15 Best Sports Bras For Running That Can Lead To Better Physical Performance
1. Best Moisture-Wicking:RUNNING GIRL Sports Bra
RUNNING GIRL offers a cross-strap running sports bra blended with Lycra for stretchability. Retaining its shape, the comfortable sports bra also wicks away moisture to keep you fresh while you work hard. With a V-neck, this sports bra feels comfortable on the skin with a cotton-like feeling and the crossback design aids in much-needed back support. If you desire full coverage, you can simply slip in the removable cups that offer padding. Allowing you freedom of movement during high-impact activities, the elastic band lies gently without digging in. Pros
Moisture-wicking Offers back support Stretchable Available in 30 colors Removable cups Soft elastic band
Cons
Some may find it to bunch up in the underarm area
2. Best Lightweight:THE GYM PEOPLE Women’s Longline Sports Bra
THE GYM PEOPLE offers a good sports bra for running that is made of lightweight, stretchable, and breathable fabric. A mix between a crop and a tank top, the bra has pull-on racer back style design that keeps you comfortable during any activity. Not only does the bra give you full coverage, you could also dress it up or down for casual events. The high-elastic fabric is also sweat-wicking with the breathable sports bra having removable padded inserts for maximum convenience. Pros
Available in 15 colors Removable padded inserts Lightweight Breathable Offers full coverage Sweat-wicking
Cons
Lighter colors might be see-through
3. Best Breathable:Lemedy Women’s Longline Sports Bra
Lemedy’s high-support sports bra for running is composed of 80% nylon and 20% spandex featuring a scoop neckline. Soft and breathable, this long sports bra for running wicks away moisture and you can level up the support by inserting the pads for a flattering shape. Giving you a snug fit in 17 colors, Lemedy’s best running sports bras can also be worn when lounging around the house as they offer optimum comfort owing to the stretchy fabric. Pros
Soft Lightweight Moisture-wicking Available in 17 colors Removable pads Breathable
Cons
Some may find it to rub against the skin
4. Best Skin-Friendly:Yvette Women’s High Impact Sports Bras
Yvette’s high-impact sports bras for running are made of 78% polyester and 22% elastane. With professional designing and high-tech fabric, this bra keeps your bust compressed without constricting it. Not only is the cross back sports bra moisture-wicking, it is also skin-friendly with a 4-way stretch, so you can run freely. Soft cups are sewn in for support, which is aided by the side seams and the front holes keep you ventilated. The back also has double straps, so the pressure on your shoulders is lessened while the hook-and-eye clasp allows you to customize your fit. Pros
Available in 8 colors Offers comfortable compression Moisture-wicking Skin-friendly 4-way stretch Reduces pressure on the shoulders
Cons
Might be difficult to get on and off owing to the straps
5. Best Anti-Skid Bottom Band:SYROKAN Women’s Workout Sports Bra
SYROKAN’s compression bras for running are offered in 18 colors with a polyamide and spandex blend. They feature a double layer that gives you extended support along with mesh panels that keep you cool without overheating. With a slight padding, your bust is shaped and the anti-skid elastic bottom band keeps the bra secure without digging into the skin. For stability, the bra has a racerback shape, so you can run for longer periods of time. Pros
Available in 18 colors Double layer fabric Slight padding Anti-skid bottom band Breathable mesh panels Racerback for stability
Cons
Might not wick away moisture
6. Best Soft Elastic:Nike Women’s Victory Compression Sports Bra
Nike’s a star at offering good sports bras for running and this one gives you snug compression with medium support. Made of 88% polyester and 12% spandex, the Victory Compression Sports Bra has a racerback design with straps that stabilize tension and reduce bounce during movement. The inner jersey lining is moisture-wicking and the elastic-encased underband lies softly on the skin. Pros
Available in 13 colors Snug compression Straps stabilize tension Minimize bounce Moisture-wicking inner lining Soft elastic underband
Cons
Might stretch out of shape over time
7. Best Wire-Free:PUMA Women’s Seamless Sports Bra
PUMA has produced some good sports bras for runners over the years and this one keeps your movement consistent with the comfortable fit. 80% nylon, 12% spandex, and 8% polyester is used in the making of this bra. It is free of wires and features removable cups that can be inserted according to your preference. The fabric blend keeps sweat away from your skin, so you can stay fresh and dry during your run. Pros
Moisture-wicking Wire-free Removable padding Snug compression Offers a light lift
Cons
Some might find it lacking support in the back
8. Best Quick-Drying:Under Armour Women’s Armour Mid Keyhole Sports Bra
Under Armour’s high-support sports bra for running uses UA Compression that strategically keeps you comfortable. Made with a blend of 87% polyester and 13% elastane, the racerback enhances your movement while the keyhole design keeps you ventilated. The unique HeatGear fabric is quick-drying and wicks away sweat. Constructed with a 4-way stretch, Under Armour’s sports bra sans padding is double lined for extra coverage. Pros
Available in 20 colors Machine washable Strategic compression Moisture-wicking Breathable Double lined
Cons
Some may find the underband to dig into skin
9. Best Anti-Chafing:Hanes Women’s Seamless Sports Bra
Hanes brings to you the best moisture-wicking sports bra that utilizes Cool DRI technology, which causes the fabric to dry faster. With its racerback design, your movement isn’t restricted while the seamless stitching helps to reduce the incidence of chafing. Made of 95% nylon and 5% spandex, the wire-free and tag-free is all you need to keep your upper body well-supported throughout your runs. Pros
Available in 5 colors Machine washable Moisture-wicking Quick-dry Reduced chafing Breathable
Cons
Might not be color-fast
10. Best Full Coverage:Heathyoga High Impact Sports Bras
Heathyoga’s sport bras for running feature an inner lining and a hollowed-out eyelet design that shapes your bust. Made with 90% nylon and 10% spandex, the soft, stretchable, breathable, and opaque bras will help you get the most out of your runs. The racerback provides excellent back support and full coverage with knit-in textured panels, seamless construction, and wide straps. With optimum ventilation, Heathyoga’s sports bras manage both heat and moisture owing to their sweat-wicking abilities. Pros
Set of 3 bras Inner lining Breathable Moisture-wicking Back and shoulder support Seamless construction
Cons
Some may find the straps to dig into skin
11. Best Molded Cups:Champion Women’s Curvy Sports Bra
Champion’s sports bras for running feature Double Dry technology that wicks away moisture and evaporates it to keep you dry and cool. Made with a blend of mesh, polyester, and spandex, these bras have molded cups that offer both support and shaping. For targeted ventilation, the racerback has mesh panels while the front V-neck gives a curvy look. Giving you a good stretch, the seamless bra allows you to run long miles in comfort. Pros
Moisture-wicking Breathable Molded cups Seamless Hook and eye closure
Cons
Some may find the underband to be constricting
12. Best Back Support:Icyzone Padded Strappy Sports Bra
Icyzone’s got the best running sports bra made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex with a mesh lining of 90% nylon and 10% spandex. The removable cups give you much-needed support and coverage while the criss-cross back looks stylish and distributes pressure on your back. With a lightweight and moisture-wicking fabric that also has an inner lining, you can stay cool no matter how fast you run. Icyzone’s sports bra gives your body a streamlined look as it contours your figure. Pros
Back support Mesh lining Lightweight Moisture-wicking Available in 18 colors Removable pads
Cons
Some may find that the seams dig into the underarm skin
13. Best Stretchable:CLUCI High Impact Sports Bras
CLUCI’s supportive sports bra for running is soft and stretchable owing to its composition of 90% nylon and 10% spandex. It keeps you comfortable with no issues of itching, pinching, or scratching while also remaining shock-proof. The racerback shoulder straps work to stabilize the tension between your blades and reduce bounce. Wireless and seamless, this bra works to smooth down your back while the removable pads stay secure during movement. Pros
Wide elastic band Soaks up sweat Set of 3 bras Removable pads Does’t cause itching or scratching Reduces bounce and tension in shoulders
Cons
Some might find them to shrink in the wash
14. Best Snug Fit:HIVOF Women’s Sports Bra
HIVOF offers good sports bras for running that have thin spaghetti straps for a chic look. The soft material adapts to your body’s shape and gives a snug fit without restricting your movement. With a wide underband encased in elastic, your bust is lifted and supported without any sagging. Removable padding makes for convenient wearing and cleaning with no hassles. Pros
Moisture-wicking Quick-dry Breathable Removable pads Available in 4 colors 4-way stretch
Cons
Some may find the straps to dig in
15. Best Double-Layered:Starter Reversible Racerback Sports Bra
Starter’s good running sports bra is made of 80% polyester and 20% spandex. With the help of DRI-STAR technology, it keeps you cool and dry and the STRETCH-STAR fabric allows enhanced recovery. The front is double layered and offers a seamless fit while the wide elastic bottom band keeps your bust supported. Thick straps for distributed pressure and inner mesh for ventilation add to the comfort that Starter’s most supportive sports bra for running gives you on your morning runs. Pros
Moisture-wicking Quick-dry Double-layered front Wide elastic band Breathable Thick shoulder straps
Cons
Might stain clothes and skin
If this list has left you feeling a little confused about the different kinds of sports bras available in the market, we have a guide explaining them all to you.
What Are The Different Types Of Sports Bras For Running?
Encapsulation sports bras
These kinds of bras are like your regular ones but are designed with the cups already built-in for added support. The cups might be heavily or lightly padded and an underwire sports bra can also be one of its types.
Criss-cross back bras
The shoulder straps of these bras are crisscrossed with some even having convertible straps, which gives you firm support and lifts your breasts. You can wear these sports bras solo but they also look good under a sleeveless tank top and can be used as a pop of color.
Racerback bras
Racerbacks are perhaps the most common design in sports bras. To create a Y-shape, the shoulder straps join between the blades giving good support and lift.
Pullover bras
Pullover bras are worn like a tank top and are slightly longer than a regular sports bra with the lining ending lower down the bust. However, they might not offer the best support, so they will be suitable for ladies with smaller breasts.
Compression bras
They are quite similar to the above type and can be pulled over your head. Without any inbuilt cups, they are a good option for smaller bust sizes.
Back clasp bras
These sports bras are similar to your regular bras with a hook and eye closure. However, they can feature padding and underwires for added support during high intensity activity. Now that we’ve seen some of the best running sports bras on the market, it’s time to learn how you can pick the best one for yourself.
How To Choose The Right Sports Bra For Running
Size
You will need to measure your bust size to get the right-fitting sports bra. The key is to choose one that’s slightly tighter than your regular underwear but at the same time it mustn’t be so tight that it hinders your breathing. If so, opt for a larger cup size. Similarly, your sports bra shouldn’t be so loose that the fabric wrinkles because this won’t offer your breasts the compression they need.
Seams
Your sports bra must either have a seamless design or should have seams with rolled or covered edges to prevent any kind of irritation or chafing.
Padding
Padding can help with extra support — if you need it, that is. Some people with bigger busts prefer to exercise without padded bras and for this, you can opt for unpadded ones. However, if you like to have padding at times, removable pads are ideal. Some bras also have padded cups sewn in which are suitable if you don’t like the hassle of padded inserts coming out in the wash or during activity. Padded straps are a great way to keep your shoulders light without any digging in.
Straps and underband
Ensure that the bra has wide shoulder straps because this helps distribute the pressure between your shoulder blades. Double or multiple straps are better as long as they don’t cause any issue during wearing or removal. Similarly, the underband needs to lie snugly against your skin without digging into it. This not only causes red marks and subsequent pain, but could also limit your range of motion.
Fabric
Nylon and polyester are usually blended with spandex, Lycra, or elastane to give your sports bras a good amount of stretchability. These materials repel sweat and keep you dry. Look for added mesh panels in the front and back to help with ventilation as this can prevent overheating and boob sweat. A soft inner lining of mesh or jersey can add to breathability as well.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Priyam Gupta, is a fashion enthusiast and loves experimenting with trendy and different clothing items and accessories. She curated this list of the best sports bras for running after thorough research into the products and going through numerous user reviews online. The shortlisted bras provide good support to breasts while running. Also, they are breathable, and machine washable. How should a running sports bra fit? A running sports bra should offer a snug fit. It is supposed to be a tad bit tighter than your regular bra, but not so much that it limits breathing. Why should we wear sports bras while running? During intense activity, the breasts move up and down which can lead to sagging and soreness in the long run. A well-fitted sports bra keeps the bust in place when you move, preventing these issues. Is a medium support sports bra good for running? Medium support bras are generally better suited for low-impact activities. Running in medium support bras might be okay for people with smaller breasts. Can I wear just a sports bra while running? Yes, running in just a sports bra is fine as long it provides you with all the support you need across the bust, sides, and back. Additionally, darker colors can be worn solo because they are opaque but lighter colors might be see-through and can make you uncomfortable. Is it okay to wear a sports bra as a shirt? Longline sports bras are a mix between a crop top and a tank top with all the features of a bra sewn in. These are a good option to wear solo. Is running without a sports bra bad for you? Yes, running without a sports bra can lead to increased bounce which can cause your breasts to sag and become sore. This is because the ligaments are weakened due to heavy activity.
Recommended Articles
Most Comfortable Sports Bra Brands For Every Workout Best Sports Bras With Hooks In The Back For Style And Comfort Best Sports Bras For DD Cups That Are Supportive Best Plus Size Sports Bras With The Perfect Fit For Workouts Best Front Zip Sports Bras On The Market
