The 11 Best Sports Bras of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra at Nordstrom

No need to worry about not being held in when you're sporting Outdoor Voices' racerback bra, designed to provide medium support.

Best for Big Busts:

Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon

Those with larger busts can keep their chest in place and lifted with Wacoal's bra, made with a no-chafe design.

Best for Small Busts:

Brooks Dare Strappy Run Bra at Amazon

The minimal seams of this pick minimizes distractions in your outfit, contour your body, and ensure you stay chafe-free.

Best Running:

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra at Amazon

High-impact exercise is no match for this bra, complete with built-in cups for security and perforations for ventilation.

Best Front Closure:

Under Armour Eclipse High-Impact Zip Sports Bra at Amazon

The unique zip front closure makes for easy dressing and undressing, especially when you've just finished a sweaty workout.

Best Crop Style:

Athleta Conscious Crop at Gap.com

Ideal for low-impact fitness and as a bonus, it's long enough to be styled as a crop top or as a layering piece.

Best High-Impact:

Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra at Amazon

Promises a bounce-free workout and features gel-infused straps so you can focus on what matters during a workout.

Best Low-Impact:

CRZ YOGA Women's Low Impact Sports Bra at Amazon

If you prefer bras with thin straps, this pick has you covered (literally) with lightweight material and a low-impact design.

Best Plus Size:

Adidas Ultimate Zip Front Sports Bra at Adidas.com

If you can't be bothered with a pullover bra, this option features a front-zip closure and comes in sizes 30A through 48E.

Best for Yoga:

Athleta Exhale Bra at Gap.com

Fittingly named Exhale, so you can do just that while wearing, Athleta's bra features a wicking and quick-drying design.

Bust out your best moves in a sports bra that best suits your body. Whether you live in a sports bra 24/7 or have to force yourself to throw one on for your morning workout, you need one to keep you supported and bounce-free while you work out—whether you're an A or DD cup. The right sports bra can even minimize breast or back pain. As you look for the option that works best for you, you should consider your exercise intensity and methods.

Here are the best sports bras on the market.

Outdoor Voices has recently taken the athleisure world by storm with its monochromatic workout sets and technical sweat-ready fabrics. The sought after Doing Things Bra provides medium support for an active lifestyle.

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 30AA-40DD and comes in a variety of fun colors and prints, like cantaloupe, indigo, black, Cloud Polka, and more.

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. This 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, dry and 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 38H in a variety of neutral and jewel tones.

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, Deep Sea, black, Lapis, Navy, Arctic, and Ash.

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 Beat, black, Navy, Sea, Glacier, Ash, and Nightlife.

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.

Crop-inspired sports bras are the secret weapon you need in your closet. Believe it or not, crops can even 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 30A through 40DD. It comes in black, white, Navy, Sage, Arbor Olive, Poseidon Blue, and Coral Volt.

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.

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 is made from a silky, cool lightweight fabric. Customize the fit with built-in pockets for removable cups. This bra is available in sizes 30A through 36DD in a variety of prints and colors.

The Ultimate Bra is leading the pack, delivering Adidas' highest level of support. This high-impact sports bra features a zip-front closure for easy on and off and an adjustable X-back with padded straps.

The soft under band is super comfy with Adidas' sweat-wicking AEROREADY fabric and a breathable mesh overlay for a cool, dry fit. Soft molded cups fit an A cup to an E, and the bra comes in black and white in sizes 30A through 48E.

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 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 30A through 40C and comes in black, white, Navy, Timeless Red, Delicate Pink, Poseidon Blue, Victorian Periwinkle, and Mineral Brown.

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!

The bra is designed for all-day comfort featuring 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.

Final Verdict

The Under Armour Eclipse High-Zip Sports Bra is a stellar choice for high-impact activities thanks to its supported design and easy on and off capabilities. The soft foam cups support each breast individually with adjustable straps for a custom fit. The Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra is an especially great option for people with larger cups as it comes in sizes 32C through 42DDD, with a hidden inner sling for added support in G and H cup sizes. Featuring a flexible underwire, this sports bra provides elite-level support, eliminating bounce for high-impact fitness.

What to Look for in a Sports Bra

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

This 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.

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.

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Article Sources

Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Is it bad to not wear a bra? Cleveland Clinic. Published July 19, 2021.

The 11 Best Sports Bras of 2021

Stay supported while you sweat

Best Overall: Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra

Best for Big Busts: Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra

Best for Small Busts: Brooks Dare Strappy Run Bra

Best 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 Women's Low Impact Sports Bra

Best Plus Size: Adidas Ultimate Zip Front Sports Bra

Best for Yoga: Athleta Exhale Bra

Best for Everyday Use: Lululemon Energy Bra