Best Sports Bras for Support & Comfort
Choosing the best sports bras can make a real difference to how supported and comfortable you feel during any workout. A well-fitting style helps reduce bounce, supports breast tissue and lets you focus on your exercise rather than dealing with discomfort or strap adjustments.
This guide highlights some of the best sports bras across a range of support levels — from everyday low-impact styles to high-impact options and fuller-bust designs. It is designed to help you narrow down the choices and understand which features may work best for the type of activity you do most often.
For the best results, start by confirming your current size using the Bra Size Calculator, then check your fit using the step-by-step checks in our Bra Fitting Advice. If you shop from international retailers or see different sizing systems on labels, you can compare band and cup sizes using the Bra Size Converter.
Top 10 Sports Bras for All Activities
These are bestselling and highly recommended sports bras for support, comfort and performance.
Here are the best sports bras chosen based on support level, comfort, expert testing, fuller-bust performance and real customer reviews.
Below is our curated list of the best sports bras for running, gym workouts and high-impact activities.
1. Panache Sports Bra Top Pick
- Breathable performance fabric for comfort
- Cushioned hook-and-eye closure at back
- Hook for optional racerback design
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
Why we love it:
- Tested by the University of Portsmouth and proven to reduce bounce by up to 83% — one of the highest-performing sports bras available
- Encapsulation cups provide lift, shape and exceptional stability for all sizes
- Wide padded straps and firm underband deliver secure, high-impact support
The Panache Sports Bra is widely recognised by bra fitters and sports science experts as one of the best high-impact bras on the market. Its encapsulation design significantly reduces breast movement, offering reliable comfort and control during running, HIIT and intense training.
2. Champion Shock Absorber SN109 Active Classic Bra
- Extreme bounce control – up to 80.1% reduction in movement
- Fabric: 195 gsm Stretch Nylon Interlock – 100% Polyamide
- Fully adjustable: back fastening with soft hooks and eyes, adjustable straps to pull the cups toward the back
- Encapsulation cut-and-sew construction with taped inner seams for comfort
Why we love it:
- Legendary firm support with excellent bounce control
- Non-wired yet extremely supportive for fuller busts
- Breathable, durable fabrics ideal for running and HIIT
Non-wired, extremely supportive and ideal for high-impact activities.
3. Freya Dynamic Non-Wired Sports Bra
- Non-wired soft cup style provides exceptional support by encapsulating the breasts in a multi layer cup build with performance fabrics to provide support, comfort, and a defined and feminine shape
- Performance fabrics; breathable microfiber fabric wicks away moisture with a double layer inner cup lining provides increased support and comfort and seam soft thread reduces friction against skin to eliminate chafing
- J-hook adjuster on straps for easy conversation to a racer back style
- Wide flat elastic under band for additional comfort and anchorage under the bust and around the torso
Why we love it:
- Soft cup design with excellent comfort and natural shaping
- Breathable microfiber fabric manages moisture effectively
- Racerback option improves support and stability
Soft, breathable and supportive with a compressive feel.
4. Elomi Energise Underwired
- CAMISOLE: A breathable mesh camisole design provides upper bust containment and bounce control.
- REINFORCED CUPS: Full coverage, non-stretch cups mean you’re held up (and in).
- EASY ON & OFF: Hook-and-eye closure with 3 columns & 3 rows increases with size.
- CUSTOM FIT: Stay-in-place back and adjustable, non-stretch straps stay put through any movement.
Why we love it:
- Exceptional lift and shape for fuller busts
- Underwired encapsulation provides structure without discomfort
- Straps convert to racerback for added support
Underwired encapsulation providing lift and separation for fuller busts.
5. Adidas TLRD Impact Training Bra
- Workout bra with mesh ventilation and straps that fit straight or crossback for everyday training
- TIGHT FIT: Snug but not restrictive
- FEEL DRY, STAY DRY: adidas AEROREADY manages your body's moisture to keep you dry and in the zone
- ENCAPSULATION FOR SUPPORT: Molded cups minimize movement
Why we love it:
- Supportive compressive fit for high-movement workouts
- Lightweight fabric with excellent breathability
- Modern athletic design with a comfortable finish
Firm support with a modern fit for gym and high-movement workouts.
6. Nike Alpha High Support Bra
- Medium support
- Dri Fit technology
- Removable cups
Why we love it:
- Moulded cups offer high-impact stability
- Sweat-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry
- Strong and minimal design with excellent durability
Designed for high-impact with structured moulded cups.
7. Triumph Triaction Extreme Lite
- Flexible and innovative dynamic Lite
- Breathable lycra with moisture-regulating inserts
- Unpadded, shaping cups
- Velvety wide lower band
Why we love it:
- Ultra-lightweight but surprisingly supportive
- Moisture management fabric keeps skin dry
- Sleek design ideal for daily workouts
Lightweight but supportive — excellent moisture control and comfort.
8. Wacoal Sport Contour Bra
- Underwire sport bra
- Maximum support for medium-impact activities
- Moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep skin dry
- Full coverage seamless cups of breathable spacer fabric provide more opacity than an unlined bra
Why we love it:
- Comfortable contour cups create a smooth silhouette
- Supportive feel without bulk
- Great for both gym and everyday wear
Offers shape, comfort and medium-to-high support for gym sessions.
9. Under Armour Infinity High Sports Bra
- Strategic support – The gym bra is tailored for high-intensity activities like running, court sports, field sports and aerobics.
- Thoughtful design – The high support sports bra has molded, PU injected one-piece padding for ultimate comfort and added coverage.
- Comfortable active wear – Mesh panels add breathability, while the smooth, sweat-wicking band has a practical hook and eye closure.
- Feminine look – The running sports bra features adjustable crisscross straps with wordmark detail for a stylish custom fit.
Why we love it:
- Flexible moulded support for natural movement
- Smooth, compressed fit
- Great for running, HIIT, and cardio training
Compression style with a flexible moulded design.
10. Champion Shock Absorber S5044 Ultimate Run Bra
- Soft, seam free inner lining for extreme comfort
- Wide, padded non-slip straps
- To get the right bra for your sport, please refer to the bra selector guide below
Why we love it:
- Engineered specifically for running with advanced bounce control
- Compression + encapsulation design for secure, locked-in support
- Breathable mesh and moisture-wicking fabrics help regulate heat
A high-performance running bra offering firm, stabilising support for road running, gym sessions and high-impact workouts.
Understanding the different types of sports bras can help you choose the best sports bras for your activity level and support needs.
Types of Sports Bras
Encapsulation Sports Bras
Each breast is supported separately, offering better lift and reduced bounce.
Compression Sports Bras
Hold the breast close to the chest wall — ideal for smaller to mid cup sizes.
Hybrid Sports Bras
Combine encapsulation and compression for maximum support.
Underwired Sports Bras
Great for shaping and lift in fuller bust sizes.
Wireless Sports Bras
Comfortable, flexible and suitable for everyday activity and low-impact exercise.
How to Choose the Right Sports Bra
For more information on sports bra testing and breast movement research, the University of Portsmouth’s Breast Health Research Group offers helpful insights: Breast Health Research.
- Consider impact level: Walking, gym, running, HIIT all need different support.
- Look for encapsulation for DD+ sizes: Separates, lifts and reduces bounce.
- Check the band: It should stay firmly in place without riding up.
- Assess bounce control: Jump test in front of a mirror.
- Choose breathable fabrics: Mesh and moisture-wicking material improve comfort.
- Look for adjustable straps: Racerback or J-hook can improve stability.
Common Sports Bra Problems
- Band riding up: Go down a band size.
- Bounce not controlled: Try encapsulation or hybrid designs.
- Straps digging: Choose wider or cushioned straps.
- Cups wrinkling: Go down a cup size or try a different style.
- Chafing: Seamless edges or smoother fabrics improve comfort.
Sports Bra Shopping Tips
- Use the Bra Size Calculator to confirm your size.
- For running and HIIT, choose highly supportive encapsulation styles.
- Test movement with a few jumps in the fitting room.
- Look for adjustable back and straps for a personalised fit.
- Replace sports bras every 6–12 months if used regularly.