18 best sports bras of 2023 for every kind of workout
Sports bras are the most important piece of fit-kit in your activewear wardrobe. Fact. Women need much more than a pair of running shoes to participate in sport – and while some squat-proof leggings and a wind-proof running jacket are important, nothing comes close to a high-impact sports bra. Need proof? A study by the University of Portsmouth found that breasts, if left unsupported, can move up to 14 whole centimetres when you’re working out. That’s pretty significant. What’s more, if this is repeated time and time again, you could cause irreversible damage to the Cooper’s ligaments that help hold your boobs in place. And no one wants sag.
In the name of perky breasts, investing in one of the best sports bras is therefore paramount. But with almost every retailer offering sports bras in different sizes, shapes and colours, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, we’ve done the leg work. That is: trying, testing, jumping, squatting and downward-dogging in all manner of popular styles. Ahead, everything from the most high support sports bra to sweat-wicking, racerback medium support styles – whatever your budget and chosen form of fitness.
How to choose the best sports bra for you | How to find the right size sports bra | How should your sports bra fit? | What type of sports bra is best for daily use? | How we tested the sports bras in this edit | Our full reviews
Best sports bras of 2023 at a glance:
- Best low impact sports bra: Ultimate Double Strap V Neck Bra, £29.99, Adanola
- Best medium impact sports bra: Power Medium Support Sports Bra, £50, Sweaty Betty
- Best high impact sports bra: FASTIMPACT Luxe Run High-Support Bra, £70, Adidas
- Best sports bra for big boobs: Ultimate Support Serious Sports Bra A-G, £28, M&S
- Best budget sports bra: NIKE Women's Med Non Padded Bra Sports Bra, from £16.50, Amazon
How do I get the best sports bra?
- First, you want to make sure the sizing is right. Sports bra sizing can often be different to your regular bra sizing – and different sports bras are measured in different ways. Some use cup sizes, some use regular dress sizes and others use metrics like “small, medium and large”. Use the brand’s sizing chart as a rough guide, then consider taking your bust and ribcage measurements to cross-reference. Use a tape measure to do this, and ensure the tape measure is snug but not tight.
- Next, consider the type of workout you’re most likely to be engaging in. For a high-intensity workout like running, spinning or HIIT, you’ll need a comfy sports bra with a high level of support. If you have smaller boobs, a compression bra will likely do the job. They look more like crop tops and hug your body tightly. That said, if you have a bigger bust, you’ll probably need to venture into the world of encapsulation bras. These look a bit more like your regular bra and support each breast separately. They often have underwire, adjustable back straps, a normal bra fastening and moulded cups. If you only tend to engage in low impact activities like yoga, pilates and barre, go for a sports bra made from soft fabric with thin shoulder straps and which feels comfy when you’re lying down. A seamless sports bra might also do the job.
- Lastly, consider your bra’s moisture-wicking abilities so that you’re not soaked in sweat while you train. Your sports bra needs to be quick-drying, absorbing moisture from your skin in seconds. We’ve made sure all of the below picks are moisture-wicking AF, but if you want to test the claims, place a drop of water on the fabric and make sure it spreads out sharpish (and doesn’t bead up).
How should your sports bra fit?
The absolute worst thing is when a sports bra feels so tight that it restricts your breathing during a HIIT class. Those things are hard enough as it is. So, ensure your sports bra is snug without suffocating you. You should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your shoulders. If your boob size changes throughout the course of the month (very normal) consider something with removable padding or adjustable straps to allow for extra support during your workouts when you need it.
Which type of sports bra is best for daily use?
If you want to wear your sports bra as your everyday bra, you’ll want something tailored for low to medium-impact activity. The wiring or underband should sit flat against your rib cage without pinching or chafing, and it shouldn’t move around when you walk or run. As always, comfort is key.
How we tested the sports bras in this edit:
We know what it takes to make a good sports bra – not least because our tester wore each of the reviewed sports bras for a minimum of one month across a variety of different workout styles. They were scored on their breathability, fit, style and whether they retained their quality when washed. And for those we didn’t have the time to test, we’ve scoured customer reviews to the Nth degree.
Ahead, the best sports bras of 2023 that will make you feel confident, supported and ready to sweat.
- Claire Clifton Coles
1. Best crop top sports bra
NIKE Women's Med Non Padded Bra Sports Bra
Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% elastane.
Colours: White, blue, pink, black, lime green.
Sizes: XS-2XL.Why we love it: “This iconic sports bra, which just so happened to be similar to the one Chloe Kelly was wearing when she ripped off her England football shirt in the Euro 2022 final, is an iconic piece of gym kit. Sure, the crop cup is pretty classic, and the support is a feature you could find elsewhere, but there are a few things which I found set this sports bra apart from its competitors. Firstly, the price is more than reasonable, and second? The fact that it's made with Dry-fit Technology.” - Sophie Cockett.
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
2. Best sports bra for heavy breasts
Fabric: 68% polyamide, 32% elastane.
Colours: Black and blue.
Sizes: 28D-42F.Why we love it: “This excellent sports bra for running is great for all cup sizes. In fact, it goes right up to a size F. The moulded cups offer great support and the wide padded shoulder straps make it really comfy (while distributing the weight of your breasts evenly while you're running so you don't get neck, shoulder and back pain). It has an open back to keep you cool and dry, but to also make it easy to get on and off, and the straps are adjustable.”
3. Amazon sports bra
Amazon Essentials Women's Active Sculpt Strappy Back Sports Bra
Fabric: 74% Polyester, 26% Elastane.
Colours: Black, neon pink, purple, multicolour dots, black dots.
Sizes: XS-XXL.Why we love it: “Don't overlook Amazon Essentials when it comes to searching for any sportswear, but especially sports bras. This style is just under £20, and its super flattering with criss-cross straps.”
4. Best high-impact sports bra
FASTIMPACT Luxe Run High-Support Bra
Fabric: 91% recycled polyester, 9% elastane interlock.
Colours: Black.
Sizes: 2XS A-C to XL D-DD.Why we love it: “This epic Adidas sports bra combines high style with functionality, leaving you feeling great but also insanely supported. It's a bit different to most other sports bras at the back - particularly those in the high-impact category. The norm is for the back to feature a clasp, but this nifty number features swan hooks on the chest and adjustable straps to let you customise your fit entirely. It's incredibly sweat-wicking (I didn't feel at all cold or damp after finishing a very sweaty session) and the breathable power-mesh overlay helps to regulate your temperature when you're doing burpees. So. Good."
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these Adidas discount codes.
5. Best sports bra for big boobs
Ultimate Support Serious Sports Bra A-G
Fabric: 87% polyester, 13% elastane (exclusive of trimmings).
Colours: Black.
Sizes: 32A-42F.Why we love it: “Developed in collaboration with scientists at the Asahi Research centre in Japan, this high-support sports bra cleverly reduces bounce by 25%, serving the extra support you need during high-impact workouts. It has a hook and eye closure to the back, adjustable straps and is crafted from fabric which features M&S' signature Cool Comfort™ technology (which basically makes it really quick-drying). A great racerback choice for those with larger busts.”
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these Marks and Spencer promo codes.
- Claire Clifton Coles
6. Best medium-impact sports bra
Power Medium Support Sports Bra
Fabric: 62% Polyamide, 38% Elastane.
Colours: Black, white, navy blue, vapour blue, pink floral print, black fade print.
Sizes: XXS-XXL.Why we love it: “Another Sweaty Betty bra - ‘cos God are they good. The perfect companion to the brand’s bestselling Power Leggings (the bomb, FYI), this medium-impact sports bra is super stretchy and great for workouts like HIIT, spin, weight training and circuits. I love the back which features an adjustable T-bar strap for optimum support.”
7. Best budget sports bra
Freedom To Move Ultimate Support Sports Bra A-E
Fabric: 43% polyester, 42% polyamide and 15% elastane (exclusive of trimmings).
Colours: Dark magenta or black mix.
Sizes: 32A-42F.Why we love it: “If you don't want to spend much more than £30, make a beeline for the M&S Goodmove Freedom to Move Ultimate Sports bra. I'm a die-hard fan of everything from the M&S Goodmove collection - from their super high-waisted cycling sorts to their influencer-approved fleeces. But this might pip everything else to the post. The crossback design helps you feel super supported, while the added cups give a lovely shape. What's more, the moisture wicking Cool Comfort™ technology works to draw moisture away from the skin to keep you feeling fresh. All in all, it's a perfect bra whether you're dancing, cycling or doing a HIIT class.”
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these Marks and Spencer promo codes.
- Claire Clifton Coles
8. Best sports bra crop top
Ultimate Double Strap V Neck Bra
Fabric: 70% Nylon, 30% Elastane.
Colours: Black.
Sizes: XXS-XXXL.Why we love it: “I'm so late to the party but I've recently been putting Adanola to the test and I have to say this sports bra was easily one of my favourite pieces. I often find longline sports bras roll up when I'm doing sits ups etc, but this one didn't. Despite the fact it doesn't have adjustable straps, it was stretch enough on my torso (I'm 6ft tall for reference).” - Georgia Trodd.
- Claire Clifton Coles
9. Best longline sports bra with wide straps
Align™ V-Neck Bra Light Support
Fabric: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra Elastane.
Colours: Purple ash, white, lilac smoke, lip gloss, dark lavender, utility blue, poolside, dark forest, meadowsweet pink, black.
Sizes: US 2-14.Why we love it: “If you're a die-hard fan of Lululemon's epic Align pants (join the club) but are yet to venture into the world of their bestselling sports bras, take this as your sign. I love the longline fit of this style, because the length gives a bit more coverage than your normal cut and kinda doubles up as a worktop tank top to boot. The cups are removable which gives you a bit of choice on support, and the tight fit means you can work out to your hearts content without feeling like there's too much movement going on.” - Sophie Cockett.
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these Lululemon discount codes at checkout.
- Claire Clifton Coles
10. Best sports bra for HIIT/high impact activities
Women's HeatGear® Armour High Sports Bra
Fabric: 87% Polyester/13% Elastane.
Colours: Black, white, red.
Sizes: XS-XXL.Why we love it: “Under Armour threw out the rule book when designing their HeatGear Armour High sports bra (they injected the fabric with four-way stretch for a more adaptive fit - and the results are epic. I love wearing this for my high-intensity workouts - and it'll be perfect for court sports like tennis. The mesh panels help to keep me cool, the hook and eye closure results in easy on-and-off, and the HeatGear® fabric feels super soft against the skin. Love.” - Georgia Trodd.
11. Best eco sports bra for sustainability
Fabric: 95% Merino, 5% Elastane.
Colours: Black.
Sizes: XS-4XL.Why we love it: “From the brand behind some of our favourite period pants comes a sustainable sports bra, designed for light impact workouts, walking, and every day wear. The Merino Wool is naturally odour-controlling and sweat-wicking, so if body odour is something which makes you self-conscious when working out, this is the bra for you.” - Sophie Cockett.
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these Modibodi discount codes at checkout.
- Claire Clifton Coles
12. Best cut-out sports bra
Fabric: N/A.
Colours: Black.
Sizes: XXS-XXXL.Why we love it: “My favourite detail to this sports bra is the little cut-out at the front; it just makes you feel 10x cuter while you repeat your sets. I love the fact that it goes up to an XXXL, too, as most designs will stop at XXL. I just wish it came in more colours!” - Georgia Trodd.
- Claire Clifton Coles
13. Viral bestseller sports bras
Sculpt Seamless Strappy Sports Bra
Fabric: 52% recycled polyamide, 40% recycled polyester and 8% elastane.
Colours: Black, slate green, pink, taupe, charcoal marl, oxblood, cacao, chai.
Sizes: XS-XL.Why we love it: “TALA is renowned for their second-skin fits and flattering fabrics, and this sports bra is no exception. It truly is seamless beneath your outfits and worn with the matching leggings? Nothing beats it. Instantly Insta worthy.” - Georgia Trodd.
- Claire Clifton Coles
14. Best underwired sports bra: Wired sports bra
Fabric: 44% polyamide, 41% polyester, 15% elastane.
Colours: Black, grey marl and white.
Sizes: 30DD-36G.Why we love it: “This iconic sports bra, which just so happened to be similar to the one Chloe Kelly was wearing when she ripped off her England football shirt in the Euro 2022 final, is an iconic piece of gym kit. Sure, the crop cup is pretty classic, and the support is a feature you could find elsewhere, but there are a few things which I found set this sports bra apart from its competitors. Firstly, the price is more than reasonable, and second? The fact that it's made with Dry-fit Technology.”
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.
15. Best viral sports bra
CRZ YOGA Strappy Back Wirefree Padded Workout Yoga Sports Bra
Fabric: 71% Polyamide, 29% Elastane.
Colours: Black, dark grey, dark violet, plum, crimson, dark carbon, grey sage, vibrant green, smoke, white, ocean blue, lizard, hibiscus, impression red, ink, lunar, Madagascar blue, petrol.
Sizes: XS-XL.Why we love it: “There's a reason why CRZ YOGA keeps going viral on TikTok; because everything they make is of a quality similar to that you'd expect from Lululemon, but their prices are much lower. We just wish they had more sizes available.”
16. Best sports bra for small boobs
Women's UA Infinity Low Covered Sports Bra
Fabric: 87% Polyester/13% Elastane.
Colours: Purple, orange, white, black.
Sizes: XS-XL.Why we love it: “I have long been reaching for Under Armour sports bras for everything from spin to weightlifting – and the new Infinity Low Covered Sports Bra is a new favourite. I have B-cup boobs, so it provides me with enough support, and the mesh back panel prevented me from getting too hot. I found it to dry faster than most of the other bras in this edit, and the slim, branded elastic straps were really flattering.”
- Claire Clifton Coles
17. Best sports bra for larger chests: Shock absorbency
Shock Absorber Absorber Ultimate Run Padded Bra
Fabric: Polyamide.
Colours: Black.
Sizes: 32B-38F.Why we love it: “This sports bra has great support for small chests and large breasts – which is hard to come by simultaneously. I've struggled to find a style that absorbs shock while I do my high-impact exercise routine, but I think this is it!”
Save when you shop for the best sports bras with these Sports Direct discount codes at checkout.
18. Best sports bra without padding
PUMA Women's Mid Impact 4keeps Bra Sports Bra
Fabric: N/A.
Colours: Pink, peach, lotus, navy, black, white, lavender.
Sizes: XS-3XL.Why we love it: “There's no padding in this sports bra, which is something to be aware of if you like a little extra coverage, but the support is no less without it. I love the fact it comes in loads of bright and fun colours, too.”
