The 12 Best Sports Bras to Buy in 2023

Athleta
Athleta
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Ask anyone who works out in sports bras, and be prepared for a short monologue about their favorite brand or a horror story about the one that snapped mid-sprint. People are passionate about sports bras because they're arguably the most critical piece of our workout wardrobe. Let's face it, we just can't move without them; you know the dread that comes when you open your gym bag and realize you've forgotten your beloved sports bra. But, instead of holding on to the one you love for dear life, you should be refreshing your sports bra drawer with some degree of frequency. Otherwise, they stretch out and lose their shape and support. That's where we come in.

We've done a little digging and come up with our picks for the best sports bras available to shop online. Think high-support cult favorites and adorable strappy styles perfect for yoga. Our top selects include a classic racerback bra, a more compressive bra that will really hold you in, and a longline bra that can double as a cropped tank. We found great picks from activewear companies like Lululemon and more traditional intimates brands like ThirdLove and Knix. They're comfortable, supportive, and cute; what more could you ask for? Now all you have to do is shop!

Additional reporting by India Yaffe

Best Supportive Sports Bra
knix.com

Best Supportive Sports Bra

Knix Catalyst Bra ($89)

The Catalyst Bra is the one everyone can't stop talking about. It's super supportive but doesn't dig into your shoulders or underbust, and actually helps your mobility rather than restrict it. It's available to shop in a range of sizes, and has thousands of positive ratings. If you're going to try one bra, make it this one.

Best Non-Racerback Sports Bra
girlfriend.com

Best Non-Racerback Sports Bra

Girlfriend Collective Tommy Cropped Bra ($42)

This cropped bra has become an unexpected favorite. Whether you have a smaller or larger chest, this sleek, minimal bra provides a good amount of support, and it's also one of the most comfortable bras we've tried. You can read our review of the Girlfriend Collective Tommy Cropped Bra.

Best Performance Sports Bra
onrunning.com

Best Performance Sports Bra

ON The Performance Bra ($75)

Whether you're an avid runner or someone who is constantly on the go, you need this padded sports bra in your life. The athletic layer is fitted with built-in padding that provides extra support for high-endurance activities, while its sweat-wicking fabric helps to keep you cool through even the most intense workouts.

Best Everyday Sports Bra
shop.lululemon.com

Best Everyday Sports Bra

Lululemon Energy Bra ($58)

This Lululemon sports bra is the do-it-all style that's designed for all types of different workouts and activities. Medium-impact, with a cute strappy back, this is the bra you'll turn to for pretty much any workout. It comes in a variety of colors, so there's one to suit every workout look, and the Luxtreme fabric helps to wick sweat well.

Best Strappy Sports Bra
Free People

Best Strappy Sports Bra

GapFit Eclipse Medium-Support Strappy Sports Bra ($40)

This strappy sports bra removes the struggle we're all too familiar with of actually getting your sports bra on. It's comfortable and great for low-impact workouts. Plus, we love the sexy, strappy back, and the fact that it's less than $50.

Best Compressive Sports Bra
athleta.gap.com

Best Compressive Sports Bra

Athleta Ultimate Bra ($49)

The comfortable sports bra has definitely earned its name. If you're someone who loves higher-impact workouts, this is the ultimate (see what we did there) investment style for you. It's made of supportive compression fabric that keeps you in through jumps, lunges, and squats. This bra is made for people with a D or DD cup, and there's also a version for people with an A-C cup chest.

Best Low-Impact Sports Bra
nike.com

Best Low-Impact Sports Bra

Nike Indy Sports Bra ($38)

This Nike sports bra is lightweight and has cute minimal straps that'll keep you feeling supported without being too constricting. We love it for everyday activities, particularly if you have a smaller chest. It comes in a number of fun colors (including this cool white shade), so you can have one for every cute gym outfit.

Best Comfortable Sports Bra
aloyoga.com

Best Comfortable Sports Bra

Alo Emulate Bra ($74)

This Alo sports bra is a new favorite, but it'll soon be a staple within all our wardrobes. The athletic layer is comfortable without being too flimsy and supportive without feeling restrictive. It's an everyday go-to you'll love and a medium-impact sports bra that's perfect for more casual workouts like Pilates or cycling.

Best Sports Bra With a Bra Clasp
girlfriend.com

Best Sports Bra With a Bra Clasp

Girlfriend Collective Simone Bra ($52)

Girlfriend Collective's viral Simone bra the perfect style to pick if you want to do a little more intense workout but don't want to feel too weighed down by your gym clothes. We love how comfortable it is; the shoulder and back straps are adjustable, so you can find your perfect fit. Best of all, this bra is available in sizes XXS-6XL.

Best Padded Sports Bra
underarmour.com

Best Padded Sports Bra

Under Armour Infinity Mid Sports Bra ($40)

The Infinity Sports Bra from Under Armour has hundreds of positive reviews — and for good reason. It's the type of bra you could do anything in — from boxing to barre, it's got you covered. The intimate has molded padding which help you maintain your shape without feeling foamy or unnatural on the body.

Best High-Impact Sports Bra
thirdlove.com

Best High-Impact Sports Bra

ThirdLove Kinetic Impact Sports Bra ($78)

If you're doing high-intensity activity, you want to be in ThirdLove's Impact Sports Bra. It comes in 10 colors and will keep you supported through your toughest workouts with the comfort that ThirdLove is known for. Plus, the adjustable straps at the back and shoulders will help you customize the style's fit to your liking.

Best Longline Sports Bra
girlfriend.com

Best Longline Sports Bra

Girlfriend Collective Paloma Sports Bra ($46)

Per the brand, this longline sports bra is made of recycled water bottles, so it's a style you can feel good about wearing for a variety of reason. The conservative longline silhouette also doubles as a crop top, so it's one less item you have to worry about bringing to the gym.