How should a sports bra fit?
Sports bras should fit snuggly, but shouldn't be so tight that they restrict your breathing. If you can get two fingers between the straps and your shoulders, that’s just right. Adjustable straps will help with fitting the bra to you, and allow for monthly fluctuation.
As with everyday bras, any wiring should sit flat against your rib cage with no digging or pinching. The band should also sit flat and shouldn’t move about as you exercise.
The verdict on the best sports bras
If you're after a medium-impact sports bra that's equal parts stylish and functional, our winner, Gymshark's ruched sports bra, won't let you down.
Runners should look to Shock Absorber's Ultimate Run Bra, which is supportive, comfy and sweat wicking.
If you have a bigger bust, try Panache's under-wired bra and if you don't want to spend over the odds, we love H&M's sports bra.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have worked out in a wide range of sports bras to find the very best for every type of fitness, body shape and budget.
The testing was led by our health and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, who used rigorous protocols to assess each design against its claims. She is a qualified Level 4 PT and has worked in the fitness industry for over 30 years.
Our senior health and wellness writer, Priyankaa Joshi, makes sure we’re reviewing the latest releases from established brands and ensures all your questions are answered via her detailed reviews.