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We Found and Tested the 13 Best Sports Bras for Small Chests From the Top Brands

We sweated it out in bras from Nike, lululemon, and more to find our favorite styles

A person wearing the Gymshark Sweat Seamless Bra

Verywell Fit

When you’re busy on the go or conquering an intense workout, the last thing you want to worry about is your sports bra. It’s especially important to choose a sports bra that’s designed for your body type—and when it comes to smaller busts, certain styles just don’t cut it. The right sports bras are comfortable, sweat-wicking, and structured for stress-free support all day long. To find the best sports bras for small chests, we first spoke with experts (including personal trainers and bra designers) for advice on which key features to look for in each style. 

We’ve also tested 61 expert-approved sports bras from popular fitness brands in the real world, sweating in them and wearing them during our daily routines. We prioritized bras made with soft, quick-drying material that won’t rub or chafe. Our top picks received high marks for fit, support, comfort, adjustability, durability, and overall value. For accuracy and even more advice on how to shop for a sports bra that feels great, we also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article.

How to Measure for a Sports Bra

To get the best fit, you can take your own measurements at home before you start shopping. Start by wearing a non-padded, non-compressive sports bra and use a soft measuring tape. You’ll need to find two key measurements: band size and cup size. 

To determine your band size, place the measuring tape around your ribcage and pull it snug, right underneath your bust. If you have another person to help you, you can have them hold the tape and relax your arms at your sides while you exhale to get a more accurate measurement. Round down to the nearest whole number to get your rib cage measurement. You can use this number to find your corresponding band size on most brands’ size charts.

To find your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your bust. Then, subtract your ribcage measurement from your bust measurement. The difference translates to your cup size: Less than one inch means you’re most likely an AA cup, one inch translates to an A cup—all the way up to 6 inches, meaning you’re a DDD or F cup. The bras on our list are designed to fit and cater to most band sizes up to a C cup. If you need a larger cup size, see our picks for sports bras for large breasts.

Best Overall

Nike Indy V-Neck Sports Bra

Nike Indy Women's Light-Support Padded V-Neck Sports Bra

Nike

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Adjustability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Straps are adjustable from the front

  • Breathable mesh panels

  • Soft, comfortable material

Cons
  • Straps are thin

Key Specs

Sizes: XS to 2XL (Band: 30-42 inches, Cups: A-E) | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Low-impact | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for most low- to high-impact activities, including running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and weight training.

Why We Love It

Nike’s Dri-FIT Indy Sports Bra is our top overall pick for smaller breasts because it has the ideal amount of compression, but still fits our rib cages well. We love that the straps are adjustable from the front—plus, the V-neck design offers just enough coverage without feeling restrictive. 

When we tested this bra, we liked that the soft fabric provided the right amount of support (no bouncing or chafing) and had a snug, comfortable fit. Even though the brand says it provides light support, our 34A tester found the support adequate even for high-impact workouts. Breathable mesh panels in the front and on the sides stopped sweat from building up, even during a 15-mile run. 

The Indy Sports Bra does have some light padding for modesty, but we like that it’s removable. Another bonus? Unlike with many other bras we’ve tested, the padding stays in place and won’t roll or slip out in the wash. Plus, it comes in a range of bright colors you can wear alone or underneath your favorite tank top.

Potential Flaws

  • Although the straps are on the thinner side, it’s worth noting that they didn’t dig into our shoulders during testing.

Most Valuable Insight

“This is the world's perfect sports bra. I save it for my longest runs because of how comfortable it has been.” —Sara Michael, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Budget

RUNNING GIRL Sports Bra

Amazon RUNNING GIRL Sports Bra

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Stylish, strappy details

  • Band won’t ride up

  • Washes well

Cons
  • Not adjustable

  • Cups may twist in the wash

Key Specs

Sizes: XS to 3XL (Band: 32-42 inches, Cups: A-DD) | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Medium-impact

Who It’s For

Best if you’ve had issues finding a compressive sports bra that doesn’t squish your chest or cause “uniboob.”

Why We Love It

For a budget-friendly sports bra that still pulls its weight, we recommend Running Girl’s Sports Bra. While running, lifting weights, stretching, and doing boot camp workouts, we were pleasantly surprised by how well it kept our chests in place without feeling uncomfortable or restrictive. The band sat comfortably on our rib cages and didn’t ride up—even during MMA-style sweat sessions. 

The thick fabric (a blend of nylon and spandex) is soft and smooth, and we love the strappy details in the back. This sports bra is easy to slip on and off overhead—plus, it fit us perfectly. Even after weeks of wears and washes, the color stayed vivid (it comes in 35 colors) and we didn’t find any pilling, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to find high-quality sports bras.

Potential Flaws

  • We didn’t have any issues with the way this bra fits, but we still wish the straps or band were adjustable. 
  • The removable cups may twist up in the wash, so you might need to adjust them occasionally.

Most Valuable Insight

“I highly recommend this bra. It's comfy, cute, stylish, and gets the job done. I can work out with no pain, discomfort, or excessive bouncing.” Jessica Fleming, senior commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester

Most Stylish

Alo Yoga Wild Thing Bra

Alo Wild Thing Bra

Alo

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    4.8/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Adjustability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Lifting and flattering

  • Four-way stretch

  • Washes well

Cons
  • Not supportive enough for high-impact workouts

  • Not adjustable

Key Specs

Sizes: XS to XL (Band: 28-38 inches, Cups: A-D) | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Padding: Only in light colors | Support Level: Low-impact | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for low-impact workouts, like yoga, Pilates, or walking. 

Why We Love It


Alo Yoga’s Wild Thing Bra boasts ​​ruching down the front, a deep neckline, and a V-cut band for a flattering fit that’ll get you compliments from Pilates to brunch. We love the four-way stretch material that moved with us during weight training sessions and outdoor hikes. Plus, it lifts small chests without overly compressing or flattening your breasts. 

This versatile studio-to-street top is a go-to for Alexis Sweeney, founder of the Silhouette by Alexis App and online fitness platform. It’s supportive and very well-made, she explains—and, as a B cup, it’s the only plunge bra she can wear while teaching dance cardio classes. Choose from a range of neutral and bright colors (just note that only the lightest shades include additional padding).

Potential Flaws 

  • We don’t recommend this bra for medium- or high-impact workouts because it isn’t as compressive as some of our other top picks. 
  • The straps and band aren't adjustable, although we found that the stretchy material fits true to size.

Most Valuable Insight

“I love that I was able to use it both as a sports bra for exercise and as a shirt for hiking, and even for going out! It’s super flattering.” Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, senior commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Training

Gymshark Sweat Seamless Sports Bra

Gymshark Sweat Seamless Sports Bra

Gymshark

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Soft and breathable

  • Straps don't dig in

  • Removable cups won’t show through

Cons
  • May run small

Key Specs

Sizes: XS to XXL (Specific band and cup sizes not listed) | Fabric: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Low-impact | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for sweaty workouts, from strength training to hot yoga.

Why We Love It

For deadlifts, chest presses, lunges, and everything in between, we recommend Gymshark's Sweat Seamless Bra. The soft fabric contains nylon, polyester, and elastane, so it stays breathable even during hot yoga classes. We love the amount of coverage, which kept us feeling secure during workouts and never needed to be adjusted. We were also surprised by the construction of the removable cups—they’re thicker and more padded than others we tried, with tapered edges that are almost undetectable. 

The straps never dug into our skin, and the thin width makes them easy to hide underneath a tank top. The brand notes that the Sweat Seamless bra is designed to offer low support, although our 34A tester enjoyed wearing it for everything from cardio to tennis matches, thanks to the compressive band. No matter what your weekly training schedule brings, this sports bra is built to help you power through it. 

Potential Flaws

  • This bra runs small, according to Gymshark—we ordered up one size from our usual for the right fit.

Most Valuable Insight

“I love that it looks like a basic sports bra, but it's so high-quality and high-performing that it's become a staple piece in my athletic wardrobe. I would not change anything about this bra!” —Elise Wang, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Yoga

lululemon Flow Y Nulu Longline Bra Light Support

lululemon Flow Y Nulu Longline Bra Light Support A–C Cups

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Won’t dig in or ride up

  • Flattering fit

  • Soft, silky material

Cons
  • Not adjustable

Key Specs

Sizes: 2 to 14 (Band: 26-42 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Low-impact | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for everyday wear, especially if your workout routine is mostly low-impact. 

Why We Love It

When you’re moving through yoga poses, you need a sports bra that’s ultra-soft and supportive, but never restrictive—like lululemon’s Flow Y Nulu Longline Bra, designed specifically for A to C cups. We tested this sports bra during yoga classes, indoor and outdoor walks, Pilates, and low-impact strength training. As we wore it, we found that the fit was on the compressive side, and the comfortable band stayed snug around our ribcages. It doesn’t dig in or ride up, and it stayed in place during every workout. 

Made with lululemon’s signature Align fabric (a silky blend of nylon and Lycra elastane), we love how well this bra holds up through multiple wears and washes. Whether we paired it with leggings on the weekends or bike shorts in the gym, the flattering fit never let us down. 

Potential Flaws

  • The band and straps aren't adjustable, but we were still able to find the right fit. We also liked that the bra never shifted around as we wore it.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bra is as comfortable as a sports bra can get! It feels really light and soft on the skin.” Michelle Parente, CYT, commerce writer and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Low-Impact

lululemon Free to Be Wild Bra

lululemon Free to Be Wild Bra Light Support A/B Cup

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Stylish, strappy design

  • No gapping or spillage

  • Four-way stretch

Cons
  • May run small

  • Not adjustable

Key Specs

Sizes: 2 to 14 (Band: 26-42 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Polyester, Lycra elastane | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Low-impact | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for wearing on its own or underneath a low- or open-back workout top. 

Why We Love It

lululemon’s Free to Be Bra was made for A to B cups and offers light support that'll keep you comfortable during low-impact activities. During testing, we loved the fit—our tester, who has a wide rib cage, noted that the band felt snug and lay completely flat without budging. Even with a slight V-neck, we liked the coverage this bra provided, without any gapping or spillage that would have distracted us during workouts. 

The slight padding offers a little extra coverage and shaping without feeling too thick or bulky. And after wearing this bra for a few days each week and washing it after each workout, it didn’t pill, stretch, or fade. Breathable and sweat-wicking, it’s made from the brand’s signature four-way stretch Luxtreme fabric—also used in some of lululemon's best leggings—that stays cool to the touch, even as you start to feel the heat.

Potential Flaws

  • Like some of our other top picks, we wish this bra was adjustable.
  • It’s worth noting that our tester (a 36B) noticed slight marks on her shoulders from the bra’s straps. If you’re between two sizes, you may want to choose the larger option for a more comfortable fit.

Best Medium-Impact

Goal Five Pionxr Bra Top

Amazon Goal Five Pionxr Bra Top

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    4.4/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Longline silhouette

  • Breathable

  • Double-lined

Cons
  • Not adjustable

  • Removable cups may shift during workouts

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 16 (Band: 32-42.5 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Medium-impact | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best if you like high-coverage styles with enough support for most activities.

Why We Love It

Our favorite medium-impact sports bra by far is the Pionxr Bra Top from Goal Five, a soccer-inspired brand. We like that it’s double-lined, with removable pads for additional support and opacity. And it fit perfectly—snug enough to feel secure, it wasn’t so tight to the point of causing spillage. From walking to mat workouts, the Pionxr Top stayed comfortable and kept us cool, thanks to the breathable polyester and Spandex blend. 

We also like that the bra is longer, making it a great option to wear alone if you enjoy outdoor workouts in warm weather. And we love that it washes well, without losing its shape or fading.

Potential Flaws

  • The straps and band aren't adjustable. However, our tester noted that this bra fit her better than other adjustable bras she's worn. 
  • The removable cups tend to move around during workouts, but we found that they're easy to readjust.

Most Valuable Insight

“I love this bra so much. I feel like I could wear it to bed! It fit me better than any adjustable bra I’ve worn.” —Taylor Calta, Verywell Fit product tester

Best High-Impact

Reebok High-Impact Sports Bra

Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra

Reebok

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.7/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Soft band doesn’t ride up

  • Won’t rub or chafe

Cons
  • Neck may be too high for some

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to XL (Band: 29-44.5 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Recycled polyester, elastane interlock | Padding: No | Support Level: High-impact | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for running, jogging, cycling, or other intense movement.

Why We Love It

Don’t let your sports bra slow you down during high-impact workouts. Reebok’s Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra carried us through runs, hikes, and days spent mountain biking with ease. The soft, stretchy band is one of the most comfortable ones we’ve found—and, even after weeks of wear, it never stretched out or lost its shape. 

This budget-friendly bra stays in place, won’t ride up, and holds everything in without putting too much pressure on your ribcage. We also like that it comes up higher on the sides, for better coverage that prevents frustrating spillage. Another bonus? We noticed that it cuts down on bouncing and doesn’t chafe, even when you sweat. 

Potential Flaws

  • While the straps are comfortable, the neckline may be too high for some.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bra is a steal and a great value for the price point. I am purchasing several others in various colors.” —Kristin Cleveland, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Padded

Lemedy Padded Sports Bra

Amazon Lemedy Padded Sports Bra

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Opaque

  • Sculpts and shapes your bust

Cons
  • Pads come out in the wash

  • Not as breathable as other options

Key Specs

Sizes: S to XXL (Band: 26.8-40.1 inches, Cups: A-DD) | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Low-impact | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best if you want coverage and opacity, plus some added shape and fullness in the bust area.

Why We Love It

Lots of sports bras on our list are padded, but Lemedy’s Padded Sports Bra does double duty. Not only does it provide added coverage, but we also found that the pads shaped our busts in a subtle, flattering way. Blurring the lines between a longline sports bra and a crop top, it offers sculpting and support for studio workouts or everyday wear.

Made with nylon and spandex, the opaque material marries stretch and shape retention, with a lightweight feel. We found ourselves reaching for it often because it’s comfortable for lounging, but also supportive enough for exercising. During testing, it held up well for a variety of low- to high-impact activities, including barre classes, weight training, and running. Perfect for layering or mixing and matching with your favorite leggings, it’s an easy, no-fuss top we can’t get enough of.

Potential Flaws

  • We noticed that the pads pop out in the wash, but they're easy to put back in compared to other bras we've tested. 
  • The thick pads in this bra may trap air, making you feel warmer and sweatier, says LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra researcher and movement expert.

Most Valuable Insight

“I find myself reaching for this bra more than any other sports bra. It is such a good deal for the quality and how much I wore (and will) wear it. Best deal on Amazon!” Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, associate commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester

Best With Sun Protection

Girlfriend Collective Juliet Strappy Bra

Girlfriend Collective Juliet Strappy Bra

Zappos

Pros
  • Wide range of sizes

  • Opaque

  • Double-lined

Cons
  • Straps are thin

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to 6XL (Band: 29-60.5 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Padding: No | Support Level: Light- to medium-impact

Who It’s For

Best for walking, hiking, and other outdoor workouts.

Why We Love It

Girlfriend Collective's Juliet Strappy Bra boasts a comfortably compressive fit with a flattering, push-up effect. We tested this bra through months of weightlifting workouts, plus summer festivals and concerts, and it never dug into our skin or left marks. The double-lined fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles is incredibly soft, opaque, and sweat-wicking.

We love that this bra is rated UPF 50+—the highest sun protective rating for clothing fabrics. This means it blocks 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, so you can walk, hike, or exercise outdoors and know that you’re protected. Even better: It comes in sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL, with adjustable criss-cross straps for the right fit every time. 

Potential Flaws

  • The straps are pretty thin. However, they didn’t dig into our shoulders or back during testing.

Best for Everyday Wear

lululemon Align Bra Light Support A/B Cup

lululemon Align Bra Light Support A/B Cup

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4/5
  • Support
    4.1/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Four-way stretch

  • Breathable

  • Stylish low-cut back

Cons
  • Doesn't offer as much coverage as other options

Key Specs

Sizes: 2 to 14 (Band: 26-42 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Padding: No | Support Level: Low-impact | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

The modern silhouette is best worn on its own—we love this sports bra for running errands or grabbing coffee with a friend.

Why We Love It


Made from lululemon's buttery-soft, light Nulu fabric, the Align Bra is the ideal top for yoga, lounging, studio classes, and everyday wear. The low back pairs perfectly with workout tanks, while the thick band provides a secure, smooth fit

When testing this bra, we liked how the straps and the band fit, holding everything up without squeezing or digging into our skin. Plus, the sturdy fabric is on the thicker side for coverage, but is still breathable enough to wear for long periods of time. We also love that, like some of our other top picks, this sports bra has four-way stretch that moves with you from the minute you slip into it.

Potential Flaws

  • It’s pretty low-cut—we noticed some side spillage around the underarm area. 

Best Sweat-Wicking

Athleta Solace Bra

Athleta Solace Bra A-C

Athleta

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.3/5
  • Support
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Lightweight lining

  • Stylish, strappy details

  • Separates and defines your chest

Cons
  • Not adjustable

  • Band may feel tight for some

Key Specs

Sizes: XXS to XL (Band: 30-40 inches, Cups: A-C) | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Medium-impact | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for studio classes (think yoga, barre, Pilates), especially in a heated room. 

Why We Love It

Athleta's Solace Bra is the most breathable option we tested, with a lightweight lining for superior ventilation and a nylon and spandex exterior that wicks away sweat. We love that the design compresses your bust to minimize movement and distribute the weight of your chest evenly. And the removable pads are relatively thin, tapered, and naturally shaped so you can actually recognize your boobs, says Julia Breitwieser, former bra designer at Athleta and lululemon. While the straps are narrow, the placement and interlacing allow for optimal support, she adds. 

When testing this bra, we loved how high-end the smooth fabric feels—perfect for sweaty workouts in a heated studio. We especially loved it for weightlifting and HIIT classes as it offered solid support, even though the brand lists it as low-impact.

Potential Flaws 

  • This bra doesn’t have an adjustable band or straps.
  • We found that the band runs tight and digs into our shoulders a bit, so you may want to size up. 

Bonus Favorite

Although we didn’t test this sports bra for ourselves, we still recommend it. It shares many of the same features we love in the other styles on our list.

Best Tank-Style

P.E Nation Tempo Sports Bra

P.E Nation Tempo Sports Bra

P.E Nation

Pros
  • No spillage

  • Racerback design

  • Built-in shelf

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Only comes in one color

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 12 (Band: 29.9-43.3 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Recycled polyester, elastane | Padding: No | Support Level: Low-impact

Who It’s For

Best if you need a versatile, wear-anywhere bra with a high neckline for extra coverage.

Why We Love It

Tank-style bras bring you the best of both worlds: Wear them in the gym as a sports bra or pair them with leggings, jeans, or a tennis skirt for an easy weekend outfit. PE Nation’s Tempo Sports Bra is our favorite for small chests because it has a built-in shelf that’s meant for low-impact workouts like yoga or Pilates. The racerback design sets this sports bra apart from most others on our list, showing off your shoulders in the studio or the coffee shop line.

Made from a buttery blend of recycled polyester and elastane, this top is comfortable enough to wear all day long. We also like that the high neckline provides plenty of coverage, so you don’t have to worry about anything spilling over in wheel pose.

Potential Flaws

  • This is one of the priciest sports bras we recommend. But we think it’s worth the investment for how versatile it is. 
  • We wish it was available in more colors. 

Sports Bras for Small Chests We Also Tested

We tested 61 sports bras, but they can’t all be winners. Although we liked some aspects of these bras for small chests, they didn’t impress us enough to earn a spot on our final list of recommendations.

  • Hanes’ Racerback Bralettes were seriously comfortable, but they didn’t offer any support. They don’t have a ton of structure, and we found that the thin, soft, stretchy fabric was best suited for lounging at home. 
  • The cups in Brooks’ Dare Strappy Run Bra 2.0 were too small and squished our breasts down, instead of separating and supporting them. We also wish this bra were adjustable. But we liked that the band and the straps didn’t dig in or cause irritation.
  • Asics’ Accelerate Bra didn’t stretch at all, which made it difficult to put on and take off. We also noticed that the straps were too tight, even on the loosest setting. Still, we appreciated that the fabric was thick enough to hide our nipples, since this bra doesn’t have any padding. 

Where We Stand

After testing 61 sports bras, Nike’s Dri-Fit Indy Sports Bra is our top overall pick for small chests because it offers just enough coverage and support without feeling restrictive. We also love that it has removable padding—plus, you can adjust the straps in the front for a secure fit. We continue to test each sports bra at home, and we’ll update our recommendations if we find anything new that we haven’t already mentioned here.

A closeup of the patting on the Gymshark Sweat Seamless Bra

Verywell Fit

What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Bras for Small Chests

Types of Sports Bras

Sports bras for smaller chests usually have a lower front neckline, narrower straps, and less fabric on the backside of the bra, says Breitwieser. But design aside, there are three types of sports bras to keep in mind:

  • Compression: Compression sports bras offer support by pressing your breast tissue against your chest wall, preventing excess movement. Most of our top picks are compression bras. When opting for a compression sports bra, Breitwieser suggests making sure you feel hugged—if the band or cups feel too loose, the bra may not hold you in securely. 
  • Encapsulation: Encapsulation sports bras are designed with two separate cups that lift, stabilize, and support your breasts from all angles during physical activity. This style often features light to medium padding with seamless, molded cups for smooth coverage. Breitwieser's tip: Make sure your breasts fill out each cup completely, or else you'll get movement within the cup instead of support.
  • Hybrid: Some bras combine features of both compression and encapsulation bras. The specifics may vary by style, but hybrid designs can be a good option if you’ve had trouble finding compression or encapsulation sports bras that fit you well. 

Key Features

  • Support Level: No matter your cup size, finding a sports bra with the right amount of support is key. High-impact sports bras are ideal for intense workouts like running and cardio, while low-impact options are better for yoga or Pilates. Steer clear of styles with overly skinny straps or super low necklines in the gym—instead, save them for your rest days.
  • Materials: Some materials are better for exercise than others. Spandex, nylon, and polyester are common in performance fabrics that wick away moisture well. Avoid cotton, which can hold onto moisture and retain odors. 
  • Fit: A properly fitting sports bra minimizes breast movement in all directions (forward and back, up and down, and side to side) and won’t cause chafing or discomfort, explains Breitwieser. Some sports bras use standard sizing, while others use cup sizes. Either way, look for a sports bra that feels snug and secure, says Marni Salup, CPT, a certified personal trainer and yoga teacher. When trying a sports bra on, pay attention to the band: If it rides up in the back, either the band is too large or the straps are too short. Also note: while you want the band of your sports bra to feel snug, it shouldn't be too tight that it feels restrictive around your ribcage. A recent study found that sports bras with a too-tight band may interfere with running performance.
  • Adjustability: If you find that your sports bra slides up when you lift your arms overhead, try one with an adjustable band and straps instead, Salup says. Hook-and-loop closures in the back will help the band stay snug and in place, while sliding buckles will allow you to adjust the straps in seconds.
A person exercising in the Reebok Running Essentials High-Impact Sports Bra

Verywell Fit

How We Selected and Tested the Sports Bras


To find the best sports bras for smaller chests, we’ve tested 61 options from popular fitness brands so far. As we wear and wash each sports bra, we evaluate it for the following criteria:

  • Fit: First, we try on the sports bra and note how it fits. Are the straps wide enough to evenly distribute the weight of our breasts without digging into our shoulders? We also try to slip two fingers underneath the straps and the band to see how tight they are. Then, we note how the band rests around our ribcage and if there’s any spillage, gaps, or loose fabric. 
  • Support: During the initial wear, we do jumping jacks for 2 minutes or jog for 10 minutes to test the sports bra’s impact level. How supportive does it feel? Does it hold our chests in place without feeling restrictive? For bras with padding, we note whether the cups feel too thin, overly bulky, or just right. 
  • Comfort: We assess how comfortable each sports bra feels during different activities like walking, running, yoga, and more. We prioritize bras made from soft, breathable materials that don’t dig into our skin or leave red marks. Are we counting down the minutes until we can take the bra off, or do we forget we’re even wearing it? 
  • Adjustability: If the bra has an adjustable band or straps, we test them to see how easy they are to use. How well can we adjust the fit? If the bra isn’t adjustable, we note whether it feels too tight, too loose, or perfectly snug. 
  • Durability: We wash each sports bra after every wear to see how it holds up over time. Does it maintain its structure, or does it stretch out? Does it show any signs of pilling or fading? If the bra has any padding, we note how the cups hold up in the wash, too. 
  • Value: We wait to check the price of each sports bra until after we’ve evaluated them in every other category. Our top picks cost between $10 and $100. Sports bras with a high overall value score performed so well in our tests that we’d be happy to pay the list price for them, if not more. 

Our Experts

We interviewed five experts for advice on which key features to look for in quality sports bras for exercisers with smaller chests. More on our experts:

  • LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra researcher and movement expert 
  • Julia Breitwieser, former bra designer at Athleta and lululemon
  • Marni Salup, CPT, certified personal trainer, Ironman-certified coach, and 500-hour certified yoga teacher
  • Alexis Sweeney, founder of the Silhouette by Alexis App and online fitness platform
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

What bra size is considered small-chested?

When it comes to cups, anything from AA to B is considered on the smaller side, Salup says, although some of our top picks go up to a C cup. 

How should a sports bra fit if you have a small chest? 

The right sports bra should feel snug and comfortable—not so tight that it leaves marks behind, but tight enough that you can only slip two fingers underneath the straps and the band. Take the time to jump around or try a downward dog in the fitting room or your home before assessing if a sports bra is the right one for you, Breitwieser says.

Can you swim in a sports bra? 

We don’t recommend it: The fabrics used in most sports bras aren’t made to withstand chlorine or saltwater. Breitwieser adds that swimming in a sports bra can also cause the garment to break down much sooner. Try one of our favorite swimsuits instead.

Do sports bras contain BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and uterine cancer, among other health complications. In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including sports bras from Sweaty Betty; leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s; shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas; and athletic shirts from Fabletics.

We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled

Is it bad to wear a sports bra all the time? 

The best way to prevent BPA exposure is to make educated decisions in choosing your personal care products, explains Zeichner. As a precaution, it’s best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it as soon as you’re finished working out. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

April Benshosan is a health journalist, editor, and experienced weight lifter. She's tested countless sports bras from various brands throughout her career, so she knows what makes a high-quality design. April especially loves her PE Nation Tempo Sports Bra, Girlfriend Collective Juliet Strappy Bra, and Gymshark Sweat Seamless Bra because they’re comfortable and supportive enough to wear during all of her favorite activities. April's work highlights her passion for providing people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.

5 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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