Start the new year strong with these 11 sports bras designed to support your 2026 fitness journey

Published 6 hours ago
Source: metro.co.uk
Females wearing best sports bras for 2026
If getting back into the gym is at the top of your hitlist for 2026, you might want to start with the right sports bra… (Picture: Metro/Getty)

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As we fully enter 2026, there’s no better time to start your fitness journey, right? As the old saying goes ‘new year, new me’ – and ladies, that starts with the all important sports bra.

Whether you’re thinking of hitting the gym, taking up yoga, or training for a marathon, the right sports bra can make all the difference to your comfort, and performance.

A great-fitting bra can help to improve posture and reduce shoulder, back and neck pain so getting it right is essential. But where do you start?

Well, the correct sports bra will depend on what you’re looking for. Fuller busts needing extra support for high-impact workouts might want to opt for an underwired design – whereas those with smaller busts attending a gentle yoga class could go for something with less structure.

When it comes to brands, there are lots of options to choose from including Lululemon and Nike but, the real test of a good sports bra is the ‘jump test’, particularly if you have larger boobs.

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Pop on your new bra and jump up and down, do some burpees or a downward dog to see if you’re kept secure enough for the type of activity you’ll be doing. Not too much jiggle and able to breathe? You’re good to go!

Ready to get moving? Browse our pick of the best sports bras to see you through your new year exercise regime.

Female wears black sports bra and leggings

TALA DayFlex Square Neck Sports Bra

The TALA DayFlex Square Neck Sports Bra is a minimal, cleanly designed, buttery‑soft activewear bra made from the brand’s signature DayFlex fabric, designed to feel like a 'naked feel' second skin. It’s intended for everything from yoga to daily walks, offering comfort, style, and light-to-medium support depending on the version.

Buy Now for £42
Female wears beige sports bra

M&S Goodmove Ultimate Support Contoured Sports Bra A-H

This Goodmove sports bra offers maximum support for intense workouts, with contoured shaping, underwiring and moisture‑wicking fabric to keep you secure and comfortable. Its non‑padded design maintains a natural shape, and the updated construction provides improved bounce control and sports‑ready comfort. The bra has also been independently tested for bounce reduction by Progressive Sports Technologies Ltd at Loughborough University.

Buy Now for £28
Black sports bra

Shock Absorber Shaped Support Bra

The Shock Absorber Shaped Support Bra is designed for high‑impact exercise, offering strong bounce control, contoured shaping and a secure, held‑in fit. Shock Absorber has specialised in high‑support sports bras since 1995, creating designs that minimise movement and provide stability through intense workouts. Their bras are known for combining firm support with breathable, comfortable materials and are especially praised by runners and those with larger busts for delivering reliable, no‑bounce performance.

Buy Now for £40
Female wears dark green sports bra

lululemon Energy Zip-Front Bra High-Support

The lululemon Energy Zip‑Front Bra is a high‑support sports bra designed for runners and other high‑impact activities. It features foam cups for shaping, adjustable double‑crossback straps for a secure fit, and a front‑zip closure with a hidden hook to make it easier to get on and off. The soft, brushed underband adds comfort, while the design supports B–G cups and is built to keep everything firmly in place during intense movement.

Buy Now for £58
Black tie-dye sports bra

Sweaty Betty Soft Touch Super Soft Reversible Yoga Bra

The Sweaty Betty Soft Touch Super Soft Reversible Yoga Bra is a light‑support, ultra‑soft, reversible yoga bra with breathable, sweat‑wicking fabric and a comfy scoop‑neck racerback design.

Buy Now for £20 (was £55)
Female wears light blue sports bra

Freya Dynamic Sports Bra

If you’re looking to beat the bounce, this non‑wired sports bra keeps everything held close to your chest to minimise movement, whether you’re lifting weights or heading out for a run. Soft‑touch elastic, padded straps and a gentle hook‑and‑eye fastening keep things comfortable, while the wide underband stays flat against your body without rolling. And if you want a little extra support, just clip the J‑hook together for an instant racerback. Fit‑wise, this style runs big in the back – size down there and up in the cup for the perfect fit (usually just one size each does the trick).

Buy Now for £29.50 (was £37)
Female wears beige sports bra

Under Armour UA SmartForm Evolution Mid

The Under Armour UA SmartForm Evolution Mid is a medium‑support sports bra designed for activities like cycling, weight training and boxing. It uses SmartForm technology, where an adaptive molded pad and auxetic jacquard interior flex and contour to your body for a customised fit. The super‑soft, structured fabric offers comfortable coverage, while strategic mesh panels boost breathability. It also features adjustable, convertible straps for a secure fit and moisture‑wicking, fast‑drying fabric to keep you cool during workouts. Overall, it’s made for support that moves with you without feeling restrictive.

Buy Now for £34.97 (was £50)
Female wears pinky/nude sports bra

Gymshark Double Up Sports Bra

The Gymshark Double Up Sports Bra is designed to carry you from high‑energy HIIT to everyday light training, offering support that’s “more trustworthy than your ex.” It features a flattering V‑neckline and a low scoop back, with a double‑layered design and crossover adjustable straps for a more personalised fit. With no cups or cup holes, it delivers a natural feel and streamlined silhouette. This style provides medium support and is made from a soft, stretchy blend of polyester and elastane for comfort and movement.

Buy Now for £32
Light brown adidas sports bra

adidas Workout Essentials Knit Light Support Bra

This light‑support bra is designed with a seamless knit finish to keep your workouts distraction‑free. Its engineered fit gives you comfort and freedom of movement, while the tight fit, full lining and optional removable padding provide dependable support for low‑impact training. Breathable Climacool fabric helps you stay cool and fresh, and the elegant strappy back makes it perfect for pairing with open‑back gym tops. A versatile, stylish choice for comfortable everyday workouts.

Buy Now for £35
Female wears blue sports top

Nike Universa Women's Medium-Support Padded Sport Bra

Keep cool and confident through every workout. The Universa sports bra uses Nike’s Stealth Evaporation technology to help disguise sweat, while its midweight, ultra‑smooth fabric offers a secure, supportive feel. Sculpted pads and clean, minimal seams create a sleek, streamlined fit that moves with you – all without compromising comfort or style.

Buy Now for £59.99
Female wears pink sports top

H&M SculptMove™ Medium Support Sports Bra

This sculpting sports bra is crafted from functional SculptMove™ fabric for a contouring, body‑hugging fit that supports you exactly where you need it. It also features DryMove™ technology to help lift moisture away from your skin, keeping you comfortable as you train. Designed with a rounded neckline, slim straps and an open, strappy racerback, it offers both style and freedom of movement. The lined cups come with removable inserts so you can adjust the shape and fit to your preference. Providing medium support, it’s ideal for moderate‑intensity workouts.

Buy Now for £19.99

These are just a few of our top picks, but have we missed one that you’ve been wearing, and testing since last year? Let us know in the comments.

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