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May 17, 2024

Best High

Whatever your cup size, high-impact exercise requires high-impact support. But why does searching for the best high-impact sports bra sometimes feel like trying to find love in a coffee shop?

Whatever your cup size, high-impact exercise requires high-impact support. But why does searching for the best high-impact sports bra sometimes feel like trying to find love in a coffee shop?

Thankfully, the athletic wear industry is upping its game—and according to our experts, there are plenty of great options on the market; you simply have to know what to look for.

Think maximum support and minimal movement, whether you're running, jumping, or even cartwheeling around the gym. The unique construction and features of high-impact sports bras offer unparalleled comfort and protection for breasts, preventing discomfort, pain, and potential long-term damage.

Julia Stern, fitness trainer and founder of Show Up, says a high-impact sports bra offers the highest level of support and is designed to eliminate bounce. "It may fit a little bit tighter or have a thicker material, and it's designed to provide support for high-impact workouts,” she explains.

"High-impact sports bras are designed so you don't have to adjust your clothes or feel uncomfortable and instead focus on your workout," Stern continues. "This is especially helpful when doing things like running, jumping, HIIT, or dance cardio that requires a lot of moving around."

There are a few key factors to consider when searching for the best high-impact sports bras. For starters, Stern recommends prioritizing comfort and support.

"We aren't all built the same," she says. "Luckily, there are so many brands and styles of high-impact sports bras."

To make sure you're comfortable in a high-impact sports bra, you'll want to make sure it isn't too tight. You need something that will keep you comfortable and supported while jumping, without feeling too restrictive.

Stern also suggests keeping an eye out for customizable options. "Many high-impact sports bras have built-in cups or adjustable straps to customize your fit even further," she says.

Much like the best running shoes, sports bras don't have a universal one-type-fits-all. Where some people prefer absolutely no bounce, others are seeking a gentle lift that maximizes femininity.

Thankfully, there truly is something for everyone on the market.

If you've noticed pain in your breasts while exercising, you may want to try a high-impact sports bra. These bras are helpful to reduce bounce and eliminate pain from vigorous and intense exercise.

Stern says, "Anyone who wants more support in their workouts should wear a high-impact sports bra! There are no rules."

If your breasts hurt or experience too much bounce during particular workouts, that's a good indicator that you need more support in those activities.

Designed specifically to support B to G cups on long runs and high impact activities, this best-selling sports bra gives top-tier security, separation and coverage. As our expert explained, adjustable, crossable straps are best—and these also have the added benefit of soft padding.

The sweat-wicking fabric offers four-way stretch to keep you feeling free and comfortable. What makes this sleek sports bra special is its perforated paneling for airflow, which helps keep you cool throughout any workout.

This high impact sports bra is Stern’s go-to for running. “This one has adjustable straps, various cup sizes, and breathable material that will keep you most comfortable on your runs,” she says.

Designed specifically to support B to G cups on long runs and high impact activities, this best-selling sports bra gives top-tier security, separation and coverage. As our expert explained, adjustable, crossable straps are best—and these also have the added benefit of soft padding.

Why choose between comfort and support when you could have both? Beyond Yoga’s body-contouring bra is supportive enough for high-impact workouts, but so comfortable you’ll want to wear it lounging around or under your favorite tee.

This bra offers four-way stretch to move with you, not against you, and wicks moisture away to keep you dry. Our team at mindbodygreen loves Beyond Yoga’s buttery soft material—and reviewers agree this bra offers unparalleled comfort and softness.

Why choose between comfort and support when you could have both? Beyond Yoga’s body-contouring bra is supportive enough for high-impact workouts, but so comfortable you’ll want to wear it lounging around or under your favorite tee.

Our team at mindbodygreen loves Girlfriend Collective for its seriously soft fabrics and sustainability efforts. The brand’s best-selling longline bra is both full-coverage and flattering.

This bra is made from 79% recycled plastic bottles and 21% spandex, plus it’s UPF 45+ protected. If eco-friendliness is a priority to you, you’ll be relieved to know it’s recyclable with the brand’s ReGirlfriend program.

The racerback, scoop neck design delivers full coverage and a soft, sturdy four-way stretch. Reviewers say the compression is unmatched and the cropped design is the perfect length.

Our team at mindbodygreen loves Girlfriend Collective for its seriously soft fabrics and sustainability efforts. The brand’s best-selling longline bra is both full-coverage and flattering.

Alo’s Power Play bra is engineered with supportive, adjustable straps and hook and eye closures, so you can find the perfect fit. The high-quality fabric is soft and durable, with just the right amount of stretch.

Happy customers agree that this pick is a good pick for larger breasts and high impact workouts. Many tout its effectiveness for running, kickboxing, martial arts, and other high-intensity activities, noting that it’s comfortable and supportive all at once.

Alo’s Power Play bra is engineered with supportive, adjustable straps and hook and eye closures, so you can find the perfect fit. The high-quality fabric is soft and durable, with just the right amount of stretch.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: This is easily one of the comfiest sports bras you'll ever put on your body. It’s also perfect for conquering high impact exercises.

The smooth fabric feels like butter on your skin, just like the brand’s Align leggings which we called out in our roundup of the best workout leggings.

Williams says this is her sports bra of choice for workouts with explosive movements. “I love the Lululemon Energy Bra in High Support for most of my cardio workouts, especially for HIIT training (like box jumps!)” she says.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: This is easily one of the comfiest sports bras you'll ever put on your body. It’s also perfect for conquering high impact exercises.

A stylish wardrobe staple for women with small breasts, this bra’s compression fabric is designed for performance support. The soft, cottony material has a smoothing fit with four-way stretch that moves with you.

This bra is made with the brand’s AirBrush fabric, which Stern says is her favorite of all of Alo’s fabrics—and shoppers agree. There are plenty of reviews raving about this bra’s flattering fit and optimal support through every workout.

A stylish wardrobe staple for women with small breasts, this bra’s compression fabric is designed for performance support. The soft, cottony material has a smoothing fit with four-way stretch that moves with you.

This affordable pick comes recommended by Stern as her favorite budget-friendly high impact sports bra. It features a wireless design and soft, stretchy fabric that helps you maintain proper breathing throughout your exercises.

Plus, its moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool as you sweat. The racerback run bra has adjustable straps and a high-support silhouette lends confidence for more rigorous workouts. Stern told mindbodygreen, “I love this one for high impact exercises because it is budget friendly, has adjustable straps, and is made of recycled, breathable material.”

This affordable pick comes recommended by Stern as her favorite budget-friendly high impact sports bra. It features a wireless design and soft, stretchy fabric that helps you maintain proper breathing throughout your exercises.

This classic sports bra is a staple for any fitness wardrobe. The high-support model is designed to keep things secure during any high-impact workout, such as HIIT or running.

We previously called out the medium-support version of this bra in our roundup of the best athleisure wear. But the high support gives you a locked-in feeling and helps keep unwanted motion under control.

When you need to make adjustments, the bottom band's extended hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to change up your fit.

NASM certified fitness instructor Lisa Germani Williams loves this pick, too, “For hot vinyasa yoga, my go to is the classic Nike Dri-Fit Swoosh sports bra with padding,” she says. “It helps to wick the sweat all throughout class.”

Williams also adds that she loves how easy the care instructions are and that the bra doesn’t retain sweat odors like others.

This classic sports bra is a staple for any fitness wardrobe. The high-support model is designed to keep things secure during any high-impact workout, such as HIIT or running.

HIIT classes, running, plyometrics, and any other high-impact exercises all call for a little more support in the bra department. That’s where Gym Shark’s High Neck High Support Sports Bra comes in.

A higher neckline delivers extra coverage for explosive movements like jumps and sprints—and this lightweight and breathable design keeps you free to focus on your workout.

Available in a dual cup sizing from a B to DD cup, this bra feels incredibly secure. Reviewers attest that it’s comfortable and functional, but it does fit on the looser side.

HIIT classes, running, plyometrics, and any other high-impact exercises all call for a little more support in the bra department. That’s where Gym Shark’s High Neck High Support Sports Bra comes in.

This highly supportive sports bra from Knix is a personal favorite of fitness trainer Julia Stern. “I love this sports bra for running,” she says. “In addition to being seamless, this one has built-in ventilation and is super breathable for sweaty workouts.”

Designed to keep you in place while you move, this bra stands out thanks to a few key features. It has adjustable back straps for a perfect, customized fit, and ventilated cups to reduce movement while promoting comfort.

With Knix’s Catalyst Sports Bra, you can expect a supportive, breathable design that separates and encapsulates your breasts. The company does note that it will be snug at first, and will adjust to your body’s shape with wear.

This highly supportive sports bra from Knix is a personal favorite of fitness trainer Julia Stern. “I love this sports bra for running,” she says. “In addition to being seamless, this one has built-in ventilation and is super breathable for sweaty workouts.”

SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra offers the highest level of support and comfort, complete with adjustability to fit bodies of all shapes and sizes. The two-way stretch fabric helps prevent bounce and the bra comes in sizes A to I.

One reviewer praises how this bra took her from “flopping to no stopping.” Others love the way you can cinch the bra for a customized fit—and a few say they’re crying happy tears that they can now perform jumping jacks and box jumps without breast pain.

SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra offers the highest level of support and comfort, complete with adjustability to fit bodies of all shapes and sizes. The two-way stretch fabric helps prevent bounce and the bra comes in sizes A to I.

Athleta’s Ultimate Sports Bra, offered in sizes A-C and D-DD+, strikes the perfect balance between revealed and concealed. Its SuperSonic fabric feels super soft and sleek with supportive compression, while the racerback design provides distraction-free mobility and airflow.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for this bra, with customers promising it keeps everything in place, without feeling like you’re being suffocated. This is the type of bra you’ll need in multiple colors.

Athleta’s Ultimate Sports Bra, offered in sizes A-C and D-DD+, strikes the perfect balance between revealed and concealed. Its SuperSonic fabric feels super soft and sleek with supportive compression, while the racerback design provides distraction-free mobility and airflow.

Most bras on our list are direct recommendations from the fitness trainers we interviewed. Others were chosen by our team based on personal experience, our expert's guidelines, and additional research.

Per our expert's advice, we chose sports bras from top brands in the industry. All have either been tested by our team or the experts we interviewed. Per usual, we prioritized brands that use sustainable materials and practices.

We included high impact sports bras for a variety of exercises. Whether you're a runner, a CrossFitter, or a cardio lover, there's a bra on this list for you.

The best high-impact sports bras range in price from $50 to $100. We selected bras that fit a wide range of price points so everyone can find their perfect match.

The best high-impact sports bras should allow freedom and support as you move rather than distract you by slipping around or causing discomfort.

As with any piece of workout gear, we recommend trying on as many different styles, brands, and fits as you can. This will help you determine what you love and don't love about certain bras.

Stern's fitting room advice? Jump around and see how it feels!

Remember, high-support sports bras are designed to compress and keep everything in place—so they aren't always comfortable for everyone.

But you don't have to sacrifice comfort for support. We made sure the picks on our list deliver both so you can make the most of your workouts.

Stern adds, "When wearing any piece of activewear, you should feel strong and confident in it. If you don't feel that way, it's time to try on a new pair."

According to Stern, anyone who wants more support in their workouts should wear a high-impact sports bra. "High-impact sports bras are designed so you don't have to adjust your clothes or feel uncomfortable and instead focus on your workout," she says.

Stern explains, "There are no rules. You can definitely wear high-impact sports bras for low-impact workouts, or vice versa depending on how you feel when wearing them."

It depends on the brand. Many brands on this list offer a sizing chart on the company website—and we made sure to call out picks that run tight or loose.

The best high-impact sports bra will keep you secure and comfortable so you can feel unstoppable during every workout. But don't forget about your bottom half! Snag a pair of the best workout leggings while you're at it.