Can’t find the best sports bra for your shape or fitness routine? We’ve tried all your favourite brands, so you don’t have to

05 November 2025 5:12pm GMT

disclaimer

The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Read more >

A good sports bra can be key to a successful workout. After all, there’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable while exercising because your sports bra isn’t holding you in properly. The best sports bras, on the other hand, can drastically improve your focus and performance.

Plus, wearing the right sports bra can help you feel more motivated to exercise. That’s why finding a supportive sports bra that fits well is so crucial. But it isn’t easy, something most women are well aware of, particularly if you’re after a sports bra for large busts or need one for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.

“A well-fitting sports bra can reduce shoulder, back and neck pain and help alleviate postural issues,” explains Jessica Grace, expert bra fitter at Boobydoo, a sports bra specialist company, “It can also improve comfort and reduce your rate of perceived exertion – how hard you feel you are working whilst exercising.”

New research from Strava’s year in Sport report also shows, more than ever, we’re switching up our fitness routines – meaning we need different sports bras for different requirements. The research highlighted that, due to demand, there was a nearly 60 per cent rise in new running clubs in 2024, while weight training is the fastest-growing gym workout for women.

So, where do you start when shopping for a sports bra for different fitness requirements? The sizing, the fit and style and the support level are all key, but it can take hours of trawling sports shops or spending your evenings online shopping, often with no results. Thankfully, we’ve put a wide range of sports bras to the test below, from popular brands such as Lululemon and Adidas, to help you find the one that ticks all of your boxes. If you don’t have time to read the full reviews, here’s a quick look at our top five:

Which are the best sports bras? At a glance

• **Best Buy Sports Bra: **Lululemon Energy Bra
• Best Value Sports Bra: Oner Active Everyday Sports Bra
• Best Sports Bra for Running: Runderwear Power Running Bra
• Best Sports Bra for Yoga: Adanola Mesh Open Back Bra
• Best Sports Bra for Comfort: Lululemon Like A Cloud Longline Bra

How to choose the best sports bra

Your perfect sports bra will depend on what you want to use it for, because the best sports bra for running and the best sports bra for yoga will almost certainly be different. Grace explains that your size will also come into play here: “A to G cup can bounce up to 14cm and an A cup up to 4cm,” she says.

“Whilst the type of activity is the main factor in choosing an impact level, your bra size can also come into play here. We recommend that D+ cup sizes opt for a high-impact sports bra for most activities to ensure they are getting the support they need.”

---

How we tested the best sports bras

Maya, Alice and Lucy test sportsbras by Adidas, Oner Active and Runderwear

As a fitness writer, a day rarely goes by that I’m not in activewear, which means I have a whole section of my wardrobe dedicated to sports bras and a pretty good idea about what makes a good one. I put some of the most popular brands’ bras to the test, wearing them for a variety of activities, including running, strength training, Pilates and yoga.

My bra size is 32DD, so I was looking for bras that were suitable for people with bigger busts, but to ensure we’re representing a wide range of activities and body types, I also enlisted some of the most active people I know to test some of the bras too.

The main aspect I was testing the sports bras on were support levels, as this is this is the main job of a sports bra. I also looked at design, breathability, size ranges (including how accurate their sizing was) affordability and of course comfort. I came across a few bras that delivered on all of these things and are genuinely worth adding to your workout wardrobe for yoga, running and the gym.

Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended

Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don’t accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles.

From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.

---

Best sports bras

1. Best Buy Sports Bra: Lululemon Energy Bra High Support

From £34, Lululemon

Score: 10/10

**We like: **A flattering sports bra that provides good support, especially those with bigger busts

**We don’t like: **The fastenings on the back can be fiddly

From£34

Price at

Lululemon

Finding a sports bra that feels and looks good can be tough. That’s why I was so delighted when I discovered lululemon’s Energy Bra, which is flattering, well-designed and genuinely supports you during high-impact workouts without feeling uncomfortable.

It’s an adjustable bra, with three hook-and-eye hooks across the back, as well as the option to change the position of the racerback straps. This means that this is one of the few bras I’ve been able to adjust to fit me perfectly. It helps that the sizing is very good – I wear a 32DD – and wide-ranging, so you should be able to find a bra that fits you pretty well to begin with anyway, without having to spend hours in a changing room.

The energy bra is very supportive and I feel confident wearing it for running, as well as other high-impact activities at the gym, such as CrossFit workouts and HIIT. Unlike some other high-impact bras, it doesn’t dig in anywhere and it’s easy to forget you’re wearing a sports bra, in the best way possible.

My normal bugbear with high-support sports bras, specifically those for bigger busts, is that they’re very unflattering. They often have in-built cups, which means I’m not comfortable wearing my sports bra without a vest over the top; something I like to do during the summer months. This bra has a great fit, resembling a sports bras designed for smaller busts, and in-built padding that doesn’t move around, no matter how many times you wash it. My only issue is that the straps at the back of the bra can get tangled, so I do sometimes have to ask my partner to help me put it on.

I’ve found myself reaching for this sports bra more than any of the others – and have been specifically timing my runs around when it will be coming out of the washing machine. This is why I chose it as my best buy, plus its versatile, comfortable, designed well and can whether any of my varied workouts, while still giving me the great support I need.

Key specifications

• **Size range: **B to E
• **Support: **High
• **Style: **Double cross back with clasps
• **Suitable for: **Running, strength training and HIIT

---

2. Oner Active Everyday Sports Bra

**Score: **9/10

We like: A soft, comfortable sports bra which is designed well

We don’t like: The size range isn’t very varied

£32

Price at

Oner Active

The Oner Active Everyday Bra is designed in a shape that a lot of sports bra brands offer, featuring a racerback and round neck. But I was impressed at just how much more comfortable and more supportive this bra was, compared to other similar products I’ve tried, especially considering its lower price.

It’s a low to medium support bra and I’ve been wearing it for Pilates classes, as well as low-impact strength sessions. Out of all the bras I’ve tried, this is the most flattering in my opinion and I feel really confident wearing it. It was available in over 50 colours and I could definitely have seen myself investing in a couple more colourways.

What’s also impressive about this bra is just how soft it is, even after washing. For relaxed Pilates classes or wearing throughout the day, it feels like a really luxurious piece of clothing, especially for the price. Sometimes this bra did fold under my breasts when I was moving around during exercise, so I did have to untuck it. But the adjustable straps stayed in place, as did the rest of the bra.

The sizing could have more variety, with only six sizes on offer – XS to XXL. But it’s a great low support, high-quality, stylish option for workouts and everyday wear.

Key specifications

• **Size range: **XS to XXL
• **Support: **Low to medium
• **Style: **Racerback
• Suitable for: yoga, Pilates, everyday

---

3. Best sports bra for running: Runderwear Power Running Bra

Score: 9/10

We like: The bras padded straps

We don’t like: The design is more practical than stylish

£49

Price at

Runderwear

Runderwear, as the name suggests, is an activewear range specifically developed for runners, down to its design and anti-chafing material used. Our reviewer, Lucy agreed and even went as far to say that it’s one of the best running sports bra styles she’s tried. The front of the bra has a lot of coverage, with a high neck line, wide underband and moulded cups, which can help to minimise bounce. However, this does mean its lacks style and isn’t as attractive as some of the other sports bras on the market.

How it felt as she ran was a big factor for our reviewer. However, she was pleasantly surprised: “I loved the support this bra gave me, while also being super comfortable.” The bra, which comes in a variety of colours, is made with comfort in mind. To help you avoid that dreaded runner’s chafe, they have added padding to the straps, which Lucy really appreciated as she ran her weekly 5K.

The bra is also made with moisture-wicking, breathable fabric, perfect for for long or short runs and no matter how sweaty you get. It also has an open back with two hook-and-eye straps, so you can adjust the back size to fit you.

Runderwear’s bra could provide a more enjoyable experience, especially for those with bigger busts

At £49, it’s one of the more mid-range options when it comes to price, but if you’re a keen runner with a bigger bust, it could provide a more enjoyable experience, without as much chafing and bounce.

With over 60 sizes, from a 30D to a 40F it’s worth keeping in mind that, according to Lucy, the sizing runs small. However Runderwear do recommend using their online tool to help you find out your exact size, a nifty extra which could help you in the long run. A great runners bra, but maybe not a fashion forward design.

Key specifications

• **Size range: **30D to 40F
• **Support: **High
• **Style: **Moulded cups
• **Suitable for: **Running and other high-impact activities

---

4. Best Sports Bra for Yoga: Adanola Mesh Open Back Bra

**Score: **9/10

We like: Medium support bra with a flattering fit

We don’t like: You’ll have to size down with this one

£38

Price at

Adanola

Adanola is an activewear brand that has quickly become a cult buy for for many active women. Although I’ve fallen victim to their very cosy and chic tracksuits, I wasn’t sure if their sports bras would hold up against other brands. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this bra, which, in my opinion, is the goldilocks of sports bras; not too light and not too tight.

The sports bra, which comes in four colours, has an elasticated curved neck with a flattering open back, which I enjoyed wearing for strength workouts, as well as Pilates classes. It’s a great medium-support sports bra – adequate for squatting up and down or pushing yourself into downward dog, but there’s not enough support for me when doing exercises like burpees and box jumps, or for running.

Alice enjoyed wearing the Adanola Mesh for weight lifting

For people with smaller busts, this might work as an all-rounder sports bra, including for high-impact activities. The size range is varied, but it’s worth noting that they come up very big, I sized one done from my regular bra size and it fit well.

The material of this bra feels luxe and it’s very breathable, even if your planning a sweaty workout. It’s also comfortable enough to wear all day, I regularly wore it around the house and even out to brunch with friends – as the fit really hugged my body and felt supportive, but not restrictive.

Key specifications

• **Size range: **XXS to XXXL
• **Support: **Medium
• **Style: **Open back
• **Suitable for: **Pilates, yoga, strength training

---

5. Best sports bra for comfort: Lululemon Like A Cloud Longline Bra

Score: 9/10

We like: How comfortable it was

We don’t like: The support is minimal for higher-impact activities

From£44

Price at

Lululemon

If you’re anything like me, sports bras aren’t just a part of your gym wardrobe. As someone who largely works from home, I rarely reach for a normal bra these days, instead, living in comfy sports bras. So this Lululemon Like A Cloud bra is now my regular go-to bra, which is easy to slip on – I almost forget I’m wearing.

Made from four-way stretch, supple fabric, with marshmallow soft cups, it’s comfortable, yet supportive and worthy of the brand’s ‘cloud-like’ description. Although supportive while sat at my desk, it’s not one for active gym sessions. The support is minimal, particularly if you have a bigger bust and need more support, but it sits well for less impact based classes. I’ve worn it to a couple of yoga and Pilates classes and there’s been no risk of anything falling out. In fact, for low-impact movement, it does the job very well and the bra shouldn’t move out of place.

Available in six colours, including my favourite pink, the bra’s double-straps are very flattering, as is the light padding. However, if you like highly adjustable sports bra, this may not be one for you, as there aren’t any options to adjust this bra and the sizing is pretty limited.

At over £50 it’s a sizeable investment, especially if you just wearing it for comfort at home. But if, like me, you love slipping on a sports bra every morning instead of faffing around with an uncomfortable bra, then its worth its price and more.

Key specifications

• Size range: 2 to 14
• **Support: **Light
• **Style: **Longline with racerback straps
• Suitable for: Yoga, Pilates

---

6. Best Sports Bra for Bigger Busts:** **PourMoi Energy Empower Sports Bra

Score: 9/10

We like: A versatile sports bra suited to a range of activities

**We don’t like: **The underwire, which won’t be comfortable for everyone

From£23.80

Price at

Pourmoi

PourMoi is a lingerie brand who were founded on the principle of making lingerie and swimwear accessible to every size and their sports bras reflect this. The unique feature of this bra is that you can switch around the straps, so they either sit over the shoulder or are crossed over one another, in a racerback position. This makes the sports bra very versatile – when the straps are adjusted to the shoulder position they offer comfortable medium support, while its racerback style converts it to a high-support bra for more intense workouts.

This is one of the only sports bras we tested with underwiring; a design aspect which can help to maintain support further, but can also cause discomfort. I’m not someone who generally wears underwired bras, so I was hesitant about its comfort, especially on longer runs, but the wiring was comfortable, didn’t move around or cause any chafing – something which I was very thankful for.

The sports bra, which is available in various colours and patterns, has light padding, which felt breathable, even during high impact workouts. However, its design wasn’t as flattering as some of the other brands I reviewed and probably wouldn’t wear it on its own, as it does look like a bra, rather than a sports bra or top. However, if you have a bigger bust their sizing goes up to a 38G and the coverage is great.

Key specifications

• **Size range: **32B to 38G
• **Support: **High
• Style: square neck or racerback (adjustable)
• Suitable for: Running, HIIT, strength training

---

7. Best Supportive Sports Bra: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Running Bra

Score: 8/10

**We like: **No chafing and how soft it felt against the skin

**We don’t like: **The price

£60

Price at

Sweaty Betty

*Reviewed by *Sarah Finley

If I’m paying £60 for a sports bra, I want to almost be living in it – or at least be able to wear it for multiple gym workouts. But this sports bra didn’t quite give me the multi-support I was hoping for. With a high neck and double fastenings at the back, plus a thick upper band, its not the most attractive sports bra I’ve tested and I definitely wouldn’t wear it on its own. But the Zero Gravity, which comes in six different colours, also has an anti bounce design and is free from underwiring.

I put it through its paces during a long run and also multiple gym sessions. With a 34D bra size, I struggle to find sports bras which will support me during long runs while also avoiding any chafing. I was worried its bra straps would dig into my shoulders or chafe as I ran, but the material felt really soft and stayed in place for a whole 10K.

The support wasn’t quite as effective though, and I had to fasten the straps quite tight to get the support I needed. This one may be better for runners with smaller bra sizes. During a HIIT class I found the bra supportive, especially as I moved through exercises such as burpees and squat jumps.

The bra’s two fastenings, one at the bottom of the back and one higher up, are there to help support you as you move but I found it difficult to fasten them both and a little uncomfortable on my back. Apart from the back fastenings, I found the bra really comfortable. The lightweight fabric wicked away my sweat after every class and I wasn’t left feeling damp or drenched in sweat. But it’s not comfortable enough to wear around the house or for less strenuous based classes such as Pilates or yoga.

Key specifications

• **Size range: **30A to 38F
• **Support: **High
• **Style: **Square neck
• Suitable for: HIIT, strength and running

---

8. Best High Impact Sports Bra: Nike Alpha Women’s High-Support Sports Bra

Score: 7/10

**We like: how **flattering the sports bra is

We don’t like: did cause some discomfort

£22.50

Price at

Sports Direct

A great deal of sports bras are designed with a similar shape, which doesn’t suit everyone. The Nike Alpha bra offers a unique fit, made with a rounded neck and thick shoulder straps, with front adjustments. I found this to be a really flattering shape for my figure, although, if you don’t want to show off your sports bra at the gym this bra could be tricky – the design means I struggled to find a top which went over it without exposing its straps.

The bra, which is made from 50 per cent recycled polyester fibres has four different hook and eye fastenings at the back and fit like a traditional bra, which made it very easy to get it on and off. You can also adjust the shoulder straps at the front of the bra – a useful feature which more brands should adopt. Saying this, the straps could only be minimally adjusted, and it would have fit me better if there was more leeway with this. There is a wide range of sizes available though, so you should be able to find one that fits you well.

This is a high-support sports bra, available in three colours. I felt mostly secure while wearing it, both for a sweaty CrossFit session and when I played tennis. The padding uses encapsulation, which means the bras individual cups support each breast – a design aspect I appreciated as I was busy thinking about my gym workout and not the comfort of my bra. I did find it tight under the arms though, which meant it dug in at times and required some adjustment, however I wasn’t sure if this was an issue with the design or the sizing.

At under £60 its not cheap, but as its made from quality material and is a well designed sports bra, it could last you for multiple workouts.

Key specifications

• **Size range: **XS to 3X (equivalent to 46E)
• **Support: **High
• **Style: **Square neck
• Suitable for: HIIT classes and running

---

Sports bras FAQs