From silky yoga sports bras to breezy tank tops, there are hundreds of ways to express your style while staying comfortable at the gym. But when you’re tackling an intense workout, you need a sports bra that’s ultra-supportive. The best high-impact sports bras provide the highest level of bounce control for running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), plyometrics, and more. Wearing full-coverage designs with high compression, adjustable straps, and wide bands will keep you comfortable and focused on your fitness goals. To find the top options, we first spoke with experts (including a bra fit specialist and a physical therapist) to learn which key features to look for. Then, we tested 61 expert-approved sports bras from top fitness brands. Our favorites received high scores for fit, comfort, support, adjustability, durability, and value.For more guidance, we had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and even more shopping tips. The best sports bra for high-impact activities is equipped to support your breast tissue through multi-planar movements, like jumping, running, bending, and lifting. Look for sports bras made from comfortable, durable materials. Other nice-to-have features include encapsulated cups; high compression; wide, adjustable straps and bands; and underwires. According to physical therapist Jackelyn Turner, PT, DPT, this extra support helps protect your breast tissue by cutting down on excess movement. It also reduces pain and discomfort—plus, it can even improve your posture and range of motion, she adds. Our Top Picks Best for Larger Breasts: Best for Running: Most Supportive: Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra at Amazon ($39) Best With Convertible Straps: Most Breathable: Most Stylish: Best With Underwire: In This Article Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Comfortable and supportive Breathable perforations Padded straps Cons Not available in A cup sizes Sizes: 32B to 42G | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best for most high-impact workouts, especially if you tend to sweat underneath your sports bra. lululemon’s Run Times Bra is our top overall pick because it has a comfortable, supportive fit made from soft, breathable fabric. We worked up a sweat testing this stylish bra while rowing, running, weightlifting, and more. During each activity, we noticed that the perforated front panel allowed air to flow where sweat often accumulates, keeping us cool and dry. Built for high-impact workouts and running errands alike, this bra has four-way stretch that moves with you for a barely-there feel—similar to your favorite lululemon leggings. We love how the adjustable band never pinches or rides up in the back. Plus, encapsulated molded cups keep your breasts separated and supported. One of the most comfortable high-impact bras we tested, the Run Times Bra has wide, adjustable straps that are lightly padded (so they won’t dig in). It’s also easy to put on and take off. For an all-around high-impact bra, we think this one is unmatched. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Highly supportive Sleek, stylish design Creates a flattering silhouette Cons Tricky to put on and take off Sizes: 32C to 38DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Unknown | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best for people who do intense workouts multiple days per week, especially if you want a flattering sports bra. Alo Yoga’s Power Play High Impact Bra provides exceptional support, comfort, and coverage for those with larger breasts. We love the wide, adjustable cross-back straps and encapsulated cups that keeps our chests contained and lifted during testing. Plus, the band has three rows of hook-and-eye closures for a snug fit. During all types of high-impact activities, we noticed zero spillage. In fact, this bra was so comfortable, we forgot we were wearing it. The soft lining and breathable fabric wick moisture away well, while the durable construction holds up to frequent wear. Even better, it creates a flattering silhouette—complete with a contoured underbust and a keyhole detail in the back. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Four-way stretch High neckline Durable design Cons Not adjustable Sizes: 30C to 40DDD(E) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: No | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, elastane, nylon | Care: Machine wash, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best for anyone who’s sick of fighting with their sports bra. Tired of wrestling your sports bra over your head? We recommend lululemon’s Enlite Front Zip Bra. The zipper in front is strong and secure, tucked underneath protective fabric for durability. Complete with a high scoop neck and a strappy back, this bra is just as functional as it is stylish. With soft, four-way stretch fabric, this bra offers top-notch moisture and motion control. During testing, it felt comfortable and supportive as we ran, cycled, hiked, and weight-trained. We love the smooth, snug band and breathable cups that help control bounce without adding unnecessary bulk. You can wear it multiple times a week—based on our findings, it will still retain its color, shape, and fit after each wash. Our Ratings Fit 4.7/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros High neckline Breathable mesh panel Very compressive Cons Not adjustable Can be tough to take off Sizes: 2XS to XL (30A to 44C) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: No | Padding: No | Materials: Recycled polyester and elastane interlock | Care: Machine wash separately, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for all types of runners, whether you prefer sprints or long distances. With unique design features and plenty of support, Reebok’s Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra is designed to meet runners’ demands. During testing, we found it had the perfect amount of compression to hold everything in place without placing strain on our backs, shoulders, or ribs. Stride after stride, this bra’s high neckline and snug band remained comfortable to wear. Even on longer runs, we were completely covered and bounce-free. Soft, moisture-wicking materials and a mesh panel in the back prevent sweat from building up over time. Plus, it has reflective details for running safely at dawn or dusk. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Hybrid strap design Lays flat underneath tops Zip-front closure Cons Band isn’t adjustable Hook-and-eye clasp can be tricky Sizes: 34B to 42DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for larger chests, especially if your workouts involve lots of running and jumping. With a zipper in front and two types of straps, Champion’s Motion Control Zip Sports Bra is the most supportive high-impact bra we tested. It features high compression, molded cups, and a design that kept our chests comfortably contained. And we love that the hybrid straps evenly distributed the weight of our chests across our shoulders and backs. This breathable, moisture-wicking bra is easy to wear, even during your most demanding days. Through cycling, weight training, and physical therapy sessions, it fit well and retained its shape. Another bonus? During testing, we noticed this bra lays incredibly smoothly underneath tops. We think it’s worth collecting in a few different colors. Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Wide range of sizes Straps can be adjusted from the front High neckline Cons Can be tricky to take off Sizes: XS to 4X (32A to 48DD) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Recycled polyester and spandex | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for most body and bust types—if you haven’t found the perfect racerback bra yet, we recommend giving this one a try. Available in a wide range of sizes, All in Motion’s High Support Embossed Racerback Run Sports Bra is our pick for the most versatile high-impact bra. The straps and band are highly adjustable, with sliding buckles and a hook-and-eye closure for easy wearing. But unlike most other bras on our list, this one has buckles in the front, so you can easily shorten or lengthen the straps while you’re wearing it. The sewn-in molded cups provided comfortable coverage without any gapping or spillage during testing. And the high neckline offers additional coverage while you bend and stretch. Wear and re-wear it often—it’s sturdy and machine-washable, with a durable design that we found holds up over time. Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 4.8/5 Durability 4.5/5 Pros Breathable mesh and perforations Wide band Provides plenty of coverage Cons Limited range of sizes Can be tricky to take off Sizes: 32C to 40DD | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester and spandex | Care: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for larger chests, especially if you’re looking for a bra with straps that can hide underneath most workout tops. Two bras for the price of one? Oiselle’s Queen Bra has convertible straps that can hide underneath almost any top. We love that you can customize the design depending on your needs or outfit. But it doesn’t skimp on coverage, compression, or adjustability—while running and doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, we still felt secure and contained. If breathability is important to you, you’ll appreciate that the Queen Bra is made with perforated fabric that has an airy mesh lining. Sewn-in molded cups and a band with four rows of hook-and-eye closures lift and support larger chests. Choose from a range of bright patterns and colors that will add an edge to your workout wardrobe. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Stylish straps Wide band Laser-cut ventilation Cons Not adjustable May hold onto odors Sizes: 30AB to 40DDE | Support Level: High | Adjustable: No | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Care: Hand wash cold or in garment bag on gentle, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Best for hot yoga, exercising outdoors in warm weather, or other extra-sweaty workouts. Intense, high-impact workouts are often the sweatiest, which is why we love the breathable design of Brooks’ Dare Crossback 2.0 Sports Bra. Made from moisture-wicking fabric, it effectively prevented chafing and other uncomfortable irritation during testing. We also like the stylish, laser-cut ventilation around the straps and band, which allows air to flow while you exercise. We particularly loved wearing this bra during runs and HIIT workouts. The compressive fit and encapsulated cups provided support, while the wide band offered superior stability. Moreover, it doesn’t have any removable pads that can curl up in the wash or poke unflattering creases through your shirts. Our Ratings Fit 4.3/5 Support 4.3/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Highly compressive Breathable mesh panel Removable padding Cons Not adjustable Sizes: XS to XXL (30A to 40C) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Care: Hand wash or machine wash in garment bag on gentle, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for runners, especially if you prefer a bra with lots of compression. Another solid option for hitting the treadmill or trails, Brooks’ Plunge 2.0 Sports Bra is one of the most stylish sports bras we’ve tested. With plenty of compression and a secure band, it supported us through runs, Spin classes, weightlifting, and more. We like that this moisture-wicking bra has a mesh panel in the front that’s not only eye-catching—it also allows extra airflow to sweat-prone areas. Removable padding allows you to customize your preferred level of coverage. Meanwhile, the sleek, strappy design in the back looks modern underneath your favorite top or on its own. Choose from a range of monochromatic and color-blocked options to find colors that suit your style. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 3.8/5 Adjustability 4.7/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Highly adjustable Wide range of sizes and colors Lifts, separates, and supports Cons Band may run small Not comfortable for long periods of wear Sizes: 32C to 42I | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex, elastane | Care: Hand wash warm, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for people with a large cup size and a small band size, especially if you’re looking for a sports bra that won’t overly minimize your chest. Sometimes, compression isn’t enough—that’s where Wacoal’s Simone Sport Underwire Bra comes in. It has an exterior underwire that lifts and stabilizes without rubbing or chafing. Unlike many sports bras that can overly flatten your chest, we loved how this bra’s soft cups lifted, separated, and supported our breasts. The final product: even support and a more sculpted silhouette. With an adjustable band and straps, we appreciate that this bra is easy to customize for the right fit. It’s also made from thick, opaque fabric that provides solid coverage and wicks away sweat. Available in multiple colors in sizes ranging from 32C to 42I, there’s an option for almost every wearer and workout. Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros Thick, opaque material Flattering silhouette Wide hook-and-eye closure Cons Sizing system can be confusing May feel too compressive at first Sizes: 0 to 8+ (28A to 42F) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Care: Machine wash cold with mild detergent, lay flat to dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Best for anyone who dreads “uni-boob.” If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality, stylish sports bra, we recommend Knix’s Catalyst Bra. When we put it to the test, we found that its molded, encapsulated cups and high compression supported our chests comfortably at all impact levels. It lifts, separates, and reduces motion to keep you feeling covered and confident. During testing, we noticed that the fabric is surprisingly thick and soft, even without removable padding in the cups. The wide sides and band provide lots of coverage to prevent spillage. And adjusting it is a breeze, using the large buckles and five-row hook-and-eye closure. All of these features (plus a zip-front option for easier wearing) make this bra a solid buy, in our book. Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Pros Zip-front closure Convertible straps Customizable compression Cons Two-way stretch Sizes: XS to 6XL (A to I) | Support Level: High | Adjustable: Yes | Padding: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Best for anyone who still struggles to find the perfect sports bra—no matter your cup size. While many of our top picks are adjustable, SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra is completely customizable to fit your unique body shape perfectly. Designed so you can alter the fit instantly (even mid-workout), this bra has strong, convertible straps that are adjustable from the front and a zip-front closure that locks securely beneath protective fabric tabs. We love that, unlike many other bras on our list, this one has customizable compression, thanks to its unique construction. During testing, it held up through runs, weightlifting sessions, and complex agility drills. We also like that it’s highly breathable, with moisture-wicking materials and mesh panels that help sweat evaporate quickly. Best Overall: lululemon Run Times Bra High Support Best for Larger Breasts: Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra Best Zip-Front: lululemon Enlite Front-Zip Bra High Support Best for Running: Reebok High-Impact Sports Bra Most Supportive: Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra Most Versatile: All In Motion High Support Racerback Bra Best With Convertible Straps: Oiselle Queen Bra Most Breathable: Brooks Crossback Run Bra 2.0 Most Stylish: Brooks Drive Plunge Run Bra 2.0 Best With Underwire: Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra Best Investment: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra Best Adjustable: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra We tested 61 sports bras, but only 12 made it onto our final list. While these other options impressed us in some ways, they didn’t quite meet our expectations. After testing 61 sports bras, lululemon’s Run Times Bra is our favorite high-impact option. We love that it's comfortable, supportive, and highly breathable. The buttery soft material moves with you for a barely-there feel. We continue to test each high-impact sports bra at home, and we’ll update our recommendations if we notice anything significant that we haven't already mentioned here. To find the best high-impact sports bras, we’ve tested 16 expert-recommended options from top brands. During testing, we evaluate each bra based on the following key criteria: At every stage of researching and reporting this story, we spoke with experts for additional guidance. Some helped us understand how a high-impact sports bra should fit, while others shared helpful shopping tips. A few experts also helped guide us on which features to look for in a sports bra, like adjustable straps and breathable fabrics. We choose products independently, but expert input influences some of our choices. Low-impact sports bras are designed with light support for casual, non-strenuous activities, when comfort and style are your main priority. High-impact sports bras hold your bust firmly in place during vigorous activity and sudden bursts of movement—plus, they’re usually more adjustable and offer more coverage. High-impact activities where your feet simultaneously leave the ground (like running, jumping, HIIT, and court sports) all require a high-impact sports bra. When in doubt, opt for a more supportive bra for long-term wear to prevent discomfort, Turner says. It depends: Wearing a high-impact sports bra all day could cause back or shoulder pain, especially if it’s very compressive or you’re wearing the wrong size. If it gets wet with sweat, you should change out of your sports bra immediately to prevent skin irritation or breakouts. It depends on how often you work out and how frequently you do laundry. If you enjoy the occasional intense workout, you may only need two—but daily runners may need four or five. A certified personal trainer and runner, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, understands how a supportive sports bra can help you feel your best. She does intense workouts almost daily and owns several high-impact sports bras herself. To write this guide, she prioritized trustworthy brands that aim to accommodate a variety of support needs, body types, style preferences, and budgets. Jessica favors eco-conscious brands that promote size, gender, and race inclusivity in their products and is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers. Additional reporting contributed by Christine Luff Certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and fitness writer Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve your performance and comfort. We Tested the Best Zip-Front Sports Bras—Here Are Our Stylish, Supportive Winners Which Sports Bra Is Best for High-Impact Activities?
Best Overall
lululemon Run Times Bra High Support
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best for Larger Breasts
Alo Yoga Power Play High Impact Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best Zip-Front
lululemon Enlite Front-Zip Bra High Support
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best for Running
Reebok High-Impact Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Most Supportive
Champion Motion Control Zip Front Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Most Versatile
All In Motion High Support Racerback Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best With Convertible Straps
Oiselle Queen Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Most Breathable
Brooks Crossback Run Bra 2.0
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Most Stylish
Brooks Drive Plunge Run Bra 2.0
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best With Underwire
Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best Investment
Knix Catalyst Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Best Adjustable
SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra
Key Specs
Who It’s For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
Compare
Fit Support Comfort Adjustability Durability $68 at Lululemon 5 5 5 5 5 $62 at aloyoga.com 5 5 4.8 5 5 $108 at Lululemon 5 4.8 5 5 $21 at Amazon 4.7 5 5 5 $39 at Amazon 5 5 4.5 5 5 See price at Amazon 4.8 5 4.5 5 5 See price at oiselle.com 4.8 5 4.8 4.8 4.5 $65 at Amazon 4.5 5 5 5 $45 at Amazon 4.3 4.3 4 5 $76 at Amazon 5 3.8 4.7 4 $89 at Knix 4 5 4 5 5 $69 at Amazon 4.5 4.8 4.8 5 4.8 High-Impact Sports Bras We Also Tested
Where We Stand
What to Look for When Shopping for a High-Impact Sports Bra
How We Tested the High-Impact Sports Bras
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between high-impact and low-impact sports bras?
When should you wear a high-impact sports bra?
Can you wear a high-impact sports bra all day long?
How many high-impact sports bras should I own?
Why Trust Verywell Fit
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