The 6 Best Sports Bras for Size A/B

Great sports bras are more than mere garments. They're engineering marvels that can help runners extend their workouts, improve running form, and even avoid injury. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth in England found that excessive breast movement can result in heavier, injury-promoting landings. But a properly fitted bra can reduce breast bounce by half, making it one of the best investments a runner can make. Happily, our team of a dozen sports-bra testers—who ranged in size from 34A to 36DD—analyzed 49 different bra models and discovered that the top performers don't always command top dollar.

In addition to A/B shown here, we also reviewed C/D and D/DD.

TESTERS' FAVORITE

Comfortable, flattering, and supportive, Target's bargain model beat out bras costing twice as much. "It's not tight and compressive, yet it eliminates bounce on high-impact runs," said a B-cup tester. The seamless construction feels like a second skin (testers saw no hot spots). And the best part? Removable pads and gathered seams eliminate the dreaded uniboob. $17; XS–XXL

MINIMALIST

Despite its skimpy coverage (with a plunging neckline and keyhole cutout in the back), this seamless pullover proved supportive enough for B-cup runners. "It's light, breathable, and superstretchy, so it's a cinch to take off at the end of a workout," said a tester. Minimal coverage makes it ideal for hot weather, but some testers deemed it too revealing without a shirt. $40; S-L

ADJUSTABLE RACERBACK

"So comfortable!" crooned one tester, who wore this merino wool bra during her morning run—and kept it on all day. Adjustable straps dial in a perfect fit, and the bottom band provides chafe-free support (enough to make jumping rope comfortable for our A-cup tester). Two layers of fabric (rather than sweat-trapping foam cups) eliminate "headlights." $60; XS-L

These High-Impact Bras Deliver the Best Support

Not just a fashion statement, this pullover provides ample support for tempo workouts and long runs. "I experienced no chafing or other discomfort, even though the straps are on the skinny side," said one B-cup tester. Subtle, removable padding creates a flattering profile, but the thick fabric reduces breathability. $42; 2-10

BEST WICKING

Thanks to a meshy weave and channeled fibers that wick sweat fast, this racer-back manages moisture better than any other bra we tested. "I felt totally dry during and after my workout," said a tester, who found the stretchy fabric to be comfy enough for daylong wear (yet supportive enough for running). $60; S/M-L/XL

MOST FLATTERING

Even small-breasted runners enjoy some va-voom with this pullover racerback, which uses separate, molded cups and removable pads to create an ultraflattering silhouette. Plus, it performs: "I did not experience any bounce or chafing," said a B-cup tester, who also praised the quick-dry fabric. $48; XS-L