The 8 Best Running Sports Bras of 2025: Staff Picks

A shelf-style sports bra isn't going to work for everyone. Some runners (especially those with cup sizes D and up) may prefer a style with some encapsulation, keeping each breast on its own side instead of smooshed together in a single pocket. The On Performance Flex Bra does just that, providing ample support and compression for those longer runs. It is rare to find encapsulation in a pullover style, and On pulls it off. 

With the Performance Flex Bra, you don't have to worry about keeping track of removable padding. Built-in sculpted padding provides coverage without extra bulk. When the temperatures creep up and the miles get long, you'll appreciate the moisture-wicking fabric and full-mesh racerback, which promote airflow. The higher coverage makes the bra a sufficient layer even when it's too hot for a tank top. With sizing that runs up to the equivalent of a 38DD/40C and adjustable straps, runners can find the fit they need for high-impact workouts. While this bra is rated as providing medium support, most runners may find that the combination of compression and encapsulation tips it into the high-support category. 

One customer-reviewer from Texas says it all: "This is the most comfortable, most supportive bra I've used since breastfeeding and ending up with DD tatas. I'm between a 30-32 band and got the XS D-DD. It's perfect. [...] I'm not sure what kind of sorcery is at play here, but the racerback design keeps everything from bouncing, and you feel locked and loaded during your run. The elastic band helps you freaking breathe?? I love breathing during runs! Yes, you will get uni-boob. No, you won't care. This bra feels light as air, gives great coverage on the sides and on the upper chest so you never feel like you're spilling out. The band is thick and wide, like a long line bra. Just buy it!"

For more options for larger cup and band sizes, see our picks for Best Running Sports Bra with Underwire and Best Wireless Sports Bra for Larger Cup Sizes. Buy here.

As a brand specializing in women's running apparel, Oiselle (pronounced wa-zell) is worth considering when looking for the ideal running sports bra. The Oiselle Flyout Bra was designed with trail runners in mind, with wider straps that prevent digging in the shoulders when worn under a hydration pack. 

The Flyout bra is a pullover tank top style with a higher neck and wider chest band, making it more supportive for C/D cup sizes. Removable cups let you adjust to the level of coverage you prefer. "The design, with thick, comfy shoulder straps and a thick band, makes this medium-impact bra more like high-support for most," says Cassie da Costa, Run editor for Expert Advice. "This is the bra I reach for first."

The center-back phone pocket is a favorite feature among wearers, and runners can even pack it with a water flask or energy gel packs if needed. And, while some runners may find the fabric to be thicker than what they’re used to in a sports bra, most are likely to be happy with the level of compression provided. Buy here.

When you think of ALWRLD products, sustainability features and style immediately come to mind, with its focus on using recycled materials with flattering cuts. The ALRN Crop Bra is a perfect example of this design fusion. Made from postconsumer waste materials, including fishing nets and carpet, the ultrasoft material is a favorite of runners as it feels as good as it looks.

The ALRN Crop is a traditional pullover racerback style with a shelf bra that's best for smaller cup sizes if you’re running, but could suit larger cup sizes for low-impact activities like hiking and yoga. While the thin material may not provide enough coverage for some, the bra comes with removable padding if you prefer. The compression level is middle-of-the-road for sports bras, and you should be able to avoid feeling too constricted as long as you select the appropriate size.

Many ALWRLD customer-reviewers have reported that they love wearing the ALRN Crop Bra on its own, and the reflective strips help increase visibility during night runs. The moisture-wicking band is extra soft, making for a comfortable fit even over a long run. The fabric under the arm hits at a good spot to avoid chafing, and the wider straps also increase comfort. Buy here.

Known for its streetwear-inspired running apparel, REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures brand PYNRS makes a satisfyingly versatile sports bra. (Check out this REI video on the founder, Sidney Baptista.) The sleek Warren Sports Bra is high-coverage and medium-impact, with a front brand ribbon and a back reflective patch. 

The Warren doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles—it's "perfect for those who prefer a no-frills/minimalist option that still keeps everything in place," says our Run editor. Two layers of fabric help wick away moisture, but you won't find any extra padding, which helps maintain a streamlined look.  

Here's everything there is to love about this bra, according to a postpartum customer-reviewer in Oregon who had recently returned to workouts: "[T]his bra has been a godsend for me! I had the hardest time finding a sports bra that fit, was comfortable, and was just tight enough to offer support without being too uncomfortable on my still-nursing chest. After trying on every bra in store that might fit I’m so glad I took the chance ordering this one. Give this bra a chance and I don’t think you will regret it!"

While sizing up to XXL accommodates bands up to 42 inches, large-breasted runners may find the bra works best for low-impact activities like yoga or cycling, as the chest band is narrower than in other options. (See our pick for Best Wireless Sports Bra for Larger Cup Sizes.) Buy here. 

Sometimes, you just want to run without a waist pack or carrying your phone and keys in your shorts where they’ll jostle around. Enter the rabbit UtiliBRA-vo Sports Bra, a high-coverage running sports bra with a pocket between the shoulder blades. While this laser-cut back pocket is designed to fit a phone, REI customer-reviewers find it helpful for securely carrying everything from gels to ice packs on particularly hot days. Here's what one had to say: "[...]I absolutely love the back pocket! I was skeptical at first but after a couple runs it's the most comfortable way to carry my phone that I've ever tried." While some storage bras have mesh pockets, keeping your contents visible, this bra hides everything out of sight, allowing for a more elegant look. 

The UtiliBRA-vo is a traditional pullover sports bra with wider shoulder straps to increase comfort by distributing weight over a larger area, reducing strain. Its streamlined design means no seams or underwire to contend with. "I don’t notice this bra very much when I’m wearing it, which is a huge plus," says our Run editor, who is a D cup. 

Sizing goes up to XL, though most reviews share that larger-breasted runners may find it better suited to lower-intensity activities. Those with cups up to a D can expect medium support. Buy here.

One of the pain points of shopping for sports bras is the ambiguous sizing. What does small, medium or large really mean when it comes to the wide array of chest sizes and shapes? The Panache Sport Endurance Wired Sports Bra takes the guesswork out of the equation, as it’s sized numerically, from 32D through 38GG/40G. This sports bra is particularly versatile—wear the two straps like a conventional bra or use the attached hook to link them at the top, creating a crossback style. 

There's nothing worse than tugging a sweaty sports bra over your head after a long run. The Endurance Wired bra solves this issue with a hook-and-eye back closure. With four rows of three hooks each, you can get the fit you need and feel secure wearing this bra during an intense workout. 

REI customer-reviewers praise the padded underwire as very comfortable and integral in providing extra support, especially for those with larger cup sizes. One shared: "I wore it all weekend for 16+ hours per day with miles of terrain, and couldn't get over how comfortable it was. I promptly ordered 2 more and honestly, debated buying them out." The cups do not have any extra padding, improving breathability and creating a smooth line under clothing. Buy here.

If you're looking for a comfortable running sports bra that adjusts for a customized fit and level of compression, check out the Brooks Racerback 2.0. Not only does it have a hook-and-eye band allowing you to dial in the tightness around the ribcage, but the straps can also be easily shortened or tightened. 

While most bra straps have a slider in the back to adjust length, the Racerback 2.0 has a hook-and-ladder closure in the front. "Rather than having to tug and pull to get the shoulder fit you want, you simply lift and slide a hook to the right loop," explains our Run editor. "It makes for a straightforward and secure adjustment system, and a very cute design."

The thoughtful design features don't end there. REI customer-reviewers find that the soft-molded cups help keep the breasts separated, lowering the risk of chafing. The numerical bra sizing takes the guesswork out of ordering the correct size, up to 38DD. Plus, the bra’s racerback style provides extra support for high-impact activities. Buy here.

Long gone are the days when larger-breasted and plus-size runners had to double up on sports bras to get sufficient compression for high-intensity exercise. The Panache Sport Boundless Non-Wired Sports Bra fills that need without overly flattening your chest to create the dreaded "uniboob." Molded cups also keep the breasts separated during exercise with minimal padding. 

You won't have to struggle to get this sports bra on and off over your head—it has a hook-and-eye back closure, making that process easy. The straps are adjustable using sliders in the back, and you can even hook the two straps together to create a racerback style if you prefer more coverage and security in the front. 

Extended sizing for this sports bra goes up to 40GG. Those who need a smaller band with a larger cup size can also find what they need with this style. Buy here.