When scheduling workouts, you will need a pair of leggings or shorts that don't easily slip down, but most of all, a trusty sports bra that can hold the girls in place. One thing's certain is that if they get too soft, worn out, and don't provide enough support anymore, it's time to ditch that pair and buy another.
True enough, looking for the right sports bra according to your bust, desired style, and function can be intimidating and infuriating. In our top 10 list, you will find the best of the best sports bras that you can buy online. We have also put together a buying guide, fact-checked by fitness coach Michelle Estuar, that you can refer to if you ever need some help in choosing which one to get.
Michelle Estuar is the Head Coach of one of the indoor cycling studios in Metro Manila. She trains individuals interested in becoming cycling coaches. She also designs and develops programs to meet fitness goals. To add to that, she is a former triathlete, running coach, and ultra-marathoner, and has completed long-distance events such as a 102km run and a 10km open water swim. Michelle is addicted to anything related to sports and fitness as well as diet and nutrition. She has tried (and will keep on trying) the latest trends in diets, apps, equipment, gears, and accessories—she will do anything to stay fit and healthy.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
There are two types of sports bras - compression and encapsulated, while some are a combination of the two. They serve different functions and levels of fitness activity depending on your preferred fit. We will discuss each of their distinct characteristics right down below.
Compression sports bras help create stability in the chest area by pressing down against the chest wall, which might create problems when used for high-impact exercises. Several compression sports bras may also have padding. Therefore, these bras are suitable for low to medium-impact workouts such as yoga and pilates. These are also ideal for those with smaller cup sizes.
For your medium to high-impact exercises, it is best to use encapsulation sports bras. These are like your everyday bras but are made with more support. Each breast has an individual cup, and it usually has underwires to keep it in place.
Although sports bras generally fall into either category, some take it to the next level by combining the two. A hybrid or compression-encapsulation sports bra is meant for high-impact activities. Not only do they have pads and a built-in underwire, but the fabric also compresses inward, which leads to a great level of support. This is also the best option for those with cup sizes C, D, or bigger.
Sports bras are composed of different kinds of fabric. They can be a blend of any of the following: polyester, nylon, cotton, and elastane. Each one of these materials has distinct characteristics that you should know, whether you’re looking for either a soft, firm, or stretchable texture. Ultimately, a sports bra must be sweat-wicking.
When soaked sports bras rub against your skin, it may distract you and affect your performance. If this is what you’re experiencing, opt for a sports bra that contains a greater ratio of polyester and nylon.
They are known for being versatile, lightweight, durable, easy to wash, and resistant to wrinkling. These stiffer fabrics are known to be quick-drying and moisture-wicking, which prevents the icky and moist feeling.
Cotton is known to be a soft and breathable fabric. However, sports bras that are composed of predominantly cotton is not recommended as it keeps moisture. Instead, get a sports bra that has a small percentage of cotton if you want something on the soft side that keeps cool.
Spandex and elastane are essentially the same fabric and can be used interchangeably, while Lycra is a brand name for this fabric. They are exceptionally stretchy and ideal for athletic wear, especially sports bras. They provide ease of movement during your workouts.
This material is form-fitting and usually combined with the sturdier polyester fabric for the right amount of stretch and support. Like nylon and polyester, they are also moisture-wicking and quick-drying!
For a sports bra to serve its ultimate purpose, another crucial factor is getting the right size. Ending up with a sports bra that is a bit tight may limit your movement, while a loose pair might not give you enough support. To do this, refer to the fitting of the band and your cup size. Also consider a sports bra with adjustable straps and bra hook.
A bra's support starts with the band, so it's a must for you to make sure that it snugly sits around your rib cage and not pushing against your breast tissue. Experts say the best fit is when two fingers can fit between your rib cage and the band.
A great way to check this is by raising your hands over your head and turning sideways. Look at your reflection in a mirror and check if the band is higher in the back or if your breasts are poking out below. If this happens, chances are, your bra is too big. Adjusting the hook closure can help.
It is worth mentioning that wearing the wrong size of sports bra can lead to difficulty in breathing during workouts, and can damage the breast tissues in the long run.
While several shops are more upfront in terms of bust and cup size, some of them mark sizes based on categories such as extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. Shops that follow the latter more often than not provide a size chart to see the range of sizes. One thing to be mindful of is not to downsize a sports bra.
Make sure that your breasts are fully contained and centered in the cups - and that they are completely covered. Try scooping your breasts into them and carefully centering them. The cups are too big if there are wrinkles or gaps in the fabric. But if your breasts are spilling outside of the bra, then the cups are too small.
When you wear your sports bra often, the fabric may loosen and get worn out easily. Sports equipment and clothing are a worthy investment, but if you want to get a sports bra that will last long, it is best to get one with adjustable straps and a bra hook.
Even if the fabric in the sports bra softens up in time and with constant use, the adjustable straps and bra hook will give it a new lease on life. Most of all, you can customize the fitting depending on your desired support and the intensity of your workouts.
A sports bra should be able to serve its primary function – to give ample support. Although its design can be negligible, wearing a cute sports bra will definitely boost your mood and energy when working out. The uniqueness of a pair can be seen in the front, back, strap, and the color or pattern print.
The most common back strap style is racerback, which resembles a T or Y shape. There are also full-back sports bras. These two styles offer the best support, so they are perfect for medium to high-impact workouts and for those with bigger cup sizes.
If you want a more dainty or quirky style, you may go for a sports bra that is strappy or with a cross-back design. These are good options for those who prefer thinner straps. Some also have a one-sided strap for a unique look. However, thinner straps are usually more suited for low to medium-impact exercises.
Another thing to take note of is the sports bra’s neckline. Scoop or rounded necklines can vary in terms of height or positioning. The higher the neckline is, the greater support it gives. Necklines that are lower or have a V shape are generally for low-impact exercises. But these can also depend on the fabric and type.
While most sports bras either have a back closure or a solid fabric, others have a zipper front feature. They can be considered a lifesaver since a common problem amongst women is putting on and removing a sports bra. With a zipper closure, you will have an easier time!
Choose the neckline based on the ventilation and humidity/weather. Closed necklines are not ideal if working out inside an enclosed or humid room.
Sports bras and other workout apparel that have plain, muted, and neutral colors are considered staple pieces. An advantage of having monochromes pieces is that you can mix and match them however you like. Some of them may have minimal accents in the bands or straps for a pop of color.
If you want to express yourself, go for bolder patterns or at least bright colors for single-colored sports bras. They are statement pieces that will lighten your mood and may help you power through a rigorous workout. Besides, who wouldn’t get giddy if you see yourself rocking a colorful sports bra while nailing every rep?
From ₱2,769
The additional padding in sports bras added bras does give extra support. However, especially after washing, the pads become out of place. Under Armour has come up with a solution to that! Their UA Infinity High sports bra has a one-piece built-in figure-eight padding that is molded and PU injected into the inner portion.
The crossed straps and the bra hook at the back are adjustable, so you can customize the fit. It is made with the brand's signature HeatGear® fabric that dries easily and has a next-to-skin feel that isn't restrictive. This is specifically designed to keep you cool in hot and humid weather conditions like in the Philippines.
This sports bra is on the top tier due to its inclusive sizing. Plus-sized women need not suffer from tight and ill-fitting sports bras because you can get this in 3XL or up to the size 51 bust. Do note that there is a separate product link for the bigger sizes from 1X to 3X.
From ₱2,189
Looking for the ultimate sports bra that provides high support and while also being stylish? The overlay strip across the chest is not only for aesthetic purposes but also helps lessen the bounce. Plus, this feature adds ample coverage to the neckline without being restrictive.
Putting on and removing a sports bra is already a workout in itself. With this sports bra, you wouldn't go through that hassle anymore since there are two hook closures at the back. This is the best choice if you want something that is easy to remove but do not necessarily prefer the zipper front closure.
There is a combination of polyester, nylon, elastane, and polyurethane with varying ratios for the different parts of the sports bra. As its name suggests, the fabric blend made with Dri-FIT technology is weightless, breathable, and quick-drying so you can stay cool and dry all throughout your exercise routine.
From ₱5,459
A common issue of zipper front sports bras is the lack of hold-up. With the Power Sculpt sports bra, there will be no compromise as this has maximum support and is easy to remove because of the zip-front closure. Aside from being functional, its color combination is pleasing to the eyes.
It is made using Lorna Jane's Nothing 2 See Here™ fabric with a light-blocking interlock technology so you wouldn't worry about it being see-through as you move around. The material is also shrink- and fade-resistant, and it has a four-way stretch feature to prevent it from getting worn out even with regular use.
The SPF 50+ offers protection against harmful ultraviolet rays that come from sunlight. This is a major win for women who love to bask in the sun and outdoors while working out but don't like the heat retaining in their clothing. Say goodbye to the sticky and musty feeling of fitness apparel when you wear them outside!
From ₱1,316
If you are seeking compression support and want to look fashionable at the same time, this is the sports bra for you. When you see this product, you wouldn't think much of it at first. Instead, the open-back design with an adjustable bra hook is stylish yet minimalist as this was a collaboration with world-class model Karlie Kloss.
There is a mesh front panel which makes this sports bra breathable. Made with 75% recycled polyester, 25% elastane, you will experience a stretchy feel from the fabric, fit for medium-impact activities. It is also composed of Adidas' signature Aeroready, a moisture-wicking fabric that quickly absorbs water.
From ₱534.1
Sometimes thick straps can be a hindrance to your movements. This thin-strapped sports bra is for women who love to showcase their feminine side but do not want to compromise support. It is a compression-encapsulation type with a thick underband with a bodycon fit to keep it stable during medium to high-impact exercises.
Nylon makes up 90% of the fabric blend, while the remaining 10% is spandex. Therefore, this sports bra is moisture-wicking and stretchable. Not only that, the sizes are inclusive even for girls who have bigger busts with up to a 40B cup. You can choose from five colors - black, cherry, hale navy, lavender, and sage green.
From ₱1,290
We all know that when the straps, band, and wire are painful as they dig into your skin and flesh such that they leave marks and may cause irritation and chafing. This wireless sports bra is the best option for those who have sensitive skin or if you don't like the restrictiveness of other products.
Since Uniqlo is known for its functional and minimalist designs, this sports bra is no different. This comes in seven plain colors - black, blue, dark orange, gray, pink, purple, and wine. You can buy this pair in all variants to have something to wear every day of the week.
Also, the pads are stitched onto the inner layer so that you wouldn't go through the trouble of inserting them back again properly. The round neckline is high but just enough to not limit motion. Furthermore, this is good for women on the conservative side.
From ₱800
A lot of women go for bold patterns to express their personality and boost their confidence. Bunny Bodies has a number of sports bras with eye-catching designs. One of those is the Bamboozle which has uniform black tiger stripes on top of the white fabric.
It has a combination of polyester and spandex which contributes to its unique stretch recovery feature. The mid-square neckline is connected to the back with straight straps. In addition, the wide-open teardrop shape at the back does not only adds a distinct style but also keeps your back cool.
Aside from this variant, you can also get the Bewildered sports bra for a subtle animal print. They also have flora and fauna-inspired Elysian, Folium, and Lush, among other designs. Shop more of their collection on the website to buy any of these that are fit for a 'queen of the jungle' aesthetic!
From ₱1,049.75
Sports bras shouldn't be dull and boring. The Swift Tempo sports bra from Danskin is the ultimate proof of that. Its overlapping front design gives an elegant touch despite being monochrome mineral red color. The racerback strap may be covering most of your back, but there are laser-cut holes to make it more breathable.
Because of its refined style, you can pair this with a bodycon skirt for date nights or a skater skirt or biker shorts for athleisure outfits. As for the purpose of exercising, this is suited for low to medium-impact activities. To complete your look, get the Swift Tempo leggings.
From ₱699.75
Look picture perfect in your athleisure or yoga outfit! Going for a monochromatic piece like this light pink sports bra from Sassa is a no-fail choice since they never get out of style. The low scoop neckline will certainly accentuate your cleavage, best for those who want to show a bit more skin.
This is an encapsulation type that has adequate support for low-impact activities. The chest band is stretchable, so you can freely move and nail those yoga poses. Moreover, you can wear this during casual night-outs. After using, you may remove the pads for an effortless washing.
From ₱399.75
Bench is a local brand that offers a selection of affordable clothing, including activewear. This proves that you don't need to spend much to afford good quality sports bras. There are two colorways for this product, either black or purple, with a pop of pink or light blue in the band.
Since it is made of mostly polyester, this makes it moisture-wicking. Other features are the elastic straps and bra hook for an effortless adjustment and an additional and more secure fit. However, elastic bands get loose over time, so it may be best to spread out the use of this sports bra or size down for better support.
Of course, being able to find a sports bra that fits you best is just the start. Also necessary are a few pairs of leggings and running shoes to complete your fitness get-up. While you're at it, get some workout equipment and a yoga mat to give your home workout space a much-needed upgrade.
Author: Laura Mercado
Re-editor: Patricia Catimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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