Vogue’s Ultimate Guide to the Best Sports Bras (2024)

Like a trusty pair of yoga pants, your best sports bra probably gets worn everywhere—whether you’re going on a run or simply running errands. It’s a wardrobe essential in that it anchors your look, but it also serves to support you during your more active moments. Of course, like any other underpinning, certain styles will suit different needs, so finding the ideal one (or two, or three) is essential in any modern wardrobe.

Compressive, full-coverage, and adjustable sports bras are best for high-intensity sweats and particularly crucial for larger chests. On the other hand, seamless, clasp-less, and otherwise non-constrictive styles feel most suitable for low-impact workouts like Pilates or yoga—digging straps or uncomfortably tight fits become all too distracting when you’re focused on stabilization or breathwork.

Fashion-forward sports bras like long-line silhouettes and cropped tanks work even harder than function-first styles. These boast versatility and design factor, doubling as tops with coordinating bottoms for a workout or mixed with ready-to-wear staples like jeans and skirts outside the gym.

Yes, even the sportiest of bras can feel essential to those less enthused by a fitness regimen. For example, a classic racerback made from moisture-wicking fabric lends athletic nonchalance to high-rise trousers and a blazer (with incredible breathability to boot). Likewise, for a minimally cut crop or bustier-style bra—both are undeniably chic with matching leggings in the studio but easily convert to polished with pleated pants, layered under a button-down, or styled with a slip skirt.

Whenever or however you choose to wear a sports bra, ahead, discover Vogue’s edit of the best sports bras for every desire and activity.

Skin-Colored

When building a sports bra collection, it’s best to start with the basics, and a skin-colored style will go the distance for workouts and beyond. Square necklines and thin-strap crops read modern and sleek while buttery-soft seamless fabrics will sculpt and support.

Black

From minimal to strappy to compressive, a black sports bra is undeniably the most versatile style out there. Whether you’re offsetting a printed legging, bright biker short, or favor head-to-toe black workout attire, this is the one to buy in multiples and work into your everyday outfits, too.

Full-Coverage

A supportive, full-coverage sports bra is essential for high-impact practices, especially if you have a larger chest. Details to seek out for maximum comfort include compressive and moisture-wicking fabric, cushioned underwires or under bands, wider and padded straps, and power-mesh lining.

Light Coverage

Fashion can more easily win over function when it comes to sports bras for low-impact workouts and leisurely days. Think thin straps, cutout designs, lower-cut necklines, and minimal hardware or clasps, whether worn with matching stretchy bottoms or layered under your go-to tee.

Eco-Friendly Design

Sustainable designs are plentiful in the world of activewear. From recycled, organic, and biodegradable fabrics to earth-friendly supply chains focused on reducing a brand’s carbon footprint, these sports bras look and feel good in more ways than one—and function like the best of them, from cycling to stretch class.

Sports Bras That Double As Tops

What could be better than a sports bra that works as hard as you do? Whether you opt for a statement sleeve, cinched tank, bustier detailing, or a minimalist bralette, this sports bra style is for statement-makers, both in and outside the gym.

Ribbed

When sprucing up your sports bra assortment, a ribbed style feels very of the moment—whether you’re drawn to pastel colors, retro stripes, color blocking, or cutouts. It’s another style that melds seamlessly with everyday attire—in the heat, toss one on under a button-down with jean shorts off-duty, or go more polished with a ribbed crop and tailored Bermuda shorts.

Compressive

Another sports bra style guaranteed to perform is one made from compression fabric. It not only holds you in for maximum support but sculpts your shape for a confident look and feel.

Nursing Sports Bras

When you’re nursing, functional sports bras designed for ease and support are essential. Features like adjustable shoulder straps, front closures, and crossover designs offer efficiency when feeding or pumping, while wide under bands and padded cups aid in support and comfort.