The Best Sports Bras for Running — Support, Comfort and No Chafing

When considering every factor that makes a good sports bra for running, the Under Armour Mid Crossback Sports Bra ticks the most boxes. We think it gives you the best bang for your buck at $35 thanks to a supportive design, a keyhole opening in the back that makes it easy to pull on and off, and cup pads that don’t shift during runs or washes. The high neckline also offers great support and coverage.

The biggest downside: Sizing runs from XS to XXL and doesn’t cover plus sizes. You may also find the design too compressive and may need to size up. Note that shipping via the Under Armour website is free only on $99+ orders.

You don’t always need to spend over $30 to find a great running bra. The RUNNING GIRL High Impact Racerback Bra is a great Amazon pick because it provides serious support while still maintaining comfort. The pads are also sewn into the bra so they won’t move during runs or wash cycles, and a few reviewers note that the bra is also perfect for breast augmentation recovery. Plus, sizing ranges from small to 3X.

On the other hand, a few buyers note that the bra runs small while others say it runs big, which may be due to sizing inconsistency or how customers prefer the bra to fit. Sizing up can also result in a far less supportive running experience.

Struggling to find a bra with inclusive sizing that still offers a well-designed, compressive fit? If so, consider the Fabletics No Bounce High Impact Sports Bra. It has a high neck and wide bottom band to prevent bouncing and side-to-side movement. In addition, the fabric is four-way stretch, moisture-wicking and UPF protected. Sizing ranges from XXS to 4X.

What you might not like: To get the Fabletics 80% off pricing, you have to be a new Fabletics member. In addition, you must spend at least $49.95 to qualify for free shipping, and shipping charges are calculated after discounts. Some buyers note that sizing runs large.

Often referred to as the workhouse of bras, the Panache Power Wired Sports Bra is one of the best picks for runners with large busts. It clips in the back like a normal bra but offers all the support of a compressive sports bra. Key features include a U-shape curve in the back to distribute weight more evenly, wide and cushioned shoulder straps, breathable fabric and an underwire. Sizing is separated by band and cup size.

Note that Panache sizing follows the UK system, which differs from the American system past D cups. See a size conversion chart here. In addition, this bra is expensive, and Panache does not cover shipping in the US. Note that some sizes are not consistently available on Amazon.

The SYROKAN Bounce Control Sports Bra is a great choice if you need a durable and supportive running bra that offers sizing well beyond the C cup. This bra is not only affordable, but also well designed and comfortable. Its best features include removable cup pads, padded straps along the shoulders and a U-shape in the back to redistribute weight.

However, the underwire may be noticeable through a thin or form-fitting t-shirt. Some customers have also received bras with inaccurate band sizing, and SYROKAN recommends sizing up, which can throw off band and cup accuracy.

Comfort and compression usually don’t go hand in hand, but the Senita Athletics Sierra Bra is the exception. The medium-to-high coverage design is flattering and supportive, thanks to two criss-crossing straps on either side. The removable bra inserts are also comfortable and durable, the fabric is quick to dry and there is a key pocket in the back. While Senita recommends this bra for medium impact activities like pilates and dance, it offers plenty of support on runs without creating the usual compressive discomfort.

However, you may find that this bra doesn’t offer enough support for runs if you have D+ cups (the Senita Sarah Sports Bra is a great alternative). The bra inserts also tend to move around and fold during a wash cycle, and shipping is only free on $75+ orders.

If you’re a runner who loves using a sports bra tank rather than a shirt and bra combo, the Bombshell Sportswear Ultimate Tank Bra is the choice for you. The buttery-soft fabric doesn’t dig into the skin and helps prevent chafing, while the compressive structure offers great support. Plus, the padding is removable.

The downsides: Shipping is only free on $150+ orders, and Bombshell Sportswear does not cover return shipping costs. Sizing also only goes up to XL. Note that this style works for most runs but isn’t ideal for long, strenuous runs.

While small busts don’t usually need the bra support that large busts require, they still benefit from good compression and coverage during a long run. The Reebok ID Train High-Support Bra is a great choice for these runners because it has a high neckline, a thick racerback style and a wide band to keep everything lifted. Plus, the material wicks sweat and the shoulder straps are reinforced with mesh to improve the product’s durability. Sizing ranges from 2XS to 2XL.

What you might not like: The design can create a “uniboob,” and the bra does not have padding. In addition, the low cut under the arms may contribute to underarm chafing.

If you want to know the secret to better posture without even thinking about it, just ask Taylor Swift — she’s been seen wearing the Forme Power Bra during The Eras Tour rehearsals. Indeed, this FDA-registered bra is a great reminder to sit up straight thanks to multidirectional materials, which gently push and pull in just the right spots. This helps your body become aware of where it is in space so you naturally correct your posture. On runs, this posture reminder can help reduce strain and improve your performance. Plus, the bra is more comfortable than you might think while still offering great coverage and support.

However, the Forme Power Bra is not a miracle bra; it won’t correct posture overnight, and it might not cause a dramatic change when you put it on. The small arm holes also means you may find the fabric to be irritating under your armpits.

If you’re looking for a cute sports bra and tank combo that holds up on a light jog, consider the Z supply High Contrast Tank Bra. Key features include an interior shelf bra with removable pads, adjustable straps and moisture-wicking fabric. In addition, the removable pads don’t shift significantly during washes, and the bra is comfortable enough for all-day wear.

On the other hand, this bra isn’t ideal for longer runs, especially if you have a C+ cup, and it isn’t sold at many retailers. Sizing is also limited, ranging from XS to XL, and the product is expensive.

Whether you’re preparing for a 5K or a marathon, the Tracksmith Allston Pocket Sports Bra is an excellent investment. It has a high neckline and thick lower band to reduce bounce, and it holds its shape after many washes. The internal pocket is perfect for keys or fuel, and the fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it doesn’t contain harmful levels of toxic substances.

The downsides: This bra only offers medium-impact support for AA to C cups and low-impact support for C+ cups. It’s also expensive and not sold at other retailers.

If you having a bra with a pocket large enough for a phone, the Lux Sarah Sports Bra from Senita Athletics is for you. This medium-impact product offers a flattering, U-shaped neckline, a racerback with a keyhole for breathability and style, removable cups and cool, slick fabric. The phone pocket rests on the back between the shoulder blades.

However, you may it difficult to remove and re-insert your phone into the pocket on runs. A few customers have also complained that the removable cups are thin and easily creased. Note that shipping is only free on $75+ orders.

Comfy meets cute in the Z Supply Shine On Lemon Bra. You’ll love the buttery, double-lined fabric, removable pads and all-day comfort. The bra also has a durable, compressive lower band that keeps your chest supported. Plus, you can purchase a pair of matching biker shorts separately. Note that shipping is free in the US.

What you might not like: This bra is pricey, and it only offers low-impact support for C+ cups. Sizing is also limited, ranging from XS to XL, and the product is pricey.

If you need to store more than just a set of keys on every run, the Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Sports Bra is for you. It’s designed for maximum storage without looking bulky, thanks to a large back pocket between the shoulder blades and two mesh side pockets. The cups are also easily removable with envelope-style interior pockets, and the high neckline adds extra coverage and support. Sizing ranges between 32A and 40DDE.

However, it may be uncomfortable to run if you place a set of bulky keys in one of the side pockets. This bra is also expensive.

Racerbacks (instead of traditional straps) offer great support and stability on a run, which is essential for plus-sized buyers. The Under Armour HeatGear Armour High Sports Bra is a great racerback for sizes 1X to 3X because it has both support and stability without compromising comfort. The keyhole makes it easier to get on and off, the mesh back adds breathability and the adjustable, non-slip straps help create an ideal fit through the shoulders.

On the other hand, plus sizing is not usually available at other retailers. A few buyers have also complained about the lack of padding, while a few state that it creates a “uniboob.” Note that Under Armour doesn’t offer free shipping on orders below $99.

Looking for a long-line sports bra (also called a tank top sports bra) that costs under $30? Check out The Gym People Women’s Wirefree Sports Bra. The U-shape in the back helps distribute weight evenly and the interior bra offers good support and coverage for most people with a size DD cup or smaller. It also comes in a wide variety of solid colors, and sizing ranges from XS to 3X. Best of all, it functions as both a running tank and a top for casual events.

However, the support of this bra drops to light impact for people with a DD+ cup. The removable pads also crease easily, and a few customers have complained that the bra loses its shape over time.

For the ultimate, customizable experience, opt for a SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra. This product is built to last, with key features such as adjustable straps for lifted support (which can cross or be worn normally), an adjustable center band and a zipper-front enclosure for easy on/off. The two-way stretch fabric is also designed to reduce bouncing and shifting from side to side. Bonus: SheFit offers a 30-day wash, wear and return policy.

Note that the Ultimate Sports Bra is expensive, though it has impressive longevity. In addition, shipping is only free on orders over $99.

Underarm chafing is a thing of the past with the Brooks Crossback 2.0 Sports Bra. It offers impressive support without having an underwire, thanks to a crossback design and thick rib band. Buyers also report that it doesn’t cause chafing, even on marathon-long runs. Sizing ranges from 30AB to 40 DDE, and Brooks offers 90-day returns, even on worn items.

The downsides: A few buyers have complained that sizing runs small, and others found that the bra lost support after several washes and wears. It’s also not adjustable, which would fix a few sizing issues and better justify the high price tag.

Looking for a bra with supportive, durable fabric that doesn’t cause chafing? If so, we recommend the Champion Spot Comfort High-Impact Sports Bra. It has a smooth outer fabric to reduce friction as well as gel-infused, adjustable straps to prevent strap irritation. Plus, the wire-free structure and U-shaped design in the back help prevent bouncing and shifting during high-intensity workouts. Shipping and returns are free if you sign up for a Champion rewards account.

However, Champion does not offer exchanges. The band and cup sizing is also somewhat limited, as it ranges from 34C to 42DDD. If you are purchasing this Champion bra at another retailer, it can be hard to find your exact size.