Planning your next marathon? Or just love hitting the pavement? A good sports bra can make or break your run so it’s imperative you find one that works for you and your body. Just like no runner is without a good pair of joggers, we’ve done the hard work and found all the very best sports bras to keep you supported and comfortable on your next run.
What kind of sports bra is best for running?
There are a number of things you should look out for when you’re choosing the best sports bra for running. Take into consideration:
- The type of running – whether that be short sprints or long distance running
- The type of support needed
- Compression
- Comfort
- Stretch
- Sweat-resistant fabrics
Should I wear a sports bra when running?
Yes, it’s a good idea to wear a sports bra when running. They offer comfort and support, can minimise movement of the breasts, and prevent pain like breast or back pain.
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The overall for running
Also known as Lorna Jane’s most compressive sports bra and their #1 running bra, you’ll love the thick and sturdy fabric to hold you in on your runs. It minimises bounce yet is still super comfortable to help you feel secure and supported.
This sports bra is designed so you don’t experience any bouncing during your workout. It features breathable mesh panelling and removable pads with clever internal stabilisers to ensure it lives up to its name. We also love the cute cross back design and that the fabrication is made from recycled plastic bottles.
A high impact runner? This one’s for you. The moulded cups help to give you lift while allowing you to feel secure, and gets top marks on the breathability, comfort and support front. It comes in a whole host of colours from lime green to ice blue, in sizes 8 to 16 from cup AB to DDE.
The perforated moisture-wicking fabric of this medium impact sport bra helps to keep you cool and dry during your runs. The moulded cups hold you in while the wide elastic straps gives you full range of motion. Plus the 4.6 star rating is a big drawcard.
Best running sports bra for a big bust
Available in sizes 2XS through to 3XL (roughly an AU 18), the Accelerate Bra is part of the ‘Just Keep Running’ collection, offering the highest support and comfort to runners. It has a three hook bra clasp, stabilising mesh and compression fabric so you can, well, keep running!
Fitting up to a 16F, the Shock Absorber bra has been proven to reduce bounce by up to 78%. The front zip opening and Y shaped back have been thoughtfully designed to keep you held in while still enabling movement for optimum comfort and support.
Prone to sweating? Don’t stress. This one features moisture-wicking fabric and a clever back mesh panelling for extra breathability. The hidden underbust elastic gives you that extra lift and the padding can be removed for comfort. Pick it up from a size B to E cup.
Best sports bar for marathon running
While most sports bras will feature two standard straps, this one from Lululemon has four in the back to securely hold you up. The foam cups give you a touch of coverage and shape, while the soft underband ensures maximum comfort so the last thing you have to worry about when you’re on your run is your bra.
The medium to high support of this 4.6 star-rated bra (across hundreds of reviews) ticks all right the boxes of what a good sports bra should do and be. It features one full piece of integrated padding so there’s no need for mid-run adjustments, the racerback straps offers support and the fabrication is quick drying for all us sweaty gals.
Say no to bouncing and pulling. You’ll love how the specially designed slings and straps are intended to keep the girls secure and in place on your run, no matter how far the distance. The underband gives you a customisable fit and the push up pads can be removed it you prefer to forego the extra lift.
Best affordable sports bar for running
Coming it a little under $50, Bonds is a tried and true brand for reliable classics at an affordable price tag. The Move Seamless Bralette is no different. As the name suggests, it moves and stretches with you while giving you medium support and wicking away sweat.
Another at under $50, this Active Basics bra is made with stretchy fabric to hold you in, features a racerback detailing and elasticated waistband for comfort, and removable padding so you can decide on the level of lift. It comes in a whole heap of colours and sizes are available from an XS to XL.
Made from partially recycled materials, this Uniqlo bra scores big points on the comfort front. The moulded cup padding offers coverage and support, plus they’re sewn in so there’s no chance of loosing them in the wash. It’s supportive without feeling restrictive and wicks sweat away to keep you cool.
How many sports bras should a runner have?
The number of sports bras you own will be determined by how often you run or exercise. As a good rule of thumb, you may want to have three on hand. One you’re wearing on the day, one clean and ready to go, and one that’s in the wash.
Is it okay to wear a sports bra all day?
While sports bras have so many benefits including helping you feel secure and supported, you may want to think twice about wearing one all day long. This is because after prolonged wear, you may feel restricted and experience skin irritation like rashes or chaffing.
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