The Best Low Impact Sports Bras for 2024
Comfortable light support for low impact activities.
It doesn't matter your sport, workout style, or intensity level, there’s no better feeling for an athlete than putting on gear that’s comfortable, supportive, and distraction-free.
And this is certainly the case when it comes to sports bras.
Unfortunately, for many of us, mere mention of this garment conjures an uncomfortable, overly restrictive feeling.
In other words, you may feel like sports bras are a necessary evil for competition or working out, but once you’re finished it’s a race to see how fast you can peel it off.
So, a comfortable high-performing sports bra is definitely not something to take for granted and may take a little time and effort figuring out which works best for you.
One of the most important factors in choosing a sports bra is matching the impact level of your bra to the intensity level of your activity.
For example, during a high-impact activity like running, you’ll need more support than you would during a low-impact activity like yoga.
Low impact sports bras provide a lighter measure of support designed to handle low impact sports and activities, such as weightlifting, yoga, pilates, barre, hiking, and walking.
Here, we’ve highlighted the best low impact sports bras that are extra comfortable and offer support for low impact activities and everyday wear.
Criteria for Our Top Low Impact Sports Bra Picks
1. Comfort. A sports bra that fits and feels like a second skin. We’re looking for soft, stretchy, and lightweight options with ergonomic-focused designs.
2. Performance.Sports bras that are functional during activity. We need them to stay in place, have performance-minded features, and not require a second thought.
3. Style. Confidence is key to performing your best. So, how about a sports bra that you’re happy to put on and feel confident in while giving your all.
Of course, women come in all different shapes and sizes and for this reason it’s difficult to say with certainty which bra style is going to work best for you.
There’s always going to be some trial and error involved.
But we gathered these picks based on what met our criteria and worked well for many women across the board.
And we’re confident you’ll find a low impact sports bra on this list that fits just right and becomes your new favorite.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Lululemon Like a Cloud Sports Bra
The Lululemon Like a Cloud Sports Bra features incredibly soft molded foam cups that are lightweight and malleable to your body. This sports bra has flexible four-way stretch fabric that’s sweat-wicking and quick-drying.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Like a Cloud Sports Bra
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Like a Cloud Sports Bra (Ribbed)
Lululemon’s Like a Cloud Sports Bra provides all-day comfort that’s perfect for low-impact activities. This sports bra is also available in a longline design.
2. Lululemon Free to Be Sports Bra
The Lululemon Free to Be Sports Bra pairs comfortable coverage in the front with a strappy open back for a full range of motion. This sports bra offers slick low-friction support in a breathable, cool-to-the-touch design.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Free to Be Sports Bra (A/B Cup)
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Free to Be Sports Bra (C/D Cup)
Lululemon’s Free to Be Sports Bra features sweat-wicking fabric with four-way stretch and added Lycra for shape retention. This sports bra has pockets for removable cups and is designed for low-impact activity.
3. Under Armour Crossback Low Sports Bra
The Under Armour Crossback Low Sports Bra features super smooth double-layer HeatGear fabric for a comfortable next-to-skin feel. This sports bra has 4-way stretch material that wicks sweat and dries fast.
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour Crossback Low Sports Bra
Under Armour’s Crossback Low Sports Bra provides light support, all-day comfort, and removable cups with perforations for improved breathability and shape.
4. Under Armour Seamless Long Sports Bra
The Under Armour Seamless Long Sports Bra features a seamless fit in a longer cut that delivers strategic support for low-impact activities. This sports bra has soft knit fabric with engineered ventilation and a skinny strap pullover design.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Seamless Long Sports Bra
Shop at Under Armour: UA Seamless Long Sports Bra (Heather)
Under Armour’s Seamless Long Sports Bra provides customizable comfort with adjustable cross straps and soft removable cups. This sports bra has a wide band for extra stretch and comfort, as well as soft removable cups for improved coverage and shape.
5. Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra
The Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra features a unique one-piece padding that’s injected in a figure-8 pattern for a natural ergonomic fit that’s light, supportive, and provides superior comfort and coverage.
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra
Under Armour’s Infinity Sports Bra has sweat-wicking and quick-drying HeatGear fabric with an encased elastic band for a super smooth feel. This sports bra has mesh panels for added breathability and a streamlined racerback design with a keyhole detail.
6. Adidas Yoga Studio Sports Bra
The Adidas Yoga Studio Sports Bra features incredibly soft Adisoft fabric that molds to your body and fits like second skin. This sports bra has a pullover scoop neck design with adjustable straps for a customizable fit.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Yoga Studio Sports Bra
Adidas’ Yoga Studio Sports Bra utilizes moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology to keep you dry, a front stabilizer, and non-removable padding that provides light support.
7. Adidas Aeroimpact Training Sports Bra
The Adidas Aeroimpact Training Sports Bra features Adiflex fabric for a sleek and cool-to-the-touch feel with moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology. This sports bra has a scoop neck, a racerback, and a stylish 3-stripe incorporated front and back design.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Aeroimpact Training Sports Bra
Adidas’ Aeroimpact Training Sports Bra utilizes an adjustable shoulder strap design and breathable mesh back panel for improved air flow. This sports bra has removable padding and a light support design.
8. Nike Indy V-Neck Sports Bra
The Nike Indy V-Neck Sports Bra features soft and breathable fabric with sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and comfortable. This sports bra has straps that adjust in the front for quick and easy adjustments.
Shop at Nike: Nike Indy V-Neck Sports Bra
Nike’s Indy V-Neck Sports Bra have removable pads and bonded flat seams for a smooth feel that provides all-day comfort. This sports bra utilizes mesh side panels and a mesh center front for improved air flow and breathability.
9. Nike Alate Trace Strappy Sports Bra
The Nike Alate Trace Strappy Sports Bra features silky and stretchy Infinalon fabric for a comfortable full range of motion. This sports bra has a breathable sewn-in foam pad for enhanced coverage and shaping.
Shop at Nike: Nike Alate Trace Strappy Sports Bra
Nike’s Alate Trace Strappy Sports Bra utilizes sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology, a rounded V-neck, and is also available in a longline design.
10. LSKD Elixir Sports Bra
The LSKD Elixir Sports Bra features an ultra-light and incredibly soft Zephyr fabric with comfortable 4-way stretch and a soft matte finish. This sports bra provides everyday support in a minimal and distraction-free design.
Shop at LSKD: LSKD Elixir Sports Bra
LSKD’s Elixir Sports Bra utilizes removeable cups and adjustable straps with sliders for a tailored fit and feel. This sports bra has straps that can be worn over the shoulders or crossed with an O-ring and hook feature.
11. Cosmolle Premium Seamless Sports Bra
The Cosmolle Premium Seamless Sports Bra features a breathable 4-way stretch fabric in a minimalist silhouette that can be integrated into any look. This sports bra is tailored for precise support and a comfortable feel.
Shop at Cosmolle: Cosmolle Premium Seamless Sports Bra
Cosmolle’s Premium Seamless Sports Bra utilizes an adjustable crisscross strap design, removable bra cups, and is available in six stylish colors.
12. Reebok Workout Ready Sports Bra
The Reebok Workout Ready Sports Bra features a stylish tri-back design with a flattering soft V-neckline. This sports bra utilizes signature Speedwick technology to keep you dry and comfortable during your everyday workouts.
Shop at Reebok: Reebok Workout Ready Sports Bra
Reebok’s Workout Ready Sports Bra forms a triangle pattern with its straps and a keyhole cutout below for improved breathability. This sports bra has removable pads and a mesh back insert.
13. Alo Yoga Wild Thing Sports Bra
The Alo Yoga Wild Thing Sports Bra features signature Airbrush fabric that’s smooth and soft, while lifting and supporting. This sports bra has a racerback, longline silhouette, and a low scoop neck with a scrunched detail front.
Shop at Alo Yoga: Alo Yoga Wild Thing Sports Bra
Alo Yoga’s Wild Thing Sports Bra features 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, and soft cups for added coverage. This sports bra offers light support that’s perfect for everyday wear and activity.
14. Athleta Elation V-Neck Crop
The Athleta Elation V-Neck Crop features a buttery soft Powervita fabric for comfortable support that’s quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and breathable. This sports bra has removable pads and adjustable straps for a custom fit.
Shop at Athleta: Athleta Elation V-Neck Crop
Athleta’s Elation V-Neck Crop is perfect for low-impact activities and provides a compression fit for support in all the right places.
15. Athleta Exhale Sports Bra
The Athleta Exhale Sports Bra features a buttery soft Powervita fabric for comfortable support that’s quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and breathable. This sports bra has a comfortable strap design that sits nicely on your shoulders and neck.
Shop at Athleta: Athleta Exhale Sports Bra (A-C Cup)
Shop at Athleta: Athleta Exhale Sports Bra (D-DD+ Cup)
Athleta’s Exhale Sports Bra is perfect for low-impact activities and features a mid-rise neckline that offers an ideal medium coverage.
When Should I Wear a Low Impact Sports Bra?
Finding the right bra is no easy task. Everybody comes in all different shapes and sizes, not to mention hold varying preferences and tastes.
And for a garment that you count on to provide crucial comfort and support, finding the right bra can require quite a bit of searching and often some trial and error.
Of course, the same holds true for sports bras. Between all their different designs, features, and varying levels of support, there’s an almost overwhelming number of options out there.
So, it’s no surprise that as your activities or sports vary, so too might your choice of sports bra.
In other words, the sports bra that you wear for yoga likely differs from the sports bra that you wear running.
Sports bras typically fall into three main categories: low-impact, medium-impact, and high impact.
Different activities require different levels of support, so each category of sports bra is designed to address the varying needs of athletes across the wide spectrum of athletics.
So, what is a low impact sports bra and when should you wear one?
The impact level of your sports bra is simply a designation of how much support it provides.
A low impact sports bra, as you might imagine, provides a lighter measure of support that’s designed to handle low impact sports and activities.
Low impact activities have a lot less running, quick movements, jumping, etc. Think of weightlifting, yoga, pilates, barre, hiking, and walking.
In other words, these activities result in a lot less bouncing, and therefore require less structure.
Low impact sports bras often prioritize comfort over support in their designs. For example, these bras are typically lightweight, flexible, and come in slip-on styles that forgo a back clasp.
A low impact sports bra will often also feature an unpadded (or cup-less) design, providing support to the breasts by way of stretchy compression fabric instead.
These design features allow for a more fluid, non-restrictive fit that still provides structure and a light level of support.
Is a Low Impact Sports Bra Right for Me?
Matching the intensity level of your activity to the support level of your sports bra is helpful but really only half of the equation when it comes to finding the right choice.
Factoring in your cup size, along with a bra’s support level, will help you determine which sports bra is right for you and your activity.
In general, when it comes to wearing low impact sports bras during physical activity, these bras work best for cup sizes A-D.
If your cup size is larger than this, you’ll likely find improved comfort and support during low impact activities by moving up to the next level of impact, which is a medium impact sports bra.
For those with smaller cup sizes, however, you may find that a low impact sports bra is supportive enough for activities beyond what is considered low impact, such as circuit training, cycling, and more.
In other words, there are no unbreakable rules here when it comes to choosing the right sports bra for a certain activity, just common guidelines.
The number one rule to always follow when it comes to choosing a sports bra is going with what works best for you and your body. Period.
And because different activities may call for different sports bras, check out our top picks for the best medium impact sports bras and high impact sports bras.
Also, check out the best seamless thongs and seamless briefs to wear under leggings and compression shorts.
