Best luxury sports bras 2021

Our winning sports bra is a head-turner. The neon style looks good worn on its own (there are neutral tones available if you’d prefer), and it has impressive compression for a low- to medium-impact design.

The seamless fabric – made with 52% recycled nylon and 32% recycled polyester – feels high quality and makes it comfortable to wear for everything from yoga to lifting. We’ll be showing ours off as soon as the weather warms.

Key specifications
Style: Crop top
Colors: Orange and pink, navy, black, off-white
Sizes: XS – XL
Good for: Yoga, Pilates and lifting

This sleek sports bra is made from a luxuriously soft fabric that boasts excellent eco-credentials; it’s composed of 76% recycled nylon. The intricate strappy back doesn’t just look elegant, but it boosts the bra’s support, which is also aided by a well-constructed compression band.

It’s a style that you have to squeeze into – and the size range is limited – but once you’re in, it should give you the security you need for most workouts, from yoga to crossfit.

Key specifications
Style: Crop top compression bra
Colors: Gray and black
Sizes: XS – L
Good for: Gym workouts

If you’re returning to your HIIT class soon, this sports bra will keep you cool as the intensity rises. The technical fabric keeps sweat to a minimum and supposedly changes the support of the bra as you work out, becoming firmer as you jump about and loosening as you cool down.

The tight compression is better suited to smaller chests, and the straps can be a bit of a puzzle to get on, but if it works for you, the high neckline is perfect for combatting worry-free burpees.

Key specifications
Style: Compression bra with hook fastening and adjustable straps
Colors: Black, gray, green and red
Sizes: XS – 3XL
Good for: HIIT, crossfit, running

What running bras lack in looks, they make up for in support, and this encapsulation bra with molded cups is no exception. The unique design has two fastenings at the back as well as a supportive band to maximize comfort when you’re pounding the pavement.

The technical style is better suited to runners with bigger busts, but thanks to its extensive size range, you should be able to find a size that fits you comfortably as you rack up the miles.

Key specifications
Style: Encapsulation bra with hook fastening and adjustable straps
Colors: Black and blue, pink, black and blue
Sizes: 30D-H and 32C – 42H
Good for: Running

Innovative design is what makes this bra a standout choice for anyone who wears C to G cups. A cleverly designed “overband” provides adjustable support across the top of your chest, so the only movement going on during your high-impact workouts is intentional.

The sports bra also features adjustable straps, so you can tailor the fit to your preferences and workout. Ultimately, it’s a sports bra that will keep you secure anywhere from the yoga mat to the treadmill.

Key specifications
Style: Compression bra with hook fastening and adjustable straps
Colors: Coral and black
Sizes: 30C to 38G
Good for: Running, high-intensity workouts

Lots of sports bras designed for bigger chests tend to fall short in the stakes style, but not this one. The sophisticated design is made with high-impact workouts in mind and the compression really puts in the work, keeping your chest still – even when battling through a set of burpees.

It also features adjustable straps that can be converted into a racerback, depending on the support you need. Available exclusively in G to K cups, the sizing does come up small, but it’s more than worth trying on a few sizes to find the right fit for you.

Key specifications
Style: Compression bra with hook fastening and adjustable straps
Colors: Blackberry
Sizes: 32G to 40J
Good for: High-intensity exercise including running

For a classic crop-top-style sports bra, this one fits the bill and features some nice design details to boot; the front of the bra has a built-in pocket that’s perfect for storing keys when running errands or heading on a hike.

If you have a smaller chest, you might feel comfortable taking on more medium-intensity workouts too, but with no adjustable features, for bigger chests it’s better suited to more low-key exercise.

Key specifications
Style: Crop top
Colors: White, black, gray, green and pink
Sizes: XS – 2XL
Good for: Yoga, lifting, spinning

This offering from iconic yoga brand Lululemon is more than a one-trick sports bra. The crop-top style has enough compression that it’s as comfortable for sun salutations as it is for a spot of strength training or spin.

The style is better suited to people with smaller frames – we found it could be tight getting it on and off on occasion, and the long waistband isn’t to everyone’s preference. Overall though, it’s a good all-rounder.

Key specifications
Style: Crop top
Colors: Red
Sizes: US 2 – 14
Good for: Yoga, lifting, spinning, gym workouts

Soft, sustainable and stylish, this bra is a staple for gentle exercise and work-from-home days. It’s made with modal – an eco fabric sourced from wood fibers – and the ribbed design is comfortable without compromising on aesthetics; it’s chic enough to wear on its own.

The racerback-style straps look unique but don’t offer much in the way of support and although it has removable padding, the design provides minimal coverage – it’s best saved for yoga, pilates and unwinding.

Key specifications
Style: Racerback crop-top
Colors: Black, white, gray, purple, navy, pink, orange, green, lilac, tie dye green
Sizes: XS – XXL
Good for: Yoga, pilates, hiking