Sports Bras: Reviews

Updated August 2012

Whether you're hitting the weight room or pounding the pavement, a supportive sports bra is a woman's most important piece of fitness equipment. ConsumerSearch editors have read and evaluated hundreds of user and expert reviews to help you decide which ones can keep you from bouncing -- no matter what your size or activity.

Asics Cross Back Bra

Best sports bra for A cups

*Est. $40

Estimated Price

Reviewers at prominent fitness magazines say the X-shape, adjustable shoulder straps on the Asics Cross Back Bra are one of its best features, allowing the wearer to create a customized, comfortable fit. Most users agree, although a few complain that the straps can dig into their shoulders. Experts and consumers alike say the Cross Back Bra's tightly woven fabric and encapsulation, combined with the criss-cross straps, does a good job of minimizing bounce during high-impact activities. Users say that getting into the bra can sometimes be a struggle, but it doesn't make your breasts look smashed together. Although this bra may be best for A cups, a few C- and D-cup wearers say the Cross Back Bra provides great support. Experts call the Champion Shape T-Back Sports Bra (*Est. $30), which comes highly recommended for B-cup wearers and for running, another good fit for A cups. The Cross Back Bra is available in sizes XS to XL; Asics does not provide a sizing chart for converting this to standard bra sizes.

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Champion Shape T-Back Sports Bra

Sports bra for running (A/B cups)

*Est. $30

Estimated Price

The Champion Shape T-Back Sports Bra earns a host of recommendations from women with A and B cups who engage in high-impact sports like running or step aerobics. Reviewers love the support this bra provides, saying it prevents breasts from bouncing during vigorous exercise. This is primarily a compression bra, but it also includes internal cups for extra support and shaping; women like that their breasts don't look smashed together. The bra's nylon/Spandex fabric includes a moisture-wicking treatment, but some users wish the T-Back bra did a better job of keeping them dry during sweaty exercise sessions. Some also complain about the bra's prominent front seams, which can show through workout shirts. Sizes for the Champion Shape T-Back Sports Bra start at 32A and end at 36DD/42C.

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Moving Comfort Fiona

Sports bra for running (C/D cups)

*Est. $45

Estimated Price

Women with larger breasts need more support from their sports bras, and experts call the Moving Comfort Fiona a good choice for those with C and D cups. This underwire-free encapsulation bra supports each breast in its own internal cup and also compresses the breasts against the body. The Fiona has a back hook-and-eye closure, which makes it easier for large-breasted women to get on and off than a slip-on bra. Users also love the unusual front-adjust straps, which can be used to fine-tune the bra's fit while you have it on. This is also a welcome feature for nursing mothers. The Fiona's soft fabric wicks moisture well, and the bra looks more stylish than most sports bras made for large-busted women. Most reviewers say the Moving Comfort Fiona provides excellent support, even for high-impact exercise like running, but those with DD-cup or larger breasts report that it doesn't provide enough support for them. A few users also complain that the back strap curls up. Sizes range from 30B to 44DD.

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Moving Comfort Maia

Underwire sports bra for C/D cups

*Est. $45

Estimated Price

Some women prefer underwire support in their sports bras; the Moving Comfort Maia, which combines underwire and encapsulation, is the obvious favorite. Hundreds of enthusiastic users report a host of well-liked features: The Maia is sturdy and durable, breathes well and allows only minimal bounce during high-impact activities. It also creates a nice silhouette from any angle -- no uniboob here -- and you don't have to worry about the straps sliding off your shoulders. On the downside, some users say the Maia's cup sizes run consistently large, and a few find that it allows too much bounce. The Moving Comfort Maia is available in sizes 32C to 40E.

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Enell Sports Bra

Sports bra for running (D+ cups)

*Est. $65

Estimated Price

Reviewers rave about the Enell Sports Bra, and it's by far the most popular plus-size sports bra for women with DD cups and larger. Large-breasted women say the underwire-free Enell has revolutionized their exercise routines, and it gets extremely high marks for preventing bouncing and excessive movement. This encapsulation bra supports each breast in its own internal cup and compresses both breasts against the chest. A hook-and-eye closure in the front makes the bra relatively easy to get on and off, although one user says you have to "move things around" to get all the hooks secured. Even though most wearers love the Enell bra, many would like to see adjustable straps, and some complain about the fabric's low breathability. In addition, the bra's high neckline and wide straps earn it comfort points, but not style points. Sizes range from 32C to 50DDD, with custom sizes also available.

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