Sports Bra Reviews: How To Pick The Right Model For Your Body

We Tried Them: The Best Sports Bra For Your Body

Sports bras may be the unsung heroes of your workout gear. They don't get star-studded, inspiring ads the way your sneakers do. People don't wax on about their technology or how they improve a workout. In fact, talking about sports bras -- their fit, their function -- is at once so awkward and so truly individualized that we don't have a good way to talk about them ... until now!

At Healthy Living, we believe that having the right sports bra makes a huge difference when it comes to enjoying your workout. And only 15 to 20 percent of women are wearing the right bra size for their bodies, LaJean Lawson, an adjunct professor of exercise and sport science at Oregon State University, revealed to Shape.

We called in the big guns for this sports gear review. As in previous reviews (you can see our feelings on running shoes here and our piece on fitness trackers here), we've divvied up the work, but in this instance we enlisted some extra HuffPost staffers to make sure all sizes and activity-types were represented. We also decided to remain anonymous on this one. As you well know, dear reader, this is one area that's, ah, sensitive.

Read on for our best picks:

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Before You Go

Sports Bras We've Tried
Lululemon Energy Bra(01 of17)
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What's It For: Yoga, WalkingSize: 4-12Price: $46.00Bells and Whistles: "Removable cups (though I kept them in), COOLMAX liner kept moisture off my skin."Our 36C says... This bra is meant for yoga, but I wore it while doing brisk walking and it offered plenty of supportIt was fitted without being too snug or tight -- very comfortable -- but I did not like the florescent tangerine color. My breasts were secured but not harnessed.I imagine there are plenty of other medium coverage options for less money. I would do a thorough search before plunking down nearly 50 bucks for this bra. That said, it's very well designed and would probably last a long time. Our 32D says...I took this one through a Vinyasa flow. Many medium coverage bras can be perilous, especially during inversions, but this one felt pleasingly secure. And it looked nice -- I'd probably wear it under a tank top in the summer just to bike around. (credit:Lululemon)
Lululemon Flow Y Bra IV(02 of17)
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What's It For: Yoga and the gymSize: 2-10Price: $42.00Bells and Whistles: Luon fabricOur 32C says...I used it for a My Ballet Beautiful DVD.It's simple and clean, and if you like a thin strapped bra that you can't see under a workout tank, you'll be pleased. It has removable cups, which I appreciated (and immediately took out). My sample was a really bright, fluorescent color -- like a green-y yellow? -- that glowed through a white t-shirt and even a tan sweater when I was puttering around my apartment after working out. Not my favorite look, but also not what I would have bought for myself, so sort of a moot point.It's generally comfortable. I was surprised that the straps, though thin, pulled on my shoulders a bit after a couple of hours. Maybe that's a sizing issue? I did like the so-called "luon fabric," which was pretty stretchy and kept me secure, but also felt like a comfy, cotton bra. It also kept my breasts separated, which was nice -- no uni-boob. (credit:Lululemon)
Lululemon Pace Bra(03 of17)
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What's It For: RunningSize: 2-12Price: $52.00Bells and Whistles: "This bra offers a very unique take on the 'halter' style bra. Imagine a sleeveless shirt with a hole in the middle of your back-- that’s what this bra feels like, but with straps, or as Lululemon calls it 'four-way stretch power' with an 'open back for airflow.' It even has a pocket to stash your house key in!"Our 34C says...I ran in this bra as it specified, but I also tried indoor cycling. The bra worked splendidly for both activities.I felt more supported than I’d ever had during my spin class. I was under the impression that riding on a bike caused more “bounce” than running and that was just the way things were. This bra entirely shifted my perspective. If you are an active indoor cycler and sympathize with the “bounce” sensation then this bra could probably alleviate it. It also provided great support while running outside. The straps were very light as well, which feels great when the weather is on the warmer side. The comments on the website complain about a “uniboob” which I can understand, but was not bothered by. I get sweaty in both of these activities and found the moisture wicking on this bra to be fantastic.I am one of those ladies who is extremely picky about the comfort of lingerie. It took me years to grow accustomed to the ubiquitous halter sports bra. The Pace bra struck me as unbearably odd when I first wore it. I got used to it quickly though. It fit perfectly even if the straps were a jarring feeling initially. While the straps take some getting used to -- if you’re a weirdo like me who found the introduction of bras the most traumatizing part of middle school, then you’ll agree. Normal women will probably enjoy the straps since they are built specifically to create support with minimal fabric. (credit:Lululemon)
Moving Comfort Fiona(04 of17)
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What's It For: High-impact sportsSize: 30B to 44DDPrice: $46.00Bells and Whistles: "Bright color"Our 32C says...I jogged, on the treadmill, and had a moderate workout on the elliptical machine.The Fiona has an adjustable back closure, which means you can play around with the fit, but coupled with the padded cups, it looked a little goofy to me. (My husband saw it sitting out and asked if it was a training bra.) I liked the bright color -- mine was purple -- and the contrast piping on the straps, which gave it a little pizzaz.The fit on the Fiona was pretty great, largely because I was able to play around with the adjustable back closure and the adjustable straps (they've got concealed hook-and-loop closures). But I had to run around in my apartment a bit to make sure I got everything just right.Once I adjusted it, the bra was really comfortable and provided plenty of support. One complaint, and this is a biggie for me: Though it had molded cups that I hoped would do a good job of providing coverage, my nipples were definitely showing pretty prominently when I went on my run.Our 34C says...I ran outside and did indoor cycling.Loved the colors, purple and green were very pretty, but the straps are like a normalbra, which I had some issues with during my running experiment but not while spinning. Fiona fits pretty well. The straps go over the shoulders like a traditional bra. I’ve noticed that most sports bras employ a “halter” style, which, I’ve found ultimately does provide more support for me. I am super picky with bras and I found the clasp in the back very distracting when I went for a run. It felt clunky and uncomfortable, something I wasn’t as bothered by during my spinning class. I am more accustomed to sports bras that do not require a clasp, but I am a fortunate size, where I can have that luxury. I understand that the clasp of this bra is intended to provide more support for buxom athletes.I felt pretty supported during my spinning class. I never once thought about the sweat absorption, which is positive. However I did not find this easy to put on and take off or super intuitive to adjust. I felt more supported during spinning than I did during running even though this bra is intended more for running according to its website.I’d say this is best for spinning, but since the bra straps are similar to a basic t-shirt bra I think you could wear this for a everyday use too -- if you found it comfortable, which I did not. (credit:Moving Comfort)
Moving Comfort Alexis Bra(05 of17)
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What's It For: High-impact sportsSize: 32AB to 40APrice: $34.00Bells and Whistles: WickingOur 34B says...I wore it on a jog and to a Spinning class.The tag calls the Alexis "the 'wonder bra' of sports bras." Without knowing I was wearing anything out of the ordinary, two of my closest fitness friends (so they're allowed to say things like this) noticed something was different -- in a good way. Then we launched into a passionate discussion of how little we care what our breasts look like when we're exercising. Girl power!I love the mesh across the top and back, and the thin straps. And I'm obsessed with the way this bra fits. The cups provide subtle support, and the thin straps are totally flattering. But after I started sweating, I never felt the wicking kick in. The sweatier I got, the more the cups began to feel like stiff plastic stuck to me. I found myself continuously wanting to pull the bra away from my body during the second half of my workouts. Plus, the straps adjust so far down the back, I couldn't fix the fit once it was already on.Overall, the shaping and support were spot on, but there was little ventilation or moisture control.Our second 34B says...I ran five miles in this little number.This looks like the first bikini I ever owned. It is ugly. I received the “violet/jungle cat/lime” color -- there are two other color options that are much less offensive seeming. The thin straps are appealing and I liked the mesh cleavage window -- a little treat just for me!That said, this bra felt too big all over -- the straps, even when adjusted to the tightest form, didn’t pull the body of the bra up as high as I needed it. The bra was loose around my ribcage and armpits as well. I thought this would lead to chafing, but it didn’t. The fabric did not seem to absorb any sweat, which made my boobs feel steamy and uncomfortable. (credit:Moving Comfort)
Moving Comfort Jubralee(06 of17)
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What's It For: High-impact sportsSize: 30B to 44DDPrice: $54.00Bells and Whistles: WickingOur 36E says...I ran on the treadmill and elliptical, and did weights. This bra was super sporty but girly at the same time, which I liked. It's a deep purple with neon green accents. I sort of felt like I was wearing a pair of hip Nikes on my chest!The pros were that it was very tight, which I definitely need. As a large-chested woman, I often am forced to wear two bras at once during my workout. With the Jubralee, I was very comfortable wearing just one, and felt well tucked in. I'm not sure I've ever used such a supportive bra without an underwire, which was cool.Unfortunately, there were some cons too. If supportive bras are not an issue you struggle with, I could see how this would be a little too restrictive. As mentioned, there was no underwire in this bra, which specifically boasts support. I think an underwire normally balances out that suffocating feeling, which might be overwhelming for some people. Also the straps were a little low and not adjustable, which I would have preferred. (credit:Moving Comfort)
Moving Comfort Endurance Racer(07 of17)
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What's It For: JoggingSize: 30C to 38DDPrice: $52.00Bells and Whistles: "The label promised that the 'unique racer-back style adds support and makes getting dressed or undressed a breeze' but I found it very tricky to get on and off."Our 36C says...This bra did provide "powerful support" as advertised. It fit well (once I shimmied into it) and provided a lot of support. It pinched a bit but that may be because I needed a larger size. The material didn't keep me particularly dry. (credit:Moving Comfort)
Moving Comfort Rebound Racer(08 of17)
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What's It For: JoggingSize: 30B to 38DDPrice: $50.00Bells and Whistles: "None, as far as I could tell."Our 32D says...I used this to run three miles. I've got a small rib cage and a big cup size, which means that the pull-over, one-size-fits-most ethos of the sports bra world doesn't exactly work for me. I need something that's snug around my body, but also leaves enough room up top. The rebound racer really fit the bill in this regard: I didn't move at all while I was running.Stylistically, the mint green color and distressed fabric were pleasing, although I did have a touch of uniboob. It seemed, all things considered, like a small price to pay for a fully-supported chest. (credit:Moving Comfort)
Under Armour Protegee(09 of17)
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What's It For: Running and high impact sportsSize: A through DDPrice: $49.99Bells and Whistles: "This zip-front bra is made with Under Armour's patented HeatGear to help wick moisture away and keep you cool. It's also built for maximum, chafe-free support."Our 34B says...I wore the Protegée during a soccer game. Let's just get the elephant in the room out of the way: A zip-frontbra is more than a little sexy. I'm not saying I don't like that, I just question its priorities. I absolutely love the all-mesh back.I usually buy sports bras a little on the small side, but the Protegée seems to run a little too small. I thought maybe I needed to take my inhaler before realizing it was the chest band of the bra stealing my air. The Protegée also emphasized that annoying little armpit roll -- you know the one. Everyone has it, but we certainly don't need to emphasize it, am I right?! I can't fault Under Armour completely -- I'm sure one size bigger would make a world of difference.Because of the small fit, there was a bit of a uniboob effect, but that doesn't bother me as long as it's in the name of maximum support. And there's even "anti-microbial technology" involved to help keep the bra odor-free the longer you wear it.Under Armour isn't kidding when they say this model is built for high impact. Despite running and jumping all over the soccer field, there was hardly any movement up top -- surprising, since I figured there was no way a flimsy zipper could hold much in.Our 32A says...I ran a little over 2 miles outdoors, and then on another day, played two hours of indoor volleyball in this bra. Simple, classic sports bra design in a dark color (which I always appreciate). Supportive straps (not too thick, not too thin), with a racerback. It comes on and off via a front zipper, which I found extremely convenient. I am slim but have athletic shoulders, so sports bras that require having to stretch the entire thing over my head usually result in a lot of painful body contortions. But not so with this bra. Also, I really appreciated that the bra had some very slight padding (it's probably fairer to say it had a cup molding, versus padding). As a "small-figured" woman, wearing sports bras usually make me look like a teenage boy, so I really appreciated that there was a cup-like aspect to this bra. The bra fit great -- I forgot that I was wearing it for most of my exercises. The only thing is that my shoulders felt a little tugged-at, particularly when I played volleyball in it (I'm a setter, and when I look up and raise my arms up to set the ball, it kind of constrains a bit) -- perhaps I should've gone up a size? -- but it wasn't anything major. I felt really supported and I didn't experience fabric digging into my skin or any chafing, nor did I feel overly sweaty in the chest area. (credit:Under Armour)
Champion Show-Off Sports Bra(10 of17)
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What's It For: Maximum support during runsSize: 32A through 38DDPrice: $25.99Bells and Whistles: NoneOur 34DD says...I used it during the elliptical machine, fast walking/jogging and an exercise DVD.I was really excited about the fit of this bra -- it felt like maybe sports bras were finally catching up to the regular bra world when it comes to sizing. But it didn't hold up for me under vigorous exercise. I'd recommend it for something a little gentler, especially if your chest is large.This bra fit great, but it didn't hold everything down the way I'd prefer during particularly vigorous exercise. It also felt like it was riding up in the back and digging in in the front toward the end of my elliptical workout.Our 34B says...I wore the Show-Off to do Pilates in my living room, during a soccer game and, just for the heck of it, while moving a whole bunch of furniture (that counts as strength-training, right?).I've never worn a nicer-looking sports bra. The contrasting teal panels are lovely, and the thin straps give it a modern look. The racerback is thinner than I'm used to, which makes the cut around the arms more flattering.Sufficiently supportive without feeling too tight. Best of all is the fact that the straps adjust in the front, unlike any other sports (or everyday!) bra I've ever worn. You can actually adjust it while it's on, assuring the proper fit.This bra almost made me want to run shirtless. But as good as it made me look -- and this is a feeling I'll repeat through my reviews -- I'm not sure why that's important in a sports bra. Then I found myself questioning this thought process: If there exist sports bras to make me look this good, should I be caring how good I look when I work out? But I just cannot stress about that.The wicking and ventilation were great, as was the full coverage and swoon-worthy adjustability. I can't say enough about how much I love these straps; why hasn't anyone else thought of this?! For me, the level of support was better for lower-intensity activities. During my soccer game, I found myself wanting to continuously tighten the straps. And, while it's certainly not a feature I've ever considered necessary in a sports bra, they're not kidding about the "complete nipple coverage for modesty." Inside each cup is an extra layer of (flower-shaped) lining, reminiscent of a burlesque performer's pastie. (credit:Champion)
adidas Climacool Supernova Racer Bra(11 of17)
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What's It For: Maximum support during runsSize: XS-XLPrice: $40.00Bells and Whistles: "Fitted fit" and "climacool" technologyOur 34DD says...I have to say I thought this bra was pretty perfect. I often layer a bra with a tight tank-top underneath my workout t-shirt to make sure everything is secure, but I think I could get away with wearing this bra on its own, sans tank top.The bra definitely supported its load. I felt totally comfortable moving vigorously on the elliptical machine, and forgot I was even wearing a different bra from usual. The criss-crossed back made me feel secure (and bounce-free). The tags promise a "climacool" system to keep you ventilated and dry -- I had no complaints!The fit was nice for a big-chested girl. I would have liked to have been able to adjust the strap length, but it wasn't totally necessary. It's lightly padded which I appreciate for the coverage (though I definitely don't want any extra volume in that area). (credit:adidas)
Adidas Techfit(12 of17)
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What's It For: Running and high-intensity workoutsSize: XS-XLPrice: $25.00Bells and Whistles: "CLIMACOOL" ventilation to wick away heat and sweat. Our 32A says...I used it for running.I didn't feel gross and sticky around that area, and I felt well-supported (maybe because it was so tight, but hey, if it gets the job done…).I really liked the style. It was simple (I had the black color), with no frills -- but after all, it's a sports bra, it doesn't have to be fancy! The back was a slim mesh racerback, which I also thought looked cool. It fit well … but boy was it hard to get on. This thing is so fitted and not that stretchy that I felt a little bit like I was doing contortion tricks to get it over my head. (Not going to lie, I got stuck twice trying to get it on.) However, once on, it fit great -- I didn't notice any pulling on the straps, the cup part was fine, and the band -- while initially tight -- seemed to stretch out the longer I wore it. However, if my experience trying to get this thing on my body is similar to anyone else's wearing this bra, I would recommend ordering a size bigger than you normally would. (credit:adidas)
Stella McCartney For Adidas miCoach(13 of17)
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What's It For: Running and the gymSize: XS-LPrice: $90.00Bells and Whistles: Stella McCartneyOur 34C says...I went to an indoor cycling class and ran on the treadmill.The treadmill didn’t make me feel too “jiggly,” amazingly. However, much of my delight dissipated after I tried an indoor cycling class with this bra. I felt all over the place! It was unpleasant and actually very distracting.The product information suggests this bra should be worn for its “tight fit” and “support,” neither of which I experienced, however, I imagine wearing a small would have been much more effective for me (in life I’m more likely a medium). The fabric seemed fine, nothing too impressive, but it’s very lite and comfortable.I'd reserve this for things that aren't super vigorous. I’d try hiking, walking or yoga with this one. Running on the treadmill worked fine for me too, though I went at a moderate pace for a long stretch of time. The bra is so lovely to behold you might just want to go shirtless to show off! (credit:adidas)
Brooks Epiphany Bra II(14 of17)
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What's It For: High-intensity exercise and runningSize: S-XLPrice: $44.00Bells and Whistles: SupportOur 32C says...I jogged on the treadmill. I LOVED THE FIT OF THIS BRA -- full caps. I like a snug sports bra and this was exactly that, without pulling or chafing anywhere. The tag somewhat gloriously said the bra offers "enhanced modesty where it counts" (whatever do you mean, Brooks?), but credit where credit is due: Without any padding, it provided full nipple coverage on a tough run in a thin t-shirt. I also liked the look of this bra -- it's pretty traditional in its sportiness and clean design, but has a double strap racer back design that adds a bit of visual interest. I'm not one for padding or cups in my sports bra, and this had neither.For me -- a relatively active, relatively narrow-backed size C -- this one just worked. Our 36D says...I ran and took a hip hop dance class.It claims to be the “most supportive bra” and is supposed to be comfortable because there is no underwire.This bra was too tight underneath and didn’t provide full coverage. It gave me some “side boob” and also pushed them together so I was busting out a bit. When you’re a 36D, you don’t need extra cleavage.Our 36B says...I ran.I like things to stay, um, properly contained when I exercise. I’m not incredibly well-endowed but do have a wide upper body and broad shoulders -- honestly, if I could tape down my chest before every run (and still be able to breathe/move properly), I probably would.This bra rocked. Everything stayed perfectly in its place and was comfortable at the same time, which isn’t an easy feat to achieve. And I felt properly covered, too -- the bra comes up a bit higher in the front, and I appreciated that.The one I tried had a sea-green base with purple straps and hot pink threads. Color and style probably shouldn’t matter to me, since I always wear a T-shirt or tank over my sports bra when exercising, but there’s something to be said about a fun, colorful bra! I’m a firm believer that fun colors make working out more enjoyable. Of the bras I tried, this one by far had the best and most comfortable fit. I loved the double straps and felt they helped to better distribute support. I also sweat a lot, but not once did I feel overheated during my run. Overall, I felt sporty and sexy in this! (credit:Brooks)
Brooks Versatile (15 of17)
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What's It For: Running and pretty much everything elseSize: S-XLPrice: $34.00Bells and Whistles: VersatilityOur 34B says...I went for a very long run in this -- my breasts didn’t notice. This bra is very straightforward: It’s a sports bra, and that’s what it looks like. Nothing to hate. I thought the mesh racerback gave it a fun, fancy twist. Brooks’ Versatile Bra gets the job done intensity-wise, but I can’t support the “comfort” claim -- since I couldn’t even feel my breasts. This puppy is tough to get on and off -- it’s extremely tight and flattening, and forced me into uniboob territory (though I don’t really mind). One exciting feature? The armpit cuts low, which means no armpit fat whatsoever. The bra holds everything in -- SO very tightly. Wear it for high impact sports, and practice your chest-passes in it. Try a bra with a little more give for a yoga class. Larger-chested ladies, stay away. (credit:Brooks)
Brooks Infiniti(16 of17)
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What's It For: Running and pretty much everything elseSize: XS-XLPrice: $48.00Bells and Whistles: VersatilityOur 34B says...I went for a run.The bra’s “moisture-wicking elastic band” worked wonders -- I felt almost completely dry after the run. This bra seems like a good option for any that hate the feeling of being entirely “strapped in.” I felt supported, but there was still some room for movement. The bra has a narrow, almost halter cut that gave me some side boob, which is apparently very in these days. I thought this might feel weird while running, but I didn’t notice at all. The adjustable straps made the bra fit just right, and I liked that there were no cups to get lost in the washing machine. No complaints here. I received the “Neptune“ color -- a cobalt blue with a lime green piping that was harmless and fun. I liked the thin straps and racerback style. (credit:Brooks)
Brooks Glycerin(17 of17)
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What's It For: RunningSize: XS-XLPrice: $40.00Bells and Whistles:: "'strategically placed lift in the cups' for 'shaping and modesty.'"Full disclosure? I’ve never understood padded sports bras. I like things to be strapped down and immobile when I exercise, so why would I add extra stuff to that equation? I wanted to try this model so I could test my assumptions. The style I tried had a cute black and white polka-dotted pattern, and it comes in a variety of other prints.The overall fit was nice! This style has a double-strap racerback feature that is much more comfortable than other sports bras I’ve worn in the past -- no pinching or pressure on the shoulders. But it was a bit lower cut than I expected after reading the “modesty” description on the Brooks website. (However, I admittedly prefer a lot of coverage.)The padding factor took me some time to get comfortable with. We had some cleavage going on, which really isn’t my thing. But if you like a little bit of lift and oomph in your sports bra, this model would likely work great for you. (credit:Brooks)

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