Sports Bra Review
If you have breasts and run, you need a good sports bra. These days you are in luck because there are sports bras galore on the market. There are bras for small breasts, big breasts, bras for those of you who like to run sans shirt, there are bras with clasps in the back, zippers in the front, and simple pullovers. No matter what you want in a sports bra, you should be able to find something to fit your needs.
Note: If you aren’t already familiar with the history of the sports bra, I highly recommend this Outside Online XX Factor podcast episode, How the Sports Bra Changed History.
What makes a good sports bra?
We probably all have our own thoughts on what makes the perfect sports bra. For me, I’m looking for a bra that fits well, isn’t overly constricting but manages the bounce factor, has straps that don’t dig into my shoulders or sides, is easy to take on and off (even when wet!), and wicks moisture well.
In this review, I’ll provide the following specs for each bra: fabric, closure, straps, removable cups, sizes, colors, price, and washing instructions. Then I’ll break it down at the end of the review on a 1 to 5 scale (1=poor and 5=awesome) for quality, comfort, bounce management, looks, and price.
Let’s dive in!
The North Face Stow N Go Bra A/B (C/D also available)
Specs
- Fabric: TNF’s proprietary FlashDry
- Washing Directions: Machine wash, lay flat to dry
- Closure: Double back clasp, 3 adjustment points
- Straps: Non-adjustable;
- Removable Cups: No
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (tested the A/B version, but it also comes in a C/D)
- Colors: Black
- Price: $60 retail (can be found for a lower price from resellers)
- Purchase Link (A/B); Purchase Link (C/D)
The North Face Stow N Go bra is is a solid contender for A/B cups. The fabric is soft, wicks moisture well, and feels comfortable against the skin. The bra is designed with a body mapping design which is supposed to help move air through the bra. The back part of the straps are a thin mesh, while the front straps are a slightly heavier material.
The Stow N Go sports a simply back clasp closure which makes it easy to take off, even when you are sweaty post-run. The bra provides little to no bounce while on the run. The C/D version offers additional compression so I would expect it to perform just as well in the bounce category for a larger bust as it does for a B-cup. The downside to the fit is I found the band to be a bit too compressive, to the point of feeling a bit constrictive. This compression does allow for maximal support, but also inhibits comfort and can constrict breathing. I ordered the bra true to size, medium, but it felt too constricting. I would recommend sizing up.
True to its name, the Stow N Go offers a unique feature—two large pockets in the front. There is a small pocket to fit a credit card, money, and/or keys, and a larger pocket that can easily fit an iPhone 8 Plus.
The look is basic sporty and provides enough separation that you don’t get the traditional uniboob look. It’s nothing fancy, but if you like to run in just a sports bra, you should feel plenty comfortable in the Stow N Go.
Ratings:
- Quality: 4/5
- Comfort: 3/5
- Bounce Management: 5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Looks: 4/5
The North Face T-Back Sports Bra
- Fabric: TNF’s proprietary FlashDry
- Washing Directions: Machine wash cold with dark colors, hang to dry
- Closure: None; pullover style
- Straps: Non-adjustable
- Removable Cups: Yes
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (tested size medium)
- Colors: Black, Navy
- Price: $55 retail (can be found for a lower price from resellers)
- Purchase Link
I really wanted to love this bra. It’s a unique style with a T-back design, low profile cups, and mesh front panel for added ventilation. But everything about the fit seems off. The band is too tight, the cups gap when you sit down, and there is little to no lift from the straps. If you have a long torso this bra may fit you well, but otherwise, you will likely find yourself wanting to take two inches out of the straps in order to get the proper fit. Due to the poor fit and lack of adjustable straps, the bounce factor is high. This may be a reasonable bra for other sports, but running is not one of them.
- Quality: 2/5
- Comfort: 1/5
- Bounce Management: 1/5
- Price: 3/5
- Looks: 3/5
Rabbit Straptastic BRA-Vo
- Fabric: 76% poly/24% spandex
- Washing Directions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry
- Closure: None; pullover style
- Straps: Non-adjustable
- Removable Cups: Yes
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L (tested size small)
- Colors: Blue/Green
- Price: $35 retail (currently on sale from $50); new model available
- Purchase link
Rabbit’s Straptastic BRA-vo style is a pullover style sports bra with removable cups. It’s a low profile bra that provides moderate support and is likely ideal for an A to mid-size B cup runner. The removable cups help separate your breasts, so you aren’t left with the uniboob look. The rabbit graphic on the straps provides a fun style feature and also good branding.
I found the Straptastic to be comfortable and moisture wicking. However, at a full B cup, I found the bounce factor to be a little higher than I prefer, and the low profile design showed more cleavage than I would like in a sports bra, so this isn’t a style I would choose. Depending on your preferences in the bounce department this could be a good selection for you if you are an A or B cup, however, I wouldn’t recommend this bra for larger than a B cup.
Note: Based on the online picture it looks as though on the updated version of the Straptastic that the rabbit images on the straps have been replaced with a solid color strap, and it’s possible the bottom band styling might have been updated a bit.
- Quality: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Bounce Management: 3/5
- Price: 4/5
- Looks: 4/5
Rabbit Spaghetti BRA-Vo
- Fabric: 76% poly/24% spandex
- Washing Directions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry
- Closure: None; pullover style
- Straps: Non-adjustable
- Removable Cups: Yes
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L (tested size small)
- Colors: Pink
- Price: $35 retail (currently on sale from $50); new model available
- Purchase Link
Rabbit’s Spaghetti BRA-vo style is a pullover style with thin straps and removable cups. The thin straps are stretchy and comfortable and provide adequate support for an A/B cup. When comparing this style with the Straptastic I thought that it would provide less support due to the thinness of the straps. However, I found that the Spaghetti BRA-vo actually seemed to provide more support than its sister style.
The profile of the Spaghetti is more moderate so I did not encounter the same cleavage-baring issue I did with the Straptastic. The fabric is quick drying and does not feel clammy when it does get wet. It is easy to remove even when damp after your run.
Note: Based on the online picture it looks as though on the updated version of the Spaghetti that the connection point of the straps on the back is a little bit higher and that the contrasting strap color has been replaced to create a monochromatic look.
- Quality: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Bounce Management: 3/5
- Price: 4/5
- Looks: 4/5
Champion The Ultra Light Max
- Fabric: Double Dry technology; power mesh back, neckline, and sides for added ventilation.
- Washing Directions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Closure: Double back clasp with 5 adjustment points
- Straps: Non-adjustable
- Removable Cups: No; molded inner lining, no padding
- Sizes: 34, 36, 38, 40 with cup sizes B, C, and D
- Colors: white, pink/black, blue/black, mint green/black, tan, black
- Price: $29.99 retail (currently on sale from $40)
- Purchase Link
When you think of Champion you may think of high school gym class and old school pullover uniboob style bras. But if you haven’t visited this brand in a while, now might be a good time. The Ultra Light Max is a lightweight, breathable, maximum support sports bra with a nice fit, good price point, in a variety of colors and sizes.
Compared to the rest of the bras in this review, The Ultra Light Max offer a range of sizes to really dial in your fit. You can pick your band and cup size in order to get a more customized fit. In addition, the 5 adjustment points in the back clasp allow you to create a tighter or looser fit depending on what you need/want on a given day. I think this would be a good contender for a full range of cup sizes.
The Ultra Light Max offers a molded inner lining to provide support and lift and separate your breasts without the need for molded cups. The fabric is lightweight, it dries quickly, and provides a perfect balance between compression and breathability. Of all of the bras that I tested, I found myself reaching for this one the most often.
- Quality: 4/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Bounce Management: 4/5
- Price: 5/5
- Looks: 4/5
Champion The Absolute Zip Sports Bra
- Fabric: Double Dry technology; quick drying
- Washing Directions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Closure: Loop adjustor (hook) with 7 different settings; zip closure front
- Straps: Adjustable (very limited range)
- Removable Cups: No; lightly molded cups with slight padding
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- Colors: white, blue/black, black/grey
- Price: $21.99–29.99 retail (currently on sale from $40)
- Purchase Link
The Champion Absolute Zip Sports Bra is a good choice for those of you who prefer a zip style closure. This style allows you to set your back closure setting and then simply enter and exit the bra via the zip in the front. The front offers a small hook to close to more easily utilize the zipper. A zip style sports bra is perfect for easy bra changes—think midway through an ultra when you are wet and cold and need a dry layer next to your skin.
The Absolute Zip Sports Bra is one of the most high profile designs I tested, and offers very full coverage of your bust. The zipper naturally separates your breasts, and the smooth, chafe resistance bottom band provides compression and support.
There are a multitude of design features to ensure comfort, including mesh panels on the back, a piece of soft quick-drying fabric backing the zipper, and extra fabric so the back hook doesn’t come in contact with your skin.
- Quality: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Bounce Management: 4/5
- Price: 5/5
- Looks: 4/5
SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra
- Fabric: 2-way stretch for maximum support; lightweight, moisture-wicking; 88% nylon, 12% spandex.
- Washing Directions: Hand wash recommended; if machine wash use cold water, delicate cycle, and laundry bag (provided with purchase). Lay flat to dry.
- Closure: Zipper and clasps
- Straps: Fully adjustable (both band and straps)
- Removable Cups: Yes
- Sizes: XS, S, M, Luxe, 1Luxe, 2Luxe, 4Luxe, 5Luxe, 6Luxe
- Colors: white, black, bright pink/pink, blue/pink, tan
- Price: $65
- Purchase Link
My search for new and interesting sports bras to test for all of you led me to a new-ish brand, SheFit, that was previously unknown to me. If you are looking for maximum support and maximum adjustability, this may be your unicorn.
The SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra sports a zip closure in the front with two clasps for easy zipping (and extra reinforcement if needed). The zip closure offers a soft fabric backing for comfort.
The cup fabric is power mesh and moisture wicking to ensure comfort, and the cups are removable if you prefer to go without padding.
But where the real magic lies in the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra is in the adjustability. The bust band is 2 inches wide and sports more than 8 inches of adjustability. And the straps are 1 inch wide non-stretch fabric with 8 inches of adjustability, and the ability to convert from x-back to h-back (racerback to traditional style). With this amount of adjustability you can really dial in a fit that is absolutely perfect for you.
This bra is ideal for an individual with a larger bust. While I found it comfortable, at a B-cup I don’t need a large amount of support/compression. But I know there are larger busted folks who need to wear two bras in order to tame their breasts, and I think this would be a perfect solution if you find yourself in that camp.
I only found two downsides to this bra. The side of this bra that goes under the armpit is very deep. I have a relatively short torso and found that it extended into my armpit and caused some chafing. If you have a longer torso, you likely won’t experience this problem. The hook and loop adjusters on the band and straps are mostly a blessing, but can also be a curse. This bra comes with a bag for a reason—USE IT! Do not throw the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra in your drawer and think that it won’t stick to everything in it without the bag.
- Quality: 4/5
- Comfort: 3/5
- Bounce Management: 5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Looks: 3/5
SheFit Ultimate Flex Sports Bra
- Fabric: 4-way stretch for moderate support and maximum flexibility; lightweight, moisture-wicking; 82% nylon, 18% spandex
- Washing Directions: Hand wash recommended; if machine wash use cold water, delicate cycle, and laundry bag (provided with purchase). Lay flat to dry.
- Closure: Zipper and clasps
- Straps: Fully adjustable (both band and straps)
- Removable Cups: No
- Sizes: XS, S, M, Luxe, 1Luxe, 2Luxe, 4Luxe, 5Luxe, 6Luxe
- Colors: blush, black (tested), pink, blue
- Price: $69
- Purchase Link
Another entry into the SheFit line, the SheFit Ultimate Flex Sports Bra has all of the great fit details of the SheFit Ultimate, except with 4-way stretch and molded, seam-free cups for maximum flexibility with moderate support for high impact sports.
The SheFit Ultimate Flex offers the zip closure in the front with two clasps for easy zipping (and extra reinforcement if needed). The zip closure offers a soft fabric backing for comfort.
The cups on the Ultimate Flex are molded and seam-free, with light padding. The seam-free styling presents a smooth appearance when worn under a shirt and individually supports each breast.
The Ultimate Flex offers the same great adjustability of the Ultimate with a bust band that is 2 inches wide with 8 inches of adjustability and 1-inch wide non-stretch fabric with 8 inches of adjustability. You can convert the bra from an x-back to h-back without even taking it off. This extreme amount of adjustability offers you a truly customized fit.
This Flex is a better fit for me with my smaller bust, yet it would still fit someone with a larger bust as well. I found the seam-free cups with the less “constructed” feel to be more comfortable. Unlike the Ultimate, the Flex has a slightly different cut so the side of the bra doesn’t rise into my armpit in the same way and doesn’t lead to chafing.
Just remember, the hook and loop adjusters on the band need to be respected. Each SheFit bra comes with a bag, make sure to use it when you store the bra in your drawer to save the rest of your clothing.
- Quality: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Bounce Management: 5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Looks: 4/5
Conclusions
There are a lot of different sports bras on the market, so hopefully you can find the right fit for you! Before you decide to start shopping, I would recommend you ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of compression do you like?
- Is style or function most important to you?
- How much adjustability do you need?
- What is your preference on closure style?
- Do you prefer padding, no padding, or optional padding?
- How important is the price?
Of the sports bras that I tested, here are my takeaways:
- Most affordable: Champion Ultra Light Flex & Champion Absolute Zip
- Best zip style on a budget: Champion Absolute Zip
- Most stylish: Rabbit Spaghetti BRA-vo
- Best if you like adjustability: She Fit Ultimate & Ultimate Flex
- Most comfortable: Champion Ultra Light Flex
- Best for a large bust: SheFit Ultimate
- My favorite: Champion Ultra Light Flex
Questions?
Do you have a question about one of the sports bras I reviewed? Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you!
Your Reviewer: Sarah Bradham
I started my love of gear as a climber and as I turned my attention to running I shifted from carabiners, ice tools, and crampons to hydration packs, midsole foam types, compression clothing, and everything in between. After several years of foot injuries, I’m enjoying getting back to my beloved muddy and rocky trails near my home in Portland, Ore. In my work life, I enjoy coordinating an annual Mountain and Ultra Running Camp at the base of Mt. Hood with Yassine Diboun, Amy Sproston, and Joelle Vaught.