To help you find a sports bra that works for your body and movement of preference, the Cut Shop team has minimized the guesswork and rounded up the best sports bras for every workout, budget, and fit. We tested many ourselves (even when we wanted to cancel that workout) but also know that fit depends on preference and size, so we gave you options.
The Amazon Favorite
This simple racerback sports bra has nearly 60,000 ratings on Amazon, with more than 38,000 five-star reviews. The nylon and polyester construction moves with you, but won’t stretch out and lose its shape. The bra comes with light, removable padding and provides ample support in low- and medium-intensity workouts. If you’re looking for the most compression, size down. —Anne Cruz, former editorial intern
The High-Intensity Bra for Hard-core Workouts
Our writer Asia Milia Ware hits the gym every morning. One of the sports bras she swears by? This one from Spanx. If you love the brand’s shapewear, then you’ll love its activewear. It holds everything in, providing maximum support.
The Best Sports Bra for Running
A good sports bra for running has to provide enough support without impacting your breathing techniques. This one from Nike provides all that. It’s the one I always pick when I decide to go on morning jogs around my neighborhood, and it hasn’t failed me yet. —Bianca Nieves, senior shopping editor
The Best Sports Bra That’s Also a Shirt
Sometimes I only want to wear one layer when I work out, but feel a little naked wearing just a sports bra. This longline tank offers the best of both worlds, plus you can wear it with high-waisted jeans on the weekend. The reviews tend to be rapturous, but do note that the fit can run small, so you might want to size up if you don’t need as much compression. —A.C.
If You Like a Strappy Silhouette
If you’ve gone to a yoga studio in the last six years, you’ve probably seen someone wearing this bra. If you don’t need too much support, the Energy Bra can work for higher impact activities like running and boxing, but it really shines as a beautiful medium-support bra for activities like spinning, yoga, or lifting. It keeps everything in without constricting, and it looks cute under slouchy tees or sweaters with the straps peeking out. —A.C.
A More Affordable Strappy Option
This strappy sports bra from Lavento has been deemed the “perfect Lululemon dupe,” according to TikTok. The design is a slight twist on the classic strappy sports-bra silhouette, which reviewers found surprisingly supportive when working out. Similar to the Lululemon Energy Bra, this one is also ideal for workouts like hot yoga or barre class. The only complaint was that the sizing chart provided on the listing runs a bit large, so make sure to size down. —A.C.
The Best Sporta Bra for Ultra-Sweaty Workouts
This bra is made with Outdoor Voices’ “TechSweat” material. Like the Tech Sweat Crop top, this one wicks away sweat in even the most humid conditions, but it offers a little more support for higher intensity workouts like choreographed spin classes or HIIT. The best part about this bra, however, is the way it doesn’t stain or darken no matter how sweaty you get. —A.C.
The Best Low-Impact, Sustainable Bra
Like their signature leggings, Girlfriend Collective’s Topanga bra is made from recycled plastic water bottles. The top has a high neckline and a low back, with adjustable crossed straps. Girlfriend’s recycled material feels buttery soft against the skin, making this bra a great pick for either working out or just hanging out at home. —A.C.
A Great Post-Mastectomy Bra
Recognized as the Best Post-Mastectomy Bra by InStyle, this bra has a unique combination of softness, adjustability, and style. It is made with a softer-than-cotton modal material and provides a comfortable compression for support through your recovery from surgery. —Devine Blacksher, former fashion editor
For When You’d Rather Not Wear a Bra at All
If you are looking for minimal support and maximum comfort, the Venus crop is the one. With V-back support and shape-sculpting Textured Compression, it’s your go-to top for all low-intensity activities. —D.B.
The One-Shoulder Sports Bra
Okay, a one-shoulder sports bra may not be the most functional option, but the Year of Ours’ ribbed fabric actually holds really well. I like to use mine when doing low-impact workouts such as walking, floor Pilates, or barre. —B.N.
If You Really Just Want a Snug Bralette
Sometimes you want something that falls between a piece of performance athletic wear and a flimsy bralette. Alo Yoga’s Airlift Intrigue bra is a perfect solution, keeping you comfortable enough to move around, but not so tight or athleisure-y that you feel weird wearing it under normal clothes. It’s the perfect moving-day bra, because it’s not straight-up performance wear but you can lift things and get sweaty without absolutely destroying it. —A.C.
If You Want a Sleek Sports Bra
… That’s also under $40, Everlane has you covered. Its performance leggings are one of our favorites, so it just makes sense to buy the matching set. Made from the same performance fabric, you can expect a sleek design that’s just as practical for most workouts. —B.N.
The Curvy Sports Bra
If you are looking for support and style, make this your new essential bra. Style wise, it accentuates your curves and the bra pads are removable. Whether you are in an inversion pose or spending the day at the museum, this bra will support you through it all. —D.B.
The Zippered One
Nothing is more satisfying than finishing a workout and zipping off your sports bra. This particular option from Athleta keeps everything in place, whether you opted for a high-intensity workout or you’re just stretching. —B.N.
The Triangle Sports Bra
Triangle sports bras are a great option for people with smaller chests or anybody who doesn’t want to feel constricted by extra fabric. However, if it’s cardio day, you may want to reconsider this sports bra and opt for one that can guarantee no spillage. —B.N.
Not to Be Confused With a Going-Out Top
If you’re searching for a sports bra that can double as a going-out top, look no further. Nylora’s minimal design will make you feel like someone who can go to a Pilates class in the middle of the day. Wouldn’t it be nice? —B.N.
This article was originally published on December 27, 2019. It has been updated throughout. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
