These Instructor-Approved Sports Bras Offer Optimal Support Without Restriction

Best for running: Lululemon Run Times Bra *High Support

Designed specifically to support B to G cups on long runs and high impact activities, this best-selling sports bra gives top-tier security, separation and coverage. As our expert explained, adjustable, crossable straps are best—and these also have the added benefit of soft padding.

The sweat-wicking fabric offers four-way stretch to keep you feeling free and comfortable. What makes this sleek sports bra special is its perforated paneling for airflow, which helps keep you cool throughout any workout.

This high impact sports bra is Stern’s go-to for running. “This one has adjustable straps, various cup sizes, and breathable material that will keep you most comfortable on your runs,” she says.

Best soft: Beyond Yoga SpaceDye Lift Your Spirits Sports Bra

Why choose between comfort and support when you could have both? Beyond Yoga’s body-contouring bra is supportive enough for high-impact workouts, but so comfortable you’ll want to wear it lounging around or under your favorite tee.

This bra offers four-way stretch to move with you, not against you, and wicks moisture away to keep you dry. Our team at mindbodygreen loves Beyond Yoga’s buttery soft material—and reviewers agree this bra offers unparalleled comfort and softness.

Best sustainable: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racer Back Sports Bra

Our team at mindbodygreen loves Girlfriend Collective for its seriously soft fabrics and sustainability efforts. The brand’s best-selling longline bra is both full-coverage and flattering.

This bra is made from 79% recycled plastic bottles and 21% spandex, plus it’s UPF 45+ protected. If eco-friendliness is a priority to you, you’ll be relieved to know it’s recyclable with the brand’s ReGirlfriend program.

The racerback, scoop neck design delivers full coverage and a soft, sturdy four-way stretch. Reviewers say the compression is unmatched and the cropped design is the perfect length.

Best stylish: Alo Power Play High Impact Sports Bra

Alo’s Power Play bra is engineered with supportive, adjustable straps and hook and eye closures, so you can find the perfect fit. The high-quality fabric is soft and durable, with just the right amount of stretch.

Happy customers agree that this pick is a good pick for larger breasts and high impact workouts. Many tout its effectiveness for running, kickboxing, martial arts, and other high-intensity activities, noting that it’s comfortable and supportive all at once.

Best for HIIT: Lululemon Energy Bra

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: This is easily one of the comfiest sports bras you'll ever put on your body. It’s also perfect for conquering high impact exercises.

The smooth fabric feels like butter on your skin, just like the brand’s Align leggings which we called out in our roundup of the best workout leggings.

Williams says this is her sports bra of choice for workouts with explosive movements. “I love the Lululemon Energy Bra in High Support for most of my cardio workouts, especially for HIIT training (like box jumps!)” she says.

Best for small breasts: Alo Wild Thing

A stylish wardrobe staple for women with small breasts, this bra’s compression fabric is designed for performance support. The soft, cottony material has a smoothing fit with four-way stretch that moves with you.

This bra is made with the brand’s AirBrush fabric, which Stern says is her favorite of all of Alo’s fabrics—and shoppers agree. There are plenty of reviews raving about this bra’s flattering fit and optimal support through every workout.

Best affordable: Target High Impact Sports Bra

This affordable pick comes recommended by Stern as her favorite budget-friendly high impact sports bra. It features a wireless design and soft, stretchy fabric that helps you maintain proper breathing throughout your exercises.

Plus, its moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool as you sweat. The racerback run bra has adjustable straps and a high-support silhouette lends confidence for more rigorous workouts. Stern told mindbodygreen, “I love this one for high impact exercises because it is budget friendly, has adjustable straps, and is made of recycled, breathable material.”

Best sweat-proof: Nike Swoosh High Support Sports Bra

This classic sports bra is a staple for any fitness wardrobe. The high-support model is designed to keep things secure during any high-impact workout, such as HIIT or running.

We previously called out the medium-support version of this bra in our roundup of the best athleisure wear. But the high support gives you a locked-in feeling and helps keep unwanted motion under control.

When you need to make adjustments, the bottom band's extended hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to change up your fit.

NASM certified fitness instructor Lisa Germani Williams loves this pick, too, “For hot vinyasa yoga, my go to is the classic Nike Dri-Fit Swoosh sports bra with padding,” she says. “It helps to wick the sweat all throughout class.”

Williams also adds that she loves how easy the care instructions are and that the bra doesn’t retain sweat odors like others.

Best high neck: Gym Shark High Neck High Support Sports Bra

HIIT classes, running, plyometrics, and any other high-impact exercises all call for a little more support in the bra department. That’s where Gym Shark’s High Neck High Support Sports Bra comes in.

A higher neckline delivers extra coverage for explosive movements like jumps and sprints—and this lightweight and breathable design keeps you free to focus on your workout.

Available in a dual cup sizing from a B to DD cup, this bra feels incredibly secure. Reviewers attest that it’s comfortable and functional, but it does fit on the looser side.

Best breathable: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra

This highly supportive sports bra from Knix is a personal favorite of fitness trainer Julia Stern. “I love this sports bra for running,” she says. “In addition to being seamless, this one has built-in ventilation and is super breathable for sweaty workouts.”

Designed to keep you in place while you move, this bra stands out thanks to a few key features. It has adjustable back straps for a perfect, customized fit, and ventilated cups to reduce movement while promoting comfort.

With Knix’s Catalyst Sports Bra, you can expect a supportive, breathable design that separates and encapsulates your breasts. The company does note that it will be snug at first, and will adjust to your body’s shape with wear.

Best for large breasts: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra

SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra offers the highest level of support and comfort, complete with adjustability to fit bodies of all shapes and sizes. The two-way stretch fabric helps prevent bounce and the bra comes in sizes A to I.

One reviewer praises how this bra took her from “flopping to no stopping.” Others love the way you can cinch the bra for a customized fit—and a few say they’re crying happy tears that they can now perform jumping jacks and box jumps without breast pain.

Best for cardio: Athleta Ultimate Bra

Athleta’s Ultimate Sports Bra, offered in sizes A-C and D-DD+, strikes the perfect balance between revealed and concealed. Its SuperSonic fabric feels super soft and sleek with supportive compression, while the racerback design provides distraction-free mobility and airflow.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for this bra, with customers promising it keeps everything in place, without feeling like you’re being suffocated. This is the type of bra you’ll need in multiple colors.

Expert insight

Most bras on our list are direct recommendations from the fitness trainers we interviewed. Others were chosen by our team based on personal experience, our expert's guidelines, and additional research.

Quality & materials

Per our expert's advice, we chose sports bras from top brands in the industry. All have either been tested by our team or the experts we interviewed. Per usual, we prioritized brands that use sustainable materials and practices.

Versatility

We included high impact sports bras for a variety of exercises. Whether you're a runner, a CrossFitter, or a cardio lover, there's a bra on this list for you.

Price

The best high impact sports bras range in price from $50 to $100. We selected bras that fit a wide range of price points, so everyone can find their perfect match.