We found the most supportive, comfortable, and packable sports bras for every activity and body shape.

Credit:

Travel + Leisure

Sports bras are a non-negotiable staple in my suitcase. As a travel writer who explores new destinations monthly alongside my marathon-running best friend, I’ve found that running is the best way to learn the layout of a new landscape upon arrival. Whether we’re jogging through Bangkok’s crowded sidewalks or hilly vineyards in the South of France, the quality of the sports bra makes all the difference.

I joined the Travel + Leisure editors in testing 28 sports bras, where we had two testers try each style—one in a larger size and one in a smaller size. We tested them for their comfort, fit, support, quality, and overall value. I’ve tried out over a dozen sports bras over the years, and the best ones offer the proper amount of support for your chosen activity. I personally tested the Athleta Interval Sports Bra A-C on several runs and while working in a vineyard in France.

Whether you’re hitting the treadmill or the airport, you’ll find an editor-approved sports bra to keep you comfortable and supported on this list.

Top Picks

Best Overall: The Gym People Longline Sports Bra at Amazon $23 Jump to Review Most Versatile: Under Armour Mid Crossback Sports Bra at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Low Impact: Vuori AllTheFeels Bra at REI $58 Jump to Review Best Breathable: On Performance Flex at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best High Impact: lululemon Bra High Support at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Everyday: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra at Knix Jump to Review Best Quick-drying: Athleta Interval Sports Bra at Athleta Jump to Review

Best Overall

The Gym People Longline Sports Bra

Credit: Amazon $23 at Amazon View on Thegympeople.com Why We Love It

• Extra coverage, ample support, and a flattering fit earned this wireless sports bra our top spot—plus, it’s ultra-comfortable and comes in 38 hues.

What to Consider

• We’d recommend a darker shade, as the lighter options showed sweat and discoloration over time.

We found ourselves wearing this bra everywhere during the testing period—on Costco runs, road trips, afternoons playing with our kids, heated spin classes, and beyond—and it consistently impressed us with its comfort, support, sweat-wicking fabric, and figure-flattering fit. We tried this bra in both large and small sizes to gauge how it fits different body types. Both found it true to size, and loved that the stretchy straps fit comfortably and never dug into their shoulders.

This top comes with a built-in padded bra that provides full coverage and keeps your chest secure during medium-intensity activities. The top itself is figure-skimming rather than compressive, so it won’t ride up as often as tighter workout tops. Our main recommendation is to opt for a darker shade—there are 38 to choose from, so you’ve got plenty of options—as the lighter hues showed sweat and dirt over time. Luckily, this bra holds up beautifully in the wash, retaining its elasticity and softness. It’s a steal for the price, given that it doubles as a top, flatters all shapes and sizes, and is easy to care for.

The Details: XS-3X | Polyamide, spandex | Medium support

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Most Versatile

Under Armour Mid Crossback Sports Bra

Credit: Amazon $35 at Amazon View on Dicks Sporting Goods View on Zappos Why We Love It

• This minimalist and supportive cross-back bra proved useful for low to high-impact activities.

What to Consider

• The straps aren’t adjustable, and can stretch out slightly over time.

Practical and well-priced, this soft and stretchy bra pulls on easily overhead and slides off smoothly even when damp with sweat, thanks to cross straps with an exaggerated keyhole cut-out. We loved how breathable and moisture-wicking the material was, which kept us cool while running, rowing, weight lifting, and golfing. It provided a full range of movement and ideal support for medium-impact activities; for higher-impact activities like running and HIIT classes, we found the fabric stretched out slightly but rebounded well after washing.

Made from soft polyester and a touch of stretchy elastane, the fabric is sturdy and comfortable without being too thick. We loved that there were no hooks, snaps, or clasps to fuss over, although we wished that the straps were adjustable for a more custom fit. Best of all, it dried quickly after washing and didn’t shrink when we tossed it in the dryer.

The Details: XS-3X | Polyester, elastane | Medium support

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Low Impact

Vuori AllTheFeels Bra

Credit: Vuori $58 at REI View on Nordstrom View on Vuoriclothing.com Why We Love It

• Vuori’s BlissBlend fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable enough for all-day wear.

What to Consider

• We wouldn’t wear it beyond yoga or lounging.

I’m a huge fan of Vuori’s BlissBlend Performance Knit fabric, which is deliciously soft and designed to provide full freedom of movement for low-impact activities like yoga, pilates, and lounging around. T+L senior editor Jackie Cucco owns this bra and thinks it’s lightweight and moisture-wicking. “The material feels nice and soft, the stitching all looks well done, and everything still looks good after wearing it, washing it, and drying it four times with no snags, pills, or loss of shape,” said Cucco.

T+L writer Anne Taylor also tested this bra, and praised it as “extremely comfortable.” She wore it while working from home and on a 10-mile hike, and found that she “never wanted to take it off.” Given its lightweight construction and barely-there feel, this is one of our go-to picks for travel and daily wear.

The Details: 2XS-2XL | Recycled polyamide and elastane | Light support

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Breathable

On Performance Flex

Credit: Backcountry View on Nordstrom View on Dicks Sporting Goods View on On.com Why We Love It

• Mesh backing and a wide keyhole cutout ensure plenty of airflow for this compressive and quick-drying bra.

What to Consider

• The slightly compressive fabric offers excellent support, but it isn’t the most comfortable to wear for extended periods.

No one wants to be stuck in a sweat-drenched sports bra, so we tested several breathable options and the On Performance Flex Bra came out on top. The back mesh panel allows for ample airflow, while a wide keyhole gives skin some room to breathe. “No matter how strenuous the workout, the bra stays breathable,” said T+L associate editor Danielle Calma, who wore this bra for a HIIT workout and a yoga class. “The strap-adjustment system is located on the front, so I could loosen or tighten the straps without twisting my arm,» she said. Calma also liked that the material dried down quickly and was easy to pull on and off, even when slick with sweat.

T+L writer Jasmine Gomez appreciated the D-DD sizing option, which ensured a comfortable fit in both the band and bust. She added that the bra’s slight compression helped keep her chest in place during high-impact activities like running on a treadmill, without ever restricting her movement. “The bra fits well and offers a ton of support,” she said, noting that the tightness was noticeable after extended periods of wear, but never felt uncomfortable.

The Details: 2XS-XL, with D-DD sizing | Recycled polyester, recycled polyamide, elastane | Medium support

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best High Impact

lululemon Bra High Support

Credit: lululemon View on Lululemon Why We Love It

• The clasp closure has three levels of tightness, so it’s easy to nail your perfect fit.

What to Consider

• While four straps offer superior support, they make it somewhat tricky to get the bra on and off.

If you’re looking for a bra that keeps you feeling contained rather than constrained, this strappy number from Lululemon is our go-to. T+L associate editor Anna Popp wore this for several rigorous workouts and found that it never rode up or dug into skin while she was on the treadmill, biking, or stretching at the gym. We tested it on several runs and found that it’s ideal for minimizing bouncing without restricting movement.

The material is substantial and soft against the skin, yet plenty breathable given its thickness. There are four thick, adjustable straps and a classic bra clasp on the back with three levels of tightness, allowing you to really customize the fit of both the band and the bra itself. While we found this handy for maximizing comfort, it did make getting the bra on and off more complicated than with a standard sports bra. If you don’t mind putting in a little extra effort, the peace of mind this bra provides during high-impact activities is plenty worth it.

The Details: 32B-40D | Nylon, elastane | High support

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Everyday

Knix Catalyst Sports Bra

Credit: Knix View on Knix Why We Love It

• Traditional bra features like adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure make this size-inclusive bra comfortable enough for daily wear and high-impact activities alike.

What to Consider

• You may want to size up, as the bra runs slightly tight.

Wriggling a bra on overhead can feel like a workout in itself sometimes, so for those who prefer a standard clasp closure, we highly recommend the Knix Catalyst Sports Bra. It’s a particularly great choice for anyone with a bigger bust, as the sizing runs up to a 44G. We did find that while their sizing chart helps convert cup and band sizes to their brand’s sizing, the bra ran slightly small, and we wish we’d gone up a size overall.

Still, the bra’s fit is fairly customizable thanks to adjustable straps and a back closure with five levels of tightness. We wore this bra running, weight training, and biking, and loved that the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric kept us cool while the front vents allowed for plenty of airflow.

We hardly noticed the bra during workouts, and rarely had to adjust it when lifting weights overhead or stretching. It was noticeably supportive while running, preventing uncomfortable bouncing for a 38D-sized chest. While we’d trust this to get us through any and all high-intensity workouts, the seamless feel of the bra is soft enough to wear daily as well for anyone seeking extra support.

The Details: Band: 30 to 44; Cup: A to G | Nylon, spandex | High support

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Best Quick-drying

Athleta Interval Sports Bra

Credit: Athleta View on Athleta Why We Love It

• The thick fabric offers ample support for running and other high-intensity workouts, and the moisture-wicking material features a mesh liner that dries quickly.

What to Consider

• This is better suited to brief periods of intense activity—the compression can feel a bit irritating after several hours of wear.

I packed this bra on a recent trip to France, and it immediately became my go-to for running and general activities where I needed extra support. The tightness was ideal for active workouts, but did began to irritate me and chafe slightly against my underarms on the occasions when I wore this all day. The material never let me down, though—the soft mesh-like lining helped wick away sweat, and after getting caught in the rain, the bra dried out completely within a few hours despite its substantial feel. I also appreciate that the pads can be removed for a more flexible fit.

The thick, sturdy straps stayed in place all day long and never dug into my shoulders. It completely minimized bouncing and kept everything in place during long days of working in a vineyard and wine cellar, which required frequent bending over and lifting items overhead. I love that it offers UPF 40-plus sun protection, and that the material is compressive but never digs into skin.

The Details: XS-XL, A to C and D to DD+ | Recycled polyester, elastane | Medium support

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Other Sports Bras We Liked

Here, we’ve included a few honorable mentions that might still be a great option for you based on the support level you’re looking for.

Nike Zenvy Rib: We love that this longer bra is sleek, stylish, and soft enough to double as a top, but would recommend sizing up as it runs small and tends to ride up if it’s too snug.

Travel + Leisure

Patagonia Women’s Maipo Mid-Impact Bra: This might be the most comfortable bra we tried—it’s crafted from buttery soft recycled nylon that dries quickly and doesn’t dig into skin. Our only gripe was that it offered more low-impact support than medium, but ultimately that was ideal for all-day comfort.

Travel + Leisure

Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra: For a highly customized fit, this bra offers plenty of bells and whistles—think adjustable shoulder straps, a ribcage band, and a front zipper. We found that the zipper dug slightly into our skin, but otherwise loved how secure this bra made us feel.

Travel + Leisure

Our Testing Process

We tested a total of 28 sports bras in order to find the best picks for a wide range of activities and body shapes. We evaluated each one based on fit, comfort, support, quality, and value. Here’s how we did it:

Our long-term testing will continue over the course of six months to make sure we test the sports bras out in a variety of seasons.

Tips for Buying aSports Bras

Prioritize support

When shopping for a sports bra, prioritizing support is key to ensuring your comfort and preventing any potential strain during movement. The ideal level of support depends on your activity: low support is great for yoga, walking, or lounging, while medium to high support is necessary for higher-impact activities like running, training, hiking, or intense workout classes.

Since you can only fit so many sports bras in a suitcase, we’d recommend a bra with medium to high support for active trips, where you might be hitting the trails or the treadmill. For beach vacations and leisure travel, a low or medium support bra will likely suffice.

Travel + Leisure

Get the right fit

You should approach buying a sports bra like you would a standard bra, meaning you’ll want to know your measurements and consult the brand’s sizing chart in order to ensure a proper fit. While we’ve noted which bras on this list run a tad snug or large, it’s always a good idea to read a few customer reviews to get a fuller perspective of how the bra’s sizing runs.

Travel + Leisure

Look for breathable and quick-dry fabrics

To maximize your comfort, look for a sports bra made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon or polyester blends. Quick-drying materials will keep you cool during hard workouts or on hot travel days by pulling the moisture away from your skin and drying out quickly. They’re also ideal for keeping bras clean while traveling, as you can hand-wash or toss them in the laundry and they’ll air dry faster.

Travel + Leisure

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L writer Sophie Dodd wears sports bras for a variety of athletic endeavors, including running, practicing yoga, and working in vineyards. She owns the Athleta Interval Sports Bra A-C, which she tested over the course of two months. She also included the testing notes of T+L editors who tried the other sports bras included here, and extensively researched each item to ensure its comfort, performance, and overall quality.

These Editor-loved Pieces Are the Most Comfortable Clothing for Travel

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Edited by Read more: