Ask anyone who works out in sports bras, and be prepared for a short monologue about their favorite brand or a horror story about the one that snapped mid-sprint. People are passionate about sports bras because they’re arguably the most critical piece of our workout wardrobe. Let’s face it, we just can’t move without them; you know the dread that comes when you open your gym bag and realize you’ve forgotten your beloved sports bra. But what you may not realize is that you should be refreshing your sports bra drawer with some degree of frequency. Otherwise, they stretch out and lose their shape and support. That’s where we come in.
We’ve done a little digging and come up with our picks for the best sports bras available to shop online. Think: high-support cult-favorites and adorable strappy styles perfect for yoga. Our top selects include a classic racerback bra, a more compressive bra that will really hold you in, and a longline bra that can double as a cropped tank. We found great picks from top brands like Amazon and more traditional intimates brands like ThirdLove and Knix. They’re comfortable, supportive, and cute; what more could you ask for? Now all you have to do is shop!
Knix Catalyst Bra ($75)
The Catalyst Bra is the one everyone can’t stop talking about. It’s super supportive but doesn’t dig into your shoulders or underbust, and actually helps your mobility rather than restrict it. The style is available to shop in a range of sizes, and has thousands of positive ratings. If you’re going to try one bra, make it this one.
Girlfriend Collective Tommy Cropped Bra ($42, originally $52)
This cropped bra has become an unexpected favorite. Whether you have a smaller or larger chest, this sleek, minimal bra provides a good amount of support, and it’s also one of the most comfortable bras we’ve tried. You can read our review of the Girlfriend Collective Tommy Cropped Bra to learn more.
Editor Quote: “The bra has a square neck and back, which I generally find to be more supportive than a racerback. It manages to strike the right balance of supportive and comfortable; I feel held in but not bound down. While it’s not the bra I’d grab for long runs, it will serve the needs of my daily hikes and low-impact sculpt classes beautifully.” — India Yaffe, former associate editor, Shopping
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Lift Your Spirits Bra ($66)
For an option that shows a little skin while still providing ample support, go for this lifted sports bra from Beyond Yoga. While high-neck sports bras can often leave you with awkward tan lines (especially if you work out outside), this option fits more like a classic tank.
ON The Performance Bra ($50)
Whether you’re an avid runner or someone who is constantly on the go, you need this padded sports bra in your life. The athletic layer is fitted with built-in padding that provides extra support for high-endurance activities, while its sweat-wicking fabric helps to keep you cool through even the most intense workouts.
Athleta Ultimate Bra ($49)
This comfortable sports bra has definitely earned its name. If you’re someone who loves higher-impact workouts, this is the ultimate (see what we did there) investment style for you. It’s made of supportive compression fabric that keeps you in through jumps, lunges, and squats. This bra is made for people with a D or DD cup, and there’s also a version for people with an A-C cup chest.
Nike Indy Sports Bra ($23, originally $38)
This Nike sports bra is lightweight and has cute minimal straps that’ll keep you feeling supported without being too constricting. We love it for everyday activities, particularly if you have a smaller chest. It also comes in a number of fun colors, so you can have one for every cute gym outfit.
Girlfriend Collective Simone Bra ($42, originally $52)
Girlfriend Collective’s viral Simone bra the perfect style to pick if you want to do a little more intense workout but don’t want to feel too weighed down by your gym clothes. We love how comfortable it is; the shoulder and back straps are adjustable, so you can find your perfect fit. Best of all, this bra is available in sizes XXS-6XL.
Under Armour Infinity 2.0 Mid Sports Bra ($40)
The Infinity Sports Bra from Under Armour boasts a number of positive reviews — and for good reason. It’s the type of bra you could do anything in — from boxing to barre, it’s got you covered. The top has molded padding, which helps you maintain your shape without feeling foamy or unnatural on the body.
ThirdLove Kinetic Impact Sports Bra ($78)
If you’re doing high-intensity activity, you want to be in ThirdLove’s Impact Sports Bra. It comes in 10 colors and will keep you supported through your toughest workouts with the comfort that ThirdLove is known for. Plus, the adjustable straps at the back and shoulders will help you customize the style’s fit to your liking.
Girlfriend Collective Paloma Sports Bra ($56)
Per the brand, this longline sports bra is made of recycled water bottles, so it’s a style you can feel good about wearing for a variety of reason. The conservative longline silhouette also doubles as a crop top, so it’s one less item you have to worry about bringing to the gym.
Additional reporting by India Yaffe
Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping, where she reviews trending products, monitors commerce trends, develops thoughtful affiliate strategies, and relies on her unique expertise to compile helpful shopping guides for consumers that span a number of verticals — including fashion, home, beauty, and wellness. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.
India Yaffe was an associate editor on the Shopping team at PS for five years. She focused on curating the best fitness, fashion, beauty, and home products on the market for the PS audience.
