At GearLab, we're all about putting sports bras to the test in a fair and thorough way. We start with lots of research, reading user comments, and narrowing down the best bras for hands-on testing. Even the lower-scoring options in our test suite are top-tier performers. We make sure to order different sizes of each bra to be as inclusive as possible and work with active women of all shapes and sizes to test the bras during various activities. We wore just about only sports bras for two months straight to experimentally test what models our bodies loved to wear. Our testers included yoga teachers, alpinists, climbers, runners, CrossFit experts, backpackers, and hiking guides. Our experienced testers have many insights so every woman can find an option that fits her needs. We really hope that our recommendations can help you find the sports bra that supports your flow state.
Comfort and Fit
A group of testers with different body types tried on each bra and engaged in various activities to evaluate how comfortable and well-fitting they were. The testers noted their initial impressions of the bra's design and identified features that contributed to overall comfort, such as breathability, fabric softness, and practical design elements that helped achieve a good fit, like adjustable straps and moisture-wicking fabric. They also recorded any aspects that made the bras uncomfortable, such as chafing, pinching, and rough or scratchy fabric, as well as whether the bras were true to size.
Support
We thoroughly tested each bra on different body types and during various impact-level exercises. Our focus was on evaluating the stretch, support, and coverage provided by each bra during low to high impact activities. We conducted a bounce test by performing high-intensity interval training exercises such as burpees, jumping jacks, and jump squats with each bra to assess its performance. Additionally, we evaluated bounce security by testing each bra side by side during jumping jacks or jump rope exercises. We also conducted tests during runs, hikes, and inversions to ensure that each sports bra provided proper support. In particular, we evaluated running bras for their support across different body types during running.
Style
We polled a diverse group of women to determine the most popular bra styles. We considered personal preferences and evaluated the versatility of each bra, giving higher ratings to those that most women can use for a broader range of activities. Additionally, we considered the color options available for each bra. Each of our recommendations includes notes from multiple women on style preference, so we present a wide variety of options so that you can find one that is in vogue with your unique flair.
Quality
Firstly, we follow the care instructions provided for each bra to assess how easy or difficult it is to care for it. Next, we subject each bra to an average wash and dry cycle to see how well it withstands this process. Testers observe any durability issues such as threading seems or pilling. We will also note durability concerns in market research, such as loss of elasticity, returns for design flaws, and durability concerns.
