Are sports bras supposed to feel tight?

Sports bras are supposed to feel snug—but not uncomfortably tight. “Your sports bra should be snug, but if you feel it constricting your ribs or your breathing, it’s probably too small,” Kavanaugh says. “If you find your straps digging deep into your skin, that’s another sign that your bra may be too tight.”

How to wash sports bras

Most sports bras are convenient to clean: You can simply launder them in the washing machine and dry them in the dryer. Of course, it’s always a good idea to double-check the care instructions for a specific sports bra before throwing it in the laundry. But most of the time, you should be able to get away with machine-washing and -drying your sports bras.

How often should you wash sports bras?

“A sports bra should be washed after every use,” Kavanaugh says. “The fabrics endure a lot during a workout.” (Notably, they absorb a ton of sweat.) So to keep them in tip-top shape, you’ll want to wash them every time you wear them.

How often should you replace your sports bras?

A sports bra’s lifespan can vary a lot, depending on the material it’s made of and how often you’re wearing it. So instead of following a hard-and-fast rule, look for signs that your bras need replacing. “Feel how easily the material snaps back to the original shape after you wash it,” Moore says. If the bra snaps back quickly, it’s probably in good shape. If it doesn’t, it may need to be replaced. “It’s also a good idea to check for pilling and any stains that don’t come out in the wash,” she says. “If you wouldn’t buy it again in the same condition it’s in now, it’s time to get rid of it and treat yourself to a shopping spree!”

Is it bad to wear sports bras all the time?

Some people claim that wearing a sports bra all day is “bad for you.” But we’ve scoured the internet for evidence that supports this claim—and we couldn’t find any. To cut down on discomfort, experts recommend finding a bra that feels supportive and comfortable and wearing it when you see fit.

The 13 Best Sports Bras of 2023

A sports bra that fits well makes a big difference, whether you’re tackling a high-intensity workout or logging a quick stretching session. “For me, a truly great sports bra is the silent partner in your workout,” Ruth Kavanaugh, master instructor at SLT NYC, says. “You should feel secure, supported, and able to forget that it’s there, so you can focus on your workout knowing it will do its job.”

Reviewed & Approved

The Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra is our top overall pick for it's full coverage, medium support in sizes XXS-XXXL. The Fruit of the Loom Cotton Pullover Sports Bra pack is a good value with three low-profile, breathable bras in one package.

The right sports bra should fit snugly with no pinching or bunching and should be both breathable and moisture-wicking. This will allow it to provide maximum support and comfort during your workout. We reviewed sports bras for our list based on the coverage they provide, padding, available size range, adjustability and cost.

Here are the best sports bras on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Fruit of the Loom Sports Bra Pack at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Everyday Use:

Lululemon Energy Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Big Busts:

Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Small Busts:

Brooks Dare Strappy Run Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Anti-Odor:

Under Armour RUSH Sports Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Running:

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Front Closure:

Under Armour Eclipse High-Impact Zip Sports Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Crop Style:

Athleta Conscious Crop at Gap.com

Jump to Review

Best High-Impact:

Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.5

Outdoor Voices

Pros

Thick, supportive straps
Silhouette offers full coverage
Removable padding
Large size range (XXS–XXXL)

Cons

May stretch out with use
Not available in different cup sizes

The Outdoor Voices Doing Things Bra provides medium support for an active lifestyle and is an easy choice for our best overall selection.

This fan-favorite pullover-style sports bra features a classic mesh racerback design with a peeping keyhole in the back for ventilation and mobility. Designed using the brand’s signature TechSweat fabric, the Doing Things Bra keeps the girls cool and lifted. Padded cups provide the ideal balance of support, compression, and separation for busts ranging from AA to DD.

This sports bra is available in sizes XXS–XXXL and comes in a variety of fun colors and prints, like evergreen, poppy, pomegranate plaid, and more.

Price at time of publication: $58

Sizes: XXS–XXXL | Color Options: Eight | Padding: Yes (removable) | Underwire: No | Support Level: Medium

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Low-profile, spaghetti-strap design
Silhouette offers full coverage
Three bras for the price of one

Cons

May not be very supportive
May run small
Not available in different cup sizes

Fruit of the Loom has made it easy to stock up on sports bras without breaking the bank. Snag the brand’s Cotton Pullover Sports Bra Set, and you’ll get three cozy sports bras for the price of one.

Crafted from 100% cotton, the sports bras should feel both soft and breathable. And thanks to their spaghetti-strap, racerback design, they should be easy to sneak under your go-to workout tops. The pullover sports bras are designed to offer plenty of coverage—though since they’re padding- and underwire-free, they’re unlikely to offer a ton of support. Still, they should be compressive enough to get you through your favorite low-impact workouts and comfortable enough for day-to-day wear, too.

This sports bra is available in sizes 32–44, and it comes in a range of different colors. The bra is also sold individually or in sets of two to six.

Price at time of publication: $13

Sizes: 32–44 | Color Options: 31 | Padding: No | Underwire: No | Support Level: Light

Courtesy of Lululemon.

Pros

Removable cups
Moisture-wicking
Wide size range (2–14)

Cons

May not be very supportive
Not available in different cup sizes
Runs small

Lululemon’s Energy Bra provides the ideal amount of support for virtually any workout—or self-care Sunday. Not to mention, we love the fun strappy back.

Designed for all-day comfort by a brand known for their premium leggings, the bra features a buttery, silky cool material that looks and feels amazing. Lululemon’s signature Luxtreme fabric delivers a secure, compressed sensation, fitting almost like a second skin. The sports bra provides medium support for B and C cups and medium-to-light support for D cups. It also features a pocket for removable pads.

It’s well-suited for a wide range of activities, from gym workouts and spinning classes to pilates and everyday wear. Best of all, the double criss-cross back adds some extra spice to low-back tees and tanks.

The Energy Bra is available in sizes 2 through 14 in a variety of prints and colors, including Lemon Vibe, Incognito Camo Multi Grey, Serene Blue, Mod Stripe Black White, and more.

Pro tip: If you’re on the cusp, size up. Given the higher compression of the fabric, some feel this style runs on the smaller side.

Price at time of publication: $52

Sizes: 2–14 | Color Options: 19 | Padding: Yes (removable) | Underwire: No | Support Level: Medium

4.9

Pros

Supportive, adjustable straps
Silhouette offers full coverage
Supportive underwire frame
Inclusive size range (32C–40I)

Cons

Some quality control issues (particularly with sizing)
Colors may look different in-person than in photos

Finding the right fit for bigger busts is always a struggle. Bra brand Wacoal is best known for fitting women of all shapes in sizes, from an A cup to an I.

Wacoal's Underwire Sports Bra is the crème de la crème when it comes to heavy-duty, supportive sports bras. There is no bouncing around in this bra, no matter how much support you require. The high-impact design features an outside underwire frame that keeps the breasts in place during activity—including the most intense of workouts. Made with moisture-wicking fabric and a mesh back, this bra keeps things cool and dry, and it holds everything in place.

This model features a classic bra fit. The two-ply fabric cups keep the girls tight and lifted with a hidden inner sling for added support in G and H cup sizes. Close-set straps deliver a slip-free fit with adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye back closure. For added versatility, the straps are convertible and can be crossed to cater to racerback tanks.

The Underwire Sports Bra is available in sizes 32C to 40I in a variety of neutral and jewel tones.

Price at time of publication: $72 for black in size 36DD

Sizes: 32C–40I | Color Options: 21 | Padding: No (but two-ply fabric cups) | Underwire: Yes | Support Level: High-impact

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Low-profile, free-cut design
V-neck silhouette offers more discreet coverage
Supportive, molded cups
Designed with minimal seams

Cons

Limited size range
May run big
Not available in different cup sizes

While small busts may not get all the press, they arguably have the most options when it comes to the style and cut of bras. Smaller frames lend themselves to both minimalist and strappy styles with the least infrastructure.

Bare more skin and less fabric without compromising support with the Brooks Dare Strappy Run Bra. This slim halter, open racerback bra combines maximum performance with minimal coverage for a stylish and flattering fit. The high-impact V-neck running bra is ideal for A and B cup sizes, featuring built-in molded cups that lift and secure breasts for long runs and high-intensity workouts.

Say goodbye to boob sweat with Brooks' DriLayer HorsePower fabric, which keeps athletes cool and dry. Strategically placed perforation enhances breathability and adds a tasteful design touch. This pullover style features a hidden bottom band to add extra support and eliminate any chafing.

The Dare Strappy Run Bra is available in sizes 30AB to 40AB in hot pink, black, Lapis, navy, Arctic, and Ash.

Price at time of publication: $60

Sizes: 30AB–40AB | Color Options: Six | Padding: No (but molded cups) | Underwire: No | Support Level: Light

Courtesy of Under Armour

Pros

Supportive, adjustable straps
Silhouette offers full coverage
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Anti-odor

Cons

Limited size range
Not as discreet as a racerback bra
Not available in different cup sizes

Hoping to cut down on post-workout stink? Under Armour makes it easy to do so. The brand’s RUSH Mid Sports Bra is made from a comfy polyester-elastane blend, which promises to wick moisture, dry quickly, and reduce odor.

The pullover sports bra comes with thick, supportive straps, which you can adjust to get a custom fit. And its full-coverage design should give you plenty of support every time you wear it. Since the bra is moisture-wicking and quick-drying, it’s a great pick for high-energy workouts. And since it comes with removable padding, you can easily customize how supportive—or how low-profile—you want the bra to be.

The Under Armour RUSH Mid Sports Bra is available in sizes XS–XXL. And it comes in three colors: black, burgundy, and pink.

Price at time of publication: $45

Sizes: XS–XXL | Color Options: Three | Padding: Yes (removable) | Underwire: No | Support Level: Medium

4.5

Courtesy: Amazon

Pros

Sleek silhouette offers full coverage
Supportive molded cups
Designed with minimal seams
Large size range (30AB–40DDE)

Cons

Hidden waistband may not be tight enough for some

The Dare Crossback Run Bra—designed by running gear powerhouse, Brooks Running—is a high-impact, run-ready bra supporting a range of sizes. Technically designed for maximum comfort and motion reduction, this bra features built-in soft molded cups to lift and separate the breasts while securing everything in place when you run.

This hardware-free sports bra has a crossback pullover fit for exceptional comfort and convenience. The smoothing, chafe-free fabric is soft to the touch and quick-drying for sweaty runs. This bra is available in sizes 30AB to 40DDE in beet red, black, navy, Sea, Glacier, Ash, Nightlife, and more.

Price at time of publication: $60

Sizes: 30AB–40DDE | Color Options: 11 | Padding: No (but molded cups) | Underwire: No | Support Level: High-impact

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Bandeau-like silhouette offers full coverage
Supportive molded cups
Large size range (32A–38DD)

Cons

Limited color range
May not run true to size
Some quality control issues (with fit, specifically)

Peeling off a sports bra after a strenuous workout—especially an extra-sweaty one—is no one's idea of a fun time. But a front closure sports bra means you no longer have to struggle to pull off a tight bra overhead.

The Eclipse High-Zip Sports Bra features a front full zip closure, which makes taking it on and off a breeze—but it'll still stay locked in place during wear for a secure fit. This style has a minimalist yet supportive design with a mostly open back and sturdy, adjustable criss-cross straps.

The bandeau-inspired bodice features soft, molded, breathable cups with a sweat-wicking mesh lining. This bra is specifically tailored to provide strategic bust support for high-impact fitness, like running and court sports. Under Armour’s Eclipse High-Zip Sports Bra is available in black and Ballet Pink in sizes 32A through 38DD.

Sizes: 32A–38DD | Color Options: Two | Padding: No (but molded cups) | Underwire: No | Support Level: High-impact

Courtesy of Athleta

Pros

High-neck silhouette offers full coverage
Sweat-wicking fabric
Equipped with sun protection (UPF 50+)
Removable padding
Wide size range (XXS–XL)

Cons

May not be very supportive
Not available in different cup sizes
More of a crop top than a bra

Crop-inspired sports bras are the secret weapon you need in your closet—they can double as going-out attire. This style is best suited for lower-impact activities like yoga and pilates but can also be used as a layering piece to add some additional flair or coverage to workout outfits.

Athleta's Conscious Crop features a classic high-neck style, so there's no need to worry about your girls spilling out during Downward Dog. The buttery soft Powervita fabric feels amazing and is super sweat-wicking and breathable. It also delivers sun protection of UPF 50-plus for those seaside yoga sessions.

This crop-inspired sports bra hits just above the belly button and features a racerback design. The built-in bra provides extra support with the addition of removable pads for a smoother fit.

The Conscious Crop is available in sizes XXS through XL. It comes in black, white, navy, sage, Medieval Violet, Victorian Periwinkle, and Beach Peach, among others.

Price at time of publication: $59

Sizes: XXS–XL | Color Options: 12 | Padding: Yes (removable) | Underwire: No | Support Level: Light

Amazon

Pros

Adjustable, gel-infused straps
Silhouette offers full coverage
Supportive molded cups
Sweat-wicking fabric

Cons

Limited size range (34C–42DDD)
Seams may be uncomfortable
May not be as supportive as some underwire bras

The Spot Comfort Sports Bra—one of Champion's fan-favorite high-support bras—keeps the girls in check during hardcore aerobic exercise. Targeted mesh ventilation and sweat-wicking fabric keep things cool and dry. Gel-infused straps eliminate pressure and rubbing, delivering a barely-there sensation.

This classically shaped bra features a U-back design with thick, adjustable close-set straps. Complete with a cushioned hook-and-eye back closure and adjustable straps, the bra ensures a custom fit. Wire-free molded cups deliver a natural, smooth shape so you look and feel like a million bucks.

The Spot Comfort Sports Bra comes in sizes 34C through 42DDD in a wide range of bright and neutral colors.

Price at time of publication: $48

Sizes: 34C–42DDD | Color Options: 26 | Padding: No (but molded cups) | Underwire: No | Support Level: High-impact

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Removable padding
Moisture-wicking fabric
Designed with flat seams

Cons

May not be very supportive
May run small
Not available in different cup sizes

It's business in the front, party in the back with this cute and trendy sports bra. The CRZ YOGA Women's Low Impact Sports Bra provides light support, ideal for everyday use and activities like yoga and walking.

The minimalist style features a lower cut neckline with a strappy criss-cross back. This bra is stretchy yet supportive and made from a silky, cool lightweight fabric. Customize the fit with built-in pockets for removable cups. This bra is available in sizes XS through XL in a variety of prints and colors.

Price at time of publication: $22

Sizes: XS–XL | Color Options: 21 | Padding: Yes (removable) | Underwire: No | Support Level: Light

Pros

Silhouette offers full coverage
Supportive molded cups
Made primarily from recycled materials
Inclusive size range (XXS–6XL)

Cons

May run small
May not be very supportive

There’s a lot to love about Girlfriend Collective’s Simone Bra. For starters, the pullover sports bra is made primarily from recycled materials. Soft RPET fabric (made from recycled plastic models) makes up 79% of the bra’s fabric blend, while stretchy spandex makes up the rest. So the bra isn’t just comfy and flexible—it’s also an eco-friendly buy.

The bra is designed with molded cups, which should keep you feeling supported as you move around. And its thick, adjustable straps should make it easy to find a perfectly snug fit.

What really sets the bra apart, though, is its inclusive size range. The bra is currently available in sizes XXS–6XL. And it comes in an array of different colors, including Moss Green, Midnight Blue, and Moon Gray.

Price at time of publication: $52

Sizes: XXS–6XL | Color Options: Seven | Padding: No (but molded cups) | Underwire: No | Support Level: Medium

4.8

Courtesy of Athleta

Pros

Silhouette offers full coverage
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Equipped with sun protection (UPF 50+)
Wide size range (XXS–XL)

Cons

May not be very supportive
Not as discreet as a racerback bra
Not available in different cup sizes

Named after its buttery soft fabric, the Exhale Bra in Powervita features a mid-rise neckline, balancing coverage and breathability for low-impact workouts. We love it for studio sessions—like yoga, barre, and pilates—with its leotard style straps and additional V-shaped detailing.

Wear this style with an open or low back tank and show off the simple yet intricate straps. The Exhale Bra in Powervita is available in sizes XXS through XL and comes in black, white, navy, Dragonfruit Pink, Beach Peach, and Elfin Purple.

Price at time of publication: $49

Sizes: XXS–XL | Color Options: Nine | Padding: No | Underwire: No | Support Level: Low

Final Verdict

If you’re in the market for a brand new sports bra, Outdoor Voices’ Doing Things Bra (view at Outdoor Voices) is a great go-to. With its thick straps and full-coverage design, the bra should give you plenty of support. And thanks to its stretchy-soft fabric blend, it should feel cozy enough to wear every day.

When it comes to sports bras, this kind of versatility counts for a lot: You can wear the bra during medium-impact and low-impact workouts, and you can wear it when lounging around the house, too.

What to Look for in a Sports Bra

The most important thing to look for when shopping for a sports bra is bra type. The three most popular types of sports bras all have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks:

Encapsulation Sports Bras

Picture a typical bra with two individual cups and a hook-and-eye back closure. This style is considered an encapsulation bra. There is no compression in this style, yet each breast is individually supported with a light-to-medium padded cup. Sports bras designed using this method provide a more natural shape.

Compression Sports Bras

The classic stretchy racerback pullover style—without built-in cups or padding—is considered a compression-style sports bra. These bras are typically wire-free and tend to be comfortable. This method compresses the breasts against the chest wall in order to restrict motion. For larger cup sizes, it's best to opt for a compression model that includes an adjustable band and strap to ensure the proper fit and support. One downside to this method is that it can often cause the appearance of the dreaded “uni-boob.”

Compression-Encapsulation Sports Bras

Some sports bras will combine both encapsulation and compression for the perfect balance of shaping and support. Typically, each breast is individually supported in its own cup while also compressed against the chest wall. These styles often feature adjustable bands and straps and are ideal for high-impact activities for all cup sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sports bras supposed to feel tight?

Sports bras are supposed to feel snug—but not uncomfortably tight. “Your sports bra should be snug, but if you feel it constricting your ribs or your breathing, it’s probably too small,” Kavanaugh says. “If you find your straps digging deep into your skin, that’s another sign that your bra may be too tight.”
How to wash sports bras

Most sports bras are convenient to clean: You can simply launder them in the washing machine and dry them in the dryer. Of course, it’s always a good idea to double-check the care instructions for a specific sports bra before throwing it in the laundry. But most of the time, you should be able to get away with machine-washing and -drying your sports bras.
How often should you wash sports bras?

“A sports bra should be washed after every use,” Kavanaugh says. “The fabrics endure a lot during a workout.” (Notably, they absorb a ton of sweat.) So to keep them in tip-top shape, you’ll want to wash them every time you wear them.
How often should you replace your sports bras?

A sports bra’s lifespan can vary a lot, depending on the material it’s made of and how often you’re wearing it. So instead of following a hard-and-fast rule, look for signs that your bras need replacing. “Feel how easily the material snaps back to the original shape after you wash it,” Moore says. If the bra snaps back quickly, it’s probably in good shape. If it doesn’t, it may need to be replaced.
“It’s also a good idea to check for pilling and any stains that don’t come out in the wash,” she says. “If you wouldn’t buy it again in the same condition it’s in now, it’s time to get rid of it and treat yourself to a shopping spree!”
Is it bad to wear sports bras all the time?

Some people claim that wearing a sports bra all day is “bad for you.” But we’ve scoured the internet for evidence that supports this claim—and we couldn’t find any. To cut down on discomfort, experts recommend finding a bra that feels supportive and comfortable and wearing it when you see fit.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Having worked for a women's sports bra company, Emily Stone has learned a thing or two about what makes or breaks a bra. A few of Emily’s favorites include the Athleta Conscious Crop—which she truthfully wears more for fashion than fitness since it’s so cute—and the Under Armour Eclipse High-Zip Sports Bra.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

Best Overall

Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra

Best Budget

Fruit of the Loom Cotton Pullover Sports Bra Pack

Best for Everyday Use

Lululemon Energy Bra

Best for Big Busts

Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra

Best for Small Busts

Brooks Dare Strappy Run Bra

Best Anti-Odor

Under Armour RUSH Mid Sports Bra

Best for Running

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra

Best Front Closure

Under Armour Eclipse High-Impact Zip Sports Bra

Best Crop Style

Athleta Conscious Crop

Best High-Impact

Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra

Best Low-Impact

CRZ YOGA Low Impact Strappy Sports Bra

Best Plus Size

Girlfriend Collective Simone Bra

Best for Yoga

Athleta Exhale Bra

The Best Sports Bras For Every Kind of Workout

Reviewed & Approved

Best Overall

Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra

Best Budget

Fruit of the Loom Cotton Pullover Sports Bra Pack

Best for Everyday Use

Lululemon Energy Bra

Best for Big Busts

Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra

Best for Small Busts

Brooks Dare Strappy Run Bra

Best Anti-Odor

Under Armour RUSH Mid Sports Bra

Best for Running

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra

Best Front Closure

Under Armour Eclipse High-Impact Zip Sports Bra

Best Crop Style

Athleta Conscious Crop

Best High-Impact

Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra

Best Low-Impact

CRZ YOGA Low Impact Strappy Sports Bra

Best Plus Size

Girlfriend Collective Simone Bra

Best for Yoga

Athleta Exhale Bra

Final Verdict

What to Look for in a Sports Bra

Encapsulation Sports Bras

Compression Sports Bras

Compression-Encapsulation Sports Bras

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit