After I first began operating, I placed on a decade-old sports activities bra and started pounding the pavement, figuring that the ladies bouncing round was merely one thing I’d should get used to. However as my mileage elevated, I discovered myself chafing severely—as soon as, after an 18-mile run, I had a blood-stained define of my bra on my pores and skin. For sure, it was time for a severe improve.
Now as a three-time TCS NYC Marathon finisher coaching for my first Boston Marathon with the RunWestin group, I’ve discovered that in terms of operating bras, dimension does matter, however so does match, carry, and private desire. “[Sports bra] options actually rely upon a runner’s help wants,” Fleet Feet’s vice chairman of buying and merchandising Catherine Moloznik says. “All runners are constructed in a different way, so being able to regulate the band dimension and straps are useful. The much less motion the bra has, the much less probably you’ll expertise chafing.”
Along with adjustable options, Moloznik says to think about strap and band help. “Ideally, you need to really feel resistance within the band and straps while you pull. It shouldn’t be simple or have a lot give.” As for strap positioning, “Open again versus racerback is extra private desire because the help really comes from the band of the sports activities bra.”
The most important mistake runners make, she says, goes for the unsuitable dimension. “Buying the unsuitable becoming bra results in the next probability you’ll expertise chafing and general discomfort.” Moloznik, whose private favourite operating bras come from Brooks and Lululemon, recommends going to a neighborhood run speciality retailer since operating bra sizing could differ out of your daily bra dimension.
After a lot private trial and and error, as a 38C, I’ve discovered a trio of bras that I rotate by means of not simply on my runs, however typically in day by day life. The Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 supplies safe, locked-in help that perks the chest up, whereas the Janji Groundwork Ascend sports bra has additional protection to reign issues in (and a again telephone pocket). The Lululemon Run Times bra suits like an extra-supportive on a regular basis bra—I’ve worn it from enterprise occasions to health courses.
However my new favourite—due to the hype from none aside from Taylor Swift—is the Forme Power Bra that ever so gently pulls again my always hunching shoulders, not simply bettering my posture, but additionally eliminating the higher again soreness that has lengthy plagued me, each in my runs and in my life.
Whereas discovering the correct sports activities bra is private, it helps to study from the expertise of others. So we requested runners—from amateurs to marathoners to Olympians—to share their favourite road-tested excessive impression sports activities bras. Learn on to search out out those that maintain them supported on runs.
This text has been up to date with new info since its authentic publish date.
Discover the very best sports activities bras by class:
Entrance-zip sports activities bras
Lululemon Enlite front-zip bra
When Lynsey Inventory ran her first half marathon in Vancouver throughout a downpour in 2018, this Lululemon Enlite helped push her to the end line, due to its “nice help and cozy match,” the run concierge at The Westin Bayshore Vancouver says. Now she runs not less than 3 times every week across the metropolis’s Stanley Park Seawall and this high-support bra with additional Lycra fiber to assist retain its form has helped her “go the space.”
SheFit Final sports activities bra
With 13 marathons underneath her belt, Jenna Busch-Henderson, a journey author engaged on an upcoming operating e-book, is all in regards to the “extremely adjustable” SheFit Final Sports activities Bra. Not solely can the chest band and shoulder straps sizes be personalized, however its front-zip makes it easy to navigate. “It’s like having a bespoke sports activities bra—every thing is strapped down,” she says. Busch-Henderson noticed the product on Fb through the pandemic and ran her first two marathons in it, pleasantly shocked to search out no chafing, like she had with different sports activities bras. “I’m a small-chested lady, however I’ve mates with a double D bra dimension who love this as effectively,” she provides.
Pullover sports activities bras
New Stability Glossy medium help sports activities bra
Olympic steeplechase runner Emma Coburn is at present coaching to qualify for the Paris Video games, so the stakes are excessive for her runs, particularly within the excessive altitudes the place she lives in Colorado. Flexibility is vital, which is why she landed on this New Stability sports activities bra. “I really feel like my ribcage and lungs have room to develop and take deep breaths,” the three-time Olympian, who received a bronze medal in 2016, tells Condé Nast Traveler. The truth is, she says it’s so snug that “I overlook I’m sporting it” since “it simply molds to my physique,” but remains to be fairly supportive. On prime of it, she loves the colours, which embrace an olive inexperienced and dusty rose. “The material and adaptability of this bra has made it my go-to for onerous days.”
Fabletics On-The-Go Medium Affect sports activities bra
For 13-time marathoner Tam Turse, the Fabletics On-to-Go bra lives as much as its title, because it’s just about the one one she wears. As a C/D cup, she feels very supported, and has had “minimal-to-no chafing, even after very sweaty coaching classes and marathons.” Obtainable in a variety of stable and patterns, the nylon-elastane bra even has UPF 50+ to combat off the solar. The Road Runners Club of America run licensed coach, who’s coaching for the Atlantic City Half, says that it’s additionally been very sturdy to washing and she or he additionally likes the comfort of the telephone pocket. “I can put it on and never be frightened about how my physique will look or really feel whereas operating—or afterwards,” she says.
Nike Swoosh medium help sports activities bra
Gabrielle Obermeier, a children’s book writer and illustrator and an everyday runner, not too long ago accomplished her first half marathon sporting this Nike sports activities bra. “It was nice as my base layer—heat, not sweaty, and really supported,” she says. With a cushty and pure match, the pullover fashion, which is available in six sizes and 4 colours, has additionally gone the space itself. “It has maintained its construction and supportive qualities by means of most likely a whole lot of washings,” Obermeier says.
Racerback sports activities bras
Boa Efficiency sports activities bra
Bermuda-based Natalie Price, who has run 20 marathons, together with finishing the Abbott World Marathon Majors in Tokyo in 2023—is determined by Nike Dri-Match as her “sturdy race horses” throughout her lengthy runs, however turns to those enjoyable prints from Boa for shorter runs, saying they’re “very well-made” and of “prime quality.” With the racerback straps and scoop neck entrance, “I really feel like I don’t have to fret about bouncing or coming out,” Worth says. “If I’m sporting a BOA bra, I received’t cowl it up as a result of the prints are tremendous cute, enjoyable to indicate off, and simply make me joyful.”
Athleta Final bra
Half marathoner Kate Schwab of Brooklyn is a fan of this Athleta decide. “It’s sturdy, however snug,” she says of the racerback bra, made from recycled nylon with supportive compression. On her runs, she feels “assured and supported.” The fashion is available in two varieties—one for A to C cups and one other for D to DD+, every with not less than 5 colorways.
Brooks Crossback 2.0 sports activities bra
Boston-based Natalie Fiorello, who’s the run concierge at The Westin Copley Place, has been operating for years, and admits it’s a relentless problem to discover a bra that works for her. However whereas marathon coaching final summer season she landed on what she calls the “holy grail of sports activities bras”—the Brooks Crossback 2.0. Underarm chafing had lengthy been a difficulty and this medium help bra with built-in cups and easy x-straps “nearly eliminates” the difficulty. Greater than that, “this sports activities bra makes me really feel hugged when I’m sporting it,” she says. “It suits me like a glove and strikes with me, not towards me, even in excessive impression conditions.”
Again clasp sports activities bras
Lululemon Run Instances bra
When New York Metropolis–based mostly licensed useful power coach Justina Ercole heads out for her runs, she goes for the aptly-named Run Instances bra. “It has sweat-wicking material to assist maintain you dry, however it’s additionally the right mix of help and luxury,” she says, including that the band or straps by no means dig into her pores and skin, like some others do. “I really feel extra centered on my breath and stride since I’m not frightened about what’s occurring up prime.” Kim Cole, a public relations skilled for Four Seasons Scottsdale and Four Seasons Jackson Hole, agrees, having simply accomplished a half marathon in it. “It depraved away sweat, stayed put, and was snug all through all 13.1 miles,” she says, noting she took care to at all times wash it on delicate and line dry. Plus she cherished the high-quality materials and pleasing aesthetic.
Panache Final Excessive Affect underwire sports activities bra
For Brooke Rinehart, this Panache sports activities bra provides her all of the help she wants whereas nonetheless being additional snug. The three-hook again clasp additionally makes it “tremendous simple to placed on and take off.” That’s not the one characteristic that makes it much like an everyday bra—this additionally has an underwire for many who desire it for the stronger match. With high-impact help that the model says reduces bounce by 83 p.c, “there’s no chafing or motion once I run,” the San Diego Marathon finisher says, as she trains for Denver’s Colfax Half Marathon.
Sports activities bras for big breasts
Lululemon Power bra
Louisa Tatum, who runs with Bronx-based Mile Style, used to put on two bras throughout her runs to forestall bouncing—till she discovered this Lululemon sports activities bra. “It’s excessive help, which I have to strap my women down in order that they don’t bounce once I run,” Tatum, a six-time marathoner, having run Berlin, Chicago, and London, plus NYC 3 times, says. “It’s additionally snug, the material is gentle, and prevents chafing.” She suggests sizing down for a cosy match, admitting it may be a “problem to placed on,” however is effectively price it for the additional help and discount in breast motion. “I really feel assured and safe on this bra,” she says. “I can give attention to my race or run with out the ache of my boobies transferring.”
Her fellow New Yorker, Manhattan-based Laurianne Murphy, has had a distinct journey—operating her first LA Marathon 26 years in the past and pausing for 20 years earlier than taking up the identical run once more this month. She tells Traveler that she initially selected this bra for the look, however was impressed to search out that there’s “completely no chafing.” Most significantly, it “holds me in all secure and sound—even when no one else sees it, I do know that I’ve on a cute little quantity underneath my layers and that simply feels good.”
Vuori Yosemite Longline bra
Affiliate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny admits, “as a gal with a barely larger chest, sports activities bras have been a longtime enemy of mine.” She’s discovered her excellent match in Vuori’s efficiency put on, not only for its “consolation degree,” but additionally its “effortlessly cool look.” For lighter runs, she slips on the model’s Yosemite Longline Bra since “the air-brushed materials is buttery easy, by no means digging in wherever or leaving any undesirable purple marks on my shoulders or sides.” But its “compressive materials provides stable help with none uncomfortable wires,” making her overlook she even has it on, “one thing that used to really feel unattainable when it got here to sports activities bras.” Most impressively, this polyester-elastane bra, which has detachable cups and is accessible in 4 muted shades, hides any parts of effort since “it by no means exhibits any sweat after a jog.”
Brooks convertible sports activities bra
“Most excessive help bras are likely to really feel like sporting a heavy straight jacket as a result of the padding is thick and protection may be very excessive,” says Cindy Chen of New York Metropolis, who’s a 32E/34DD. However with this Brooks decide, she seems like “my girls are safe”—although she admits that it does “flatten them greater than different bras, however that’s a profit once I’m operating.” One other perk is that the straps can convert right into a racerback fashion. “After I’m operating, I hook on the racerback hooks so as to add extra help, however once I’m simply going about my day, I could be extra snug with a extra relaxed match within the straight strap possibility.”
Adjustable strap sports activities bras
Elomi Energise sports activities bra
When Los Angeles–based mostly Kinya Claiborne is operating on this Wacoal bra, she feels “extremely supported and cozy—permitting me to give attention to my run with confidence and ease.” Having run three races thus far, the fashion influencer and editor-in-chief of Style & Society Magazine calls out its “distinctive non-compression design and moisture-wicking material to maintain me feeling safe and funky all through my exercises.” Claiborne particularly loves the Stormy Haze print, which “provides a enjoyable contact to my activewear, making me appear and feel fabulous each time I run.”
Nike Indy light-support padded sports activities bra
Residing—and operating—in Houston, Starla Garcia has needed to discover methods to outlive the Texas warmth. And the Nike Indy has helped the 10-time marathoner and two-time extremely marathoner, who ran within the 2020 Olympics trial, maintain cool. “Within the summers, some sports activities bras could be very itchy,” she says, including that supplies and straps typically exacerbate the problems. “Since I’ve began operating on this bra, I can end runs with out worrying how itchy I can be or if I’ll have scars from rashes by the tip of the coaching block.” Among the many registered dietician’s favourite options are the breathability, chest band match, and adjustable straps within the entrance. “I be happy and never encumbered by materials or sweat accumulating within the bra, like others I’ve run in.”
Sports activities bras with pockets
Brooks Drive 3 pocket run bra
Brooks Beasts athlete Nia Akins is a fan of the model’s Drive 3 bra for the pockets. Not solely does it include a again telephone slot, there are additionally two mesh aspect pockets. “After I raced in Europe, I wore this on each run; I needed to take my telephone with me in case I bought misplaced, however didn’t need to maintain it in my hand,” the two-time NCAA Championship 800-meter runner-up says. “I like beginning a run or a stroll from residence and ending someplace else, and there are many pockets for my keys, ID, and bank card.” Storage isn’t the one enchantment: “I actually just like the high-neck look—it’s a flattering and basic fashion,” she says. “I get so many compliments.”
New Stability Glossy Medium Assist Pocket sports activities bra
New York Road Runners’ Christine Burke, who’s the senior vice chairman of strategic partnerships and runner merchandise, grabs the pocket-version of the New Stability Glossy bra for longer runs to maintain her telephone and vitamin helpful. At present coaching for her thirtieth marathon, Cincinnati’s Flying Pig race, she says that it “supplies help in the correct areas, with out being constricting,” with an excellent steadiness of help and breathability. The sleek material additionally cuts down on chafing, which she skilled with so many different bras prior to now, however can also be “light-weight, so it wicks sweat effectively.”
Sports activities bras with detachable pads
Montiel Hazel halter crop
California-based advertising and marketing government and runner Charizma Otterson says she feels “snug and assured” on this Montiel high-impact help bra with detachable cups. “It’s a top quality product that doesn’t value a king’s ransom,” she says. “The design is nice because it doesn’t have any onerous seams or edges, so chafing is much less probably when doing lengthy runs. The look is easy however flattering and the bra’s excessive neckline helps maintain solar publicity at bay for the fragile pores and skin on my chest when doing outside runs.”
Lululemon Free to Be bra
Journey publicist Katherine Han of Westminster, Colorado, needed to seek for the correct match after her bilateral mastectomy surgical procedure. “It is a nice operating bra as a result of it has that soft-wicking materials that retains you dry for these longer runs,” she says. Obtainable in seven colours, the sunshine help design has pockets for optionally available, detachable cups. “I additionally love this sports activities bra as a result of the straps conform to your physique and transfer with you while you’re in movement,” Han provides. One other perk: The fabric is extraordinarily quick-drying. “If you happen to’re touring, it’s simple to scrub and dry on the go,” she says.
Brooks Operating Plunge 2.0 sports activities bra
Skilled runner Kayley Delay of the Brooks Beasts Track Club adores the easy, modern design of the Plunge 2.0 Sports activities a lot she has one in virtually each shade, calling it snug and flattering. “I respect that the padded inserts that include the bra are very simple to absorb and out,” the steeplechase athlete says. Now that she’s been sporting a coronary heart fee monitor throughout most of her exercises, she additionally appreciates how the bottom of the bra makes it simple to place one on, making her really feel “quick and safe.”
Non-padded sports activities bras
Tracksmith Allston bra
The key is within the simplicity for Nassima Goumeziane, lead run concierge and director of operations at The Westin Michigan Avenue, who has run 10 marathons and can earn her sixth star for the Abbott World Marathon Majors in Boston subsequent month. “There’s zero {hardware} to trigger chafing and no pads to get misplaced within the wash,” she says of the Tracksmith Allston. “It’s an excellent materials and, with no distractions, it permits me to give attention to what’s most necessary—the run.” The racerback bra makes use of a efficiency Italian material that’s each compressive and tremendous gentle, and has a secret stashaway pocket. New Yorker Devin Tomb, who’s gearing up for her third NYC marathon this yr, is determined by the Allston for race days due to its “huge strap, full protection throughout the chest, and size that hits proper beneath my boobs.” However above all else, she loves that it’s “easy and uncomplicated, which creates a pleasant base beneath a singlet.”
Champion Genuine sports activities bra
New Jersey–based mostly content material creator Alyssa Smolen is a long-distance runner at present coaching for the Boston Marathon. Her selection decide is this easy Champion racerback pullover that is freed from any uncomfortable padding. “It’s not too fancy trying however it’s impartial and goes with every thing I personal,” she says. “It appears to be like modern but additionally is sensible.” The straightforward design supplies a really safe match, but the band isn’t so tight that it could’t be taken off simply. “It’s gentle, snug, and trendy.”
Most inexpensive sports activities bras
Spalding Energetic Shine racerback sports activities bra
“I’ve had a long run relationship with my Spalding Energetic Shine sports activities bra,” says Randi Powell, chef de delicacies at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The combination of affordability and high quality appealed to her: “I’ve had this one for years and it has nonetheless retained its form and help. I’ve at all times cherished this bra for lengthy races, marathon and above distance. I’ve by no means skilled chafing with this bra which, in longer distances, could make or break the final portion of the race.”
Lykoxa racerback sports activities bra
“I purchased all of the costly, fancy bras and didn’t love them—the band was too tight or they chafed, there was at all times one thing,” says photographer Kate T. Parker, who has run a number of marathons, together with the Chicago Marathon. “I used to be searching for a greater resolution and determined to attempt a budget ones on Amazon and scored.” Residing in Atlanta, she typically runs in only a bra, and loves this one’s “full protection within the again and additional under, virtually like a half-shirt scenario.” She tucks her water bottle into the again of her bra, a trick she says works very effectively.
Champion Infinity Racerback
New Yorker Elaheh Nozari, a marathoner who publishes the operating e-newsletter Run the Shoes, loves the combination of stretchiness and safety that these easy Champion racerbacks present, particularly as a breastfeeding mother. “My bra dimension has been all over during the last 1.5 years from being pregnant and postpartum, and this bra has been essentially the most dependable for operating,” she tells Traveler . Plus, affordability implies that she will be able to replenish—and even put on two when she wants additional help. In the end, it’s the seamless design that makes the most important impression, stopping chafing, but additionally offering ample help.