Fitness Gear Apparel The 10 Best Sports Bras For Yoga of 2023 The Athleta Exhale Bra provides support in every pose By Macy Alcido Macy Alcido Macy is a freelance journalist based in Louisville, KY. Her work has appeared in HuffPost, Psychiatric Times, TechRepublic, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 19, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Elaine Hinzey, RD Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD LinkedIn Elaine Hinzey is a registered dietitian, writer, and fact-checker with nearly two decades of experience in educating clients and other healthcare professionals. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / Crea Taylor Whether you’re enjoying a general Hatha class or diving into vinyasa flow, a solid sports bra is key for a successful yoga session. Intense activities, like running or training, typically call for a straightforward, high-impact bra. While yoga is undoubtedly low-impact, yogis still need support when hitting different poses. “If you’re doing a lower intensity activity, like yoga, you’re going to need something with a heavy stretch and high support, but not something with too much compression,” says Claire Edwards, assistant store manager at Athleta in Louisville, KY. And regardless of size, you'll need a bra with a flexible material that still keeps the girls in place. When making your selection, it’s important to keep in mind the fabric, cup type, strap style, and sizing. In addition to these factors, we also made our list by considering the cropped length, back closures, cost, and more. Here are the best sports bras for yoga on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Athleta Exhale Bra at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Budget: CRZ Yoga Strappy Yoga Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Small Chest: Lululemon Free to Be Wild Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best Front Closure: Lululemon Enlite Zip Front Bra at Lululemon Jump to Review Best for Large Chest: Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Hot Yoga: Athleta Conscious Crop at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Light Support: Nike Dri-FIT Indy Sports Bra at Dick's Jump to Review Best High Support: Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Everyday Wear: Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best to Wear As a Top: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Cropped Tank at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit? Best Overall Athleta Exhale Bra 4.8 Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Sweat-wicking material Supportive dual straps Removable, lightweight cups Variety of sizes Cons Non-adjustable straps Runs slightly small This low-impact, breathable sports bra from Athleta is our top pick—and ideal for frequent yogis. Edwards says it's a fan favorite thanks to the supportive and flexible straps. “It has a wide base. When you think of a sports bra, they're almost always a Racerback. The Exhale has wide shoulder straps, so support comes from your shoulders,” she says. Made with nylon, lycra, and spandex, the Exhale bra is sweat-wicking and quick-drying—making it a great option for beginners, advanced yogis, or anyone taking a hot yoga class. It's made for women with cup sizes A to C and offered in band sizes 30 to 40. Find it in multiple vibrant and neutral colors. Price at time of publication: $50 Key Specs:Fabric: Nylon, lycra, spandex | Cups: Removable pads | Straps: Dual pull-on and racerback design | Sizing: Comes in band sizes 30-40 and cup sizes A-C Best Budget CRZ Yoga Strappy Yoga Bra Courtesy: CRZ Yoga View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Crzyoga.com Pros Ultra-lightweight fabric Designed for medium- and low-impact workouts Affordable Cons Non-adjustable straps Bottom band can be ill-fitting Made of polyamide and spandex, CRZ YOGA's Strappy Yoga Bra is crafted with a four-way stretch and slight compression—making it great for a soothing yoga session. The criss-cross back allows for stylish support, without constricting movement. And, the thick bottom band creates a strong foundation, while maintaining a lightweight feel. This bra is designed for studio activity at an affordable price point, and it comes in a variety of colors, including two camo patterns, varying from neutrals to pastels. It also features removable pads to prevent uni-boob. Price at time of publication: $24 Key Specs:Fabric: Polyamide, spandex | Cups: Removable pads | Straps: Criss-cross design | Sizing: XS-XL Best for Small Chest Lululemon Free to Be Wild Bra Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Lululemon Pros Good for small breasts Low-friction, light support Sweat-wicking fabric Cons Fixed straps Runs small Specifically designed for studio activities, this strappy bra is crafted to provide light support with four-way stretch and shape retention. Made with Lululemon’s trademarked Luxtreme Fabric, smaller chested gals will feel supported, but not constricted by the breathable mixture of lycra, nylon, and elastane. The sweat-wicking material is great for yogis who enjoy challenging, sweat-inducing sessions. The bra even has a cool-to-the-touch feel, so it won’t feel heavy and sweat-soaked. Lululemon’s Free to Be Bra also comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns to fit everyone's personal style, and works perfectly with any of the brand's high-quality leggings. Price at time of publication: $75 Key Specs:Fabric: Lycra, nylon, elastane | Cups: Pockets for optional, removable pads | Straps: Wide front design with multi-strap criss-cross in back | Sizing: Comes in band sizes 28-42 and cup sizes A-B The Best Sports Bras For Every Kind of Workout Best Front Closure Lululemon Enlite Zip Front Bra 4.3 Courtesy: Lululemon View On Lululemon Pros Easy to take on and off Molds to your body Hidden bra hook to assist zip up Cons Expensive Only offered in darker colors This front-zip bra eases the process of changing in and out of a supportive sports bra. While many supportive bras feature a back closure, this one has a front zipper and hook to secure it in place after you put it on. The Ultralu fabric offers smooth, molded support and the breathable four-way stretch fabric makes it great for high-impact activities. Crafted to support a variety of women, the Lululemon Enlite Zip Front Bra is available in band sizes 32 to 40 and cup sizes B to D. Price at time of publication: $108 Key Specs:Fabric: Nylon, lycra elastane. Cups made with polyester, elastane | Cups: Built-in cups | Straps: Wide criss-cross straps. Hidden front hook. | Sizing: Comes in band sizes 32-40 and cup sizes B-D Best for Large Chest Outdoor Voices Doing Things Sports Bra 4.5 Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Outdoorvoices.com Pros Very supportive No underwire, removable pads Inclusive size range Cons Expensive No adjustable straps This medium support bra is a great foundation for bigger breasts. “The right sports bra depends on your cup size, if you’re bigger, you don’t want a low-support bra in general,” says Yelle Daly, apparel lead at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Louisville, KY. When shopping for sports bras for larger breasts keep in mind that larger chests, according to Daly, call for “more support, but not necessarily higher-impact.” This mesh racerback design meets that criteria, providing all-around support, without feeling too constricting against your body. The Outdoor Voices Doing Things sports bra doesn’t have an underwire, so it won’t dig into your sides. It also includes removable pads which let you tailor it to your personal comfort preference. Price at time of publication: $58 Key Specs:Fabric: Nylon, lycra, polyester | Cups: Removable pads | Straps: Mesh racerback design with supportive lower band | Sizing: XS-XL Best for Hot Yoga Athleta Conscious Crop Courtesy of Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Fitted crop, no extra fabric Full coverage Variety of sizes Cons Expensive Limited size range Athleta’s Conscious Crop will protect you from sweat while keeping you completely covered. “You don't want anything that's going to soak up a lot of sweat and hold it. You don't want something that adds insulation, either, which could increase how hot you feel,” says Emily Welsh, owner and certified yoga instructor at Hot Yoga Louisville. Welsh says she primarily wears shirts with built-in bras that don’t move or swing around during a class. This crop does just that, featuring a built-in bra with removable pads and a structured, but flexible racerback design. Equipped with Athleta’s Powervita fabric, the Conscious Crop is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable, which is the trifecta in a hot yoga class. It also comes in band sizes 30 to 40 and is best for women with an A to C cup size. Price at time of publication: $59 Key Specs:Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Cups: Built-in bra with lightweight, removable pads | Straps: Racerback | Sizing: Comes in band sizes 30-40 and cup sizes A-C Best Light Support Nike Dri-FIT Indy Sports Bra View On Dick's View On Nike.com View On Nordstrom Pros Front adjustable straps Removable pads Breathable mesh side panels Cons May not be supportive for bigger breasts Runs small For women looking for light support, this comfortable, wire-free sports bra from Nike fits the bill. With adjustable front straps, it's easy to find your ideal support level. It also includes removable pads that slip in and out of the top. Made with Dri-FIT technology, the polyester and spandex fabric wicks sweat from your skin, allowing for quicker evaporation of moisture. Plus, the Nike Dri-FIT Indy sports features mesh side panels for breathability. Price at time of publication: $38 Key Specs:Fabric: Recycled polyester, spandex | Cups: Removable pads that slip in from top | Straps: Front adjustable, thin racerback straps, and mesh side panels | Sizing: XS-XXL Best High Support Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Pros Gel-infused shoulder straps Hook and eye back closure Wire-free, molded cups Cons Very high compression Not as stylish as other choices The Champion Spot Comfort bra features wire-free molded cups that provide maximum support for any type of workout. While it might be too compressive for some yogis, bigger-busted women should appreciate the snug support and gel-cushioned straps. This bra is ultra-supportive, but it won’t harbor heat. Crafted with moisture-wicking fabric and a mesh front panel, Champion’s Spot Comfort sports bra has plenty of ventilation, whether you like to practice in the studio or outside. Price at time of publication: $48 Key Specs:Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Cups: Wire-free, molded cup | Straps: Adjustable straps with padded hook and eye back closure | Sizing: Comes in band sizes 34-42 and cup sizes C-DDD Best for Everyday Wear Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Pros Nearly seamless Lab tested for total comfort Chafe-reducing fabric Cons Expensive While the Brooks Dare Crossback is marketed as a running bra, the pull-on, cross-back design makes it supportive and great for any activity. The nearly-seamless design ensures your skin doesn't get pinched in any wires or clips, and the small ventilating holes throughout make it exceptionally breathable. Tested for comfort by real women, its Dri-Layer Horsepower fabric is chafe-resistant and quick-drying. The Brooks Dare Crossback comes in band sizes 30 to 40 and cup sizes AB to DDE. Price at time of publication: $60 Key Specs:Fabric: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Cups: Molded cups | Straps: Pull-on, cross back, wide straps with hidden bottom band | Sizing: Comes in band sizes 30-40 and cup sizes AB-DDE Here Are the Best Sports Bras for Runners, According to a Running Coach Best to Wear As a Top Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank Beyond Yoga View On Amazon View On Beyondyoga.com View On REI Pros Extra soft with high stretch Medium support shelf bra Versatile cropped length Cons No removable cups Non-adjustable straps This medium-support, racerback cropped tank is made with ultra-soft material—making it comfortable enough for lounging, but supportive enough for a low-impact workout. The cropped design pairs well with mid-rise or high-rise yoga pants, and the chest coverage is modest without being too restrictive. Like the best workout underwear, it's made with buttery-soft fabric with moisture-wicking capabilities. Available in sizes XS-3XL, Beyond Yoga's Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped tank is versatile and is offered in multiple colors. Price at time of publication: $66 Key Specs:Fabric: Polyester, lycra | Cups: Built-in shelf bra | Straps: Racerback with thin straps | Sizing: XS-3XL Final Verdict The best sports bra for yoga is supportive, breathable, and low-impact, which is why we recommend the Athleta Exhale Bra (view at Athleta). The combination of over-the-shoulder straps and v-shaped back straps helps evenly distribute support, allowing you to freely move from one position to the next. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out the CRZ YOGA Women's Fitness Workout Yoga Bra (view at Amazon). Its buttery-soft fabric, thick bottom band, and four-way stretch will feel luxurious without breaking the bank. What to Look for in a Sports Bra for Yoga Fabric The right sports bra must have a material that is cohesive to the activity. For example, Daly says most high-impact bras have thicker fabrics for extra support, but yogis may wish to stay away from that and opt for something more flexible. Additionally, Welch recommends focusing on breathable and lightweight material while staying away from anything with cotton. Yoga-lovers should look for flexible, sweat-wicking fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex. Lycra also helps to add stretch. Cup Type For yoga in general, an underwire encapsulation style bra won’t be comfortable, or necessary. Underwires are great for supporting larger chested women but are typically found in bras designed for high-impact activities, with compression to reduce bounce. "A yoga bra shouldn't be too compressive,” says Daly. “Anything for yoga is going to be light and flowy. Low-impact bras are typically designed for yoga. High-impact ones are better suited for running and training.” Women with bigger breasts, who typically need more support, should keep an eye out for yoga bras with either molded cups or two designated cups. Two designated cups will help lift and stabilize, while molded cups provide built-in flexibility. Ladies of any size should look for molded cups that offer shaping and support. Strap Style Similar to cups, straps also depend on your build. Most women typically enjoy an adjustable strap, since they allow for a customizable fit. Larger chested women, in particular, appreciate adjustable shoulder straps to modify lift. A thick bottom band is critical for bigger-breasted women, and if it’s adjustable, that’s even better. “Even bigger chested women don’t need high compression for yoga. Go for something with full coverage, rather than high compression. Focus on that wide bottom band,” Edwards says. Women with smaller chests are better suited for flexible, but supportive pull-on bras. Those cute, strappy designs bode well for these ladies. Sizing Watch out for bras that are specifically designed for certain cup sizes. These details are often hidden in the fine print under “Product Details.” If you find a bra you like, but not in your exact size, be sure to check a vendor’s site for extended model sizes. Frequently Asked Questions How should a sports bra for yoga fit? Since yoga is a low-impact activity, women should search for a low-impact bra. These bras are flexible, lightweight, and supportive, but with little to no compression. “When I'm getting dressed for yoga versus running, it is slightly different. For running, I want something with a little more compression because of the impact of jumping,” Welsh says. “But for yoga, I need a little bit more flexibility and comfort.” Is it okay to sleep in a sports bra? Yes, if you want. No concrete data exists that says you can’t sleep wearing a sports bra, but experts say it’s really personal preference. “I wouldn't recommend it, depending on the level of support and how strapped down you are—that's probably not the best for your body,” Edwards says. Clothing stores have started making bras specifically for sleeping. These sleep bras are softer and have a bralette consistency. Can a sports bra be used as a swimsuit? Absolutely! You’ll want to target quick-drying fabrics that can hold their shape. Cotton would be the worst choice since it isn’t very durable in water. Daly says she has women come into her store all the time asking which sports bras are best for swimming. “I usually direct them to nylon sports bras,” Daily says. Quick-drying and sweat-wicking fabrics would work too, which are typically polyester and elastane. How often should you wash a sports bra? Daily washes aren’t great for sports bras, as they’ll lose their shape quicker. But if you tend to sweat during your yoga practice, frequent washing may be necessary.“If you were working out five days a week, I’d recommend washing once a week, or once every three to four workouts, since yoga is low-impact,” Edwards says. However, Welsh says she washes hers after every hot yoga class. “With these synthetic fabrics, if you let the sweat—especially from hot yoga—and body oils set in, the bra will hold onto it and smell forever,” Welsh notes. How to wash a sports bra Never machine dry your sports bras. Care instructions for most sports bras recommend laying flat or hang drying instead. Some companies say you can tumble dry, but experts say it's best to avoid the dryer altogether. A cold wash and air dry will lengthen the life of your bras.With hot yoga, however, Welsh says she takes an extra step. “After hot yoga, I soak my bra next to my washer in a big basin of vinegar and baking soda. Then, I run it through the wash and hang dry,” Welsh says. With the amount of sweat endured in her classes, Welsh says soaking her athleticwear is the only way to remove the smell. Why Trust Verywell Fit? As an avid exercise enthusiast, Macy Bayern has done it all—Crossfit, resistance training, dance cardio, hiking, pilates, and yoga. She understands how critical athleticwear is to a good workout, especially for different types. But, she never goes off her experience alone, she also consults research and field experts for expert-backed insights. 2 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. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Is it OK to wear a bra while sleeping? Knix. How to wash sports bras. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit