Best Sports Bras for 2023 | Bestcovery - Bestcovery

The Best Sports Bras for Every Body Type

Sports Bra Comparison blog title image
  1. Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra
  2. Outdoor Voices All-Time Sports Bra
  3. Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra
  4. Knix Catalyst Ladder Strap Sports Bra
  5. Under Armour Infinity High Sports Bra
  6. Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0
  7. Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra
  8. Buyer's Guide

Good sports bras are a necessity for the modern woman, as they make it easy and comfortable to work out or lounge around the house without compromising modesty or incurring irritation, soreness, or chafing. Unfortunately, knowing where to get good sports bras and finding the right one for your body can be challenging.

First, there’s the issue of finding a brand with inclusive sizing that is true to size. Then, you have to consider the right support level for your activity — running, yoga, powerlifting, dancing, or errands. You also want something comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time, as well as one that wicks moisture and doesn’t gape at the chest or cause unflattering spillage.

You’re not alone in your search! Bestcovery set out to test the best sports bras for any body type based on consumer research. Our review team consists of women in all shapes and sizes, and I'm here to share what what we thought of the top-rated sports bras. Check out the reviews below.

Price legend
$: 0 - 40
$$: 41 - 80
$$$: 81+

Best Sports Bras by Category

Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra - Best Overall Sports Bra

Price: $$

  • Highly defined, customizable fit for all cup sizes A - I
  • Front hook closure for extra security
  • Very durable material
  • The material is very thick, which some users may not like
  • Runs a little small
  • May be a little too compressing for some users

The Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra is the overall best-rated bra I tested. I loved everything about it! The material has a less elastic feel than typical sports bras, but it feels more durable and breathable. It’s well-designed and fits perfectly! The front zip includes a front hook closure that gave me confidence that everything would stay securely in place. The straps are also adjustable, allowing a personalized fit.

This sports bra offered superior support during workouts without any rolling or discomfort. Even during intense activities like trail running, everything stayed in place and made me feel confident. I had no issues with rubbing or redness and felt very comfortable during physical activities because of the breathability.

I honestly can’t say enough about the Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra! I have few complaints and would recommend it to anyone. It’s the best athletic bra for those wanting a comfortable, confident experience.

Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra, Back View

Closure style: Front zip
Materials used: Nylon, Spandex, and Polyester
Cup/band sizes carried: Cups A through I
Neckline: High
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Adjustable Band: Yes
Zippers: Front zipper
Breathability: Extremely breathable
Compression/encapsulation: Held everything in place
Support level: Extremely supportive
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Style: 6 colors

Outdoor Voices All-Time Bra, white, front view

Outdoor Voices All-Time Sports Bra - Best Low-Impact Sports Bra

Price: $$

  • Supportive and flattering
  • No pinching
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Lack of sizes beyond DD cup
  • Flattens chest
  • Removable cups fold during workouts

Overall, I really liked the Outdoor Voices All-Time Bra! It’s very supportive and flattering for many sizes and holds everything perfectly in place. I love the material because it’s breathable and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for a wide range of activities, from rock climbing to yoga and weightlifting. I also appreciate that there's no pinching or band rolling.

The Outdoor Voices All-Time Bra lacks inclusivity, as it isn't available for sizes beyond a DD cup. It also isn't as supportive for D cups, which makes this sports bra best for C cups or smaller. Another issue was the removable cups would fold during workouts. Even though I like how supportive it is, this sports bra tends to flatten the girls, which may not be comfortable for all users.

Closure style: Pullover
Materials used: Nylon and Lycra
Cup/band sizes carried: 30A to 44DD
Neckline: Not too high or low
Adjustable Straps: No
Adjustable Band: No
Zippers: No
Breathability: Very breathable
Compression/encapsulation: Held everything in place
Support level: Very supportive
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Style: 6 colors

Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra in purple, front view

Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra - Best Zip-Up Sports Bra

Price: $$$

  • Many color and style options
  • Adjustable straps and band
  • Soft material
  • Leaves red marks
  • Cups may shift
  • Not very supportive

The Knix Catalyst Front Zip is a great sports bra for those with bigger chests because of the front zip feature. The material feels really nice and is moisture-wicking, which helped me stay dry during workouts. I appreciate the adjustability options, like multiple hooks for band adjustment. There is also a wide variety of colors and patterns available, so it was easy to find flattering options.

One of my biggest issues with the Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra is that it left many red marks and even made me feel suffocated in certain positions. The cups also shift oddly and don't hold the girls in place, especially during runs. I feel like this sports bra is a good option for some, but it's my least favorite of the ones I tested.

Knix Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra in purple back View

Closure style: Front zip
Materials used: Nylon and Spandex
Cup/band sizes carried: 28A to 42H
Neckline: High
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Adjustable Band: Yes
Zippers: Front zipper
Breathability: Not very breathable
Compression/encapsulation: Not very encapsulating
Support level: Low support
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Style: 19 colors and patterns

Knix Catalyst Ladder Strap Sports Bra, Front View

Knix Catalyst Ladder Strap Sports Bra - Most Unique Straps

Price: $$$

  • Unique design
  • Breathable material and venting
  • No band rolling
  • Limited styles
  • Unflattering shape
  • Uncomfortable design

The Ladder Strap Knix Catalyst Sports Bra is the best sports bra for those looking for a more interesting style. I appreciate this sports bra's fun and unique design compared to traditional ones. I also liked the fabric’s pattern and found the material breathable during exercise. This sports bra also kept everything in place during activities, and I didn’t experience any pinching or rolling.

I experienced several downsides with the Ladder Strap Catalyst Sports Bra from Knix. The first is that it’s only available in black, so it’s not great for those who prefer variety. The fit is also a little too tight. The bottom band is higher in the middle and lower on the side, making it unflattering and uncomfortable. Regarding support, I thought this sports bra was decently supportive, but wearing it wasn’t a comfortable experience.

Knix Catalyst Ladder Strap Sports Bra Back View

Closure style: Ladder straps
Materials used: Nylon and Spandex
Cup/band sizes carried: 28A to 43F
Neckline: High
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Adjustable Band: No
Zippers: No
Breathability: Very breathable
Compression/encapsulation: Held everything in place
Support level: Very supportive
Moisture-wicking: No
Style: Limited options based on size

Under Armour Infinity High Sports Bra - Best Supportive Sports Bra

Price: $$

  • Back closure with four clasps
  • High neckline
  • Great for all kinds of activities
  • Moisture-wicking capabilities are lacking
  • Crisscross closure can be challenging
  • Fit may be a bit snug for some users

The Under Armour Infinity High Bra offers a wide range of sizes and accommodates many different body shapes and preferences. I love the high neckline and adjustable straps because they strike a good balance between coverage and flexibility. I also appreciate the back closure with four clasps that really help if your size fluctuates. Performance-wise, I’d rate this as the best supportive sports bra because it keeps everything in place and is great for all kinds of activities.

Though the Under Armour Infinity High Bra had many pros, there are some cons worth mentioning. I found the fit a bit snug and the crisscross closure style challenging. The moisture-wicking capabilities were also lacking for high-intensity workouts. In terms of price, I think the Under Armour Infinity High Bra is a little pricey for regular use but is a good fit for those wanting to invest in a quality sports bra.

Under Armour Infinity High Sports Bra, Back View

Closure style: Hook
Materials used: Polyester and Elastane
Cup/band sizes carried: 30A to 44DDD
Neckline: High
Adjustable Straps: Yes
Adjustable Band: Yes
Zippers: No
Breathability: Very breathable
Compression/encapsulation: Held everything in place
Support level: Very supportive
Moisture-wicking: Not really
Style: 5 colors

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 - Best Sports Bra for Smaller Chests

Price: $$

  • Provides a tight hold
  • Prevents the “uni-boob” effect
  • Breathable and comfortable material
  • The sizing was small
  • Not great for high-impact activity
  • Limited color options in larger sizes

I thought the Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 was a good sports bra, but it wasn’t the best. There were a lot of size options available, but they seemed to run a little small. My favorite feature is the cups that keep the girls separated while still providing a tight hold, avoiding the “uni-boob” effect that’s common with most sports bras. The material is breathable and moisture-wicking during workouts, keeping me cool and dry.

This sports bra is best for those with smaller chests. It doesn't provide enough support for running with larger chests and isn't ideal for long-distance running or high-impact activity. I also noticed the colors were limited for larger sizes, and the sales prices were also only for smaller sizes.

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 back view in black

Closure style: Pullover
Materials used: Nylon and Spandex
Cup/band sizes carried: 30A to 40DDE
Neckline: High
Adjustable Straps: No
Adjustable Band: No
Zippers: None
Breathability: Very breathable
Compression/encapsulation: Held everything in place
Support level: Somewhat supportive
Moisture-wicking: Yes
Style: 7 colors

Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra - Best High-Neck Sports Bra

Price: $$

  • It has 3 pockets
  • Fits like a glove
  • Good cup shape and size
  • Low support during high-impact activities
  • Not very breathable
  • It can be difficult to put on

The Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra is very similar to the Dare Crossback Run Bra. The fit is pretty good but runs small, especially for larger sizes. There weren’t any neutral color options except for black, which isn’t ideal for many people. It has a pretty tight fit when putting it on, but once it’s on, it fits like a glove. The cup shape and size are good and provide adequate support. This sports bra is best for low-impact activities like yoga, pilates, and golf.

This sports bra is very high cut, making it less breathable than other sports bras, especially for those with larger chests. I didn’t like the lack of high-impact support and noticed significant bounce during activities like running and jumping.

 Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra in green back view

Closure style: Pullover
Cup/band sizes carried: 30A to 40DDE
Neckline: High
Adjustable Straps: No
Adjustable Band: No
Zippers: None
Breathability: Not breathable
Compression/encapsulation: Held everything in place
Support level: Low support for high-impact activities
Moisture-wicking: No
Style: 8 colors

Buyer's Guide

Sports Bra Shopping Guide

Wondering how I reviewed all the great sports bras on the list? Here are some considerations I made that you should also account for as you shop around for the best sports bra for your body.

Choose the Right Size

Good sports bras should fit snugly and comfortably — but not too snug — around the chest, shoulders, and ribs. Otherwise, you’ll likely experience some combination of rubbing, chafing, restriction, bouncing, strain on the breast tissue, possible sagging over time, and other injuries.

You can prevent discomfort and even heighten your athletic performance by choosing the right cup, strap, and band size. My selections were based on which of the best-rated bras I found to be truest to size with adjustable straps for a custom fit.

Consider the Level of Compression

Compression level measures how much pressure is placed on the breast tissue during physical activity. High compression means higher support and reduced bouncing during exercise, which can minimize breast pain and injury. Too much compression can restrict breathing, while inadequate compression may leave you needing support.

Do You Plan to Sweat?

Good sports bras feature moisture-wicking fabric, which keeps you dry and comfortable while you work out and prevents irritation. My top picks for the best sports bras were all moisture-wicking, which has become a standard for sports bras, leggings, exercise dresses, and other athleisure.

Type of Closure

The closure type on your sports bra can impact the level of comfort and support it provides, as well as the overall style and ease of wearing. While some women prefer a zip-up front closure that doesn’t have to be pulled over a perfect gym updo, others want a sports bra with no clasps, wires, or zippers for better comfort, like the type that pulls overhead. I considered one of each type in my reviews above.

Why Let Bestcovery Help You Choose?

At Bestcovery, we test products and take an unbiased approach to our rankings. We genuinely care about helping our readers find the right products for their needs, and we have the experience and expertise to point you in the right direction. Visit our homepage for more ratings on related products!

Nikita Krebs Headshot
Nikita covers fashion, sports, and health & beauty topics for Bestcovery. Outside of product reviews, she works as a marketing project manager and enjoys spending her free time staying active with indoor rock climbing, yoga, and strength training, and challenging herself in the mountains on trail runs, hikes, and bike rides.

You can follow Nikita here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-krebs-61725a6b/
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