Best Running Sports Bras Right Now (2025)

The Must-Have Layer

Finding the right sports bra can be just as important as finding the right pair of running shoes.  Get it right, and it’s smoother than a carbon-plated stride. Get it wrong, and suddenly you’re counting hot spots and chafe lines instead of miles. 

So we put a bunch to the test – long runs, speed work, sweaty summer slogs and rounded up the bras that actually deliver: no bounce, no chafe, yes pockets. And because one-size-fits-all is a lie (lookin’ at you, “universal fit” singlets), we made sure to cover options for runners of all shapes and sizes.

Question or comments? Other recommendations? Leave them in the comments below.

Our Favorite Running Sports Bras

MELISSA: Rabbit took their pocket bra and said, “what if this thing could hold water?” Enter the Hydration Trail Bra, complete with a bonus 8-ish oz flask that slips neatly into the rear pocket- your secret stash for shirtless summer runs or when you just need a sip to keep moving. Is it going to replace your hydration vest on a long mountain day? Absolutely not. But for shorter runs, or when you’d rather stash a phone than a flask, it’s surprisingly clutch. Thanks to the new breathable mesh liner, my phone stayed secure without turning into a drenched, sweaty mess- a massive upgrade over earlier versions.

The fit is where things really shine. The band has more stretch, so it’s no longer a wrestling match to get on or off (I’m not kidding you- I’ve actually strained something trying to peel off a Ultilibravo). And whoever added the light padding along the shoulders deserves a medal. It makes the bra noticeably more comfortable, and when you layer a vest on top, it adds just enough cushion to keep straps from digging in. Even though it’s technically listed as medium impact, I had zero complaints about support, and the fit landed right in that elusive sweet spot: locked in, but not suffocating.

Bottom line: this bra nails both comfort and function. It’s the pocket bra that finally figured out how to play nice, both on and off trails. Whether you’re hauling water, a phone, or snacks, Rabbit delivered a bra worth geeking out about.

LINDSAY: Rabbit is one of the few brands who have consistently added my favorite feature to many of their sports bra options: a no-nonsense cellphone pocket. Much like the other sports bras I’ve been fortunate to wear from Rabbit, the Hydration Trail Bra has a cellphone-size pocket in the racerback area. Now, it’s a pocket (as I’ve said 3 times now) so it can obviously hold anything that fits in it, and it’s easy to reach (if you don’t have any physical limitations of course).

I say “cellphone pocket” (again) but this one specifically was made to hold the HydraPak LX 250mL soft flask that is INCLUDED with the bra purchase. Never has a $70 sports bra made more sense. I’m not alone in this either because it’s currently on back order on their website. The soft flask slips easily into the back pocket and doesn’t jostle around during a run; if it wasn’t for the heat, I would forget it was there.

Right now it comes in the “Midnight Sail” color which is a soft purple with peach finishes and there is also solid black. Which I will be ordering.

I tried a size small and it fit but it was a little snug. I do historically alternate between a small and medium in sports bras depending on the fit/brand. So, if you’re like me, I would size up. Otherwise there is nothing negative to say about the Rabbit Hydration Trail Bra. I love it and I’ve worn it several times already.

LINDSAY: I knew I would like this one the minute I opened it. Crop top sports bra with two pockets? Sign me up. Unfortunately, the side pockets do not fit a phone, but that’s ok. It carried a gel in each pocket comfortably with no underarm rub. If I put two in one pocket, it bulges just enough to make me nervous about chafing. I sized up to a Medium, and I’m glad I did because I prefer a looser fit in crop tops, but a Small very likely would’ve fit.

The quality of this bra is unmatched. Fabric is sweat-wicking and feels cool even on a warm, sunny day. The hem is lined with a soft, elastic band to allow for stretch while keeping it “weighted” down, so to speak. The wash instructions say not to tumble dry, but I did (whoopsie). If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have discovered the leash on the removable pads! What a genius move! Instead of losing the removable pads to the washer/dryer, they hung on by a tiny, but mighty, strand connecting it to the top. They can either be easily slipped back in or snipped right off. As if I didn’t already like this top enough. Definitely a go-to for races or just any run top in my book!

MELISSA: Echoing everything Lindsay said, this bra is a total win for me. It’s one of the rare sports bras that manages to feel supportive without feeling restrictive or overly compressive. As someone who breastfed, I’ve learned to really value strong, structured support in a run bra (IYKYK), and this one delivers without any discomfort.

No chafing here either, even on longer, sweatier runs. The rose color is beautiful and flattering, and I love that it works as a crop top during the summer. It’s sleek enough to wear solo but also layers nicely under a tank.

The dual pockets are a great touch for stashing a gel or a key. While I do wish one of them fit a phone, I still appreciate the storage options. And can we talk about the leash on the removable pads? It’s absolute brilliance. It’s those thoughtful design details that make this bra feel premium and purposeful.

One thing to note- like with all the Ciele bras I’ve tried, there’s a bit of an unflattering bulge over the top. It doesn’t bother me personally, especially since the fit and function are spot-on, but I could see how it might make someone feel a little self-conscious.

All in all, this is one of the few bras I reach for again and again. It’s functional, flattering, and built with real runners in mind.

What we don’t like: The side pockets just aren’t quite big enough to fit a phone.

MELISSA: I enjoyed so many of the same standout features from the W FSTBra: supportive, cool fabric, zero chafing, and cute color. But the W SPDBra takes things up a notch for longer distances and runs under a hydration vest or shirt.

This bra feels seriously supportive, thanks to its COOLmatic fabric, PLUS VITALmesh lining, and an adjustable hook-and-eye back closure that lets you fine-tune the fit. Although it’s listed as medium support, I consider this a medium to high impact bra. Even under a snug hydration vest, everything stays in place comfortably. There is very minimal bounce here compared to others out there.

As a long-distance runner (and formerly breastfeeding mom), I believe that structured support is a huge win — it’s comfortable without being restrictive and perfect for multi-hour efforts. Plus, it’s a great base layer under a shirt or vest without feeling bulky.

I still appreciate the clean design. The Deco Rose is a soft, wearable color. The fit stays streamlined, but like other Ciele bras, there’s a subtle top bulge. It might make some feel self-conscious, but for me, it’s not something I’d trade the performance for.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a long-run staple that works well under gear while staying supportive, cool, and comfortable, the W SPDBra is a winner in my book.

What we don’t like: Ciele’s top bulge is an… interesting look.

MELISSA: I loved Janji W’s Pace Sports Bra. It really surprised me in the best way. At first glance, I was skeptical (I’ve had a similar Lulu bra that just didn’t hold up), but this one told a different story.

This bra is super supportive with minimal bounce. The cross‑back straps are comfy and evenly distribute pressure — no digging or pinching here. The snug band and power mesh lining add solid, assured support exactly where needed.

It’s also incredibly flattering — the sleek, streamlined cut feels stylish and like it moves with you. The removable cups are a great bonus, letting you customize coverage and feel. There is zero chafing, and the straps sit a little differently from many other bras, but it works and feels just right, even during long runs or layered under a shirt. It’s also easy to put on and take off.

And convenience alert: there’s a tiny key pocket located centrally and vertically in the cleavage area, perfect for strategic stashing without bulk.

My only wish? I’d love a broader palette beyond this one with more colors and fun designs. Janji occasionally throws a wild pattern out there, but they sell out quickly. Honestly, it’s become a go-to for me. If you want a high-performing, flattering, no-bounce, no-chafe sports bra that looks as good as it feels, this is it.

What we don’t like: More patterns and more colors, please.

CHARLIE: If I’m honest, I didn’t hold out much hope for a Lululemon bra. As someone with a larger chest (32DDD), I have often felt like the Lulu kit isn’t designed for someone like me. However, given my love for the rest of their kit, I couldn’t not try this well-rated high-support bra. And the people were not wrong…

Bras in big sizes aren’t always the most stylish, but the black nylon mix bra looks sleek. Perforated panelling marries style with function by allowing airflow between the boobs. This is the one sports bra I’ll wear easily without a covering without feeling self-conscious.

The foam cups aren’t removable, so they won’t dislodge, fold over, or get lost in your washing machine. Plus, they create a nice shape, unlike the shelf or pancake flat mono-boob that many compression bras produce.

I was able to increase the support by crossing the padded straps, although they still provide plenty of uplift in the H-back style. I found the underband fit snugly, and despite being a little fiddly, the three hook-and-eye clasps ensure a secure fastening.

Overall, the key selling point (and the reason I bought another two immediately) was zero chafing. Even on hot marathon training runs, during beach bootcamp, or during treadmill speed workouts, there wasn’t a mark left on my chest or back. Bonus points for providing a very high impact with no movement without an underwire.

Annoyingly, it’s not often in stock in the full range of sizes, so put the notification on for yours — I guarantee it won’t disappoint.

What we don’t like: Tough to find certain sizes in stock regularly.

CHARLIE: As with all sports bras, it’s really important you get the fit right (and annoyingly, this can vary throughout the month). The first time I wore this bra, I chafed. Badly. However, after some adjustment of the underband and straps, I’ve figured out how to get it to fit just right. Full disclosure: It can be tricky to get it on, but getting it off is a breeze, which is crucial after a long run.

The seam-free cups provide plenty of support without chafing, although the straps do dig in during long efforts. I did find the shape a little ‘Austin Powers fembots,’ a little gravity-defying, but I’m not complaining!

My personal highlight is the easily adjustable straps that can be hooked together while running, and worn as H-style while on the go to improve comfort. Boobs feel locked into the encapsulation bra without being squashed. This is the least bounce I’ve ever experienced from a sports bra. And without an underwire, which reduces pressure on the ribcage — and hopefully the risk of rubbing.

With sizes ranging from 28DD to 40J, these bras cater for the larger chested runner (although band sizes could be more inclusive).

What we don’t like: The band sizes don’t always match the cup sizes. Also, it’s only available to UK customers at the moment.

CHARLIE: Rather than coming from a sports background, Triumph brings its 130-plus years of lingerie knowledge to the sports bra scene. These have been my first choice running bras for nearly 10 years. The only downside? They aren’t widely available and only go up to a size 36DDD/42D.

That said, for those who do fit within the sizing range, they offer lightweight, high-impact support without the confining cup structure or underwire. The padded, multiway straps can be made H back or, my personal preference, crossed over for maximum support. They can also be easily tightened/loosened from the front if you find that pressure on your traps can cause tension headaches. The elastane chest strap triple hook and eye allows for adjustability, although it can be tricky to do up solo.

With three layers of anti-bounce control, the waffle-like material has been designed to allow airflow between the fabric and some extra padding for the nips! It’s made of synthetic fibres for maximum breathability and sweat-wicking properties, while the fabric is double-layered to eliminate risks of chafing on the seams.

Whilst this is a running bra review, I appreciate its versatility. The lack of large clasps means it can double as a gym bra without digging in.

What we don’t like: Sizing is limited, which can make life tricky for certain athletes.

MELISSA: Right away I loved that this bra has cup insert options, but doesn’t come with the cups by default. It’s a small thing, but I always end up tossing them anyway– so bonus points to Branwyn for skipping the waste. Also, this bra is made with sustainable materials and is free of forever chemicals, which is a huge win in my book.

This bra is super comfortable and easy to put on/take off– no awkward wrestling required. The straps and overall design are nearly perfect, with nothing irritating or distracting. The finely knit Merino material is supportive but not overly tight, making it a great choice for cross-training activities like cycling, yoga, weights, and hiking. Actually, I found myself wanting to wear it all the time, even just to lounge around or throw on as a top for a fun sporty running errands look.

While it’s not my go-to for running, this bra shines in comfort, versatility, aesthetics and sustainability. If you’re looking for an easy, everyday sports sport, or you don’t require as much support, Branwyn’s Compressive Racerback is definitely worth considering.

What we don’t like: I followed the sizing guide, but a smaller size would’ve given me more support and a snugger fit. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for low to medium-impact activities, it didn’t provide enough compression for me to feel secure while running. This is a common issue with sports bras: If they prevent bouncing, they’re often a struggle to get on and off (cue the post-long-run shoulder dislocation dance and gnarly chafing).

LINDSAY: If you know me, you know I love my crop tops. They’re not always crowd favorites due to midriff exposure, but your girl’s got a short torso, so cut me some slack. The Montana was a bit shorter than a typical crop, though. I’d describe it more like a longline, high-neck sports bra minus the padding. I normally don’t choose to wear my tops without any padding, but I didn’t mind this one. It’s snug enough that I didn’t feel like I needed any, and the soft fabric is also thick without being too warm.

Overall, the Montana is very comfortable, with no chafing at the seams. It’s also super stretchy, so getting it on and off is a breeze. If you’re a matching set girl, this top sits quite a bit above the waistline of the Osaka shorts, and the Poolhouse colorway matches to a ‘T’. I personally loved both pieces.