11 Best Sports Bras for Summer
Updated: May 24, 2021
Getting the right bra for hot-weather activities can mean the difference between comfort and chafing. Keep your cool with our trainers' top picks for the best sports bras for summer.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
How to choose the best sports bras for hot weather
The hot weather can mean you’re moving your exercise routine from indoors to outside. And because of the warmer weather, it also means that your sports bra may sometimes also double as your shirt because it’s just too hot to wear multiple layers. And the hotter you feel, the sweatier you start to get, and the more likely you’ll experience chafing.
A sports bra is one of the most important articles of workout gear for women as it sets the tone for how comfortable you feel during the rest of your workout. “With a sports bra, you want to be sure you find something that provides support without being overly restrictive,” says Ava Fagin, coach at Body Space Fitness in New York City. “And while it can look great, it shouldn’t sacrifice fashion for function.” Price point can play a role, too, depending on how much you plan to use it, and what you want to use it for. Use this bra size guide to make sure you’re buying one that fits properly.
Taking all of that into consideration, we rounded up some of the best sports bras for hot weather and asked trainers who live in these bras for their input. Here are some of their top picks, for everything from high to low impact workouts, small and larger chests, that are all fashionable but functional, too, to help you stay cool.
Nike Swoosh Bra
$30
The classic design and fit of this sports bra make it versatile and popular for all kinds of workouts. “This is a staple in my fit rotation,” says Lauren Seib, personal trainer in Stamford, Connecticut. It hugs you in without squishing your chest and has a comfy yet stay-put band. I like that it provides a little more coverage, so I don’t feel exposed in front of clients.” (Pair it with one of the best leggings for warmer months.)
Alo Lounge Bra
$58
If you have a smaller chest, or need a bra just for low impact, light workouts, this one will do the trick. It’s plunging neckline and uber soft fabric make it comfortable and fashionable, while the four-way stretch, and moisture-wicking properties allow it to hold up in a workout. “It’s buttery soft and great for yoga, barre, or recovery days—or even just wear it as athleisure,” says Seib. “The little keyhole is a sweet touch and I love that it the straps change up my typical racerback routine.” (Don’t miss the best workout shorts for women for warmer weather months.)
Onzie Mudra Bra
$40
This lightweight bra is great for a workout like hot yoga, thanks to its poly-stretch blend that dries quickly. “This bra is affordable, supportive, and extremely comfortable,” says Fagin. “It also has removable padding—another thing I often look for! Sometimes I don’t even feel the need to wear a shirt over it if I’m working out on my own or in a comfortable environment.” (Check out the 10 best face masks you can buy for exercise.)
Brooks Maia Back-Adjustable Medium-Impact Sports Bra
$58
If you have a larger chest and need good support in a sports bra to be able to exercise the way you want, look no further. This sports bra can fit up to an E size and comes a bit higher on the chest to minimize the bounce. “I like the look, structure, and price of this Brooks bra,” says Fagin. “Though I typically don’t choose sports bras with a clasp and adjustable straps, it’s a great price for a supportive bra, and still has the look of a generic U-shaped sports bra in the front.” (Also, find out if it’s unhealthy to sleep in an underwire bra.)
Puma AL Bra
$21
This bra was built for activities like running, jumping, and even dancing. Thanks to mesh panels, it has ample ventilation, too. “I wear it for all my training runs because it holds me in, doesn’t chafe and it’s just comfortable,” says Lindsey Clayton, run coach, senior instructor at Barry’s in New York City. “I’ve run two marathons in it! ” (If you’re going for a walk, these are the best walking shoes for your feet.)
Free People Movement On The Radar Bra
$48
Sometimes a bra that can easily transition from workout to social setting is important to a buyer, and this option can do just that. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, which pairs perfectly with its next-to-skin tight fit. Adjust the sliding back for a personalized fit. While it isn’t the cheapest option, Fagin agrees that it can be worth it because low impact workouts will allow it to have a longer lifespan. (These are the ways your sneakers are ruining your workouts.)
YEAR OF OURS Rib Gym Bra
$70
Wear this longer bralette under a tee or tank to the gym, or sport it alone on an outdoor adventure. The thick chest band provides support and stays in place, no matter how much you’re moving. And whether you’re at a barre class, lifting weights in your living room, or hiking for the day, the moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from your skin to help keep you feeling dry. (This is what your sweat says about your health.)
Lululemon Energy Bra
$52
This bra blends a soft hand with a compressed fit for a sports bra that performs when training. “It’s supportive without being overly abrasive,” says Lauren Kanski, trainer at Performix House. “It also provides good coverage and the back straps are cute, too. It can be super sporty or worn for casual leisure!”
Set Active Box X Bra
$38
Not every bra needs to be built for high impact, and while this ribbed option does have good compression and criss-cross straps for support, it’s perfect for low impact exercises like walking, yoga, and cycling. “Every so often, I do love to lounge in a sports bra or use it for very low impact workouts,” says Fagin. “This Set Active bra is incredibly comfortable. I’m also usually willing to spend a little more on bralette and low impact sports bras, because they won’t wear down as easily.”
Cadenshae Maternity Activewear Bra, Fit2Feed Bra
$50
Just because you’re nursing, doesn’t mean you can’t also be training hard—and you deserve to have a sports bra that allows you to do both. This bra from Cadenshae will support your chest on runs or at the gym, eliminating any distracting bounce. Then when it comes time to pump or feed baby, simply pop the clips at the top of either cup to drop the cups for nursing ease. (Next, read these 9 cool-down tips to beat the summer heat.)
Lulus Hold a Pose Leopard Print Low Impact Sports Bra
$28
Show off your personality while you’re stretching, practicing yoga, or doing any other low impact exercise (even walking!) in this lightweight, printed sports bra. The wide straps stay put on your shoulders no matter what pose you’re getting into. It’s also stretchy, which makes for an easy on and off, even if you’re sweaty.
- Ava Fagin, NASM-CPT, CFSC, coach at Body Space Fitness in New York City
- Lauren Seib, NASM, personal trainer in Stamford, Connecticut
- Lindsey Clayton, run coach, senior instructor at Barry's in New York City
- Lauren Kanski, NASM, trainer at Performix House
Originally Published: July 16, 2020
