9 Best High Impact Sports Bras
Good Gear editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Good Gear editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Whether you frequent HIIT classes, dance classes, or you’re training for your next marathon, a high-impact sports bra is an activewear priority when it comes to optimizing your performance and comfort. Who needs the distraction of discomfort and lack of support when you’re putting in your all? With all the new tech and designs hitting the market these days, it can be a bit hard to discern which will be the right fit for you. Luckily, our editors have the low-down on the best high-impact sports bras depending on your body type, priorities, and budget.
What should you consider when shopping for a high-impact sports bra?
The first things to look for in a high-impact sports bra is strap thickness and compression capability — these factors combined will give you a sense of how supportive the bra is. These elements become more important depending on your cup size and preferred workout. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for breathable materials so you stay put without getting too sweaty, size inclusivity for those who need a larger size range, and price point, of course. One of the most important features of a high-impact sports bra is also style — both in terms of aesthetic and comfort — so browse based on the images included below. You want to feel confident in your body and your clothes, and making sure a style works for your taste and your body can make a huge difference in how you feel mentally and physically in the gym, on the track, or wherever else you go.
Our criteria:
Our editors have researched and tested the best workout gear on the market. These are our favorite high-impact sports bras that are engineered to support you through any workout with thoughtful design, breathable materials, and some are even affordable, too.
- SUPPORTIVE DESIGN | The sports bras on this list are designed to offer support during even the most high-impact workouts. These bras have been designed with women in mind and that shows in the details from strap thickness and placement to breathable materials.
- SIZE INCLUSIVE | The brands on this list offer a wide range of sizes for those who need extra support the most. We’ve also prioritized brands that offer cup and in-between sizes for a more precise fit.
- AFFORDABLE | Workout clothes are an investment. We’ve included options on this list that are suited for smaller budgets, and still offer the support you’re looking for.
And if you want to complete the look for your next high-impact training sesh, check out our editor’s review of the best compression leggings.
1. On
Best For | High-quality basics
Sizes | XXS-XLD-DD
Prices starting at | $85
On is definitely one of the hot brands on the scene right now, and their products back up their reputation. This bra is supportive, and flaunts an open racer-back design with an adjustable band as well as adjustable straps so you can make sure it fits just right. It’s made of recycled polyester, recycled polyamide, and elastane, and has bonded seams to avoid irritation and chafing. Their sizing is also great for those with variation in cup sizes, ranging from XXS-XL with an option for each size to accommodate a D-DD cup size, so those who need an XS with a D-DD range can opt for it, an those who need an XL but don’t require a D-DD range can opt out. It comes in the colors black, cinder, and lime, so there’s truly something for everyone!
2. Beyond Yoga
Best For | Contouring compression
Sizes | XS-XL
Prices starting at | $72
Beyond Yoga offers a variety of sports bras, mostly geared towards yoga and other low-impact exercise, but that didn’t stop them from producing a fantastic high-impact sports bra, too. Their POWERBEYOND Jump bra is perfect for high-impact activity. This bra is quick drying, with contouring compression to fit the body just right. It’s a medium-support sports bra, so it could make a great choice for small and medium cup sizes who still need that vital support for high-impact exercise like running. It’s consistently available in black and in a rotating range of seasonal colors.
Customer Review | “Perfect fit and color for me! I was very pleased with my purchase and will be wearing for gym workouts. The padding is just right for me the straps on the shoulder lends great support. Shipping was reasonable too.” – Cheryl F (Read more reviews.)
3. Knix
Best For | Shape and breathability
Sizes | XS-XXXXL++
Prices starting at | $75
The Knix Catalyst Sports Bra is no joke. With an adjustable band, adjustable straps, and an extensive sizing system, there’s no way you won’t find the perfect for you. While a few of the reviews do suggest sizing up a bit, others report no issue with sizing, so if you’re stuck between two sizes, it might be a good idea to try the larger of the two. The Knix Catalyst is sized like a regular bra with a cup and a band size — which magically calculates whether you need a S, S+, S++, and so on. There are truly a huge array of sizing options for whatever you need. This bra also includes ventilation to keep you cool throughout your hardest and sweatiest sessions.
Customer Review | “The Catalyst Sports Bra is the best sports bra I have ever worn. It is so comfortable and supporting, I am tempted to wear it as an everyday bra. I have it in many colors. I wear a size 8, and I have never had a problem with the fit. I also love the venting between the breasts. I highly recommend this sports bra.” – Lillian W (Read more reviews.)
4. Alo
Best For | Larger cup sizes
Sizes | 32C-38DD
Prices starting at | $98
Alo is one of the top yoga brands in the game, and they don’t disappoint when it comes to branching out into high-impact activewear. With hook-and-eye closures, thick adjustable straps, and contour cups, this bra is great for someone who needs a little extra support. Actually, Alo only makes the bra in C-cup sizes and above, as it’s specifically designed for larger cup sizes. However, because of this, it’s specifically made to hold everything in and offer high-impact support for those larger sizes, so if this suits your needs, it could be a great choice. It also has a trendy silhouette featuring straps that can cross into a racerback and the Alo logo on the front band, so it’s super cute as well as functional.
Customer Review | “Great, I bought it in few colours And I run in it . Holds the chest well and doesn’t rub anything anywhere , I’m 38c and it’s true to size” – Rina K (Read more reviews.)
5. Brooks
Best For | Marathon training
Sizes | 32B-44FF
Prices starting at | $75
Brooks is a reliable, functional brand for all things running, so it’s no surprise that they have a supportive high-impact sports bra that gets the job done. With a hook-and-eye band, adjustable straps, and a vast size range, the Racerback 2.0 can fit pretty much everyone’s needs. Many of the reviews say that the sizing runs a bit small, so if you want a bit more room, you may need to size up a little bit. But once you find the sweet spot, you can take off at the speed of light while keeping everything locked down. It’s also worth noting that Brooks has another high-impact sports bra that features an underwire, so if you’re specifically looking for a wire, they could be a worthwhile brand to explore, though the Racerback 2.0 is better-reviewed than the underwire option. You can also find their products on other online retailers like Amazon and Title Nine.
Customer Review | “Awesome running/workout bra! If at first you don’t succeed… Try, try again. Once I got the correct size, this is an awesome running bra – even for a larger chested women. I’m very pleased with the bra and will be ordering many more of this same type. Thanks, Brooks!” – Susan B (Read more reviews.)
6. Oiselle
Best For | Adjustability
Sizes | 2-14
Prices starting at | $68
Where to begin with Oiselle? Choosing one high-impact sports bra from their stock is a challenge in itself. Their Flyout Bra is a huge fan favorite, so perhaps it’s best to start there. With wide coverage, thick straps, and a phone compartment in the back, this bra is literally designed with long runs in mind. It’s supportive, available in multiple colors, and adorable. However, if you need something with a bit more adjustment capability, Oiselle has plenty of bras that are made with customization in mind — hook-and-eye bands, adjustable straps, the whole nine. Their Queen and Boom bras are exactly what you need if you’re looking for those details. Oiselle has basically everything you could hope for in an activewear brand including style, support, and inclusive sizing.
Customer Review | “I love this bra so much I bought a second one. I ran a marathon in this bra and had zero chafing. My phone was in the pocket the entire time. Comfortable, supportive, practical. Love it!” – Lisa B (Read more reviews.)
7. Gymshark
Best For | Budget friendly
Sizes | XXS-XXL
Prices starting at | $36
Gymshark is one of the tried-and-true activewear brands that offers just about everything, so it’s no surprise that they have a great high-impact sports bra. Their Longline Crossback Sports Bra has hook-and-eye closure, adjustable straps, and breathable material so you can stay comfortable and find the perfect fit. It’s also stylish, cute, and budget-friendly, available on their website at a discounted $36, down from their original $44 price point. While it is a medium-support bra, it has padding and thick straps, so it’s still a good choice for those who wear larger cup sizes.
Customer Review | “So flattering, def friendly for girlies with bigger chests” – Ira (Read more reviews.)
8. ThirdLove
Best For | Extra comfort
Sizes | 32B-44H
Prices starting at | $78
At this point, everyone knows ThirdLove as one of the comfiest bra companies on Earth. So, of course they have a high-impact sports bra that delivers on comfort and size range, too! Their Adjustable Sports Bra comes in cup sizes B-H and band sizes 32-44, so they truly have whatever you may need. It also comes in three classic neutral colors (black, black logo, and sea salt) as well as a wide array of limited edition colors like vibrant blues, purples, and pinks. It has built-in cups that don’t slip, and is tagless, so there’s nothing to itch or irritate. This bra was definitely designed for comfort and style.
Customer Review | “As a person with strong sensory issues it has been a challenge to find a high-impact bra with no seams in weird places but this is the one. I love this bra so much I wear it as a sports bra and regular bra. This bra was so good I don’t want to take it off when I get home. I can walk down stairs, jump up and down, sit, and stand, in comfort.” – Jennifer (Read more reviews.)
9. LNDR
Best For | Two-clasp support
Sizes | 34B-36F
Prices starting at | $119
If you’re a huge fan of clasp support, this is the bra for you. The LNDR Locked + Loaded sports bra doesn’t just have a hook-and-eye clasp, but it also has a secondary back clasp for even more support! This bra is incredibly secure, and features padded straps for comfort as well as a shaped, non-stretch internal layer for shape and support. With everything this bra has built in, you can rest assured that everything will stay locked down during whatever movement you’re doing. This bra is also high support, so it’s perfect for those with larger cup sizes who need more coverage. It’s also zero-bounce, and has fixed adjustable straps so nothing moves over the course of your workout.
Customer Review | “I bought this sports bra in black two weeks ago and have worn it for every run/ski/hike, and just got it in navy as well. This bra is everything. I truly cannot say enough. I’m a 36C and it’s really supportive with no bounce during high impact sports. I hope they never stop making it.” – Caitlyn (Read more reviews.)
Featured image by Knix
Jamie Kahn is a writer and yoga teacher based in New York. Her work has been featured in Glamour, Brooklyn Magazine, Epiphany, The Evergreen Review, and others.
