If you're suddenly feeling inspired to add some more activity to your routine, the best supportive sports bras are the best way to bring some motivation. Let's be real, nothing is more disheartening than reaching to the back of your drawer and finding your sports bra is looking a little, well, tired. Even the best bras you own sadly reach their peak in the end.
If you're just starting out your fitness journey or are refreshing your gym wardrobe (or if you're just looking for an unbelievably comfy bra to wear day to day), we've made it as easy as can be by rounding up the best supportive sports bras. Trust us, you'll want something sweat-proof, like the ones below.
With all the different styles out there, buying a normal bra is hard enough. With sweatproof bras, bamboo bras and endless options to choose from, finding the right one to suit you is a minefield. Thankfully, if you're looking for a supportive sports bra, we've got you covered.
Closer's best supportive sports bras at a glance:
Best supportive sports bra overall: Fabletics No-Bounce Sports Bra, ÂŁ69 on Fabletics
Best supportive sports bra with high ratings: Sweaty Betty Stamina Sports Bra, ÂŁ42 on Sweaty Betty
Best supportive sports bra for choice: Gymshark Ruched Training Bra, ÂŁ28 on Gymshark
If a workout-appropriate bra isn't the only piece of underwear on your current clothing shopping list, fear not, reader, as we've also found the best budget nude bras for you to include as an underwear drawer staple. Take a look at our top picks of the best, as well as our guide to choosing the right sports bra for you.
SHOP: The best supportive sports bras 2024 UK
Best supportive sports bra overall
Fableticswww.fabletics.co.uk
Description
The Fabletics No-Bounce Sports Bra has to be considered the best sports bra overall, which is why it's earned a top spot on our shortlist. Not only does it have an incredible range of designs and sizes available, but it's also the highest-rated sports bra that we could find. Its stylish cross-over back, thick straps and high impact will keep you in place with no problem.
Customer review:Â "This sports bra is probably the best one I have ever worn. I have really broad shoulders and big boobs (40F) so sometimes I feel like straps dig painfully into my shoulders. Not with this bra. It is so comfortable and the support is amazing."
Pros
- Made from moisture-wicking fabric
- Includes removable bra cups
- UPF Protection
Cons
- Some designs are low in stock
Best supportive sports bra with high ratings
Sweaty Bettywww.sweatybetty.com
Description
Another highly-rated favourite is the Stamina Sports Bra from Sweaty Betty. Reasonably priced with high-impact performance, this sports bra has compression technology for no bounce and a racerback for support and total freedom of movement. There are loads of designs to choose from in a fab range of sizes.
Customer review: "This is a really comfortable sports bra. It stays put for any activity and you don’t know that you’re wearing it. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- A bestseller
- Made from sweat-wicking fabric
- Zoned rib stitching and rib contour underband for comfort
Cons
- Sizing runs small
Best supportive sports bra for choice
uk.gymshark.com
Description
With an impressive range of designs, the Gymshark Ruched Training Bra is a brilliant option if you're looking for plenty of choice. Comfortable ruched cups and adjustable supportive straps offer a medium level of support. An affordable option you can wear to the gym or even as an everyday bra if you choose.
Customer review:Â "Really comfy and supportive, also just looks super cute. I would say to size up as the ruching can make it a little tight but other than that it's amazing."
Pros
- Breathable mesh back panel
- Crossover straps on back offer support
- Includes removable padding
Cons
- Some may prefer more support
Best supportive sports bra for style
fableticswww.fabletics.co.uk
Description
A stylish choice, the Oasis Twist Sports Bra from Fabletics has an extensive range of flattering prints to choose from. With a twist keyhole detail and thick underband for support, this sports bra will become your new favourite. Perfect for spin, studio, and hikes, this flattering bra offers medium-impact support to lift, shape, and hold you in.
Customer review:Â "Cute, soft, comfy, stylish, supportive, 10/10."
Pros
- Made from moisture-wicking fabric
- Thick underband for support
- Includes removable bra cups
Cons
- May not be the best choice for those with a bigger bust
Best supportive sports bra for running
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Description
The Extra High Impact Serious Sports Bra from Marks and Spencer is perfect for runners, those who do high-intensity workouts or those with a bigger bust. Developed alongside scientists for ultimate bounce control, it offers plenty of coverage and thick straps to relieve pressure off your back. A fab choice for bigger busts, it's got wired full-cup support.
Customer review:Â "I like to keep my girls thoroughly strapped in as I do high-impact exercise. This bra is great and I don't see any movement."
Pros
- Developed alongside scientists
- Ultimate bounce control
- Thick straps for support
Cons
- Only one design of this variation is available
Best supportive sports bra for padding
pour moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
Description
If padding is what you're after, the Energy Empower U/W Lightly Padded Convertible Sports Bra from Pour Moi is the one for you. With breathable foam cups, light padding and underwire support, this sports bra fits just like your everyday bra. It's perfect if you're looking for medium to high support or for a number of designs to shop.
Customer review:Â "Literally the most comfortable sports bra ever! Great fit and support."
Pros
- Wide adjustable convertible straps
- Super soft cushioned under-band elastic
- Breathable foam cups
Cons
- Limited range of sizes
Best supportive sports bra for yoga
sweaty bettywww.sweatybetty.com
Description
Super comfy, the Mindful Seamless Yoga Bra from Sweaty Betty might just become your new favourite lounge bra. Ideal for low-intensity activities like yoga, despite being low impact, it offers a surprising amount of support. Its seamless unwired design means less discomfort. And it comes with removable inner cup pads if you're not a fan of padding.
Customer review:Â "I bought it to use for yoga which is comfortable and stays in place very well. I kept it on for tennis on the same day as I forgot to change and it gave me great support. Normally a 32C and small fits perfectly."
Pros
- Soft sustainable fabric made from modal Lenzing™ yarn
- Supportive crossover strappy back
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- May not be the best choice for those with a bigger bust
Best supportive sports bra for a bigger bust
Bravissimowww.bravissimo.com
Description
The Bravissimo Inspire Sports Bra is the best choice on our list for those with a bigger bust. An impressive range runs up to 40L and the high level of impact has been designed to beat the bounce. Made to be as comfortable as can be, padded straps and layered cups mean it's less irritating against your skin. Thick straps and underwires offer an added level of support and a super flattering shape. No more uniboob at last!
Customer review:Â "It fits like a glove and I've only been out running in it once but it's way better than the compression bra I had before. No bounce, no movement. Really good boob separation and looks so much better than a uniboob!"
Pros
- Underwires for extra support and flattering shape
- Cups are made from a double layer of fabric for comfort
- Padded straps and hook and eye
Cons
- Exclusively for bigger busts
Best supportive sports bra for strength training
Under Armour www.underarmour.co.uk
Description
Delivering strategic support, the Under Armour Crossback Sports Bra has been tailored for medium-support activities like cycling, weight training and boxing. The updated design helps keep pads in place, and the double-layer high compression HeatGear® fabric means an ultra-contoured fit. Helping to keep everything in place, this bra is a popular choice for avid gym-goers.
Customer review:Â "Absolutely love this bra true to size and has a very nice shape."
Pros
- Made from fast-drying moisture-wicking fabric
- Crossover straps with updated keyhole detail
- Updated interior construction helps keep pads in place
Cons
- Straps are non-adjustable
FAQs
What style of sports bra is best for me?
Whatever you're comfortable in is always best, but knowing what type of sports bra is most comfortable for you can be pretty challenging. Our bodies are totally unique, which means we all have different requirements when it comes to finding the perfect sports bra. One thing that we should be looking for is the best support bra.
It's a bit of trial and error, but trying on a few different styles to see which works for you is the only way you'll find the perfect one. As long as it's sweatproof or has moisture-wicking fabric, like a bamboo bra and meets your requirements, you'll be good to go. In the meantime, here's a guide to impact levels so you can make a decision on the right level for you.
Those with a bigger bust might be more comfortable in a high-impact, racerback-style bra with thicker straps for the most support. Those who've had surgery might be more comfortable with a front closure fastening and, those who are pregnant should wear a maternity sports bra.
What impact-level sports bra is best for me?
When choosing which impact-level sports bra is best for you, it's important to consider what level of activity you're going to engage in, and also the size of your bust. The impact level determines how much support your bra will offer.
A low-level impact bra is more of a relaxed fit, while a high-impact bra means very little movement around your bust area. Whatever works for you is what you feel most comfortable in.
Low impact is best for those with smaller busts, for low-intensity workouts (like yoga), or for lounging and everyday wear.
Medium impact is fitting for a wide variety of activities and across most cup sizes, with a lot of women finding medium impact sports bras suitable for activities like light cardio and strength training to name a few.
High impact or extra high impact would be better for those with bigger busts, or for high-intensity workouts (like running, kickboxing, cycling).
How do I know my sports bra fits me?
Designed to fit a lot more snug than a normal bra, your sports bra should feel firmer than usual and you should feel confident that everything is secured in place. Sports bras are usually a lot more fitted to minimise bounce, however, they should never be uncomfortable for you to wear.
If you're spilling over the cups, the band is rubbing against your skin or you feel restricted in any way, then your bra is definitely too small and you should consider sizing up to feel most comfortable. Take a look at how to measure your bra size before buying a new bra. If the cup isn't smooth against your bust and there are wrinkles in the fabric, then that's an indication your sports bra is too big and getting a smaller size would be best.
"It’s a good idea to replace your sports bra every year to ensure you’re getting the optimum performance from your bra," advises M&S experts in its guide to choosing the right sports bra.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at heat magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.