Best Sports Bra for Running
Running is a high impact exercise that can cause a lot of breast movement. This can result in discomfort, chafing and even back or neck injury if sustained over a long time. It can also stretch your breast tissue, which does not contain muscle.
So a sports bra is usually an essential part of any woman’s running gear. The good news is also the bad news: There are lots of options out there! That can make finding the right sports bra for your running and workout regime a challenge. Where to start, what to look for, how much to spend…
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and, erm, your front ;) Read on!
7 Features for Runners to Look for in a Sports Bra
No matter what brands you’re looking at, it helps to be super clear about the essential traits for a running sports bra. Sports bras can cover a range of activities, from low impact stretching to high impact workouts, and everything in between.
So there may be bras that are more suited to low impact exercise that you can immediately rule out for running. Here are some of the must-have features:
1. Bounce Reduction with Full Coverage
Your number 1 goal for a running sports bra should be to reduce breast movement. Running can cause a lot of bounce and this can cause self-consciousness, pain and injury.
The best way to ensure you get that bounce reduction is to look for a full coverage bra. Some sports bras are lower cut and show cleavage. They may be great for weight-lifting or low impact exercise. But for running you really want a full coverage cup that completely covers your chest area and also offers a lot of back coverage and wide shoulder straps.
2. Maximum Support
Coupled with coverage is support. You might think that coverage equals support, but this is not always the case! You can have coverage with thin material or with delicate straps that may not offer a lot of support.
Make sure the bra is made of thicker, more elastic material that really gives you that “held in” feeling (I like to think of it like the sense of safety a seatbelt gives you; tight but not painful).
3. Anti-Chafing Design and Materials
Movement plus sweat can add up to chafing. It can happen anywhere on your body skin rubs against itself excessively, but it tends to happen more when we’re hot (thigh-chafing in the summer). Many women with larger breasts experience chafing under their breasts. But it can happen to anybody. If you’re a serious or regular runner you’ll want to protect your skin from chafing.
Great sports bras for running will be designed with chafing in mind. They’ll take measures to cushion straps and cover features like zippers, which could easily agitate. But design is just one aspect of anti-chafe design. Fit is also key. This is why it’s absolutely essential that you wear the right size sports bra. You could be wearing the most super-duper anti-chafing bra ever designed but still experience chafing if you’re wearing the wrong size.
4. Moisture and Sweat Wicking
It’s normal, natural and healthy to work up a sweat when running, especially on warmer days. While showing sweat is nothing to be ashamed of, sweat sitting on your skin can cause irritation, exacerbate chafing and even cause infection if bacteria builds up.
For these reasons, most sportswear (including sports bras) are made of moisture-wicking materials. This helps draw moisture away from your body and keep your skin dry and comfortable while you’re moving.
5. Adjustable Straps
We’re big fans of the pullover style of sports bra for low and medium impact exercises. But for high impact exercise like running, you really want a bra you can adjust for the most perfect fit. Adjustable shoulder straps and closures that can be worn at varying degrees of tightness will help
Adjustable shoulder and back straps will also mean that you can tighten your bra if you weight shifts (or it’s just that time of the month), and as the bra inevitably loosens with wear.
6. Your Perfect Size
You should never compromise on fit with any garment. But, let’s face it, how many of us have still squeezed into too-tight shoes, or poured ourselves into jeans that we’ve outgrown.
But the buck stops with sports bras: Do not compromise on your perfect size. So many of the features of a good runner’s sports bra rely on you wearing the right size. You’ll undo all your good retail sleuthing if you compromise on size.
To get the perfect size, ideally you would get measured (either in person or virtually). If you are buying online without a virtual fitting, check the return policy for undergarments. You’ll want to make sure that it’s easy to return and/or exchange if you get the size wrong. And make sure you shop from a brand that is size and shape inclusive!
7. Comfort
Comfort is a very personal thing and whether you’re looking to set a new personal best or you just want to disconnect and destress, you should feel comfortable when you’re running.
Although we’ve made much of the “performance” aspect of a good running sports bra, you probably won’t wear any item of clothing if it’s not something you feel comfortable and confident in.
Many reviewers report that their Knix running bra quickly infiltrates their weekend and weekday wardrobe. Nothing could make us happier! Knowing that such a high performance piece of gear can also become your most comfortable bra is a win/win for us!
Best Sports Bras for Runners…
So, now that we’ve looked at the features of a great bra for runners, let’s give you the lowdown on our top picks for running from the Knix range.
Best Overall for High Impact Bra for Running: Catalyst Sports Bra
The Catalyst Sports Bra is the most supportive high impact, wireless sports bra you’ll ever put on. Designed to drastically reduce breast movement, the Catalyst outperformed over 800 bras it was tested against. And taking it off after a long workout is a snap!
How it Fits:
Performance molded cups separate and encapsulate your breasts to reduce movement. It may feel a little snug when you first get it, that’s normal. It’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it. It’s comfortable, supportive, and easy to take on and off.
What Reviewers Say:
“As a fitness instructor with curves I HATE all the sports bras out there as they always make me look like my chest is pushed in and tube shaped. Not the catalyst, Best support and shape I have ever had. I'm in LOVE. (tight at the beginning but stretches to perfection very quickly)”
“I love this bra. I have a large chest and it holds up to HIIT workouts and is really soft and comfortable.”
Size Options:
32A to 42G - and everything in between!
Best Zip Front: Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra
The most supportive sports bra ever and even easier to put on and take off. The front closure, cross-back high-impact Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra gives you the wireless support, comfort, and adjustability you want...without the painful struggle.
How it Fits:
Front zipper and cross-back design allow for more ease of movement - ideal for anyone with limited range of motion or those who prefer front closures. Adjustable back straps are made from flexible, but supportive elastic that won't budge.
It may feel a little snug when you first get it, that’s normal. It’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it.
What Reviewers Say:
“I have been endlessly looking for a cute but comfortable and supportive sports bra for years. I have tried (what feels like) every option under the sun and the Knix Catalyst and Knix Catalyst front zip sports bras are hands down the winners! Pricey but absolutely worth the investment in my opinion. I workout 5x a week - a combination of HIIT, spin, and strength workouts - so a bra that keeps my chest supported is so critical. These bras are definitely it and provide the support I need to feel secure during my workouts... I LOVE THEM!”
“I ordered this bra for riding and skiing. It's solidly built and comfortable. I love the fact that it closes in the front and the back. It's pretty enough that I might even wear it in summer, as a top for biking.”
Size Options:
32A to 42G - and everything in between!
Best Running Sports Bra for Large Chest Sizes: Catalyst Sports Bra
The Catalyst Sports Bra is the most supportive wireless, high impact sports bra you’ll ever put on. Designed to drastically reduce breast movement, the Catalyst outperformed over 800 bras it was tested against. And taking it off after long high impact workouts is a snap!
How it Fits:
Performance molded cups separate and encapsulate your breasts to reduce movement. It may feel a little snug when you first get it, that’s normal. It’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it. It’s comfortable, supportive, and easy to take on and off.
What Reviewers Say:
“This is the perfect sports bra. No more fumbling to get a racer back sports bra on. I love this bra. I use it for jogging and no movement of the girls.”
“I was skeptical about this bra because of its sizing. I took my measurements and picked the bra that matched. It’s a great fit and there is no bounce while running. I wore it for an eight hour trail race and had no chafing! I will be buying more!”
Size Options:
32A to 42G - and everything in between!
No Matter What You Choose: Size *Does* Matter
If you’re shopping for a sports bra size, you may notice that many brands don’t observe the standard bra size (e.g. 36C) but have sizes ranging from 1-4, or run small, medium, large etc. which can confuse you even more.
Good news: You don’t have to leave your house to get professionally measured at Knix!
What to Expect from a Knix Virtual Fitting:
- Book your virtual fitting here
- We’ll connect you with one of our expert Knix team members for a 1-on-1 fitting session over video chat.
- For your bra fitting, we recommend you wear a bra with little or no padding and a fitted t-shirt to ensure we get an accurate measurement. You’ll also need either a) a soft measuring tape or b) a piece of string or cord and a tape measure or ruler.
- With different styles and sizes for 30A to 42G in the world’s most comfortable and supportive wireless bras, our fit experts can help you get into something that you will love to wear every single day.
What Are the Different Types of Sports Bras?
There are lots of compelling reasons for wearing a sports bra and even if your exercise level is low to moderate, you may prefer to have dedicated bras for activity to prolong the life of your favorite everyday bras.
When it comes to choosing a sports bra, there are actually three main options of styles:
1. Compression
Compression bras focus on doing exactly that - compressing your boobs against your chest wall, so they lie as flat as possible against your body. By compressing you, they minimize movement and bounce.
However, compression bras do not have cups built in for each breast and can also cause an appearance of “uni-boob”. Many women won’t be bothered by this, but others will want to preserve their breast shape even when working out.
2. Encapsulation
Encapsulation bras do have cups that surround and shape each breast. There is generally no compression with these bras, which makes them ideal for low impact activities.
Because each breast is “cupped”, encapsulation bras do a good job preserving your natural body shape.
3. Encapsulation-Compression
Don’t want to choose? You don’t have to. There are bras that do both! These bras usually have an inner layer that provides cupped support and an outer layer or band of material that compresses your boobs against the chest wall.
These bras provide the best-of-both-worlds in terms of both appearance and support and can be good for high impact levels of exercise and all sizes of chest.
4 Rules of Caring for Your Sports Bra
In general, sports bras work a lot harder than regular ones, so they need more immediate and dedicated care.
1. Wash Your Sports Bra Immediately
If you work up a real sweat during a workout, it’s recommended that you wash the bra immediately after you work out. If you’re going from gym to work, don’t let it sit there damp with sweat all day. Some women go so far as to bring their bra into the shower at the gym and give it a rinse.
Why this seemingly overzealous reaction? It’s because sweat (and the salts it contains) can be ruinous to the elastic of your bra. Secondly, sweat usually doesn’t smell when it’s wet but when it dries and becomes stale, it can be more difficult to shift that smell. So the sooner you rinse all that sweat out, the better.
2. Wash Your Sports Bra Often
It is generally recommended that you wash your everyday bra every 3 wears or so. This is assuming a low-to-moderate level of activity (sitting at a desk, walking etc.) Obviously, this recommendation changes on, for example, very hot days when you might sweat more.
With a sports bra, the recommendation is much more aggressive: You should aim to wash your sports bra after every workout. Again, this is because sweat can be so damaging to the bra’s elasticity and appearance.
That said, you know the intensity of your own workouts. If you’re donning a sports bra to do some gentle stretching at home, you may not need to wash it. But if you’re working up any kind of sweat, err on the side of washing after every wear.
3. Don’t Use Softener
Most sports bras can safely go in the machine. We recommend a mesh bag to stop your bra getting tangled in other items. However, fabric softener is an absolute no-no for any workout clothes. Softener is really designed for natural fabrics (cotton, linen etc) so is good for towels and bed linen.
Fabric softener is not designed for synthetic fabrics that are used in sportswear clothes. It can leave a residue on synthetic fabrics that compromises its moisture-wicking properties. So, it’s a hard “no” for softener when washing sports gear; including clothes like leggings, sports bras, moisture-wicking tops etc.
Either skip softener altogether or separate your laundry so that your synthetic load has no softener.
4. Skip the Dryer
While you can safely toss most sports bras in the washing machine, the dryer should be seen as an enemy of the bra.
The hot temperatures of the dryer can cause elastic to snap and break. Remember the whole point of a sports bra is that extra support, so you definitely want to preserve their elasticity. Skip the dryer and either:
- Lay your bra flat to air dry
- Hang it over a hanger just as you’d wear it (shoulder straps over the hanger shoulders, clasped at the back).
With proper care, your sports bra’s lifespan will be prolonged!
We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.