If you are active, a good sports bra is an absolute must have. Compression sports bras work to hold your breasts in place while you are exercising, to keep you comfortable and improve your ability to move. But that’s not all – the best sports bras can also double as comfortable everyday wear, and help you to recover after an operation.
How can you pick out the best sports bra for you? If you know what to look for, you won’t have to try on a ton of bras to find the perfect match. We have put together a handy buyer’s guide to help you make the best choice, and a list of 8 of our absolute favorite compression sports bras on the market right now.
How to Choose the Best Compression Sports Bra
Different Types
A sports bra is just for sports, right?
Well, not necessarily. While the main purpose of a compression sports bra is to keep you comfortable while you are moving around, depending on the type you get, they can also come with a lot more versatile uses.
For sports alone, especially running, you will want a sports bra with a tight compression fit, thick shoulder straps and very breathable, stretchy material. These kinds of bras will generally not have padding to compliment your figure, and will be designed to reduce bouncing from impact as much as possible.
A more versatile bra that you can wear anywhere may be a little less compressing and a little more flattering. Some sports bras come with padded cups, a looser fit and a lower neck, as well as thinner straps. These bras will not be as good for high impact activities like running, but they can work great as a versatile every day bra, and help you to recover after a breast operation. They will also keep you comfortable through low impact exercise, like yoga or lifting.
Fit and Closure
The fit and style of your sports bra will vary depending on its purpose. Like we mentioned above, a sports bra designed for high impact athleticism will have a tight compression fit. They will have a fairly high neckline and thick straps, to hold your breasts tightly in place as much as possible.
For more versatility, you might want to look for a compression sports bra that fits a little more loosely. Rather than compressing your breasts completely, some bras come with padded cups and a tailored seam in the chest to compliment your figure, while still keeping you comfortable.
Thinner straps or a racerback design can make your sports bra more suitable for everyday wear, less visible beneath normal tops and shirts.
For maximum compression and comfort, look for a sports bra that has a hook and eye closure in the back. These will allow you to adjust the level of compression to fit your individual body. We would especially recommend a bra with a closure in the back for a woman with C-cups or higher – it will help to keep you comfortable and secure while you exercise.
Material
No matter what type or style of compression sports bra you get, you will want to be sure that the material is light, elastic and moisture-wicking. Spandex, nylon and polyester blends are all great for a compression fit that does not hold in sweat and moisture. You should avoid heavier cotton blends – they will not have as great of compression, and tend to hold in moisture.
Some compression materials are also designed with odor-blocking technology, to keep body odors to a minimum while you are working out. UV ray protection, if you plan on wearing your sports bra as a single layer outside, is another good feature to look out for to keep yourself safe and healthy.
Top Compression Sports Bras of 2021
1. NIKE Women's Victory Compression Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
Let’s kick this list off with a simple and effective compression sports bra from one of the top athletic brands out there. This Nike bra is great for running and other high impact exercise. The fit is tight, with a high neckline and thick racerback. The material is super breathable and will help to keep you cool and dry.
One thing people might not like about this bra is the style – it fits a lot like a traditional sports bra, effective but not too flattering. This would be a good choice if you are looking for something to comfortably exercise in. For a figure-complimenting fit, it’s not the best.
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2. MIRITY Women Racerback Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This sports bra from Mirity comes in a combo pack, with 2-6 bras per package, and a range of colors. The material is a little cheaper, but it fits great and is perfect for jogging and other high impact sports The open racerback design is meant to keep you cooler than a full racerback.
Even though it is a compression bra, this sports bra has padding and lined seams around the cups to compliment your figure. The material is super stretchy, making it easy to put on and take off even without a back closure. It is also great for wicking away moisture and keeping you cool and dry.
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3. Hanes Sport Women's Compression Racerback Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This bra from Hanes is another super simple, effective and comfortable compression sports bra. It is great for low to medium impact activity, or just for normal, everyday wear. The material is light, stretchy and breathable, and the seamless design won’t chafe or rub against your skin.
While you won’t get as great of compression or support from this bra as you might from others, it is perfect for a woman with a smaller cup size or someone recovering from a breast operation. Sometimes, simple is all you need.
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4. Champion Women's Plus-Size Vented Compression Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
Let’s be honest, ladies – the bigger your cup size, the harder it can be to find a good, comfortable and supportive sports bra. This bra from Champion is perfect for a woman with a D cup or higher. The fit is tight and compressing, but still comfortable.
Mesh vents in the fabric help you to stay cool and comfortable while you are exercising. The wide racerback fit is super supportive, and keeps you secure through medium to high impact exercise. One downside here is that it does not have a back closure, which could improve compression and comfort. But for an affordable and effective sports bra, this is a solid option.
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5. FITTIN Racerback Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This is a flattering compression bra for low to high impact sports. It comes in a combo pack of 2 – 6 bras, with a range of colors that you chose. The material is light and breathable, and mesh vents help you to stay cool, as does the thin, open racerback design.
One of our favorite features of this bra is the removable cup pads. If you like the padding to compliment your figure, you can leave them in, but if you find it annoying, you can easily take them out.
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6. NIKE Women's Swoosh Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
The second Nike bra on our list is just as compressing and moisture-wicking as the first. The dri-fit material will keep you dry and comfortable, and the tight fit keeps you secure – it’s great for running, soccer and other high impact sports.
One thing this bra has that our other Nike option didn’t is a comfortable, seamless design and soft elastic chest band. For someone with more sensitive skin, this could be a great choice.
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7. Glamorise Women's Elite Performance Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This bra from Glamorise is the ultimate compression sports bra for a woman with a larger cup size. It is designed to fit comfortably and securely, and reduce bounce while you exercise. The adjustable straps and back closure allow you to fit it just right for your body.
The bra has a cami design – there is a mesh vent on the neckline that keeps you even more secure, and makes the bra a little cuter as everyday wear under a low top. This is a great, versatile option for a full-figured woman.
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8. Core 10 Women's Compression Racerback Sports Bra
Highlights & Specs
Summary
Last but not least on our list is a super simple, lightweight and comfortable compression sports bra for high impact sports. This Core 10 bra is breathable but fits really securely, reducing bounce and keeping you comfortable while you run and move. A mesh lining and tight elastic chest band ensure the most compression without restricting your movement.
The bra is designed for someone with A to C cup size. For someone with a fuller figure, it might not be the best choice – but it is really effective for a busy athlete. The sleek design looks great when it is worn on its own.