how to find bra size

Finding the best sports bra on the market is no easy task, especially when you take preference and size into account. What works for one person won't always work for another, and what works for a yoga sesh one day might not work for marathon training the next.

When shopping for one, it can be easy to fall into a game of trial and error, which probably isn't the best thing for your pockets. So, the Women's Health team has done the work for you. Having put plenty of sports bras through all sorts of sweat tests, we're sharing out top recs, conveniently categorized by boob size (small, medium, large) and impact level (low, medium, high).

The list below features the best of the best sports bras, according to our editors—plus, a few of our fave trainers—who have spent endless hours in them. Given the diversity of women and workouts, it'll come in handy whether you run marathons or strength train from your living room.

But before we get to the recs, here's exactly what you should keep in mind before shopping for a sports bra.

What To Consider When Shopping For A Sports Bra

Your workout habits: Think about what exercises you do most often and what type impact they require, the higher it is, the more support you should seek out in a sports bra.

Compression Vs. Encapsulation: Do you like the feeling of your boobs being so supported they're even a little bit squished? Then a compression sports bra is your best bet. But if you prefer a bra that lifts and separates your girls while still eliminating boob bounce, encapsulation is the way to go.

Sweat-wicking ability: If you're prone to sweating a lot or prefer high-intensity workouts, you're going to want a sports bra that can manage moisture appropriately, so finding one made from a fast-drying material should be your M.O.

Style: All sports bras are designed differently for efficiency purposes. Some are made as racerbacks, while others are made with wider straps. Some sports bras you have to pull over your body, while others function as zip-ups. Do you want extra padding or prefer a bra that's unlined? Think about what design style will give you the most support and conveniency.

Best Sports Bra Overall For Any Boob Size

Women's Go All Out High Support Sports Bra

CALIA by Carrie Underwood caliastudio.com

$877.00

"I was a bit skeptical about this bra when I first saw it—it's padded which, in my mind, could only mean bunching mid workout and I wasn't here for it. After actually wearing it, however, I realized the padding was sewn in and so would never budge and the hook and eye closure at the back, which I never thought much of, made this the easiest bra to remove after an especially sweaty workout. Gone were the days of contorting myself to peel a tight sports bra off my body." —Aryelle Siclait, associate editor

Best Low-Impact Sports Bra For Smaller Boobs

In Alignment Straight Strap BraLight Support

Lululemon lululemon.com

$68.00

"I pretty much live in this bra. Not only is it buttery-soft, but I find the straight-strap design to be as cute as it is functional. I never find myself readjusting it during yoga and feel comfortable while lifting or doing other lower-impact workouts." — Lauren Del Turco, fitness & wellness editor

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Best Medium-Impact Sports Bra For Smaller Boobs

"I absolutely LOVE this bra. I wear it almost every day because it's so comfortable. Plus, I love the cute details on the back." —Angela Gargano, certified personal trainer at Performix House

Best High-Impact Sports Bra For Smaller Boobs

Running Essentials High-Impact Bra

"It's super simple, soft, easy to get on and off, and doesn't chafe. I don't need a ton of support since I have small boobs, but this one is just the right amount of coverage for me for running. Plus, it comes in cute patterns and offers even more support for bouncy HIIT workouts." —Kristin Canning, senior health editor

Best Low-Impact Sports Bra For Medium Boobs

GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE Paloma Sports Bra

GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE nordstrom.com

$38.00

"When it comes to sports bras, I like a high neck for more coverage and support. This one's perfect for that, and the length lets it double as a workout top." —Danielle Flum, associate fashion editor

Best Medium-Impact Sports Bra For Medium Boobs

Doing Things Bra

Outdoor Voices outdoorvoices.com

$58.00

"This bra has been a favorite of mine for a while now. The area around my chest and armpits has always been super sensitive and rash-prone, but it's super soft and seamless, so I don't feel any rubbing or pulling on my skin when I'm working out. It's also supportive and has extra padding. (I'm typically a 34C in bras!) It doesn't hurt that this item comes in a bunch of cute colors, too." —Madeline Howard, editorial assistant

Best High-Impact Sports Bra For Medium Boobs

Stamina Sports Bra

Stamina sweatybetty.com

$40.00

"When sweltering, humid runs made my usual go-to sports bras chafe, I turned to the seamless Sweaty Betty Stamina for relief and support. It had the perfect amount of compression and stretch to hold my C's comfortably for marathon training and lets my skin breathe in the summer heat with or without a shirt over top." — Jennifer Neid, news writer

Best Low-Impact Sports Bra For Bigger Boobs

Energy Bra

Lululemon lululemon.com

$52.00

"I currently own this bra in three different colors. It's incredibly comfortable, and I love that it doesn't have a ton of extra padding. The crossback detail looks really cute under a low-back workout tank. And unlike some strappy sports bras, this one sits nicely and doesn't dig in to my shoulders or shift during a workout." —Kristine Thomason, fitness and wellness editor

Best Medium-Impact Sports Bra For Bigger Boobs

"I honestly never thought I could be a runner until I got this bra (the bouncing around was actually painful), but once I strapped myself into this thing, I immediately signed up for a 5K. I like that all of the straps are easily adjustable so I can make it as secure as I need—they Velcro in the front, too, so you can adjust them mid-workout pretty easily." —Amanda Lucci, audience engagement editor

Best High-Impact Sports Bra For Bigger Boobs

ENELL SPORT High Impact Bra

"The Enell sports bra is not sexy—just being honest here!—but it is literally the only sports bra that supports my 34F boobs through everything from high intensity workouts to marathon training. Does it look cute with a racerback top? No. Does it look like something my grandma would wear? Yes. Do I care? Not one bit. I would rather wear a super-ugly sports bra that actually does its job than deal with pain—there is no reason for your boobs to be sore after a run—and sagging down the line." —Amanda Woerner, executive digital editor

Kristine Thomason Fitness & Wellness Editor Kristine Thomason is the fitness & wellness editor at Women's Health, where she edits, writes, and helps oversee the food and fitness sections of the website and magazine.

Jasmine Gomez Associate Lifestyle editor Jasmine Gomez is the associate lifestyle editor at Women's Health and covers health, fitness, sex, culture and cool products.

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