No Sweat: Sports Bras That Work As Hard as You Do, According to the Experts

Too tight, too loose, straps that dig in or cups that don’t support – a bad sports bra has the power to make or break a workout.

Meanwhile, good bras are hard to find. According to research, most of us are still looking for one – Sports Medicine Australia reports that 88 per cent of teenage girls wear the wrong size, while nearly 40 per cent of Australian women’s rugby players don’t know how to nail the right fit.

Experts say it’s mostly related to how you train. For Good Times Pilates founder Cat Webb, the focus is on strap placement and maximising movement; for former Australian Diamonds netball team captain Sharni Norder, it’s about getting solid support without feeling too squished during high-impact sports.

We turned to Webb and Norder, plus other daily movers, to see which styles stand up to the test through a bunch of different activities. Here’s what made the cut.

New Balance Sleek Medium-Support Pocket sports bra

$80 Size range: XS–2XL | Support: Medium

Buy at New Balance

It feels really supportive and has a mesh pocket in the back, which is great for holding keys and energy gels while running.

I’m currently training for the London Marathon, so this sports bra is my go-to for everything from five-kilometre runs to the full 42.2.
@laura.henshaw

Lululemon Align tank top

$89 Size range: 4–24 | Support: Light

Buy at Lululemon

I spend most of my day in activewear, so comfort and quality are key. I like to feel put together and professional, whether I’m teaching in the studio or heading to meetings between classes. While I never wear just a sports bra, I’ll often layer this Lululemon tank with a wrap top from Live the Process, an oversized Toteme cotton shirt, or a Wardrobe NYC puffer – depending on my schedule and how I am feeling that day.

Its buttery fabric and fitted shape make it incredibly versatile. Some days, I go from teaching classes to meetings, then straight to the office before darting to school pick-up and after-school dancing – barely stopping to change. It’s definitely working overtime.
@_kirstenking

Berlei Electrify Underwire bra

$64.95 Size range: 10A–18DD | Support: High

Buy at Berlei

Triumph Triaction Ultra Seamfree top

$49.95 Size range: 10–16 | Support: Medium

Buy at Triumph

I have two favourites. Berlei gives me the best support – it literally locks me in with no bounce. The adjustable straps switch between racerback and singlet, and I like the feeling of being locked-in but still comfortable. It doesn’t limit my body, arm or shoulder range in any way. I call this my divide-and-conquer bra.

The other is from Triumph. It’s super comfortable but still gives a good degree of support without feeling like I’m going to fall out – and it helps reduce breast pain while jumping. I prefer to wear this for lower-impact workouts, and I like the low-cut design.

I wear the Berlei sports bra for high-impact sports like netball, AFL, running and horse riding; and the Triumph style for low-impact activities like Pilates, gym and walking.
@sharni_layton

Pinky & Kamal V-Neck cropped tank

$99 Size range: XS–XXL | Support: Medium

Buy at Pinky & Kamal Buy at The Iconic

I’m a sweaty gal, so I prefer working out in just a crop and shorts or leggings. Cropped at the waist, this style is more of a tank than a bra – offering a bit more coverage, which comes in handy for post-class activities and cooler weather. The crossover back and thick straps provide just the right amount of support without feeling too compressive. Plus, the ribbed fabric and soft edging make it super comfortable (and easy to get on and off after a sweaty session). The V neck offers great coverage while still feeling a little bit sexy – it’s nice to feel confident when you’re moving your body.

I do a lot of reformer Pilates, so that’s what I mainly wear this bra for, but it’s also great for the gym, mat Pilates and walking. It’s not super tight or supportive – so maybe not the best for running and high-impact workouts if you have bigger boobies. I still wear it to our Turbo Moves class which includes step-ups, squat jumps and running on the spot.
@catwebb__

Lululemon Like a Cloud bra

$89 Size range: 6–18 | Support: Light

Buy at Lululemon

It’s one of those bras that you forget you’re wearing, in the best way – it’s soft, light and there’s zero digging in. The kind that you throw on in the morning and don’t think about again, regardless of whether you’re moving your body or just getting through the day.

Mostly for yoga and breathwork, but also just life. It’s supportive without feeling restrictive, so I don’t rush to take it off the second the day is over.
@michelleliyoga

Decjuba D-Luxe Low Impact bra

$59.95 Size range: XXS–XXL | Support: Light

Buy at Decjuba

The material is breathable, super soft and supportive without feeling too constricted.

Pilates, strength training and sometimes ballet class (if I can’t bring myself to put a leotard and tights on).
@benedictebemet

Fantasie Elevate Underwire sports bra

$114.95 Size range: 8D–18FF | Support: High

Buy at She Science

It’s a new sports bra – available in D-H cup – that’s just hit the market and our customers, team of sports bra fitters, and I are all loving it. It combines separation (goodbye, boob sweat!) and compression – the holy grail for any technical sports bra. Plus, the straps convert from straight to racerback, making it versatile under a range of outfits.

Running, tennis, and reformer Pilates.
@shescience

Nimble In Motion V bralette

$89 Size range: XS–XL | Support: Light

Buy at Nimble

It’s such a nice fit with a flattering V neckline and I love the neutral shades – I always feel good working out in calming tonal colours.

I love this bra for all types of movement – yoga, Pilates, outdoor walks and training at the gym.
@kirrajamison

Lululemon Flow Y bra

$69 Size range: Aus 6–18 | Support: Light

Buy at Lululemon

Everything. Style, fit, fabric, colours, you name it. I have one in every colour.

Everything. I teach a range of classes – from strength training to conditioning – and I wear it for all of them. It’s supportive enough to keep me contained, and comfortable enough so I don’t feel like I’m wearing a brace. I can’t stand training in plastic-feeling shiny lycra. This fabric feels soft, matte and like a second skin.
@iamleahsimmons

Nike Swoosh Medium Support bra

$50 Size range: XS–XL | Support: Medium

Buy at Nike

This bra is one of my top picks – its medium support feels tailored to me, with a snug yet comfortable fit that works for both workouts and everyday wear. It’s also ideal for my personal training routine as I’m currently focusing on resistance-based workouts with a mix of dance in between, so it’s perfect for how I like to move.

I wear this style for medium-impact activities like weight training, dance and boxing.
@kathebbs

Still looking for the one? This shopping editor’s favourite style, designed by Melbourne brand Paire, is made from sustainable materials and feels softer than butter on the skin. And it's available to shop online.

Broadsheet’s Wellness issue explores what it means to feel good in 2025. See more of the issue here.

This story is part of Broadsheet’s special Wellness Issue, which explores what it means to feel good in 2025.