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 their 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 on, we also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article. 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 rib cage 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 towards most band sizes up to a C cup. If you need a larger cup size, see our picks for sports bras for large breasts. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Budget: Most Stylish: Best for Training: Best Low-Impact: Best Medium-Impact: Best High-Impact: Best Padded: Best With Sun Protection: In This Article How to Measure for a Sports Bra Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look For How We Selected and Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit 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 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 Best for most low- to high-impact activities, including running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and weight training. 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. “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 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 Sizes: XS to 3XL (Band: 32-42 inches, Cups: A-DD)| Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Padding: Yes | Support Level: Medium-impact Best if you’ve had issues finding a compressive sports bra that doesn’t squish your chest or cause “uniboob.” 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. “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 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 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 Best for low-impact workouts, like yoga, Pilates, or walking. 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). “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 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 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 Best for sweaty workouts, from strength training to hot yoga. 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. “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 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 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 Best for everyday wear, especially if your workout routine is mostly low-impact. 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. “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 We Found the Best Yoga Mats for Home and Class, After Over 230 Sun Salutations 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 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 Best for wearing on its own or underneath a low- or open-back workout top. 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. 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 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 Best if you like high-coverage styles with enough support for most activities. 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. “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 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 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 Best for running, jogging, cycling, or other intense movement. 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. “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 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 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 Best if you want coverage and opacity, plus some added shape and fullness in the bust area. 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. “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 Pros Wide range of sizes Opaque Double-lined Cons Straps are thin 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 Best for walking, hiking, and other outdoor workouts. 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. 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 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 The modern silhouette is best worn on its own—we love this sports bra for running errands or grabbing coffee with a friend. 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. 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 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 Best for studio classes (think yoga, barre, Pilates), especially in a heated room. 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. 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. Pros No spillage Racerback design Built-in shelf Cons Pricier than other options Only comes in one color Sizes: 0 to 12 (Band: 29.9-43.3 inches, Cups: Not listed) | Fabric: Recycled polyester, elastane | Padding: No | Support Level: Low-impact Best if you need a versatile, wear-anywhere bra with a high neckline for extra coverage. 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. The 17 Best High-Neck Sports Bras of 2024 for Every Jump, Sprint, and Bend 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. 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. How to Measure for a Sports Bra
Best Overall
Nike Indy V-Neck Sports Bra
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Best Budget
RUNNING GIRL Sports Bra
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Most Stylish
Alo Yoga Wild Thing Bra
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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. Potential Flaws
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Best for Training
Gymshark Sweat Seamless Sports Bra
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Best for Yoga
lululemon Flow Y Nulu Longline Bra Light Support
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Best Low-Impact
lululemon Free to Be Wild Bra
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Best Medium-Impact
Goal Five Pionxr Bra Top
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Best High-Impact
Reebok High-Impact Sports Bra
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Best Padded
Lemedy Padded Sports Bra
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Best With Sun Protection
Girlfriend Collective Juliet Strappy Bra
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Best for Everyday Wear
lululemon Align Bra Light Support A/B Cup
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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. Potential Flaws
Best Sweat-Wicking
Athleta Solace Bra
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Bonus Favorite
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Sports Bras for Small Chests We Also Tested
Where We Stand
What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Bras for Small Chests
Types of Sports Bras
Key Features
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: Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
What bra size is considered small-chested?
How should a sports bra fit if you have a small chest?
Can you swim in a sports bra?
Do sports bras contain BPA?
Is it bad to wear a sports bra all the time?
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