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We Tested the Best High-Impact Sports Bras—These 14 Can Handle Any Workout

Comfortable support and bounce control for the most demanding sweat sessions

A close up of the side profile of the Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra

Verywell Fit

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 best high-impact sports bras, we first spoke with experts, including bra fit specialists, fitness experts, and physical therapists to learn which key features to look for. Then, we tested 79 expert-approved sports bras from top fitness brands. Our favorites received high scores for fit, comfort, support, adjustability, durability, and value.

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.

Pros
  • Comfortable and supportive

  • Breathable perforations

  • Padded straps

Cons
  • Not available in A cup sizes

Key Specs

Sizes: 32B-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, it 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.

Most Valuable Insight

"I was able to use a rowing machine, skiing machine, treadmill, battle ropes, and run laps with ease while wearing this sports bra. I didn't even think about this bra while I was working out, which is maybe the best thing of all. It's comfortable to wear throughout all workout intensity levels, feels soft and breathable, and is super easy to take off." —Ivy F., Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Highly supportive

  • Sleek, stylish design

  • Creates a flattering silhouette

Cons
  • Tricky to put on and take off

Key Specs

Sizes: 32C-38DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Not listed | 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 keep our chests contained and lifted while working out. 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 that 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.

Most Valuable Insight

"This sports bra is ultra-supportive and so impressively high-impact! I can do anything in this bra. It's not restrictive, but I feel completely secure. The encapsulation and separation are great! The straps are great and didn't cause any pain in my shoulders or back, which is impressive, considering how well it lifted my breasts. This is possibly the most supportive sports bra I've ever worn." —Sarah F., Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • High neckline

  • Breathable mesh panel

  • Very compressive

Cons
  • Not adjustable

  • Can be tough to take off

Key Specs

Sizes: 30A-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

  • This sports bra isn’t adjustable, which may not work well for some.
  • 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. 

Most Valuable Insight

"This bra fits true to size and is snug without being too tight. Even after several washings, it has remained just right in terms of its fit. The band around the rib cage is one of the most comfortable bands I've ever experienced on a sports bra. It's stretchy, soft and has the right amount of tension to keep the bra in place. I love how this bra fits and find it very comfortable." —Kristin C., Verywell Fit product tester

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-42DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, tumble dry low heat | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for those with 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.

Most Valuable Insight

"This is one of the most supportive bras I've worn. I really like how it has shoulder straps and a racer back strap for double support. The cups are well molded, too, with extra material all around the perimeter of the breast area, which prevented extra movement without a lot of pressure." —Sabrina W., Verywell Fit product tester

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-40DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, 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.

Most Valuable Insight

"I feel like this bra is comfortable for a high intensity compression bra. It keeps everything where it needs to be but doesn't restrict me to the point that I want to take it off as soon as I finish my workout. I honestly didn't even notice my bra when I was working out, which is saying something since most of my compression sports bras are so tight I feel like I can't breathe after doing an intense workout." —Jenni M., Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Stylish straps

  • Wide band

  • Laser-cut ventilation

Cons
  • Not adjustable

  • May hold onto odors

Key Specs

Sizes: 30A-40E | 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.

Most Valuable Insight

"The bra is super comfortable, mostly due to the laser-cut construction and minimal seaming throughout. It's exceptionally great in hot and humid weather due to how breathable it is, and I love that the band is a bit longer to help ensure it stays put. The fabric is soft and allows for good airflow." —Kimberly S., Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Highly compressive

  • Breathable mesh panel

  • Removable padding

Cons
  • Not adjustable

Key Specs

Sizes: 30A-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.

Most Valuable Insight

"This is a more compressive bra than I typically wear. It's snug throughout and I had the least amount of bouncing in this bra compared to all the others I tested. I would absolutely choose this bra for high-intensity exercises like HIIT and mid-intensity exercises like running. I didn't notice any spillage." —Claire B., Verywell Fit product tester

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-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 and sizes ranging from 32C to 42I, there’s an option for lots of wearers and workouts. 

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.

Most Valuable Insight

"This is extremely supportive. My chest didn't go anywhere while wearing this bra. The straps and the band are wide, so the weight feels evenly distributed. I wasn't spilling out anywhere. I could wear this bra to any workout and feel comfortable the whole time. It kept my chest separated and firmly in place." —Sarah F., Verywell Fit product tester

Back of the Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra displayed on a wood floor

Verywell Fit

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: 28A-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.

Most Valuable Insight

"This bra is thick and soft. I love the fabric, and the molded cups offer structure (no "uni-boob" here). And it's totally opaque, without a ton of unnecessary padding in the cups. It feels very durable, and it washed well. I know this bra is well-made and will hold up for many workouts in the future." —Sarah F., Verywell Fit product tester

Blue Knix Catalyst Sports Bra displayed on wood floor

Verywell Fit

Pros
  • Zip-front closure

  • Convertible straps

  • Customizable compression

Cons
  • Two-way stretch

Key Specs

Sizes: 32AA-46H | 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.

Most Valuable Insight

"Adjustability is where this bra shines. It has customizable straps that you can tighten and loosen as needed. The straps can also cross or not depending on what you need. The band adjusts as well without hooks so you can get the fit absolutely perfect." —Abigail W., Verywell Fit product tester

Purple SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra displayed on carpet

Verywell Fit

Pros
  • Comfortable, durable, and moisture-wicking

  • Adjustable straps that stay put

  • Extremely supportive with a barely-there feel

Cons
  • May run small

Key Specs

Sizes: 30A-42G | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Elastane, polyester | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low heat | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 

Who It's For

Best for exercisers who want an adjustable, zip-front sports bra that can handle high-intensity workouts and is a breeze to put on and take off.

Why We Love It

Adidas' TLRD Impact Luxe High-Support Zip Bra earned nearly a perfect score during testing thanks to its convenient zip-front, incredible support, and high-quality fabric, which kept us comfy and dry during more intense workouts. We prefer sports bras with adjustable straps that don't pinch or feel overly tight and this one truly delivers, providing excellent adjustability and comfort throughout our workouts. We also appreciate that the straps stay put, allowing us to move freely without any restriction.

We like wearing this sports bra while working out, running, and walking and appreciate its soft, durable, and moisture-wicking fabric. As we worked out, we could barely feel it against our skin, allowing us to focus on our workout instead of constantly readjusting. Unlike other options, this one is a breeze to launder and can conveniently be tossed in the dryer.

Potential Flaws

  • While very comfy, this sports bra's band isn't adjustable, and it runs small. If you are in between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a better fit.

Most Valuable Insight

"This sports bra is extremely supportive. I've never worn a front-zip sports bra before so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's more comfortable and actually allows me to move more freely than some other sports bras I've tried because of its comfort and support." —Carrie G., Verywell Fit product tester

Greatness Wins High Output Sports Bra
PHOTO: Greatness Wins
Pros
  • Comfy enough for all-day wear, including napping

  • Stays put without requiring any adjustments, even during intense workouts

  • Soft, smooth material that wicks away moisture

Cons
  • Crisscross straps can make it more challenging to remove post-workout

  • Pads aren't sewn in and can bunch up

Key Specs

Sizes: 32A-38D | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Spandex, jersey knit, nylon | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low heat | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 

Who It's For

Best for exercisers who want a strappy high-impact sports bra with built-in sun protection that's comfy enough to nap in.

Why We Love It

When shopping, we look for sports bras that provide solid support and compression, and Greatness Wins' High Output Sports Bra provided just the right amount for our HIIT, cardio, and kickboxing workouts. We love how it fits, providing great compression and support, with easily adjustable straps for a more customized fit. We also love that it stays put, never requiring any mid-workout adjustments and we never experience any spillage or gapping while jumping, running, and boxing.

Its ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 30+ fabric feels soft and smooth against our skin and quickly wicks away moisture, keeping us dry and comfortable throughout our workouts. With a barely-there feel, we often forget we're wearing it and found it comfy enough to take multiple naps in. Plus, after all-day wear, intense workouts, and plenty of naps, it never leaves any marks, irritation, or indentations on our skin.

Potential Flaws

  • While we love this bra's cute and stylish crisscross straps, they can make it more difficult to remove the bra after a workout, especially when our hair is in a top knot.
  • The pads aren't sewn in and can bunch up or fall out. Because of this, we recommend this bra for those who prefer a non-padded bra.

Most Valuable Insight

"My favorite thing about this sports bra is how I get the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and support. I often feel I can't get both in sports bras, but this bra changed that for me. The cute strappy design on the back is an added plus." —Casey J., Verywell Fit product tester

Best With Phone Pocket

Oiselle Flyout Bra

Oiselle Flyout Bra
PHOTO: Oiselle
Pros
  • Excellent support, even while running and jumping

  • Thin padding provides just enough coverage

  • Extra-wide, comfortable straps

Cons
  • No adjustability

Key Specs

Sizes: 26B-40C | Support Level: High | Adjustable: No | Padding: Yes | Materials: Spandex, polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low heat | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 

Who It's For

Best for those who want a super comfy, wide strapped high-impact sports bra with a convenient built-in phone pocket.

Why We Love It

Like carrying your phone during your workouts? Try Oiselle's Flyout Bra, a super comfy option with a convenient back pocket for your phone that provides excellent support for runs, strength training, exercising on a rebounder, and more. We wear this bra for a variety of high-intensity workouts, but we especially love it for running and jumping exercises because it keeps our breasts firmly in place, without feeling overly tight or restrictive.

We appreciate its extra-wide straps and moisture-wicking fabric, making it comfy enough for all-day wear and longer workouts. There's just enough padding to provide great coverage, without the bra feeling overly bulky. Plus, it's easy to put on and take off, and never leaves any marks or irritation on our skin.

Potential Flaws

  • This bra runs true to size, but doesn't have any adjustability features, so it may not work well for some.

Most Valuable Insight

"I love the wide straps, the right amount of padding and support, and the extra storage area in the back for my phone. It didn't bother me while wearing it all day or for longer workouts that lasted over an hour." —Holly K., Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Lightly padded for just enough coverage

  • Very supportive, even during exercises like high knees

  • Highly adjustable straps and band

Cons
  • May cause chafing, especially during upper body exercises

Key Specs

Sizes: 32A-44H | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Spandex, polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 

Who It's For

Best for exercisers with heavy breasts who want a highly supportive and adjustable sports bra.

Why We Love it

ThirdLove's Kinetic Adjustable Sports Bra is our fave option for exercisers with heavy breasts because it provides unmatched support and plenty of adjustability features for a customized, secure fit. We wore this bra during spin workouts, runs, fitness walks, weightlifting, and boot camp fitness classes. We love its wide, straps and adjustable band, which never dig into our skin uncomfortably. Plus, it's lightly padded and not bulky, providing just enough coverage.

We were very pleasantly surprised to learn that this option has highly adjustable straps that can also be worn over the shoulders since racerbacks and crisscross straps tend to bother our necks or cause headaches. We also appreciate that it doesn't limit our motion at all. And unlike other sports bras we've worn, we forget that we're even wearing it, allowing us to fully focus on our workouts.

Potential Flaws

  • While we love the support this bra provides, it led to uncomfortable chafing during upper body weightlifting exercises. Because of this, we don't recommend this bra for those who plan on focusing on the upper body during their workouts, and instead recommend it for workouts like spin.

Most Valuable Insight

"I feel more supported in this sports bra than in any option I’ve worn post-kids. In other sports bras, I’ve been acutely aware of my breasts and been uncomfortable and self-conscious of their lack of support. I decided to put this bra to the test at a boot camp class, and during a 45-second stint of high knees, I realized that I’d forgotten that I had breasts. This bra functions exactly as you want a sports bra to function." —Teresa M., Verywell Fit product tester

High-Impact Sports Bras We Also Tested

We tested 79 sports bras, but only 14 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. 
A person wearing the Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra

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 former bra fit expert Marissa Renelt. 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 our experts say can be especially helpful for larger busts. Just ensure 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 certified running coach Lauren Sheu, RRCA. 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.
A close up of the straps on the Oiselle Queen Bra

Verywell Fit

How We Tested the High-Impact Sports Bras

To find the best high-impact sports bras, we tested 79 expert-recommended options from top brands, wearing them during various indoor and outdoor workouts. 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? 
The front of a person wearing the Oiselle Flyout Bra

Verywell Fit

Our Experts

At every stage of researching, testing, and reporting process, 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, Iowa
  • 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, physical therapist and 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
  • Marissa Renelt, former bra fit expert at Bare Necessities and assistant buyer at Burlington Stores

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, says Turner.

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, runner, and writer for Verywell Fit, 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, ACE-CPT, and Gabrielle Applebury, MA, MFT

Certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and fitness writer for Verywell Fit 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.

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she's dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing.

For this article, all authors looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.

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.
  1. Kipp S, Leahy MG, Sheel AW. Sports bra restriction on respiratory mechanics during exerciseMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2024;56(6):1168-1176. DOI:10.1249/MSS.0000000000003403

Christine Luff

By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT
Christine knows that the right fitness gear can improve your motivation and workouts. She uses her expertise and experience as a fitness writer and personal trainer to recommend products she can stand behind.