Finding a good sports bra for running deal can often feel like a workout in itself. Not only do you need to ensure quality from a great brand at an affordable price, but you need to be sure your chosen bra will help you, rather than hinder you, as you work out. After all, we all know that without the right sports bra, exercising can lead to discomfort, and stop you from excelling at the task at hand. We’ve collated some of the best deals from reputable brands, so that shopping for this training must-have is a little easier.
There’s evidence that going without a reliable sports bra can have a knock-on effect on sports performance; a recent study in the journal Ergonomics found that a robust sports bra can reduce breast movement by up to 74% while running, compared to when not wearing a bra at all or wearing a regular bra. Another study from the School of Sport, Health and Exercise found that training without a sports bra can lead to a crucial loss of confidence, while increasing the physical risk of breast pain and long-term sagging.
It’s not just an up and down motion that can hold back your performance either, as your breasts moving from side to side whilst training can also lead to avoidable discomfort. Selecting a first-rate bra can help with all of these issues, especially once you’ve discovered which level of support is right for you. Low, medium or high impact options are all available, with the latter likely suiting those with larger breasts, or those looking to undertake cardio-based activity, like HIIT. Those practicing yoga or Pilates will also want to factor in extra flexibility in stretch, so that getting into your chosen pose doesn’t cause discomfort.
Below, you’ll find deals on bras that combine all of the features you need, meaning that you’re covered when it comes to fit and quality. For more information on exactly which kind of options would suit you, head to our dedicated best sports bras guide, or complete your sweep of workout essentials with the best running watches and shoes.
Sports bras for running deals
Which sports bra for running deal is best for you?
If you’re buying online, check user reviews for mentions of comfort and fit. You’ll want a sports bra that has great in-built support, but one that’s also comfortable enough to keep everything in one place without chafing, or restricting your breathing.
Your sports bra should be snug, but you should still be able to fit two fingers under the straps on your shoulders. Ensure the lower band sits flat against your ribcage, instead of digging in or being too loose.
Features such as separate cups are great if you’re a larger size, while a compression sports bra is ideal if you’re smaller. Sweat-wicking fabric that dries quickly will keep you comfortable while you work up a sweat.
Many sports bras are now made with more eco-friendly fabrics, such as bamboo, ECONYL (made from recycled fishing bets) and elastane, so look for those fabrics if breathable, sustainable fabrics are important to you.
Finally, when trying on your new sports bra, look for wrinkles across the bust or bulges of flesh spilling out. These are pretty good indications of a poor fit.
Sports bras for running on sale
Breast health experts have designed the Under Armour Infinity High sports bra to support breasts safely and effectively during physical exercise. Injected with liquid to create a natural support system that flows around the breasts while they are in motion, this sports bra is designed to fit comfortably and securely, molding itself to the body’s natural shape.
This is a bra that’s easy to get on and off, with a hook and eye closure – no wrestling it over your head after a sweaty run. It also features a sweat-wicking band to remove moisture quickly, although we did notice visible sweat marks after heavy training.
The hi-tech support the Under Armour Infinity High sports bra offers may not be necessary for flatter-chested runners, but if you’re bigger than a cup C it offers impressive support.
Best for medium-impact support, the New Balance Fuel Bra is a good option for people with smaller chests, as our testing found it struggled to secure bigger breasts during running.
Using New Balance’s wicking technology, the fabric is comfortable and quickly pulls moisture away from the body. There are no seams or closures, so it’s an ideal choice under a T-shirt or tank top, while the wide band and straps sit comfortably across the ribcage and over the shoulders.
Available in three colors - white, black and pink – this bra was one of the most affordable we tested. But if you want high-impact support for a bigger chest size, you may need to look elsewhere.
Lululemon is one of the hottest gym and training brands out there now. The Lululemon Enlite may be an investment piece, but our at-home testing revealed it to be worth every cent.
Made from the brands unique ‘Ultralu’ fabric, it’s soft, supportive and smooth. Sweat is wicked away quickly too, even during a tough session.
Fastened with a hook and eye closure, a nicely-tensioned band keeps everything in place, while the padded non-removable cups add extra confidence. This sports bra is also available in a wide range of sizes and comes in a variety of colors, including navy, black, speckled grey black and grey sage.
Find the right fit in a sports bra for running
An ill-fitting sports bra, or a sports bra that doesn’t support the weight and movement of your breasts, can affect your performance during training and even your breast health, say experts. That’s why it’s vital to get a snug, comfortable fit from your sports bra.
Emma Ross, a sports physiologist, and founder and CEO of The Well HQ, a U.K.-based women’s health and fitness company, agrees. “Breasts can move up to 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) when we are exercising”, explains Ross. “And that movement impacts not just your breast health, but also your exercise performance.”
If you’ve ever forced yourself though an uncomfortable workout with a chafing bra, or given up mid-run because your confidence was knocked by an unsupportive sports bra, you’re not alone. Ross tells us that 80% of women are not wearing a sports bra that fits well, or supports them properly. And more than 1 in 3 women with larger breasts say their bigger boobs are the reason they avoid exercise, full stop.
Having an ill-fitting bra isn’t just putting women off exercise though, it’s affecting their performance. In fact, Ross tells Live Science that breast movement can cost a runner as much as a mile over a marathon, “because of how much it affects stride length during running.” So, if you’ve been training for a big event, or you’re trying to learn how to run faster, it’s crucial to ensure you have a well-fitting sports bra that can go the distance with you.
If you’re one of those women who has been put off running because of poorly-fitting sports bras, this is your wake-up call to find the perfect sports bra for your size and shape. And if you’re just embarking on your running journey, here’s our expert guide on how to start running.
