Far from being yet another thing you just throw on, like that much-loved reflective jacket, sports bras are one of the most crucial items of clothing to get right for your workouts.
With prices ranging from £5 to more than £50 it can be hard to know what option is best, so we’ve put some of the latest styles - from high street favourites such as Primark and New Look and sports brands including Adidas and Every Second Counts - to the test.
We challenged women of different ages and sizes to put 11 styles through their paces during 30 minute cardio workouts - running or at the gym - as well as some more chilled yoga.
Adidas
When shopping for a sports bra it’s important to take note of what type of exercise you’ll be doing and to choose a support level suitable for the activity.
A bra that is labelled as “low impact” is not going to give you the support you need for running or spin. Always try before you buy and jog on the spot or jump up and down in the changing room to make sure your breasts do not feel like they are bouncing.
A sports bra should provide more coverage than a everyday bra to prevent movement, so it’s really important that your breasts are fully covered and you do not have any bulges at the top of the cup or at the underarm area.
To help you decide which is the right one for you, our criteria was anything but basic, with consideration of support, comfort, breathability, practicality and, of course, looks. Click through the gallery below to see what we found:
The Best Sports Bras For 2018
F&F Active Strappy Seamfree Light Impact Sports Bra, £8.(01 of11)
Support - This bra fares better with gentler types of exercise, as suggested by it's name. The removable pads do provide some support but whenever I jumped I was very aware my boobs were jumping up and down with me.
Comfort - The soft material of this bra means its very comfortable to wear and sits nicely on the skin (and doesn’t create any lumps and bumps which is also good news). The band underneath is a good size and didn't roll up.
Breathability - The mesh patch at the back of the bra seemed to keep me cool. The looser fit of this bra, as opposed to tight-fitting lycra ones, probably helped with that too.
Looks - I was a fan of the neon coral colour as it was fun and quite flattering. The front of the bra comes up quite high on your boobs so there’s no cleavage of any sort.
Practicality - This bra was seamless under my top, you could only see bits at the side that poked out of my racerback top, which I didn’t mind at all. The stretchy fabric made it very easy to slip on and off and the double criss cross straps were not overly complicated.
Buy from Tesco.
Sizes: M-XL. (credit:Tesco)
Comfort - The soft material of this bra means its very comfortable to wear and sits nicely on the skin (and doesn’t create any lumps and bumps which is also good news). The band underneath is a good size and didn't roll up.
Breathability - The mesh patch at the back of the bra seemed to keep me cool. The looser fit of this bra, as opposed to tight-fitting lycra ones, probably helped with that too.
Looks - I was a fan of the neon coral colour as it was fun and quite flattering. The front of the bra comes up quite high on your boobs so there’s no cleavage of any sort.
Practicality - This bra was seamless under my top, you could only see bits at the side that poked out of my racerback top, which I didn’t mind at all. The stretchy fabric made it very easy to slip on and off and the double criss cross straps were not overly complicated.
Buy from Tesco.
Sizes: M-XL. (credit:Tesco)
Epoch Seamless Sports Bra, Every Second Counts, £45.(02 of11)
Support - One of the best things about this bra was how supportive it was. I felt contained and fully supported even with 30 minutes of cardio activity. It wasn't too skimpy and fully covered my boobs.
Comfort - It felt tight enough, but did not dig in. The elasticated band was comfy and didn't leave any marks. I could have kept it on all night.
Breathability - The bra is said to be "breathable and moisture-wicking". I wasn't drenched in sweat, but the bra did show up sweat marks on the maroon colour really obviously. Everyone sweats so it's not the worst thing in the world, but some people may not find this very appealing.
Looks - I really liked the look of the bra and the geometric lines and shapes on it. It's a bra that comes down quite low so would look great with high-waisted leggings if you wanted to wear just that.
Practicality - It's really simple to put on and can definitely be worn under other tops. It did have padding in, which I had never had in a sports bra before. I wasn't a fan, but you can take it out.
Buy from Every Second Counts.
Sizes: S-L (size guide). (credit:Every Second Counts)
Comfort - It felt tight enough, but did not dig in. The elasticated band was comfy and didn't leave any marks. I could have kept it on all night.
Breathability - The bra is said to be "breathable and moisture-wicking". I wasn't drenched in sweat, but the bra did show up sweat marks on the maroon colour really obviously. Everyone sweats so it's not the worst thing in the world, but some people may not find this very appealing.
Looks - I really liked the look of the bra and the geometric lines and shapes on it. It's a bra that comes down quite low so would look great with high-waisted leggings if you wanted to wear just that.
Practicality - It's really simple to put on and can definitely be worn under other tops. It did have padding in, which I had never had in a sports bra before. I wasn't a fan, but you can take it out.
Buy from Every Second Counts.
Sizes: S-L (size guide). (credit:Every Second Counts)
Black WRK/OUT Sports Bra, Primark, £5.(03 of11)
Support - This bra was relatively supportive. That said, it felt more like a Nylon crop top than a sports bra as there was still a fair bit of bouncing going on when it came to running and burpees.
Comfort - It's super comfy on the whole. The only slight discomfort I felt was the strap under the boobs - at one point it felt like it was rubbing - however that might have been more of a sizing issue. I had to take the padding out as it seemed unnecessary and restrictive.
Breathability - It's very breathable and seemed to soak up any sweat well.
Looks - The bra is smaller in size than some others and definitely felt more like a bra than a top. As such, I probably wouldn't wear it to exercise in on its own. The writing on the front WRK/OUT is also not to my taste. That said, I'd definitely wear the bra under a gym top to the gym.
Practicality - Very easy to put on, no strap issues. It's very discreet under a black gym top.
Buy in Primark stores.
Sizes: 6-20 (size guide). (credit:Primark)
Comfort - It's super comfy on the whole. The only slight discomfort I felt was the strap under the boobs - at one point it felt like it was rubbing - however that might have been more of a sizing issue. I had to take the padding out as it seemed unnecessary and restrictive.
Breathability - It's very breathable and seemed to soak up any sweat well.
Looks - The bra is smaller in size than some others and definitely felt more like a bra than a top. As such, I probably wouldn't wear it to exercise in on its own. The writing on the front WRK/OUT is also not to my taste. That said, I'd definitely wear the bra under a gym top to the gym.
Practicality - Very easy to put on, no strap issues. It's very discreet under a black gym top.
Buy in Primark stores.
Sizes: 6-20 (size guide). (credit:Primark)
Panache High Impact Wired Sports Bra, Simply Be, £42.(04 of11)
Support - I felt really supported by this bra, absolutely no jiggling.
Comfort - Really comfortable, nothing digging in - no marks left.
Breathability - When I took it off it wasn't damp.
Looks - Looks a bit like a bikini top, but it was a nice shape and made my boobs look great.
Practicality - Really easy to put on - does up the same as a normal bra.
Buy from Simply Be.
Sizes: 34D to 40 GG (size guide). (credit:Simply Be)
Comfort - Really comfortable, nothing digging in - no marks left.
Breathability - When I took it off it wasn't damp.
Looks - Looks a bit like a bikini top, but it was a nice shape and made my boobs look great.
Practicality - Really easy to put on - does up the same as a normal bra.
Buy from Simply Be.
Sizes: 34D to 40 GG (size guide). (credit:Simply Be)
Don't Rest Alphaskin Tech Padded Bra, Adidas, £34.95.(05 of11)
Support - I felt unsupported running in this bra, as the bodice is quite short, so taller ladies, buy a size up from your usual dress size to gain some much-needed extra fabric. I had to pull it down multiple times because I felt like it was revealing underboob.
Comfort - The sizing issue really affected the overall comfort of the bra for me. For context, a size small is supposedly for women dress size 8-10, but despite usually being at the lower end of this bracket, the bra felt too tight overall, especially under my arms.
Breathability - This bra is designed to keep you cool and it certainly does. Despite fidgeting with the bra throughout my workout to get it to stay in place, I didn't feel overly hot or sweaty and the cut out back panel provided a nice pocket for cool air.
Looks - I like the shade of blue and the classic design makes it easy to pair up with other workout clothes. It has a good amount of subtle padding - enough to cover your nipples, but not so much you notice it once it's on.
Practicality - If you manage to find a size to fit you (or you're just shorter than me), this bra could become a staple basic in your gym bag. It's easy to put on and take off. Sometimes that's what you need.
Buy from Adidas.
Sizes: S A/B - XL C/D (size guide). (credit:Adidas)
Comfort - The sizing issue really affected the overall comfort of the bra for me. For context, a size small is supposedly for women dress size 8-10, but despite usually being at the lower end of this bracket, the bra felt too tight overall, especially under my arms.
Breathability - This bra is designed to keep you cool and it certainly does. Despite fidgeting with the bra throughout my workout to get it to stay in place, I didn't feel overly hot or sweaty and the cut out back panel provided a nice pocket for cool air.
Looks - I like the shade of blue and the classic design makes it easy to pair up with other workout clothes. It has a good amount of subtle padding - enough to cover your nipples, but not so much you notice it once it's on.
Practicality - If you manage to find a size to fit you (or you're just shorter than me), this bra could become a staple basic in your gym bag. It's easy to put on and take off. Sometimes that's what you need.
Buy from Adidas.
Sizes: S A/B - XL C/D (size guide). (credit:Adidas)
Kapotasana Reversible Bra, Sweaty Betty, £45.(06 of11)
Support - First thought when I put this on was that it had a totally different effect to all the sports bras I normally wear - it lifted my boobs so much (in the way you would expect from underwired lingerie) rather than just pushing them against my body, and so I was nervous about not having enough support or falling out when I started running. Actually it gave more support than many of my other normal options and it felt safe for the duration of my time in the gym.
Comfort - It was really comfortable. I forgot I was wearing it after a while, which is always a good sign.
Breathability - Even after running 5k on the treadmill it wasn’t showing any signs of sweat (my face might have been a giveaway though).
Looks - I would not be hurrying to change out of it in favour of a non-lycra version. Plus it looked good with my other gym wear, so wouldn't require buying a whole new outfit.
Practicality - Getting it on over my head in the changing room was a little more tricky than with other bras - not because of elaborate strap arrangement or anything but just because it was far more fitted (hence the huge lift) but I think this was fine after I'd worked out how to get it on, and didn't affect the comfort level.
Buy from Sweaty Betty.
Sizes: XS-L (size guide). (credit:Sweaty Betty)
Comfort - It was really comfortable. I forgot I was wearing it after a while, which is always a good sign.
Breathability - Even after running 5k on the treadmill it wasn’t showing any signs of sweat (my face might have been a giveaway though).
Looks - I would not be hurrying to change out of it in favour of a non-lycra version. Plus it looked good with my other gym wear, so wouldn't require buying a whole new outfit.
Practicality - Getting it on over my head in the changing room was a little more tricky than with other bras - not because of elaborate strap arrangement or anything but just because it was far more fitted (hence the huge lift) but I think this was fine after I'd worked out how to get it on, and didn't affect the comfort level.
Buy from Sweaty Betty.
Sizes: XS-L (size guide). (credit:Sweaty Betty)
Sports Luxe Velvet Sports Bra, Every Second Counts, £65.(07 of11)
Support - the support on this bra was surprisingly good, considering it's mainly composed of velvet. There was no padding but the bra itself is so secure it does a good job of holding you in for activities like aerobics and gentle running.
Comfort - The fit is snug but not restricting, and the straps don't get in the way - though there many of them! The fabric is, of course, soft and feels luxurious, which is strange but welcome during a work out.
Breathability - The velvet does not help in this department.
Looks - Very pretty and flattering on small breasts.
Practicality - The straps looked more intimidating than they are. The bra was actually easy to slip on and off. Velvet may not be the most practical fabric for sportswear, but that's the only note.
Buy from Every Second Counts.
Sizes: S-M (size guide). (credit:Every Second Counts)
Comfort - The fit is snug but not restricting, and the straps don't get in the way - though there many of them! The fabric is, of course, soft and feels luxurious, which is strange but welcome during a work out.
Breathability - The velvet does not help in this department.
Looks - Very pretty and flattering on small breasts.
Practicality - The straps looked more intimidating than they are. The bra was actually easy to slip on and off. Velvet may not be the most practical fabric for sportswear, but that's the only note.
Buy from Every Second Counts.
Sizes: S-M (size guide). (credit:Every Second Counts)
Brahma Padded Yoga Bra, Sweaty Betty, £40.(08 of11)
Support - This bra was not that supportive. Although the underband was secure but comfortable, the chest wasn't covered enough on either side. The fabric, too, felt light but the flip-side of this was feeling like my breasts weren't supported enough.
Comfort - The bra was padded, which can often help with comfort but on this occasion not so much. The padding was not attached to the fabric, which meant it had to be put in place. It needed to be adjusted and readjusted as I continued to exercise (aerobics).
Breathability - As the bra's fabric was so thin, it was actually very breathable. It didn't get clammy and sweat barely showed through.
Looks - The rushing at the front of the bra adds a girly touch to a simple aesthetic. The straps at the back are fashionable, making the bra more attractive.
Practicality - This was a nice, easy fit sports bra but the only complication was the padding at the front. This took away from all of the other aspects that worked well on the bra.
Buy from Sweaty Betty.
Sizes: XS-L (size guide). (credit:Sweaty Betty)
Comfort - The bra was padded, which can often help with comfort but on this occasion not so much. The padding was not attached to the fabric, which meant it had to be put in place. It needed to be adjusted and readjusted as I continued to exercise (aerobics).
Breathability - As the bra's fabric was so thin, it was actually very breathable. It didn't get clammy and sweat barely showed through.
Looks - The rushing at the front of the bra adds a girly touch to a simple aesthetic. The straps at the back are fashionable, making the bra more attractive.
Practicality - This was a nice, easy fit sports bra but the only complication was the padding at the front. This took away from all of the other aspects that worked well on the bra.
Buy from Sweaty Betty.
Sizes: XS-L (size guide). (credit:Sweaty Betty)
Infinity Workout Bra, Sweaty Betty, £50.(09 of11)
Support - Don't be deceived by the criss-cross straps on the back of this bra, it definitely holds you all in. The thick straps and tight underband make it quite sturdy - that said I'm a C cup: a woman with larger breasts would probably need something higher-impact.
Comfort - Very comfortable, I didn't even know it was on.
Breathability - I was sweating quite a lot to be honest but didn't feel it at all.
Looks - The neon lime green colour offers is a great colour pop under your vest top or t-shirt. But a word of warning, it is glow in the dark, which made me feel a little self-conscious as I inadvertently looked like a bit of a glow worm.
Practicality - Once you master the straps and don't put your hand through the criss-cross straps at the back, it's not too tricky.
Buy from Sweaty Betty.
Size: XS-L (size guide). (credit:Sweaty Betty)
Comfort - Very comfortable, I didn't even know it was on.
Breathability - I was sweating quite a lot to be honest but didn't feel it at all.
Looks - The neon lime green colour offers is a great colour pop under your vest top or t-shirt. But a word of warning, it is glow in the dark, which made me feel a little self-conscious as I inadvertently looked like a bit of a glow worm.
Practicality - Once you master the straps and don't put your hand through the criss-cross straps at the back, it's not too tricky.
Buy from Sweaty Betty.
Size: XS-L (size guide). (credit:Sweaty Betty)
Grey Workout Bra, Primark, £5(10 of11)
Support - I felt well-contained bu there was some bouncing during more vigorous HIIT exercises. That said, when I did burpees, everything stayed in place and I didn't feel like I'd get two black eyes from my bouncing boobs - and that's the true test of a good sports bra.
Comfort - It's comfy and nips in at all the right places - such as under your boobs and near your armpits, but not too tightly. Plus it's a soft cotton so it doesn't rub. At one point during my workout I definitely forgot I was wearing it.
Breathability - It was very breathable and absorbed any sweat without a trace.
Looks - It's a nice bra to wear and I love the bright colour. Personally, I'm not a fan of the effect on the bra straps and back - a bit 1990s army girl for me - but I'd definitely be happy to wear it under a gym top.
Practicality - It was super easy to put on - straight over the head without any problems. It has padding built-in and this stayed in place throughout my workout.
Buy from Primark.
Sizes: 6-20 (size guide). (credit:Primark)
Comfort - It's comfy and nips in at all the right places - such as under your boobs and near your armpits, but not too tightly. Plus it's a soft cotton so it doesn't rub. At one point during my workout I definitely forgot I was wearing it.
Breathability - It was very breathable and absorbed any sweat without a trace.
Looks - It's a nice bra to wear and I love the bright colour. Personally, I'm not a fan of the effect on the bra straps and back - a bit 1990s army girl for me - but I'd definitely be happy to wear it under a gym top.
Practicality - It was super easy to put on - straight over the head without any problems. It has padding built-in and this stayed in place throughout my workout.
Buy from Primark.
Sizes: 6-20 (size guide). (credit:Primark)
Black Crochet Trim Sports Crop Top, £12.(11 of11)
Support - It felt slightly more like a bikini top than a sports bra, because of the material (90% polyester) and the crochet pattern across the back. I wore this to a yoga class and found myself having to constantly readjust as I got into different postures. I tried a medium, being a size 12 and a C cup, but I clearly needed a size down to feel fully supported - so make sure you try before you buy.
Comfort - The last thing you want from a piece of kit is to be really aware of it - having to adjust it over and over wasn't ideal.
Breathability - Polyester isn't an ideal material for dealing with sweat.
Look - It claims to be technical, but it felt more like a bra someone might want to show off under a vest top in summer - it's not something I'd wear to work out in.
Practicality - Wasn't tricky to put on but didn't hold up as a sports bra.
Buy it from New Look.
Sizes: XS-L (size guide). (credit:New Look)
Comfort - The last thing you want from a piece of kit is to be really aware of it - having to adjust it over and over wasn't ideal.
Breathability - Polyester isn't an ideal material for dealing with sweat.
Look - It claims to be technical, but it felt more like a bra someone might want to show off under a vest top in summer - it's not something I'd wear to work out in.
Practicality - Wasn't tricky to put on but didn't hold up as a sports bra.
Buy it from New Look.
Sizes: XS-L (size guide). (credit:New Look)