Best Sports Bras Reviewed and Rated
There are many people that are under the misconception that any bra will work for when you exercise. In fact, not using a sports bra can actually cause extreme discomfort and sometimes an injury. This is because most bras are not designed to take the weight and stress of exercising and these movements can damage the structural integrity of a bra. Keeping your skin integrity at it’s best as well as maintaining overall comfort through those exceptionally sweaty sessions at the gym is imperative. If you are uncomfortable you are less likely to stay on your fitness journey and finding the best sports bra can help you stick with it and crush your goals.
Featured Recommendations
- Fruit of the Loom Pullover
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Our rating - Accessible
- Cotton
- Price: See Here
- Fruit of the Loom Built Up
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Our rating - Supportive
- Soft Materials
- Price: See Here
- Vermilion Bird High Impact
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Our rating - Chest Pocket
- Compression
- Price: See Here
One of the biggest reasons why people choose to wear a bra specifically designed for sports is because they will help reduce chest pain significantly. The muscle ligaments that hold the pectoral muscles are often overlooked. Not having the correct support system in place could cause these ligaments to work overtime and potentially tear, which is not only uncomfortable but will also hinder your fitness goals.
Using a sports bra will also prevent your chest from sagging or premature sagging. It can help keep your chest in place and restrict the amount of movement and force applied to it. This is important because your chest is moving in different directions that your muscles are not used to. These movements can loosen the elasticity in the area and over a period of time, will start to sag. Most sports bras are equipped to cope with the irregular movements and the stresses it may have on your chest.
Regular bars usually have wires that can be incredibly uncomfortable while you are exercising. They are also not designed to ventilate and can cause moisture build up which not only translates to discomfort but potential skin infections or irritations. To prevent the risk of bacteria and odors, it is important to find equipment that can ventilate and keep you dry while you exercise.
10 Best Sports Bras
1. Fruit of the Loom Pullover
Many people that wear bras have difficulties putting them on as the closure is on the back. This bra will save you the trouble as it can be easily pulled over your head. There are no securing mechanisms in hard to reach places, simply pop it on and go for your workout.
Cotton
This product is made of ninety-five percent cotton. Many people tend to prefer wearing cotton while they exercise or are in hot conditions as it is a super breathable fabric. The fabric is also very absorbent and will help the body cool down quickly.
Cost and Value
The cost varies depending on the size and color. Overall it is an affordable product that comes in a pack of three. The manufacturer has also included a set of pads for people who prefer to have added padding in the chest area.
- Machine washable
- Soft
- Breathable
- Simple ingredients
- Good quality
- Not shaped for curves
2. Fruit of the Loom Built Up
Many people enjoy having their chest supported when they exercise. Without the support, certain movements may become uncomfortable over a period of time. This product keeps your chest supported without making it very obvious, giving a smooth appearance to the outfit you wear.
Materials
Most bras use a mixture of Nylon or Spandex which can become very hot over time. This product is made of cotton, which allows for better air circulation within the bra. It is also more comfortable and soft compared to any other material.
Cost and Value
This product comes in an assortment of sizes. Depending on your needs, the price may be slightly cheaper or more expensive. Regardless, this product comes in a value pack of three which allows you to pay less but receive more.
- Comfortable
- Soft
- Easy to wear
- Machine Washable
- Supportive
- Loses elasticity over time
3. MIRITY Racerback
Many people complain about sweating in their clothing. While it will inevitably happen, the wet and slimy feeling is very uncomfortable for many. To mitigate the problem, this product comes with mesh panels on the chest to help ventilate and bring in some extra air.
Unrestricted Movement
Racerbacks are popular among people as it gives a larger range for people to move their arms. Straight straps often become uncomfortable at certain angles while the racerback guarantees it does not get in the way of workouts. Your shoulders and arms can completely rotate without worrying about snagging on something.
Cost and Value
This product comes at an affordable price point. As with all the other products, prices will slightly vary due to the size. The value in this is sports bra is that it will provide you with the ultimate cooling system while you workout.
- Back support
- Machine washable
- Chic
- Comes in variety of colors
- Ergonomic
- Patterns show through clothing
4. FITTIN Racerback
This product is created to be comfortable while offering the ultimate support. A lack of support can cause discomfort and injuries to your back or abs. The bra has a thick strap to ensure that your trapezoids are supporting your chest properly.
Moisture Wicking
Many bras have a fabric that simply absorb the sweat, but at some point the material won’t be able to handle the large volume of moisture. This product is created with a fabric that allows the sweat to simply slide off and wick away, keeping you cool while you exercise.
Cost and Value
This product comes at an affordable price and has so much technology packed inside that it is definitely worth every penny you spend. The bra is made of high-quality materials that will last a very long time. It is also something you can exercise while looking great in.
- Breathable
- Temperature control
- Machine washable
- Affordable
- Durable
- Not many color options
5. Champion Seamless
Unlike most products, this bra has an additional layer inside. This additional layer is shaped and padded so that it is essentially a second bra inside the first one. The inner pad has an extra wide bottom which allows for extra support and a more comfortable wear without sacrificing the way it looks.
Moisture Management
This product is almost completely designed with mesh knit to prevent overheating and developing excessive sweat. This mesh circles around the chest area and up onto the shoulders. There is also mesh knit area underneath the arms and down the back. The large areas of ventilation will keep you cool and dry during your entire workout.
Cost and Value
This product is a little more on the expensive side, however, there are a lot of benefits to this bra in comparison to many others. Their ventilation abilities are unlike others and are widely reported to be able to maintain the temperature control within the chest area. It also comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to find something that will suit your needs.
- Extra padding
- Supportive
- Durable
- Wicks away sweat
- Variety of colors
- For lower impact
6. SYROKAN High Impact
This product features a design others have never used. The bra is created with two thin layered mesh bras that are sewn together to create one tough and supportive product. Having the double layer ensures that the product supports your chest and reduces any extra weight on certain muscles. The straps will also be significantly stronger and able to keep up with any workout you throw at it.
Elastic Closure
There are many products that do not fit properly due to the closure. This product features an easy slip-on and slip-off system so that you do not have to deal with any clasps. The bottom of the bra is also held together by a tight band of elastic, ensuring that you have the perfect fit.
Cost and Value
This product's cost is more expensive, however, it is one price regardless of size. It gives a lot of value as you are essentially getting two bras for the price of one. Due to the durability, investing in one of these will be more than enough as it will have a significantly increased lifespan.
- Unique design
- Mesh knit
- Padded bra
- Tight elastic
- Machine washable
- Runs small
7. Vermilion Bird High Impact
A source of complaint for many people is that they have nowhere to store their valuables when they are exercising. This product has a cleverly designed pocket in the chest area to allow you to hold valuables such as keys, ID, and money.
Compression
A popular problem that many people have is that their chest gets in the way of their exercising. This bra uses a compression fabric that keeps your chest in place to protect it from extreme movements. This also prevents injury and discomfort to the pectoral muscles.
Cost and Value
Depending on your size, the price of the product varies. However, it is in an affordable range and is worth the investment. It features designs that other brands have not thought to incorporate and is also made to contour against your body. It is suitable for all types of exercise and is also machine washable.
- Chic
- Machine washable
- Variety of colors
- Chest pocket
- Good quality materials
- Not supportive enough
8. MIRITY Padded
Many people develop irritation and rashes in the areas where there are seams as they can chafe against the skin. The area where the fabric joins can become very rough and uncomfortable. This product is designed so that all the seams are hidden and will not stick out, allowing for completely seamless wear.
Comfortable
This product has extra wide shoulder straps to give your chest the support it needs. The straps will evenly distribute the weight so that your muscles work together to give your chest and back the support it needs. It also allows for easy wearing as you can slip it on and there are no additional clasps needed to secure the bra.
Cost and Value
This product is very cost efficient and comes at a great value. They sell in packages of three, allowing you to make the biggest bang for your buck. These bras are made to be extremely comfortable, to a point where you can sleep in it.
- Padded
- Extra support
- Ventilation
- Seamless
- Comfortable
- Too soft
9. Queenie Ke
One of the quickest places to start sweating is your back. Many people do not enjoy working out once their back becomes wet. To combat this problem, this bra has an open back that is created by multiple straps of elastic that keep the structure together. This allows for complete ventilation and a sweat-free back.
Sweat Wicking Fabric
For the areas that need to be covered, the QK-Extreme fabric was created to help combat the moisture. The fabric will cause the moisture created from your exercise to slip off the fabric and not stay against your skin. This is beneficial as it will prevent any skin allergies or bacteria from developing.
Cost and Value
This product comes at an affordable price point that slightly increases as you go up in chest size. It is suitable for people looking to exercise lightly or go on hikes. The open back will allow you to stay cool and regulate your body temperature better.
- Moisture wicking
- Colorful
- Machine washable
- Open back design
- affordable
- No large cup sizes
10. AKAMC
One of the main concerns for people with a heavier chest is whether a bra can support and help them correct their posture. If the chest stays imbalanced, it can lead to back pain and shoulder discomfort. To prevent this problem, this product has been created with a double strap system that allows for it to properly distribute the weight and prevent muscle soreness.
Versatile
It can be quite frustrating when you need a different bra for each specific purpose, there are not many products out there that are versatile. Fortunately, this sports bra will do all of it. It is capable of supporting a significant amount of weight while being padded and soft enough to use as sleepwear.
Cost and Value
This product comes with a fantastic value as it comes in a pack of three to save you money. Another benefit is that this bra can substitute and adapt to different situations, thus eliminating your need to buy other ones for other occasions. Overall, the price point and value cannot be beaten and is well worth the investment.
- Can used multiple ways
- Bright cheerful colors
- Machine washable
- Good back support
- Extra padding
- Runs small
As more users realize the benefits, sports bras are growing in popularity. As a result, the technology for these items is improving at a quick pace. More products are appearing on the market with different specifications and in an assortment of bright colors. This is extremely beneficial to a consumer as the demand increases, companies will look for a way to mass produce these items thus making them more cost-efficient.
Criteria for Evaluating the Best Sports Bras
Activity Levels
Each sports bra will usually be rated for the intensity it can withstand. Depending on what kind of exercise you normally do, there are different brands and models that fit better. These levels are split into three categories:
- Light to Medium –
For people that will be doing light to medium activity, your main priority should be comfort. Choosing something that is lightweight and allows for movement will be enough to meet your needs. These workouts are expected to be slower paced and more gentle. Sports bras in this category are ideal for yoga and stretching. As movement is not expected to be sudden, seamless sports bras will be suitable and offer you the maximum comfort.
[space] - Medium to High –
Others that are into a more vigorous workout should find something that gives you a little more control. Having a sports bra that can offer a little more control over how much movement happens when you jump will help protect your chest from potential injuries. While these bras are not meant to be used for high impact sessions, they should be able to ventilate more and allow for more air to circulate within your chest cavity. It is not recommended to choose a bra with spaghetti straps as they do not offer enough support and are prone to slipping. - Maximum –
Maximum activity bras are usually designed for athletes and people that are extremely serious regarding their fitness regime. These bras are structurally very strong and offer a lot of support in the chest area. It comes padded to prevent impact and also uses a compression material to keep your chest in place. Most of these will be made from fabric that is stretch resistant, which will protect you from a wardrobe malfunction. An important recommendation is to choose a product with a higher neckline as it will further reduce movement of your chest.
Features
- Bra Shape –
There are two shapes that most people use, they are compression and encapsulation. Compression bras do not have two individual cups and resemble a shelf. These are great as they are more comfortable and are suited for a large variety of activities. They are popular amongst fitness groups as they are more affordable and often can also be used at home comfortably.
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Encapsulation shape simply means that the bra comes with two distinct cups. These can be uncomfortable as the fabric in between can act as a separation in your chest. Sometimes it can cause discomfort and also skin issues if there is a large level of moisture buildup in the area. Encapsulated sports bras are ideal for serious athletes and people participating in high impact activities. This is because these products will be able to offer more structural supported and physically restrict and prevent your chest from overextending and causing injury.
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Recently, there have been some items on the market which feature a mixture of both. While they are more expensive, they will offer the ultimate support and protection while maintaining comfort levels as your exercise.
[space] - Straps –
The two most common type of straps are is either the racerback design or the wide strap design. Exactly the way the name describes it, wide strap bras are simply wide straps placed on each should to resemble a tank top. These straps work well as they do not slip and are comfortable. However, these straps may restrict your three hundred sixty degree movement. As the circle that your arm goes through is limited in size, it may mean that certain reaching movements are restricted.
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The racerback strap design is much more different as the hole in which your arm goes through connects all the way to your back. The larger hole size in the bra will allow for unrestricted movement and will be more comfortable for more intense workouts. The racerback style also utilizes the thick strap that goes down your back to pull your loaded frontal weight more towards the back, allowing for a more balanced position. This will minimize any potential back pain or muscle soreness.
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Recently there have been new designs on the market that are a hybrid of both types. Usually, this is created by having a thin tank top strap on each side while an additional cross strap is added to the bra which will have overlapping parts with the tank top strap. Those points are sewn together and reinforced to allow for four support points in the back versus the traditional two. This allows for the product to be able to withstand heavier loads and heavier stresses.
[space] - Pull Over VS Clasps –
Most sports bras come either as a pullover or with clasps. For most people doing lower intensity workouts, pull over sports bras are a popular choice This is because it is easy to wear, simply slip on and slip off. They are also constructed as one piece, which lowers the chance of seams breaking and early retirement of a product. Pull over items are usually made with cotton which can help ventilate the hot air in your body. Unfortunately, pullover styles are not recommended for people with a larger chest as they are not rigid enough to provide proper support. They are usually one size and unable to be adjustable, which means you are not eligible to purchase one if you are between two sizes.
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On the other hand, clasps are fully adjustable and can be changed until it fits you perfectly. Usually, clasps are sewn into the back, making it incredibly difficult for people who want to put one on themselves. Clasped sports bras usually come with adjustable straps that can come loose and slide off. For people with larger chests, purchasing these products are extremely beneficial as the sides are rigid enough to offer you the support to prevent your back from becoming sore.
[space] - Sizing –
When it comes to bra sizing, it can be quite tricky and is best having a professional do it for you. There are measurements that are taken to come up with the magical number that you have to look for on the sports bras that you choose. The first measurement is the rib cage which is the full circumference underneath the breast area. The measuring tape should be able to fit tightly without restricting your breathing. Based on the circumference of your rib cage, there is a chart that can simply tell you the band size of your sports bra. The other measurement required is the bust, which is a measurement of the fullest part of the breast. Once you subtract your rib cage number by your bust size, the difference will be what determines your cup size. It can be quite confusing and difficult if you are trying to measure it on your own. As mentioned, it is recommended you have a professional do it to ensure the proper fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I maintain my Sports Bra?
A: Many of these products are machine washable but in order to increase the longevity of your product, it’s best that they are hand washed. Simply use a mild detergent in cold water and let it soak for a while. After fifteen minutes or so, rub the fabric to work the soap in and rinse. It is important to let it air dry to prevent shrinking. Never use any sort of fabric softener or bleach on your product as it will damage the materials and potentially render your item useless.
Q: When should I replace my sports bra?
A: You’ll be able to tell that the lifespan of your product is near when the straps start to fray. Because most of the straps are made with elastic, they will eventually warp and lose their elasticity. The fabric is also a good indicator as to whether the time is also up to buy a new one as it will start to sag and wear thin.
Q: Where can I buy a Sports Bra?
A: They can easily be purchased in large department stores or sports supermarkets. Depending on the brand, there are many affordable options in large box stores. If there is a specific brand or type you are looking for, it may necessitate an online order.
Q: What is a good sports bra for running?
A: There are many different models and brands that are suitable. The key is to find something that you will be comfortable in. It is important to double check the fabric and ensure it has anti-chafing capabilities. People that run for long distances will have their skin break when the fabric continuously rubs against it. Ideally, it is best to choose a bra that either has an enclosed underwire or no wire at all as these are also points where chafing can occur.
Q: Can I use a sports bra even if I’m not exercising?
A: There are many products that are created just for lounging around the house. It is important to check and see if the lounging bra can also be used for exercising, otherwise you’ll need to purchase a separate one. Lounging doesn’t require the type of support that sports do and even your daily house work won’t require an extreme amount of support. This is important to keep in mind when transitioning your sports bra from home to the gym.
Q: Will sports bras help reduce chest fatigue?
A: Absolutely! A sports bra will be able to offer extra support and can reduce the amount of fatigue your body feels in any kind of situation. While different products may have different capabilities, they are all designed to offer some sort of support which can help alleviate your discomfort.
