Testers either loved or hated the strappy Lululemon Energy Bra, a compression sports option. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterEncapsulation sports brasThe Glamorise No-Bounce Camisole is a highly rated budget bra for people who wear larger band and cup sizes (up to 50J). We found the fabric itchy and thin, with no inserts or padding.Compression sports brasTesters said the Adidas Don’t Rest Alphaskin bra offered pretty good support. It comes in sizes 2XS to 2XL. Neither of our A/B testers loved the band on this bra, though, and the printed logo could lead to chafing during longer bouts of exercise.Lululemon’s Energy bra was a close second to Athleta’s Interval Sports Bra in terms of overall compression and comfort. However, our 36B and 32A/B testers found that the Athleta option had a more-secure band, greater coverage, and thicker, more-durable material overall. Some testers also found the strappy racerback a nuisance to take off: “I just wanted to sling-shot the whole thing across the room,” said one.Quince’s Ultra-Form Scoop Neck Longline Bra is best suited for lower-impact exercise. It did not provide adequate compression to support our 34D tester while running and jumping. While the fabric is smooth against skin, the band tends to shift.Compression sports bras with pocketsThe Bandit Stamina Scoop Neck and Cadence Scoop Neck compression bras fit more true to size than the Brooks 3 Pocket bra we recommend, and they have the same pocket placements. Both are functionally similar to the 3 Pocket — offering roughly the same support — and hold items securely in place. The Bandit bras regularly cost around $20 more than the Brooks bra we recommend.Bandit also carries several longline-bra-like cropped tanks that have integrated pockets. All three pockets on the Stamina Scoop Neck race crop are as deep as the rear pocket on the bra version, providing the option of stashing a phone on either side of your body (or at your back). We found this top plenty supportive, and its pockets secure.The Oiselle Flyout is a comfortable compression bra that offers moderate support and comes in a wider range of sizes than most sports bras with pockets we’ve considered (band size equivalents of 26 to 40, cup sizes A to D). But we found the lone pocket, sewn into the back of the bra, was not very secure: More than once our phones slipped out when we bent over to stretch.The Senita Athletics Back Pocket cost significantly less than all the other bras we’ve tested. But more than once, we experienced seams busting during early washes and wears.Combination sports brasDuring testing, we had a hard time getting the Anita Dynamix Star bra on and off, due to its racerback design. The band tops out at 40, and this bra comes in fewer sizes than our Anita Air Control pick.Wacoal’s Goddess Sports Bra is meant for lower-impact activities, according to a company representative.The Lululemon Run Times resembles the Champion Spot Comfort bra we recommend in form, function, and level of support. At the time of publication, it cost nearly twice as much. Compared with the Spot Comfort, our 34D tester found that the Run Times has a snugger fit. “The material on the back of the hook closures is notable slippery,” she noted. “This makes it harder to get on and off, maybe particularly with sweaty hands.”Testers who compared the On Running Endurance Bra Zip to the Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra we recommend found the former comfortable and supportive, but not as quick or easy to adjust — while you’re wearing it — as our pick. Compared with the Shefit Ultimate, a tester who typically wears size 34DD said the Endurance Bra Zip (worn in size Medium D-DD) led to less strain in her shoulders. “I like how the straps pull together into a racerback design,” she said about the Endurance Bra Zip.Testers found the Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra as supportive as the Shefit Ultimate. However, they noted that it gave them more of a “uniboob” look than the other bras they tried.Testers praised the support and great look of the combination Oiselle Queen bra, but the band also tends to run small, a detail pointed out by reviewers and confirmed by our testers. And compared with our picks, this bra comes in a relatively limited selection of sizes (32C to 40DD).The Syrokan High Impact bra’s cups are lined with a smooth fabric. But the bra’s mesh back panel feels rough, and the material is thin, which can lead to “headlighting.”Testers deemed the Under Armour Infinity High bra “fine” on almost all counts, but it didn’t eclipse our favorite combination bras. The Infinity 2.0 High likewise earned fine marks, but was not a standout in our testing.Anna Perling and Ingrid Skjong contributed reporting. This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.
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