Gear: Girlfriend’s Guide to Sports Bras

Looking for your chest mate? Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Since there are so many fish in the sea (and the A through G), we’ve done the hard work for you. Our cracker-jack team of testers tried out over 50 bras to find the best styles for every cup size.

STRAIGHT-A STUDENTS

Brooks Epiphany II
One advantage of sporting an A-cup is the freedom to experiment with creative silhouettes. The Epiphany’s double-strap construction had testers raving, “This is a great combination of comfort, style and support—it’s also very feminine.” $44, brooksrunning.com

Mizuno Colt
Don’t let the simple style fool you—this racerback bra prevents the dreaded uni-boob thanks to encapsulated cups that separate breasts. A high neck, UPF 40+ fabric and pretty jewel-tone design mean this top “passes the shirtless test.” $36, mizunousa.com

Handful Adjustable
One tester summed up this bra in two words and three exclamation points: “Convertible straps!!!” Handful’s unique style features light padding and adjustable straps that can be worn both over-the-shoulder or criss-crossed. $44, handful.com

What works for you. . .

Just because you don’t need a ton of support doesn’t mean you can wear anything. Look for a bra with wicking fabric and fl at seams to ward off chafifing. Contoured or lightly-padded cups prevent breasts from feeling smushed and keep your high beams in the off position.

QUEEN B’S

Moving Comfort Print Shape Up
“I love that it looks very pretty and girly on the outside, but has supportive inner cups,” praised a tester. The wide, smooth band lifts your girls while keeping them perfectly snug for miles. Light padding prevents peek-a-boos. $38, titlenine.com

Nike Victory Shape
Lightweight compression fabric, mesh panels and barely-there padding make this high-impact bra an excellent  t for B-cups. “It’s so comfortable, I almost forgot I was wearing anything at all,” one tester reported. $42, nike.com

Champion C9 Reversible Racerback
For modestly-chested ladies looking for a bra to pull on and go, this basic style will be the one you dig through your hamper to find. “It’s straightforward—without all the bells and whistles—but it  ts properly and breathes well.” $15, target.com

What works for you. . .

Your cup size gives you the freedom to choose between a stretchy-fabric bra or one with separate cups. Try different styles (and jump around in that dressing room!)

FAN-C-Y GIRLS

Lululemon Tata Tamer II
Available only in sizes C and above, this bra is designed to keep the ladies in line. Testers raved, “The fabric is not like any other sports bra—it’s so soft!” Fully adjustable straps and removable cups provide a personalized  t. $58, lululemon.com

Moving Comfort Rebound Racer
This seam-free bra won high marks from testers with small frames and larger chests thanks to an adjustable keyhole closure that allows a skintight fit. “It’s rare to  nd a sports bra that looks so attractive but provides serious support!” $25-50, movingcomfort.com

CW-X Versatx Support
If the thought of hooks on your sports bra induces heartburn, ease yourself into the idea with this comfy compression style. “I loved being able to take off the bra without pulling it over my head!” said one formerly hardwear-averse tester. “I never thought of how nice it would be to have this freedom.” $65, cw-x.com

What works for you. . .

Adjustable straps are a necessity for C-cups. At this size, your breasts will swell enough during your monthly cycle that your bra will accommodate fluctuations. If your straps still dig into your shoulders, your band is too loose. For proper support, you should be able to fi t only a finger or two between elastic and skin. to see which you prefer. Women with wide torsos should opt for bras available in a variety of band sizes, like the Print Shape Up.

MAJOR D-IVAS

Moving Comfort Juno
Molded cups available in 30C to 40DD create a fit that’s all support, no squish. “This is one of the only bras that I didn’t have to worry about side-boob!” exclaimed one speedy tester. The mesh racer back provides reinforcement and is cute to boot. $28-58, movingcomfort.com

Champion Double Dry Distance Underwire Support
If you think the words “underwire” and “exercise” don’t mix, this bra will make you reconsider. Heavily cushioned coils work wonders to reduce bounce. “The wire didn’t dig in at all. I feel like I’m putting comfy pajamas on and my boobs that I can run in!” $46, championusa.com

Under Armour Armour D Cup
This sturdy style combines the superior fit of a hook-and-loop closure with the feel of a traditional pullover bra. “It made me feel completely held in and supported,” said one tester who also admired the removable cups and pretty details. $58, underarmour.com

What works for you. . .

Your breasts are big enough to need their own support team—you can’t get away with a combo deal! Make sure that your go-to style includes cups that provide separated structure. A back clasp will make removing sweaty bras bearable while ensuring your band is properly snug.

ABOVE AND BEYONDD+’S

Shock Absorber Trade Up
Like a carefully crafted suspension bridge, this bra uses some seriously sophisticated architecture to hold up heavy weights. Our testers found the two-point closure system a tiny bit tricky, but well worth the effort. “This bra can be adjusted to  t me exactly. I love it!” $79, titlenine.com

Enell Sport
The deeper into the alphabet you travel, the more difficult it is to run without chest pain. But the Enell, available in sizes C through G, will make you a believer. “For me, the more support the better, and this fit like a glove,” raved one tester. After you fasten the 10 hook-and-eye closures, your ladies will be on lock-down until you set them free. $64-66, enell.com

Saucony Diva Believa
This adjustable racer-back style made our testers jump for joy—while keeping their busts comfortably grounded. “It virtually eliminated bounce,” vouched a DD runner. Exceptional wicking and a moderate price point make this cute style a keeper. $48, saucony.com

What works for you. . .

These sports bras might give you sticker shock, but trust us—they’re worth it! Invest in a few excellent models rather than squandering your cash on multiple bras that require layering. And before you take out your wallet, get fitted. Many large-chested women assume they are DD’s, but are actually F’s or G’s. Knowing your size will give you the power to find your perfect bra. It’s out there—we promise!

A special thanks to Moving Comfort’s Heather Cvitkovic for lending her bra-tastic expertise.