Sports bras used to be so big and clunky we’d sling a t-shirt over them as quickly as possible in the changing room. But in recent years, the humble sports bra has emerged from the shadows to become a legitimate piece of kit that we’re proud to flash to our friends.
From bras to hold you in while you pound the pavements, to eye-catching patterned numbers that will look the part at a hot yoga class, they now come in all colours, designs and shapes.
We still require function (some things never change) but many of us are more open to trying new styles and fit. A good sports bra will help you work your hardest without worrying about knocking yourself out (literally).
If you’re training for a marathon or looking for maximum efficiency when it comes to getting changed, these are the best sports bras on the market.
Trust us, you’ll never look a tit at the gym again.
Calvin Klein Printed Stretch Cotton Sports Bra, The Outnet, was £32, now £9
We don’t recommend doing energetic burpees in this CK sports bra, but we do recommend wearing it with a pair of black gym leggings for maximum athleisure aesthetic points. It comes in sizes small, medium and large, but it works best if you’re a C-cup or under.
Stamina Sports Bra, Sweaty Betty, £35
With a supportive underband and thick shoulder straps, this compression bra keeps you strapped in place whether you’re running, jumping or boxing. The waffle effect ensures maximum breathability. Oh, and it looks pretty stylish too.
Striped Underband Padded Sports Bra, Marks & Spencer, was £10, now £8
Padded cups and criss-cross straps make this sports bra more like a hug for your chest than a hi-tech piece of workout wear. But don’t be fooled, the fitted underband will keep you secure and the panel at the front allows air to circulate while you do your thing.
Dorina Extreme High Impact Zip Front Marble Print Sports Bra, ASOS, £20
Suitable for high impact workouts, this bra begs to be given time to shine. It looks great on its own or teamed with a white tee for a hint of colour underneath. We love the snazzy zip detailing, too.
Enlite Bra, Lululemon, £88
Have you ever seen a bra so seamless? The silky smooth Ultralu™ fabric manages to meet both our comfort and our support requirements, so even if you run like Friends’ Phoebe Buffay, this bra has got your back – and your front.
NIKE Indy lattice and mesh-trimmed Dri-FIT sports bra, Net-A-Porter, was £32, now £12.80
Nike is the undisputed queen of boob support when it comes to low-impact exercise. The Dri-FIT fabric means you can build up quite a sweat, but the moisture-wicking material will keep you feeling dry. The high neckline also means you’re fully covered in downward dog.
Panache Multi Non-Wired Sports Bra, simply be, was £40, now £18
This striking sports bra is supportive enough for running and comfortable enough for a slow, steady yoga session. Plus, it has adjustable straps, so you can clip them into a racerback if you need the extra support.
Shock Absorber Active Classic D+ Support Bra, Amazon, £26.58
Running is hard. Running with bigger boobs is even harder. If you’re not well-supported, they end up doing double the mileage you manage and can end up damaging your back and shoulders. This shock absorbing bra sounds more like a fortress than underwear and, actually, it sort of is – a fortress for your chest.
Aurique Women’s Sports Bra, Amazon, £22
This full-cup bra is as at home in a barre class as it is at a brunch table. With a supportive fit and smooth shape, it doesn’t compress your chest but does hold it in tightly.
Extra High Impact Zip Front Sports Bra, Marks & Spencer, £25
Another high impact number (available up to a G-cup), this non-padded sports bra is an all-round winner in our eyes. The racerback provides ample support while the front is breathable and easy to slip on and off.
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