15 Best High-Impact Sports Bras Of 2022 For Running, HIIT, And More

2022-05-21 10:43:04 By : Ms. Grace Li

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They’ve got rave reviews for a reason.

Sports bras have certainly come a long way since Lisa Lindahl invented the first one back in 1977 by fashioning together two jock straps. Throughout the last few years, big brands like Reebok, Brooks, and Lululemon, as well as smaller labels like Knix and Maaree, have dedicated themselves to making even better high-impact sports bras a top priority. From creative construction and technology that cuts back on bounce to designs that keeps you comfy (no more too-tight-to-move constriction!), they’ve found some seriously innovative ways to make it happen.

“It’s interesting, because if you think about the bra and history of the bra, for a long time, there hadn’t been any real innovation in the way companies constructed them,” says Barbara Ebersberger, Reebok’s vice president of performance apparel. “It’s always the same principle: The idea that, in order to create a higher-support sports bra, you need to create more layers, with additional bindings and additional hardware.”

In fact, Reebok started their own sports bra revolution by rethinking fabric with their PureMove bra, which features a fluid fabric complete with motion-sense technology that was created by University of Delaware researchers. “When moving slowly, like in yoga, the fabric moves with you in every direction," says Ebersberger. "But during high-impact movement, the fabrics start to stick and react like a seatbelt.”

They're not the only ones thinking differently, either. Many brands now design based on the understanding that your boobs don't just bounce up and down when you jog, jump, or twist. They actually move in a sort of figure-eight, often bumping into each other. “You not only need support underneath your breasts, but around the sides and in between,” says Joanna Griffiths, founder of the brand Knix. She says the separation-and-support combo is key to keeping your girls from getting in the way of your workout.

Of courses, no one wants a bra that holds their boobs in place but rubs them the wrong way or just feels harsh against their skin. That's where soft new fabrics, moisture-wicking technology, and smart design to boost airflow come in. “[Sports bras] are looking less like body armor and more comfort-driven and sleek,” says Griffiths.

Given that, there are a few points to keep in mind when shopping for new HIIT gear.

So with all the technology and new designs, how do you choose the best high-impact sports bra for you? Well, for starters, put it on and test it out. Here are a few key attributes to look for, too:

Featuring a thickening fluid in the fabric that stiffens when you get wet with sweat, this bra keeps you still when you need it to and moves with you when you don’t.

Reviewer rave: "Great bras for high-intensity workouts. They're easy to put on and remove. Fabric is soft but construction is tough. I'd recommend this to anyone. I'd buy more." —JaneWorkout, reebok.com

Maaree founder, Mari, herself is a size 34F in sports bras, and wanted to create the perfect high-impact option for a variety of chest sizes. The really cool innovation on the Solidarity bra? The "overband"—which is a stretchy, comfortable strap designed to keep your girls from spilling out the top of the bra during any activity.

Reviewer Rave: "I've been trying and failing to find a comfortable and supportive bra for intense sweats for my fuller post-pregnancy chest, until I tried the Solidarity. The complimentary virtual fitting put me in the proper size, and the bra keeps everything locked and loaded without feeling restrictive or bulky through bouts of boxing, bouncing trampoline classes, and running." —Jennifer Nied, WH fitness editor

The Advance bra from Athleta boasts nearly 1,000 positive reviews, with proponents praising its smooth fit and versatile color availability.

Rave Review: "I love this bra! It is very supportive and sexy without being too showy. I prefer to run without a shirt it's just too hot. I received several compliments on the bra at run club!" —Anonymous, athleta.com

The molded cups of this sports bra encourage motion reduction and comfort. The strappy design will have you forgetting you even have a sports bra on. Ready to take you from your run to out and about, this bra is a new wardrobe staple.

Reviewer Rave: "Seriously the best. The fabric is really unique and super comfortable. It won't cut into you. I was nervous buying a non-adjustable bra because I have so much trouble with sports bras, but there's no need to adjust anything. Fits perfect. And it has a little bit of padding so no nips showing when you get cold. The straps are cut really pretty too, so it looks great under tanks." —Bethany G., brooksrunning.com

This is like the Swiss Army Knife of sports bras. The straps are really adjustable (you can add up to 15 extra inches) and convertible (so they can be worn in an "H" or "X" style). The front zipper also makes this bra easier for women with large breasts to get on or off, while the hook closure on the bust band can be expanded up to an extra eight inches.

Reviewer rave: "This sports bra is the best ever! I do HIIT and the high-impact bra holds everything in place with the most comfortable support! The medium-impact also gives a great deal of support. I love that the straps are adjustable. I own four so far. Also, these bras are not only functional but gorgeous, too!!!" —Cyralynn M., shefit.com

Under Armour worked with British breast health expert Dr. Joanna Scurr of the University of Portsmouth to create the liquid foam that they inject into the cup space of this sports bra. The figure-eight pattern of the support mimics natural movement of breasts in motion.

Reviewer rave: "I’m a 34DD, super active (cyclist, runner, Pilates) mom (these gals have seen better days). I love Under Armour sports bras, but this one is in a new category of love for me. I purchased the medium. The chest band is comfortable, doesn’t fold and isn’t too tight. I do prefer a snug fit around my boobs to keep them in place, and this bra does that without smooshing them. I’ve worn it running and on the elliptical and there was no bounce or chafing. I’m buying one (maybe two) in every color. I always find that as soon as I find one I love, the style changes." —Ms95765, underarmour.com

While this bra may cost you a little bit more, it pulls its weight in comfort and support. You get adjustable straps in length and style (U-shaped or crossed), and quick-dry, wetness-wicking material that lets your skin breathe.

Reviewer rave: "I was really hoping not to like this because it’s the most I’ve ever paid for a sports bra. Sadly/happily, it’s also the most supportive and comfortable sports bra I own, and now I want more! I think this works best for C-D cups (possibly DD)...The ventilation holes in the molded cups do seem to make this bra less swampy than my other molded cup bras. My advice is, If you’re a C-D cup looking for support for high-impact activities, don’t buy it because you’ll probably fall in love." —Veronica S.

Superfit Hero is the go-to athletic wear brand for inclusive sizing. They carry sizes L through 7 XL. This super soft sports bra with long line design for extra coverage will take you from lounging around the house to all of your medium to high impact movement needs. What more could you ask for?!

Reviewer Rave: "This is the first sports bra I've found that manages to provide enough support for bouncy workouts while being comfortable enough to just wear around the house.Love that it's longer so the band doesn't sit right under my boobs. My first purchase here, but I'm coming back to try the leggings." —SB, superfithero.com

The signature high-impact bra from Lululemon gets a little upgrade with weave-like straps and a sweetheart cut. But you still get the second-skin feel and next-level bounce protection.

Reviewer rave: "Cannot say enough good things about this bra. It gives amazing support and is extremely comfortable. I wear it for working out or just around the house. Only wish it came in more colours, because I would buy them ALL." —Amanda M., lululemon.com

There is nothing worse than trying to pull your sweaty sports bra over your head when your arms feel like Jell-o, which is why this zip-front sports bra is a fan fave. Other plusses include padded straps (buh-bye irritating indents), and an adjustable racer-back design. Better still? It's made from a buttery jersey material that'll make you want to wear it, even when all you're doing is sitting on the couch.

Reviewer rave: "This bra is very cute, but also functional! I like the zipper front, it feels secure, and there's a bra hook in the front as well to help hold things together while zipping—thoughtful! " —Cooking 4 Cost, amazon.com

Adjustable straps, a hook-and-eye back closure, sizes from 32A to 42G, and a smooth, soft material means you cross off all necessities for a comfy workout in this bra. Reviewer rave: "I've been looking for a new running bra since the one I've loved for years was discontinued. A friend recommended the Catalyst and I'm glad she did. The sizing charts made sense and I felt like I had nothing to lose if it wasn't right for me given Knix's return policy. After one run, I was sold. Comfortable, easy to get on and off, and most importantly, zero bounce (I wear a 32E and run daily). I will be buying more." —Allison F., knix.com

Brooks launched this series of sports bras, the Dare Collection, after spending nine (!) years researching and developing the technology used to reduce boob bounce and help women run faster. How much faster? Of the 1,000 women who took theirs for test runs, they were able to lower their PRs by as much as nine minutes on average.

Reviewer rave: "This bra hits the sweet spot for me of supportive and somehow not constricting. I often feel uncomfortable in more rigid bras, but if they are too stretchy they don't support well enough during activity. The design and fabric of this bra is super comfortable and doesn't dig anywhere!" —Elsie K., brooksrunning.com

Looks good, feels even better, and comes in band and cup sizes from 32A to 38F, you’ll be ready to cruise miles in comfort when you strap into this bra.

Reviewer rave: "I bought this sports bra to wear running as I was starting to run over 5km and was finding my existing sports bras were not providing the level of support I needed. This sports bra is a game-changer. I now have two of the ultra run sports bras and am so happy with the product. They are amazingly functional and has a great look and feel." —Eva101, sweatybetty.com

Straight from Venus Williams' activewear collection, this supportive sports bra features a high neck front and criss-cross detail plus see-through mesh in the back, which really levels up the cool silky, wet look of the material. Venus herself says that she wears this bra for off-court training sessions and going out, since it doubles as a cute crop, so you know it's a winner.

Reviewer rave: "Couldn't have asked for a more perfect sports bra for at-home HIIT workouts and strength training. Love it." —Emily S., elevenbyvenuswilliams.com

This Zoezi sports bra, made to tackle all kinds of sports, is designed to stay dry during medium to high-intensity workouts. The double-layer in the front keeps your girls in place but is still breathable enough to wick sweat away easily, and the elastic band feels secure but won't make you chafe.

Reviewer rave: "This sports bra is a game-changer! I wear it for everything; yoga, walks, and intense workouts. The sports bra has very sturdy padding inside and never moves. I have never caught myself pulling the band down when exercising and the shoulder straps are always in place. The wicking in this bra is also incredible!" —Galilea Paez, zoezisport.com