We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Activewear We Tested the Best High-Impact Sports Bras—These 12 Can Handle Any Workout Comfortable support and bounce control for the most demanding sweat sessions By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process and Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT Jessica Murtaugh, CPT, CNC, is a digital marketing and branding consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. A personal trainer and nutrition coach, she is passionate about life-long, balanced wellness. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 18, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Tara Laferrara, CPT Medically reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist, editor and fact checker with 10 years of editorial experience in the lifestyle genre. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit From silky yoga sports bras to breezy tank tops, there are hundreds of ways to express your style while staying comfortable at the gym. But when you’re tackling an intense workout, you need a sports bra that’s ultra-supportive. The best high-impact sports bras provide the highest level of bounce control for running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), plyometrics, and more. Wearing full-coverage designs with high compression, adjustable straps, and wide bands will keep you comfortable and focused on your fitness goals. To find the top options, we first spoke with experts (including a bra fit specialist and a physical therapist) to learn which key features to look for. Then, we tested 61 expert-approved sports bras from top fitness brands. Our favorites received high scores for fit, comfort, support, adjustability, durability, and value. For more guidance, we had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and even more shopping tips. Which Sports Bra Is Best for High-Impact Activities? The best sports bra for high-impact activities is equipped to support your breast tissue through multi-planar movements, like jumping, running, bending, and lifting. Look for sports bras made from comfortable, durable materials. Other nice-to-have features include encapsulated cups; high compression; wide, adjustable straps and bands; and underwires. According to physical therapist Jackelyn Turner, PT, DPT, this extra support helps protect your breast tissue by cutting down on excess movement. It also reduces pain and discomfort—plus, it can even improve your posture and range of motion, she adds. Our Top Picks Best Overall: lululemon Run Times Bra High Support at Lululemon ($68) Jump to Review Best for Larger Breasts: Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra at Aloyoga.com ($62) Jump to Review Best Zip-Front: lululemon Enlite Front-Zip Bra High Support at Lululemon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Running: Reebok High-Impact Sports Bra at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Most Supportive: Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Most Versatile: All In Motion High Support Racerback Bra at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best With Convertible Straps: Oiselle Queen Bra at Oiselle.com (See Price) Jump to Review Most Breathable: Brooks Crossback Run Bra 2.0 at Zappos ($65) Jump to Review Most Stylish: Brooks Drive Plunge Run Bra 2.0 at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review Best With Underwire: Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra at Amazon ($66) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall lululemon Run Times Bra High Support lululemon View On Lululemon $68 Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Comfortable and supportive Breathable perforations Padded straps Cons Not available in A cup sizes Key Specs Sizes: 32B to 42G | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Who It’s For Best for most high-impact workouts, especially if you tend to sweat underneath your sports bra. Why We Love It lululemon’s Run Times Bra is our top overall pick because it has a comfortable, supportive fit made from soft, breathable fabric. We worked up a sweat testing this stylish bra while rowing, running, weightlifting, and more. During each activity, we noticed that the perforated front panel allowed air to flow where sweat often accumulates, keeping us cool and dry. Built for high-impact workouts and running errands alike, this bra has four-way stretch that moves with you for a barely-there feel—similar to your favorite lululemon leggings. We love how the adjustable band never pinches or rides up in the back. Plus, encapsulated molded cups keep your breasts separated and supported. One of the most comfortable high-impact bras we tested, the Run Times Bra has wide, adjustable straps that are lightly padded (so they won’t dig in). It’s also easy to put on and take off. For an all-around high-impact bra, we think this one is unmatched. Potential Flaws We only wish this bra was also available in A cup sizes, for a more inclusive size range. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Best for Larger Breasts Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra Alo View On Aloyoga.com $62 Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Highly supportive Sleek, stylish design Creates a flattering silhouette Cons Tricky to put on and take off Key Specs Sizes: 32C to 38DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Unknown | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Who It’s For Best for people who do intense workouts multiple days per week, especially if you want a flattering sports bra. Why We Love It Alo Yoga’s Power Play High Impact Bra provides exceptional support, comfort, and coverage for those with larger breasts. We love the wide, adjustable cross-back straps and encapsulated cups that keeps our chests contained and lifted during testing. Plus, the band has three rows of hook-and-eye closures for a snug fit. During all types of high-impact activities, we noticed zero spillage. In fact, this bra was so comfortable, we forgot we were wearing it. The soft lining and breathable fabric wick moisture away well, while the durable construction holds up to frequent wear. Even better, it creates a flattering silhouette—complete with a contoured underbust and a keyhole detail in the back. Potential Flaws The cross-back straps make this bra a little complicated to put on and take off, but we think it’s worth the extra effort for how well it performs. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Best Zip-Front lululemon Enlite Front-Zip Bra High Support lululemon View On Lululemon View On Equinox.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Four-way stretch High neckline Durable design Cons Not adjustable Key Specs Sizes: 30C to 40DDD(E) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: No | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, elastane, nylon | Care: Machine wash, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Who It’s For Best for anyone who’s sick of fighting with their sports bra. Why We Love It Tired of wrestling your sports bra over your head? We recommend lululemon’s Enlite Front Zip Bra. The zipper in front is strong and secure, tucked underneath protective fabric for durability. Complete with a high scoop neck and a strappy back, this bra is just as functional as it is stylish. With soft, four-way stretch fabric, this bra offers top-notch moisture and motion control. During testing, it felt comfortable and supportive as we ran, cycled, hiked, and weight-trained. We love the smooth, snug band and breathable cups that help control bounce without adding unnecessary bulk. You can wear it multiple times a week—based on our findings, it will still retain its color, shape, and fit after each wash. Potential Flaws While this bra isn’t adjustable, we like that it comes in a wide range of traditional bra sizes for a close fit. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Best for Running Reebok High-Impact Sports Bra Reebok View On Amazon $15 View On Dick's $35 View On Reebok.com Our Ratings Fit 4.7/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros High neckline Breathable mesh panel Very compressive Cons Not adjustable Can be tough to take off Key Specs Sizes: 2XS to XL (30A to 44C) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: No | Padding: No | Materials: Recycled polyester and elastane interlock | Care: Machine wash separately, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who It’s For Best for all types of runners, whether you prefer sprints or long distances. Why We Love It With unique design features and plenty of support, Reebok’s Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra is designed to meet runners’ demands. During testing, we found it had the perfect amount of compression to hold everything in place without placing strain on our backs, shoulders, or ribs. Stride after stride, this bra’s high neckline and snug band remained comfortable to wear. Even on longer runs, we were completely covered and bounce-free. Soft, moisture-wicking materials and a mesh panel in the back prevent sweat from building up over time. Plus, it has reflective details for running safely at dawn or dusk. Potential Flaws Similar to lululemon’s Enlite Front Zip Bra, this sports bra isn’t adjustable. Since it’s fairly compressive, it can be tough to slip this bra on and off over your head. But we think the amount of support it provides is a fair trade-off. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Most Supportive Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra Champion View On Amazon $34 View On Zappos $34 View On Walmart $34 Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Hybrid strap design Lays flat underneath tops Zip-front closure Cons Band isn’t adjustable Hook-and-eye clasp can be tricky Key Specs Sizes: 34B to 42DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who It’s For Best for larger chests, especially if your workouts involve lots of running and jumping. Why We Love It With a zipper in front and two types of straps, Champion’s Motion Control Zip Sports Bra is the most supportive high-impact bra we tested. It features high compression, molded cups, and a design that kept our chests comfortably contained. And we love that the hybrid straps evenly distributed the weight of our chests across our shoulders and backs. This breathable, moisture-wicking bra is easy to wear, even during your most demanding days. Through cycling, weight training, and physical therapy sessions, it fit well and retained its shape. Another bonus? During testing, we noticed this bra lays incredibly smoothly underneath tops. We think it’s worth collecting in a few different colors. Potential Flaws Although the straps are adjustable, the band is not. The hook-and-eye clasp that secures the front zipper can be tricky to attach. But we like that once it's closed, it stays secure and prevents the zipper from touching your skin. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Shape Most Versatile All In Motion High Support Racerback Bra Target View On Amazon View On Target $17 Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Wide range of sizes Straps can be adjusted from the front High neckline Cons Can be tricky to take off Key Specs Sizes: XS to 4X (32A to 48DD) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Recycled polyester and spandex | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who It’s For Best for most body and bust types—if you haven’t found the perfect racerback bra yet, we recommend giving this one a try. Why We Love It Available in a wide range of sizes, All in Motion’s High Support Embossed Racerback Run Sports Bra is our pick for the most versatile high-impact bra. The straps and band are highly adjustable, with sliding buckles and a hook-and-eye closure for easy wearing. But unlike most other bras on our list, this one has buckles in the front, so you can easily shorten or lengthen the straps while you’re wearing it. The sewn-in molded cups provided comfortable coverage without any gapping or spillage during testing. And the high neckline offers additional coverage while you bend and stretch. Wear and re-wear it often—it’s sturdy and machine-washable, with a durable design that we found holds up over time. Potential Flaws This bra isn’t as easy to take off as some others on our list are. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Best With Convertible Straps Oiselle Queen Bra Oiselle View On Oiselle.com View On Titlenine.com Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 4.8/5 Durability 4.5/5 Pros Breathable mesh and perforations Wide band Provides plenty of coverage Cons Limited range of sizes Can be tricky to take off Key Specs Sizes: 32C to 40DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester and spandex | Care: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best for larger chests, especially if you’re looking for a bra with straps that can hide underneath most workout tops. Why We Love It Two bras for the price of one? Oiselle’s Queen Bra has convertible straps that can hide underneath almost any top. We love that you can customize the design depending on your needs or outfit. But it doesn’t skimp on coverage, compression, or adjustability—while running and doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, we still felt secure and contained. If breathability is important to you, you’ll appreciate that the Queen Bra is made with perforated fabric that has an airy mesh lining. Sewn-in molded cups and a band with four rows of hook-and-eye closures lift and support larger chests. Choose from a range of bright patterns and colors that will add an edge to your workout wardrobe. Potential Flaws This bra comes in a more limited size range than others on our list do. When the straps are crossed, we noticed it’s a little tougher to remove this bra after a tough workout. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Most Breathable Brooks Crossback Run Bra 2.0 Brooks Running View On Zappos $65 View On REI $60 View On Dick's $65 Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Stylish straps Wide band Laser-cut ventilation Cons Not adjustable May hold onto odors Key Specs Sizes: 30AB to 40DDE | Support Level: High | Adjustable: No | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Care: Hand wash cold or in garment bag on gentle, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Who It’s For Best for hot yoga, exercising outdoors in warm weather, or other extra-sweaty workouts. Why We Love It Intense, high-impact workouts are often the sweatiest, which is why we love the breathable design of Brooks’ Dare Crossback 2.0 Sports Bra. Made from moisture-wicking fabric, it effectively prevented chafing and other uncomfortable irritation during testing. We also like the stylish, laser-cut ventilation around the straps and band, which allows air to flow while you exercise. We particularly loved wearing this bra during runs and HIIT workouts. The compressive fit and encapsulated cups provided support, while the wide band offered superior stability. Moreover, it doesn’t have any removable pads that can curl up in the wash or poke unflattering creases through your shirts. Potential Flaws This bra isn’t adjustable, but we like that it comes in traditional bra sizing for a closer fit.We noticed during testing that this bra tends to hold onto odor after several wears. A gentle vinegar soak quickly fixed the issue—still, we recommend removing and washing it immediately after workouts. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Most Stylish Brooks Drive Plunge Run Bra 2.0 Brooks View On Amazon $45 View On Zappos $45 View On REI $13 Our Ratings Fit 4.3/5 Support 4.3/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Highly compressive Breathable mesh panel Removable padding Cons Not adjustable Key Specs Sizes: XS to XXL (30A to 40C) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Care: Hand wash or machine wash in garment bag on gentle, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Who It’s For Best for runners, especially if you prefer a bra with lots of compression. Why We Love It Another solid option for hitting the treadmill or trails, Brooks’ Plunge 2.0 Sports Bra is one of the most stylish sports bras we’ve tested. With plenty of compression and a secure band, it supported us through runs, Spin classes, weightlifting, and more. We like that this moisture-wicking bra has a mesh panel in the front that’s not only eye-catching—it also allows extra airflow to sweat-prone areas. Removable padding allows you to customize your preferred level of coverage. Meanwhile, the sleek, strappy design in the back looks modern underneath your favorite top or on its own. Choose from a range of monochromatic and color-blocked options to find colors that suit your style. Potential Flaws We wish the straps and band were adjustable. Best With Underwire Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra Wacoal View On Amazon $66 View On Zappos $76 View On Dick's Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 3.8/5 Adjustability 4.7/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Highly adjustable Wide range of sizes and colors Lifts, separates, and supports Cons Band may run small Not comfortable for long periods of wear Key Specs Sizes: 32C to 42I | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex, elastane | Care: Hand wash warm, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Who It’s For Best for people with a large cup size and a small band size, especially if you’re looking for a sports bra that won’t overly minimize your chest. Why We Love It Sometimes, compression isn’t enough—that’s where Wacoal’s Simone Sport Underwire Bra comes in. It has an exterior underwire that lifts and stabilizes without rubbing or chafing. Unlike many sports bras that can overly flatten your chest, we loved how this bra’s soft cups lifted, separated, and supported our breasts. The final product: even support and a more sculpted silhouette. With an adjustable band and straps, we appreciate that this bra is easy to customize for the right fit. It’s also made from thick, opaque fabric that provides solid coverage and wicks away sweat. Available in multiple colors in sizes ranging from 32C to 42I, there’s an option for almost every wearer and workout. Potential Flaws We noticed that the band felt tight, even on the loosest setting, so we’d recommend ordering one band size up from your usual. During testing, we realized that this bra is too supportive to wear for long periods of time. If you have a long day ahead of you, we suggest changing into your favorite two-piece workout set after exercising. Best Investment Knix Catalyst Sports Bra Knix View On Knix $89 Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Thick, opaque material Flattering silhouette Wide hook-and-eye closure Cons Sizing system can be confusing May feel too compressive at first Key Specs Sizes: 0 to 8+ (28A to 42F) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Care: Machine wash cold with mild detergent, lay flat to dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Who It’s For Best for anyone who dreads “uni-boob.” Why We Love It If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality, stylish sports bra, we recommend Knix’s Catalyst Bra. When we put it to the test, we found that its molded, encapsulated cups and high compression supported our chests comfortably at all impact levels. It lifts, separates, and reduces motion to keep you feeling covered and confident. During testing, we noticed that the fabric is surprisingly thick and soft, even without removable padding in the cups. The wide sides and band provide lots of coverage to prevent spillage. And adjusting it is a breeze, using the large buckles and five-row hook-and-eye closure. All of these features (plus a zip-front option for easier wearing) make this bra a solid buy, in our book. Potential Flaws Knix’s unique sizing system can take some time to understand. But the brand’s website features a helpful conversion tool so you can find the right fit. The brand notes that this bra feels ultra-compressive at first, since it’s designed to loosen up slightly over time. We also noticed this during testing, so you may want to order up one size to ensure your bra isn’t too tight. Verywell Fit Best Adjustable SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra SheFit View On Amazon $69 View On Shefit.com $75 View On Fleetfeet.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Pros Zip-front closure Convertible straps Customizable compression Cons Two-way stretch Key Specs Sizes: XS to 6XL (A to I) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best for anyone who still struggles to find the perfect sports bra—no matter your cup size. Why We Love It While many of our top picks are adjustable, SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra is completely customizable to fit your unique body shape perfectly. Designed so you can alter the fit instantly (even mid-workout), this bra has strong, convertible straps that are adjustable from the front and a zip-front closure that locks securely beneath protective fabric tabs. We love that, unlike many other bras on our list, this one has customizable compression, thanks to its unique construction. During testing, it held up through runs, weightlifting sessions, and complex agility drills. We also like that it’s highly breathable, with moisture-wicking materials and mesh panels that help sweat evaporate quickly. Potential Flaws Unlike most of our other top picks, this sports bra has two-way stretch instead of four-way stretch. It may feel a little stiffer. Verywell Fit Compare Fit Support Comfort Adjustability Durability Best Overall: lululemon Run Times Bra High Support $68 at Lululemon 5 5 5 5 5 Best for Larger Breasts: Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra $62 at aloyoga.com 5 5 4.8 5 5 Best Zip-Front: lululemon Enlite Front-Zip Bra High Support See price at Lululemon 5 4.8 5 5 Best for Running: Reebok High-Impact Sports Bra $15 at Amazon 4.7 5 5 5 Most Supportive: Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra $34 at Amazon 5 5 4.5 5 5 Most Versatile: All In Motion High Support Racerback Bra See price at Amazon 4.8 5 4.5 5 5 Best With Convertible Straps: Oiselle Queen Bra See price at oiselle.com 4.8 5 4.8 4.8 4.5 Most Breathable: Brooks Crossback Run Bra 2.0 $65 at Zappos 4.5 5 5 5 Most Stylish: Brooks Drive Plunge Run Bra 2.0 $45 at Amazon 4.3 4.3 4 5 Best With Underwire: Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra $66 at Amazon 5 3.8 4.7 4 Best Investment: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra $89 at Knix 4 5 4 5 5 Best Adjustable: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra $69 at Amazon 4.5 4.8 4.8 5 4.8 High-Impact Sports Bras We Also Tested We tested 61 sports bras, but only 12 made it onto our final list. While these other options impressed us in some ways, they didn’t quite meet our expectations. Although Under Armour’s UA Infinity High Sports Bra is supportive and well-made, we found that it felt stiff and uncomfortable. The straps and band were also too tight, causing the bra to ride up in the back. Maaree’s Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra offers exceptional coverage and support. However, we noticed that the adjustable overband across the top of the bra irritated our underarms. It’s also pricier than many of our other top picks are. We like that Syrokan’s High Impact Sports Bra feels light and airy, but the straps and hook-and-eye closure on the band were challenging to adjust. Where We Stand After testing 61 sports bras, lululemon’s Run Times Bra is our favorite high-impact option. We love that it's comfortable, supportive, and highly breathable. The buttery soft material moves with you for a barely-there feel. We continue to test each high-impact sports bra at home, and we’ll update our recommendations if we notice anything significant that we haven't already mentioned here. Verywell Fit What to Look for When Shopping for a High-Impact Sports Bra Fit: According to our experts, a high-impact sports bra should feel snug in the band, with cups that lay flush against your chest (meaning no visible gaps). Also, check that you’re not spilling out the sides or over the top of your bra. Note that while the band of your sports bra should feel snug, it shouldn't be too tight, as a recent study suggests that wearing a too-tight sports bra could negatively impact running performance. When in doubt, look for adjustable straps and an adjustable band, and use the brand’s size chart to help you find the right fit, says Marissa Renelt, assistant merchant at Bare Necessities. She also recommends buying sports bras that are sold in traditional bra sizes. Support: Look for support features that go above and beyond to prevent excess movement. A bra with high compression will hold your breasts close to your chest wall. Another major plus: encapsulated cups, which isolate, lift, and stabilize each breast. If you have a larger chest, you may prefer bras with an underwire or a high neckline for even more support; or perhaps a plus-size sports bra might be a better fit. Straps: Wide, padded straps help distribute the weight of your breast tissue evenly along your shoulders and back to prevent strain. Adjustability: Adjustable straps and bands provide a customizable fit, which can be especially helpful for larger busts, our experts say. Just make sure the straps aren’t the only feature holding up your chest, explains bra fit specialist Heather Laporte. Materials: Choose a bra made from soft, breathable materials that wick away moisture, like nylon, elastane, spandex, or polyester. Avoid scratchy hardware and itchy seams, says Lauren Sheu, RRCA, a certified running coach. She also suggests steering clear of cotton because it retains moisture and dries slowly, trapping bacteria and odor. Care: To get the most out of your sports bra, always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Our experts recommend closing all of a bra’s fasteners and placing it in a mesh laundry bag. Then, wash it on a delicate cycle using mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners to preserve your bras’ moisture-wicking properties and never put them in the dryer—our experts say this can compromise the elasticity. Instead, hang them to dry. Verywell Fit How We Tested the High-Impact Sports Bras To find the best high-impact sports bras, we’ve tested 16 expert-recommended options from top brands. During testing, we evaluate each bra based on the following key criteria: Fit: When we first try the bra on, we check to see if we can comfortably place two fingers between the straps and our shoulders. Does the band rest parallel and snug around our ribcage without being too tight? Do the straps or band pinch, leaving red marks? We also prioritize bras that provide even coverage, with no spillage or gapping. Comfort: While wearing the bra before, during, and after workouts, we note how comfortable it feels. It is soft and breathable, or scratchy and tight? A bra earns a perfect score for comfort if we forget we’re even wearing it, after an hour or two. Support: During each test, we wear the bra for four different workouts: a 30-minute jog, a 30-minute dance workout, a 30-minute HIIT workout, and a 15-minute jump rope workout. Is it compressive enough to hold our breasts in place without feeling restrictive? We look for bras that keep our chests fully contained, without any spillage or pain in our shoulders or backs. Adjustability: A high-impact sports bra should be adjustable, for a closer fit. Can we adjust the straps, band, or both? What kind of closures does the bra have, and are they easy to use? Durability: At the end of the test, we check to see if the bra has maintained its structure after multiple wears and washes. Has it started to pill, fade, or stretch out? Bras with a high durability score show little to no signs of wear and tear. Value: To rate each sports bra’s value, we don’t look at the price until the end of the testing period—after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on how the bra performed, do we think the price accurately reflects its value? Would we pay that much for the bra, or would we only buy it if it went on sale? Verywell Fit Our Experts At every stage of researching and reporting this story, we spoke with experts for additional guidance. Some helped us understand how a high-impact sports bra should fit, while others shared helpful shopping tips. A few experts also helped guide us on which features to look for in a sports bra, like adjustable straps and breathable fabrics. We choose products independently, but expert input influences some of our choices. Heather Laporte, bra fit specialist and owner of Amour, a lingerie and loungewear boutique in Des Moines, Iowa Ellyn Ferriter, MPH, CPT, small group training coach and group fitness instructor at Life Time Athletic in Des Moines Amanda Barton, CPT, certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and founder of Strong Lean Happy in Las Vegas Suzanne Koval, MPT, physical therapist and founder of Bao Bei Body Helena Kaylin, founder and CEO of MINDD, an intimate apparel company Jackelyn Turner, PT, DPT, clinical director at Strive Physical Therapy in Delran, New Jersey Lauren Sheu, RRCA, certified running coach and founder of Running for Wellness LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra researcher and movement expert, aka the Boob Guru Marissa Renelt, assistant merchant at Bare Necessities Frequently Asked Questions What’s the difference between high-impact and low-impact sports bras? Low-impact sports bras are designed with light support for casual, non-strenuous activities, when comfort and style are your main priority. High-impact sports bras hold your bust firmly in place during vigorous activity and sudden bursts of movement—plus, they’re usually more adjustable and offer more coverage. When should you wear a high-impact sports bra? High-impact activities where your feet simultaneously leave the ground (like running, jumping, HIIT, and court sports) all require a high-impact sports bra. When in doubt, opt for a more supportive bra for long-term wear to prevent discomfort, Turner says. Can you wear a high-impact sports bra all day long? It depends: Wearing a high-impact sports bra all day could cause back or shoulder pain, especially if it’s very compressive or you’re wearing the wrong size. If it gets wet with sweat, you should change out of your sports bra immediately to prevent skin irritation or breakouts. How many high-impact sports bras should I own? It depends on how often you work out and how frequently you do laundry. If you enjoy the occasional intense workout, you may only need two—but daily runners may need four or five. Why Trust Verywell Fit A certified personal trainer and runner, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, understands how a supportive sports bra can help you feel your best. She does intense workouts almost daily and owns several high-impact sports bras herself. To write this guide, she prioritized trustworthy brands that aim to accommodate a variety of support needs, body types, style preferences, and budgets. Jessica favors eco-conscious brands that promote size, gender, and race inclusivity in their products and is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers. Additional reporting contributed by Christine Luff Certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and fitness writer Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve your performance and comfort. We Tested the Best Zip-Front Sports Bras—Here Are Our Stylish, Supportive Winners 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kipp S, Leahy MG, Sheel AW. Sports bra restriction on respiratory mechanics during exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Published online February 5, 2024. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit