The 5 Best Sports Bras of 2024
Over the past seven years, we’ve compared 38 sports bras, recruiting more than two-dozen panelists (with band sizes 30 to 44 and cup sizes A to JJ). These panelists put the bras to the test in marathons, gentle yoga, and anywhere else you might wear a sports bra.
Our picks in this guide are loosely based on cup sizes and styles: We recommend supportive sports bras for people with DD+ cups and larger band sizes, DD+ cups and smaller band sizes, D/DD cups, C/D cups, and A/B cups. Your choice will come down to personal preference: Someone who wears a B cup may want the support and enhancement of an underwire bra that we recommend for larger cups, and someone with a DD cup may feel more comfortable in a pared-down compression bra. The more bras you can try on in person, the better.
Our pick
This encapsulation bra with underwire offers full coverage with deeper cups and wide and comfortable straps.
If you’re looking for a lot of coverage and lift, or you need a deeper cup, the Elomi Energise Sports Bra is an encapsulation model that comes in 61 sizes. This bra has deeper cups, and it comes up higher on the chest and sides than our other picks. So it’s a full-coverage bra (think retro cone-style), and when it’s correctly fitted, it should help prevent spillage during vigorous workouts. Testers found its wide straps and soft, satiny fabric comfortable.
Band-size range: 32 to 46
Cup-size range: D to O (converted from UK sizing D to K)
Strap style: U-back with J-hook
Our pick
Testers loved this adjustable, combination-style sports bra, which has double-layered cups and breathable mesh material.
This version has additional padding for extra coverage.
For support and bounce control in smaller band sizes, we like the Anita Air Control in both the non-padded and padded versions. (The padded version provides additional nipple coverage.) The combination-style sports bra is available in 40 sizes. Testers found the bra’s double-layered cups and mesh overlay to be supportive, comfy, and of high quality. One 32G tester noted that “it’s the best sports bra I’ve tried in a long time.” Testers also liked that the U-style straps were lightly padded and had three sets of four J-hooks, for adjustability.
Band-size range: 30 to 42
Cup-size range: A to H
Strap style: U-back with J-hook
Our pick
This comfortable, high-support combination bra has a zippered front closure. Its straps and band adjust with Velcro.
The Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra is not subtle—one tester called it a “contraption masquerading as a sports bra.” But it wowed those who tried it, due to its ability to minimize breast movement. The Shefit Ultimate offers the most customizable adjustability of all our picks: The inch-wide shoulder straps adjust at the front (with Velcro), the band adjusts at the back (with Velcro), and two internal hook-and-eye clasps bolster the front-zipper closure. The lined, wireless cups are comfortable and supportive, but the external contoured support seams create visible lines under workout clothes, which some testers disliked. The bra is sold in Shefit’s proprietary sizing, and it comes in sizes XSmall to 6Luxe.
Band-size range: 22 to 49½ (circumferences that don’t necessarily align with traditional band sizes; consult the size chart and fit tips)
Cup-size range: A to I
Strap style: convertible cross-back (front-zip closure)
Our pick
This combination bra provides cup definition while still keeping breasts snug, to prevent movement. It’s easy to adjust.
For a more-affordable option that offers greater coverage and support than most pull-on racerback bras, we recommend the Champion Spot Comfort High-Impact Sports U-back bra. A wireless combination bra, the Spot Comfort has seams that separate the breasts, to prevent the “uniboob” look, and its ample side and front coverage still keeps everything secure. This bra has a back clasp and padded, adjustable vertical straps that are difficult to adjust during wear. Ultimately, though, they make the bra easier to take on and off than a traditional pull-on racerback.
Band-size range: 34 to 42
Cup-size range: C to DDD
Strap style: U-back
Our pick
This compression bra—for those with smaller cup and band sizes—is comfortable and supportive, including during high-impact exercise. And it has a sturdy band that is unlikely to ride up.
Athleta’s Ultimate Bra A-C is a great option for those who prefer a pull-on racerback style and don’t need heavy-duty, encapsulation-style support. It’s also available in a D-DD+ option, which may suit people with larger busts doing low-impact exercise, like walking or yoga. This compression bra has the most firm compression of any of the half-dozen racerback bras our testers have tried in 2024. It has a notably firm band, which we found doesn’t ride up. One tester, who typically wears a 36B, said she felt supported doing high-intensity interval training exercises, like mountain climbers and jumping jacks.
Band-size range: XXS to XL, XXS to 3X
Cup-size range: A to C, D to DD+
Strap style: racerback
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