If you're trying to up your fitness game, you might be surprised to know your sports bra can play a huge role in the success of your workout. After all, a slipping strap during Downward-Facing Dog or an uncomfortable amount of bouncing during a run can easily be the thing that makes you want to quit.
No matter what you're doing, you should feel comfortable and supported. That's why the best sports bras are the ones that you don't even have to think about. The activewear market can be overwhelming to tackle on your own, which is why Shop TODAY called on a few experts for their tips to make the process as painless as possible.
Not to mention, our team of trusty editors have put dozens of sports bras to the test over the years. And a few have even earned a Shop TODAY Wellness Awards seal of approval. Keep reading to shop all of our tried-and-true sports bras you'll want for your next workout.
Shop TODAY Wellness award winners | Best low-impact sports bras | Best medium-impact sports bras | Best high-impact sports bras | Sports bra shopping tips | FAQs | Meet the experts | How we chose
Shop TODAY 2023 Wellness Awards: Best sports bras
Running Girl Sports Bra
Sizes: XS - 3XL | Colors: 30+
Award: Best Low Impact
This Amazon bestseller features a flattering cross-strap back and sweat-wicking fabric. The brand says it provides medium support, perfect for active yoga sessions or weight lifting. One verified reviewer said, “I love it. It is not too tight, I can move and breathe [in it] and forget about my bra altogether.”
Natural Feelings Sports Bra
Sizes: XS — XXL | Colors: 25
Award: Best for Lounging
This pick has removable padding so you can decide what level of support you need. It’s made with high-quality nylon material with an added spandex elastic fiber which is thick but still feels soft. The material is also sweat-wicking and won’t shrink. Many reviewers wore this pick in replacement of wearing a bra or shirt.
Lululemon Flow Y Bra Nulu Light Support
Sizes: 2 - 14 | Colors: 12
Award: Best for Everyday Wear
Whether you have plans to lounge on the couch or actually have a yoga class to attend, TODAY reviewers approve of this soft option.
Ivorie Jenkins, a yoga instructor for the digital fitness platform Glo, said she tends to stick to simpler sports bras — ones that provide just enough support, but won’t hurt her shoulders after all-day wear.
“[This one] is my favorite,” she said. “It’s super simple, fits in all the right places, has little straps and really nice fabric.”
Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Bra
Sizes: XXS — 6XL | Colors: 12
Award: Best Overall
With all of the features that come with this sports bra, it is no surprise that it is the No. 1 bestselling bra from Girlfriend Collective. There are no shortage of options to choose from with nine color picks available and a size range from XXS-6XL. Additional features include a built-in support band and UPF 45+ rating for sun protection.
One of the brand’s bestselling longline bras, the Paloma was designed to comfortably carry you through low-to-medium impact workouts. Shop TODAY senior SEO editor Jess Bender says this one gives her the most support and keeps everything in place, even during high-impact workouts.
Editor and expert-recommended low-impact sports bras
Quince Ultra-Form Scoop Neck Longline Bra
Sizes: XS — XL | Colors: 12
A favorite from product coordinator Camryn Privette, this pick from Quince doesn't break the bank. She loves how soft the material is and how it doesn't move around during yoga and Pilates classes. Plus, the matching leggings aren't to be missed! Who doesn't love a matching set?
Splits59 Loren Seamless Bra
Sizes: XS — XL | Colors: 6
For something light that'll still provide support, Shop TODAY commerce editor Vivien Moon says this one is worth the money. Moon says it's "probably the softest fabric" she's worn in regards to fitness apparel and says it's great for both small busts and low-impact workouts. She recommends not wearing it for anything more intense than Pilates.
Lululemon Free To Be Bra Wild Light Support
Sizes: 2 - 14 | Colors: 8
Maddy Ciccone, a master instructor at SoulCycle, called this bra from Lululemon her all-time favorite. The strappy, open back allows you to move freely, which makes it perfect for yoga, stretching or everyday wear.
Schechter also called out Lululemon for their high-quality sports bras.
Losano Showstopper Sculpted Bra
Sizes: XS — XXL | Colors: 4
If you're willing to splurge a bit more, Bender says this one makes her feel pretty and is good for low-impact movement "like power walking to your brunch reservation when you're running late or dancing in your friend's apartment."
According to the brand, it's made from six recycled water bottles, four-way stretch and quick-dry fabric (perfect for when you work up a sweat showing off your moves).
Alo Airlift Intrigue Bra
Sizes: XS — XL | Colors: 15
Shop TODAY deputy editorial director Ali Deabler likes any Alo bra for yoga, but called out this one for how soft it is. It's made out of the brand's signature double-knit Airlift fabric and even has adjustable criss-crossed straps.
Editor and expert-recommended medium-impact sports bras
Nike Swoosh Medium Support Sports Bra
Sizes: XS — 2XL | Colors: 10+
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger says this sports bra is her favorite for its support and comfortable fit. It comes in almost over 10 colors (depending on the retailer) so you can grab one to match any workout 'fit you've got planned.
FP Movement Square Neck Good Karma Bra
Sizes: XS — XL | Colors: 15
This FP Movement option features a square neck and wide, comfortable straps, which makes it super versatile. It also comes in more than 20 color options and is equipped with SPF 30 UV protection.
“I wear this to virtually all my workouts,” Ciccone said. “It caters more to lower-impact activities, not running and jumping. I have worn it for cycling in the past, but I think I’m also on the smaller side.”
Girlfriend Collective Dylan Tank Bra
Sizes: XS — 6XL | Colors: 11
Another pick from Bender’s favorite brand is this longline sports bra that can also double as a crop top. It has features like a high neckline, built-in support band and full coverage that are sure to make it your new favorite go-to.
Lululemon Energy Longline Bra
Sizes: 2 — 14 | Colors: 8
Ciccone recommended this Lululemon sports bra for most workouts since "the high neck keeps things where they need to be." It features the brand's signature Luxtreme fabric which is breathable and sweat-wicking, great for those who run hot.
Shefit The Flex Sports Bra
Sizes: XS — 6XL | Colors: 6
Shefit sports bras are made with four-way stretch fabric and patented "Zip. Cinch. Lift." adjustability so that you can have the best fit possible while looking good and staying comfortable. With 15,300+ reviews, shoppers of all shapes and sizes are raving about how they can't wait to get their hands on another one.
"Even though I haven’t tried them, Shefit seems to be the bra right now," Schechter said after learning about the brand during her search for a new sports bra of her own.
Editor and expert-recommended high-impact sports bras
ThirdLove Kinetic Impact Sports Bra
Sizes: 32A — 44D | Colors: 8
In order to have proper support during runs or HIIT sessions, you want a bra that feels like it's made for your body. While those can be hard to come by, Tempesta recommended looking for one with adjustable straps "for the best fit and support, because every woman has a different shoulder to bust length." This pick from ThirdLove features straps, as well as a back closure and built-in cups for support.
The bra also has a high cut, which Tempesta said is important. "There should be no cleavage showing whatsoever," she said. "Exposed breast tissue equals moving breast tissue."
Lululemon Energy Bra High Support
Sizes: 32B — 40D | Colors: 3
Privette also called out this bra as her go-to for higher energy classes or even running errands. If you have a larger bust, this pick is sure to give you some extra security as it goes up to size 40D.
How to shop for a sports bra
“If you are thinking about your breasts or your bra, you are in the wrong bra,” Laura Tempesta, founder of Bravolution, a sports bra education and review site, told Shop TODAY. “The right bra should be 100 percent distraction-free.”
Finding the best one for you depends on what your exercise routine looks like — someone who’s going on regular walks around their neighborhood is going to need something different than the person who is turning up for HIIT classes.
“Although you could wear a high-impact bra to a yoga class, you’d probably find it uncomfortable and restrictive,” Tempesta said. “You could also wear a low-impact bra for running, but the risk of breast pain greatly increases.”
Carrie Schechter, owner of the Brooklyn-based boxing gym Jukebox, echoed similar sentiments to Tempesta when it comes to choosing the right sports bra, with one little caveat. “For anyone over a D cup, it should always be middle and higher [impact],” she advised.
Once you’ve decided which type of sports bra you need, Schechter recommends making sure you can fit two fingers underneath the straps and underneath the band at the bottom to make sure there’s enough room for you to move comfortably. While you’re in the bottom band area, also double check to make sure it’s sitting on your rib cage and not on your actual breast, she told us.
After the perimeter is checked, take a look at how the cups are sitting on your body. “If there are wrinkles in your cup, it’s not the right size. It’s too big for you. There should never be wrinkles in the bra; that lets you know that it fits improperly,” she explained. She recommends bras that have a hook in the back and general levels of adjustability.
Ebonny Fowler, fitness expert and creator of FunWithFit, has two methods for picking the right sports bra. First, you should think about what she calls the two S’s: snuggle and support. “You want it to feel like it’s snug on your breast and your chest without giving you any pain because the straps can be digging into your shoulders or your neck area, [which] can cause headaches or neck pain,” she said. Also make sure that the band of your bra isn’t rising up in the back and the straps are the right length for you, she offers.
When thinking about support, she says to make sure you’re not spilling out of your sports bra and that you feel comfortable in it. “I do find that if you have an outfit that you like or feel good in, it’s going to help motivate you to go to the gym even more,” she noted.
If you can’t remember the two S’s, Fowler recommends her clients choose sports bras based on the acronym FIT:
- F: Choose something that feels good. “Is it comfortable? Does it make me feel motivated to work out?” These are questions Fowler suggests asking yourself.
- I: Intensity of your workout. Like Tempesta and Schechter, Fowler emphasized that the intensity of your workout is going to largely determine which type of sports bra is best for your needs.
- T: Time. How long do you plan on wearing this bra? “If you’re going to be using it for multiple workouts a week or different types of workouts…then you need to think about maybe having a variety of sports bras that you can rotate from day to day so you’re not wearing the same sports bra over and over again for like a week or a month,” she said.
Frequently asked questions
How to choose the right size sports bra
Sports bra sizes can vary from normal bra sizes across brands and depending on the fabric, like most other clothing. Overall, Fowler and Schechter agree there’s not much difference between your sports bra size and your normal bra size, but Fowler has one main piece of advice.
“I think a lot of women don’t know their current bra size,” she began. It can be easy to assume that you’re the same size year over year because that’s what you’re used to, but the reality is that our bodies change all the time, and you should be getting regularly fitted to make sure that you’re up to date on your proper bra size.
If you don’t want to or are unable to get fitted by a professional, you can measure yourself at home to get an updated and accurate bra size. This is especially helpful if you plan on ordering a sports bra online and want to get it right the first time without the need for pesky exchange or return processes.
How often should you wash your sports bra?
Fowler and Schechter both said that you should be washing your sports bra after every use or every day, especially if you have a favorite that you wear often. Sweating during your workout makes the fabric a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and yeast, so it’s in your best interest to wash it regularly.
Schechter recommends starting by filling your sink with cold water and a cup of white vinegar, soaking your sports bra for 15 minutes before moving it to the washing cycle to get rid of any lingering bacteria and reduce the smell that comes from sweat trapped in the material.
“I think it’s really important that we give our bras a little TLC and remember that they need maintenance just like your favorite pair of shoes,” Fowler told us. If you have the time, she recommends hand-washing your sports bras with a mild detergent. If you don’t, no sweat! (No pun intended.) When machine-washing, her advice is to be cognizant of the other items in that load and consider throwing your sports bra in a lingerie bag first to keep it from getting caught on other hooks or fasteners.
Even the best sports bras will lose their quality with improper care. Always air-dry your bras after washing so you don't wear down the elasticity, and never wash with fabric softener as it can block the fabric's sweat-wicking abilities, Tempesta said. If you prefer to use a dryer, Fowler says to use a lower setting and warns against using dryer sheets because certain ingredients can be harmful to the fabric.
Meet the experts
- Laura Tempesta is a sports bra expert and the founder of Bravolution, a sports bra education and review site. She has her Master's degree in Lingerie Design and the inventor of seven separate bra patents.
- Carrie Schechter is a former celebrity photographer and current owner of Brooklyn-based boxing gym Jukebox.
- Ebonny Fowler is a fitness expert and the creator behind FunWithFit, a fitness program where she posts workouts you can do at home on Instagram.
- Maddy Ciccone is a master instructor at SoulCycle and the creator of lifestyle brand MaddzTaddz, where she also offers coaching.
- Ivorie Jenkins is a yoga instructor and meditation therapist for the digital platform Glo.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better.
