Behold! Supportive Sports Bras That’ll Actually Make You Want to Work Out
Sports bras are comfy and amazing—except when they’re not. Think: when they’re actually not supporting anything, and you’re 10 minutes into a workout and already adjusting your straps and experiencing chafing. I mean, it’s an accomplishment in itself that you got out of your warm bed and made it to that morning Pilates class, so the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable the entire time. There are tons of sports bras out there you can choose from depending on your cup and band size, workout type (e.g., low or high intensity), or style preferences (racerback, longline, underwire, etc.), but to make your life easier, we rounded up ones with the best customer reviews. (Even better? Pair them with cute leggings from these brands.)
This list has designs from Lululemon to Amazon brands in almost all sizes and colors for every kind of activity, so you can feel supported in one that fits you perfectly. Wear these styles when you’re running (here’s a playlist for ya), working on your abs (try this 30-day challenge!), or simply doing some much-needed morning stretches.
Our picks for the best sports bras of 2022:
PS: If you want more sports bra content, we've got a boatload for ya! From the best zip-front sports bras to the ones that you absolutely need for high-impact, you're sure to find what you like and need. Ahead, check out some of the best sports bras to shop right now. There's def a sweat-ready style (or two, or three...) you'll want to slip into ASAP!
If you’re looking for a hook-and-eye closure:
Sometimes, you just don’t want to wrestle with a sports bra by pulling the tight fabric over your head and around your boobs. That’s where a hook-and-eye closure can make a major difference. This style features that handy (pun intended) feature, along with a cute, strappy back design. It's great for medium- and low-impact workouts, like hiking and yoga. Plus, it goes up to size 5XL.
Notable 5-star review:
I’ll be honest, I was very skeptical about this bra. I have an exceptionally large chest (K cup) and haven’t had great luck in the past with pricey alternatives. I saw the positive reviews for this, loved the design, and decided to give it a whirl for the reasonable price. I am blown away by the support and love the fact I still have some shape as opposed to a big, solid tube.
If you’re looking for something to give you a little lift:
Notable 5-star review:
This is truly one of the best sport bras I’ve ever owned. I will not buy one that doesn’t have a front or back clasp—it’s torture getting in and out of one without it. It’s very well made and has some push-up power. I just bought five more in different colors. This works great for running and cycling.
If you’re looking for a sports bra to wear every day:
Notable 5-star review:
I absolutely love this bra! I am a 32 DD and have one in a size 6 for workouts and then two in a size 8 for lounging around. They are so comfortable while still providing lots of support. I would definitely recommend this!
If you’re looking for high-intensity support:
Boxing, sprinting, dancing, and other high-impact sports are a breeze in this super supportive bra that works just as well as wearing two at the same time. It comes in a ton of cute colors and goes up to size XXL (40DD).
Notable 5-star review:
I’m 34DD and I got a medium. I love this, it’s amazing, best sports bra I’ve gotten so far. It helps my posture too and helps disperse the weight in my back and equal it out. It feels great, definitely worth it—I would recommend it!!
If you’re looking for medium-intensity support:
For medium-impact workouts like jogging and hiking, this simple, but still stylish ombré piece seems to do the job. It comes in a variety of colors and goes from S to XL.
Notable 5-star review:
The seamless material is great quality, comparable to a lot of high-end brands, but wayyyyy cheaper! For reference, I wear a 32DD and I purchased these in a size S/M, and they fit perfectly. They are so comfortable! I highly recommend these if you’re looking to get some new sports bras!
If you’re looking for something that'll make you sweat even more:
Notable 5-star review:
I absolutely love my thermal tech bra animal print and thermal tech leggings animal print set, it feels amazing! I can’t believe how though latex feels really good against my skin! I can move freely around in my set I can work out with no problems and I can feel the burn in my workout while wearing my thermal tech animal print set by What Waist. The way it snatches my body and creates heat in the areas that I am looking to burn most is incredible. I would definitely suggest this beautiful stylish set and any other What Waist product to anyone!
If you’re looking for high-impact support for large cup sizes:
Notable 5-star review:
I am large chested (36FF), and it is SO hard to find sports bras made for larger busts that are supportive enough. I run and do a lot of HIIT, and this sports bra is fantastic for keeping the girls in place during my workouts! Plus, it is very comfortable and made of a soft material. Highly recommend this sports bra.
If you're looking for something durable and chic:
Notable 5-star review:
This style is the epitome of chicness. It's the perfect piece to shoot some athleisure content. You might as well buy the entire set!
If you’re looking for coverage:
Especially on women with larger busts, sports bras can create a lot of unwanted cleavage action. If that’s not your go-to gym look, you’ll want a bra like this one with a built-in modesty panel that still looks cute. Bonus: This bra is super supportive, even in higher-intensity workouts, and promises no bouncing. Goes up to size 50J.
Notable 5-star review:
My search for a sports bra is finally over!! No longer do I have to stuff myself into three sports bras, crushing my bosom and my soul, to be able to get a good workout. My 36G bust is fully supported in this bra—it's comfortable, easy to put on, and cute! I especially like the panel that prevents too much cleavage, which has always been a problem for me. Now I can go to the gym without feeling self-conscious. I’ll definitely be purchasing more.
If you‘re looking for more compression:
Notable 5-star review:
It’s my favorite sports bra for running—comfortable and supportive. I wear size small and am a 34B. For maximum support, I can also fit into an XS but prefer the fit of the small. I have the Doing Things bra in a bunch of colors and love that the patterns; plus, dark colors DO NOT show sweat!!
If you‘re looking for something adjustable:
In my opinion, everything should be adjustable. This bra has a hook-and-eye closure at the back and comes with straps that you can adjust to make it tighter across your chest. It also goes up in size to 46I.
Notable 5-star review:
In this thing, I can run, jump, do jumping jacks—I could be a trampoline artist with this thing. I wear a G cup. Can you understand how life-changing a bra like this is? In this thing, my breasts do not shake or move at all. Seriously. I usually keep it on the tightest setting, but sometimes will let it out a bit if I'm not doing a high-impact exercise. According to multiple reviewers, sizing for this bra is super wonky. I measured around my ribcage for the band size and then in my best fitting bra, measured around the bust line. The difference between the two numbers accounts for cup size—1 inch is A cup, 2 inches is B cup, and so on. This method worked perfectly for this bra.
If you’re looking for something seamless:
Notable 5-star review:
I have recently started to get really into fitness and was looking for a sports bra that wasn’t too restricting but also doesn’t show through when it’s a little chilly. This bra is perfect! I love the removable padding. It really helps when I’m wearing it out in public but is also nice to remove when I’m just trying to be comfortable at home. Cute enough to wear as part of an outfit, and functional enough to be a regular workout bra.
If you’re looking for something strappy yet lightly supportive:
Notable 5-star review:
Love this bra! My boobs stay in place and this style is so beautiful. I love all the colors; I bought the other 6 colors and 2 different styles. Definitely worth buying! It doesn't even feel like you're wearing anything!
If you're looking for cuteness only:
Function doesn’t always have to be top of mind when buying a sports bra, especially if you’re more into lower-intensity workouts, like yoga. This T-back style is super cute and comes in 14 different colors and in sizes XS through XXL.
Notable 5-star review:
They run true to size. I bought a large and it fit perfectly. Very comfortable. Good support. Very stylish to wear with yoga tops. I am extremely happy with my purchase and will order more!
If you’re looking for ~sexiness~ only:
Mesh paneling and lots of cleavage are what this bra is about, so if that sounds like you, step right up. This style also comes in three cute colors and goes from XS to XL.
Notable 5-star review:
This bra is not only stylish but also functional! I love it. Thee begonia pink colorway is beautiful and the stripes have a metallic sparkle to them. It is medium support and the back is amazing. I am a 34c and got a small. It fits but a medium would as well so I would size up.
If you‘re looking for a longline silhouette:
Notable 5-star review:
If I could, I would buy in one every color! I bought the black, petrol blue, and the maroon color 6 months ago, to match the 3 power leggings (my gym wardrobe needed a complete reset). Whilst I wouldn't advise running or high impact routines in this bra if you are big busted like me, the support and shape is very good. It's super comfy! I am a 32 D size but I wear a size small which holds me in place. I recently bought a dusty pink and white one. Now, I have to get matching leggings! I highly recommend.
If you’re looking for a front zipper:
Putting on a sports bra and taking it off are some of the most frustrating parts about wearing one at all. A zipper-front closure solves that problem for you and this one comes in a cute patterned style and goes up to size 5XL. It also has tons of support.
Notable 5-star review:
I love the style, zip front, full-coverage cups, and back mesh panel detail that wicks away sweat. Highly recommended for these reasons and the fact that it is so easy to pair with black leggings and looks different and fashionable.
If you’re looking for something that’ll make any sports bra work for you:
Listen, if you’ve already got a ton of sports bras and you’re not looking to buy more but you want something that will improve their performance, this band is the product for you. Secure it so it lays across the upper part of your chest and around your back—it will provide extra support.
Notable 5-star review:
I was skeptical at first because I have a larger bust (38DD), and sports bras don’t do much for me. I wore this today for an all-day volleyball tournament and completely forgot I was wearing it! It definitely worked better under my sports bra and not over it because it didn’t ride up that way. So far, so good!
Here's what you should look out for when shopping sports bras:
We all know how integral our sports bras are when it comes to working out. To ensure you look and feel your best, here's what you should keep an eye out for:
Material
Say it with me: "moisture-wicking material is our friend." Sweat stains and bacteria be gone! Make sure you wash after every use, BTW. Breathable fabrics are also a win. Though cotton is known for their breezy feel, it'll cling to ya when you sweat. Instead, go for nylon or polyester.
Adjustable straps
If you wanna move freely, then adjustable straps are key. Some days you may want the strap to hang a lil tighter (HIIT workouts, we're lookin' at you) and you're gonna need the flexibility to fix your straps to best support you. It's a plus if the bra band is adjustable, too!
Style
Ultimately, you know what you like. Whether you want a funky design, something chic, or minimalistic, go towards what you're most drawn to. And don't forget to have fun with it!
Why trust Cosmo?
Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, fashion editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien, and contributing fashion features director Alexandra Ilyashov—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. We looked alllll over the internet for the best sports bras on the market right now, including options in a variety of styles and sizes so you can find your right match. For criteria, we evaluated support, comfort, adjustability, and sooo many reviews to determine the best sports bra for you.
*Reviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.
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