The quest to finding the most comfortable, most flattering sports bra [1] for your body — similar to hunting down the best-fitting pair of jeans [2] or the perfect shade of red lipstick [3] — is no walk in the park (or in this case, jog in the gym). That's why one (not fitness) editor set out to try as many as possible and work out (get it) exactly how to find a sports bra or two that supports you through every single workout.
I like to think I've always been somewhat fit. As a dancer, I had nifty leotards with built-in bras that worked fine for my size, so I never really had to consider the extra bra in my kit. When I gave up dancing and got into yoga, I similarly didn't need much support when it came to a bra. I'd essentially grab any cheap, cute looking bra I could get my hands on. I'm also not someone who spends a ton on gym gear for it to sit in my wardrobe (there are far too many eye-shadow palettes to buy instead). But when I started doing high-intensity circuit and boxing classes, it was safe to say I was no longer supported enough. When I set out to buy some new sports gear, I was finding myself in fitness stores surrounded by bras that cost a lot of money with no clue what I required or what to look for. I knew I needed further investigation before investing in any new workout gear.
The simple fact is, boobs need to be very supported, especially for high-intensity workouts or running. According to the NHS [4], boobs can move anywhere from 4cm to 15cm when exercising, if not supported correctly. Emphasising the importance of finding the correct sports kit, a 2015 study by the University of Portsmouth [5] found that 17 percent of women were put off exercising due to not being able to find the correct sports bra and embarrassment of "excessive breast movement".
When finding a sports bra, the first thing to consider is what you need it for? If you do Pilates, you might want something made for lower impact sports and might not require underwiring or clasps. For higher intensity workouts such as circuits, you will probably need a bra that is moulded or has a little padding and thick adjustable straps. For runners, shock-absorbing bras are best. Designed to reduce movement, these will keep you totally strapped and supported and ideally have hook-and-eye fastenings. With all of this to consider, it's important to wear the correct bra for the correct exercise. Of course this doesn't mean you need a new bra for each exercise, but having a few to choose from will ensure confidence and hopefully eliminate pain and discomfort while working out.
My cup size is a 32DD, meaning I needed a fair amount of support but not as much as people with larger breasts might need. I have a routine of four workouts a week (on a good week!) including boxing, circuits, and yoga. With this new knowledge in tow, I began a hunt of the best bras for my size. Read on to see which bras (including all of my awkward mirror selfies) I'll buy in every colour (so I never have to live without them) and which others make great options if you're a runner, or if your bra size is smaller or larger than mine.
Ivy Park Active Logo Bra
The Ivy Park Active Logo Bra [7] (£20) is one of my favourite does-it-all bras. Although it doesn't look very supportive, for for low- and medium-impact exercises like yoga and circuits, it works great for my shape. It's tight-fitting without being uncomfortable. Actually it's so comfortable — due to not having any underwire or padding — that I've worn it around my house while chilling out. The scoop neck is low enough that it goes with all of my gym tops but not so low that it feels too revealing. All in all, thanks to the cross straps at the back, it's supportive enough for medium-size boobs for medium-impact sport and also makes the perfect "workout but not actually working out" top to do your food shopping in. We won't judge.
Panache Sports Moulded Underwire Bra
The Panache Sports Moulded Underwire Bra [8] (£42) is the most supportive and flattering bra I tried on my hunt. It's supersupportive because the back clasp is exactly like the back clasp on an everyday bra, which I really like because it also means it's not a struggle to get out of it after the gym. It has a moulded cup (without giving Madonna [9] cone-bra vibes) and soft under wiring (this isn't uncomfortable due to the thick band below the boobs), both of which keeps everything in place, even during high intensity workouts. This bra comes in a wide range of sizes to suit most shapes and in a variety of pretty colours and patterns — proving that sports bras can be colourful, cute, and supportive. I'll continue to wear this bra for HIIT workouts and cardio. And if I ever contemplate taking up running, I'll reach for this.
Nike Pro Intertwist 2.0 Crop Top
Nike Pro Intertwist 2.0 Crop Top [10] (£27) is probably not the best option if your boobs are on the bigger side. There isn't much support at all due to the high neck, and there's no extra material inside the bra to cup the boobs. However, it doesn't claim to be a bra, more of a top, which is how I've chosen to style it. I wear this one on its own for low impact-exercise like yoga and also over the top of a more supportive sports bra, opting to wear it more as a crop top. This Nike crop isn't the most practical of the bunch, but I really do love how it looks (there are matching leggings, too).
Under Armour Vanish Mid Mesh Bra
Hands down my favourite new sports bra is the Under Armour Vanish Mid Mesh Bra [11] (£22). So much so, that I'm sad when it goes in the wash (hence why this photo is different to the others — I just can't part with it). It's got quite a bit more padding than the typical sports bra, which I like because it's supersupportive without any under wiring needed. This bra is perfect for both high-impact and low-impact exercise as it's soft, doesn't rub, and keeps everything tightly in place. However, I do wish it had a clasp back, as it is a little hard to take off sometimes. It's unfussy, looks stylish, and does the job well. Tip: instructions say this bra is handwash only, but I've machined-washed it a few times with no problems; however, it's probably better to be on the safe side and wash by hand. (p.s. don't worry, I don't wear lobster trainers to work out).
ILU Vitality Crop Top
ILU is a British fitness brand loved by yogi and fitness fanatics Millie Mackintosh and Fearne Cotton, so I figured if it's good enough for them, it's worth trying. I chose the Ilu Vitality Crop Top [12] (£40), which promises to be a great option for Pilates, yoga, and even brunch. A brand that encourages wearing athleisurewear to brunch is our kinda brand. It's definitely not a high-impact bra but it doesn't claim to be one. I wear this to yoga or over the top of a more supportive bra and wear it as a top. Other features of the ILU crop that I like is the removable pads, seamless and incredibly soft material, and how thin the bra is, which is particularly good if you are a hot yoga fan.
Sundried Breithorn 2.0 Sports Bra
Again, the Sundried Breithorn 2.0 Sports Bra [13] (£30) isn't the most supportive bra — the brand recommends this is best for sizes A-C that want medium support while running. However, I wouldn't recommend this crop for running. I don't think it has enough support within it. But I personally like this bra for light exercise that doesn't require jumping, such as Pilates. It's a comfortable, tight-fitting bra in this roundup due to its wide racerback and mesh-style design. Sundried also does an entire eco-line made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles.
Runderwear Women's Support Running Bra
Runderwear Women's Support Running Bra [14] (£45) is specifically designed for runners (which I am not, but I can still see a fit for it in my fitness attire), by providing maximum support with the adjustable straps, J hook fastening, racer back, and removable pads. This bra has it all and truly supported me in an intense workout. It supported me so much, that it was actually a struggle to take off at first because I forgot it has so many fastenings. It's tight-fitting, supersoft, and is the bra I will count on when I need something for very high-intensity workouts (or maybe just for skipping when I'm feeling less energetic!)
Mamoq RubyMoon Leilani Black Sports Bra
Unfortunately, the Mamoq RubyMoon Leilani Black Sports Bra [15] (£55) didn't fit me properly, but it's in the lineup due to it's many features. For starters, the bra uses Econyl [16], which is a material made from discarded materials in the ocean such as fishing nets. It has clasps around the back, at the top of the shoulders, and at the base of the straps for almost custom shoulder and chest adjustment. The material is a little stiff and feels a little like a swimming costume, so it has to be the correct cup shape to fit properly because it doesn't mould to the contours of the body. If you're looking to make more eco-friendly choices and require lots of adjustable strap functions, this bra is well worth trying.