The Best Sports Bras for Comfort, Support and Running Performance

Finding the Right Sports Bra for Running

An ill-fitting sports bra can ruin a run. With all the bouncing and movement, an unsupportive bra leads to discomfort and distraction. But the best sports bra for running can make your workout feel smooth and comfortable.

The right sports bra minimizes bounce, breathes well, and fits close to your body without chafing. Although finding the perfect sports bra takes some trial and error, knowing what to look for can streamline your search.

How to Choose the Best Sports Bra for Running

Consider the following factors when shopping for a sports bra for running:

• Your bra size - Get professionally fitted to find your true bra size before shopping. An ill-fitting bra won't provide adequate support.
• High intensity support - Look for bras marketed for high-impact workouts like running. These offer maximum bounce control and stability.
• Compression fit - Bras with compression bands around the ribcage fit tightly to minimize movement. Racerback and wide strap designs also boost support.
• Moisture-wicking fabric - Breathable, sweat-wicking performance fabrics keep you cool and dry during long runs.
• Comfortable seams - Seams should lie flat and not rub or chafe your skin, especially along the band and straps.
• Easy on and off - Opt for a bra with a front closure or wide strap design that's easy to take on and off while sweaty.

Reviews of the Top Sports Bras for Running

Here are some of the top-rated sports bras to consider for running comfort and support:

Brooks Drive Convertible Run Bra

This versatile bra converts from a racerback to a crossback simply by switching the position of the straps. The lightweight compressive fabric minimizes bounce during intense activity. The seamless design prevents chafing and hot spots.

Key features:

• Convertible crossback and racerback straps
• Stretchy compression fit
• Seamless design
• Breathable perforated foam cups

Lululemon Enlite Bra

Designed for running and high-impact workouts, the Lululemon Enlite offers lightweight, breathable support. The seamless fabric conforms to your shape for a stay-put fit. The crossed back straps, bonded edges, and molded cups minimize bounce and motion.

Key features:

• Seamless and tagless design
• Compression fit
• Crossback straps
• Quick-drying, breathable fabric

Under Armour Eclipse High Impact

With molded, compressive cups and a racerback design, this Under Armour bra locks everything in place as you run. The super-stretchy fabric and smooth bonded seams offer maximum comfort against the skin. The fabric pulls sweat away from the body to keep you cool and dry.

Key features:

• Molded compression cups
• Four-way stretch fabric
• Smooth, chafe-free seams
• Quick-drying sweat-wicking technology

Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra

This pullover compression bra hugs your body to minimize bounce during running and agility drills. The supportive crossback straps and removable padding customize the fit. The DriLayer fabric manages moisture to keep skin dry and comfortable.

Key features:

• Pullover compression fit
• Crossback straps
• Removable padding
• Quick-drying DriLayer fabric

Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra

Breathable mesh zones make this Champion bra ideal for running in warm weather. The tag-free racerback design and wide bottom band prevent chafing, while the foam cups supply light shaping and coverage. It's an affordable option for low to medium-impact activity.

Key features:

• Mesh panels for ventilation
• Racerback straps
• Wide supportive underband
• Foam cups

Factors that Affect Sports Bra Fit and Performance

To choose a bra that fits and feels great on your run, consider these factors:

Bra Size

The band size and cup size combine to create your bra size. The band should fit snugly without compromising breathing. Cups that are too small smash breast tissue while oversized cups fail to control bounce. Determine your true bra size through professional measurement and testing.

Breast Size and Density

Larger, heavier breasts and greater breast density require bras with higher support and stabilization. Compression sports bras and racerback or crossback designs work best for curvier figures. Women with smaller cup sizes can often wear basic compression bras.

Impact Level

Higher impact activities like running demand greater breast stabilization than lower impact sports like walking or yoga. Look for bras designed specifically for high-impact motion. Prioritize bounce control, compression, and crossback or racerback straps.

Workout Intensity

Higher intensity workouts with increased speed, longer distances, and agility moves boost breast motion. Choose ultra-supportive bras for intense training sessions and lighter bras for easy runs. Having options for different levels of support ensures you have the right bra for each workout.

Personal Comfort

Breast sensitivity, strap and band preferences, and chafing concerns influence personal comfort in a sports bra. Trying on different styles highlights your fit priorities like buttery-soft straps or a wide underband. Don't settle for an uncomfortable bra just because it looks supportive.

Sports Bra Features that Support Running

Certain sports bra features target the unique demands of running. Here are some to look for:

Compression Band

A firm band of compressive fabric encircles the ribcage for a snug fit that resists shifting and bouncing during runs. Wide bands increase comfort and support.

Racerback Straps

Racerback straps with a wider V-shape help keep straps from slipping off shoulders during workouts. The design also restricts strap movement that can lead to chafing.

Crossback Straps

Crisscrossed straps evenly distribute weight and tension for extra support. The crossover design minimizes strap motion and bouncing.

Seamless Design

Smooth seamless construction prevents chafing, skin irritation, and friction burns caused by seams during repetitive motions like running.

Moisture-Wicking Fabric

Fabric engineered to wick sweat away from the body keeps you cool and comfortable for mile after mile. Breathable mesh panels also boost ventilation.

Removable Padding

The option to remove padding lets you customize support and coverage for different levels of activity. Less padding offers a streamlined fit for running while more padding suits higher impact sports.

Caring for Your Sports Bra

Give your sports bras some TLC so they continue providing support and comfort run after run:

• Follow care instructions on the tag to maximize the life of performance fabrics.
• Allow bras to air dry instead of tossing them in the dryer, which can damage fabrics over time.
• Wash in a gentle mesh bag to protect straps and hardware.
• Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and dryer sheets that degrade performance properties.
• Hand wash bras after especially sweaty workouts.
• Regularly cycle through bras instead of wearing the same one daily.

When to Replace Your Sports Bras

Replace bras displaying any of the following signs of wear:

• The band stretches out, impacting support.
• Cups lose shape.
• Padding compresses down.
• Straps fray or stretch out.
• Hooks or closures pop open.
• Elastic layers lose compression.
• Fabric pills or develops holes.

As a general rule, replace bras every 6 months to 1 year depending on use. High intensity runners may need new bras as often as every 4-6 months.

How Sports Bras Impact Running Biomechanics and Performance

It turns out the benefits of a supportive sports bra extend beyond just comfort. Research shows your choice of sports bra affects running form and performance.

Reduced Ground Reaction Force

Experts at the University of Portsmouth found that wearing a sports bra led female runners to experience less vertical breast displacement as well as reduced peak ground reaction force while running.

Vertical breast bounce forces the body to work harder to overcome gravity with each stride. Less bounce thanks to a supportive bra allows runners to experience smaller ground reaction force.

Improved Running Economy

The study also revealed that female runners wearing sports bras enjoyed better running economy, meaning their oxygen consumption was lower at submaximal paces compared to running braless.

Researchers theorize that minimizing breast motion provides mechanical and metabolic benefits that improve running economy.

Altered Biomechanics

A study in the Journal of Applied Biomechanics demonstrated that female runners wearing sports bras modified certain running biomechanics compared to running without breast support.

When braless, the runners exhibited greater trunk flexion. But wearing higher support sports bras led to less trunk lean. The bra's compression minimized breast bounce, reducing the need to flex forward.

The bra's bounce control also facilitated a longer stride length. Meanwhile, the hips and pelvis exhibited less rotation with sports bra support.

Boosted Performance

Researchers from the University of Wollongong in Australia found that restricting breast motion by wearing a sports bra led to lower perceived exertion during runs. The women also ran faster times over 800 meters compared to a low support bra.

Less breast bounce translates into an easier run. The study highlights that a supportive, high-impact sports bra can boost running speed and stamina.

Choosing the Best Sports Bra for Your Body and Workout

While science shows that minimizing breast motion benefits running performance, personal preferences matter too. The best sports bra for one runner might cause distraction and discomfort for another.

Keep these tips in mind when finding a sports bra tailored to your body and workouts:

Get Professionally Fitted

Many specialty running and athletic retailers offer professional bra fittings. An expert can measure your band and cup size and recommend supportive styles to try.

Judge Support Levels

Try on bras and jump, swing your arms, and run in place. A bra that keeps your breasts stable likely provides ample support. But uncomfortable bouncing means it's not the bra for high-impact exercise.

Assess Band Tightness

The band should fit snugly without pinching or impeding breathing. If it shifts during activity, opt for a tighter band or racerback design. But a too-tight band causes discomfort.

Evaluate Straps

Do the straps stay put on your shoulders without cutting in? Can you physically and visually raise and lower the straps? Properly fitted straps enhance support.

Consider Moisture Wicking Properties

In hot and humid weather, sweat-wicking fabric keeps you dry. But for cooler conditions, breathability may matter less than compression or a streamlined fit under layers.

Find the Right Balance of Compression

The bra should fit snugly without restricting your stride length or range of motion through your torso and arms. Make small adjustments like loosening the straps if needed.

Finding the sports bra that checks all your boxes may take some trial and error. But taking the time to discover the right one makes running easier and more enjoyable.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.