The Best Sports Bras for Runners in 2024

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Runners often lament the difficulty of finding the best running shoe. However, for runners who also need to support their chest, a running sports bra can be an equally important piece of running gear and just as hard to find. Your sports bra can make or break your run. Even sports bras that feel good after mile one or two can leave you red and chafed by mile five or six. The challenge of finding the best sports bra for running gets even more complicated by the fact that the sports bra industry isn’t standardized. Every brand has a different way of sizing and uses different terminology to describe their sports bras.

However, we’ve created a list of our top picks to help you narrow down your choices. Our picks for the best running sports bras include those designed for larger breasts, high-impact support and different bra styles. We’ll also cover what you can do to simplify the decision-making process, like understanding the difference between encapsulation and compression and who might need more of one than the other. Ultimately, it might take trying a few sports bras in different sizes before you find one that feels good, reduces motion and can handle the miles of your typical run.

Our Picks for the Best Sports Bras for Running in 2024:

• Best Overall: Alphalete Amplify Bra
• Best Sports Bra for Large Chests: Lululemon Energy Bra
• Best Racerback Sports Bra: Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Bra
• Best Crossback: Under Armour Mid Crossback
• Best Breathable Sports Bra: adidas Fastimpact Luxe Run High Support Bra
• Most Comfortable Sports Bra: Nike Alpha
• Best Compression Bra: Alphalete Ozone Crop Bra
• Best High-Impact Sports Bra: Lululemon Run Times Bra

Best Overall: Alphalete Amplify Bra

Key features:

• Cup range: 28AA–44D
• Adjustable straps: No
• Padding: No
• Design: Crossback
• Material: Polyamide, polyester, elastane

Alphalete focuses on comfortable functionality, which reinforces the effectiveness of the pullover Amplify Bra. It’s made of a full interlock knit that’s dense to give the bra support, but it also reduces the number of seams (often a point of running and chafing). The seams that are in the bra add structure and give the wearer additional support.

The interlock design also gives this bra good compression and shape retention, which is needed for longer runs. Crossback straps stay hidden when wearing most workout tops, but the bra is attractive enough to be worn as a top in and of itself. This bra provides medium support, making it a better option for C cups and smaller. A couple of potential weaknesses are the deep scoop neckline, which may leave room for more movement than some runners like.

Pros:

• Interlock knit provides strong shape and compression
• Soft, comfortable fabric
• Minimal seams to reduce chafing

Cons:

• May not provide enough support and compression for larger breasts
• Neckline may leave room for excess movement

Best Sports Bra for Large Chests: Lululemon Energy Bra

Key features:

• Cup range: 32B–40D
• Adjustable straps: Yes
• Padding: Yes
• Design: Crossback
• Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane

The Lululemon Energy Bra comes in cup sizes B through DDD and band sizes 32 through 40, though all cup sizes are not available in every band size. This bra is designed to support larger busts, ideal for those who need extra lift and reduced bounce while running, jumping and other high-impact activities.

The double crossback design with molded cups provides comfortable support, especially with the adjustable straps. A soft, brushed underband with three levels of hook-and-eye closures gives you some adjustability and fit customization. We like that this bra comes in band/cup combinations that are sometimes hard to find. 

The softness and comfort of the nylon/elastane blend fabric is a repeated benefit in reviews on the Lululemon website, and a bra that keeps you comfortable is also one that will keep you running. One reviewer states, “This bra is awesome. I’m rather petite but with a larger bust, so it's hard to find something that fits both band and cup while also actually being supportive. This bra is soft but has enough structure to keep everything in place without feeling like I’m wearing a standard underwire bra. I do long-distance endurance sports, including long-course triathlon, and I wear this under my kit for the swim. It dries quickly on the bike, and no chafing after the run! Definitely recommend.”

Pros:

• Brushed underband to prevent chafing
• Hook and eye closure feels secure
• Standard cut provides a moderate amount of coverage and security without having to worry about a high neckline

Cons:

• Double crossback design may cause straps to twist when putting on and removing

Best Racerback Sports Bra: Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Bra

Key features:

• Cup range: 28A–48C
• Adjustable straps: No
• Padding: Yes (removable)
• Design: Racerback
• Material: Recycled polyester, elastane, polyester

The Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Bra is made of a blend of recycled polyester, standard polyester and elastane. The combination gives it flexibility but maintains control. This model has removable pads for extra shape and protection. It has a racerback design that gives you more freedom of movement through the shoulders and doesn’t show under racerback tank tops.

A feature we appreciate about this running bra is the size range. It fits those whose bra sizes tend to fall outside of average. A reviewer on the Reebok website states, “As a tiny woman on the bustier side it isn't always easy to find sports bras that work, this one though does its job perfectly.” Other reviewers note that it also works well for larger busted runners.

Pros:

• Wide size range
• Option to remove padding
• Works for large busted runners

Cons:

• Neckline may be too tight for some

Best Crossback: Under Armour Mid Crossback

Key features:

• Cup range: 30AA–44DDD
• Adjustable straps: No
• Padding: Yes (removable)
• Design: Crossback
• Material: Polyester, elastane

The Under Armour Mid Crossback features a tight fit giving it the compression needed to reduce movement, yet the fabric and seam placement keep it flexible and comfortable.

The crossback design eliminates clips and closures to reduce potential chafing points. It’s made with Under Armour’s sweat-wicking Heat Gear fabric to maintain breathability. The removable pads are labeled for the right and left to offer a better fit and shape.

Some users with a high rib cage-to-breast ratio on the Under Armour website have found that the band isn’t quite tight enough. Consequently, it works better for those who fall into the more average size range, and the brand recommends it for A-C cups.

Pros:

• Tight compression for less movement
• Comfortable, sweat-wicking fabric
• Removable, labeled padding

Cons:

• Doesn’t fit larger chest sizes or rib cage-to-chest ratios

Best Breathable Sports Bra: adidas Fastimpact Luxe Run High Support Bra

Key features:

• Cup range: 2XS–2XL
• Adjustable straps: Yes
• Padding: Yes
• Design: Crossback
• Material: Recycled polyester, elastane interlock

The adidas Fastimpact Luxe Run High Support Bra incorporates the brand’s Aeroready fabric technology, a moisture-wicking material that keeps you comfortable and dry. It combines recycled polyester and elastane interlock, which work together to promote circulation. A mesh overlay on the straps and the front enhances breathability in areas that generate heat.

This sports bra has adjustable straps on the shoulders and ribcage, giving you space to customize the bra fit. The bottom also has an elastic hem to minimize movement during high-impact activities.

There is a scoop neck design, making it easy to take on and off and offering the upper-body freedom of movement. Reviews on the adidas website state that this bra fits true to size and is supportive, but also note that it is difficult to get on and off. One review says, “I’m a cup-size DDD and can easily do burpees, running, etc. in this and not feel a thing. The removable pads are easy to reinsert post-wash. The shoulder straps and the underband have five adjustable settings for the closest fit, though it can be quite tedious when putting it on. Overall, it’s worth it because of the customizable size and high support.”

Pros:

• Adjustable straps on the shoulders and bottom
• Mesh overlay increases breathability
• Removable padding

Cons:

• Scoopneck may not offer enough coverage for everyone

Most Comfortable Sports Bra: Nike Alpha

Key features:

• Cup range: XS–3X
• Adjustable straps: No
• Padding: Yes
• Design: U-back
• Material: Polyester, elastane

The Alpha by Nike is a high-support sports bra with smooth fabric to provide a comfortable, compressive fit. This polyester elastane material offers targeted compression to minimize movement and uses Nike’s Dri-Fit technology to wick sweat, keeping you cool and dry. The molded cups are supportive and provide shaping, allowing you to keep your natural shape. As the straps extend down the back, they widen to balance support and reduce tension on your shoulders. The wide band fits snugly and is adjustable using the hook and eye closures. This bra comes in varying band sizes from XS–3X, and cup sizes range from A to G.

One reviewer on the Nike website states, “This bra is great. I can sprint in it, lift in it, jog for an hour in it, row in it, and just sit in it. Really comfortable material, straps don't fall down or shift. Highly recommended for the bigger busted ladies looking for a great high-impact bra. It is truly high impact. No more layering bras!” Critical reviews mention that the bra runs small and the straps can cause difficulties. One says, “This bra is super comfortable even though it runs a little small. However, I wore it for a nine-mile run and found that the slider on the straps kept sliding down.”

Pros:

• Minimal seams in design reduce potential friction points
• Straps wide to minimize load on the shoulders
• Soft, breathable fabric

Cons:

• Reviews mention that the slider on the straps slips during exercise

Best Compression Bra: Alphalete Ozone Crop Bra

Key features:

• Cup range: XXS–XXL
• Adjustable straps: No
• Padding: No
• Design: Body contouring
• Material: Recycled nylon, spandex

This environmentally friendly cropped bra is made of recycled nylon blended with spandex. This bra uses compression throughout to reduce overall movement. The crop design spreads out the compressive surface area to reduce high-pressure points and chafing. It can act as a workout top or as a compression sports bra under other workout wear.

The fabric itself feels soft to the touch, and it has a crew neckline for those who prefer more coverage or who want to wear it as a top. It’s also reinforced in high-wear areas at the neck and arms. However, as a crop top bra, it may not have the structure and extra support for larger breasts.

Pros:

• Comfortable compression fabric with extra coverage
• High neckline can function as a top
• Reinforced neckline and arms

Cons:

• May not support larger breasts

Best High-Impact Sports Bra: Lululemon Run Times Bra

Key features:

• Cup range: 32B–42DDD
• Adjustable straps: Yes
• Padding: No
• Design: U-back or crossback
• Material: Nylon, elastane, lycra, polyester

The Lululemon Run Times Bra brings together high-quality fabric with top-notch design. It provides high-impact support, even for larger busts. The blend of lycra, nylon, elastane and polyester provides structure with the right amount of stretch to make it comfortable but supportive. The fabrics are moisture-wicking to keep you cool and help prevent the dreaded chafe. It also features mesh panels for added ventilation.

The adjustable straps can be worn as a U-back or crossback bra. However, like many convertible bras, most runners find it more comfortable and effective in one configuration over another. The straps also feature padding to keep them comfortable on long runs. Our tester and avid exerciser Caroline Lubinsky describes the Run Times Bra as comfortable and supportive. She states, "I forgot I was wearing it, which is the sign of a good sports bra. It held up well on race days and during HIIT."

We like that this model comes in a wide range of sizes for small and large busted runners. However, one reviewer on the Lululemon website notes, “My issue is over time the hooks have come open and I’ve had to use pliers to reshape them as best I can.”

Pros:

• High-impact support for large breasts
• Breathable mesh panels
• Adjustable, convertible shoulder straps

Cons:

• Hook and eye can wear out

How to Choose the Best Sports Bra for Running for Your Needs

Support

Running is a high-impact sport that causes breast tissue to move in a figure-eight pattern, essentially a three-dimensional motion. A bra with the correct support minimizes breast movement in all directions to support the connective tissue of the breast. Reducing movement also protects the back, neck, shoulders and breasts from pain associated with excess movement. These types of bras are also appropriate for other high-impact activities and workouts, like basketball, soccer and HIIT.

Every runner with breasts should have some kind of sports bra for support, whether they’re an A cup or a DDD. How much support you need depends on your breast size, the density of your breast tissue and personal comfort preferences. Some runners can get away with light to medium support, while others require high-impact support to prevent pain and stay comfortable.

Personal preference matters, too. Some runners prefer a sports bra with extreme high-impact support that makes movement nearly undetectable. Others prefer lighter support to provide more flex so that the bra moves with their body.

Compression vs. encapsulation

The two main types of support come from compression and encapsulation. Some bras offer one or the other, while others have varying levels of each. Compression in a sports bra, like compression running shorts, sleeves and socks, squeezes the body to reduce movement. In a sports bra, it compresses the breast tissue against the chest to minimize movement. Encapsulation separates each breast with molded cups or an underwire sports bra to isolate movement.

In general, runners with less dense, fattier breasts prefer compression because this type of breast compresses against the chest better. Runners with dense breast tissue often prefer an encapsulation bra because it isolates the motion of a heavier breast.

You probably already gravitate toward one type of support over the other because it feels more comfortable to you. Some bras offer the best of both worlds with an inner liner with molded cups and seams for encapsulation and a second layer on the outside to compress the breasts too.

Fit

Bra fit is the absolute most important factor when choosing any type of bra, sports or otherwise. The problem is that each manufacturer uses slightly different sizing and measurement guidelines and language to create their bras. Even then, a band or shoulder straps may feel too tight or loose, even if you measure correctly.

Generally speaking, the sports bra band should be tight enough that you can only fit one, possibly two, fingers between your body and the band. However, if you feel like you can’t breathe, the band size might be too small. The cups should be large enough that there’s no breast tissue spilling out the top or sides. A cup that’s too loose will allow too much movement. A cup size that’s too large may also cut into the skin underneath your arms when you tighten the shoulder straps.

Take your measurements according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which might include across the widest part of the breast, under the breast around the rib cage and possibly the high breast. Many manufacturers offer tips for using their sizing chart. For example, they may warn you if the bra runs small or large. If you have a hard time getting the right size because you’re between sizes or you have large breasts, consider calling the manufacturer to have a representative guide you toward the right size.

Bras that come in band and cup sizes often fit better than those that come in small, medium and large. Getting a bra based on your band and cup size gives a custom fit based on your rib cage width and breast shape more so than those that only come in general sizes. Also, remember that many runners have to try a few different sizes in the same bra to find the one that balances comfort and support.

Design

Strap design makes a difference in how the bra feels, functions and looks. The four types include:

• U-back: A U-back looks like a typical everyday bra with straps that fall straight down from the shoulders and attach to the band. These models often have the most adjustment features with adjustable straps and bands. However, the straps often show when wearing tank tops and have more seams to potentially cause chafing.
• Crossback: As the name implies, crossback straps cross over the back. These models don’t usually have shoulder strap or band adjustments, but they typically have fewer seams to cause chafing. This design usually offers medium support because of its pullover style.
• Racerback: Racerback straps come together between the shoulder blades. Many runners like them because they offer a free range of motion and don’t show under many workout tops. However, they don’t usually have shoulder strap or band adjustments. If they do have adjustments, the range of adjustment is often small.
• Combination: Some bras can convert from a U-back to a crossback or racerback bra. However, these types of bras typically function better in one configuration over another, so they might not be as versatile as you think.

The design and level of support also affect how easy a running bra is to get on. Zip front and U-back designs are considered easy-on designs. A bra in one of these designs also tends to be a high-support bra, sometimes called maximum support bras or high-impact sports bras, because you don’t have to pull them over your head.

Any other factors

There are many other factors that affect running sports bras. Everybody is different, and breasts come in different sizes and shapes that can affect what does and doesn’t work for you. A few other factors you’ll need to consider include:

• Fabrics: Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics pull moisture away from the body and prevent sweat buildup. Moisture management is important because excess sweat in contact with the skin can contribute to chafing. Soft material is also a huge plus because it’s more comfortable and doesn’t cause irritation.
• Breathability: Along the same lines as moisture-wicking fabrics are other breathability features, like mesh panels and aeration channels built into the bra.
• Neckline: Some runners prefer a high neckline that offers full coverage to contain breast tissue and increase coverage. Others like a lower neckline so that the bra doesn’t show underneath workout tops and to expose more skin to improve ventilation.
• Removable cups and padding: Some running bras have removable cups or padding. The cups may offer light encapsulation or offer extra coverage. However, you don’t have to wear the removable cups if they’re not comfortable for you or if they change how the bra fits or looks.

How We Chose the Best Sports Bras for Running

Runners put more stress on their sports bras than someone doing pilates or yoga. We considered the fabrics, design, size range and support type and level when picking the best sports bras for runners.

We looked for fabrics that balanced stretch and breathability with support and fit. Fabrics also needed to be comfortable as well as functional. When looking at the design, we considered how well the design fit, the support level and the overall fit of the sports bra. Low-impact bras and those with strappy designs often do little for the high-impact needs of runners.

Runners come in all shapes and sizes, making it hard to get the right fit. Bras that come in a wide size range got an extra thumbs up from us. We included a blend of bras that have compression and encapsulation to accommodate different breast types and comfort preferences. Additionally, the bras on our list are all medium or high-impact support. We also scoured the reviews on the respective brand's website and spoke to our testing team about sports bras for running they've used to gain further insight.

Running Sports Bras FAQs

How often should you replace your running sports bras?

Once the band and straps start to stretch out, it’s time to replace the sports bra. That could be within a few months if you wash and wear the bra often, but could be longer if you wear it only once a week.

How tight should a sports bra be for running?

Generally, you only want to be able to fit one finger between the band and your body. Any more and you’ll probably have too much movement. However, if that’s an uncomfortable level of tightness, go with a slightly looser or adjustable band.

Why are running sports bras so tight?

Sports bras are tight to compress breast tissue and reduce movement.

Can you wear a normal bra when running?

Wearing a normal bra while running is not recommended. A regular bra isn’t designed to minimize the three-dimensional movement caused by running.

Final Thoughts

Like running apps, the right sports bra for one runner may not be the best for another. Size, shape and comfort preferences highly influence what makes a good sports bra for any one person. At the very least, a sports bra for running should allow you to run without pain in the breasts, shoulders, back and neck. The bra shouldn’t chafe anywhere on your body. If it does, it’s not the right bra for you. If you like a bra with more flex, look for four-way stretch fabrics. But if you need more support, a U-back or zip front design might be best for you.

A sports bra for running is a highly individualized choice. A comfy bra that lets you forget about what you’re wearing is the right one for you. Be patient. It might take a few tries before your ideal bra finds its way into your closet.

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