Whether you’re hitting the pavement or choosing a treadmill, wearing the right sports bra for running is essential for comfort and performance. Inadequate bra support can lead to breast pain and actually be a deterrent to exercise for some women. The best sports bras for runners offer a snug and secure fit, provide support and compression to reduce movement, and boast breathable, moisture-wicking materials that keep you cool and comfortable throughout your run. To find the best sports bras for runners, we first spoke with experts—three sports bra specialists, one certified personal trainer, and a professor of dermatology—to get their advice on what key features to look for. Then, we researched dozens of options from top, trusted brands. Finally, we tested 61 expert-approved sports bras at home in our daily running routines. The options on this list earned high scores for fit, support, comfort, adjustability, durability, and value. Another reason to trust us? A certified personal trainer from our Review Board reviewed this article for accuracy and how to find a comfortable, supportive sports bra for running. Sports bras offer support through two different methods: compression and encapsulation. Compression sports bras secure both breasts together against your chest, restricting movement and bounce. Encapsulation sports bras hold each breast in a separate cup, providing a more natural shape. Most of the sports bras on our list offer a combination of the two, which is ideal for running and other high-impact activities. Our Top Picks Best Budget: Best Padded: Most Supportive: Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra at Aloyoga.com (See Price) Best Zip Front: Best With Storage: Senita Athletics Sarah Sports Bra at Senitaathletics.com (See Price) Best for Larger Breasts: Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra at Amazon ($34) Best for Long Distance Runs: Most Stylish: In This Article Support Type Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Adjustable band and straps Smooth, soft material Maximum support Cons No A-cup sizes Sizes: Band 32-42 inches, cups B-G | Materials: Nylon, elastane, Lycra | Strap Style: H-back | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best for runners who want reliable support without sacrificing comfort. Runners need a sports bra with exceptional comfort and maximum support—lululemon’s Run Times Bra High Support Bra checks those boxes and more. It features three rows of hook-and-eye closures on the ribcage band, as well as adjustable, crossable shoulder straps that helped us find a snug, secure fit. And despite the supreme support, the band and straps don’t dig into your skin. The cups—a combination of compression and encapsulation—deliver a flattering lift and help control movement. A breathable blend of nylon, elastane, and Lycra feels sweat-wicking and buttery soft against the skin to add even more comfort. We also appreciate that the bra held up beautifully after repeated wear and washing—with no stretching out, fading, or pilling. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Good coverage and support Very comfortable Soft and stretchy material Cons Not adjustable Not for C cups or higher Sizes: Band 30-40 inches, cups A-C | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Strap Style: Camisole | Support: Compression | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best if you prefer a longline cami-style sports bra that’s great for lounging and running—especially if you’re below a C-cup. Comfy enough for lounging yet supportive enough for running, Lemedy’s Padded Sports Bra is the budget-friendly solution to your sports bra needs. The thin, cami-style straps add a sleek look while still controlling movement and bounce during runs. We also like the removable pads, which are the ideal thickness for comfort and coverage. The material, a breathable combination of nylon and spandex, feels soft, stretchy, and sweat-wicking. During test runs, we never noticed any discomfort or chafing. In fact, this pullover bra is so comfortable that we found ourselves reaching for it even when we weren’t working out. “I loved this bra and that it was supportive for high-impact exercise without being too tight for wearing for lounging.” —Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, associate commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Comfortable support Budget-friendly Soft and stretchy material Cons Not adjustable Removable pads may come out in the wash Sizes: Band 32-42 inches, cups A-DD | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Strap Style: Crisscross racerback | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Machine wash, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best for runners who want a simple, supportive pullover bra with removable pads. Looking for a comfy, supportive sports bra at a budget-friendly price? Running Girl’s Sports Bra held us up while running, lifting weights, jumping, and more. It’s a simple pullover bra that combines compression and encapsulation to minimize movement and prevent spillage. During intense runs, it held everything in place, while remaining comfortable the entire time. The fabric, a sweat-wicking combination of nylon and spandex, feels soft and stretchy. We love that it comes in a wide range of neutral and fun colors, and at such a reasonable price, we definitely recommend grabbing more than one. “I highly recommend this bra—It's comfy, cute, stylish, and gets the job done. I can work out without breast pain, discomfort, or excessive bouncing. I look forward to putting this bra on.” —Jessica Fleming, Verywell Fit product tester Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Comfortable support Attractive style Adjustable band and straps Cons No A- or B-cup sizes Sizes: Band 32-38 inches, cups C-DD | Materials: Not listed | Strap Style:Crisscross racerback | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best if you want maximum support without sacrificing comfort—especially for medium to large breasts. Good support is non-negotiable in any sports bra for running, especially for medium- and large-chested runners. We love Alo’s Power Play High Impact Bra because it combines compression and encapsulation, as well as an easily adjustable band and shoulder straps, to deliver maximum support and a customizable fit. Plus, it has an attractive style, combining fashion and function. The compression helps reduce movement and bounce, while the molded encapsulation cups enhance overall comfort and prevent spillage. We were genuinely amazed that, despite the substantial support, the bra never felt constricting and the straps never dug into our skin. Plus, the soft, breathable fabric never caused irritation or chafing. “Ultra-supportive! Seriously, this is so impressively high-impact. I can literally do anything in this bra—it's not restrictive, but I feel completely secure.” —Sarah Felbin, commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 3/5 Durability 4.9/5 Pros Maximum support Zipper front for easy on and off Breathable, sweat-wicking material Cons Not adjustable Sizes: Band 30-40 inches, cups A-E | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Strap Style: Crisscross racerback | Support: Compression | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best for super sweaty runs, since the zip-front style makes it easy to take on and off. One of our favorite zip-front sports bras, lululemon’s Enlite Front-Zip Bra saves you from the struggle of trying to remove a sweat-drenched sports bra post-run. During testing, we found the front zipper easy to use and love that it locks in place to avoid slipping. The bra's wide straps are both comfortable and supportive, ensuring no digging, pinching, or irritation. Designed with a breathable and sweat-wicking combination of nylon and Lycra, the bra feels smooth, soft, and stretchy. The lightly padded built-in cups offer additional bounce protection and coverage while helping to center and contain our breasts. We also love that this stylish, strappy bra is available in several colors and patterns. “The zip front made it super easy to remove and put on—this is my first time trying this model and will be my go-to in the future.” —Connie Kelehan, Verywell Fit product tester Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Maximum support Very comfortable Great overall value Cons Not adjustable Sizes: Band 24-40 inches, cups A-DD | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Strap Style: Racerback | Support: Compression | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best if you want to store your phone, earbuds, and more. Whether it's your phone, workout headphones, or a mid-run snack, the roomy back pocket on Senita’s Sarah Sports Bra offers a convenient solution for storing essentials on your run. And we found that you can load it up without any extra bounce. The bra’s compression feels snug and supportive, while still offering chafe-free comfort. What’s more, the ultra-soft, sweat-wicking fabric kept us dry and comfortable on sweaty runs. We were also impressed with the bra’s durability; there were no signs of pilling, fading, or stretching throughout testing. Given this pullover bra’s storage and support, exceptional comfort, and budget-friendly price, we think it’s a truly high-value purchase for runners. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Exceptional support and comfort Adjustable straps Zipper front for easy on and off Cons No A-cup sizes Tag on the inside may irritate Sizes: Band 34-42 inches, cups B-DD | Materials: Polyester, nylon, spandex | Strap Style: Strappy raceback | Support: Encapsulation | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for runners with medium to large breasts who need maximum support—especially if you prefer a convenient zip-front style. Need a sports bra with maximum support for medium to large breasts? Champion’s Motion Control Zip Sports Bra combines encapsulation and a zip-front design, featuring a racerback and adjustable shoulder straps. These features work together to prevent spillage, limit movement, and offer a customizable fit. The bra is so comfortable that, after wearing it all day, we practically forgot we were even wearing a sports bra. Plus, the performance fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping us cool and dry during intense workouts. We also found that the bra is flattering and even promotes good posture when running. Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Breathable, sweat-wicking material Flattering fit Budget-friendly Cons May be too much coverage for some Sizes: Band 32-48 inches, cups A-E | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Strap Style: Racerback | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for runners who want a budget-friendly sports bra that provides enough support and comfort for a variety of workouts. For a well-fitting, durable sports bra at a budget-friendly price, it’s tough to beat All in Motion’s High Support Sports Bra. We wore this bra for running, cycling, tennis, weight lifting, and more—feeling equally supported and comfortable during every activity. Plus, the lightweight and soft fabric allows us to move sweat- and chafe-free. The bra combines compression and encapsulation to reduce bounce and spillage while offering some shape. And the adjustable ribcage band and racerback straps help us find a customizable fit for every workout. Plus, after tons of wears and washes, the bra hasn’t shown any signs of stretching, fading, or pilling—making it even more worth the already low price. “A steal! I would (and probably will) buy this sports bra again. I think it stands up there with any of my other sports bras from brand names.” —Kristen Geil, Verywell Fit product tester Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Very breathable Attractive style Pocket for storage Cons Not ideal for large chests Sizes: Band 28-36 inches, cups A-D | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Strap Style: Racerback | Support: Compression | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for distance runners with small- to medium-sized breasts. Comfort, support, and storage are key features to look for in a sports bra for distance running. Tracksmith’s Allston Bra feels buttery-soft, reduces bounce, and has an internal pocket to stash your phone, keys, or mid-run energy fuel. During testing, the compression style helped us feel fully supported without any pinching or constriction. The classic racerback features a mesh panel that adds breathability, making this a solid choice for sweaty workouts. Plus, we found that this attractive bra offers enough coverage to be confidently worn alone or under clothes. It’s also comfortable enough for casual wear and even quick post-run naps on the couch. “This bra makes me excited to go for a run!” —Claire Bugos, Verywell Fit product tester Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 4.8/5 Durability 4.5/5 Pros Adjustable band and straps Maximum support Straps can switch from H-back to crisscross racerback Cons Band may roll when seated No A- or B-cup sizes Sizes: Band 32-40 inches, cups C-DD | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Strap Style: H-back or crisscross racerback | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Machine wash, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for runners with medium to large breasts who want support and style. Oiselle’s Queen Bra proves it’s possible to excel in both support and style. With its smooth, soft fabric and eye-catching colors, it helps us run in confidence—in more than one way. We love that the bra combines compression and encapsulation to hold your breasts in place and deliver a flattering shape. And we also appreciate the wide ribcage band that adds support and lift. With adjustability in the band and shoulder straps, this bra offers customizable support and fit. It also lets you switch between an H-back or a crisscross racerback depending on your preferred style. The molded, sewn-in cups are perforated for heat release, which helps keep us cool and comfortable on long-distance runs. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Smooth, soft material Sweat-wicking Good coverage and support Cons Not adjustable Sizes: Band 30-40 inches, cups A-E | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Strap Style: Crisscross | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Best for sweaty runners who run outside in warm to hot weather. Made with a sweat-wicking, breathable blend of performance fabrics, Brooks’ Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 is ideal for cool, chafe-free running. It has perforated ventilation on the front and back of the bra which we found helps mitigate excess heat. It’s also super supportive, thanks to the combination of compression and encapsulation that controls bounce and minimizes spillage. We wore this bra for low-impact yoga and high-intensity interval training, feeling supported during each activity. The bra's minimal seams and soft, stretchy fabric not only provide a comfortable feel against the skin but also contribute to the bra's streamlined and sleek appearance. Plus, after dozens of wears and washes, there are no signs of wear and tear. “The bra is super comfortable. It's exceptionally great in hot and humid weather due to how breathable it is.” —Kimberly Souza, Verywell Fit product tester Our Ratings Fit 4.3/5 Support 4.3/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Allows for good range of motion Breathable mesh panels Attractive style Cons Not adjustable Runs small Sizes: Band 30-40 inches, cups A-D | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Strap Style: Crossback | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Hand wash or machine wash in lingerie bag, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for optimal range of motion, especially for running in warm to hot climates. Crossback bras like Brooks’ Plunge 2.0 Sports Bra allow for optimal range of motion in the upper body, making them a good option for running. During test runs, we were immediately impressed with how easy it was to move in this bra—it offered better side-to-side mobility than any other bra we tested. It also delivers maximum support, lift, and bounce control. The smooth, sweat-wicking material feels stretchy and prevents chafing. Meanwhile, the back mesh panels add even more airflow and a stylish flare. We also love that this bra feels high-quality, without a high price tag—showing no signs of wear and tear throughout testing. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 3.8/5 Adjustability 4.7/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Comfortable support Easy to adjust Flattering style Cons No A- or B-cup sizes The underwire may feel uncomfortable Sizes: Band 32-42 inches, cups C-I | Materials: Nylon, spandex, elastane | Strap Style: Adjustable ladder straps | Support: Encapsulation and compression | Care: Hand wash, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for sweaty runners with large chests who need maximum support for running in warm to hot weather. Running in the heat calls for a sweat-wicking sports bra, like Wacoal’s Simone Sport Underwire Bra. With soft, breathable fabric, it provides excellent coverage while effectively managing sweat during runs. During test runs, we found that the bra offers outstanding support and motion reduction, thanks to the compression and underwire. The molded cups also help maintain a natural shape without flattening your chest. The adjustable band and straps ensure a customized fit, and the two layers of fabric between the skin and underwire enhance overall comfort and minimize the risk of irritation or chafing. We also love that you won’t have to worry about sweating in this bra since the durable fabric holds up over time. Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Excellent high-impact support Flattering silhouette Very lightweight Cons May feel too compressive at first Sizes: Band 28-42 inches, cups A-F | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Strap Style: H-back | Support: Compression and encapsulation | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Best for runners who want to invest in a supportive sports bra that can also be used for daily wear. While Knix’s Catalyst Sports Bra costs more than most, we found it to be well worth the investment after vigorous testing. It’s the ideal combination of performance, quality, and style. The compression, along with adjustable band and shoulder straps, provide exceptional support for runs. Meanwhile, the molded, encapsulated cups offer a natural, flattering shape. The fabric, a blend of nylon and spandex, feels stretchy, soft, and sweat-wicking—adding to the bra's overall comfort for running or lounging. We also love how lightweight it feels, making it effortless to wear or pack in a gym bag or suitcase for workouts on the go. And throughout testing, we noticed that the fabric and structure hold up well after many wears and washes. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Pros Adjustable straps and band Zipper front for easy on and off Very durable Cons May feel too compressive at first Sizes: Band 28-50 inches, cups A-I | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Strap Style: Crossback | Support: Compression | Care: Machine wash cold in lingerie bag, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for runners who like a sports bra with a lot of adjustability for a custom-like fit. If your bra size tends to fluctuate or you have trouble finding the right fit, you may want to consider a highly adjustable sports bra. SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra easily adjusts and the ribcage band and shoulder straps via a simple Velcro closure. You can also remove the pads and switch between crossed or uncrossed back straps for even more customization. During testing, we found that the soft, stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric does a great job of providing support, bounce protection, and coverage. We also love the front zipper closure for easy on and off, especially when things get sweaty. Plus, we didn’t notice any piling, discoloration, or wear and tear, after repeated wears and washes. Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 4/5 Durability 4/5 Pros Adjustable straps and band Comfortable support Soft, stretchy material Cons May be difficult to reach strap adjustability Sizes: Band 32-40 inches, cups B-G | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Strap Style: H-back | Support: Encapsulation and compression | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5 Best for runners with small frames and large chests who need maximum support. If you have a small frame but large breasts, consider Syrokan’s Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra. It provided optimal support, particularly for one tester who often has trouble finding the right fit for her narrow ribcage yet bigger bust. The combination of compression and encapsulation limits bounce and offers a natural, flattering shape. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a hook-and-eye ribcage band with four rows allow for great customization. Plus, the straps can be turned from H-back to racerback with an included J-hook, if you prefer that style for running. We also love that you can get this bra on and off over your shoulders, like a traditional bra—especially after sweaty runs. After testing 61 sports bras, lululemon’s Run Times Bra was our top pick for its exceptional support, soft and breathable fabric, and adjustable fit. As we continue to wear-test these sports bras, as well as new styles that come out, we will update this list with the most relevant recommendations. To find the best sports bras for running, we tested 61 options from top, trusted activewear brands. When wear-testing, we evaluate each sports bra based on the following key criteria: For the best fit, ensure your sports bra is snug but comfy—tug the ribcage band; if you can pull it out more than an inch, go smaller. You should also ensure all breast tissue is in the cup, avoid tight straps for lift, and check straps or clasps aren't digging in. Not wearing a sports bra during exercise can result in breast tenderness and tightness due to the stress on chest muscles and ligaments, says Burke. It can also affect posture, leading to hunching, neck pain, and headaches, as sports bras play a crucial role in supporting the Cooper ligaments responsible for structural integrity. The best sports bra for running is one that offers enough compression and support to contain your breasts and reduce bounce. All of the sports bras on this list have been wear-tested and are great options for running and other high-impact exercise. Professional runners look for the same qualities in a sports bra as the average runner would: a snug and comfortable fit; compression and support to limit bounce; and breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. It’s completely up to your own personal preferences. Even if you don’t want to store your phone, a pocket can be useful for stashing other small essentials on the go. In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it had found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including some sports bras. We stand by our recommendations on this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out. Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, is a certified personal trainer, running coach, and avid runner herself. She has researched and tested countless sports bras for running in her professional and personal life. She loves the fit, coverage, and support of Brooks’ Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 so much that she has it in several different colors. Additional reporting byMichelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, she makes it her mission to provide thoroughly researched and reliable product recommendations. Michelle has tested dozens of sports bras and swears by Alo Yoga’s Power Play High Impact Bra for its support and style. We Tested the Best Running Shoes for All Types of Runners, Here Are the Top 15 Support Type: Compression vs. Encapsulation
Best Overall
lululemon Run Times Bra High Support
Key Specs:
Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Best Budget
Lemedy Padded Sports Bra
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Why We Love It
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Most Valuable Insight
Best Padded
RUNNING GIRL Sports Bra
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Most Valuable Insight
Most Supportive
Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra
Key Specs
Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Best Zip Front
lululemon Enlite Zip Front Bra
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Most Valuable Insight
Best With Storage
Senita Athletics Sarah Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Best for Larger Breasts
Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Most Versatile
All In Motion High Support Racerback Bra
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Best for Long Distance Runs
Tracksmith Allston Bra
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Most Valuable Insight
Most Stylish
Oiselle Queen Bra
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Most Breathable
Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Most Valuable Insight
Best Crossback
Brooks Drive Plunge Run Bra 2.0
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Best Sweat-Wicking
Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra
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Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Best Investment
Knix Catalyst Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It's For
Why We Love It
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Best Adjustable
SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best for Small Frames With Larger Chests
Syrokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
We Also Tested
Where We Stand
What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Bras
How We Tested the Sports Bras
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
How are sports bras for running supposed to fit?
What happens if you don’t wear a sports bra when exercising?
What kind of sports bra is best for running?
What sports bras do elite runners wear?
Should I get a sports bra with a phone pocket?
Do sports bras contain BPA?
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