your pack is limited and changing base layers doesn’t often happen, if at all.
We tested this bra for several days of backcountry skiing, winter hiking, and cross country skiing, and no matter how hard we worked, we stayed warm and dry. That’s one of the bonus qualities of wool over synthetic fabrics: It maintains its warmth when wet and doesn’t hold moisture for long (because the outer fibers of wool are hydrophobic and repel water). We haven’t tested this bra in summer temperatures, but given what we know about wool’s temperature management, and because this bra is so breathable, we assume it will perform well in a wide range of temperatures.
The Rock’N’Wool Sport Top fits true to size with medium coverage and light compression. Our 34 C/D tester found the size medium to fit just right; though for larger cup sizes, the coverage is on the light side on the sides of the bra. (This was not an issue for our tester, but still, something worth noting.)
The Ortovox Rock’N’Wool Sport Top is recommended by both Outside and Backpacker and has 4.5/5 stars on Backcountry.com out of five customer reviews. (Customer reviews for this bra are scant in large part because Ortovox is a European company still gaining traction in the North American market).
The main downside to this low-support bra is the price tag, though it’s standard for merino wool garments to be pricier than their synthetic counterparts. We believe this bra is worth every penny for the right user. If you’re a backpacker, backcountry skier, or generally spend a significant amount of time in the backcountry and need a bra that keeps you dry and comfortable, the Ortovox Rock’N’Wool Sport Top is the best choice for you.
Best For Everyday Style and Plus Sizes:
Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Bra
Bra size availability: XXS-6XL
Support/Impact: medium
Style: racerback
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: recycled plastic/spandex
Features: no padding, support band, UPF 45+, recycleable through company
What we like: comfort, size options, color options, sun protection, made of recycled material, company take-back program, surprisingly good compression for a light bra
What we didn’t like: could be better at sweat wicking or breathability
The minimalist, stylish, comfortable Paloma Racerback Bra from Girlfriend Collective is a piece we reach for often for everyday wear. With Girlfriend’s impressive range of sizing, this bra earns a top spot for everyday use. We love the minimalist design and simple, modern style of the Paloma Racerback for just about any low- or medium-impact activities, from running errands to morning yoga and an afternoon gym session.
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE PALOMA RACERBACK BRA
The Girlfriend Collective Paloma Sports Bra is our best everyday bra due to its comfort, ample coverage, and size availability.
The synthetic fabric on the Girlfriend Collective Paloma sports bra is made from recycled plastic bottles and woven with spandex for added support and compression.
We tested this bra on winter hikes, indoor gym workouts, and while doing yoga and found it to blur the line between light and medium compression. It was enough for relatively high-impact strength workouts in the gym, though not quite enough for a trail run, and comfortable enough to wear while lounging around the house or running errands.
The Paloma Racerback offers ample coverage, and we didn’t have issues whether we were doing jump squats or upside down in a yoga headstand.
When it comes to sweat-wicking, this bra is average. The double-layered material and thick underband make this bra comfortable without feeling cumbersome. But, for the same reasons, it doesn’t breathe as well as others in our test. We’d recommend the Outdoor Voices Doing Things bra if you're doing a high-intensity workout. But for more coverage during mellower activities, we love this bra.
Another reason we love this bra is its wide range of sizes. The Paloma Racerback comes in sizes XXS-6XL. It runs true to size, and our 34C/D tester found the medium to be a perfect fit. The Paloma also has aesthetic, modern colorways that we love.
The Paloma Racerback is one of Girlfriend Collective’s most popular bras, with over 1,300 positive customer reviews. And while other reviews we researched didn’t mention this specific bra, Girlfriend Collective received shoutouts from other media outlets.
For a stylish, comfortable bra in a wide range of sizes to wear any day of the week, we love the Paloma Racerback.
Best lightweight sports bra: Tracksmith Allston
Sizing: XS-L
Support: medium
Style: racerback
Encapsulation or Compression: Compression
Material: compressive nylon/ elastane
Features: internal phone pocket, lined
What we liked: comfort, excellent breathability, front pocket fits phone or other small items
What we didn’t like: price, pocket takes some getting use to
For those looking for a lightweight bra with enough support for long runs, the Tracksmith Allston is the best lightweight sports bra we tested. This sports bra landed in the ranks as one of the most comfortable in our test, thanks to the lightweight fabric and simple, classic racerback fit. For that reason, it’s one of our favorite gear items ever and has made its way into our Best Gifts for Runners list.
TRACKSMITH ALLSTON
The Tracksmith Allston has a spacious phone pocket that allows you to get out and run without having to carry a fanny pack or waist pack.
Tracksmith calls the Allston a medium-impact bra, and we agree with that. It works well for a running bra for folks on the smaller side of the cup-size spectrum; if you’re a D or larger, you may want to consider a bra with more support than this one.
This bra is made with a blend of nylon and elastane. It’s lightweight with a minimalist design, and it breathes well and wicks sweat with ease. The bra does not come with padding or molded cups, but this is part of what makes it so breathable and comfortable.
The back of the Tracksmith Allston bra is simple and supportive. The fabric is among the most breathable and wicking of the sports bras we tested. It doesn’t feel too warm, even to our Southern California tester who runs throughout the summer heat.
One feature that stands out with this bra is the spacious front pocket, which is large enough to fit a phone or other essentials. This is handy for runners who prefer to get out sans pack but still want to bring a small item or two along. It’s worth noting that though the pocket is convenient, it takes some getting used to carrying things in the front of your bra.
The primary downside to this bra is the price. It costs about twice as much as a comparable Nike bra. If you’re willing to splurge, we think this bra is worth it for comfort and that handy pocket. But, if you’re on a budget you can find a bra that will still get the job done well for far less.
Overall, if you’re a runner who loves sleek simplicity in a sports bra and you don’t mind paying a little extra for that, consider the Allston. It also comes recommended by runners world and has been a favorite among everyday customers and other folks here at Treeline Review. If you’re going to splurge on a sports bra, splurge on this one.
Best Budget Sports Bra: Nike Swoosh
Sizing: XS-2XL
Support: medium
Style: racerback
Encapsulation or Compression: Compression
Material: recycled polyester/ Spandex
Features: removable 1-piece pad, pad pocket fits phone
What we liked: bang for the buck, enough support for all but the bounciest situations, functional, made of recycled material
What we didn’t like: other bras have better pockets, not as stylish
If you’re in need of a good all-around sports bra but don’t feel the need to splurge on it, the Nike Swoosh is a tried and true sports bra that has served Treeline testers well for years. This medium impact bra is simple but functional, and it offers enough support for all but the bounciest things you might find yourself doing. That’s why the Nike Swoosh wins our award for Best Budget sports bra in this guide, and also our guide to the Best Sports Bras for D+ Cup.
NIKE SWOOSH
The Nike Swoosh sports bra meets all our essential criteria for a sports bra at a reasonable price.
The Swoosh is a simple and classic racerback sports bra. It has a snug and supportive band with straps that are wide enough to offer good support without feeling like too much. The newest models are made with a polyester and spandex fabric which includes 75 percent recycled polyester that’s derived from plastic bottles.The Nike Dri-FIT fabric is breathable and wicks sweat well.
Testing the Nike Swoosh on a trail run in Colorado.
When we say the design of this bra is simple, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. It has a single removable pad that adds shape, and the one-piece design makes it easier to keep track of and take in and out. The same front pocket that holds this padding is also large enough to fit a phone.
We prefer bra pockets on the back (like the Oiselle Flyout, a former winner for best running bra) rather than the front, but this is still nice to have in a budget-oriented bra.
For many years, our tester and author of this story used this bra religiously. It was put through the wringer on countless trail runs, hikes, bike rides, and more. It’s easy to grab this bra out of the closet for both its simplicity and functionality. The medium support compression style bra works well for most things.
Our tester sized down in one of her Swoosh bras for a more compressive fit, and found it to work well even for high-impact activities. She even trusted this bra for support on her first mountain marathon and it got the job done without issue.
There are other sports bras out there that offer more—whether that’s features (like good pockets), style, and different fabrics (like merino wool). But for the price, we think the Swoosh can’t be beat.
This bra has hundreds of 5-star customer reviews across multiple sites (in part because Nike is such a well-known company). We know why: This is a great bra for the money. If you want a good, all-around, medium support sports bra without the steep price tag, this is it.
Honorable Mentions
prAna Everyday Bra
Bra size availability: XS-XL
Support/Impact: low - medium
Style: strappy back
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: nylon, Lycra
Features: removable cups, strappy back, UPF50+
As we mentioned in our review of the prAna Becksa Bralette, many prAna bras are best for those with smaller cup sizes, and we found that to be the case with this bra. Our A and B cup testers loved this bra for its compression, support, and style and wore it for running, skiing, yoga, and hiking. Our D cup tester felt like there was not enough support or coverage in this model. For these reasons, we can recommend this bra for medium-to-high support for smaller cup sizes. If you’re a D cup or larger, we suggest you try this bra on before purchasing.
PRANA EVERYDAY BRA
Bra size availability: XS-XL
Support/Impact: low
Style: racerback
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: poly blend/wool lining
Features: removable cups, wool lining
The Kari Traa Froya bra is another go-to choice for our testers when in need of an all-around low and medium impact bra. We love the merino wool lining inside the bra for its sweat-wicking capabilities and the bra’s overall comfortable compression.
The one downside to this bra is the sizing. Our C/D cup tester originally ordered a small, per the website’s size chart, but could barely get it on. She exchanged for a medium which fit much better, though a large might have been more comfortable.
Ultimately, the Athleta Ultimate bra gets our top pick award for overall medium impact in part for accurate sizing and comfortable fit and in part for a heap of positive customer reviews. Nonetheless, we still love the Froya bra; just be sure to size up if you get one.
KARI TRAA FROYA
Bra size availability: 30-40 / AB/CD/DDE
Support/Impact: high
Style: crossback
Encapsulation or compression: both
Material: synthetic
Features: molded cups, seamless design
Brooks is one of the most popular names for running bras. We tested the Brooks Dare Crossback and found it comfortable and true to size. We were disappointed to realize that there was not as much support as we expected, and our C/D cup tester liked the Brooks 3 Pocket or the Lululemon Run Times better for running.
BROOKS DARE CROSSBACK
Bra size availability: XXS-XL
Support/Impact: low
Style: racerback crop
Encapsulation or compression: compression
Material: nylon/spandex
Features: removable padding, built-in bra
We tested the Athleta Conscious Crop alongside the prAna Becksa bralette. Both models are the most popular in the crop style design. While both offer a similar cropped style with similar coverage, we liked the design of the Becksa bralette better.
The primary difference between the two crop top bras is that the Conscious Crop has a shelf bra liner inside, while the Becksa has a full liner sewn into the bra. Because of this, we found the Becksa to be more comfortable overall. However, Athleta offers a broader size range than prAna, so if you’re looking for a cropped bra in a larger band size, we’d recommend this one.
ATHLETA CONSCIOUS CROP
XXS-XL
PLUS SIZES
Bra size availability: 28-40 / B-J
Support/Impact: high
Style: back clasp underwire
Encapsulation or compression: encapsulation
Material: poly blend
Features: underwire, clasp back, racerback conversion, molded cups, adjustable straps
Most of us who use sports bras at Treeline prefer them without an underwire, but we understand that some do want that extra support and shape. We tested the Panache Wired Ultimate High Impact Sports Bra since it has many positive customer reviews. When we put it up against the Lululemon Enlite Weave, however, the Lululemon was more comfortable, more supportive, and had far, far better style. For a high-impact bra with shape and lift, we highly recommend the Enlite Weave. But, if underwire is a must, the Panache Wired Sports Bra is a good option.
PANACHE WIRED ULTIMATE HIGH IMPACT SPORTS BRA
Bra size availability: 32D - 40D
Support/Impact: high
Style: racerback with clasp
Encapsulation or compression: both
Material: nylon elastane
Features: adjustable straps, molded cups, hook and clasp closure
The Lululemon High Support Energy Bra was another great high-impact bra that held you in, provided separation, and didn’t give you the uni-boob look. The strappy back looks good but wasn’t the most comfortable design compared to other bras that we tested. The adjustability of those straps, however, made for a great high-impact bra choice that didn’t look like your grandmother’s bra. Still, we liked the Lululemon Enlite Weave better as a workout bra due to the sweat-wicking fabric and wide straps.
LULULEMON HIGH-SUPPORT ENERGY BRA B-DD
The Ortovox Rock ‘n’ Wool Sports bra is made of wool and designed for multi-day activities. Most people find that no one sports bra will work for all activities, so choose the sports bra based on what you intend to do in it and features you need.
The Girlfriend Collective Paloma sports bra is made of recycled bottles and is designed for everyday and low and medium impact use. We recommend choosing a sports bra based on the activities you are going to do while wearing it.
What to Look for in a Sports Bra
Sports bras are not like your average t-shirt bra from the department store. Finding a bra that offers the right balance of features, like support and moisture-wicking, can often be more of a challenge than finding a good regular bra to wear to the office or on a date night. We demand much more from our sports bras than our everyday ones, so it’s important to know what design features, fabrics, and styles to look for.
Design and Style
First off, it is helpful to understand the different types of sports bras that exist on the market. There are two primary categories to be aware of: encapsulation and compression. Often, there will be bras that offer features from both of these categories, though others will fall squarely in one category or the other.
Encapsulation vs. Compression
Encapsulation often refers to a more structured style of sports bra. With this style, separate cups hold and shape each side separately. A compression bra focuses on a snug fit, often without shaped cups, to hold everything in. Some bras offer a mixture of the two designs.
The advantages to encapsulation bra designs include a more shaped look, while compression styles often relieve more bounce during activities. It helps to know your priorities when selecting a sports bra. If you’re looking for a bra to wear for mellow, low-impact activities like walks and easy gym sessions and want a bra that will offer shape and lift, an encapsulation bra style will be best. If minimizing bounce is a must (such as for medium or high impact activity), compression bras will be better. However, compression bras will likely not offer as much lift and shape as an encapsulation bra. However, several bras on the market offer the best of both worlds. We tested all ends of the spectrum for this review.
There are many different strap designs, including the classic racerback style, scoop back bras with back clasps, and many variations in between. Some sports bras come with adjustable straps whereas some are fixed. Deciding on design features like this often comes down to intended use and personal preference.
Impact Level
Impact level is another crucial factor to consider when looking for a sports bra. Generally, impact levels are categorized as low, medium, and high. The higher the impact, the more support you’ll get for intense activities.
Fit
Fit is crucial in any bra, and this is especially true with sports bras. Some brands and certain styles use a more basic sizing range (small, medium, large, etc.), while others offer sizes with a specific band and cup measurement. No matter how the sizing works, you want the bra to fit you well. A high-impact bra should offer ample coverage and feel snug while remaining comfortable. Often, these bras feel a touch too small upon first wear, but they fit perfectly after a wash or two. Lower impact bras will offer a more relaxed fit with less support.
Material
How well a sports bra performs depends significantly on the fabric it’s made from. Some fabrics offer more shape and support, while others work hard to wick sweat. The bras we tested for this review come in a wide range of fabrics, from 100% recycled synthetic fabrics to merino wool. Synthetic fabrics typically offer more stretch and support; merino wool has excellent performance for moisture and temperature management and tends to fend off-odor well, though this material on its own doesn't offer as much support.
Depending on your activity and intensity, you’ll want different features from your sports bras, even if they are the correct size.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CUP SIZE
EXPLANATION OF CUP SIZES (AA TO D)
Sports bras come in a variety of cup sizes to cater to the diverse body shapes and bust sizes of anyone who is active. As with non-sports bras, cup sizes are denoted by letters, ranging from AA to D and beyond, although sometimes sports bras use S-M-L-XL.
Here's what you can expect for each sports bra size to help you get the right level of support and comfort.
AA cup: Sports bras designed for AA cup sizes typically have little to no substantial support since this is often not necessary with this size.
A cup: A cup sports bras offer slightly more support than those designed for the smallest cup sizes (AA), but support is overall still minimal.
B cup: B cup sports bras often have additional features to add support for athletic activities.
C cup: Sports bras for C cups often have similar features to those made for B cups, but typically offer a bit more support for higher impact activities.
D cup: D cup sports bras typically have more features, including wider straps and more robust cups, to keep bouncing and discomfort at bay.
WHY GETTING AN ACCURATE MEASUREMENT MATTERS
Just like with regular bras, it’s crucial to get accurate measurements to ensure you’re buying a sports bra in the right size. Having the wrong size can lead to discomfort and a lack of support. Be sure to take your own measurements and then compare them carefully to the size chart for each specific bra to find the best fit.
BAND SIZE
To find your band size, use a soft tape measure to measure around your rib cage and back, just under your bust. You should do this without a bra or other clothing on; the tape measure should be snug against your skin but not tight. Take down the measurement in inches. Because band sizes come in even numbers, if your measurement is even, then that is your band size. If you measure to an odd number, round up to the nearest even number to find your band size.
CUP SIZE
To find your cup size, you’ll measure around the fullest part of your chest in the same way you did for your band measurement. Be sure that the tape measure is not cinched too tightly here to get an accurate number. Then, subtract your band measurement from this measurement. The difference will be your band size. A difference of 0 inches denotes an AA cup, 1 is an A cup, 2 a B, 3 a C, and so on.
The Oiselle Flyout sports bra was designed for support and comfort for running.
HOW YOUR CUP SIZE IMPACTS WHAT BRA TO GET
Some sports bras offer cup and band sizing while others come in standard small, medium, and large. Either way, it’s good to know your cup size to ensure you’re getting the right bra. Some sports bras will state what cup sizes they’re designed for (i.e. a bra made for AA-C cups, or one specifically for D and larger). This helps to find the right size when cup and band sizing is not used. Of course, if cup and band sizing is used, then these measurements will quickly lead you to the appropriate size.
SUPPORT
Sports bras designed for smaller cup sizes often offer different levels of support than those made for larger ones. Knowing both your own cup size and the size the bra was designed for will help you to find a supportive fit.
COMFORT
If you end up with a sports bra that is not suited to your cup size, then it’s likely to be uncomfortable, especially if it’s too small for your cup size. Ensure that you get good coverage from the bra with it being just snug enough to offer ample support.
PERFORMANCE
Sizing your sports bra correctly will ensure the best performance. If you have good coverage, a comfortable fit, and the right amount of support, you should be able to forget about the bra and focus on your workout.
We liked the mesh panel and half moon shape on the back of the Outdoor Voices Doing Things Bra. This design contributed to its breathability, but requires extra care to prevent snagging.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR SPORTS BRAS
When it comes to caring for your sports bras, consider adopting practices that will ensure their longevity and functionality.
HANDWASH IS PREFERABLE
As with regular bras (and many clothing items), gently hand washing your sports bras will aid in longevity and performance since they won’t be unnecessarily stretched in the washing machine.
UNFASTEN HOOKS
If your sports bra has hook closures, wash the bra with these unfastened to help prevent them from bending in the wash.
MESH BAG (IF IN WASHING MACHINE
If using a washing machine, placing your bras in a mesh bag will help them to keep their shape and prevent them from tangling with other clothing items.
WHAT TYPE OF DETERGENT
Using gentle detergents without harsh chemicals and fragrances are best for sports bras and other activewear.
HANG DRY OR DRY FLAT
Always check the label on your bra to determine washing and drying instructions. While many sports bras can technically go in the dryer, hang drying or laying flat to dry will always contribute to longevity. Dryers and heat are hard on clothes and ultimately causes them to wear faster.
HOW OFTEN TO WASH
It’s often not necessary to wash your sports bras after every single use. This will, however, depend on the level of soil and personal preference. If your bra is very sweaty or dirty after one use, it’s best to wash it. However, if it did not soak up much sweat, it’s better to wash less frequently to minimize wear and tear.
FOLDING AND STORAGE
If your sports bra does not have molded cups, you can store it folded. If it has molded cups, it’s best stored laying flat with the front facing up to avoid contorting the cups.
HOW TO INCREASE LONGEVITY
Rotate your sports bras to reduce wear and tear and odor.
Having rotating options for sports bras is not just nice for different activities. Rotating your bras will also help each one last longer if you wear and wash it less.
Change into a dry sports bra after intense workouts or water-related activities.
Wet sports bras are more prone to stretching and once this happens, it may be permanent.
Inspect your sports bras for signs of wear and tear.
Look for stretched and worn out sections of fabric that may no longer offer the same level of compression or support. Look at the straps to check for torn or overstretched threads, and ensure that clasps and hooks are still in place and functioning.
We tested the Smartwool Seamless Racerback (left) and the Smartwool Seamless Strappy Bra (right). The Seamless Racerback left has been used for several years, the Seamless Strappy is new to us for this season.
FAQ
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY SPORTS BRAS?
How often you replace your sports bra will depend on several factors, including the overall quality of the bra’s materials and construction, how often you wear and wash it, and how you wash and dry it. Once the fibers have overstretched and the bra no longer offers the needed support, or if there are tears in the fabric, it’s time to replace it.
CAN I WEAR THE SAME SPORTS BRA FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORKOUTS?
Much of this comes down to personal preference and the level of support needed. It is typically nice to have a selection of sports bras for different levels of impact and activity. You may want a lower impact bra for yoga or hiking, while a higher impact option is ideal for running or other workouts where bouncing is more of an issue.
HOW DO I PREVENT CHAFING WHEN WEARING A SPORTS BRA?
A good fit is the best way to prevent chafing in your sports bra. Ensure that the bra is an appropriate fit for both your band and cup size. Another thing to consider is whether the bra has bulky seams or seams in bad places. Avoid this to avoid chafing.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC SPORTS BRAS FOR NURSING MOTHERS?
There are sports bras made specifically for nursing mothers, including this one from Kindred Bravely and this low-impact option from Nike. These bras offer some support and are made with activewear materials that wick sweat while also allowing for easy access to nurse or pump.
ARE THERE SPORTS BRAS SUITABLE FOR PLUS-SIZE INDIVIDUALS?
There are options for plus-size sports bras, including our best medium-impact bra, the Athleta Ultimate. The Nike Swoosh bra also comes in plus sizing (among other options from Nike), as well as options from many other brands.
Some of the sports bra models we tested, side-by-side.
How We Researched and Tested
We took a deep dive into sports bras by first researching nearly 50 different models. We narrowed our search by analyzing specs, reading customer reviews, and looking for positive mentions in outdoor and sports media outlets, like Outside, Backpacker, and Runner’s World. From there, we homed in on 17 top models to test. After wearing these bras for hikes, runs, yoga, gym workouts, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, backcountry skiing, lounging around the house, and even sleeping, we found the best sports bras for every style and activity. We know that sports bra fit and function have a lot to do with body type and personal preference, so we reviewed as many models as possible so that people of all shapes and sizes doing any sort of activity can find the right sports bra.
Author’s Expertise: Why You Can Trust Us
Stasia Stockwell is an avid outdoor adventurer who skis, bikes, runs, hikes, backpacks, and does yoga any chance she gets. Because of this, she’s always on the hunt for the perfect sports bra for any activity. She has years of apparel testing and review writing under her belt and brings all that experience to this review.
Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than a busy city street as a true mountain dweller. She writes primarily in the outdoor and adventure travel realm, focusing on destinations content and gear reviews that are intriguing and informative for newcomers and experts alike.
Stasia has worked as a backpacking guide in southeast Alaska and written for BACKPACKER, REI Co-op Journal, The Dyrt, and others. She’s a lifelong skier, mountain biker, backpacker, and trail runner who’s passionate about lowering barriers to entry for outdoor sports. She hopes to inspire people to love and respect the wild natural world through her work.
More of her work and adventures can be found on her website.
To see all Stasia’s Treeline articles, see her author profile.
As a freelance writer and gear tester, Stasia and Treeline Review are not sponsored, an ambassador, or an employee of any companies mentioned here. This review is unbiased, and we do this to help you find the best product for the best price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews.
