Sports bras are literally an athlete’s best friend. Finding the right fitting sports bra can be hard with all the options out there. This buying guide will answer all your questions and help you find the best sports bra for running in 2022.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Under Armour Women's HeatGear Mid Impact Crossback Sports Bra | Best Overall |  |
| Zensah Gazelle Sports Bra | Budget Pick |  |
| Cake Maternity Zest Nursing Sports Bra | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Under Armour Women's HeatGear Mid Impact Crossback Sports Bra
Pros:
- Provides great support/less bouncing
- Nice to wear for daily wear too
- Breathable fabric
Cons:
- You don’t get a lot of support
- You may need to go a size down if you’re busty
If you are looking for a versatile sports bra that can be worn for running, Crossfit workouts, or even doing yard work in the heat, the Under Armour Women’s HeatGear Mid Impact Crossback Sports Bra is a great option. This is a sporty, somewhat over-the-head bra that has a wide, elastic band that will provide decent support.
The bra itself is made of sweat-wicking fabric which means you don’t have to worry about moisture build up. We love how the bra keeps its shape, but is also really soft on your skin.
The amount of support this bra offers will really depend on your size. If you’re a smaller cup size, you may not get a lot of support. However, if you’re bigger cup size, you will get a pretty good amount of support.
2. Brooks Womens Fiona Medium-Impact Adjustable Sports Bra
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- Wider straps for more support
- Wide shoulder straps for comfort and support
- Very comfortable cotton underwire
- Nonslip straps and no marks left on your skin
- Seamless cups to prevent chafing
- Even and adequate coverage along the whole of the breast
- Flat seams along the cups, for extra comfort
- Multi-colored with binding strip along the straps
- Four hook and eye closure so it's stable
Cons:
- Wire! No one really likes having a wire inside their bra, nobody does!
- Expensive
- Some women have found that the cups are slightly large
- Zipper can break easily
3. Nike Women's Dri-fit Pro Classic Padded Giraffe Bra
If you like giraffes and patterns then the Nike Women’s Dri-fit Pro Classic Padded Bra will surely intrigue you. The pattern is eye-catching and shows off the bright colors of this bra. The padding at the cups is nice and thick, to provide the necessary support for while you’re on the run.
This bra includes plastic molded cups to reduce bounce. While it’s comfy to wear, the padding shifts around due to the looseness of the cups. Wearing this bra while running will expose you to the potential of a nip slip. It can be annoying for some users who can’t get the bra to fit right.
The Dri-FIT technology utilized in this sports bra allows the moisture-wicking polyester fabric to absorb and evaporate liquid so your skin doesn’t get too hot or uncomfortable. It’s also great for keeping you dry at all times. Another great feature about this bra is that it’s super soft and has a racer-back style.
4. Lululemon Free to Be Bra Strappy Sports Bra
Pros:
- Wireless
- Light weight
- Strategically placed, wide mesh panel support
- Femine floral design
- Maximum support to hold up larger breasts
- Wide range of sizes
- Unpackaged box
The looks are for the thinner bodied people. If you are curvy then you may be looking for another bra to support you.
If you are looking for a sports bra that is comfortable, provides good support without looking like a grandma, it is a good buy. It is a well-made bra that met the support standards expected and it is reasonably priced.
If you are a large-chested women, that wants a wire-free bra without the padding it would be the best bra to buy. It provides the firm support you need without the wires poking through.
5. Cake Maternity Zest Nursing Sports Bra
Pros:
- Stable
- Vertical seaming for maximum support
- Great support, which is quite surprising for a nursing bra
- It gives you quite a bit of coverage
- Back is too low cut for high impact sports
- No underwire
- It fits as expected
- Medium support
- Lightweight
- Stretchy material
Cons:
- It can be a bit difficult to put on
- It’s a little hard to latch the flaps
- A little expensive
- The straps are a little wide
- Pink is a little bright
The Cake Maternity Zest nursing sports bra provides high support – which is quite surprising for a nursing bra.
It has cups, which are high for maximum nipple coverage, and a back, which is too low cut for high impact sports.
It’s made from a stretchy material, which provides that it gives you quite a bit of coverage.
6. Brooks Rebound Racer
Pros:
- Designed for women with larger cup sizes
- Great support
- Good fit
- Full-coverage support
- Durable
Cons:
- Complaints of tag on the shoulder
- Stiffness of fabric
- Straps come undone and slip throughout the run
- Long in the torso
The Brooks Rebound Racerback Sports Bra is designed for women with larger cup sizes – A-D. The sports bra has a ten-inch band at the core which offers unsurpassed support for high impact and large cup sizes.
It includes the shape holder panel to support your bust and reduce bounce. It also includes a gripper elastic on the sides that maximizes control.
The Rebound Racerback Sports Bra uses 4-way stretch fabric that allows for highly effective moisture management. It also includes ShockSkin fabric which is breathable and ultra-soft and designed with comfort in mind.
7. Brooks Women's Juno Bra
When it comes rediscovering the runner in you, the Brooks Women’s Juno Bra is a top choice. The Brooks Juno Bra comes with a double layered fabric design to give you more coverage.
This sports bra is made out of an 84% nylon and 16% spandex blend.
It features an anatomically constructed design that provides complete coverage and support. Women who wear a D cup or bigger also receive good support from this sports bra.
8. Under Armour Women's Seamless Plunge Bra
Under Armour Women's Seamless Plunge Bra is a good option for ladies who are looking for comfortable and sleek sports bras to use for running, or any other physical activity for that matter.
It is available in 3 sizes, and 8 pretty colors, which is why it is great for women who know their exact size and love to switch things up often.
The Plunge Bra is made from spandex fabric that provides a lot of support, but is still very lightweight and breathable. For extra support, the bra comes with Ultra-soft molded cups.
9. Brooks Women's Hot Shot Bra
Pros:
- Very comfortable and provides great support for your chest and back
- Removable cups provide an option to wear this bra as a no-cup bra as well
- Sports bras are sold in different sizes: S( 6-8), M (10-12), and L (14).
- Brooks hot shot bra is great for running, yoga, gym workouts, crossfit and much more.
- This product is available for different sizes and is designed to enhance your overall performance.
- It is built to last, and it also gives you the support you need for your shoulders and back.
- It is well known for its support and comfort.
- You may feel like you are cheating on your other bras.
Cons:
- The straps are not sewn in a manner that provides the level of support that you are looking forward to.
- It is prone to snagging.
- It is not for very active usage like intense workouts.
- The bra is not overly supportive.
- It has been reported that the bra holds sweat.
If you are looking for a sports bra that will match your level of activity, the Brooks Women's Hot Shot Bra is the bra for you. It will keep you comfortable, cool, and spot-on in your performance. It is a good choice for all your exercise routine needs.
10. Nike Rival Women's High Support Sports Bra
Pros:
- Incredible support
- No bounce
- Excellent quality
- Adjustable straps
- Different colors
- Comfortable
- Affordable
When it comes to sports bras, no other brand has the reputation that Nike has. The Nike Rival Women’s High Support Sports Bra is their flagship model. It features the signature used-to-be-fashionable-but-was-cringe-worthy thick strap design.
This sports bra is made to withstand the most vigorous workouts. It’s not going to budge no matter what you do.
The sizing is pretty straightforward, and they come in sizes for every type of body. Women who consider a D cup or larger will find the D cup model to be the most comfortable.
11. Zensah Gazelle Sports Bra
Pros:
- Can be machine washed and dried
- Trusted sports brand
For Women, 8 Great Colors.
When it comes to sportswear, comfort is key. Fortunately, the Zensah Gazelle Sports Bra is a visually and functionally pleasing choice for wear during your workout. They have sewn-in cups with removable inserts to add support for women with smaller and larger busts. The drawstring back closure can be adjusted to ensure the best fit as you move and move. It comes in four sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
To help you make your decision, the Zensah sports bra is a medium to high impact bra perfect for sports like running and cross-training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which type of sports bra is best for running?
There are many different types of sports bras. Compression, encapsulation, push-up, and racerback are only a few of the different types of bras. Each type of bra has its own unique purpose, so itʼs important to consider what you need out of your sports bra.
Compression bras are most beneficial for high-impact or large-breasted runners. By compressing the breasts, compression bras reduce the risk of the breasts bouncing during running.
Encapsulation bras, also known as ʪgel brasʪ, provide soft support to the breasts. Encapsulation bras hold the breasts in place but do not constrict the blood flow or breathing. During high-impact activities, encapsulation sports bras are preferable as they are designed to disperse bouncing.
Is it weird to run in a sports bra?
If you're used to running in a bikini, then no, it's not weird at all. It's more comfortable that way, and yes, a sports bra will work, if it's one that deals with the bouncing. If it's too big, then it's not going to deal with the bouncing very well. And you don't want to be bouncing while running.
What is the best sports bra for running large breasts?
Large busts cause a lot of problems for women and especially when it comes to exercising. It is common to hear complaints concerning the sports bras, which are unable to give the support and comfort necessary.
A sports bra is recommendable for almost any kind of exercise. But it is critical when you are running, because as you move your breasts will bounce up and down. When that happens, you will feel uncomfortable and may even hurt yourself.
Many manufacturers label their sports bras as very supportive, but after few months and washes you may find out that the bra that was supposed to be supportive may end up giving you the same discomfort it was trying to avoid.
The first recommendation would be the one that most good sports bra experts will agree with. Go for a good quality wired sports bra. Although they may be more pricey than their alternatives and do not look as sexy, they are crucial if you have large breasts.
Do I need a sports bra for running?
Yes. Running is a great cardio workout on its own, but if you add in sports bras, the benefits multiply. A sports bra keeps your girls secure and stable. It also helps prevent chafing and keeps you comfortable.
When you’re working out, you’re breathing harder and your movements are more dynamic and forceful than usual. This means that your breasts are being pushed, pulled, and pulled again. This can cause chafing, and is not comfortable.
That is where a sports bra comes in. It keeps your girls pliable and happy, especially if you choose a supportive sports bra that keeps your ribs, back, and shoulder blades happy while still supporting your breasts.
Conclusion
A sports bra that fits well is a key part to a successful exercise experience. Most stores that carry bras will have the fitting knowledge to help you find the right fit, or you can find your size and the styles you like at your favorite online store and order your favorite fitting sports bras that way (we love Amazon!). Pay attention to the bra’s features like performance materials and foam forms to get the best fit and support for your work outs.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Under Armour Women's HeatGear Mid Impact Crossback Sports Bra | Best Overall | |
| Zensah Gazelle Sports Bra | Budget Pick | |
| Cake Maternity Zest Nursing Sports Bra | Upgrade Pick | |