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The Best High Impact Sports Bras, According To Rigorous Testing

When it comes to workout or running gear, a supportive, well-fitting sports bra is just as important as a good pair of sneakers. Failing to wear appropriate support can place greater demands on your spine, leading to discomfort and back pain later on. But especially for women who wear a larger cup size (as I do), finding the best sports bra for your sizing, support needs, and budget is a lot easier said than done. So I tested thirteen so-called high impact sports bras from brands like Nike, Athleta, Reebok, and Lululemon to find out which options are truly the best sports bras for large breasts.

As someone who’s workout routine isn’t dependent on the best new shoes or fancy tracking watch but actually the amount of hold I’m getting from my bra, I felt I needed to try out hyped-up high impact bras for myself. To land on my list of best sports bras, I ran at least three miles in each option, then judged them on comfort and support. Below are the winners (and a few honorable mentions, too). Whether running, HIIT, or boxing is your thing, these bras will hold you in without holding you back.

Lauren Joseph

Lauren Joseph

Forbes Shopping Style Contributor

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Reebok Pure Move Bra
 
 
 
Reebok Pure Move Bra

I’m no garment scientist, but I will say, this was the most comfortable sports bra I tried. It goes on like a medium impact bra (no dancing or tugging to get it into place) and for a moment, I felt like a lady who doesn’t need to work up a sweat strapping in her chest before the workout. It was blissful. Then, I took it for a run – and promptly forgot I was wearing it. It’s so smooth against the skin and supportive without being constrictive, thanks to the wide, seamless straps.

$65

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Lululemon Enlite Bra Weave
 
 
 
Lululemon Enlite Bra Weave

The soft, silky fabric, which Lululemon calls Ultralu, wicks sweat and has just the right amount of stretch. The thick, seamless straps lay flat and stay put, making chafing impossible. And somehow, the whole thing is supportive without any constriction. This is the priciest bra I tried, but it’s so great I’d say it’s worth the investment. If races were happening, this would be my race bra – but it’s just as good for HIIT workouts and boxing too.

$98

BUY AT LULULEMON
 
 
Nike Alpha Sports Bra
 
 
 
Nike Alpha Sports Bra

The higher neck on this bra was comfortable and provided a bit more sun coverage, and the overall support was high without any constrictive underwire. Another thing I loved was that this bra has four rows of hooks, instead of the usual three. I always start on the loosest hook, and then slowly start to cinch in towards the tightest as the bra inevitably stretches over time. One more row means a little more use. My one complaint was that it ran a bit small in band size, which meant a bit of pulling and tugging on my back. So, if you’re between sizes, size up.

$55

BUY AT NIKE
 
 
Champion Women's Spot Comfort Full-Support Sport Bra
 
 
 
Champion Women's Spot Comfort Full-Support Sport Bra

This is the most supportive sports bra I’ve tried under the $40 mark. It’s pretty low frills, with molded cups and a bit of additional compression. I found it supportive enough, but did notice that the hook and eyes closure was warping a bit after a few wears, and the thin shoulder straps started to chafe on my long run day. Still, given the price, it’s hard to not think this one deserves a place in your running wear rotation.

$48

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Athleta Advance Bra
 
 
 
Athleta Advance Bra

I have an old Athleta bra from 2014 that I am still loyal to (and in high impact sports bra years, six is very old). So I was extra excited to try this newer favorite style from Athleta, and it didn’t disappoint. This bra is so comfortable I’ve been wearing it weekly. The smooth, sweat-wicking fabric glides along skin, and the bra holds you in without any underwire. It’s also very true to size, unlike a handful of bras I tried, which makes online ordering a cinch.

$69

BUY AT ATHLETA
 

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