The Best Sports Bras of 2020 for Running, Yoga, Pilates, and More

happy female runner holding water bottle

(Image credit: Photo by Masego Morulane for Getty Images)

published 2 June 2020

As someone who has tried almost every kind of workout, from yoga and barre to boxing and Krav Maga, I know the importance of wearing the right workout gear. (I basically invested in a whole new wardrobe when I took up running.) One of the most important pieces for any activity you partake in is, of course, your sports bra. There are so many options out there—but to narrow things down, you should pick one based on your body's needs and the type of activity you're doing (e.g. you'll want a moisture-wicking sports bra if you're doing a sweat-inducing workout like cycling). Ahead, I've rounded up a few of my favorite workout bras along with suggestions of which activity it's best for, though some can be easily interchanged.

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New Balance Determined Legacy Sports Bra

For Hot Yoga

This medium-impact sports bra offers coverage and support when you're doing yoga or pilates. The fast-drying technology pulls moisture away from your body, so you can sweat it out without worrying about an overly soaked bra at the end of class.

Natori Dynamic Contour Underwire Sports Bra

For Kickboxing

For workouts that involve a lot of movement, slip into Natori's underwire sports bra. The moisture-wicking, four-way-stretch fabric holds its shape while keeping your skin cool. The underwires, which barely seem noticeable, supports your boobs as you give the workout your all.

Fendi Printed Stretch Sports Bra

For Hiking

For the serious fashionistas out there: You won't settle for anything less than a luxe sports bra. This Fendi top has a subtle sheen to it and features a cutout back and elasticated bands with the fashion house's logo on it.

Alo Yoga Level Up Bra

For Lifting

This strappy bra ensures your boobs stay in place no matter what exercise you're doing. It also gives a sexy vibe to your workout or athleisure ensembles.

Staud x New Balance

For Barre

Staud teamed up with New Balance for a super stylish workout gear collab. This mock neck top already has built-in support and a zip at the back, so you can wear while exercising. The top also wears surprisingly well with just a pair of sweats or jeans too for a casual post-workout outfit.

All in Motion Plus-Size High Support Convertible Strap Bra

For Running

For those who need more bust support, this high-intensity focused sports bra comes to the rescue. It's made with stretchy fabric, has padded cups, is moisture-wicking, and has convertible straps to style to your liking.

Nike Fe/Nom Striped Flyknit Sports Bra

For Soccer

This Nike sports bra is meant for intense training sessions, so if you're into sports like soccer, tennis, or boxing—you'll want this bra. The racerback is a classic design that sits comfortably on your body.

Beyond Yoga Lux Meadow Sage Smoke Cropped Tank

For At-Home Workouts

This tank meets bra top is great for at-home low-impact workout routines. It has adjustable straps and comes in a four-way stretch fabric. Style with the matching bottoms.

All in Motion High Support Zip Front Bra

For HIIT

This bra is made for high-intensity workouts (think running or boxing), which means it has all those qualities you'd want, from the fabric feeling soft on your skin to it wicking away moisture. The front zip design is cute and function and this bra has padded cups.

Athleta Ultimate Love Proudly Bra A-C

For Spinning

The breathable fabric in this sports bra is both supportive and offers high compression. It's also UPF 50+, which means you can wear it outdoors. The rainbow print will brighten up your black and gray workout pants.

FP Movement Econyl FP Movement Econyl Crop

For Pilates

Enjoy your workout while also knowing you're helping the environment. This crop top-style sports bra is made from nylon fibers created from discarded waste collected from landfills and oceans. This compressive top holds everything in place and also offers a more full-coverage option.

Harper Wilde The Move

For Gym Workouts

Fans of Harper Wilde's regular bras will love their latest drop in the fitness category. The brand's sports bra is made from a super soft and stretchy fabric that's perfect for low to medium-intensity workouts. It comes in five different colorways for versatility.

Outdoor Voices Outdoor Voices Zip Bra

For Spinning

If you leave every spin class drenched in sweat, this bra is for you. It's lightweight, stretchy, and features Outdoor Voices own techsweat technology so you're not trapped by your own perspiration. Expect to cool off faster and look super cute too—you can wear the zipper all the way up as pictured or halfway down for a sexy little touch.

Morgan Stewart Sport Grapefruit Sports Bra

For Yoga

Morgan Stewart fans love her colorful and fun sports bra options. This low-impact piece has a fun grapefruit design perfect for your summer outdoor yoga or barre workout. Don't let the little sports bra deceive you, this one contains moisture-wicking material and protects your skin against UV rays. Here's the complete set if you're obsessed with the print.

ALO Knot Sports Bra

For Dance

Need: a sports bra that also looks like a crop top. This racerback option has the look and feel of your favorite rib knit top—perfect for your next hip hop class. The cute bra/top will show off your hard-earned abs as you go through that weekly dance choreography.

Boom Boom Athletica White and Gray Sports Bra

For High-Intensity Workouts

This is the bra that'll get you through all those high-intensity workouts. It has an adjustable chest strap plus double straps in the back for support and is made from a breathable, stretchy fabric that is moisture-wicking too. This piece is built for all your running/cross training needs, so add to your cart ASAP.

Nike High Support Sports Bra

For Running

Running is a high-impact sport, so you need to be fully equipped with the proper gear. Start with the right kind of workout bra—you'll want one with support that doesn't feel heavy to wear. This style from Nike is made with the same Flyknit material as its popular sneakers for that comfortable, barely-there feel. Built-in ventilation for the areas you sweat the most add a nice extra touch.

Adidas All Me 3-Stripes Bra

For Hiking

This sports bra is designed to provide light support, which makes it optimal for a low-intensity activity like hiking. (If you're not planning to jog or run up the hill that is.) The fabric is designed to cool you off if you sweat and the racer back style allows for a full range of motion, should you decide to stretch while on the trail.

SPANX Workout to Waves Mesh Panel Sports Bra

For the Gym

For regular gym goers, you'll want to check out this Spanx bra. It's designed for medium impact and perfect for your everyday gym activities, from the stair master to the elliptical. The wire-free and lightly-lined bra won't dig into your skin and offers a "built-in cradle" to support and lift your boobs up. What more can you ask for?

Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.