Image credit: Canva/Women’s Running

Finding the right running bra is essential to your run experience. Wearing a sports bra that doesn’t support or fit you properly can ruin your mood, cause chafing and even affect your running performance. As a woman who runs, a great sports bra and a good pair of running shoes are all you really need to get started.

Research has shown that an unsupportive running bra can cause us to lose a whopping 4cm from our stride length. That’s like adding an extra mile on to your marathon. It’s also important that you protect your boobs during high-impact activities like running, to maintain breast tissue health.

So, how do we go about finding the best running bra for us? Whether you’re blessed with big or small boobs, there are a few things to know. We’ve asked the experts for their running bra buying advice. Our testers have worn a whole host of sports and running bras this year, so we’ve also asked them for their pick of the best. These are bras that have been designed for running or high intensity activity, and stood out for their support and reduction of boob movement.

• Brooks Dare Racerback Run Bra 2.0
• PEBE Cloud Sports Bra
• Gymshark Lightweight High-Support Sports Bra
• Runderwear Power Sports Bra
• Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Bra
• Maaree Empower Sports Bra
• lululemon Go Further Bra
• Oner EasyLift™ High Neck Sports Bra
• Gymshark High Support Ruched Sports Bra

Read on for our full Running Bra Buying Guide, or scroll down to get to our in-depth Best Running Bra Reviews.

Running Bra Buying Guide

Why do I need a different bra for exercise?

“Your normal bra will be supportive enough for gentle walking, but if you do any sort of exercise, you will need a sports bra to give you additional support. This is true no matter what your cup size,” says Laura Kong Brown, Product Development Manager at Runderwear.

“Breast tissue is attached to the chest by Coopers Ligaments. During exercise, the weight of the tissue combined with movement can stretch the ligaments causing damage.

“During exercise, breasts move on average 15cm in a figure of eight.  Average breast size in the UK is 34/36D and at this size, each breast will weigh 500g, meaning that the average women will have the challenge of coping with 1kg of breast tissue movement!  Obviously, women with larger breasts will face an increasing challenge and the pain factor alone associated with breast movement puts many women off exercise. Finding the best bras for bigger boobs can really help with this.”

What’s the difference between a sports bra and a running bra?

Technically, all running bras could be classed as sports bras – but not all sports bras are running bras. Running is a high-impact exercise that creates its own specific boob movement. Some sports bras designed for high-impact activities may fit the bill. But in order to get the best support from your bra as a runner, it’s wise to choose a sports bra designed for specifically for running.

What am I looking for in a running bra?

It’s recommended to opt for breathable, sweat-wicking materials. Label-free and seam-free bras will help to avoid any rubbing. It’s also a good idea to check for adjustable options – like straps and a hook and eye – so you can find your perfect fit.

Another key feature you should look for in a great sports bra is the underband. This is where most of the support comes from in the bra. It needs to be as soft, comfortable and as well-fitting as possible to maximise support and to prevent chafing.

If you have big boobs, look out for moulded cups and a higher neckline, as this should offer further support.

How should a running bra fit?

First things first: you need to find the right size. Over 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, so if you have any doubt about what your size currently is then book yourself in for a fitting before you buy. Remember that your bra size may vary over time, due to weight change, pregnancy, hormonal shifts or even your monthly cycle.

Once you’ve got your size, you’ll want to try on some different styles of bra to see what suits you best. As you try, here’s what you’re looking for:

• A snug fit
  A running bra will feel tighter than your everyday bra, but shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t breathe! Being able to slide two fingers under the straps over your shoulders is a good indicator of fit.
• Good underband support
  Make sure that the underband fits you correctly. It should sit comfortably under your boobs without digging in, while also feeling firm and secure.
• No gaps or wrinkles
  If the bra is wrinkly over the cup or has gaps around the underband or sides, it’s probably not for you. Try another style to find a design that suits your body type.
• No overspilling
  A running bra needs to encapsulate your whole breast in order to offer the best support and protection. Size up if you need to, even if that means going above the size you measured as.
• Comfortable
  None of the above is relevant if you feel uncomfortable in the running bra. Take time to adjust the straps or cups as needed, then have a jog on the spot to assess how it may feel during a run.

How do I wash and care for my running bra?

There’s a whole lot of fabric technology that goes into running bras. We’ve all been a bit blasé about washing them, but taking a little bit of extra care can make all the difference to the lifespan of our bra.

Most running bra experts recommend washing by hand if possible, or in a special mesh bag if you’re popping it in the machine. If it has removable cups, take them out before hand and put them in the bag separately. Dry the sports bra flat if possible, and never in the dryer.

How can I stop my running bra from chafing?

A good fit from a sports bra designed for high intensity exercise will definitely minimise the risk of chafing. Both a too loose and a too tight fit can cause friction, which contributes to chafe. But even with a well-fitted bra, your sweat can cause rubbing. There are a few ways you can help with this. Sports strapping or taping in places where you tend to chafe acts as a second-skin layer, avoiding rubbing your actual skin. Vaseline or another type of lubricant can be used to prevent friction, but it may need to be reapplied mid-run if you’re out for a long time or on a hot day.

Brooks Dare Racerback Run Bra 2.0

Brooks Dare Racerback Run Bra 2.0 technical details

Style: Racerback
Sizes: 32-44 B-DD
Cups: built-in, mouldable cups
Adjustable straps? Yes
Price: £55

What our testers said

“I can’t get over how comfortable this bra is. It offered moulded support, fitting around my curves. That meant it was really lovely to wear, and I accidentally left it on all day a few times after running. It also offered loads of adjustability. There were three settings on the triple hook-and-eye clasp at the back, and more settings than I could count on the straps. Instead of the traditional slider, Brooks use a hook-and-ladder fitting that means you can adjust the strap once you have the bra on, from the front.

“When I ran in it, there was very minimal movement, no chafing and it stayed put. I often find that removable cups shift around as I run, but this one’s fixed, moulded cups kept everything where it should be. And I loved those aforementioned hook-and-ladder straps, as I was able to readjust in the middle of my run when I felt that one boob didn’t have quite as much support as the other.”

Want to know more? Read Kate’s full Brooks Dare Racerback Run Bra 2.0 review.

PEBE Cloud Sports Bra

PEBE Cloud Sports Bra technical details

Style: Racerback
Sizes: 22-40, A-D cup
Cups: Removable cups
Adjustable straps: No
Price: £55

What our testers said

“I’m so impressed by how comfortable this bra is – it really does feel like a cloud! The cushioning is perfect for avoiding chafe on long runs, but it doesn’t feel restrictive or cause me to overheat. The adjustable straps are really clever, with clasps you can easily adjust yourself from the front while the bra is on – you could even fiddle with them mid-run if you felt the need. It fits me better than any other sports bra I have. I’m also obsessed with the gorgeous pink colour! The only issue I have is that the back clasp is a bit of a pain to get used to. Once you’ve cracked it, it’s easy, but I was struggling away for a while the first time I tried it!”

Gymshark Lightweight High-Support Sports Bra

Gymshark Lightweight High Support Sports Bra technical details

Style: Racerback
Sizes: XS-XXL
Cups: Built-in cups
Adjustable straps? No
Price: £35

What our testers said

“This sports bra is such a trusty companion for me. It offers the perfect amount of support for my medium-sized boobs and I wear it on my longest runs. It never rubs and the fabric feels cushioned and soft. It’s also been through the wash about a million times and hasn’t lost its shape or colour at all. I do wish the straps were adjustable and that the sizes included cup and back sizing separately, as I think this would make it a bit more accessible to bigger-boobed women. But it fits me well, is super comfortable and is such brilliant value that I can’t really fault it!”

Runderwear Power Sports Bra

Runderwear Power Sports Bra technical details

Style: Double clasp
Sizes: 32D-38F
Cups: Built-in encapsulation cups
Adjustable straps? Yes
Price: £49

What our tester said:

“The only downside to this bra is how difficult it is to reach that top back clasp – I feel like I need octopus arms to get it on! But once it’s secure, it’s fantastic at reducing bounce. It does take a bit of getting used to, and it feels a bit like battle armour, but it’s perfect for high-impact sport and you can tell it’s been designed with runners in mind. I can wear it for the longest sessions and don’t have any issues with boob pain, chafe or discomfort in general. It’s not the cheapest option, but you won’t be disappointed by the amount of support offered here.”

Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Bra

Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity bra technical details

Style: Racerback
Sizes: 30-38 B-F
Adjustable straps? Yes
Price: £75

What our tester said

“After taking the Zero Gravity bra for a 5K spin, I was impressed that nothing chafed or rubbed whatsoever. The fabric feels soft and comfortable and has been engineered well. I did experience a bit of bounce – not nearly as much as with an average sports bra – which I put down to the overband not quite fitting me right. The encapsulation helps to minimise movement, though could be enhanced for bigger boobs: I found my boobs slightly squashing together. That being said, there’s no uncomfortable compression here and it’s a bra that’s clearly been designed with running in mind, wicking away sweat really efficiently. I love the soft, thick straps and it’s easily adjustable.”

Want more info? Read Holly’s full Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity bra review.

Maaree Empower Sports Bra

Maaree Empower Sports Bra technical details

Style: Racerback
Sizes: XS-XL
Adjustable straps? Yes
Price: £49

What our testers said

lululemon Go Further Bra

lululemon Go Further Bra technical details

Style: Racerback
Sizes: XXS-XL
Adjustable straps? No
Price: £88

What our testers said

“Having never worn a Lululemon sports bra before, I feel I’ve been missing out! This is a super-quality, sleek-looking bra that provides you with all the support you need. It fits beautifully with minimal bounce but doesn’t feel too tight or restricting and allows you to breathe. I have loved wearing this on longer runs. The soft brushed under-band and padded straps made it so comfortable, and there’s also extra padding on the underband which prevents chafing or rubbing. I really like the simple cut and shape of this bra and it provides more than enough support for my 36C boobs – though I do wish the sizing was more inclusive.”

Oner EasyLift™ High Neck Sports Bra

Oner EasyLift™ High Neck Sports Bra technical details

Style: High neck sports with high front coverage
Sizes: XS-XXL
Adjustable straps? No
RRP: £38

What our tester said

“The EasyLift™ High Neck Sports Bra is such a fun piece as the neon colour really pops and adds a bit of energy to your kit. The racer-back design gives it a sleek, sporty look, and it’s super versatile too.

It offers great support for running as the fit has just the right amount of compression to help everything stay put, and the removable padded cups make it easy to adjust to your comfort level. However, it’s also comfortable enough for yoga or Pilates sessions so you get more bang for your buck.

The material is beautifully soft with no digging in anywhere, and it’s supportive without feeling restrictive – particularly under the arms where some bras really make themselves known! I also love that it’s made from 80% recycled fabric, so it not only looks and feels good but does a bit of good too. Despite the recycled content, there’s no plasticky texture at all.

There’s a fab range of colours, from classic shades to bold, poppy neons if you want to brighten up your run. It’s lightweight, flattering, and genuinely feels just as at home in the studio as it does on the run.”

Gymshark High Support Ruched Sports Bra

Gymshark High Support Ruched Sports Bra technical details

Style: Racerback
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Adjustable straps? Yes
Cups: Built-in
RRP: £35

What our tester said

“I was blown away by this bra. First, it’s affordable, and very good bras don’t tend to be. Second, it’s from a very cool company with a Gen X gym aesthetic, so I wasn’t expecting it to hold up to a long run. Third, it doesn’t come in bra sizes. If you’re anything like me, then be prepared to have your mind blown (and your £35 spent).

This is a truly excellent bra; it’s compressive, and slightly separating and holds my – admittedly modest – puppies firmly in place. I tend to be anywhere between a 30D and a 34A depending on how the wind blows, and the XS felt like a spot on fit.

I have worn it for my past three runs, one of which was a huge 19-miler, and it performed excellently. It’s washed well, keeping its shape and colour (I really didn’t want that hot pink to fade). It’s available in black, white and purple too, and it’s made from 78% recycled fabrics, AND – get this – it’s easy to get on and off! Have I found the all-elusive unicorn bra?”