Admittedly, I’m prone to exaggeration, but I am certain there are few things more grating than wearing an uncomfortable bra. We’ve all been there—you’ve just hopped on the bus to work, only to feel the faint yet familiar stabbing of a break-out underwire. Or when the adjustable straps lose their adjustability and keep sliding loose after a few hours of wear. I feel frustrated just typing this.
Thankfully, we live in a world where sports bras exist. And no, they’re not reserved for the gym. Lacy lingerie sets are great for boosting your confidence and feeling your sexiest, sure, but sometimes it’s worth skipping the faff of a regular bra and putting comfort first.
If you’re seeking a sports bra for everyday wear, a light-support option will most likely do the job. But if you’re planning on hitting the gym and engaging in some seriously intensive workouts, your needs are slightly more specific.
Not every bra is suitable for fast-paced movements—the last thing you want is to end up clutching your chest as you jog through the park—especially if you have a larger bust. But don’t fret, because there are some impressive options on the market, designed with a wide spectrum of exercises in mind, and I’ve plucked out the 18 that are most worthy of your attention.
Keep scrolling to see the best sports bra for light, medium and high support.
This lightweight bra exists to make your workout easier. It’s designed for low-impact exercises—think yoga and hill-walking—crafted from soft sweat-wicking fabric.
With removable pads and adjustable straps, this bra allows you to tailor the level of support for different workouts. Plus, it doubles as a cute crop top.
This light-support bra is best for smaller busts, and is a strong everyday option if you’re tired of restrictive underwiring.
Free from bulky seams and fussy clasps, this streamlined design is so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
Your gym gear doesn’t just have to be practical, as proven by this stylish camo-print piece.
This light support option is designed to mould to your shape and contour the body. Plus, it comes in a wide range of sizes.
All of Varley’s workout gear is gorgeous.
This bra is made from bio-based Evo Nylon sourced from castor beans, and has been treated with a natural peppermint oil which has anti-odour properties.
Arket’s comfy yoga bra is one of my go-tos.
Featuring a ribbed texture that’s gentle on the skin, this stretchy Lululemon number will make even your toughest workouts feel seamless (pun intended).
Made from jersey using recycled fibers, and plenty of stretch for light to medium support.
High-neck designs like this are ideal for larger busts. Feel secure as you spin to your heart’s content.
Quick-drying and sweat-wicking, this Sweaty Betty bra exemplifies everything the brand does best. Engineered for maximum comfort, it doesn’t skimp on style, either.
Okay, so I’m not a pro athlete, but I think H&M’s sportswear is underrated. This bra in particular has dozens of five-star reviews.
A supportive racer back design with seamless comfort. Plus the style is reversible for a printed or plain option.
The layered look is not only chic, but also adds support and comfort to this sports bra.
This comes in a seriously wide range of colours, too.
Fashion meets function with this eye-catching design, which offers unbeatable support and breathability—without constricting your movements. Sounds like the perfect combination to me.
This is a fraction of the cost of so many sports bras out there, but it promises to keep you comfortably dry during high-intensity exercises.
If you’re serious about your workouts, it’s worth investing in this performance-boosting bra. Trust me, once you try it you’ll never look back.
While this bra has been expertly engineered to reduce overheating with perforations to encourage airflow, it feels as light as air once it’s on. It also feature a hook-and-eye clasp ensuring you can find the perfect fit.
Once again, H&M deserves a special mention. When it comes to high support, I often find a front closure useful, and this style combines that with wide straps for extra support and elastication at the hem for a streamlined fit.
I love the look of this bra, but that’s certainly not the only reason to add it to your basket. Its seamless construction allows you to move, jump and run without limitation.
