Nothing sucks harder on a run than an uncomfortable, unsupportive (or too supportive) sports bra that digs, chafes, causes pools of sweat to collect, and generally makes you curse the day you hit puberty. Luckily, we’re looking out for you. Our team was as rigorous with bras as we are with running shoes, treadmills, and other gear as we evaluated them. We focused chiefly on comfort, breathability, durability, the potential to chafe, bounce control, and ease of laundering.
And yes, we look at bras with and without pads, because anyone who has ever wrestled with those flimsy things can tell you that while they may hide the headlights, there are times when you’d rather light them on fire than deal with them before lacing up and hitting your run.
The best sports bras for running work with your cup and band size, what level of support you require, and how you like it to fit on your frame. We chose a range of adjustable high-impact bras, traditional pullover sports bras, bras with pockets, bras that are budget-friendly, and bras made for different size and shape breasts.
Best Sports Bras for Runners
- Best for Long Runs: lululemon Run Times
- Easiest to Put On and Take Off: Old Navy PowerSoft
- Best for a Customizable Fit: Runderwear Power Running Bra
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Patagonia Shadowlite
- Most Durable: Champion Spot Comfort
- Best for Lift and Separation: lululemon Energy Bra
- Best Convertible Back: Oiselle Queen Bra
- Best Seamless Pullover: lululemon Go Further Bra
- Best Budget High-Impact: Running Girl Sports Bra
- Best Budget Phone-Pocket Bra: Queenieke Bareflow
- Best Phone-Pocket Bra for Long Runs: Tracksmith Allston Bra
How We Selected
Our testers span all experience levels, paces, ages, and body types, with sizes ranging from 28 to 40 bands and A to F cups. Over the past year, we’ve tested more than 45 different sports bras to see how they held us and how they held up. We wore these bras for running plus low- to high-intensity workouts like yoga and HIIT, evaluating each for comfort, breathability, mobility, and—of course—support.
We sorted our picks into three categories: adjustable bras (hook-and-eye closures, zip fronts, Velcro, or adjustable straps), pullover bras (no adjusting required, though maybe some contorting), and pocket bras, which we also rank on storage space and how packing affects mobility and support.
We update this roundup regularly, but inventory changes fast—some colors and sizes may run low.
Full Reviews
Best Adjustable Bras
Lululemon Run Times Bra *High Support, BG Cups
Lululemon Run Times Bra *High Support, BG Cups
Pros
- Maximum support with compression
- Breathable
- Band doesn't cut into sternum
Cons
- Sizing is wild—up to G cup for some band sizes, DDD for others
- Certain sizes sell out quickly, check colors
Key Specs
| Support | Maximum |
| Size range | 32C-42DDD (32 and 34 up to G cup) |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
| Construction | Encapsulation |
| Adjustability | Straps and rear |
| No |
There are few bras that you try on and feel comfortable straight out of the bag, but the Run Times Bra manages. It’s a comfortably compressive, encapsulated, adjustable bra that is designed to take you for long miles. It has sweat-wicking fabric that prevents pooling under the breasts, and the mesh panel at the top allows for additional breathability. On a long run, that extra breeze makes a huge difference in comfort and chafing prevention.
Our tester took this out on a 35-mile climbing trail run through the Adirondack Mountains and through the heat and the rain. The bra performed beautifully, even under a long-sleeve tee and tech jacket. It didn’t get swampy, nor did the shirt start to stick to it, as can happen when sweat and water soak a T-shirt.
It’s especially great for women who have lost a significant amount of breast volume due to weight loss or breastfeeding because of how the additional Lycra material encapsulates and hugs each breast. Where some bras may make these breasts feel almost “folded,” the Run Times Bra simply supports and cradles your breasts in an anatomically comfortable way.
Old Navy High Support Power Soft Bra
Pros
- Huge size range
- Easy to adjust
- ZIp-front closure is easy even when you're sweaty
Cons
- Pills pretty fast
Key Specs
| Support | High |
| Size Range | 32C-40C |
| Closure | Front zip |
| Construction | Encapsulation |
| Adjustability | Straps |
| No |
Old Navy has long been a favorite of ours for its inexpensive athletic wear, and now, that also includes sports bras. The PowerSoft bra hits well outside of its weight class in both features and performance, starting with a front zipper that spares you the post-run wrestle of a sweaty pullover. Adjustable cross-back straps let you fix the fit through your shoulders and torso, and the brand’s namesake PowerSoft fabric is buttery soft with moisture-wicking that holds up when you’re hitting those hot runs.
The size range is where Old Navy really shows up the competition: broader than what many premium brands offer. At $40 full price—and often marked down below $25—it’s impossible to overlook.
And not for anything, this is one of the bras we tested with a zipper that isn’t a sensory nightmare for our autistic testers.
Runderwear Power Running Bra
Runderwear Power Running Bra
Pros
- Dual adjustable band allows for maximum adjustment
- Breathable even on long runs
- Durable
Cons
- Higher neckline may bug some runners
Key Specs
| Support | High Support |
| Size range | 32C-42F |
| Closure | Dual rear hook and eye |
| Construction | Encapsulation |
| Adjustability | Dual rear and straps |
| No |
The construction of this bra makes it among the best I’ve ever worn. The uniqueness of that construction? A dual adjustable strap in the back that allows you to dial in your fit. If you need more support up top, you can clasp it closer together. Need a bit more band space? The lower hooks are there for you. This is a bra designed for women who may have volume in different spots across their ribs and chest. And it works beautifully.
The construction also makes for a more comfortable experience. I have a pretty severe rib flare thanks to pregnancy and a short waist, and the ability to tighten the bra more up on top and less on the bottom makes it comfier than most other bras I’ve tested.
However, if you have pronounced lat muscles, you may notice a bit of rubbing during pull-ups because of where the shoulder straps fall. But that nitpicky aspect doesn’t take away from it being an all-around winner.
Runderwear Power Running Bra Review
Patagonia Women's Shadowlite High-Impact Adjustable Bra
Patagonia Women's Shadowlite High-Impact Adjustable Bra
Pros
- Seams are virtually unnoticeable
- Interesting support style
- Breathable and light
Cons
- Limited sizing
Key Specs
| Support | High-Impact |
| Size range | XXS-XXL |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
| Construction | Encapsulation |
| Adjustability | Straps and rear |
| No |
The Shadowlite is very sensory friendly. The flat-locked seams are coated and stitched in a way that they don’t rub or interfere with your run. It’s also not a traditional encapsulation bra, nor is it a traditional pullover compression bra. Instead, it’s a combination of the two. Instead of the sewn-in lifting panel squeezing the breasts together and in, it lifts them together without the squish.
“The bra gave me a very secure feeling without restricting my breathing—I forgot I was wearing it, which is always the best possible outcome,” said Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá. “The band has ribbing on the inside that I found helpful in keeping the bra in place—no feeling of rotation on the run. I usually try to get two runs out of a bra, if I can, before washing. I was able to do three with this bra.”
Champion Spot Comfort High-Impact Sports Bra
Champion Spot Comfort High-Impact Sports Bra
Pros
- Made with moisture-wicking material
- Supports C to DDD sizes
Cons
- H-back-only; straps don’t cross over
- Band size runs small
Key Specs
| Material | 76% nylon, 24% elastane |
| Support | High |
| Size range | 34C-42DDD |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
| Construction | Sewn-in padding |
| Adjustability | Rear and straps |
| No |
The gel-cushioned straps on this sports bra ensure you won’t get raw markings from all-day wear and intense activities. The Spot Comfort is also extremely breathable and moisture-wicking—mesh on the adjustable straps and front panel promotes ventilation.
The bra is lined with molded cups for non-underwire support, and the back hook-and-eye closure makes it easy to take the bra off. One thing to consider: size up. We found the fit a little too snug, even on the loosest hook-and-eye setting. It’s also H-back-only, which may not be everyone’s preference when wearing a sports bra. This one launders like a dream—seriously. For the price, it doesn’t pill, it doesn’t stretch out, and we don’t always follow our own laundering advice and just throw it in with everything and call it good.
Pros
- Mid-chest neckline provides good coverage and support
- Holds up to high-impact activities
- Adjustable straps with a cute double-crossback design
Cons
- Only for B to DDD cups
- Sizing can be tricky, runs small
Key Specs
| Support | High |
| Size range | 32B-36DDD |
| Closure | Hook and eye |
| Construction | Molded cups |
| Adjustability | Rear and straps |
| No |
The Energy’s foam cups, which go up to size DDD, offer comfortable and secure support while also providing a flattering fit that doesn’t squish the chest down. In the back, we appreciate the crisscross straps’ fun design as well as their functionality—once adjusted, the straps stay in place for a no-budge run.
Some of our testers reported that the Energy runs small, so it may be best to order a size up to ensure the bra is a good fit or try it on in person. This bra also has three points of adjustment: the chest band as well as both sets of cross straps.
Pros
- Adjustable straps can be worn X-back or H-back
- Sewn-in molded cups
Cons
- Band sizing runs tight; consider sizing up
Key Specs
| Support | High |
| Size range | 32C-40DD |
| Closure | Hook and eye pullover |
| Construction | Sewn-in molded cups |
| Adjustability | Rear and straps |
| No |
Deputy Health & Fitness Editor Mallory Creveling, CPT, lamented she couldn’t find a bra that makes her breasts virtually immovable. Oiselle’s Queen Bra was Creveling’s answer. The Queen provides full coverage with a longline underband to support your chest from the bottom. Thick straps won’t dig into your skin and are adjustable and convertible; you can wear them crisscross or H-back style.
The band has four sets of hook-and-eye closures and three positions to tighten and loosen. You may want to size up your band, however. When testing the Queen, I felt my usual band size was just a little too snug around my torso. Once you have the right sizing, it’s smooth sailing from there.
“It was so comfortable to run in,” said new runner and tester Bridget Hughes. “I felt really supported and it kept everything in place without being overbearing by squeezing the living air out of me, which a lot of sports bras do. I feel like I usually have to give up support or lung space but with this bra I did not have to compromise at all.”
Best Pullover Bras
lululemon Go Further Bra
Pros
- High-impact bra with no plastic and no underwire
- Seamless construction
- Memory foam padding
Cons
- Limited to C and D cup support
- Non-adjustability a double-edged sword for larger breasts
Key Specs
| Support | High |
| Size range | XXS-XL |
| Closure | Pullover |
| Construction | Sewn-in molded memory foam |
| Adjustability | None |
| No |
The bra that underwent 2,000-plus miles of ultrarunning is buttery soft and has plenty of lift. Tested during lululemon’s Further campaign, in which 10 women runners ran an ultra over the course of six days, the Go Further Bra is a high-impact pullover that can carry you through thousands of miles—and it doesn’t have to be in one go.
The bra is made of lululemon’s Ultralu fabric, which feels yoga legging smooth. Support Code technology in the cups changes the stiffness of the cups to prevent your breasts from bouncing as you run. You can see the tech when the bra is on a flat surface; instead of the conical domes you see on an encapsulation bra, the cups pucker and look slightly sunken in.
Our tester, who wears a 32B and tested the Go Further in a small, had her doubts when she saw the bra lying flat on her desk. She changed her mind after running in the Go Further. “From the look of her, I was convinced that she would never fit, and that she’s made for much bigger boobs than mine,” she says. “And was I wrong! She fits like a glove and is easy to put on and take off. She doesn’t deprive me of air but is completely supportive on my runs.”
Running Girl Pullover Sports Bra
Running Girl Pullover Sports Bra
Pros
- Very breathable
- Launders well
- Honestly? It's cute
Cons
- Not adjustable
- The padding may feel like too much for some
Key Specs
| Support | High |
| Size range | S-XXL (Roughly 32A-38DD and 42A) |
| Closure | Pullover |
| Construction | Encapsulated |
| Adjustability | None |
| No |
You’ve probably seen influencer ads for this all over your social media feeds. Running Girl’s ad budget is thriving, but thankfully, your budget will be too, if you grab this one. The bra is comfortably high-impact with no squish. Instead, the molded cups lift and separate your breasts doing more holding than straight compression.
The bra is featherlight and breathable but be forewarned, there’s a lot of cup to these cups. I get that it’s an aesthetics thing, but it is wild seeing yourself in a sports bra that adds to your breasts. If you’re not opposed to more boobs than ever on a run (and honestly, it looked good to me!), and you want a simple, affordable bra, this is a great option.
Best Pocket Bras
Queenieke Medium Support Back Pocket Energy Sport Bra
Queenieke Medium Support Back Pocket Energy Sport Bra
Pros
- Secure drop-in back pocket
- Good support for most cup sizes
Cons
- Back pocket is shallower than similar pocket bras
Key Specs
| Material | 75% nylon, 25% spandex |
| Support | Medium |
| Size range | XS-XXL |
| Closure | Pullover |
| Construction | Removable cups |
| Adjustability | None |
| One between shoulders |
This extremely reasonably priced back-pocket bra is one of my top picks from my sports bras with pocket testing. The phone pocket is easy to reach, and, unlike other pocket bras, there isn’t an overload of material along the back strap design. That does mean the pocket is shallower than similar models, and I find myself reaching back to make sure my phone is still there (I haven’t lost it yet, but it’s something to keep in mind).
This bra is available in a ridiculous array of fun colors, has an easy-to-wear shape, and features a well-fitted design with good coverage and comfort for most cup sizes. For those of us wearing wired headphones, you can thread the cords through a bonded eyelet above the pocket, and the bra stays quite odor resistant even after sweaty workout sessions.
Tracksmith Allston Bra
Pros
- Comfortable all around--no hot spots
- Wicks moisture well
- Great phone pocket
- No chafing
Cons
- Limited sizing
- Two-pocket bra goes in and out of stock
- Best for smaller cups
Key Specs
| Support | Medium to High Support |
| Size range | XS-XL |
| Closure | Pullover |
| Construction | No pads |
| Adjustability | None |
| Front pocket |
This bra is absurdly comfortable, according to editor Amanda Furrer. It’s comfortable in a way that she can forget about all the issues she’s had with bras previously. It’s a pocket bra (or two-pocket, when it comes back in stock) that not only holds you up, but also holds your phone without having it hit your spine over and over or fall out.
It has a wider racerback and back strap, which, on its face, would seem like a bad thing, but, in reality, makes for a more secure feel on your runs. The chest band itself, where the bulk of the elastic lives, is wider than on many bras, and also thinner. Now, if you have a rib flare, that might not be great, because it can lead to rolling, but if you are lucky enough to not have a flare, then it sits beautifully without constriction or discomfort in your stomach. It distributes the security of the band over a wider area. Your long runs have never been more secure or comfortable.
Tracksmith Allston Pocket Bra Review
What to Consider
Fit
To determine your sports bra size, Lawson uses this system of measuring:
- Using measuring tape, wrap the tape across your midback and under your breasts. Round up to the nearest whole number in inches. This is your CHEST measurement.
- Next, wrap the measuring tape securely across your midback and across the fullest part of your breasts. Round up to the nearest whole number in inches. This is your BUST measurement.
- Subtract your CHEST measurement from your BUST measurement. The difference determines your CUP size, beginning with 1 inch as an A cup, 2 inches B cup, and so on.
- Next, wrap the tape across your upper back, snug under your armpits, and across the upper border of your breasts. If the measurement is odd, round up to an even number. This is your BAND size.
But this equation isn’t doctrine. There is no industry standard for bra sizing; not every brand follows the same conventions of measurement. Some brands, for instance, instruct customers to add 4 or 5 inches to the band measurement to determine band size.
Sports Bra Sizing:
“I’ve been creating, evaluating, revising, critiquing sports bra fit charts for decades for brands large and small,” Lawson says. “Because our bodies and breasts are so diverse, it’s virtually impossible for any brand to create the perfect sizing scheme and fit chart that works for 100 percent of women.” But Lawson calls this “a blessing,” comparing sports bras to jeans. Imagine if every size 10 jean had a standardized fit. That would alienate curvier, thinner, shorter, or taller individuals. “It can take trial and error to find your perfect jeans fit match, but once you do it can be a life-changer.” And the same goes for sports bras.
She offers some tips to navigate the Wild West of bra sizing.
- If brands use “alpha sizing” (small, medium, and large, instead of band/cup), refer to their fit chart for the corresponding size.
- If you have small, “perky” breasts you can get away with measuring braless. If you have bigger breasts, you’ll get more accurate numbers wearing a padless, noncompressive separate cup bra when doing measurements.
- Beware of online bra size calculators, Lawson warned. “They can be accurate or way out of whack!” It’s better to do your own calculations.
- It pays to read product reviews, like this RW guide, to read real runner assessments on fit and comfort.
Compression Versus Encapsulation
When it comes to support, there are two basic sports bra designs: compression and encapsulation. Compression is when strong elastic materials are used to compress your chest. Encapsulation is when each breast is supported separately in its own cup. According to Lawson, many women with larger breasts prefer encapsulation because they find it more comfortable. “It’s not smooshing everything together, trapping moisture between the breasts,” she says. That being said, some encapsulation bras, such as the SheFit, Janji, and lululemon Run Times, also offer degrees of compression inside the encapsulation, which serve as both impact protection and an additional layer of support and protection for larger-busted people or those who have lost volume.
Adjustability
Regardless of the type of chest design, an adjustable waistband and shoulder straps help improve overall support when you have larger breasts. More padded straps won’t necessarily translate to a more comfortable fit, Lawson says. Putting in more foam may initially feel more comfortable, but it won’t decrease pressure. “The one thing that will decrease strap pressure is a wider strap. If you make the strap twice as wide, it doesn’t quite cut the shoulder pressure in half, but it’ll take it almost down to half.”
Pockets
Some of my favorite racing shorts are pocketless, which isn’t a big deal—when your sports bra has pockets. Some brands offer bras with side pockets and front pockets for housing keys or gels. There are bras with back pockets for storing your smartphone as well. A thing to note with bra storage is that you could be sacrificing support if you weigh down your bra with items.
Some people believe that storing your phone in your bra can increase your breast cancer risk. “There is no conclusive data to suggest that cell phones are linked to cancer,” says Diana Medgyesy, MD, a medical oncologist at UCHealth. However, she adds that “this is an evolving field since cell phone technology and the use of cell phones are changing rapidly,” so use your own discretion on whether or not to run with your phone in your bra.
Testing
When it comes to finding the best sports bra for you, patience and some trial and error are key. “Be prepared to become a sleuth,” Lawson says. “Be prepared to do a little work to understand your own body/breasts and then a lot of work to sleuth out brands whose fit philosophies and metrics match your needs and preferences.
“Most of us are willing to try a dozen or more running shoe brands/styles/sizes to get the best product match for our feet and workouts—give your sports bra quest the same effort and attention to detail.”
For Those Who Have Had or Will Have Breast Surgery
One population of runners we don’t want to leave out is those who have had lumpectomies, mastectomies, or other breast surgeries. That’s why we spoke with breast surgeon and runner Deborah M. Capko, MD, FACS, from Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. She says that “it’s all about compression” for women who have had breast surgery. For up to a year after surgery, you could be dealing with swelling and discomfort during your runs. Having a compressive bra like a SheFit or lululemon Run Times bra can help.
Capko says underwires are a no-go, but keeping your post-op breasts “stable and highly supported” can cut down on that swelling and pain. We also spoke with a few runners who have run postmastectomy and lumpectomy, and they agree. When it comes to preferred bra design, they suggested clasp or zip over pullover because a pullover is harder to deal with and far less comfortable.
FAQs
The Problems With Size Inclusivity
Bra manufacturers have a real issue creating a full range of sizes for high-impact sports bras. It is rare to find a bra that goes above a 42DDD. SheFit manages, and a few select other brands, but in general, bras with band sizes above 42 and cup sizes above DDD are hard to come by. This is an error in the industry that makes it difficult for people in larger bodies to achieve their running and fitness goals comfortably. Plus-size runners are wildly underrepresented across the span of gear. Running and running gear should be accessible for all, no matter the size of body you live in.
Why Trust Us
Runner’s World began covering all things running in 1966, but the first sports bra, the Jogbra, wasn’t invented until a decade later. Sports bras are as necessary as a pair of running shoes. Since their invention, they continue to undergo changes in design and tech.
We researched the history of the sports bra and combed through the products available on the market today. We spoke with designers, brand representatives, and experts in the field, including LaJean Lawson, PhD.
Known as Dr. Sports Bra in her field, Lawson has two graduate degrees in sports bra science and is the principal at Creative Fitness Solutions in Portland, Oregon.
Additional interviewing and research was done by Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá, Deputy Health & Fitness Editor Mallory Creveling, and Director of Hype Aly Ellis.
More on Sports Bras
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What Makes a Sports Bra Best for You?
A detailed breakdown of the architecture of various running bras.
Make Your Bra Last Longer
Tips on how to properly wash and dry your sports bra to maximize longevity.
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
